Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Shawn Anderson
School: Roeper School

Afghanistan believes that the United Nations serves as a guardian to the people of the world, and has since its creation in 1945, promoting human rights, and making daily lives better for the citizens of the world. However, Afghanistan recognizes that change needs to occur in the United Nations in order to make it more representative of the entire world. Afghanistan acknowledges that the needs of the people across the world are changing, and with this, the United Nations should change, in order to continue its legacy of safeguarding human rights, and keeping people safe. Afghanistan also believes in the power of UN peacekeeping troops, although their performance was imperfect in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan wholeheartedly supports UN involvement in nations such as Syria, where it is clear that the citizens are unsafe. Whether or not it is the cause of the government, the United Nations duty is to protect those who can not protect themselves.

Afghanistan recognizes a nation’s desire for national sovereignty, in fact it has deep roots throughout our constitution, however if the citizens of the country or at risk, the United Nations has a right to send peacekeeping forces, and deliver aid unimpeded.

Afghanistan deeply understands the importance of peace talks.Afghanistan supports UN led peace talks, in any conflict.Afghanistan implores other nations of the world to offer to hold peace talks in any case of armed conflict.

Afghanistan hopes that, together, this committee can improve the manner in which the United Nations resolves conflicts, to match the changing world. Afghanistan is willing to work with all nations to improve the UN’s conflict resolution mechanisms.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Caleb Welsh
School: Mattawan High School

Recently, more and more conflicts have been occurring between nations, many of them turning violent. Many times, the United Nations encourage talking between the disputed sides and try to get a non violent resolution. Peaceful resolutions are, indeed, the most sought after. However, this is not always the case, and troops may have to be deployed to the areas. While the United Nations have to respect national sovereignty, the aiding towards peaceful terms is necessary. An issue is it’s not always apparent who the conflict is between, considering separate groups labelled as “rebels” cause some of the problems.

Argentina believes that the United Nations should be allowed to promote a peaceful and respectful discussion between two opposing sides. This should be the case and is preferred to a violent resolution. The United Nations should be more assertive in the assisting of creating peaceful fixes to issues. If they did this, there would be much less bloodshed in conflicted and battled for regions. While it is difficult to tell whether or not groups of people’s requests are legitimate, the United Nations should do all that they can to get to a peaceful fix. They should attempt and encourage communication towards these rebel groups and reach an agreement non violently.

When thousands of people are dying and basic human rights are being violated, Argentina believes that the United Nations should help by communicating to these groups, while respecting national sovereignty. If the state or group at hand refuses to do communication, their wills should be respected.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Azerbaijan
Delegate Name: Matt Miller
School: Royal Oak High School

As the United Nations grows older, it also becomes a much larger bureaucratic machine. In some respects, this represents that the good work that the United Nations does is able to reach more corners of the globe than ever before. However, this has also led to redundancy and an inefficient allocation of resources. Azerbaijan advocates utilizing existing organizations under the United Nations umbrella to accomplish the work of resolving political conflicts.

As an example of the United Nations’ response under a plan that would utilize existing mechanisms, consider the following (hypothetical) scenario: A government has been completely overthrown by the people, but the citizens of said country are in no way organized enough to form a new government. In such a scenario, the old Trusteeship Council would be resurrected and used to establish an interim government while negotiations and details for creating a permanent government are finalized. Once used for overseeing former colonies during the post imperialism period of world history, the Trusteeship Council basically exists on paper, but could easily be set up once again. This is just one example of creative utilization of existent bodies for the resolution of political conflicts.

When it comes to national sovereignty, there are exceptions to this privilege of nations. Occasionally during an armed conflict within a nation, the rights of the people are infringed and the government is either unwilling or unable to meet the needs of its citizens. In such cases as these, then non governmental organizations should have the protection of international law to enter a nation to deliver any necessary aid.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Rubee Sandhu
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The United Nations main goal is to maintain international peace and security. The People’s Republic of Bangladesh believes that the UN should have the ability to step in when problems in a country spin out of control. The beginnings of our country spurred from chaos and being relatively new, we still face many political problems today. Many situations in our past have reached points in which if help from outside sources had been received, then the problem would have been solved peacefully. At the same time, we have faced situations that if the UN had interfered, they would have gone against our national sovereignty.

Before our country became independent, we were a part of Pakistan through the Partition. The geographical separation, prejudiced behavior and attitudes of Pakistani establishments were the main reasons we decided to separate and become our own country. Also, the people of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) had a common culture and language which separated them from the people of West Pakistan (still Pakistan). With the aid of the Indian army, we were able to become our own country in 1971, but not without harsh fighting and much causality. The UN failed to calm the situation down before it reached the point of war, and if they had stepped in the conflict of the separation could have gone forth calmly.

When a problem occurs that affects the majority of citizens in a country, the UN should step in. As an outside force to universal problems the UN should be the one that intervenes and sees what the right action is. On the other hand, if the problem the UN is trying to get involved in can be solved by the country on its own, it is important that the UN not infringe on the nations national sovereignty.

For example, in the election of 2009, our prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, was believed to have been elected by fixed votes. This belief spurred major political problems and resulted in Maoist terrorists, disguised as border guards, killing more than 50 high ranking military officers in the BD Rifles headquarters. This event started distrust towards our prime minster, and although it took longer than it should have, the situation was stabilized. We were able to work through it on our own and without help. If the UN had decided to get involved, it could have started an even bigger issue because the UN would have been infringing on our national sovereignty.

In conclusion, we believe that the UN should step in when help is needed but at the same time, they should be careful to not step past the national sovereignty of a nation.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Barbados
Delegate Name: Charlie Coon
School: Williamston High School

There have been issues involving national sovereignty for many years about how the United Nations should handle the issue of improving political conflicts. This is a bad problem because the United Nations does not have the right to go in to countries and solve the conflicts by themselves. Also that many countries are unable to handle the conflicts on their own, in which case, these countries do need help. This issue is recognized as a problem by Barbados, but we think that the next problem involving the statehood of Palestine is a much more prevalent and important issue.

As the great Barbados our country would have some trouble solving our own problems because of our size, but because of our perfect interactions with our people and other countries, we do not have any conflicts. Therefore it would be nice to have the idea that we have the backup of the United Nations and would pass a resolution that allows the United Nations to come in to our country and help us out a little if a conflict ever arises.

In the committee, we will look to either write, or help write a resolution that allows the General Assembly to vote on whether other countries believe that the conflict in question is one that the United Nations should become involved in or whether the United Nations should let the country involved solve the conflict without the help of the United Nations. We would like to see a 2/3 majority needed in order for the United Nations to go help with the conflict.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Cameron Clark
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

How can the UN better distinguish between “loyal opposition” and dissident or rebel factions? What criteria should the UN use in attempting to determine who belongs at the negotiating table?

After determining a threat to the peace, The Security Council can decide on measures and recommendations meant to defuse a conflict, non-military and military actions to maintain or restore international peace if earlier measures prove ineffective. Members are required to have military plans based on UN agreements for rapid response as described in article 43:

1. All Members of the United Nations, in order to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, undertake to make available to the Security Council, on its call and in accordance with a special agreement or agreements, armed forces, assistance, and facilities, including rights of passage, necessary for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.

2. Such agreement or agreements shall govern the numbers and types of forces, their degree of readiness and general location, and the nature of the facilities and assistance to be provided.

3. The agreement or agreements shall be negotiated as soon as possible on the initiative of the Security Council. They shall be concluded between the Security Council and Members or between the Security Council and groups of Members and shall be subject to ratification by the signatory states in accordance with their respective constitutional processes.

The charter states that the provisional measures that the Security Counsel decides on must be “without prejudice to the rights, claims, or position of the parties concerned”. There must be efforts to bring the belligerent parties together early on without letting pretenses obstruct mediation. Allowing conflict to become sustained war will make reconciliation between the belligerents much more difficult to broker.

As the article quoted is part of the discussion of initial the UN reaction to a threat to the peace before any mention of methods to enforce it’s demanded measures, there must be fair representation of the parties in early discussion until its been made moot at which time the later procedures are executed.

In order improve mediation the UN needs to change its response time as waiting for a full study of the threat may cost lives when negotiations can begin early.

There are also agencies that work on conflict mediation like the Department of Political Affairs, which ”monitors global political developments and advises

the United Nations Secretary-General on the prevention and management of crises, including the use of his diplomatic "good offices" to help parties in conflict settle disputes peacefully.” They train and support officials to act as mediators at any conflict they can reach. Bolivia is not any of the top DPA or mediation organization leadership panels however.

We however must be alert to attempts by any member state to subvert a UN mission’s purpose to benefit a selfish agenda. A mission must maintain both humanitarian goals and motivations amongst its participants in favor of political ones. To do otherwise would undermine the legitimacy of a resulting state, prolong or escalate violence the peacekeepers are meant to prevent, and could create a vehicle of imperial influence and exploitation.

Bolivia has previously, and currently contributes military personnel to several UN peacekeeping missions such as the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, a new country that was formed very recently formed after decades of civil war between multiple factions. This civil war’s legacy can be reasonably assumed to still posse threats to the peace of the region, and MINUSTAH which had been started as efforts to ensure peace during a government shift in 2004 and has continued support after the earthquake there.

However Bolivia is not a listed personnel contributor to operations in some operations like those in the Middle Eastern theater operation such as Syria. In September it “renewed its rejection of any foreign interference in Syria and its support to the principle of the people's freedom of self-determination.” Bolivian Vice President expressed sympathies to the Syrian government but apparently stated that foreign intervention would prevent the Syrian people’s choice of government. Bolivia participates in operations that address a humanitarian threat, where the in question government has been unable, or may not be able to keep the peace, there’s not much of a participating nation’s personal agenda in the operation, and the US has not taken a leadership role. Also these operations tend to deal with situations that may endanger neighboring regions if unattended.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Victoria Spiegel
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

More than sixty years ago, Brazil and other countries from around the world founded the United Nations to maintain peace and prevent armed conflict among the peoples of this world. The United Nation’s role in conflict resolution is vital to maintaining the peace of this world and protecting the security of its people, and Brazil supports the nonviolent approaches of the United Nations.

Brazil has a long tradition of contributing to peacekeeping operations. We are among the top twenty contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping operations, having participated in 33 operations and contributed over 27,000 troops. We have participated in peacekeeping efforts in the Middle East, the former Belgian Congo, Cyprus, Mozambique, Angola, and more recently East Timor and Haiti. However, Brazil recognizes that peacekeepers alone cannot resolve conflicts; their goal must simply be to create conditions providing for a just and durable peace. Brazil holds that in order to sustain this peace, security must be accompanied by development. We advocate and request that peacekeeping missions provide information on their local economic impact,and we ask for recommendations from these operations on how to positively impact these economies in the greatest way possible. Another vital aspect of promoting sustainable peace through the work of peacekeepers is strengthening the rule of law. Peacekeeping operations give rule of law assistance in whatever areas needed to ensure peace; for example, in supporting the management of natural resources or guaranteeing property and land rights. Peacekeeping missions must be provided with tools that allow them to adapt to specific situations, as well as quality material and human resources. Finally, peacekeeping missions must reflect and represent greater equality regarding women and representatives of developing countries, whose perspectives, concerns, and approaches will benefit conflict resolution.

