Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Hannah Walker
School: Mattawan High School

Albania recognizes the importance of human rights. One of these rights being safety for all citizens as well as military and government personnel. These rights also include a safe, secure community that has access to power, sanitation, food, transportation, education, commerce, and healthcare. Citizens must have freedom from forcible recruitment for armed conflict, human trafficking, sexual violence, forced labor, and other such deplorable practices. Some countries fail to meet these standards due to ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, Sudan, and Congo. These conflicts destabilize entire regions that lead to refugee crises and fail to provide aid and security to those affected. Those countries whose citizens’ basic needs are not being met need to change their policy for dealing with conflict zones.

Since 1984 when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Albania has recognized human rights in the Constitution and the National Strategy for Development and Integration defines the vision for Albania as “A country with high living standards, which is integrated in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures, is democratic and guarantees the fundamental human rights and liberties.” Albania feels the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

To combat conflict zones and to build safe communities, stable countries willing to give foreign aid need to work closely with communities to target small-scale, modest improvements that can be implemented in conflict zones. If accompanied by a gradual improvement in the quality of governance, current aid recipients can aspire to a long-run improvement in both security and prosperity. In addition, uniting problem countries will improve conditions by reducing disparities. Small improvements to eliminate child labor, prostitution, etc. and promote humanitarian views will gradually build safe communities.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Alexandria D’Antonio
School: Royal Oak High School

Building safe communities in conflict zones is a complicated, yet important procedure. It includes many factors that would not only require many resources and aid to start it, but the safety of the individuals who help with the rebuilding process as well. People affected in these conflict zones face many traumatic experiences, especially children. Just over one billion children under the age of eighteen live in territories affected by armed conflicts. For these people a safe and secure community is very much needed so that they can be brought back into a substantial living that they very much deserve. A safe community has access to power, sanitation, food, transportation, education, commerce and healthcare. However, in order for such requirements to be met, a community must have these same underlying foundations before a conflict has struck them. With these, more success can be brought through a rebuilding process when such tragedy has arrived.

Argentina believes that a long term solution could be very beneficial to communities before a major conflict has occurred. Argentina’s citizens are composed of close family ties and a close community in general as well. Argentina proposes a community based approach in which strengthening a society’s companionship between its citizens would soon build strong relationships within the community. Such relationships formed would greatly help them not only further their community’s development, but also benefit them in having a strong sense of their community within themselves and their neighbors. Whereas, if such a conflict were to occur in their area they would be able to comfortably band together and help the rebuilding process of their society.

Argentina is looking forward to what this committee will achieve. Our long term community based approach, in which is a preventative measure in itself as well, is one that we hope many other nations would take into consideration. Argentina acknowledges that a short term solution is pressing and will be open to any further suggestions provided.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Lucas Calderon
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Austria profoundly feels that conflict free zones are needed around the world. They are very important not just to limit the death toll in innocent civilians, but also to the children and their well beings psychologically. When children experience war in their everyday lives they develop trauma similar to a soldier, this standard of living is unacceptable. Every child needs an at least adequate standard of living. This includes clean water and fresh foods that are not contaminated in any way shape or form, and a stable home environment away from any conflicts that may arise from the zones near the non-conflict community. You have to be very careful when you create a non-conflict zone to make sure that you're not impeding on national sovereignty. To do this we can use funding from NGOs and other non-governmental based ways of funding to make sure that these non-conflict mean it is can be not biased towards one country.

We need to offer security detail to these non- conflict zones not to create conflict in the area and will be trying to take advantage of this area of non-conflict and provoke and create as much conflict as they can. We need to make sure that they are properly trained to do this job because sometimes people will try to get this job and allow some people from one country to another to enter this non conflict zone causing lots of problems. This can be avoided by using UN peacekeepers and only if necessary using properly selected civilians. Austria believes that nonviolent methods of keeping the communities safe will not work because even if the country agrees with the stance there will be insurgents that will not listen to the

