Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: David Fairfield
School: Roeper School

Afghanistan recognizes the important role of the United Nations in promoting democracy, and has itself recently become democratic with the aid of the international community, yet urges the United Nations not to overstep the limitations of its power and violate national sovereignty. Afghanistan attests to the fact that United Nations and other international assistance is in many cases necessary in order to hold free and fair elections and investigate claims of electoral corruption and believes that, with the consent of the government or the people of that nation, the United Nations is fully within its bounds to do so.

With the recent Arab Spring, the people of many Middle Eastern nations have risen up against their leaders for the purpose of achieving a democracy. In many of these cases the United Nations has tried not to interfere or side with either party other than to provide humanitarian relief. However if the United Nations uses the statement made in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, namely that “the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of the government” to define sovereignty, intervening on behalf of the people of a nation where the government no longer has their consent, is not a violation of sovereignty and would fall within the authority of the United Nations. Afghanistan would look favorably upon any assistance to the people in nations recently liberated from dictatorships to monitor their elections if the people so choose, as well as assistance in nations such as Syria, where the people still struggle for the right to a democracy.

In recently democratic nations, the United Nations should only monitor elections or investigate claims of corruption when the people of that nation call upon them to do so, otherwise the UN would be ignoring the principles they try to promote. That if the people of a nation are not in favor of UN action, by intervening, the United Nations would be ignoring a democratically reached conclusion.

Afghanistan looks forward to working with other nations to more accurately define the role of the United Nations in promoting democracy and where limitations should be placed in order not to infringe upon sovereignty.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Connor Helakoski
School: Mattawan High School

Over the years, the United Nations has tried its absolute hardest to protect human rights across the globe. A main point of these human rights is the spread of democracy. However every country does have the right to choose its own sovereignty. These two conflict strongly, how can the United Nations say you are welcome to have any type of government you want, while also pushing for democracy? Of course, there are many non-democracy countries who do extremely well and have thriving economies. The main ethical question is, should the United Nations push for democracy in countries? And how can they do so if there are countries without democracies that thrive? There are some countries with clearly failing governments, who would certainly benefit from a democracy. There are other forms of government that would work better than theirs, however that aren't democracies.

The government of Argentina, functioning within the framework of a federal system, is a presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Argentina is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the President. Legislative power is vested in both the Executive and the National Congress. The Judiciary is independent from the Executive and from the Legislature. I believe that the best way to solve the issue of democratization is to form democracy committees to discuss options with countries. No country should be forced into democracy, but when a government form is clearly failing, action needs to taken. Committees to help spread democracy should have talks with countries who are failing. If a country is not failing, however, they should have the option of meeting with democratization committees, but it should be there choice.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Azerbaijan
Delegate Name: Jack Bennett
School: Royal Oak High School

As a democratic state, the Republic of Azerbaijan sees the promotion of democratization as part of a noble effort to secure universal human rights. It has proven evident that the goals of the UDHR are expressly fulfilled under a democratically modeled government. However, the democratization directive has long contested the UN’s principle of national sovereignty and self-determination. As well as this, the role that the UN should play in encouraging and/or aiding democratization movements within a transitioning state are called into question in light of the events of early 2011 in the Middle-East and North Africa.

It is the position of the Republic of Azerbaijan that encouraging democratization movements within nations carried out by non-state actors under the right conditions. The promotion of violent non-state reformists, however noble their stated aims is something which the republic of Azerbaijan views as ill-advised and otherwise invalid in the context of the United Nations, a body whose goals include the maintaining of international peace and security. Though the UN is within its rights to work closely with existing reformist parties within a transitioning state, Azerbaijan believes that activities such as material aid to such causes should be avoided as such action may be viewed as subversive and hostile by the host state. Though the involuntary monitoring of suspected illegitimate elections would be a breach of a state’s sovereignty, the consented monitoring of elections in developing democratic states carried out by the UN should continue as solidifying of existing democracies in an important part of the UN’s role in the promotion of democracy.

Azerbaijan’s stance on the promotion of democracy is one in which stern principles of the rights of states and the citizens within them are balanced. The preservation of a state’s self-determination must sternly be upheld; however Azerbaijan is open to a solution centered on working to reform willing nations through the spread of awareness and peaceful non-state activism. The republic of Azerbaijan looks foreword to an engaging and productive session as this pivotal issue nears its resolution.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Emma Lincoln
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Ever since the United Nations was created, the main concern was to protect human rights around the world. The issue has come up to whether or not the UN should be promoting democratization to the countries that are not democracies. This is understandable due to the fact that 45% of the UN member states are full-fledged democracies. There are people opposed to the idea of the UN promoting democratization because there are many countries that exist today with non-democratic forms of government and are functioning quite well. The problem with the UN attempting to promote democratization is that it can be considered going against the other country’s national sovereignty.

The UN should not enforce democracy to the non-democratic countries, but instead assist the countries with broken governments to get back on their feet. Considering the history in which democracy has helped to put countries back together, a democratic form of government is the best so far.

Bangladesh is slowly getting closer to achieving that democratic form of government. After the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Bangladesh Awami League was left with a poor and broken country. Thousands killed, and even more were left starving. India at that time was a huge support system that helped to bring support for Bangladesh in their time of need. The country of Bangladesh has had much help towards creating more of a democracy. Several foreign policy agencies and other international non-governmental organizations have brought about programs that have taken a large part in making Bangladesh more democratic. Bangladesh has been said to be a model for other Muslim nations looking to create more of a democratic form of government.

Bangladesh is very much for the democratization of most countries, but believes the UN should aid these countries in a respectful way so as not to infringe upon their national sovereignty.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Barbados
Delegate Name: Erich Hairston
School: Williamston High School

1)Since the Beginning of The United Nations, it has wanted encourage and spread democracy. However, a problem with helping spread peace is the leaders of these regimes not wanting give up their power, and nations wanting to maintain their sovereignty as a nation. Even though the United Nations wants to push for peaceful reform, we cannot allow these reforms to be forced onto a nation and cannot allow violence to be an outcome of these reforms, in countries like Syria and Libya. Many developing countries outside of the United Nations have found some of these reforms to be unjust and hypocritical that their country is being told to change regime, even though countries in the UN are not of Democratic Government. The UN must allow developing countries to have a voice in there government, so not only they have a stable transition in government but that they also maintain their national sovereignty.

2)The country of Barbados has a keen interest in resolving these problems that involve democratization, mostly because of the number of developing countries in its region. Barbados is also a developing country and as one of them, we have a great interest in enhancing the effectiveness of periodic and genuine elections. Although we do not want stronger more developed countries to compromise a sovereignty of a nation. Even though Barbados has been a parliamentary democracy for more than 50 years, we will always want to be involved in the spreading of democracy unless it jeopardizes the control the nation has over itself.

3)Barbados would like to help lead reforms for democracy and help developing countries maintain national sovereignty as they transition to a democratic government. This more direct approach to help developing countries transition into a democracy will ensure stability and national sovereignty in a region and in a nation that is pushing for a regime change. Countries cannot be pushed into democracy especially in times of violence as has been shown in Syria and Libya. We expect the full support of the United States, The United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago , and Guyana.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Benjamin Hall
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Since its creation, the United Nations has strived to protect human rights across the globe. In an effort to do so the UN is promoting the spread of democracy. This action presents a conflict with another United Nations principle, that every nation has the right to its own sovereignty. There are several countries with their own non-democratic government that are thriving and functional. The question then lies in whether or not the United Nations should try to democratize such governments and to what extent do they have the right to do so. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the United Nations to encourage a plan of democratization in a country that is fundamentally opposed to the idea.

Brazil itself has a representative democracy, more specifically a federal republic, with majority rule voting and separate but equal branches of government. Brazil is adamant that democracy must be spread through diplomacy, not violence. In Brazil’s opinion, the spread of democracy is worth promoting until a declaration of war becomes a possibility. While there are many fully functioning countries with non-democratic governments, it is worth the UN’s effort and the infringement of national sovereignty to try to democratize most of these governments in the name of protecting human rights. The more corrupt and dictatorial-based a country is, the more true this statement becomes.

A possible option that the United Nations could exercise in order to help promote the spread of democracy would be to make international diplomacy easier to discuss and fulfill. This could be done through the creation of more committees whose sole concern is to promote and create diplomacy. Having specialized committees would allow the representatives of the nations concerned in a potential democratic and diplomatic solution, to gather together and be able to discuss said solution without third party interruption. The only fair and effective way to promote the spread of democracy is through diplomacy and discussion; the formation of these committee’s will effectively create a pathway for this method of democratization to flourish.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Isabel Todoroff
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Cameroon believes that democratization should be encouraged by the United Nations. When everyone has a say in decisions that effect their lives. This includes being able to share your ideas and voting. Giving people rights is really important, and the United Nations should use its influence to try and make this happen in countries without democracy.

However, if a country is having a rebellion against their government then it is not in the United Nations responsibilities to help overthrow the government. The United Nations can tell countries about having a democracy, but actually making a country have one is not right because each country is a sovereign nation and has their own rights.

Cameroon believes that the United Nations should go to the countries without democracies and tell them about the benefits of a democracy and try to help the country. However, funding a rebellion or movement isn’t right, and it is up for the country it’s happening in to handle the situation.

The United Nations should establish democratic groups in countries without them. This way, they are indirectly helping without interfering in the specific countries’ policies. However, the United Nations should let the democratic groups establish power themselves, as not to interfere too much. Cameroon believes that the United Nations should go to the countries without democracies and tell them about the benefits of a democracy and try to help the country. However, funding a rebellion or movement isn’t right, and it is up for the country it’s happening in to handle the situation.

The United Nations should establish democratic groups in countries without them. This way, they are indirectly helping without interfering in the specific countries’ policies. However, the United Nations should let the democratic groups establish power themselves, as not to interfere too much.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Dimi Tcholakov
School: Fishers High School

The nation of Canada believes that democracy should be encouraged around the world, but that direct military intervention should only be used as a last resort. The number of democratic nations around the world has consistently been on the rise for the past couple of centuries. Since 1972, 67 dictatorships have fallen. (Study 1) Among those 67 countries, 50 have had a strong influence from nonviolent civic resistance. This shows the power of nonviolence in obtaining a democratic government. The want for change must come from within the country for the democratization of the country to be successful. The use of military force is not needed unless there are crimes against humanity occurring within the specific area. When such force is used, it is better to provide humanitarian support and alleviate the suffering caused by the crimes, as well as restrict the violence. However, sending ground forces to the region can have a destabilizing effect and lead to worse results.

Canada has been active in encouraging democracy around the globe through the United Nations. The mission in Libya started with economic sanctions and travel restrictions placed on leaders of the nation. After evidence of crimes against humanity committed by the government there, a no fly zone was established and enforced. Canada’s air force participated in the NATO led bombing missions to speed up the end of Gadhafi’s reign and reduce the number of civilians killed by his military forces. Canada has also committed troops to Afghanistan in order to set up a more stable and democratic government there. Canada has also encouraged the democratization of nations through peaceful methods, such as increasing government transparency, and providing freedom for political expression.