Finally, Brazil calls for a reform of the Security Council in order to improve the United Nation’s conflict resolution mechanisms. We call for an enlarged Security Council, expanded in both the categories of permanent and non-permanent membership. This proposition is supported by our brothers and sisters in Germany, India, and Japan. With this reformed Security Council, conflict resolution would improve and a broader perspective would be achieve with regards to resolving conflict before violence, and ending violence once it has broken out- the ultimate goal of the United Nations.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Marius Johnson
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Being a developing nation, Cameroon would have to use low-cost solutions to solve our problems. We probably would try and sort out what’s going on and talk about this issue and see what the best option would be. We aren’t a very powerful country and isn’t very economically fit, so we are facing ourselves because most of the time money is going to be needed. It takes awhile to figure out problems because it has to be the most efficient way. Cameroon would follow the United Nations lead or leads on any type of militaristic option. We wouldn’t be able to provide financial aid because we are an extremely poor country that needs more help than we can give. We support all aspects of the United Nations charter. A lot of factors play in the problem solving in our country and most of the time can’t move as quick as we want with changing how the citizens and the community is living, but instead put ourselves deeper in debt and use the money we need for making our country more cleaner and safer to live in. It’s not just Cameroon that having problems either. All of Africa is struggling with the same problems. We can all help in our own way to keep our peace of mind as a country and as the people that live in the country because keeping cool and making sure we make smart decisions that will start to give more opportunities to the people of Cameroon so they can end what is happening right now and restore the kind of decency that they deserve.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Natalie Ciocca
School: Fishers High School

Currently, the UN resolves issues through a series of resolutions and responds to threats to peace with both military and non military action.

Should the Security Council consider that measures provided for in Article 41 would be inadequate or have proved to be inadequate, it may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea, or land forces of Members of the United Nations.

While the UN has the power to "enforce" the resolutions they create, they must work within member countries that have standing armies, giving more power to those countries. While the UN should work very hard to resolve any issues that are present on the world stage, they also should stand firm on the verge of a world war. Canada believes that the role of the UN should prove to be minimal, until a 2/3 majority is worried about the safety of their countries.

The UN can distinguish between loyal opposition and rebel factions just as they distinguish between a change over in power and a complete overthrow of the government. Rebel factions are acting outside of their government. They are not advocating for a change in government but rather a complete revolution. Loyal opposition means rather that it's a rebellion. Canada believes that the UN should recognize the current ruler of the country, until such a time that the change of government rule has taken place.

Furthermore, Canada believes that sovereignty should be thoroughly respected but when there is a threat of another world war, it is the duty of the UN to resolve these conflicts.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Justin Hoikka
School: Mattawan High School

For years, civil wars and multi-country disputes have rippled across Africa. Most of the time, these uprisings only end in the parties involved becoming more impoverished. In order to turn the third world countries around, wars can not be occurring.

The Central African Republic feels that the United Nations should be involved in countries that are involved in extreme uprisings such as Syria. These areas are endangering not only their citizens but surrounding countries as well. UN involvement may be the necessary action to correct these occurrences

Although we believe UN involvement is necessary in extreme situations, we feel that too much aid from the UN can be a bad thing. It is clear in today's society that the most successful form of government is some version of a democracy. To achieve this democracy, many countries will have to go through a coup or civil war. If the UN gets involved to early, a revolution may not occur in such country.

If it were not for a coup, Francois Bozize would not be in control of our country. Currently, the Central African Republic has been more successful than ever, under the rule of Bozize. Many major successful countries have formed because of breaking free or overthrowing the government such as The United States.

In conclusion, we feel UN involvement may be necessary in war torn countries that are greatly endangering themselves or surrounding nations. Countries in which are attempting to move toward democracy by way of a coup should be allowed to do so unopposed. Once peace across Africa is reached, mutual trade agreements can be made to boost economies and improve living conditions.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: China
Delegate Name: Paul Farah
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

The People’s Republic of China sees that there needs to be some improvement within our Political Conflict Resolutions Mechanisms. Say two young children are arguing about something and one of the kids asks for help from a third outside party, then it is okay for that third child to step in. However, if the child does not ask for help, the third child should not step in because it is not their battle to fight. The child arguing is trying to learn how to stand up for himself/herself. The United Nations is that third child and at times we are asked to step in and help. Other times we are not asked to help. China believes that unless asked, we should stay out of the way of those other nations.

The Political Conflict Resolutions Mechanisms within the UN need to be reinforced. The People’s Republic of China believes that when we step in when we are not asked to, we are impinging on that countries national sovereignty. We do not have the right to just step in when we feel that it is necessary. If that country that we are trying to help needs it, they will come to us, the United Nations, and ask. The UN needs to respect a countries decision to deal with its problems by itself. The countries within the UN also needs to realize that just because they view it is right for that country, does not mean that it is what should be done. China is a firm believer that the Political Conflict Resolutions Mechanisms need to be seriously thought over.

The People’s Republic of China understands that it is the United Nations job to ensure peace amongst all countries and we respect and support that ideal. However, China believes that unless asked by a country involved in a situation that could turn violent, we should stay out of that countries business. China truly believes that national sovereignty should be a shield against UN involvement in internal political conflicts. In doing so, countries that are involved in their own personal skirmishes, will become stronger as a whole.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Hannon Hylkema
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The people of Colombia have faced many political conflicts over the past 40 years. The violent and extreme opposition to Hugo Chavez's populism, massive social protests in Bolivia and Peru, and Ecuador's constant political and social instability have all been a problem for the people of Colombia. The issues of our neighboring countries have impacted us, and we are currently doing our best to improve the situation while keeping calm. Surely the delegation of Colombia will be able to put forth effort and solutions to better our current situation.

Many of the presidents in Colombia have tried to implement some peaceful methods of conflict resolution in our country, but mainly they have failed. President Betancur did not reach the important social figures in his campaign for peace. He failed to reach the military, the Catholic church, and important business representatives. Such well respected? members of the country are necessary for the political advancement of our nation. Current and future projects must learn from the past and succeed where previous presidents failed.

In 2004 a peaceful implementation was intended for our nation, but it ended up being halted by the constant internal and domestic conflicts of the country. The plan was tied up in the pressing issues of violence and never quite accomplished anything. Fortunately the failures of the Barco and Betancur regimes are history. We have learned from our mistakes and although the progress has not been great it is evident.

While Colombia has faced dire situations in conflicts in the past nobody really knows the perfect way to deal with a peaceful solution toward violence. Major steps have been taken in the past in order to minimize violent conflict in Colombia, but we are far from a solution to our problems.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Congo
Delegate Name: Jeffrey Ohl
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a lot of experience with political conflict because in the last twenty years we have had two serious political conflicts in our country, the First and Second Congo Wars. These conflicts were not resolved peacefully, and the Congolese economy and people have been suffering ever since these conflicts began. Thus, the DRC is not satisfied with the current political conflict resolution mechanisms, especially in developing countries like our own. However, we would be very interested in helping improve the manner in which conflicts like the ones our country experienced are resolved.

The major problem with the methods with which political conflicts are resolved is the way that members of the Security Council and other powerful developed countries respond to such conflicts. The Security Council should intervene as soon as it’s clear that there will be widespread violent conflict instead of waiting until thousands of people have died to try and stop the conflict. This means that there needs to be increased communication between developing and developed countries, along with developing countries coming to an understanding that intervention and assistance from the Security Council may be necessary to save human life. However, prevention will almost always be more effective than intervention, so the DRC proposes another solution for conflicts that have not escalated to the point of violence.

The most effective way to improve political conflict resolution mechanisms is to make sure that the people that want to see change pursue it peacefully. This is not how former President Laurent-Désiré Kabila started the revolution that led to the First Congo War, and our country paid the price. We believe that people who want to see a change in the way things are run should peacefully protest instead of starting violent revolutions. If the leader of a movement turns a revolution violent then, in addition to the loss of life on the opposition’s side, many civilians and supporters will also die. Thus, the DRC believes that UN Peacekeeping Missions should be established by the Security Council in places where tensions are high, and a conflict seems likely, even if there isn’t a conflict there at that time. These Missions would be ready to prevent a conflict as soon as it started. The DRC also believes that UN Missions should go to places as soon as protests or revolutions become violent and begin peace talks with the two sides before the conflict gets too widespread to stop. Then the Mission could have discussions with the belligerents about how they could peacefully petition the other party for their goal, unless that had already been tried, in which case the mission could have discussions with and begin negotiations between the two countries about how the problem could be solved. However, this plan forces the Security Council to decide which developing conflicts need peacekeeping missions, and to determine if a conflict seems likely somewhere, so the DRC has made guidelines for each one.

A new conflict should have a peacekeeping mission deployed there if:

*The conflict has been occurring for over 10 days and shows no signs of ending (such as peace talks between the two sides)

*Over 1,000 lives has been lost to the conflict

*The conflict appears to be getting worse and growing. E.g. a conflict starts in one city and by the end of the first week, it is taking place in three cities

A preventative peacekeeping mission should be established in places where:

*There is an history of violent conflict within country. E.g. if a country has had two wars waged in it in past decade it’s likely that there will be a third

*The prevalence of terrorist groups in that country has gone up

*Leader of either that country or leader of large groups of people within that country have expressed their intent to begin violent conflict

Thus, the DRC believes that political conflict resolution mechanisms aren’t as good as they could be, so we ask that the Security Council look over our plan to improve them so other countries don’t have to go through what we as a nation have been through.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Costa Rica
Delegate Name: Nick Partin
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Borders. A split between two nations that can cause an uproar through the smallest of actions. Nicaragua and Costa Rica are divided by the San Juan river. The San Juan river is a major part of Nicaraguan trade because their trade ships need a passage way out. The Nicaraguan government decided to widen the river to allow their ships more room to leave. It started out fine until there was a bit of a pollution problem on our side.

As a result of the Nicaraguan work on the river, we began to receive deposits from the river onto our shore. We asked for the construction on the river to stop and Nicaragua kindly accepted. Soon after the pause in construction, Nicaraguan soldiers began showing up around the border and on Calero Island which is Costa Rican territory. We do not have an army, so Minister of Security José María Tijerino released a statement saying,“Costa Rica, which has no army, relies on diplomatic means to avoid a confrontation that will only worsen the situation.” Soon after, he issued another statement saying, “This is an infringement of national sovereignty, it can not be interpreted otherwise.”

To propose an idea to benefit both sides, I would like to suggest that Nicaragua continue their efforts to widen the San Juan river to benefit their trading efforts. But in return, we would like to propose that the Nicaraguans clean up any waste, sediments, or other debris deposited onto our side. Not only does the solution benefit us in striving towards a cleaner country, it will also open up more employment opportunities to Nicaraguans, which will better Nicaragua's economy.