One of the hardest things to do is to maintain the stability of these zones; this can happen with bi annual food and water checks along with safety checks. Also biannual corruption checks should be made by third parties to obviously avoid corruption.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Elise Wassink
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The question of building safe communities in conflict zones is not whether to do so, but rather if there are enough resources present. In articles 22 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone is entitled to a healthy lifestyle. These problems have been hindering the lifestyle of many people. Although a high price to pay, helping build structures across the world and securing the citizens’ rights will also strengthen countries and help those in need. UNICEF proposes solutions that provide water, power, shelter, medical and education services, finances, and other aid to the neediest in conflict zones. Although the main focus of UNICEF is children, UNICEF also helps in the protection of parental figures in order to properly support the development of children. Everyone is entitled to a healthy, adequate standard of living, which is why this issue poses a huge problem across the world for both the government and its citizens.

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh completely supports the building of safe community zones in conflict zones. This means that the United Nations should attempt to help some of struggles that affect refugees every day, which may include issues such as sanitation, safety, transportation, and overall protection of the citizens. Native Bangladeshis working in the country of Iraq are subject to unsafe environments because of the conflict that is going on there. However, it is very important that the building of safe communities is facilitated by security and reliable aid to ensure the safety and protection of those building it. In addition, many of the Rohingya minority of Burma are refugees in Bangladesh. The People’s Republic of Bangladesh needs assistance in providing for these refugees and facilitating to the needs of these persecuted people. United Nations assistance is necessary because refugees in a country are not receiving aid from their native country, and the host country often does not have the resources to provide for so many people.

UN assistance will help protect the interest of many countries with citizens abroad and additionally give help to the native citizens of such country. Helping build structures is an idea that will strengthen the country as a whole and secure the rights of the citizens in the safe communities. It is critical for safe communities to be built in conflict zones with security and aid from the United Nations in order to protect the health and safety of refugees and victims of warfare.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Vivian Pendergast
School: Royal Oak High School

All though there is no war in Belarus, there is conflict all around us. Belarus needs to focus on building a safe community first for our citizens then the rest of the world. Belarus believes that if we could stop wars and reduce the rate of crime then we would have safer communities all around the world.

Belarus has many police and a good legal system and we have a low crime rate making it safer in our neighborhoods which makes our whole community safer. Belarus urges other countries to make their own legal systems and hire their own police,it will not only help crime go down it will also help it stay down. It might be a little expensive but you can get the money from stop funding other programs such the nuclear program, that doesn't need to be funded and other military fund. This idea also can help stop wars because without the funds to go to war the countries will avoid a pricey war,making less conflicts and safer communities.

It is our natural right to have a safe community stated in articles twenty two and twenty five of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights," so obviously we have to try something to get the people the safe communities they deserve and i think this is a affordable idea of how to do it. I think the delegates should read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to help decide what they think we should do about building safe communities in conflict zones.

The website to this document is below.

(http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/)

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Benin
Delegate Name: Allie Ingalls
School: Royal Oak High School

Benin realizes and understands the issue of having usafe communities in conflict zones and the potential risks of having an unsafe community in a conflict zone. Having innocent people be put in the middle of conflict zones is very dangerous and we refuse to let it happen. Everyone should have a safe and healthy standard of life.Throughout the world there are many conflicts and it is our main mission to provide a way to maintain the safety of people in surrounding communities.

Benin would like to help push ideas and ways on how we could not only build safe communities but maintain them and bring them to a certain standard of living. There are some questions we feel should be addressed and taken care of in the resolution. How do we build safe communities in a place where conflict is taking place? What makes a good and safe community? How do we take these things that make a safe community and successfully incorporate these into the new communities? What should the standards of the community be placed as? How do we build safe communities with out damaging economy to developing countries? We believe that if these ideas are addressed and taken care of in a resolution it will provide effective ways to build and maintain safe communities.