There are several solutions that the nation of Canada would support in order to aid democratization. First, the societal setting for democracy must be set. Policies that increase a region’s GDP per capita lead to a greater ability of its citizenry to take part in political activities. Another important feature of a society likely to become democratic is an educated populace. When people have education available, they are more likely to support governmental systems where there are more freedoms given to the population. Assisting with the implementation and oversight of elections when requested by the host country is another duty of the UN that Canada supports. Overall, Canada would support peaceful actions that are agreed to by the host nation to expand democracy, as well as sanctions and military actions in extreme circumstances when there are crimes against humanity occurring within the nation in question.

Works Cited

1."Study: Nonviolent Civic Resistance Key Factor in Building Durable Democracies."Freedom House. Freedom House, 24 May 2005. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.freedomhouse.org/article/study-nonviolent-civic-resistance-key-factor-building-durable-democracies?page=70>.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: John Bradtke
School: Mattawan High School

In countries throughout the world, having every citizen’s input while choosing national leaders is important. When democracy is in place, every citizen gets the opportunity to voice their opinions and defend their beliefs through the process of voting. History has shown that nations with fair elections are more successful, stable, and durable than those without. Other styles of government can be, and often times are, oppressive, unfair, and unstable. This is why the United Nations should promote the spread of democracy throughout the world, attempt to persuade countries to reform, and support all movements towards democracy.

The Central African Republic is a democratic nation and would agree that democracy should encouraged by the United Nations. This issue resonates with the central African Republic because since it has seen increased stability since its first elections. Also, the United Nations has helped the Central African Republic strengthen its democratic institutions in the past. In a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to help promote peace, a part of this was to strengthen the influence of democracy throughout the nation. This again shows that democracy can lead to peace, and that the Central African Republic agrees with the United Nation’s views on democratization.

National sovereignty plays quite a large role in some nations that are being pushed towards democracy. It can greatly slow down the process of government reform, especially if the nation in question is opposed to democracy. However, for those countries that are against democracy, the United Nations must show them evidence that democracy is a good change, and that it has proven to be successful in other nations. This could help to persuade skeptical nations. The states that are already open to the idea of democratization simply need continue to be supported in their early stages of governmental change.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: China
Delegate Name: Harrison Watson
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Since the creation of the UN, the ideals and values upheld by the UN have been reflected in Democracy. The UN has strived to promote human rights throughout the world. Now the UN is promoting the spread and growth of democracy throughout the world. This is an action that impedes on the sovereignty of many nations. This view of democracy as the best option for nations interferes with the sovereignty of many nations that are fully functional and prosperous using forms of governments that are just as effective as democracy. We, as the United Nations have the responsibility to resolve the issue of the United Nations impeding on the functioning regimes that are not democratic, and what measures are to be taken in order to assure the protection of a nation’s national sovereignty.

The Peoples Republic of China strongly believes in national sovereignty, and the right of each nation to govern or rule in the way it sees fit. As a non-democratic state, China is concerned by this blatant violation of national sovereignty by that United Nations. We, The Peoples Republic of China, one of the strongest and most prosperous nations in the world, believe that the national sovereignty of each nation should be protected, and under no normal circumstance, impeded upon. This foreign concept of democratization being thrust upon nations that are fully capable to running efficiently, and supplying the basic human rights to their citizens can upset the balance of a government, and lead to more concerning developments. Nations such as China that can run efficiently and prosperously should be the model for nations that are new and developing, and for nations that are undergoing economic, or other crises. While democracy may uphold that standards of human rights that the UN is based upon, it may not be the most effective way to operate a government, and sustain an economy.

The role of the UN in democratization of nations is an issue that if not handled properly, can cause great disruption in countries foreign to the concept of democracy. The national sovereignty of each nation should be preserved and protected. While democracy is a valid government form, it may not be right for every country. The countries that can run efficiently and prosperously should be allowed to run without disturbance from foreign bodies. The UN should be restricted to simple roles, such as watching insuring fair voting if invited to do so, or helping establish a fair party system in friendly countries, but ultimately, the United Nations should play no major role in the democratization of nations, and preserve the national sovereignty of all nations.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Josephine Hamilton
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Colombia completely and fully supports the encouragement idea and aiding of assisted democratization to help less fortunate fellow member nations that are not completely stable. The core areas that they are currently focusing on; dealing with political, social, and economic affairs are all in need of urgent help in Colombia. The UNDP made this a core operation in the 1990's when Colombia needed it most. The aid in decentralizing the government will help Colombia in a tremendously vast way, as our overly centralized government has been the problem in the past.

From 1991 to 1999 the UNDP provided assistance to Colombia electorally. This helped Colombia become an exponentially more sustainable governing institution. The thought of an outside source to bring the country back to a stable place is very helpful, not having a native to Colombia who is already affected by the economic troubles and war on drugs.

This direly wound stricken member nation and many others member nations need help too in regaining independent power within their own borders, and this UN aid of democratization could help a very substantial amount this area. There has already been a multitude of headway within this field, but the current effort needs to stay strong so that the countries will be capable of standing on their own two feet. Colombia has prospered from this aid and hopefully will continue to in the future.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Congo
Delegate Name: Dario Zullo
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

One of the largest problems across the world today is the lack of citizen representation in the choosing of political leaders. In some situations, governments have oppressed their people so much that it is up to outside initiatives to resolve the conflict. In these countries, the citizens must demand a voice in their government. Any government that deprives its citizens of rights is completely out of line and should be taken into consideration by the UN for managing.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has not always been a democracy. In 1960 a civil war erupted over Congo’s mineral rich soil, causing the citizens to lose faith in Congo’s government. Recently, in 2008, a conflict between Rwandan militias and the Congo government erupted, displacing thousands of citizens. This conflict can be pinned on the lack of democratization in the Rwandan government. Once again, this made the Congo’s government seem unstable and unreliable because of the constant conflicts with Rwanda. Despite the fact that the Congo’s government was unreliable in the past, we have been able to create a democratic government. This shows that if Congo, with one of the worst possible political histories, can form a democracy, any country can.

The UN should demand that any given country should publicly identify itself, according to its true form of government. The DRC does not support the inaccurate claims that some specific countries are democratic when their policies clearly show otherwise. The name Democratic Republic of the Congo clearly states that we value a democratic government. A democratic government is important in order for citizens to be content with their government policies.

Some countries are in need of UN intervention to aid democratization. One of these countries is Syria, who has a government that consistently oppresses its citizens in cruel and violent ways. Congo suggests that the UN take the initiative in Syria by gathering the world’s attention and pressuring the Syrian government. The UN’s first attempt should always be a nonviolent approach, aiding civilians against an oppressive government. Some examples of how this can be done are by raising awareness through public media or withholding imports and exports from that country. If necessary, military actions may be required. It is important that the UN is careful about when it uses violence and only uses military action if it is absolutely necessary. It is important that the UN demand democracy from all its members and involve itself in acts of deprivation of democratization wherever they arise. For example, in the past the UN has worked on promoting democratization in the Balkans, a group of countries located in southeastern Europe. After the Balkan war, the broken Balkan countries relied on the UN to fix their economies and restore, or create a democratic system for their countries.

Congo hopes that the UN will take their suggestions into consideration. Today, many countries still refuse to give any sort of compromise to get closer to becoming a democracy. The citizens in these countries like Syria deserve a better lifestyle than their current one. A voice of the citizens is a necessity for any country.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Costa Rica
Delegate Name: Olof Carlson
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The UN was formed in order to keep democracy in the countries which joined. Established after World War 2, the world finally understood the importance of democracy, as well as the significance of it in a functioning nation. As the UN has expanded its influence and power since its formation, it is time to, rather than maintain, expand democracy through the rest of the world in order to stay away from world wide crises seen prior to the UN. Costa Rica believes that the UN must take great responsibility in establishing democracy, as it was its original virtue; if a country refuses to submit, actions must be taken, or the product of the crisis could resolve something much larger.

As a country that has been governed under dictatorship and military rule, Costa Rica has experienced unjust rule, and understands the significance of a democratic government. By living in the legacy of dictatorship, Costa Rica is a strong supporter of world wide democracy, and the UN’s aid to act as a catalyst in the expansion. Costa Rica believes that if a country lacks sufficient representation of the population, intervention is needed. Because of our pacifist values, we believe that working in non-aggressive ways will be enough in order to change the values of a non democratic nation. Methods that can be used include, but are not limited to: educate the oppressed population on their human rights, and the reforms that can be used to gain those rights, encouraging political groups and movements, and discuss the privileges of democracy and the alliance with the UN with the leading political group. It is important not to undermine the current government, as that will surely do nothing but aggravate the official body. If a country refuses to give the deference expected, the General Assembly should discuss on future actions.

The values embodied in democracy are those same values which are found in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. If an ideology compares to such an extent to a human’s basic rights, the population of a non democratic nation should be entitled to it. From personal experience as well as the studying world history, Costa Rica has drawn the conclusion that the UN must protect the right of democracy, and the right of living.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Croatia
Delegate Name: Amber Ung
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The role of the UN in encouraging and aiding democratization is a significant one. The objective of the UN is to bring all nations of the world together for peace and development. All nations cannot be brought together when the nation itself is not brought together. Views and beliefs of the entire country cannot be determined without democratization.

Croatia is a democratic nation which consists of a President and a Parliament of 151 members. Our nation believes that democracy is is the most fair and effective way for the nations people to voice their opinions and beliefs. Croatia believes a state is considered democratic when there is a president appointed by the citizens’ or representatives of the citizens’ votes. There should also be the feature of some type of veto power within the government where control does not have a sole owner and is distributed equally between ‘branches’.

The UN should encourage democratization movements throughout the countries at stake by working with established domestic political groups and figures which have a distinct voice in the country. The UN should try to access and educate through the undemocratic country’s media. Croatia suggests that the UN educate the inhabitants and officials of the undemocratic countries on how much more effective democracy is for voicing views and opinions on issues regarding the well being of a country and its people.

Croatia believes the national sovereignty of a country is important but the well being of the people in the country is more urgent. The national sovereignty and voice of the people should be shared, like in a democracy. Not many want a dictatorship. That’s what national sovereignty appears as without democracy and the voice of the people. The UN can reassure regimes leery of change by presenting the benefits of switching to democracy and the potential improved state of the people. By educating the regime about the efficiency of democracy and how they will benefit from the change, they will be more willing to accept a new method of taking care of their country. In cases where states deny access, the UN should contact the allies of the country and work out a way to get through to the country at hand. Persistence is key. The UN should educate and, in situations of wary nations, pursue cooperation through allied countries to help communicate with the unwilling state.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Lexie Hermosura
School: Mattawan High School

The ideals of the United Nations have reflected democracy, and they have been working on promoting and preserving human rights throughout the world. The UN also encourages nations to adopt and spread democracy. These actions, however, have caused much conflict with the protection of national sovereignty. Nations like The Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Cuba strive to ensure the protection of national sovereignty.