We would also like to present a second option. As most know, the Nicaraguans own the San Juan river as a part of their territory. If we were to share the river we would provide any cleanup efforts for the entire river, their side and ours.

In conclusion, we have presented two potential solutions to the problem being caused by the Nicaraguans. Both are very reasonable and would not present any disadvantages to either side. Even with the horrific idea of attack on our defenseless nation, we are trying to stay calm and be reasonable. The last thing that we want is senseless violence; it has never helped anything.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Croatia
Delegate Name: Christian Thomas
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Croatian policy on improving political conflicts

So, Croatia loves immigrants and foreign people all together. After there was a huge exodus when there was a huge war so the government has been trying to get people back to their country.

Croatia has made great strides on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration. NATO and EU membership have been strategic goals, as Croatia tries to make stronger connections with the west. Croatia received an invitation to join NATO at the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania in April 2008; it became a full member of the Alliance in April 2009. On December 9, 2011 Croatia signed its EU accession treaty, which Croatian citizens approved by a two-thirds majority in the January 22, 2012 referendum. Upon approval by the other EU member countries, Croatia is expected to become a full EU member in July 2013.

Croatia has been a member of the United Nations since 1992, and contributes troops to a number of UN operations, including those in the Golan Heights, Cyprus, Sudan, Liberia, Lebanon, Western Sahara, and Kashmir. In December 2009, Croatia ended a 2-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Croatia since 2003 has participated in the International Stabilization Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The Croatian Parliament in December 2010 approved raising the ceiling on the number of soldiers in Afghanistan to 350.

Croatia is also active in the region, particularly in supporting its neighbors' Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Croatia has made progress on dealing with a number of post-conflict issues. Some of these, such as the status of refugees displaced during the 1991-95 war and determining the fate of missing persons from the war, remain key issues influencing Croatia’s relations with its neighbors.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Connor Dorman
School: Mattawan High School

It is the opinion of Cuba that the United Nations needs to implement some reform in its mediating policies. Countries like the United States push to become involved with many issues going on around the world. While it may be a noble cause, when looked at from a realistic, intelligent perspective, it is not an effective mediatory strategy. It is the opinion of Cuba that the United Nations should stay out of issues unless the affected countries request assistance.

Cuba recognized and wants to emphasize that the United Nations can better distinguish between “loyal opposition” and rebel factions by taking a close look at conflicts at hand. Cuba firmly believes that with close inspection, the right and wrong forces can be determined. The United Nations should look for specific attributes such as unjust treatment of a population, political oppression, and violence in order to determine whether or not a particular faction is rebellious or loyal.

Cuba views any involvement with a country that has not formally requested the assistance of the United Nations as infringement on said country’s national sovereignty. This national sovereignty should serve as an absolute shield from United Nations involvement. Every country has its own undeniable right to solve its own issues with its own methods and time-frame. The United Nations needs to recognize that it is not the business of the United Nations to step in and force a resolution on countries experiencing conflict. Cuba recognizes and wants to stress that the methodology the United Nations currently utilizes is not effective, and causes more issues than solutions.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Noah Attal
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

One of the soul reasons the United Nations was created was to avoid tragedies like that of World War I and World War II. The organization has been successful in keeping major powers out of direct warfare for 55 years, and has spent untold resources in the vital task of conflict prevention. The Czech Republic as a member of the European Union and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe remains committed to the United Nations core principals, sending more than 3,000 peacekeeping troops and observers to conflict zones in Africa, the Balkans and Asia. This support emanates from the bitter memories of the Prague Spring (1968) and the ongoing internal violence in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War.

Although conflict resolution has improved dramatically since then, the Czech Republic notes several inefficiencies and issues with conflict resolution mechanisms. Namely the Czech Republic would look favorably at preventive conflict resolution development. Support for preventative measures can save the UN from ever needing to use peacekeepers in conflict zones. A clear success of this was in Tajikistan in 1992 one the UN should look to duplicate.

However unfortunately all conflicts cannot be prevented and the UN must also take conflict resolution measures. These measures have been fairly effective in countries that have requested or accepted UN aid and assistance, but there are those countries that it is not in their best political interest to allow UN interference in domestic conflict. They resort to wielding national sovereignty in one hand against the international communities and murdering their people with the other. It is a fine line between defense of sovereignty and defense of humanity. The Czech Republic strongly urges harsh punishment in the UN to those who oppress peaceful protests and terrorize their people.

The Czech Republic believes in the end that each conflict is unique and must judged on a situation-to-situation basis. Regardless the Republic would urge to improve conflict resolution in the UN but seeks a focus on preventative measures. The Republic also is hopeful that compromise will be found on the topic of national sovereignty in committee.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Ryusuke Saito
School: Fishers High School

The UN currently resolves conflicts and disputes through various treaties and sanctions. During the Arab Springs in the Middle East and the region in northern Africa, the global community imposed various sanctions on leaders causing harm to innocent civilians of the region. The UN has continued peacemaking and conflict prevention initiatives that have been successful in providing peace and stability to the region in some cases and have been inefficient in other cases. However, there are improvements that can be made to conflict resolution mechanisms.

The Kingdom of Denmark holds strong beliefs that conflicts should be resolved in a peaceful, non-violent method that does not harm the citizens of the nation(s) at hand. Peaceful methods include negotiations, peacemaking operations, UN intervention before the cause becoming an issue, and with the UN Denmark believes that, even though the UN’s continued intervention for peaceful resolutions in conflict situations, the Kingdom of Denmark believes that there are more peaceful methods of diplomacy in nations that are transitioning to different forms of government using armed methods. Before conflicts become violent, the intervention by UN forces, the Kingdom of Denmark believes, is inevitable.

Denmark strongly believes in the improvement of more peaceful negotiations between nations in question. The UN must intervene in matters that may involve the use of arms, violence, or a mixture/combination of both. Denmark believes that the UN is not as effective as it could be in handling conflicts in conflict regions. Conflicts should be resolved through the use of the UN’s Peace Making Operations. These operations should be used to prevent conflicts before conflicts are started, as that would prevent any conflict from turning into violent. In the case of Israel and Palestine, Denmark believes that the UN should have intervened before the conflicts began, and now it has escalated to the current situation in which arms, violence, and terror is inflicted upon the citizens of that region.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Dominican Republic
Delegate Name: Mandie Short
School: Mattawan High School

The Dominican Republic understands that there needs to be some improvement within the Political Conflict Resolutions Mechanisms. The Dominican Republic feel that the United Nations should only step into conflict when asked to. For example, the United Nations need to offer support, but if the support in denied, then they need to stay out of the conflict. The acceptation would be if the conflict is going to spread world wide and cause many casualties or hurt economies.

The Dominican Republic feels that the United Nations need to receive permission before stepping in on other countries' business. The Dominican would accept support to protect the boarders from drug routes to the United States. The United Nations is violating countries' sovereignty, when they are not asked to help. The Dominican feels it is necessary for the United Nations to review and amend these current mechanisms. Unless aid is required from the United Nations, the United Nations should not interfere. The conflict should be attempted to be solved by the countries affected by the issue.

The Dominican Republic understands that the United Nations need to support the world, but there need to be limits when it comes to other countries business. If they are asked to help resolve conflict they may step in, but other than that they need to stay out of other countries' business. Unless the issue is going to affect everyone world wide, like an infectious disease.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Savannah Bratcher
School: Fishers High School

Egypt strongly believes that political conflict resolution mechanisms need to be improved. It is in our best interest that the unacceptable manner in which conflict has been resolved and needs to change. The Republic of Egypt has been trying to resolve the own matter of balancing a president and parliament, in doing so we have learned that conflict must be resolved without the use of violence. Egypt would also like to state that while the mechanisms in place are working at a mediocre rate, we would like to see the further improvement of conflict mechanism resulting in the nations strengthening allies with other foreign nations.

The Republic of Egypt has begun taking steps in order to improve political conflict resolution mechanisms. The people of Egypt have begun to take our country into a democracy. A democracy will further allow for the people’s opinions to reach the United Nations and begin to have an effect. Egypt has also begun to create a communication system to allow for the foreign policies created by the new democracy to be imposed. While our nation is improving our own democracy, we will continue to communicate our ideas through the diplomats representing our nation. The people of our nation would like to recognize that while the democracy is fairly new, we are strongly working to build allies within the Middle East to strengthen the relationships and improve political ties. While Egypt’s stance hasn’t changed much in recent events, the government in place around the ideas has. The people of Egypt would like to reassure the United Nations that focus on the development of improving political resolution mechanisms will stay in top priorities.

Egypt would like to propose that the United Nations begin to focus on how human rights would help to influence the improvement of political conflict resolutions. We also propose that the United Nations focus on what ways these improvements can be applied such as an organization to enforce or a method in which every country agrees to follow. Egypt also hopes to improve communication between countries that could lead to a stronger conflict resolution mechanism. Our nation will continue to improve its relationships with its allies across the world in hopes for strengthening resolutions and leading to less political conflict. Egypt will continue to look for ways military can be used to improve political conflicts. With using military, it is in our best interest to not use fighting as a way to settle conflict but use military to peaceful dispute conflict. Although we haven’t taken on a large leadership role, we hope to begin to change our procedure and become more powerful and understanding throughout the United Nations. Egypt wishes to use modern technology to produce more way in which conflict may be resolved. Egypt also plans to work in economic ways to settle dispute and allowing countries to take matters individually and not involving the other nations. Our republic of Egypt hopes to allow political conflicts to be resolved with improving new mechanisms resulting in less violence.

Works Cited:

Alter, Karen J. "Resolving or Exacerbating Disputes? The WTO’s New Dispute Resolution System." N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.

Fahmy, Nabil. "Egypt in the World." Egypt in the World. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2012.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: France
Delegate Name: Claire McNorton
School: Royal Oak High School

Over the past seventy years the United Nations has been seeking ways to maintain peace and stability in our constantly changing world. It goes without saying that the best way to deal with a conflict is peacefully and that the United Nations and member states should do their best to prevent conflicts before they start. The UN already has been existing organs to help mediate peace and security such as the Department of Political Affairs and the Mediation Support Unit. These organs have been quite effective in most cases but certainly not in all. Our world currently is facing many unresolved conflicts.

France is quite concerned with these conflicts. France and its fellow members in the European Union of applaud Arab Spring Nations for moving towards democracy. However, France is, as most nations are, concerned by the fact that the United Nations still is unable to mediate many disputes effectively in regards to the Arab Spring. How should the UN intervene in regards to an oppressive ruler? An obvious example of this is Syria. Thousands of innocent civilians have died and the United Nations remains virtually powerless to do anything to stop it do to obstinate countries creating gridlock in Security Council. Syria is a perfect example of why as member states of the United Nations we need to reexamine the way we mediate conflicts.