Benin plans to put forward suggestions and effective ways on building safe communities in conflict zones. Benin also plans to find the most effective resolution that will address the following issues we feel need to be answered. Benin hopes to find a solution that will solve the most problems.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Tabitha Robinson
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Like many other developing countries poverty, weather emergencies, and violence has self-destructed the surrounding communities and has taken its toll on the children's safety, and education. UNICEF's goals are to build safe communities in conflict zones to restore their right to education, security and, add stability to the communities. UNICEF affiliates like Peacebuilding, Education, and Advocacy (PBEA) are designed to rebuild communities who suffered or are suffering from conflict. This proves to importance to Bolivia because 58% of children under 14 years old are working hazardous jobs and many children have no access to education. Also in 2012 extreme poverty was reported at 21.6% and 28% of children live in extreme poverty.

In 2013 Bolivia signed Country Programme Operation (CP) which are for the years of 2013 to 2017. The CP's goals eradicate poverty, advocate child rights, and improve education and health sectors in Bolivia. UNICEF has created the New Sunshine Program Community Wellness which provides therapy recovery from disasters (i.e. flooding, landslides, and etc.). Also UNICEF and the regional government provided the poverty stricken sugar cane farms of the Bolivian lowlands, two new schoolhouses and hired four permanent teachers. The affiliate of UNICEF, The Child-Friendly School Programme, El Alto City Government, and the Coca-Cola Foundation also provided quality educational supplies and improved the faculties by adding a football pitch to El Alto’s school. The regional governments like El Alto seem to be very willing to work with UNICEF and surrounding affiliates to provide safer communities, recovery from disasters, and better schooling for Bolivian children.

To build safer communities in Bolivia the continuation of the CP and 2025 Patriotic Agenda would help. Also creating easier access to fresh water for the Bolivian people and to further revise the child labor laws, to enforce child rights, and have all Bolivian children have access to schooling. Also working with affiliates to help provide education and therapy driven recoveries can rebuild the communities.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Maggie Tuitel
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Canada believes that children should be able to get the proper resources needed for survival while living in a war zone. Canada also believes that protection, provision and participation under The Conventions on the Rights of the Child apply to all children at all times, emphasizing that children deserve safety and peace in their homes. From as early as 1991, Canada has been committed to ensuring that children in war zones stay as safe as possible. Donating more than 1.3 million dollars to programs to strengthen policy in these communities, Canada has made it evident that change needs to happen in concern with the protection and well being of children worldwide. Compared to adults, children are seen as less independent and to have less status in society. Throughout the beginning of life, children are more vulnerable to poverty, inadequate healthcare, education, nutrition and safety. If we have the resources to fight these vulnerabilities, we should focus more time and effort on areas of conflict where children live under poor conditions and in poverty.

To ensure the safety of children living in war zones, we need to take action. There should be some sort of security system set up in order to strengthen the armed forces. Peacekeepers and security aid workers should be present at all times to stand up for and protect the rights of children. Being able to negotiate with armed groups is very helpful when dealing with communities and especially when families and children are present. Laws should be put into place to further provide protection to all children living under these circumstances. There needs to be advocation for the safety of children to make sure children are always protected. Aside from the peacekeepers, we should equip citizens with the proper knowledge of self defense without needing to bear arms. Health concerns are imperative to improve to ensure that children are living as safely and healthy as they can. A lack of food and resources is very common throughout areas of warfare. Money through UNICEF and other organizations should be focused more on children living in war zones who are unable to provide for themselves. We need to stop the issue of hunger within these communities to enable the people in these war zones with the proper strength to stand up for themselves as well as ensuring the safety of children. When focusing resources more on children living in war zones, it is imperative to follow through with the safety and protection of children as well as to provide for the children to ensure that they are able to receive adequate healthcare and resources.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Madeleine Clements
School: Fishers High School

The Republic of Colombia believes in the principles of security embodied in Articles 22 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Colombia has had internal conflict for over fifty years which makes it difficult to insure safe communities at all times, particularly in our conflict zones. Efforts to relocate families affected by conflict, offering rehabilitation and reintegration to former child soldiers forced into armed conflict, and the establishment of “Peace Communities” are just a few examples of Columbia’s efforts to give the people safe and secure communities.