Cuba, along with China and Russia, heavily supports national sovereignty; we believe that our country should be ruled the way we see it fit without any interruption from outside nations. The UN should not make any endeavors to approach democratization. This issue is so conflicting with the protection of national sovereignty, that it should not even be bothered to form a resolution.

Although democracy is a legitimate form of government and has proven to work well with some states, there are too many nations in the world that have policies and rules against the ideas of democracy. National sovereignty ensures that a state can rule in a way that is best in their opinion. We, the Republic of Cuba, are a nation that cannot envision democracy as a part of our government, along with many others. The United Nations should protect national sovereignty for all nations, and they should not have the ability to play a major role when it comes to the democratization of states.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Sam Meyers
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Czech Republic as a member of the European Union and NATO believes very strongly in the strength and importance of democracy but also national sovereignty and a country's right to make its own decisions. The fact that the Czech Republic was the last standing democratic nation in central Europe until 1938 alone states the importance of democracy to its people. One of the United Nations main goals is to aid the spread of democracy but that sometimes conflicts with another key principle in the United Nations, that every country has a right to its sovereignty. Given the fact that there are some perfectly sustainable governments that are not democratic the United Nations should address where the line is to be drawn.

The United Nations should strive to aid in democratization in any form as long as it is peaceful. Nations have a right to their sovereignty but should be open to the help the United Nations offers. Democratization should also be pursued purely because of the people’s right to have decent civil liberties and in some areas of the world the population has none or few rights.

The United Nations can reassure countries opening up to reform by promising to recognize a nation's sovereignty and its right to ultimately make its own decision along with the aid the United Nations is willing to offer. A way to ensure the spread of democracy would be for the United Nations to create a separate committee to address ways in which democratization can be pursued.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Dominican Republic
Delegate Name: Brent Palarz
School: Mattawan High School

The Dominican Republic, having been a representative democracy for over fifty years, is a strong advocate of democracy. Although a strong supporter of democratization, the Dominican Republic believes that any military conflict should be avoided. Democracy should be emphasized and stressed in a peaceful way wherever possible and necessary. Peaceful protest has and will continue to lead to a more democratic political regime in countries that need it. According to a study by Freedom House, in 67 countries where dictatorships have fallen since 1972, nonviolent civic resistance was a strong influence over 70 percent of the time. This shows that revolution must begin from within the country. If Democratization can occur peacefully from within the nation, it is obviously not worth the hardships of violence that civilians will face from military intervention. Beginning Democratization from outside the country can and should be avoided at all costs. It must come from the people within the borders whose unalienable rights have been infringed upon.

The Dominican Republic’s strong advocacy for Democratization lies in the roots of its past. It has fought through years of corruption and political turmoil to win its representative democracy. It knows the strife and hardships that come with winning freedom. Beginning in 1961 with the assassin of thirty-one year dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, the Dominican Republic witnessed five years of instability including a short-lived democratic regime under Juan Bosch Gavino, the military overthrow of Bosch, a Bosch-led revolution in 1965, civil war, United States intervention, and the restoration of stability in 1966 under a former Trujillo puppet, Joaquin Balaguer Ricardo. As one can see through the history of the Dominican Republic, democracy is no easy trial. It was ultimately the people of the Dominican Republic who fought for the fate of their country, with intervention from world power United States where necessary.

In the eyes of the Dominican Republic, the UN should avoid interference in other states' politcal regimes unless civilians are being treated inhumanely. In the case that people are being treated inhumanely, the United Nations must militarily intervene for the sake of the lives of those oppressed. Unless this is the case, democratization should be limited to the people within the nation. We become tyrants ourselves when we attempt to police other nation's governments.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Vera Kotlyar
School: Fishers High School

The country of Egypt strongly believes that democratization is vital for any nation to establish a sense of security and trust between a government and its citizens. As a country with a recent change in the way that Egyptians may choose their leaders, we believe that democracy is necessary for any country to become a nation of stability. Several countries in the Middle East have suffered the oppressed ways of a non democratic country, including Egypt, which was in a revolt against its government a year before.

The Arab Spring situation is a matter known all over the world, and the citizens fighting for their rights to live in a democratic society are also fighting for their human rights. Features to be considered in order to establish a democratic country would have to be to make the elections for national leaders more dependent on the citizens, giving them the power to choose leaders they are comfortable with and giving them the opportunity to establish a regime that would benefit the overall relationship between citizens and the government. Those countries who do not give their people more power to choose their own leaders need to be advised by the UN that establishing a democratic government would be beneficial for all parties. Democratization movements should be instilled to promote to the people that democracy is a possibility.

Although national sovereignty is an important aspect to the stability of a nation, the aspects that portray a democratic rule in a nation should supersede that nations ability to choose government leaders over the people themselves. Although the UN should not take military action against these unwilling nations, Egypt believes that to reduce tensions between the UN and these non democratic nations, charters should be established to set standards of democracy for all UN nations in order to relieve the worries of the people as well as the overall tension that it causes for international leaders. In the cases that these states deny access, the UN should not impede on the national sovereignty in order to maintain a peaceful relationship, but instead advise to these nations that a democratic rule would be more beneficial in regards of establishing a peaceful regime where the citizens of these nations are content and trust the governments they live in.

It is extremely beneficial for democratic nations, such as Egypt, to portray their own governments as examples for other countries who do not have such a high priority or view of democratization of their own countries. The UN should work with these countries and let them realize that democratization is not only beneficial but also aids a country globally, socially, and economically.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: France
Delegate Name: Emma Stout
School: Royal Oak High School

Creating democracy is a key goal for the United Nations, one that France completely supports. With the emergence of the Arab Spring, and various African nations struggling to get on their feet, democratization has become a topic of the utmost importance. We have seen a shift where people are demanding more representative governments, demanding a voice. Protests have created change in our world over the past year alone, and there is more to come. Democracy is the key to satisfying the needs of the people of the world, making sure their rights are being protected. It is the United Nations along with willing and able nations such as France to help facilitate the transition of the governments of nations ready to create a democracy.

With this rush of change many governments have not been willing to make amends as we've seen as a result of the violence of the Arab Spring. While all United Nations members recognize that we are afforded sovereignty, there must come a time when the rights of the people become more important than the rights of the government. When we see oppressive regimes such as we saw in Libya and we see in Syria, action must be taken. The people in those nations should not suffer because the international community does not want to tread on the toes of a government that is not doing its duty to its people. A policy that has remained steadfast in France with our transition of Presidents, is that in certain cases interventions are necessary. As stated by our former President Sarkozy , "If we intervene … it is because of a universal conscience that cannot tolerate such crimes." France was a strong supporter and instigator of intervention in Libya to remove Gaddafi. We now stand behind Libya offering support as they create a new government based on democratic principles. As for Syria, France hopes to see a democratic government in place as well. We urge the opposition to form a transition government, one that with aid can form the democracy that the Syrian people deserve. France sees no place for Bashir Al-Assad in Syria, and no place for oppressive regimes like his anywhere in the world, if the people demand democracy it is the duty of the United Nations to support the people.

France recognizes this as a time of change. It is time for the international community to support democracy and those seeking it. We should encourage the use of UN programs for democracy such as The Department of Political Affairs (DPA), or the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission. The European Union’s electoral observation is a program that should be used to its fullest extent, helping nations hold fair and transparent elections. The international community must reach out to nations wishing to become democracies and provide all the necessary support so to create a thriving self-sufficient democratic country. There is so much the international community can do to help their fellow nations working bilaterally with the nation working towards and achieving democracy. France also believes that this is no time for the international community to shy away from confronting oppressive regimes. It is our duty to uphold the rights of all of the people of the world, and the international community should make a pledge to the people in nations running on a policy of repression that we will step in on their behalf, and uphold their desire for democracy.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Daniel Lance
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Promoting democracy on an international scale requires a very delicate balance and careful application of technique in order to succeed. It is easy for westernized nations to attempt to simply force democracy on a nation which they view to be “Corrupt” or “Backward” and force the people of this poor nation into a system which, while ideal to the imparter, is confusing to and against the many of the morals of the people of the nation in which democracy is being implemented.

If past attempts have taught us anything, it is this: The initial yearning for democracy must come from within a nation and indeed the first uprising or demands for democracy must be organized by the people; democracy may take many forms, and as long as a proposed form of government better protects the civil rights of a country’s people, it must be respected, and not be compared to an idealized western view of democracy; more effort should be given to stabilizing the internal police and military structures of nations after any kind of regime change; democratization may take far longer than most promoters expect/are comfortable with; if there is to be a pro-democracy foreign intervention, there will likely need to be many like it until democracy can be assured for any long term; democracy has yet to be clearly defined, and must be if there is to be any consensus on the success of any democratization attempt.

Clearly, free and fair popular elections are the pinnacle of true democracy. This must be included in the definition of a true democracy. Beyond that, however, nations can do little to sway what is or is not a democracy in the eyes of the people who will be a part of it. And while it is wise to promote the implementation of a system of checks and balances, political parties, judicial reform, civil societies, and promotion of democracy in the media, as well as any number of other proven techniques to ensure a free nation, it is the very point of democracy that, if the people truly not want it, they need not have it.

So there remains the question – how to promote democracy at all? It is obvious by many historical events (eg. the American war in Iraq) that militaristic imposing of democracy is by no means successful in the long term. Therefore, it is the opinion of Germany, that NGO’s, specifically those under the classification of Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) such as the German Heinrich Boll Foundation, the American National Endowment for Democracy, or the British Westminster Foundation for Democracy, among others, do the brunt of the work in inspiring the initial desire for democracy among oppressed peoples, after which, if a revolt or uprising begins, nations may decide for themselves if military assistance to the uprising is in line with their own national foreign policy. However, beyond the promotion and funding of these CSO’s, Germany finds little that the UN could do to promote democratization without infringing greatly on national sovereignty.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Nicholas Greanias
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Guatemala believes that a strong democratic government body can be very beneficial to a country. Our great country it self was switched over to democracy, but not by the way that I believe should be used. Democracy must be used right though, if we were to help the spread of it. The closer that we get to a democratic world is the more closer we get to peace.

Democracy is a very delicate system. While it does work in most of the countries it has been in, if you do not help it become stable, then it can fail, and a dictator can use this to come in. A good example would be in 1954 when the CIA orchestrated a coup to overthrow the Guatemalan government at the time. The following years brought unstable conditions. Multiple coups from inside the country tried to overthrow the government and even a case of genocide within the country happened.

If the UN is not careful with how it brings about the spread of democracy, then we could be in a worse mess then we are in right now. If we introduce democracy, but then do not make the country stable, it will make things worse. We also cannot allow corrupt leaders to rule these democratic countries, since that will also make things worse. We need to start the spread of democracy now, to hopefully make it easier, and improve the world everywhere because of it.