France does not believe in creating new UN bodies in order to mediate peace. France and its fellow EU nations feel that the United Nations is a large enough organization already. Instead of creating new bodies to mediate peace we need to concentrate on the bodies we already have. France feels that it would be most beneficial to examine current organizations such as the Mediation Support Unit and The Department of Political Affairs and make them more efficient. There is no reason that the mechanisms we have should not be efficient. The reason our conflict resolution does not work well is not because the mechanisms themselves are poorly designed but because certain nations are constantly undermining them. We need to figure a way around this. We would also like to see this committee focus largely on preventative and peaceful measures in regards to conflict resolution.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: John Dood
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Conflict Resolution is one of the more prominent purposes of the United Nations. In 1948, when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was formed, along with the United Nations, the first prosecutions were those of Nazi war criminals from Germany. The Federal Republic of Germany greatly regrets the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler and his staff. The United Nations’ successful resolution of World War II is a key factor in its continued prominence. Germany places its full support in the current mechanisms of the United Nations to resolve national and international conflicts, and urges member nations to put faith in the International Criminal Court. (ICC)

When an international or national conflict are the fault of one man, or woman, current mechanisms are able to handle and resolve the conflict. The UN and ICC's successful charging of Saif Al-Islam Al-Gaddafi is a testament to the UN's ability to resolve conflicts. As long as member nations remain faithful to the judicial process and aid in extradition of criminals in accordance with the ICC and ICJ’s mandates, they should be able to handle conflicts. In order to increase the effectiveness of the ICC, more member nations need to support it and participate. For example, further cooperation from Libya in the Gaddafi investigation could lead to the successful prosecutions of men who violated many people’s basic human rights.

In the case that conflicts are not of the fault of one man but the doing of a group, the UN intercedes through its support for regional bodies. It partners with a regional body, pledging support to a mission organized by that regional body; this was the case in Somalia with the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). The UN must continue to upkeep its high reputation for devoted respect of national sovereignty. Some regional bodies, like the African Union can aide in conflict ridden areas without infringing on the national sovereignty of the member nations of the local body. Regional bodies are crucial for the resolution of conflicts because they make effective mediators. When the UN endorses regional bodies to act as mediators, agreements can more easily be made than when the UN directly intercedes.

If a conflict is of international scope, the Security Council can, and will, demand that the conflicting nations cease. If this directive is not heeded, the Security Council can have other member nations intercede in a militaristic manner.

Germany also advocates for monetary support of NGO’s in areas that have are in conflict or have the potential to become violent. The outreach through food, education, and other commodities can greatly alleviate the unrest in a region, therefore helping to quell or prevent bloodshed altogether. Germany has adopted this policy at a national level; its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) gives developmental aid to foster safe growth in at-risk nations.

Germany has great confidence in the currently implemented methods for conflict resolution in the United Nations. The Security Council, the ICJ, and the ICC, are highly effective in, and well equipped to handle injustices. As evidenced by the laudable handling of the situations in Syria and Libya, the UN is well equipped to handle international crisis.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Conor Estabrook
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Guatemala’s position on the improving of conflict resolution mechanisms is that of a median. While Guatemala has had terrible conflicts and turmoil in its nation spawning from the civil war that lasted from the late 50’s to the early 90’s and can thank the intervention and diplomatic aid of other nations who helped us through the turmoil into a period of reformation. At the same time Guatemala was already spawning into a budding democracy when interference from other nations started the series of events leading to the civil war, out of fears that we would ally ourselves with the soviets. The result is that why’ll we need to help nations negotiate diplomatic disputes and discuss human rights issues we need to do it with a light hand of encouragement and without disrespecting national sovereignty. This means we need to talk out our issues and only when one of the nations involved request that these issues be brought up. This is not to say that we should treat the issues as taboo but do not force discussion unless serious human rights abuses are involved and try not to be so heavy handed in solutions. The current process that the United nations uses is to heavy handed and reliant on larger more powerful countries to act as enforcers for economically crippling sanctions. We need to use a lighter guiding hand on nations that break arms agreements and develop nuclear power. The current practice of sanctioning all uncooperative nations only further escalates conflict. Through peaceful and rational discussion we can solve the problems placed in front of us.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Sam Oostendorp
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United Nations was created to solve problems in the world. However, on occasion it creates more problems than it solves. Haiti believes that the United Nations sometimes intervenes unnecessarily in a particular country’s problems. It is not always acceptable for outside influences such as the UN to intrude on issues within countries borders. The current political conflict resolution mechanisms have shown to be needless and sometimes even overly aggressive. Nonetheless, it is important to note that numerous times, the UN’s intervention has not only been necessary, but also beneficial. Haiti has seen this within its own borders with the relief provided by the United Nations after the earthquake in 2010.

Whether it be supplying troops or funds to a country in need, or settling a dispute between two or more countries in a peaceful manner, the United Nations has various mechanisms to carry out such responsibilities. However, these mechanisms need to be reviewed and amended. When the UN takes action in countries in which it has no business in and was not asked to do so, it is violating the countries national sovereignty. A problem within a country should be solved by that country, unless it requires aid from the United Nations, in which case intervention is tolerable and welcome. The United Nations need not interfere in matters it has nothing to do with, if a country needs aid it will make that known to the UN and appropriate action will be taken.

There are exceptions to what has just been mentioned. Often times we see that the problem within a country lies in the government itself. In these cases, a request for aid will not be made by said country. In these cases, UN intervention may be necessary without the consent of the government in a particular country. It is the UN responsibility to intervene and create peace within the country, especially if the problem is violent, and may cause civilian casualties. These decisions should not be made lightly. It is up to the delegates in the conference to decide what is necessary to do, and what is necessary not to do.

Haiti would like to see the United Nations reform its conflict resolution mechanisms to more closely resemble what is mentioned above. We understand that sometimes it is necessary to intervene without governmental consent, but it is also important to recognize a nation’s sovereignty. These mechanisms should be used when the lives of many innocent people are at stake, otherwise a country should be free to do as it wishes.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: India
Delegate Name: Daniel Sharp
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Republic of India has always been a gleaming gem of democracy on the outskirts of the Middle Eastern world. So when we see our fellow brothers follow suit, we encourage them will full spirit to fight for their rights.

But to an extent.

The Republic of India was founded on the morals and wishes of one of the greatest figures in 20th century history. And if it were not for the spirit of Mohandas Gandhi, the history of our country may have differed vastly. The practice of satyagraha, more commonly known to the Western World as civil disobedience, ripped our chains of oppression and lead us through a peaceful democratic revolution.

And this lesson must be understood by all countries. Because with it, we may never have to loose another brother, or mother, or any other loved one in a struggle for reform.

First, the Republic of India calls to expand the powers of its current Department of Political Affairs, which deals primarily with conflict resolution through peaceful and proactive methods. This expansion will include the United Nations defining the difference between “loyal opposition” and “dissident rebel factions.” In order for UN approval and assistance, any organized group of opposition struggling to work with their current government must write a petition to the UN. It will not only state their loyalty to their current government, but also outline their specific problems they have incurred when dealing with reforms they want to implement in the current government. The DPA will undergo a review process through a series of reviews from DPA representatives, and will either acknowledge or deny their petition for UN assistance. If they accept their petition, the UN through the DPA will reach out to the current government, encouraging healthy deliberation with the loyal opponents and offering limited economic and humanitarian relief if they comply. The UN will also help the loyal opponents convene and present their changes to the government in a dignified manner. Such deliberation in a nonviolent setting will yield results better than any war could wage over. If the DPA denies assistance, because of various issues pertaining to the opposition which will be defined and released, the UN will not aid them in the peaceful process. However, the UN has a duty to continue bringing humanitarian aid if necessary, as well as continue negotiations with the current government – without consent of the opposers.

On the other hand, the DPA will have the right to define “dissident rebel factions” as organized groups who have not petitioned for assistance and stated their loyalty to the current government. Such “dissident rebel factions” may apply for the “loyal opposition” assistance at any time; however, if blood has already been shed, they must also agree to lay down their weapons if the current government agrees as well. If fighting continues, however, the UN does not have the right to advance with physical force. This only adds oil to the blaze and blaringly intervenes with the national sovereignty of the country; we may only provide humanitarian aid and possibly allow economic sanctions to further encourage nonviolence.

The key in this proposal is the dissident’s petition to the DPA. With this, the UN understands their commitment to compromise and civil disobedience. We hope our fellow countries recognize this proposal and work with us in any way to improve the political chaos before the chaos becomes unnecessary and disturbing violence.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Aaron Bernard
School: Roeper School

I am honored to representing the republic of Indonesia in UN general assembly debate to discuss how we can better find ways to peacefully resolve or manage conflicts around the world. This is the true mission of the United Nations; end the scourge of war and create an equitable peace founded on international cooperation.

To fully confront these topics we need to first look to the past as our guide. The UN has developed a number of instruments to address conflicts in all their manifestations. In the past several decades we as a body have had a hand in resolving conflicts in: Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Timor Leste and many more.

The question we must now ask is whether the instruments of the past are adequate for our current challenges and challenges of the future. We as a body must evolve to twenty first century security conflicts.

There is no doubt that we live in a better world today than we did twenty years ago. There is no longer a cold war, or prospect of nuclear or world war. In spite of all of these facts, the statues and police’s of this institution and many across the globe still reflect a polarized cold war world of twenty years ago. We must evolve to this century.

To this end, the makeup of the Security Council must change; with the five permanent seats no longer being held in the hands of the victors of a war that took place almost seventy years ago.

The world must also embrace regional bodies with open arms. This body can look to Indonesia and ASEAN as a guide. Southeast-Asia was once a harbinger of border wars and proxy wars of extra regional powers, now through regionalist sprit, southeast-Asia has know a time of unprecedented peace an prosperity. We are in the process of adopting a legally binding code of conduct for conflict resolution. To that end, we strenuously recommend the same to all UN member nations.

Peace be upon us all.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Patrick Awtrey
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In the past, the United Nations has played an important role in resolving conflict through negotiations with international organizations and countries. Members of the United Nations are currently attempting to expand their capacity of involvement in world crisis, their goal being to implement preventive measures to limit the escalation of potential conflicts. Outside of this committee, this organization already does work in fields such as human rights and the promotion of Democracy, which by their own intentions have the ability to resolve this issue.

The problem with international involvement is that it does in fact violate national sovereignty. The United Nations has recently passed irrelevant, cruel, and destructive sanctions on Iran, all in an effort to prevent my people from instigating combat which they believe will result from our nuclear program. Although our intentions are peaceful, pressuring or infringing on nations in such a way only leads to more volatility. Also, their intrusive involvement in our affairs, which pose no threat to the world, is a testament to the United Nations’ ineffectiveness and poor management abilities, let alone an affirmation of the double standard which certain members have so consistently promoted. Regarding the Arab Spring, members of the the United Nations will likely take sides and support certain entities, suggesting that they have the right to decide who is legitimate and who is not. This is not their role play, as conflicts should be decided within the borders where they are taking place. Choosing sides has often resulted in new regimes that are suited to other nations with established authority, rather than new governments suited to the needs of the troubled nation’s people. The remarkable western bias in this organization indicates that the powers at be would likely exploit expanded resolution capabilities. We are concerned that members of the United Nations might attempt to capitalize on revolutions in certain countries to instigate and undermine what might otherwise be a potentially peaceful process to benefit their own agendas. Actions such as this, and support for the Zionist regime, would hurt my nation unfairly.