For former child soldiers who were forced into armed conflict through conscription or force, Columbia has programs to rehabilitate them and reintegrate them back into the community. When these former child soldiers’ families live in conflict zones, efforts are made to relocate them to safer areas. In addition, the people of Columbia have formed an estimated 50 “peace communities” throughout the country. These communities are designed to create a safe place for the residents to live, go to school and work. Members of these communities vow to not carry weapons or to take part in any of the internal conflicts affecting the rest of the country. These peace communities also make it known to outsiders who are involved in such conflicts that they are not welcome. Peace communities have had mixed success. Many have remained relatively safe, conflict-free zones and the community councils that organize the people include women and men. The main issue, however, is not creating safe communities, but rather, maintaining them. Because they are in conflict zones, it is hard for these communities to receive aid and outside supplies. These communities have been attacked and the homes and schools have been burned. In the worst cases, community members have been killed by rebels and militants.

The people of Colombia strive to create conflict free communities that are safe and peaceful. Unfortunately, conflict by its very nature makes it incredibly difficult to create and maintain safe communities. Until the violent conflicts within Columbia can be resolved, it will be difficult to insure safety for all our people. It is because of this, Colombia advises other nations caught in conflict to focus on minimizing violence before putting excessive efforts into sustaining such communities. Countries should, instead, put those efforts into coming up with a solution to stop the violence directly.

Citations

"UNICEF – SOWC05." UNICEF – SOWC05. United Nations Children's Fund, n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

“Colombia: War, Conflict & Peace." Insight on Conflict. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

"The Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association." The Great Lakes Invitational Conference Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

"UNBISnet – UN Bibliographic Information System." UNBISnet – UN Bibliographic Information System. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Congo
Delegate Name: Gus Hlavacek
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Through recent civil wars and it’s aftermath, the Democratic Republic of Congo has lost about 5.4 million lives, many being people under the age of 18, and youth militias have started using rape as well as other forms of sexual violence as tactics of war. The Global Gratitude Alliance is currently helping the women of our nation cope with this by setting up a safe house in the city of Bukavu which helps survivors of sexual and gender based violence. Every 6 months, up to 90 women come to this safe house, not only to heal physical and emotional wounds, but also to learn vocational training and life skills to help them rebuild their life from the terrible tragedy that has fallen onto them. Another way that this safe house program helps is that it teaches survivors how to set up local support groups which will spread the message of support as well as help even more survivors heal their physical and emotional wounds and hopefully make it through the aftermath of this civil war.

In order to further help from the Global Gratitude Alliance they are currently doing a needs assessment regarding the further usage and expansion of this safe house program in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Our country hopes that in the future assistance similar to this nature can continue as it provides a strong source of help and recovery services without being too intrusive on our people and culture, showing these safe houses to be building a strong and safe community in a country still affected by war.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Jordyn Wexler
School: Roeper School

Ethiopia is excited to discuss the topic of building safe communities in conflict zones. As a nation that has recently encountered great conflict, we understand the importance of building safe communities for people living in these areas in order to maintain a healthy standard of living for the people affected.

Many communities within such conflict zones may not be supplied with proper aid. If these communities are not supplied with correct aid it is more difficult to bring in supplies to help the people in need of a “safe” place. The lack of aid has caused greater conflict among the people of our nation because many of our safety zones do not have enough funding. People in safety zone(s), such as our South Omo zone, have resorted to cattle rustling. Consequently, because of our lack of economic support, the people have taken such support into their own hands. Livestock is seen as a form of wealth for many of our people and is used in many traditional aspects of our nation, such as trading dowries for marriages. Thusly, this practice has only caused more violence in what are already defined conflict zones.

Additionally, the placement of the conflict zones can be inherently problematic. Around the globe in similar nations, and in places such as South Omo, border disputes have spawned that only escalate the conflict. Since South Omo is bordering Kenya, and the Kenyans engage in a similar life style (including trade) with the Ethiopians, there continues to be shifting alliances between majority and minority factions which only contribute to the confusion and conflict. This degree of conflict only leads to further detriment and the loss of lives.