We Guatemala support the spread of Democracy, but understand the need to support the countries after the switch. We hope the rest of the UN will realize this.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Zach Korstange
School: Forest Hills Central High School

As the representative of haiti, I believe the UN should be doing more to encourage the spread of democratization. Much alike our ally the United States, we believe that democracy is simply the most effective form of government. All across the world, there are countries that are struggling to stay afloat because there is no effective form of central government to keep it together. Argentina, for example, has tried to switch to a democracy but, do to a lack of support, has fallen back into it's federation of 23 provinces.

Haiti has been doing all that is possible at home to promote democratization, but because of a recent, devastating earthquake, we will not be able to contribute very much to aiding democratization.

Haiti would like to see incentives such as financial and physical aid to countries who commit to democratization. Countries who are looking to switch to a democratic form of government are often in need of help during the transitional phases, I see this as the perfect time to provide assistance and strengthen these countries. During transition, many countries could use a modest amount of UN troops to help prevent any military or rebel opposition while in the fragile state between governments.

Because of the close relationship between the U.S. and Haiti, and the continuous efforts made by the U.S. to spread democracy, I suspect both them and most of their allies will support my plan in the UN. I do not believe that there will be a large amount of opposition to my plan except for those nations that are against the spread of democracy.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: India
Delegate Name: Sasawat Prankprakma
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Democracy, or the rule of the people by the people, has been around since the time of the Ancient Greeks. The Charter of the United Nations and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights both stress democratic values. The UN Democracy Fund, the UN's largest institution established to help democratization efforts was established in 2005, funded primarily by India and the United States. In recent years, a revolution has taken off in the Middle East, with a push for the overthrow of dictatorships. The newly formed governments need help establishing a stable, free democratic government for their countries.

India is the world's largest democratic nation. We have been a democracy since our independence from Great Britain in 1947. Democracy in India works pretty well, however we have significant problems with corruption. As for promotion of democracy around the world, India, this February, contributed 4 million USD, bringing our total contribution to the fund since its inception in 2005 to 30 million USD. We are one of the largest contributors the fund.

We would like to see the UN further emphasize democratic principles throughout the world. We should expand the UNDEF to help meet the challenge of helping democratize the countries that were involved in Arab Spring. The UN should offer any help needed by the newly formed governments in the Middle East to establish stable, free democracies. The UN should also provide aid and protection to protestors in totalitarian regimes and provide tools to help peaceful transitions of power into a democratic form of government. We, however, should not infringe on national sovereignty.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Tom Allen
School: Roeper School

Since its humble beginnings after World War Two, the United Nations has operated under many core principals including aiding democracy and respecting national sovereignty. These two essential values of this institution often come into conflict and as the Disarmament and International Security Committee; we are tasked with finding a balance between these two and applying that standard to the process of democratization. The UN has voiced its ideal of promoting democracy in multiple documents including: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UDHR, and even the UN Charter. The ICCPR is the most detailed and prominent document of UN support for democratization and was passed by the General Assembly in 1966 and is binding for all states which have ratified it. 167 nations have done so including Indonesia. The ICCPR states its requirement for freedom of expression, assembly, and voting. So as we can see, the UN has made provisions in the past attempting to aid and encourage democracy and that it is essential to continue these attempts especially in the wake of many popular uprisings demanding democracy in the recent Arab Spring movement. However, the UN has also expressed the ideal of national sovereignty in its founding principles and this is a point of debate when considering the promotion of democratization.

Indonesia itself is a country governed by a democratic republic similar to the United States except without a system of federalism as Indonesian states have less power than the central government. Indonesia is a ratified member and signatory to the ICCPR and we respect all of the values and rights described in it. We have a developing democracy that is making strides towards complete democratization. We need no aid from the UN in advancing our democratic system but we believe that this would be necessary for many other developing nations.

Indonesia believes that the ICCPR and the ideals in it do not conflict with national sovereignty of any state because it is required that it be ratified by any state before taking effect on that state. Indonesia does believe that if future steps to aid and encourage democratization are to be taken by the UN and this body in particular that they also be in accordance with the principles of national sovereignty outlined in Article II of the UN Charter. We suggest to DISEC that advisors in progressing democracy be offered to any and all nations asking for help with supporting democracy. We further suggest that nation states assist fellow nations wishing to advance democracy within their own sovereign countries in any way necessary and agreed to by the other nation. Indonesia suggests that the UN continue its previously allotted powers in aiding democracy and its attempts to peacefully encourage the adoption of democracy to member states. Indonesia believes that the classification of a nation as democratic ought to be made by observers sent to willing nations to monitor elections and other facets of democracy to determine if a nation is democratic or not. Lastly we suggest that the UN issue a more comprehensive list about key tenets of democracy and offer procedural help in discussing how to implement democracy to willing nations. Indonesia is enthusiastic about beginning debate on this issue and is looking forward to working with other nations in creating effective resolutions about it.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Matt DeCamp
School: Forest Hills Central High School

It is not the role of the United Nations to aid democracy. The system of government that a country uses should be up to that country, not some outside source that thinks it knows what is best. Iran is not a democracy and we have done very well. Democracy is not the necessity that the United States describes it as. It is much more efficient to continue to run our government the way that we have been and to change to a democracy would do nothing bus set us back. If the U.S. president wants to move forward then what gives you the right to set us back. It would be a violation of national sovereignty if the United Nations was to force democratization upon countries who do not want it. Our form of government is not in any way hurting the countries around us, and therefore cannot be displaced with this westernized version of government without denying us of our unalienable right of national sovereignty. Just because a form of government works well for one country does not mean that it will work for another. The UN should not even attempt to define democracy because the mere proposal of this issue makes us question the integrity of the United Nations.

We will do everything in our power to make sure that the UN is not able to push through this corrupt, unjust law. We cannot allow other countries to be forced into something that they are not ready for and do not want, it is simply unfair, unethical, and wrong. We also need to stop providing funding for the UNDEF, which provides funds help promote democratization. We are confident that the countries of the UN will understand our views, along with the similar views of many other nations and not allow this law to pass.

We believe that Russia will not allow this to go through and count on their support throughout this meeting. However, we believe that some countries such as the U.S. will try to force their views upon the rest of the world, regardless of them being right or wrong.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Leia Tompkins
School: Vicksburg High School

Democracy has been a much rather debated topic through out the world, some agree with the positive affects of democraztion others do not and only see the negative. The United Nations supports democracy and is carried out through the United Nations Development programme and a few others.

Ireland is a democratic state itself, we have a well developed government with fair rights for men and women. We support the UN Women group which fights for gender equality. We note that a democratic government may not see right in the eye's of some countries and at some point many of them have tried it and failed.

Ireland is supportive of Democrazation and is willing to help try an convert other countries in favor of it as well. We see a democratic state as women having rights in participation towards political and public life as well as allowing those legal to vote on almost any given matter. We are willing to support others to change to a democratic state but they will not be forceful when it comes to it. The people should have some say in there countries political well being but not to the point where there is no government intact. We are aware of many countries concern of giving people to much freedom, but giving people freedom will allow for new advances to grow. Forcing people to convert to democratic state is not acceptable to us, we are a democratic state so we belive everyone has a right to choose what they believe.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Brandon Attala
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

As the world progresses as a whole, the expanding force of democracy continues to benefit the globe as a form of government that promotes peaceful cooperation between not only a country’s people, but between countries across the globe. The results of unremitting and unreliable and unaccountable and uncontested forms of government that promote absolute power and tyranny ultimately pale in comparison to the effect that democracy has on a country. Countries that practice democracy have an interest in public influence, an interest in cooperation, and an interest in ultimate and widespread prosperity among the entirety of its people. These are values that should be sought after by all.

Prosperity though genuine democracy should be encouraged among non-democratic nations; however, no country should be forced to change their values. If a majority of any country’s population desires democracy, than they should be aided in making the change and achieving it. Experienced democratic countries should reach out to them with support, advice, and guidance in how to make a peaceful conversion.

National sovereignty has the potential to slow down and hinder progress in the spread of democracy. In this regard, Israel believes that it should not be a deciding factor in the reforms of nations. Existing regimes should not have the power to deny a widely shared desire of its people when it comes to the integration of democracy. The United Nations taking action to bring democracy to countries that need it should be encouraged. Threats can be avoided, conflict can be solved, and bonds can be formed though the power of democracy.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Esperanza Cirilo
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

As a part of the EU, Italy is focused on establishing and maintaining democratization throughout the world. Italy sees this agenda as a way to establish long-term political, social, and economic stability especially in concerning the recent Arab Spring. Italy understands that there is a The European Commissioner for Enlargement and the ENP has recently made a statement on behalf of the EU saying “Too many of us fell prey to the assumption that authoritarian regimes were a guarantee of stability in the(Northern Africa) region. This was not even Realpolitik. It was, at best, short-termism – and the kind of short-termism that makes the long-term ever more difficult to build.” This was in reference to the EU’s support of previous authoritative regimes in the region in hopes of stability.

Italy has been quick to adopt these new ideas. Italy was one of the first countries to recognize the Benghazi-based Libyan National Council, or otherwise known as the rebel government when civil war broke out in Libya. The decision came from Italy’s recognition that the official Libyan government had not established any military prominence and was facing international isolation. When the Libyan foreign minister refused to negotiate the ousting of Gaddafi or agree to any conditions set forth by the international community, Italy recognized this as a blatant sign that the old regime was no longer rational, reliable, or credible. Those three factors should be key components when analyzing a new government’s right to be recognized.

Overall, Italy supports other EU countries in going above and beyond in support of Arab Spring rebellions than dictated by the UN security council in 1973. Also, Italy is a part of the SPRING Program, or Support for Partnership, Reform, and Inclusive Growth. This is an initiative that will support economic growth in the wake of the Arab Spring.

Essentially, Italy sees the recognition of new regimes as a decision best analyzed from specific aspects. The old regime’s cooperation with the international community, the viability of the old regime to uphold itself militarily, and the popularity and coordination of the new regime are all important aspects for review in government recognition.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Jamaica
Delegate Name: Jesse Katch
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

It is stated that the UN’s very role is to attempt to bring all countries together for development they cannot accomplish on their own and to bring peace between countries. Therefore, Jamaica believes the role of the UN in relation to whether other countries are a democracy or not is quite important. We believe the UN should enforce democracy in place and encourage non-democracy’s to democratize as much as possible. Jamaica believes when a nation is not a democracy it does not have the ability to offer a fair representation of its general populations views, because without the ability to tally opinions by a vote, there is no way to gather the opinions at all.

Jamaica is a bicameral democracy, which means it has two houses of government that share the power of decision making for the country between them. Our nation believes that democracy is obviously the only fair way to govern a country, as well as the most successful method. Jamaica considers a country to be democratic when the nation’s major officials are selected either directly by the popular vote or indirectly by representatives that were elected by the public. Jamaica also considers some form of checks and balances between different governmental sections to be an essential security measure for a democracy to exist.