However, if conflicts arise between nations, the United Nations has the potential to appropriately serve as a body through which negotiations can be handled. Also, if a nation requests assistance in handling a domestic dispute, and if it is clear that the administration in charge is the popular representative of its people, then (depending on the situation, and certainly if the situation does not involve divided political or militaristic factions) the United Nations should feel obligated to address concerns.

Ultimately, we believe that the capacity for mechanisms intended to resolve conflicts should not be expanded because the United Nations currently tends to overstep its boundaries and become directly involved in the affairs of sovereign nations. The United Nations must instead serve as a diplomatic vehicle committed to peacemaking, so long as the conflicts we intend to prevent or resolve involve multiple nations and will not result in our direct interference. Appropriate actions would involve increased negotiation and other limited interaction, combined with the ability for the United Nations to serve as a stronger intermediary between countries.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Cameron Shabahang
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The government of the State of Israel respects and appreciates the essential role of the United Nations in resolving political conflict, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. The Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Office of the Secretary-General have integral roles in fostering piece and security, and in resolving political differences through multinational negotiation, a founding principal of the United Nations. The State of Israel maintains that the Security Council is the most effective organ in recommending that parties try to reach a settlement by peaceful means. Israel appreciates the role of the Security Council in peacekeeping, in which it has maintained a powerful tradition since the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in 1948, which secured the integrity of the State of Israel. The United Nations has participated in peacekeeping in the 1990’s in El Salvador, Guatemala, Namibia, Cambodia, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Sierra Leone, and Burundi; as the decade came to a close, it helped resolve political conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Timor-Leste, and Kosovo. Israel recognizes, however, that preventing political conflict is a superior manner of fostering lasting peace and security. The United Nations Department of Political Affairs monitors global developments and advises the Secretary-General on the management of crisis, allowing him to exercise diplomacy to prevent the development of conflict. The State of Israel maintains that the role of the United Nations in resolving political conflict should be primarily preventative rather than interventionist, and therefore encourages bilateral negotiations between differing parties before the conflict is escalated to the level of the United Nations.

The State of Israel stresses, furthermore, that the United Nations should be cautious not to abet a tyranny of the majority or to display bias in favor of or against any particular political faction in conflict situations. Especially in the case of Israel, the United Nations has been abused as a forum for the prevention of political conflict by becoming an organization in which to voice anti-Semitic bias and to politically aggrandize the agendas of dictators and autocratic regimes. According the United States Institute for Peace, Israel is denied rights enjoyed by all other member-states. Furthermore, a level of systematic hostility against it is routinely expressed, organized, and funded within the United Nations system. In a lecture at a 2003 United Nations conference on anti-Semitism, Anne Bayefsky stated that “There has never been a single resolution about the decades-long repression of the civil and political rights of 1.3 billion people in China, or the more than a million female migrant workers in Saudi Arabia being kept as virtual slaves…. Every year, UN bodies are required to produce at least 25 reports on alleged human rights violations by Israel, but not one on an Iranian criminal justice system which mandates punishments like crucifixion, stoning, and cross-amputation….” The State of Israel believes that the United Nations should not inadvertently aid anti-Semites and autocrats by providing a forum for such racist and repressive leaders as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who has repeatedly called for the “annihilation” of the State of Israel. Additionally, negotiations should not be conducted with terrorist factions such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which claim to represent the governments of their respective nations, while in reality they are violent extremist groups. Terrorists have no place at the negotiation table, and no place in negotiations legitimized by the auspices of the United Nations.

Israel welcomes the support of the United States, Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland, in addition to other members of the community of nations, in promoting the United Nations as a forum for legitimate governments to voice their ideas and beliefs and to engage in multinational negotiations. Israel believes that negotiation and dialogue is the path to peace, not inflammatory rhetoric or condemnatory action. The State of Israel lauds the opposition of the United States to attempts to improperly advance cause of Palestinian statehood in the United Nations General Assembly. According to United States President Barack Obama, peace in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute “will not come through statements and resolutions at the U.N.” Genuine peace, according to Mr. Obama “can only be realized between Israelis and Palestinians themselves.” Israel strongly urges the international community to recognize, however, that constructive dialogues can only be conducted between legitimate, democratic governments that are representative of the wishes of their people.

Israel regrets attempts by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Syria, Libya, and other proponents of state terrorism to use United Nations conflict resolutions in order to promote racial tensions, extremist propaganda, and anti-Semitism. Importantly, while Israel supports loyal opposition, it rejects attempts by radical states to empower extremist groups through the overthrow of existing governments. While Israel supports the replacement of Bashar Al-Assad’s murderous regime in Syria, it is vital to ensure that there exists a viable alternative before the United Nations takes any action to enforce peace through regime change. Furthermore, Israel condemns attempts by the aforementioned states to overshadow unacceptable human rights records with false accusations against Israel, one of the pillars of peace and democracy in the Middle East.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Emily Dean
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

One of the most important parts of the United Nations is resolving conflicts. That is one of the primary objectives of the U.N.; to attempt to resolve any and all conflicts that we can. However, in order to properly conduct a conflict resolution, there needs to be an organized way of doing this, with as few flaws as possible. The country of Italy believes that one of the ways we can better secure this system is to eliminate third parties. We believe that the only people who should be involved in country’s issues are that country, and their closest allies, or countries directly involved.

Italy also believes that there should be great structure in the meetings that are built upon the conflicts in the countries of the world. For example, in the Middle East right now there is a large government transition in multiple countries. The United Nations has set up various meetings in which they will discuss the situations occurring in these countries. Each meeting will be centered on a different country, and the General Assembly will then discuss how to handle each country’s troubles.

We believe that in order to successfully conduct a meeting there has to be order and structure such as in the meetings scheduled for the Middle East. The countries in the United Nations should not impose on other country’s conflicts unless asked or invited to. In order to be successful, there has to be proper structure, that doesn't cause any more conflict or imposing on the country. If we follow these suggestions to improve our resolution of conflicts, we will make the United Nations and the world better.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Fatima Sheikh
School: Fishers High School

The nation of Japan is a prominent member of the UN's peacekeeping missions and strives to uphold UN's policy of peace and security in all its operations, including conflict resolution. It maintains policies similar to its close alley, the United States. In previous years, Japan has been a part of the UN's peacekeeping operations sending troops to East Timor, Cambodia, and Mozambique. Japan has also sent troops to Iraq in 2004, for the purpose of providing humanitarian aid and helping in reconstruction. As Prime Minister Fukuda stated in his policy speech: "Japan aspires to become a hub of human resource development as well as for research and intellectual contribution to further promote cooperation in the field of peace-building."

Since Japan is also a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), it is committed to upholding human rights and freedoms wherever they are threatened. The OSCE functions to diminish conflicts and help create settlements to keep political disputes from arising again. They also offer aid and supplies to post-conflict areas, in order to help with rehabilitation. Also, they help facilitate dialogue in political or regional disputes.

One of the largest ongoing issues today concerns the Palestine-Israeli conflict, for which Japan has funded money and offered full support to creating two-separate states and promoting stability in the region. Japan believes that sometimes third-party intervention is necessary to promote peace in such situations. The Japanese Government has developed a plan for peace, dubbed Corridor for Peace and Prosperity in order to get both sides to focus on economic development that is mutually beneficial instead of continuously fighting over land. Japan has also offered support for regular meetings between the two parties to help them work towards peace. Japan aids in Palestinian youth educational and supplying medical aid to refugees, in the hopes that it will aid with stability.

Some of the things Japan has done for political conflict resolution includes supplying aid by means of medical supplies and education, sending troops for the purpose of reconstruction, facilitating meetings between political or regional groups to help diminish conflicts, and encouraging economic ties and development.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Yasmeen Farran
School: Mattawan High School

The world of the Middle East has been surrounded by a whirlwind of unrest. During this delicate time of the changing hands of government, it is important for the United Nations to understand its role without overstepping national sovereignty. Jordan feels finding a balanced solution that proves applicable by UN resources is currently crucial.

In order to move forward, Jordan feels that a decision on how the United Nations go through conflict resolution needs to be reviewed and altered in order to make it more suitable to the problems of the Arab nations in disconnect.

The traditional mechanisms practiced flourished in the time of the Cold War; however, this system has proven ineffective in some African nations: split countries fighting in bloody battles for political dominance. Jordan feels that the United Nations needs to customize a resolution to fit the needs of these civilly split nations. Jordan feels that a line must be drawn on when the United Nations should enter a country’s conflict or when national sovereignty must remain intact because a country is able to deal with the conflict on its own. Jordan believes that the spread of peace across all nations create a better world for all, and if a country is unable to achieve this over a five year span, the United Nations must intercede to create balance.

Jordan feels positive in the United Nations’ ability to intercede and create agreement amongst dissenting groups within a country.

As time marches on and civil unrest within a country increases some countries have taken notice well others have fallen as prey to militaristic regimes. When Jordan was faced with protest, we heard the needs of the people and began drafting changes to our constitution. Jordan was able to keep the peace within its country. Other nations unable to do the same, should welcome help from the UN, and the United Nations must understand their role as a strong help in rebuilding a country, not becoming dictator to the rehabilitation.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Lesotho
Delegate Name: Lauren Higgins
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The Kingdom of Lesotho, like many African nations, is no stranger to conflict. Coup d’états are sprinkled throughout the history of the country but more recently it has dealt with the South African intervention of 1998. There is always somewhere in Africa that is in a state of unrest and that has an effect on the rest of the continent. The UN needs to work with the African Union to restore peace to this continent, the main area of conflict all over the globe. The goal of Lesotho is to restore peace to Africa and other areas of persistent turmoil and conflict.

The mechanisms of the conflict resolutions implemented by the United Nations clearly need to improvement. Currently the major problem is the inconsistency of conflict resolutions used by the United Nations. Some conflicts are taken care of immediately while others, Libya for example, the tension is allowed to brew, action was not taken soon enough and it became violent. That is when violent force is required by the United Nations.

Prevention is the key principle to conflict resolution. If conflicts are prevented or the escalation is minimized, resolution becomes a simple task. It is time that the UN stops playing defense, it is time to attack the conflicts with an offensive approach. The United Nations needs to stop waiting for the conflict to escalate but instead take action as soon as a problem arises. The Kingdom of Lesotho is in favor of the United Nations taking offensive action to prevent conflict from arising and restoring peace to Africa.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Madagascar
Delegate Name: Alexander Raveane
School: Roeper School

The Republic of Madagascar has had many internal conflicts in the past, including a coup d’état in 2009, so we know their horrible effects. Countries in external and internal conflicts often are greatly depleted of money and very unstable. Madagascar believes that the current conflict resolution methods of the United Nations need to be revised, so these situations can be better managed. The current methods of UN conflict resolution, such as deployment of peacekeepers, could be more effective, if they were antiquity financed. Also, though, since the UN charter states that the General Assembly can only recommend solutions, it is not possible to enforce the General Assembly’s resolutions.