Many other nations like Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic suffer from the harsh reality of conflict zones, and such nations have all been recently classified by the UN as level three emergencies. The largest problems among conflict zones are those that are financial and cultural in nature. First, economic programs need to be addressed with new aid programs directed specifically towards conflict zones, such as the International Rescue Committee. Sadly, but realistically, violence will only continue to escalate if these issues are not resolved in a timely, step-by-step manner.

Ethiopia believes that it will have the support from all nations who wish to decrease violence in their country.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: France
Delegate Name: Hannah Ploof
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Protecting citizens in areas of danger is very crucial. Events like war and rebellions can make living conditions become very dangerous and there needs to be groups in place to help fix these locations. Before the UN and other organizations can design, implement, and monitor protective actions, they need to understand the circumstances of the conflict. Actions that need to be done included giving a safe place to live, teaching defense skills, supplying basics, giving protection, educating the population, and helping to stop the conflicts in the first place.

One large attempt to stop this problem is Civilians in Conflict’s project that is focusing on Afghanistan, Congo, and Somalia. The UN began to help them starting in 2009 and began to implant many of the ideas Civilians in Conflict came up with in other countries. UNICEF has also started to help Panama with their conflict problem in Darien. There are many other groups that are working to help build new communities for those in need.

France wants the UN to increase the amounts of help to these communities. Basic necessities should be the minimal that is supplied to all conflict areas that need it. Places that have larger conflicts or need more funding can receive it if necessary. The countries involved in the fighting can help fund the supplies needed and UNICEF can also use the money from donations to help give basic necessities.

All of the countries that are directly affected by this will greatly enjoy this help. Countries that are not personally affected will want the world to improve in general and will not oppose UNICEF and UN doing that. Countries that may be opposed are those that do not want help and believe that UNICEF and organizations like it are trying to hurt them. To combat that, education should be given to the civilians about the problems and different ways to solve it.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Georgia
Delegate Name: Caroline Kuiper
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Since the dawn of all fighting everywhere, war zones have been unsafe areas for habitants to occupy, particularly children. As of this day in age, the most critical areas of focus are the Middle East, namely Syria and Israel due to the Syrian civil war and ISIS among other things. Most in these regions have been displaced by bombs, military raids, and other large threats; because of tt overlook and must take action to reverse. Wherever it occurs, displacement has a profound physical, emotional and developmental impact on children and increases their vulnerability. By building safe zones for these kids, we can help those in these war-torn regions find shelter and assure their safety in the long run.

Ideally, camps for refugees or the internally displaced should be places of safety, offering protection and assistance. In contravention of international humanitarian law, the access of internally displaced persons to humanitarian assistance is often impeded by various armed groups. While some organizations have specific mandates to provide assistance to refugees or address human rights violations, at present there is no clear institutional responsibility for the internally displaced.

As a priority in all emergencies, procedures should be adopted to ensure the survival and protection of unaccompanied children. These safe zones should become a haven for all who are displaced in conflict regions, the funds for which would come from UNICEF and, with urging, the country of conflict itself as a punishment. In cooperation with the United Nations Department for Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) in its role as Emergency Relief Coordinator, and in consultation with other major humanitarian agencies, a lead agency should be assigned overall responsibility in each emergency. In collaboration with the lead agency, UNICEF should provide leadership for the protection of these facilities.his, the psychological effects on children especially have been something we canno

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Harrison Greenleaf
School: Williamston High School

The most pressing issue regarding to this topic is how appropriate living standards and security can be enforced and maintained in safe communities in conflict zones. In a world where conflicts and violence are occurring seemingly every day, many refuges are left in poor conditions and danger. The events in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine have proved that the innocent people who are caught in the cross fire of global conflict need to be taken care of. Thousands of children and adults are threatened or even killed by violent factions in battles and it needs to stop. The United Nations and United Nations International Children’s Fund need to find ways to maintain proper living standards and security for citizens in areas of conflict.

Germany wants to see this issue resolved because innocent people caught in conflict have the right to be protected and cared for. After World War 2, the Allies helped Germany rebuild and protected its citizens. Ever since, the Republic of Germany has supported the fight to help those who are in the middle of violent conflict by fully supporting the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. Germany has also funded and supported many safe communities and safe zones in countries such as Syria. The safety of civilians is of utmost importance for the delegation of Germany and wishes that the United Nations and UNICEF develop a plan as soon as possible. The people who are caught in the cross fire need to be taken care of and protected.