The main role of the UN in non-democratic nations should be to educate and inform the public about democracy and how it works successfully in other countries. If the citizens of the country are actively taking steps to try and convert their government, the UN should offer as much help as available. Jamaica believes ANY country denying access to unarmed UN peacekeeping forces should be cut out of the world trade market immediately.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Christian O’Sullivan
School: Fishers High School

Encouraging and promoting democracy in non-democratic countries is of the utmost importance to Japan. Not only should the U.N encourage democratic growth, it should provide security and safety for those who seek to change their nation’s political system. As with the recent Arab Spring, thousands of protesters, rebels, and civilians have been killed trying to bring out reform in the incumbent government. No matter how strong the words were against the governments, they still continued to kill. Using Egypt, Libya, and Syria as examples the governments only relinquished power when a coup from internal elements occurred, an international military force intervened, or an armed civilian revolt staged a rebellion. This committee cannot expect legitimate, functioning democracies to emerge from nations with such governments willing to use lethal force to suppress the civilian population.

Japan recognizes the need to preserve national sovereignty up until the point it is used as a tool to prevent positive change from being brought about. Japan refuses to allow a debate that is mired in issues of sovereignty, for it detracts from actual substantive discussion. Keeping this in mind Japan is also is against the unnecessary use of military force by the international community. Democracy should be fostered, allowed organic natural growth and acceptance by the nation’s populace. Not enforced by an international security force. Therefore Japan lies at a crossroad, allowing a hands off approach to democratization is unacceptable, yet using aggressive military action would be counterproductive in many cases.

Finding the balance between the two strategies is the key. Japan proposes that this committee offers political and economic incentives for governments that transition peacefully into a democracy. A government that abides by guidelines and goals set by this committee and other U.N bodies would receive economic and humanitarian aid. The U.N and other NGOs would then facilitate a peaceful transition of power .The deployment of peacekeepers temporarily to insure polling and voting sites are protected. The protection of both the voters and the validity of the ballots are also recommended to be monitored by impartial, third party organizations. The goal is to make the transition to democracy in a nation’s best economic and political interest. If a government does not work toward a path of democracy then those benefits will be reduced. Sanctions, trade embargos, and if deemed absolutely necessary, naval blockade sand a no fly zones enforced by the international community. Regardless of what the varying opinions are on the boundaries on which policies cross, Japan asks that we put aside those divisions and have common to a reasonable and sensible consensus.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Yusuf Alvi
School: Mattawan High School

In the midst of one of the greatest political changes in modern history, the microscope has been intensified on the issues in national governments. As a result, the question of the democratic government has been seriously considered as the solution to the people’s problem. Jordan encourages a gradual move towards democracy for those countries that have a system other than a democratic institution, have failed.

A state is democratic when the people decide who their leaders are, to some extent. For example, there are elections held for members of Parliament, who are then led by the Prime Minister, who was selected by the King. In this case, the Jordanian government leads a constitutional monarchy. As such, there is an extent to the democratic rule of the people. Other countries should adopt such an approach for those who are in need of a change to their government, should it be inadequate in representation or leadership, according to the consensus of the United Nations.

By encouraging democracy movements and pushing for reform where reform is needed, the United Nations can bring this world towards modernization from the inside out.

Those failing governments that are slow to reform should be subjected to various degrees of sanctions, but more importantly, aid the people within that want to encourage or start political reform. However, any move towards democracy that progresses too quickly can also be dangerous. Jordan urges the United Nations that democratization stays as a work in progress to countries that fail to respect the rights of their people.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Lesotho
Delegate Name: Audrey Koutny
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

As defined in Oxford Dictionary, a democracy is “a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives”. United Nations is working to spread and strengthen this concept of democracy worldwide, in a variety of different ways and with certain limitations. Although there are certain limitations as to how far the United Nations can go in promoting democracy, some of the beliefs are being pushed a little too harshly.

As the Kingdom of Lesotho is a non-democratic state, it feels that the beliefs of other countries when it comes to democracy should not be imposed directly upon them by the United Nations. With a fully functional constitutional monarchy, Lesotho sees no reason for the switch to democracy, and has full faith in the system that it already has in place. While saying this, Lesotho does not have anything against democracy, or feel that it is not a valid way of governing a state; it just wants to uphold its national sovereignty that it already has in place.

National sovereignty plays a huge role in the identity of a nation, and the threat of that being compromised is something that is unsettling to the Kingdom of Lesotho. Although Lesotho understands that one of the main goals of the United Nations is democratization, it feels that if the country is confident in the system of government that it already has, it shouldn’t be compromised.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Oni Bala
School: Royal Oak High School

The UN’s ultimate goal is to make everyone civil and in a way equal. By having a democracy everything can become equal because you vote on decisions you want to establish for your country. If you have democratization you need for everything to run smoothly with the government and the people as well.

In Malawi we recently just had a peaceful transfer of power. This happened because our president just died and the vice president took over. Having a democracy made this very easy and many other countries should take example because this is the way to make something easy stay easy. Democratization is also very important for us because we became independent from Britain in 1964, which is very late and having the ability to make our own decisions and control our own country is very important to us. President Banta is now trying to restore the IMF’s which Malawi had lost and she is now trying to restore them to help Malawi economically be able to do more things. By doing do she is making the country more cooperative with the UN and if they are more cooperative with the UN then they are more cooperative with the other countries in the UN. Malawi is also trying to use those funds to provide for its country, providing for the people and its community.

In order to make sure that everyone is on the same page and wants a democracy for their country is that we need to form a community of people who believe in democratization this means that everyone has to believe in the same things and not be against one another. We need to form committees to help one another financially and politically. To also help with democratization we need to make sure that every country is holding a fair election and is truly a democracy. Malawi also is trying to fix its economy by trying to restore some of its lost funds to help some of its country with problems like the growing HIV/AIDS population. To help everyone be a democracy we need to form a community for democracy.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Chris Cribbs
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Democracy is a growing form of government. It is displacing native regimes. This form of government is growing in national popularity (if you will) especially in recent times, with the Arab spring and conflicts in Africa. Mexico, in fact, has only recently achieved a real democracy. These past governments have committed crimes against human rights and have been very oppressive toward their people. These changes, however, have been violent. Nations that go through democratization are unstable preceding it, but still remain so after. It is this bloodshed and oppression that must be fought, and it is the United Nations’ responsibility to assist this change.

Mexico firmly believes the practice of democracy is essential to the growth and stability of nations, as well as the freedoms of their peoples. However, democracy cannot be forced upon a nation whose people do not desire it. Following the idea of national sovereignty, Mexico feels democratization is a domestic problem that should not be imposed on by an outside force. This does not imply that the UN has no power in the situation; in fact, the UN should be in support of these fledgling democracies and must help them achieve a functional system.

It is Mexico’s firm opinion that to do this the Security Council must be strengthened. This would allow it to have further power in matters such as democratization. In order to fully promote any attempts at democratization, we must have unanimous support. The UN cannot create a democracy if not all governments are willing to support it.

In conclusion, Mexico is a strong believer in democracy. Nations pending democracy should, by all means, strive to become it. When the nation does, it can expect the full support of Mexico and potentially the entire UN.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Mongolia
Delegate Name: Janet O’Leary
School: Royal Oak High School

Mongolia is currently a developing country. It has few defined borders, little infrastructure, and a low population of literate people. It’s not exactly a destination spot for people to visit, nor to live. Both crime and poverty are prominent. However, Mongolia is, as I said, a developing country and it is therefore working on improving itself. We, as a country, are interested in moving forward and becoming a more democratic country. The first step to making that happen is giving our citizens a reason to want to participate in our democracy.

As you can tell, our country is having its difficulties. But as a country, we believe that we can overcome them. We just must figure out how to begin the process. Luckily, we already have some ideas. To improve our country, we must answer questions such as: How can we reduce both crime and poverty, without punishing our citizens? What will be the most beneficial way to convince citizens to be apart of our democracy, without forcing them to be a part of it? The answer to both of these questions is a better economy.

Mongolia’s economy is in poor condition, and when a country’s economy is low, their crime goes up. Crime is prominent because the country’s industry can’t provide jobs for its citizens. If resources are available to our country, such as the means to provide jobs for our citizens, then we can begin the process of improving our country. This can be done by improving our economy and creating an incentive for citizens to participate in our democracy.

Mongolia is not looking for handouts from other countries. Mongolia is instead looking for help. We need assistance in developing markets and infrastructure in our country to provide jobs.

When working with other countries, we are optimistic that they will be understanding of what Mongolia needs done to spread democratization in our country. We look forward to working together with countries that will aid us in improving our economy, and giving our people a voice.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Morgan King
School: Mattawan High School

The UN has been involved with helping to regulate countries political policies while in existence. In some cases the UN has intervened in countries that lack what the UN views as a successful government, often this is perceived as democracy. However, there is a difference between the UN getting involved in a country because it is the necessary action, and the UN getting involved in a country that is still successful with a different type of government.

Morocco currently is under the rule of Mohammed VI in a constitutional Monarchy. Morocco has recently been making measures to more evenly distribute the political power to other authority figures aside from solely the king. There is now a prime minister and a council of ministers appointed by the prime minister. Morocco has made an effort to weaken the king’s power while still letting him remain the primary political leader. Morocco believes that it may be necessary for the UN to become involved in some countries. Libya and Syria are two examples of countries whose governments have fallen apart due to lack of structure or agreement on government style. Yet, Morocco has not yet had any civil unrest among its people leading to violence. Morocco has been working to figure out their own political disagreements within their own country and if the UN were to get involved it may make citizens become unhappy with how their leaders are going about the same sort of change.

If a country is having extreme problems within their country than that would be a valid reason for the UN to get involved. Since Morocco is not having any dilemmas that cannot be solved within their own country, they believe that it would not be necessary for the UN to get involved.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Jana Latzberg
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

A nations highest goal should be to have a stable democracy. In which the government represents the peoples thoughts and ideas. Many state forms exist and have existed in the world and examples like the communistic Russia have proven that Democracy is for now the best way to run a country. The globalization of the world has made it more and more important to have people in the government, who represent the people's opinions in national and international affairs.

A country can be identified as a Democracy by looking at their laws, rights, foreign affairs and overall form of government. a Democracy should be judged by how much influence the people have on the politics in their country. Rights like free speech are highly valued in a Democracy.

The UN has to help the people that live in an oppressive country and give them the opportunity to express their opinions freely. However, countries should not be forced to become a Democracy, for they may have a good working system. Forcing a country to just change their whole system and beliefs is not the role or duty of the UN. By establishing guidelines and especially promoting human rights with examples of other countries the UN can develop an international standard of Democracy which will eventually give countries reason to over think their political system.

National Sovereignty does not help with democratizing a country. In fact, a country with a strong sense of National Sovereignty may not be in favor of government reform or changes in general. It can slow down, or even stop the spread of democratization.