External and internal conflicts must both be dealt with differently. External conflicts could be solved effectively by the General Assembly, if they could enforce their decisions. Even if an effective resolution is passed, the General Assembly alone cannot enforce their decision. Madagascar believes that the General Assembly must have sufficient power to enforce their decisions, in order to better solve external conflicts. The Republic of Madagascar, does however, believe in both external and internal conflicts, that, generally the UN should not help sovereign countries that refuse aid, because they have the right to do so, unless the government is deliberately harming its people.

Also, financing peacekeepers remains a large problem. Developed countries with powerful economies should help finance peacekeeping missions. Madagascar cannot make any major economical contributions, as we are a recipient of foreign aid ourselves, but we would be willing to commit our armed forces to peacekeeping as we have done in The Democratic Republic of Congo. France, our largest trading partner and ally, has demonstrated its willingness to contribute economically to countries in distress in 2008, when they gave 700,000 Euros to aid the victims of the post-election violence in Kenya.

Madagascar believes that more methods for internal conflict resolutions need to be created. The resolutions that deal with civil wars are similar to the ones that deal with external crises, but there are no effective methods to deal with coups and other unconstitutional changes in government. The Republic of Madagascar believes that strong foreign aid is necessary to help countries experiencing internal conflicts return to a constitutional state of government. The economic issues stated in external conflicts also apply to internal conflicts.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Gregory Poole
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Throughout the history of the world, war has always existed. The terrors it has caused from the earliest clubs and bows, to the horrific flames of Greek Fire, to the advent of firearms, to the nuclear attacks of the United States of America against Japan during the Second World War, have devastated the land and people of the earth. The destruction caused by 10,000 pound bombs dropped from the sky, or a 3 ounce bullet fired from a sniper rifle can lead to massive wars and lay waste to towns and entire civilizations. These wars almost always spring up from the conflict of two tribes, two small cities, two countries. These wars could be avoided by the intervention of the international world, and yet nations stand by and watch as two people, not so different from each other, pound each other into the dust over a difference of opinions.

It has always been Mexico’s point of view that the waste of lives through war is appalling, and that it is not only the right, but also the duty of the international community to intervene in the hopes of resolving the conflict peacefully, with as little bloodshed as possible. It is not only poor judgement by nations not to step in, but it is a failing of duty. In fact, it is a sign of disregard for human life not to attempt to mediate between both sides of a conflict. As an international power in the world, it is necessary for the United Nations to settle matters of war before they escalate, lest the United Nations end up no better than the League of Nations. The League of Nations had the opportunity to end the Second World War before it started, only that the League of Nations had no power in the world. However, this league, the United Nations, has power. It just has to have the incentive to work towards this goal. Is the United Nations of any use to nations and world peace if it lets a Third World War be declared? Is it of any use to nations and world peace if it stands by and lets nations pound each other to pieces, allows them to terrorize the people of each others nations, people who most likely did not have any part in starting the war? If the United Nations does nothing, what good is it? It is also Mexico’s viewpoint that nations must consent to the ruling of the United Nations. If countries do not, the United Nations has no more ability to stop a Third World War than did the League of Nations have of stopping the Second World War, or preventing the Empire of Japan from invading the nation of China in 1937.

The League of Nations, established in the wake of the Great War, also known as the War to End All Wars, or the First World War, was created with the idea of preserving the newly found peace, a false peace that lead to the Second World War, which the League of Nations had the opportunity, but not the power, to stop. The situation of the world could lead to the beginnings of a Third World War, unless the United Nations is given enough strength and support to intervene in the conflicts of, but not control, the nations of the world. The United Mexican States suggests that member nations give their consent for the United Nations to interfere and mediate during conflict.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Doug Weathers
School: Mattawan High School

There are plenty of examples of the United Nations doing great things to settle conflicts peacefully, protecting people’s natural rights, and providing aid to countries that are in need of it. The United Nations currently has good mechanisms that they use to mediate disputes, encourage dialogue, and prevent violence, but like everything, there is room for improvement. Morocco is very open to new ideas about improving political conflict resolution mechanisms. Morocco believes the United Nations should only interfere in other countries' affairs when they are asked for help.

There are many examples in history where a country is currently in conflict, but does not need aid. One example in particular is the relevant issue of the Western Sahara Crisis. Morocco is expanding our territory into the Western Sahara because we would like to give the people that reside there a more stable government. We have not requested for help in resolving this issue, but the United Nations is still trying to get involved. The Kingdom of Morocco possess the resources required to settle this issue on our own. We believe no outside forces are needed to resolve this issue. Clearly, the United Nations need to refocus their attention to countries that need aid. Morocco still strongly endorses the positive work of the United Nations, but they need to be limited to where their resources can be most effective and where their resources will be most appreciated.

All in all, Morocco believes the mechanisms that the United Nations use to resolve conflict need to be improved upon. Morocco is looking forward to the opportunity to address this situation and discuss with other nations that have similar viewpoints.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Tristan Robb
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The United Nations already does much to prevent conflict all around the glove. From providing support to communicating and debating controversial topics, the United Nations have created a way for opposing parties to negotiate peacefully and purposefully. From the aftermath of World War II to the charging of Al-Gaddafi, delegates from all around the world have shown how that even after great conflict, peace can prosper. However, there have been times that we have failed our mission of peace. These sometimes cannot be helped; the conflict may be too great, or the UN’s intervention too late. However, it is critical for the United Nations to reevaluate their approach on determining and solving critical conflicts before they become dangerous. If we do not do so, the Netherlands feel that it will be detrimental to the United Nations’ pursuit of peace.

The Netherlands realizes that there will always be opposing opinions, and thus there will always be conflict. However, through communication and cooperation, such conflict can be solved calmly and peacefully. When opinions are not communicated, tension builds, and dangerous or violent actions can occur. The United Nations must focus on finding and communicating important opinions and solving conflicts before they become violent. This can be done with an emphasis on expressing opinions to groups where such conflict will arise.

There are times when people create conflict for their own personal gain. Such corruption should not be tolerated by the United Nations, and any person or persons caught corrupted should be prosecuted. Much too often do these people get into power, and if a leader is using the people he leads to empower himself, that leader is not fit for political power.

National sovereignty should be respected, but only if all parties involved agree to keep the conflict between themselves. If one party calls for help while the other demands privacy, we must go and see what is happening, and pursue a reasonable course of action, whether it be diplomatic or militaristic.

In the past 72 years, the United Nations has prospered under the driving force of peace and stability. If we continue to evolve, reform, and listen, we will continue to prosper. We must open communication to all in order to maintain peace on Earth.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Casey Bechtel
School: Mattawan High School

Nigeria believes in the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Throughout the revolutions in northern Africa such as: Libya and Egypt, peaceful democratic methods have worked best. In the past, Nigeria has faced a civil war of its own by the northern and southern side. The United Nations solved the issue peacefully and helped form a democratic system. Now with Goodluck Jonathon as a democratic leader, the country has more stability all resulting from the help of the United Nations.

It is important for a government to sit down and form resolutions without the loss of its citizens. In order for this to happen, all peaceful measures must come first. As a member of The African Union, Nigeria supports all peaceful measures taken to create democratic nations. This has occurred numerous times when a country is in turmoil. Peaceful resolution has ended in stability every time.

Nigeria feels that democracy is what matters most. Foreign military support in the form of soldiers is not what a country in rebellion needs. Nigeria feels that foreign support should be brought in the form of supplying money and aid for the democratic side. The United Nations should have an overwhelming role in setting a plan for democracy for any country in turmoil. Loyal opposition would include any country that fights for an equal democratic nation. National sovereignty only applies in situations that are good for the nation as a whole. If a country’s people are suffering from an oppressive government then the United Nations must act to peacefully fix the issue.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Matthew Suandi
School: Williamston High School

Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Charter of the United Nations, states that “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.” Unfortunately, over the course of the past year, certain aggressor states, some of whom were original signatories to the Charter, have blatantly disregarded this clause in pursuit of their imperialist interests. These nations have apparently forgotten that electoral assistance to Member States should only be provided by the United Nations at the request and with the consent of specific sovereign states; in addition, they have translated “electoral assistance” as implementing no-fly zones and supplying weaponry to armed gangs and terrorist groups. Furthermore, the Western imperialists have continued to not recognize that there is no single universal model for electoral processes equally suited to all nations and their peoples, despite the catastrophic puppet regimes they forced upon the nations of Iraq and Afghanistan. The United Nations must ensure that future political conflicts will be treated as the internal matters of the nation in which they are occurring, and that the United Nations will only offer electoral assistance in the event that the governments of those sovereign nations contact the UN for support.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has never experienced political conflict. Our unique Juche ideology and Songun politics provide for our people to be the masters of the revolution and construction through their inherent abilities for self-reliance and self-determination. Citizens of the DPRK are guaranteed genuine political freedom and rights as necessitated by the fundamental Juche principle to enhance man’s independence and creativity. Therefore, although political dissent is nonexistent within the DPRK, we recognize that other nations are more prone to infiltration by agents of Imperialist nations and their puppets and condemn the actions of these states to influence the political systems of developing nations. Our foreign policy is centered on respect for other nations’ right to self-determination and national sovereignty, and we deplore the Western states who disregard these tenets of international law.

We request the United Nations to reaffirm the principles in General Assembly resolution 50/172 passed on February 27, 1996. This resolution called upon Member States to respect the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes. We hope that our fellow anti-imperialist nations will join us in our crusade to ensure continued equality and respect between sovereign nations.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Liam McCollum
School: Mattawan High School

Norway sees that while Our Political Conflict Resolutions Mechanisms have bent over backwards to accommodate countries' sovereign rights to domestic affairs, that there is a serious threat to the entire world forming due to recent global political uprisings. While these glorified uprisings encourage people of the world to question their leadership and assert their democratic rights, their violent and headstrong methods of achieving these rights are unacceptable to those who value peace in this world.

Norway thinks that when people rise up against authoritarian leaders and demand reforms and universal rights, they should be backed by the UN. However, many nations feel that the UN should respect sovereign rights of nations and allow individual nations to address their own issues. These countries fail to realize that the global nature of our economy means that a revolution in one country affects the entire world's economy, and therefore entails a global responsibility for all domestic revolts.