Germany would propose to solve this issue by leading and working with other nations to gather funds for the maintaining of conditions and security of safe communities. Germany would also propose the creation of legislation to ensure to continual upkeep and security of safe communities. The delegation of Germany also believes that every nation should welcome the “Universal Declaration of Human Right” and will push for every nation to recognize it. Germany would be more than willing to work with any nations whose plan would best suit the topic and help those who are affected. Also, the delegation of Germany would like to work with other nations who share our views. The issue must be resolved as soon as possible because the people in conflict cannot wait much longer.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Brennan McClain
School: Mattawan High School

Due to increasing numbers of the personnel of Guatemala's drug cartels, conflict zones between the police state and these drug lords are becoming more and more common. These areas are not only unsafe for the children but for all inhabitants of that particular area. These conflict zones in Guatemala have been plagued by murder, drug-induced crimes, and theft. As it is quite improbable to think that we could move that big of a population safely outside the conflict area, Guatemala is doing everything it can to fix this ongoing problem. The only setback is that the nation of Guatemala has not been able to financially support such humanitarian efforts.

In a perfect world, Guatemala recognizes that refugee camps are the safest route to go for this particular problem. But as previously stated, the ongoing problem of drug cartels in the area have impeded the use of these camps, as their armed forces have become a threat. Guatemala does not have the financial stability to combat these drug cartels in the area. Guatemala still recognizes this as a serious problem that needs attention from UNICEF and the United Nations.

To help create safer communities in conflict zones, Guatemala would like to request financial support from wealthier nations to provide growth to our police state. As we see it, adding hospitals, schools, or refugee camps, the drug cartels could easily use their armed forces to control these areas. By growing Guatemala's police state, we now have the ability to combat this opposition to slowly maintain control of these conflict zones and make the area safer. Then after driving out these opposing forces can we start building schools, hospitals, refugee camps that we know will be much more likely to stay under Guatemalan control.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: India
Delegate Name: Ella Tretter
School: Vicksburg High School

The delegation of India believes that there is little to no point in putting time and money into building safe communities within conflict zones. There is a much greater process that is used when establishing a secure community, besides just building them. There has to be a form of protection for those who are choosing to live in these safe communities. For those who are injured theres needs to be a form of hospital and treatments for them. The delegation of India believes the UN should be putting this time and money into relocating these people instead of putting them in a community within a violent environment. Along with the use of resources, it would be very difficult to encourage volunteers to work in an area located in a conflict zone, more would be likely to help in the areas you relocated these innocent people to.

The idea of attempting to prevent the loss of innocent lives within a conflict zone, and protecting aid workers and soldiers that are paid to be in their positions seems like a waste of money and resources compared to the alternative. The United Nations needs to spend their time attempting to find an area outside of these conflict zones rather than trying to salvage a broken community. This way, there wouldn’t be the constant fear of attack and these people would able to live in a secure environment.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Hannah Baird
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

In emergency situations, UNICEF intervenes as a global leader and helps to shape and rebuild communities after natural or man-made disasters. Responding to over two-hundred emergencies per year, UNICEF sets an example for global responsibility and action. During times of war, conflict not only disrupts nations, but also destabilizes infrastructure and rattles countries’ inhabitants. This results in a refugee crisis and complicates the delivery of support and the uphold of security in these zones. The principles of security are embodied in Articles 22 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In these articles, it is stated that everyone is entitled to free and dignified economic, social, and cultural rights and the means to sustain a healthy, adequate standard of living. Attempting to serve those in need, the refugee camps lack simple infrastructure such as integrity of buildings, adequate food supply, and overall cleanliness due to insufficient funding. Without simple infrastructure, security and safety of refugees is endangered. UNICEF must solve the issue of safety in conflict zones to protect the endangered communities and ensure the safety of their posterity.