The UN should help countries that want to encourage democratization and make their government better. The should be given help to prevent from possible reform, civil war or overthrow of the government. Countries that are not in favor of Democracy can be shown the advantages it has but still be respected. The UN can show facts that will make them accept Democracy, when they have opposed it before.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Jonas Buchler
School: Mattawan High School

Since the United Nations’ conception, one of the primary objectives has been to promote sovereign equality between its members, as outlined in the UN Charter, Article 2. Never is it mentioned in the Charter anything about democracy, let alone total democratization of the world’s nations. Nonetheless, the Great Powers have violated this notion on numerous occasions, and have attempted to impress their democratic policies and standards upon self-sustaining nations, nations that have progressively improved on their own, independent of international interference. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of these nations.

As a developing nation, there have undoubtedly been bumps in the road to independence and self-sustenance, however, as evidenced in our 2011 elections, we, as a nation are more than capable of operating efficiently without foreign assistance. A push for democratization is, in essence, an infringement upon national sovereignty, and should not be entertained in any format. If our young, developing nation is able to execute a clean election given our vast diversity and operate an efficient government, catering to the needs of both Muslim and Christian populaces, who are by nature, opposing factions, without foreign surveillance/aid, the Federal Republic of Nigeria finds it difficult to believe that almost any nation would not be capable of operating in a similar suit in a self-governing in lieu of intercontinental intrusion.

This is a delicate issue to say the least; if mishandled, conflict and dissent would be quick to follow. Nigeria believes that the national sovereignty of a nation is of the upmost importance; this being in favor of international intervention. However, far be it from us to neglect the fact that Nigeria has facilitated conflict, internal and external alike, amongst its African brothers during times in which, in retrospect, external assistance was necessary. This is not to condone excessive oppression or implementation of another country’s policies upon another, however, the Federal Republic of Nigeria believes that the UN should play an active role in guiding other countries through times of conflict, and that any interference beyond that is a direct violation of a nation’s sovereignty and should be prohibited.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Ross Allen
School: Williamston High School

There is a large problem currently sweeping the globe. This problem is that the western imperialists are going throughout the world with the front of “spreading democracy”. However, all these countries are really doing are attempting to imperialize the nations they claim to help. While doing this, they plant their own puppet governments into the country, and then exploit the nation for its labor and natural resources. Although the DPRK supports democracy, we do not support the western world’s attempts to use military force to impose their will on other nations. We believe that foreign intervention is a direct attack on the popular sovereignty.

The world has already watched as the west tried to impose their power on countries such as Iraq. After attacking and damaging the country based on lies spread by the United States government, the United States overthrew the Iraqi government. They then spent the next 8 years doing what they claimed to be “spreading democracy”. During this time, they continued to murder Iraqi citizens. However, the western version of “spreading democracy” was really just a front to imperialize Iraq. Even today, America has over 300 military bases still in Iraq. The real reason America invaded Iraq was simple: it was not to aid democracy, it was because Iraq was the world’s second largest oil supplier. The western world now has become involved in revolutions in Africa. The world should wonder if they really attempting to aid democracy or if they are just eying the natural resources and labor force of these African nations?

Overall, the DPRK believes that the best solution to this issue would be to stop western imperialists from attempting to tread on the popular sovereignty of other nations. We support democracy, but we believe that a nation should decide its own government, not the government imposed on it by other nations.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Kaleb Pifer
School: Mattawan High School

The spread of democracy in the past few centuries has been slow but steady, overcoming many previously dictatorial or monarchistic societies. While not unambiguously for the better, many changes in favor of freedoms and quality of life have undoubtedly come from these changes. As the revolutions during the Arab Spring have proven, the people of the world have come to expect a greater say in how their government functions.

Norway, being the holders of one of the oldest continuously in use constitutions in the world, feels that it is uniquely qualified to comment on the effectiveness of democracy and how it should be spread, or even if it should.

Norway believes that the role of the UN has never been to define the fate of the member nations, but rather to seek a concordance between them all and to foster a sense of peace amongst them. With this in mind Norway would recommend that, the United Nations strives to stay out of any civil wars, despite the democratic ideals of one side or another. Action can still be taken based upon any human rights violations, but the issue of ensuring that the democratic side wins should not be taken into account. However, Norway also stands by the United Nations in encouraging the spread of democracy and allowing the citizens of all countries to have a say in how their governments are run, and encourages that aid be given to help countries who request it, as well as increased education be provided world-wide about how different types of democracies work.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Marie Carozza
School: Roeper School

Pakistan believes that democracy is a good force, and that it has helped Pakistan greatly. Pakistan believes that the UN should adopt more democratic ideas to the UN system. In regards to the UN’s involvement with encouraging and aiding Democratization, Pakistan believes in a nation’s sovereignty very strongly, but also believes that democracy is the right path and that it truly works. Pakistan is mostly focused on keeping itself democratic, and strengthening its democratic government, but Pakistan would like the UN to try and bring democracy to nations who want aid, while making sure what the people of that nation prefer is a high priority. For example, Pakistan would like the issue of Kashmir to be settled by judging what the people of Kashmir desire. In the committee of “The Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization” Pakistan would like to discuss ways to peacefully implement democracy. Pakistan would also like to discuss specifically the protection of equal rights, making sure women can vote, and insuring that human rights are given. Pakistan would also like to work on global unity, tolerance to different beliefs, and striving towards working together as a global community and country cooperation. Pakistan believes that a country where everyone over a certain age can vote, where there are equal rights, and where human rights are given to all is considered democratic. Pakistan is currently working on establishing a lasting bond with the US. Pakistan’s relations with India are not stable, because of the issue of Kashmir. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also on good terms. Pakistan believes in Afghan sovereignty as being beneficial for the Afghans. Thus, Pakistan believes that sovereignty is very good for a nation (and a powerful force that lead to a strong nation), but also believes that democracy is the right choice. Pakistan would like the UN to offer aid to all countries but to aid only those nations who want democracy, and by working with the people of that nation, democracy and sovereignty could coexist. If a nation refuses democratization Pakistan would not force it, and would merely strive to set a good example.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Sydney Graham
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Democracy is currently a popular form of government especially where the west and the Arab Spring are concerned. Many oppressed countries struggling for freedom have found it by attempting democracy and receiving aid from the UN and the USA (and other western countries). For some, this has proven to be the key to liberty, but for the Palestinian Authority-much in part to Israel and the United States of America-this has not worked.

As Fatah, we have attempted this method ourselves when we attempted to take a step towards independence by applying for formal membership of the United Nations in 2011. We were not freed because of two votes. This is an example of how well the United Nation’s current role in democratization works-not very well. When one or two countries can decide on the sovereignty of another state and use their influence to prevent a country from stopping illegal occupation of their land, then countries have too much of a role in democratization-so much that they can pick and choose who will receive freedom and form a democracy-then it is ineffective.

Keeping in mind the previously stated facts, Fatah must conclude that UN’s current role in democratization is too small. The UN should be able to define states that have declared themselves as democracies as such and work with them to achieve this officially. The people are the state and have the right to freedom and the United Nations should be in a position to help them. Recognizing this fact, it is the express belief of the Palestinian Authority that the UN’s role in democratization should be increased.

In response to this issue we have presented a solution: creating a resolution that will allow the UN to work with existing legal parties in a state to help achieve stability and establish democracy and independence. The United Nations should be allowed to make use of armed forces if need be to respond to illegal occupation. Small measures such as giving a state access to the International Court of Justice and other basic rights to allow them to resolve the issue for themselves would be acceptable. If the people of a state request the help of the United Nations and declare themselves a democracy, then it is the responsibility of the UN to assist that country in becoming fully functional and then independent (preferably in that order) out of respect for that nation’s sovereignty.

Taking into account the boldness of our statements, we remind everyone that we stated the following in all due respect to every nation’s national sovereignty. Palestine values national sovereignty, more so than many other nations. In regards to regimes weary of democratization, UN involvement can be made dependent upon the will of the people if it would sooth their worries. We would like to remind the international community that this is not a matter of how other nations feel about another, but the nation seeking or rejecting democracy itself. Democracy is an individualized affair-though assistance from other nations is greatly appreciated, encouraged even-and should not be made out to be otherwise. Knowing this, we call upon the United Nations to assume its role in democratization to the fullest extent, remembering to be aware of boundaries, of course.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Adam Heiss
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The UN was modeled after a democracy, they have the same ideal and value: Everyone has a say. You wouldn’t be a part of it if you didn’t want a say in the world, so why should the citizens of a country not have a say? The spread of democracy has exploded during the past hundred years. The number of democratic nations has especially increased after the fall of the Soviet Union. A majority of the nations of the world are some sort of democracy. There are many different types of democracies, and they are all effective at different things. Switzerland, for example has a direct democracy. In a direct democracy, the head of State is any member of the government, for one year each with no practical importance. The parliament elects the government officials. The parliament isn’t unanimous, however it is extremely stable because all major parties are represented. The people have the strongest say in the lawmaking, but there is much debate and it is very slow. Btu the checks and balances are very effective. A presidential democracy, like that of the United States, is slightly different. The president is both the head of state and the leader of the government, and he elects the government officials. The Parliamentary members are elected for a fixed period of time, and there is a clear separation between them and the government. The president has the strongest poison when it comes to laws. Laws are debated and passed by the parliament alone. The separation of the powers doesn’t necessarily provide efficient checks and balances. The third type of democracy is very similar to a presidential democracy. The parliamentary democracy, like Germany, has a head of state that is different from there prime minister and is likely a monarch or elected person. Governmental officials are elected by the parliament. All government members must be parliamentary members, unlike the others types, which could be anyone. The political parties have the most power over law making. Only the government debates the laws. If there are too many political parties, the stability of the parliamentary majority is threatened, but if there are too few political parties, there aren’t enough checks and balances. These are the most effective governments, and they have the happiest people. These are the foundations of democracy. They should be used to determine if a country is a democracy or not. They allow the people to wield the power, directly or indirectly. A country with a Democracy has a better economy and people with a say in how there life is run. This makes it the best form of government and it should be promoted. Though no government is perfect, we, as the UN, should try our best to make governments a perfect as possible.

The Philippines is democracy. We have elections, and strive to be just like the United States. We believe that the United States’ government is one to be modeled after. They have a stable government and have happy people. Trying to be like the U.S. has giving us a goal to achieve. Trying to be like the U.S. is hard, but it is rewarding. It may take time, but the in the Philippines we believe that all countries should have this, or a similar, type of government because it is effective and gives the citizens a say in how there lives are run. It is just the right thing to do. The government is at the service of the people, so shouldn’t the people have a say in how they are served?

The Philippines thinks that all countries should be a democracy if the people want it. They need to choose, though, they shouldn’t be forced to be a democracy. We believe that most people will choose democracy if given a choice. They will want a say. They don’t want someone to run their life for them; they want to run their own life. All people deserve a choice in there country. To determine if a country is democratic, there government should be compared to that of the United States, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and France. They seem similar, they are a democracy, if they kind of are, encourage some change, and if completely off, do something big. Don’t force them, but try to transition them. Influence the people and try to get them to force their own government to change. That way, the citizens of the country choose for themselves, protecting national sovereignty, but it gets the job done.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Spencer Conner
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Portugal is in strong support of the UN encouraging and aiding democracy in countries throughout the world. In order to ensure the freedoms expressed in the UDHR, a country must have a strong democratic government, and we must be willing to aid countries in reaching and maintaining this state.