Norway asserts that as a result of this worldwide political and economic responsibility, the UN should become more expansive in its efforts to prevent and resolve domestic conflicts in a nation, with a focus on promoting peaceful negotiations as an alternative to the vehement riots that have become a trend in today's society. If these promotions fail, however, forced meetings may be necessary in order for the parties involved to resolve their differences. In this case, as a last alternative, the UN should be an involved and well meaning moderator, who promotes the two sides to communicate with each other and work out their differences peacefully.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Farid al-Sabeh
School: Roeper School

The resolution of political conflicts is a matter of on-balance discussion. Countries involved, or those wishing to be involved, must weight the potential risk and benefits of taking action in an affected country, all the while being mindful of the rights to sovereignty granted to all nations.

Pakistan believes that the vehicle for this on-balance deliberation should be international organizations such as the U.N. and regional bodies. But at times the nature of these bodies make them inefficient to harbor these important conversations. In the case of the United Nations, the 5-permanent member system of the Security Council lends no hand to democracy, but rather potentially to special interest. Certainly this is no way to proceed with talk on the political fate of one nation. That is to say, regional and international bodies must be as democratic and fair as possible in order to weigh conflict resolution mechanisms.

The sacred right of sovereignty must, as always, be given strict attention. But Pakistan recognizes the cases by which a nation's sovereignty can be suspended. It is important for all member nations to be mindful of these conditions, as doing so will result in a more mindful and attentive approach to solving political conflicts. Nations must display attentiveness to these conditions and similar ones in order to have full information and knowledge on the topic of debate, which is as important as ever when nation's political futures are on the line.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Robert Mercier
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

As a group who is trying simply to be recognized, we feel very strongly that the United Nations could deal with a drastic improvement of their political conflict resolution mechanisms. For example, if they were a bit more forceful, perhaps they could actually accomplish something in terms of the Arab- Israeli conflict, rather than slowly walking in circles around the issue while the situation in Palestine continues to worsen by the minute. The way that we are being mistreated and ignored is completely unfair, and borderline abusive, and most of it is, in fact, due to the lack of quality political conflict resolution mechanisms.

Not only would drastic improvements be beneficial to us, but they would also benefit excessive amounts of other countries around the world. Any country that has ever been pushed aside and made the underdog of any situation could be given a fighting chance in a mutually beneficial resolution to a conflict, and may not be left completely and utterly hopeless, with no chance of improvement. As a people that have been left with no support, and little reassurance of reparations, we can appreciate the idea of potential improvements being made to the political conflict resolution mechanisms.

All in all, we believe that considering improvements to the political conflict resolution mechanisms would be very beneficial, and we believe that these improvements would help a great amount of nations, as well as improve the security of those who are not necessarily currently in danger of becoming the victims of a political conflict.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Sreten Franovic
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United Nations was formed to try to fix problems in the world. This is done by incorporating almost all of the nations in the world in an organization that votes and deals with issues. Sometimes issues are better left to be solved by the countries incorporated, but mostly it is beneficial to have the United Nations offer help to the situation. That being said in all circumstances the mechanisms we, the United Nations as a whole, use to deal with political conflicts need to be improved to ensure that it is only benefitting, and not harming.

The Philippines would like to keep the United Nations as a vital character in the resolving of political conflicts. Having so many countriesin one organization is a special thing; it lets the problem be dealt with by the world, not just a couple biased countries. The Philippines also believes that how industrialized one country is should not give them any more or less say in an issue. All countries are made up of humans, and all humans should have a say in what goes on in humanity.

With more UN interaction in the global community’s problems, we would need to ensure that issues are dealt with in the best fashion possible. Thus we need to improve on more preventive mechanisms to decrease the rise of conflicts, and therefore we would not need to take further violent action. Although, in the case of armed conflict, the Philippines believes the UN should be able to engage in the battle effort in order to end it and promote peace.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Ryan Kerr
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

National Sovereignty is a foundational value of the United Nations. Lack of tact on changing the role of conflict resolution can easily impede on the rights of independent nations. Already, the United Nations has granted the Security Council the right to “investigate any dispute, or any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute, in order to determine whether the continuance of the dispute or situation is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security” in the UN Charter, Chapter 6: Pacific Settlement of Disputes. Also, anyone can make a request to have the United Nations investigate a problem and offer aid through suggested negotiation process and recommendation to a Non-government organization (NGO) or regional body. These powers grant the United Nations the ability to intervene when necessary. It is best if we leave the evolution of conflict resolution to specific circumstances instead of granting extraneous general powers to the United Nations. When help is wanted or when the Security Council deems that international peace is at stake, the United Nations has a pathway to act.

The United Nations needs to invest concern with the majority populace. If there is an internal conflict, we should recognize the current government and major groups that represent the best interests of the people at the negotiating table. As for distinguishing between “loyal opposition” and rebel forces, allow the organization or movement to appeal to the United Nations instead of intervening before necessary or wanted. Who sits at the negotiating table is less a question to be definitively answered by the United Nations and more a prompt for us to make suggestions, as is our right without exceeding our limitations.

Of course, there are exceptions to the shield of sovereignty. When a national conflict threatens international peace, when atrocious crimes are committed, and when asked of the United Nations, it is not only acceptable it is our duty as a peace-promoting body to intervene. Political conflict resolution works to the purpose of the United Nations; however, we must be careful of our limitations in all cases and instead of tailoring conflict mediation as a whole, continue to work on an individual case basis.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Wilson Wolf
School: Fishers High School

Russia strongly believes that national sovereignty is important during deliberations over international matters that concern local interests.

Russia thinks that this is the correct path because that way the people don’t have to make decisions that could potently cause a catastrophe. Russia is in agreement with our ally China in this topic.

Russia and China have defended themselves from the threats by President Obama that the United States will use unilateral conflict in Syria. We will continue to push for national sovereignty throughout the globe. Also in Syria if there had been a bigger presence of national sovereignty then there would not have been as much bloodshed and Muammar Qaddafi would still be in power today.

The resolution signed by the UN, EU and Arab League on June 30 in Geneva states that territorial integrity, national unity; independence and sovereignty are the four things that needed to be addressed. If SPECPOL

Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Russia

Russia strongly believes that national sovereignty is important during deliberations over international matters that concern local interests.

Russia thinks that this is the correct path because that way the people don’t have to make decisions that could potently cause a catastrophe. Russia is in agreement with our ally China in this topic.

Russia and China have defended themselves from the threats by President Obama that the United States will use unilateral conflict in Syria. We will continue to push for national sovereignty throughout the globe. Also in Syria if there had been a bigger presence of national sovereignty then there would not have been as much bloodshed and Muammar Qaddafi would still be in power today.

The resolution signed by the UN, EU and Arab League on June 30 in Geneva states that territorial integrity, national unity; independence and sovereignty are the four things that needed to be addressed. If country officials would just stick to their posts and not be pushed around then so many conflicts could be avoided. There have been very little conflicts with our ally China and Russia because we do not let our people influence the choices that we make.

And despite the fact that President Obama refused to listen to the idea of sovereignty in Syria he was perfectly willing to talk about sovereignty in Afghanistan. During a Wednesday night the president of the U.S. and the president of Afghanistan held a video conference. It was then when he said that a partnership can only take place between two sovereign states. That is a perfect example of why Russia and China have such a good alliance.

In conclusion, there is no better way to run and control your country than national sovereignty. Because you can control your people and then you can’t be pushed around. So as long as the UN takes into consideration how much better the world could be if more countries were to start national sovereignty Russia will be satisfied.

country officials would just stick to their posts and not be pushed around then so many conflicts could be avoided. There have been very little conflicts with our ally China and Russia because we do not let our people influence the choices that we make.

And despite the fact that President Obama refused to listen to the idea of sovereignty in Syria he was perfectly willing to talk about sovereignty in Afghanistan. During a Wednesday night the president of the U.S. and the president of Afghanistan held a video conference. It was then when he said that a partnership can only take place between two sovereign states. That is a perfect example of why Russia and China have such a good alliance.

In conclusion, there is no better way to run and control your country than national sovereignty. Because you can control your people and then you can’t be pushed around. So as long as the UN takes into consideration how much better the world could be if more countries were to start national sovereignty Russia will be satisfied.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Matthew Schomisch
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Given the recent events in the Middle East and the Arab Spring, The people of Rwanda believe we should open a dialogue on what the role of the United Nations is when aiding nations to end conflicts. Rwanda affirms that sending even one troop into harm’s way for the sake of supporting one side over the other within a country should not be deliberated upon lightly. It is the Rwandan people’s belief that we must decide whether it is our duty to solely seek peace, or to pick and chose which side will receive our support in order to work for peace.

Proper intelligence must be attained before any military action is carried out. Rwanda believes that the U.N. must be absolutely sure of what is happening within the conflict before we make a decision. Information is direly important; during the conflict in 1994 within Rwanda, intelligence was vital, and the lack of intelligence can lead to mistakes and grave tragedies, including the ten Belgian peacekeepers we lost to misinformation and propaganda. Both sides of any issue will try to sway us to their side. They will both stretch facts; it is our primary job to find the facts and painstakingly make a choice.

With the events in the Middle East as a highlight of the role of the United Nations, Rwanda understands some action must be taken to improve the workings and response time to crisis around the globe. It is Rwanda’s stance that national sovereignty should not be a shield against our involvement in a state. In Syria for example, we a see a government oppressing its people, if the U.N. sees violence, it is its responsibility to act. If the U.N. manages a cease fire between two warring groups, Rwanda believes they should be invited to sit at the table and have a discussion on where the conflict is headed and how to properly negotiate a deal with both sides.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Maximilian Mihaylov
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Political Conflicts such as the on in Syria are a looming problem in modern times. South Africa has come from a time of Political Turmoil. The Apartheid from 1948 to 1994 was the time that shaped South Africa to what it is today. Thanks to a great leader in Nelson Mandela we believe in peaceful methods to solving political turmoil. South Africa strongly condemn Syria we are opposed all forms of terrorism and violence. The killing of innocent civilians is something that South Africa would like to take immediate action against, preferably peaceful. If peaceful means cannot stop the bloodshed and then South Africa will follow the means of the security council.

Our peaceful means would involve siding with the rebels and providing them with aid. Our highest priority is to stop the killing and end the suffering of innocent civilians. We want to call for an immediate end to the violence and for talks to begin to reach a Syrian-led political transition reflecting the will of the Syrian people. We would like peaceful negotiations with both sides. If we could get leaders from the UN and leaders from the Rebel forces and Government forces to have peaceful talks to stop the bloodshed, that would be the most desired approach. Peace is the preferable approach and South Africa would back up the UN in every peaceful endeavor. Of course if this fails, we are prepared to help with military action if needed. We will follow the lead of the Security Council Nations. The UN Charter clearly states that the Security Council should make the proposals for conflict Resolution. We are ready give any Military support needed.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: McKenna Kluemper
School: Fishers High School

The Republic of Korea believes that the process, by which the United Nations resolves conflict, is not as efficient or productive as it could be. On July 22 of 2010, the General Assembly talked about the efficiency of the administrative functioning of the United Nations. Specifically, a more effective Department of Political Affairs. It was decided that in order to more quickly end conflicts that may arise, the committee must work together to produce intelligent and successful conflict-resolution strategies. It was decided, that the main focus of discussion topics needs to be the support of peaceful political processes. The unification of all of the members in the Political Committees must be devoted to the strengthening of the Conflict resolution mechanisms. This will allow more time in meetings to be devoted to the discussion of the actual conflict, and less on the method of which to start solving that problem.