In a country that currently has a government that is undemocratic, out first order of business is to work with politic groups, the people of the nation, and the current government to persuade them to adopt a democratic government. A smooth and willing transition is far superior to a complete overthrowing of the past government, as this lead to violence is the majority of cases. Once a democratic government is created, we must ensure that it is maintained.

Despite that, if a country is stubbornly refusing reform, harsh action must be taken. We must put pressure of these unwilling countries to become open to democracy. This should be a last resort, but sadly in some cases it is the only way to insure the rights and liberties of a country's people. If necessary, we must fight for these rights and liberties, but after we must ensure peace is resumed so that these rights and liberties can be fully appreciated.

The national sovereignty of a country should not be of the utmost importance in cases where it infringes on the rights of a countries citizens. The government should be in place to serve the people, and this can only truly be achieved by a democratic form of government.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Jason Feuerstine
School: Fishers High School

Russia is in favor of UN support of democratization. Russia believes that democracy is the superior form of government and allows for all parties with in a country to be satisfied as the people choose how political events turn out, whether that is elections or other political events.

Russia would also like to state its explicit support for direct democracies as it eliminates any beuracracy involved with elections and other voter-based activities. Direct democracies allow voters to be better satisfied with the results. Also it forces, or encourages at the least, voters to be knowledgable about politics, the political system, and the current election in general. This allows the citizens to be better involved in the political system which in turns improves the politcal system as a whole.

Russia invites countries to utilize the Russian model to base their government on as it is very effective and allows for better turnout. For example in comparison to the American system, which is still a relatively effective system, which utilizes an electoral college system people feel that their vote, if for the minority party in a certain region, doesn’t count as all of the states votes are going to one party anyway, with a few exceptions. In Russian elections our President is elected directly based on the voters’ choices, if one more person votes for a candidate than another he wins.

This system could obviously be effective in larger countries as it is in ours, the largest country by land area and the ninth most populous, and also in smaller countries. In smaller countries it could be more effective as there would be less conflict over the results as there are a fewer number of voters that may be offended.

The Russian Federation hopes that the UN will back countries efforts to peacefully restructure another countries government for the benefit of the world and eliminate or reduce the threat of a regime or political system. Sending in UN troop to back such efforts would seem contradictory however may be necessary. The UN should do most of their support morally and with the intent to pursuade the changing country that the change really is for the benefit of the greater good of the country.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Andrew Kaylor
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The United Nations has played a prominent role in the advocacy of democracy throughout the world ever since its formation in 1945 following World War II. For many different countries, democratization has been the answer to various domestic issues. The Republic of Rwanda serves as a prime example of how a country can be improved by implementing a democracy, thus strengthening the nation’s form of government. This promotion of democracy by the UN can be viewed as impeding on the rights of each individual nation to regulate its own form of government that its countries officials see fit to run the country by; however, it is this promotion that has helped many different countries throughout the world. The Republic of Rwanda has experienced some major governmental overthrows and other obstacles in the past, and due to the strengthening of democracy it is now in an improving state with a unitary parliament that is making daily strides to success.

The Republic of Rwanda firmly believes that the United Nations should continue to promote the growth and spread of democracy throughout the world because it has been proven to be quite helpful. Opening up to aid from the United Nations during, and following a time of civil war and genocide was very beneficial to making great leaps of progress in developing a well structured government, strengthening the justice system and maintaining security throughout the Republic. Other countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone have also received benefits from the UN. Due to the help that has been provided by the United Nations for struggling countries, the UN should continue to encourage democratization.

Although democratization has greatly benefited Rwanda, we believe that the United Nations should be able to freely promote democratization but never mandate it. National sovereignty should still be taken into account and the UN still needs boundaries to abide by. The UN should be able to train government officials on how to ensure equitable party systems, fair voting, or anything else that qualifies under the category of encouraging democratization.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Kathryn Palmer
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Assalamu Alaikum, In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Master of the Day of Judgment, I greet you in the name of Allah.

A hypocrite has three distinguishing signs, when he talks he lies, when he promises he breaks it and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays such trust. The United Nations has long sought to encourage the development and expansion of democratic organization.

Nevertheless, the support of democracy has persistently clashed with another pillar of the United Nations charter, which is the “protection of national sovereignty”. Governments, which are deemed by other member states of the United Nations to be repressive or authoritarian, on the other hand hold the reins of state power, which is recognized and legitimized by international law. Therefore, it is convoluted to say the least for the United Nations to present its support to a fledgling democratic movement, if the government is vehemently opposed to its activities and ideals. It is absolutely absurd and contrary to say the least.

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by a king chosen from and by members of the Al Saud family. Our king rules through royal decrees that are issued in conjunction with the Council of Ministers, and with advice from the Consultative Council. The king appoints members of both councils. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is king of Saudi Arabia and son of Ibn Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. The king is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques this title indicates Saudi Arabia's authority over the mosques of Masjid al Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam. Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the monarchy and provides the foundation of the country's conservative customs, social practices, and traditions. On this foundation, Saudi Arabia has been able to establish a modern and well-developed infrastructure, and facilities for travelers are widely available. Saudi Arabia very proudly welcomes millions of tourist and travelers that come for Hajj. Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia. It is the largest mass gathering of Muslims in the world coming to worship Allah and practice our faith, Islam. (State)

It is because of our faith and conservative customs, social practices, and traditions that we feel the United Nations has no place in Saudi Arabia. We also feel that what the United Nations call democracy is a heresy. To our country, to change our customs would violate our religious beliefs as well as be apostasy; renunciation of Islam and out right blasphemy toward Allah.

Moreover, it is a proven fact that the United Nations has been long known for causing war, destruction, and harm to the very people that they are trying to democratize or free. This is a fact that is stated on the United Nations own website from a Declaration of the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment . It states,

“A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through ignorance or indifference, we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well-being depend. Conversely, through fuller knowledge and wiser action, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an environment more in keeping with human needs and hopes” (Stockholm, 1972), para. 6

Not only does the United Nation cause massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well being depend, conversely, they cause massive and irreversible harm to the inhabitants of the land of which they are trying to liberate through ignorance or indifference of their conservative customs, social practices, and traditions.

It is not the position of Saudi Arabia that the United Nations are enemies of the state moreover, it is the position that what may be dissimilar to one, is very agreeable to others and it does not make them enemies but different. We have proudly been a member of the United Nations since October 24, 1945. In addition, we have been a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, since 2006. We are adamant about protecting all of our citizens’ human rights; male or female. We do not promote or accept any violations of their human rights. Therefore, it is our position that every country, is allowed to retain their own personal belief system, and invited to join the human rights efforts, through education and inclusion. This being said we would hope for more education and inclusiveness of Mid- Eastern Muslims who are our allies and brothers in Islam. We also feel, “Wish for others what you wish for yourself. (Related by al-Bukhari)”. In addition, as a great and holy woman once said “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” That same great woman also said, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” (Mother Teresa)

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Aidan Patterson
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Due to South Africa’s history of English control and influence on government, society, and human rights, many people thought that South Africa was unlikely to ever be a democratic nation. Yet, in the early nineties, South Africa ended apartheid and had its very first democratic election. South Africa is not the only African country to make changes toward becoming a democratic nation run by the people. Many nations across the African continent have been making changes in that direction. The inauguration of Nelson Mandela in 1994 marked the end of white rule and the start of a democratic society in South Africa.

The ANC (African National Congress) won sixty percent of the vote in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the candidate. Even before Mandela was elected, some aspects of apartheid had begun to fall from South Africa’s policies, such as segregated neighborhoods, pools, parks, schools, etc. Under apartheid, social programs and services provided by the government were targeted toward millions of whites. In the 1980’s, the apartheid regime attempted to extend some rights to black citizens, such as old age pensions, but this attempt only raised hopes for a better life under white rule. The election of 1994 with Mandela as the winner was the final blow, and it marked the true beginning of a new democratic era.

Today, South Africa is a thriving, equal nation which also happens to be the most industrialized country in Africa. South Africa has come a long way since apartheid, and recent democratic developments in the country show promise.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Caleb Heidorn
School: Fishers High School

The Republic of Korea is dedicated to upholding values of democracy, and as a democratic nation, supports the democratization of other nations. We have had strong relations with western democracies since our formation in 1948, and firmly support democratization, as it leads to peace and stability. The Republic of Korea believes that the UN should promote democratization, and our opinion is reflected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that "the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government."

While the UN cannot dictate the government of a state, thereby violating its sovereignty, The Republic of Korea sees no issue with promoting democratic forms of government, which help countries by forming a stable base for it. Democratic governments also are more useful in protecting basic human rights. However, should a state choose not to accept democratic forms of government, the UN should not force democratic views upon them, but is there to offer assistance in cases where states choose to pursue democratic governments. Beyond basic human rights, democratic principles cannot be pushed.

National sovereignty is something on which the UN cannot encroach. It can promote democratic governments, but ultimately the state decides on its form of government. Although it has been stated numerous times that democracy is a universal value, there is a fund for the promotion of democracy, and that many of the most influential governments support democracy, it is not something that can be imposed on any country by the UN. It can, however, help with electoral processes, assist the formation of legislation, and protect the rights of voters, and the Republic of Korea firmly supports all of these actions.

In cases where states are wary of reform, the UN should aid the transfer of ideas and the formation of government that protects the rights of people. Democratization is important and rights should always be protected, but beyond encouraging democratization within the country, we have no power to push democratization further. The Republic of Korea has firm views on promoting democratization, but the state has the last decision in its form of government.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Kourtney Klimp
School: Vicksburg High School

Noting with deep concern that not all countries believe in having a democracy, and

Having studied the way a democracy works, and

Confident that with the UNs help all counries can be a democracy

Recommends that the UN help to make all countries have the options to be a democracy that is ran well

Encourages that the UN create a group to help encourage and promote democracy.

Emphasizes the need for leaders of countries to consult citizens on issues that concern the country

Draws attention to the fact that a democacy gives people more rights and a voice

Supports the facts that countries that are a democracy go to war less

Emphasizes the fact that countries that are both democracy have better foreign relationships

Reminds with a democracy more types of people with diffrent views will be a part of government

Draws attention that with a democracy people will have more civil and political rights and therefore less economic diffrentses

Reminds that countries that have a democracy do not have dictatior, but new leaders every few years

Draws the attention to facts that countries that have a democracy as the form of government tend to develope faster

Proclaims that leaders that have to be elected will do a better job running the country so they can be re-elected

notes that countries that have a democracy have equality and tend to have a more stable government

Trusts that countries that choose to be a democracy have more people with an education and with a higher finacial income

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Mitchell Paauwe
School: Forest Hills Central High School

With our increasing globalized world, the representation of people, product and ideas, is becoming exponentially more important for the growth and progress for the human race. Throughout history, there have been multiple different forms of government. Some oppressive, unresponsive, and others tyrannical. It is no secret that these governments have led to the demise of the countries that they have governed, and should be used as an example of how not to govern the people. Looking at the growth of society, democracy is the gold standard of a government.