The Republic of Korea wishes to convey that the most successful means of Conflict resolution is in fact conflict prevention, however if a conflict does arise, then the best way to effectively resolve that conflict is through peaceful negotiation. The main priority of the United Nations is safety, and as such peaceful negotiation should always be the first tool in conflict resolution. The United Nations does not want to disrupt already difficult situation, and therefore, as the Special Political Committee, peaceful negotiations are the best way to so that. The Republic of Korea understands that not all political issues are solely political, and in fact are often combined with economic dilemmas and perhaps internal conflict. This being said, the Special Political must focus on the political aspects first, such as negotiation, however, if such negotiations are unsuccessful, the situations can be handled with the combination of each element contributing to the conflict. If negotiations are not successful, then another method would be through the influence of economy. While the Special Political Committee does not deal directly with the economic problems of nations, the economic stance of a country can be a delicate thing. If the United Nations creates trade embargos with uncooperative countries, then those countries might be encouraged to peacefully renegotiate. This could save time in repeatedly attempting to renegotiate, when the stances of the countries in conflict have not changed.

The republic of Korea encourages all countries to put forth suggests in time of conflict, however, another means of improving the conflict resolution mechanisms would be to focus the committee sessions entirely on the countries in conflict. The Special Political Committee should also recognize the rights that each country has to the choice in governmental systems; this should be remembered when resolving the political conflict. This will reduce the little amount of bias that could otherwise interfere with the efficiency of discussion. This will also help the flow of debate within the committee room, as well as cut down on time spent in dispute over topic not directly related to the current conflict. Once the flow of debate is continuous, the Special Political Committee will have more efficient conflict resolution mechanisms, to better solve political conflicts.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Joe Murphy
School: Vicksburg High School

The conflict resolution process has come along way from its founding in 1945. The idea to send help to struggling countries is a good one. To control the damage as much as possible, if not prevent it, but it still requires work. The process of mediating and the idea of sending envoys from the U.N. is a good one, but is sometimes hard to implement if the parties do not ask for help or there are too many to deal with at once. The problems may not be solved to the best of the abilities of the people sent. It is also harder to help set up democratic governments in some countries as there may be too many at once to effectively handle. To improve this the U.N. should only help counties asking for help first, unless there is an immediate threat from what another country is doing.

In the U.N. it is not always easy to determine who should be negotiating with whom as the main areas of problem countries. These days leaders and political governments change quite rapidly, as with one day you could be talking to one leader about trying to get clean water to their county and the next day he could be overthrown and you have to start again with a new leader. So it is often hard to decide who the “rebel” faction is as the people may have put the new leader in power. But the basic premise to determine who should be at a negotiating table should be based on the person or peoples previous actions, and their views on democracy and equal rights.

A nation’s national sovereignty should allow a nation the right to refuse some if not all help, but the nation should not be allowed sanction from judgment or be excluded from the basic rules after they have committed a crime. Just as a man can’t go out and smash someone’s car window, then go inside his house and claim they can’t come on his property, so it may be used to keep the U.N. from interfering. In the beginning there are the exceptions of when a country would hurt others or its own people.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Giancarlo Fiorenzo
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United Nations was created to solve global issues and keep the peace worldwide. Unfortunately, we are not always able to do this effectively. At times we are too indecisive, while at other times we are too forceful and pushy. We must work to find equilibrium and make our conflict resolution methods as effective as possible.

Switzerland only recently joined the United Nations and we have continued our tradition of neutrality. We continue to preach ‘active neutrality,’ which means that we will be willing to negotiate, offer guidance, and help those in need in any ways possible.

Switzerland would like to see some key points enforced to help improve the United Nation’s conflict resolution mechanisms. We would like to stress power sharing, specifically on giving each country an equal say regardless of economic prowess. We would like to focus on the protection and advancement of human rights, because doing so will lead to morally sound decisions. Another international focus of ours is on combating landmines and the illegal small arms trade. We would like to emphasize working with individual conflict regions to solve the world’s largest problems. We believe in collaborating with NGOs that will work diligently to enforce our solutions. And we would like to see a strengthening of strategic partnerships both in and outside the United Nations.

Countries who do not wish to radically or violently impose their personal values and beliefs on others will surely side with us. We believe in equal rights for all countries, even those that might be small and poor. We also believe in staying neutral on conflicts we have no right to be involved in.

Large powerhouse countries might like to limit some of our efforts. Many countries such as the United States believe that they should have more influence on the United Nations than countries that are smaller than them. They also like to bully other countries into agreeing with issues they believe strongly in.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Andrew Szyperski
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Republic of Turkey is located in the Middle East, which is to say that we are in the area with the most violent uprisings, civil unrest and most harassment from the western world in the last decade. We have seen the U.N use multiple methods to mediate these problems. In the case of Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions, crippling sanctions were put in place to stagnate the economy. Concerning the issue of Arab Spring, the responses vary for each country. The U.N has not been consistent with their management of the problems not only in this region, but also around the globe. It has occurred to Turkey that to improve the way that problems are dealt with around the world, there has to be some standards that need to be set out describing when certain actions are prohibited and when they are necessary. An example of the discrepancies in U.N action cannot be displayed any more clearly than the revolutions in Syria and in Libya. During the Libyan revolution, not only was a no fly zone enforced over Libya but the U.S also began using aggressive strikes to keep the Pro-Qaddafi forces at bay. The U.N passed a resolution that authorized all necessary means to protect the civilians in Libya. With the support of the U.N, the Libyan rebels managed to overthrow Qaddafi. Syria has essentially been left alone to deal with its own problems. Strife runs were made down the main streets and thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians have died. The conflict in Syria is beginning to effect countries around it as well. Turkey is currently the target of cross-border attacks by Syria and has also had to deal with mass amounts of refugees that are fleeing Syria. The U.N’s role should be expansive to issues that encompass more than just a single nation, but also not be overbearing to squabbles within a single country.

The amount of armed violence is the best way to tell between loyal opposition and rebellion. Countries that simply want to reform the current government systems are not going to immediately resort to armed violence while the groups that want more radical changes require a more radical approach to get what they want. It is the U.N’s job to decide when a reformation becomes a rebellion.

In regards to intervention of the U.N on issues that solely deal with political issues, sovereignty should provide a “shield” from all interference of other countries. If those political issues become armed conflicts that end up harming innocent civilians, then an intervention is necessary but if it remains in the realm of politics, there is no reason to intervene.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Kenny Weeden-Sand
School: Williamston High School

The United Kingdom believes that the effort that the United Nations plays a large role in peacemaking and conflict prevention. These issues are usually prevented by UN Peacekeepers. The UN currently directs and supports fifteen peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world, comprising over 85,000 troops, police, military observers and civilian personnel. When governments decide to take matters into their own hands against their own people, through violence, the UN should take action before that government goes out of control.

The United Kingdom works hand-in-hand with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Department of Field Support (DFS) and with other UN partners. We contribute our troops, police, and financial resources to the UN’s peacekeeping operations. We are looking to make sure that the UN has full Intel and hard proof on a problem before peacekeepers are deployed.

The United Kingdom believes that the UN should be open to suggestions to improve the peacekeeping operations. The United Kingdom wants to ensure that civil wars are terminated within two weeks of them happening, government hierarchies are reprimanding their wrong-doings, and innocent lives are not taken due to leaks in a government. The United Kingdom, as a country, believes that national sovereignty is important. A country is defined by its national sovereignty, no matter how big or small they are. But, we also believe that a nation’s sovereignty can only go so far. Once innocent lives are taken and governments have rebelled, there is no shield to prevent internal political conflicts. The United Kingdom believes that the United Nations has the power to grant these requests and that the violence will diminish quickly should they choose to.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Bridget Vial
School: Royal Oak High School

While maintenance of international peace and security is the primary responsibility of the United Nations, the rising instance of intra-State political conflict relative to inter-State conflict has brought into question the role of the United Nations in promoting peace versus respecting sovereignty. Mutual respect for national sovereignty is of course crucial in maintaining respectful, peaceful, international relations. Protecting national sovereignty, is not however, the pinnacle of the UN’s responsibilities. Member States unanimously agreed at the World Summit Outcome in 2005 that “each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”, and that if a State fails to do so, the international community has a responsibility to protect those populations. The United States believes it is crucially important that the Responsibility to Protect be formally recognized by the Special Political Committee. The situation in Syria, as well as future conflicts that may come, depend on cohesive action by member states address political conflict.

The United States strongly believes that mediation and negotiation by the United Nations or other neutral parties should be the primary means of resolving political conflict. While mediation is vital after the outbreak of armed conflict and during the initiation of peace, preventative mediation is perhaps even more critical. The United States commends Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s efforts in restructuring UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and in establishing the Mediation Support Unit, and hopes to take further strengthen the DPA’s ability to respond to political conflict.

In situations in which peaceful negotiations have been tried and failed, and a threat to international peace and security and to human rights remains, the United States recognizes the need for further action in the form of sanctions, peacekeeping troops, and military involvement.

In response to political conflict that has arisen in recent years, the United States has reaffirmed its obligation to protecting universal rights- the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, freedom of religion, gender equality under the rule of law, and self-determination- and affirmed its opposition to violence and oppression of people. We look forward to this opportunity to further our commitment to a more peaceful and secure world.

Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: John Cunningham
School: Williamston High School

Zimbabwe recognizes the advances or improvements of the United Nations political conflict resolution mechanisms can be made. The issue at hand is whether the United Nations has the right under its guidelines to step into certain situations. The United Nations must watch where it treads so it does not infringe on any countries sovereignty. Zimbabwe believes that steps could be taken to improve resolution mechanisms but should be debated and reviewed within the United Nations Security Council and/or the General Assembly. These debates should hold close that the goal of the United Nations is world peace and national sovereignty of any country should not be harmed.

Zimbabwe suggests that a greater communication between member states in the United Nations is opened. The faster and more effective communication of such conflicts could be prevented before they even happen or stopped earlier with the help of the Security Council. When the Security Council wishes to stop the fighting, both leaders or heads of two the two fighting parties should be brought together and try working out their issues peacefully before there is a mass bloodshed. Countries that do not ask for help or appear to be doing the incorrect thing should be questioned of their efforts towards world peace.

Zimbabwe understands the number one goal of the United Nations is to achieve world peace. Countries that do not wish to have the United Nations help with their issues could very well say that the United Nations is infringing on their national sovereignty. This argument should not be used to prevent help in Zimbabwe’s view. The question of whether or not that country wishes for world peace should be brought up if this so called “shield” is used. Zimbabwe believes that the step of better communication between countries and the United Nations would not infringe on anyone’s sovereignty and would further help the cause of political conflict resolution mechanisms.