The way a country governs its people by its laws, rights, foreign affairs, and overall form of government, is how the UN determines whether a state is a democracy. A country like the United States, which has not only freedoms that many countries do not, but also a checks and balances form of government, has proven to be very successful, and should be looked at as a form of government to model. A people ruled by communism, are not granted the same rights as those in a democracy. They are oppressed, economies are generally terrible, and they act as a weight on the rest of the modernized world.

The UN should not force countries to do anything they do not want. Instead, help assist with the creation of a democracy and lay guidelines for countries to follow. Lecturing countries is what could cause them to not become democratic and reverse the effects of what the UN is trying to accomplish. The UN should promote the respect for human rights, and rule of law, to prove democracy is beneficial.

National Sovereignty negatively effects the global spread of democracy, because countries that oppose or are not open to the idea of government reform, can slow down, impede, and even stop the overall spread of possible democratization. The UN backing countries that are welcome to the idea of possible democratization, can help assure them they are not at risk of reform; it creates a safety net for countries willing to take risks to better their government. For the countries that are not in favor of democratization, just prove that democracy is beneficial in other countries, and countries that oppose democracy will be more excepting of the idea.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Ian Olive
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Syria is a strong independent country with much history and culture. Despite the devastating revolutions racking our country, Syria believes that a change in government policies will not be needed.

The idea of democratization is one that has that has been widely considered in our government. However we are choosing to continue with our current policy of government and continue our form of partial democracy. Syria feels that our population is not strong and educated enough to support a democratic form of government. Syria has a median age of 21. Because of our poverty and youth, we have a small chances of becoming democratic and stable any time soon. The general public does not know what is right for the country Syria.

The Syrian government institutions and the security forces will fall apart once the revolution prevails. Baathists, Alawites, and other minorities, recruited for loyalty to President Bashar Al-Assad, overwhelmingly staff these security forces and no revolutionary, democratic government will keep them on. Their dismissal will provide food for a counterinsurgency, promoting greater chaos across the country.

We believe that the Syrian public should be happy with the extent of rights given to the people. The Syrian constitution guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly. However, we have imposed severe limitations on Syrian citizens’ ability to exercise these rights. We believe that the public should only have personal rights to a certain extent. We have the national sovereignty to dictate our country of Syria how we choose.

Despite our strengths, Syria is facing some major economic and political problems that need be addressing immediately. Syria has large populations who have outstripped our water and economic resources. As such, Syria does not have the economic sources of revenue to rebuild out infrastructure if we change to a democratic government. We will solve the problems in our country using more force and suppression, to the extent that we deem necessary. Syria has more important concerns and will not succumb to democratic ideals as long as we remain.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Togo
Delegate Name: Riley Robertson-DeGraaff
School: Vicksburg High School

A Democracy should be a human right. You should have the right to choose how you want to live your life the way you want. In many countries people do no have these rights. They are forced to live the way one supreme leader sees fit. They have no say in how their government is run. It should be a human right to choose your leader, but many don't get to. That is why the United Nations needs to step up and help countries become a democracy.

There are many small countries that do not have the means to become a democracy , that is where we need to step in. There are many nations that have the means to live there everyday life in freedom where as there are still people in Africa being forced to live a certain way. We are asking for help. We do not have the means to do this on our own. That is where the United Nations need to step in. People should have the right to live in freedom.

A democracy is saying that the people of your country have the right to choose who are leading them. This would be only thing we are changing. From there on and on they can run the country how they want.

The United Nations needs to step up and help less fortunate countries become democratic nations. Choosing who rules you should be a human right to everyone.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Matt Morrow
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Taking into consideration the numerous downfalls of democratic reforms, the United Nations needs to be prudent in their approach to appease both the pursuit of democracy as well as the consideration of the infringement of national sovereignty to nations that are opposed to democratic rule. It is clear that pursuing a democratic movement without proper regulations proves to be not only violent, but also fatal to civilians. As one of the most predominant examples, the Arab Spring movement resulted when improper regulations failed to comply to many nation's people which produced a global threat to the rest of the world. In order to justify the democratization of countries, the United Nations needs to be straightforward in their approach in order to show the positive results that democratization brings. Depending on each nation, the United Nations needs to present to the country that democratization brings wealth, education, social equality, a middle class, civil society, and most importantly, civic culture. These positive connotations will be very beneficial in the development of any nation. One of the largest contributors to turmoil that needs to be addressed when implementing a democracy are the rebellious groups and organizations that may have formed. The political instability in a region can be resolved by addressing these organizations, which will help reestablish order and prevent a future rebellion or revolution.

In order to maintain national sovereignty, the United Nations should introduce democratization in a "hands-off" approach. Allowing each individual nation to establish the base of a democracy would result in more political stability. The United Nations should guide each nation to the ideals of a democracy by providing valuable resources such as educational meetings with the leaders of the country. Although establishing a democracy in a nation is significant, maintaining and constantly developing it is even more vital to the long-term success of the institution. Creating a system based on checks and balances, forming different but equal powers of the government, and forming a multi-party based system can all help to maintain a stronger democracy. In the situations where states deny access to the United Nations, the UN needs to peacefully enforce this idealism by showing the positive attributes that a democracy brings to a nation.

Turkey supports initiatives by the United Nations in the establishment and development of democratization. Having a democratic based political system has proven beneficial to Turkey in many factors. Because many Western nations have a democratic form of government, Turkey has benefitted in a range of circumstances from forming allies in the cold war to immense economic gains due to trade with its western counter parts.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Kyle Johnson
School: Williamston High School

Democracy is an idea that is endorsed by the UN and it is our duty to promote democracy globally. In the past few years, countries such as Libya have been successful in instituting a democratic government. The country’s people collectively decided that its government was oppressing them and they proceeded to overthrow this government and put their own in place. This is a good model for the procedures of ensuring democracy as Libya accomplished this task with little foreign aid and they were successful in putting in place a democratic government.

The United Kingdom has always supported democracy, as our government is a Parliamentary Democracy. The duty of the Monarch in our country is to watch over and protect the rights of the United Kingdom’s people. She is consulted on matters of national security and finance, but she does not intervene in the way that the nation runs daily. This is a democratic system that has worked for the UK, and countries without a democracy should consider this type of rule where the country’s leader does not have complete control of its people.

When a country’s government is oppressing its citizens we believe that it is the citizens’ right to overthrow the government and shape the country so that it promotes freedom for its people. It is also the UN’s responsibility to provide aid for a country requiring help in overthrowing their oppressive government should the need arise. Keeping this in mind, we do need to avoid infringing on a nation’s national sovereignty. The United Kingdom would suggest sending aid to countries in the form of food drops or supplying weapons. We would work with countries in the UN to determine which countries require aid and to help these countries accordingly. Democracy should be promoted across all countries.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Cody Hoeffel
School: Royal Oak High School

Democracy is the form of government which allows the full fulfillment of the first section of the 21st article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), as it allows citizens to participate in their government through the election of representatives, or becoming a public servant themselves via election. It is a stable democracy that can allow the rights of the people to be protected as it is the people who in one way or another lead the government.

Considering this the United Nations must continue to encourage the implementation of a democracy in nations where it does not exist and human rights are cast away. The methods for doing so do not always need to be violent, rather instead stipulations for loans from organizations such as the International Monetary Fund that call for either cooperation with the UN to provide a more transparent system or begin a transition to a democracy. Such methods paired with strong urgings from the UN itself allows nations to begin transitions and prevent a total overthrowing of the present government, creating a hole in its place, a hole that is often fought over to be filled. Rather than stipulations, incentives may be provided to nations showing transitions toward democracy or a more transparent election system, once again returning to the IMF, where should such progress be demonstrated, interest rates are decreased, or a fraction of the loan is forgiven. These soft measures can be used with nations struggling with domestic problems to not only encourage a democratic process, but also aid the nations in question with whatever development issue may they may be tackling.

In addition to the soft methods, there must also, unfortunately, be plans in place for nations where the government, retains it's power for it's own sake, neglecting it's constituents. At this point the committee should consider the acts of the nation and take action on a case by case basis, in some cases this could be labeling the nation as a human rights violater, damaging the nations international standing and most likely its economy. In other, extreme cases, it may be necessary to refer the issue to the Security Council for review. Before such action is taken, there must be established communications with the people of the nation, this can be achieved through the use of special rapporteurs to provide a detailed report on the situation, in this regard, the rapporteur should have a report within two months of deployment, this report of course would be preliminary in nature, but should provide the necessary information for the committee to decide on necessary actions.

In regards to nations already in the process of establishing a democratic system, the United Nations should of course provide aid where possible. This aid needs to be focused on the demonstration of how ordinary citizens can take greater power in their government and encourage political leaders to enact reform, it has been shown that it is smaller democratic assistance groups have a greater impact on the democratization of nations than most international ones, in this regard the UN should be providing economic aid to those groups which have demonstrated their actions in this regard. The economic aid would go towards the establishment of field offices and training of the volunteers in regards to the culture and language of the nation in which they are acting. The UN itself needs to act as a monitor of democracy, tracking elections and aiding in their execution when necessary, actions that are already performed.

The issue of sovereignty is limited, while the UN cannot declare that a nation needs to become democratic without any basis, it can encourage and aid in transitions, acting as a mediator between old regimes and new governments. The United Nations Charter itself reads “We the People of the United Nations…” not we the sovereign governments of the United Nations. It is ultimately the will of the people that decide on the government, and that decision can really only be made in some form of democracy.

Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: Mitchell Rewiako
School: Williamston High School

Since the creation of the United Nations it has been tasked with the goal of the protection and promotion of human rights. The United Nations believes that a democracy with a thriving civil society is the best way to protect the rights and freedoms of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Do to this the United Nations has sought to encourage the spread of democracy. But encouraging democracy been going against another belief which is the protection of national sovereignty. There are many countries around the globe that have non-democratic governments and have thriving economies. Promoting democracy could cause tensions to rise between democratic and non-democratic nations.

Since our nation (Zimbabwe) has a democratic government we support democracy as a whole. We do not support the United Nations encouraging and aiding in the spread of democracy. We believe in a nation’s right of sovereignty. Every nation has the right to have the type of government it wants and the United Nations has no business in interfering with a nation’s type of government. Promoting democracy could cause tensions to rise between democratic and non-democratic nations which would go against the reason the United Nations was formed to create world peace. So to protect world peace the United Nations should not encourage or aid in democratization.

Zimbabwe recommends that the united nations not encourage and aid democratization. This infringes a nation’s right to sovereignty. Zimbabwe also believes that the united nation should help new nations in starting up but nothing that infringes on the nation’s sovereignty.