Italy believes that in order to ensure safety in conflict zones, the implementation of health care facilities is necessary along with an increase in funding to provide adequate resources within problematic areas and guarantee safety and security of not only the children, but every member of the communities. If funding is increased to countries in need of assistance, security and safety can be maintained through the implementation of healthcare facilities, the regulation of food supply, and the sanitation of water. Although liquid assets are difficult to acquire, funding through UNICEF can assist in the obtainment of necessary resources. Also, if surrounding countries assist in the betterment of those at risk, we can not only protect the children of the war zones, but we can also promise a brighter future for them and the world in its entirety.

UNICEF can help to alleviate tension and increase safety and security in conflict zones through the aid in development of problem areas. By increasing protection and funding to conflict zones, communities will be safer and have substantial resources to assist all in need. Without assistance, these areas will continue to deteriorate, putting the lives of the children and their families at risk. It is UNICEF’s responsibility to protect the children of the world so as to ensure a brighter future for all.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Kazakhstan
Delegate Name: Del Kelly
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Kazakhstan proposes that to keep life in conflict zones adequate is by giving a stable supply of resources and protection to the people in theses areas. Another important thing to do is to make sure the people in these conflict zones have the equal and proper rights that they should be given. Also making sure that they have the basic standards of living in their communities. Reconstruction is the one challenge to overcome in these conflict zones.

To keep the local communities safe in the conflict zones Kazakhstan believes in building military training facilities and schools. This would help the people learn how to defend themselves. Kazakhstan also believes that the United Nations should send military assets to defend the communities in these conflict zones. If the conflict becomes too much of a problem the civilians would be evacuated from the area. The civilians would return when the conflict would end or becomes less of a problem.

UNICEF and the United Nations would take charge of watching over these conflict zones if the previous government wasn’t doing its job for these communities. Ensuring the protection of its people, especially in in politically unstable regions. Kazakhstan believes that UNICEF and the United Nations should build programs to support the people in these conflict zones. Also ensuring that the corrupt governments don’t get control of the resources for the people in the conflict zones. The United Nations must ensure that the people in these conflict zones not just get the resources they need but also the proper protection for them.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Kuwait
Delegate Name: Lauren Rogers
School: Mattawan High School

Communities in conflict zones are unsafe for the citizens within them. It is apparent that the inhabitants of theses conflict zone communities should be more thoroughly protected in a safer environment. Not only does a safe community need to be developmentally secure, but also requires clean and healthy living conditions.

In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait due to disputes over oil, resulting in what’s known as the Iraq-Kuwait war. This war on Kuwait territory showed a lot of aggression against the environment which left the land in a barren, desolate state. Most infamously, destruction of Kuwait's oil fields as part of Saddam Hussein's "scorched earth" policy quite literally means that Iraq soldiers burned the oil fields. During this process, billions of oil barrels were spilled, leaving lakes of oil near Kuwait citizens. To recover from this devastation, efforts were made to restore the environment for the safety of the people. The government poured a lot of time and money into the restoration; consequently, the people were safer, and they had faith in the government as well as its intentions to repair the history of previous and existing generations.

The delegates of Kuwait feel that according to modern research, many steps need to be taken to build safe communities in conflict zones. These steps include, but aren’t limited to, engaging communities in protection strategies, using military and government force to protect civilians, working with humanitarian actors, incorporating civilian expertise, planning international operations to protect civilians, and tailoring strategies to protect citizens.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Anusha Mannam
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Often, during times of conflict, citizens inhabiting a country may feel forced to leave. These refugees leave in order to find a safer area, but refugee camps are many times just as safe as living in the conflict zone. Even after a time of conflict ends, it is often difficult for the refugees to reintegrate back into their old lives. In order to prevent citizens from feeling forced to leave during times of conflict in the first place, it is a good idea to build safe communities in conflict zones. Safe communities provide medical care, education, food, housing, transportation, and sanitary conditions.

The delegation of Libya supports the building of safe communities in conflict zones. During the Libyan Civil War many refugees sought a safer area to live and fled to border countries such as Chad and Egypt. Also many children felt the need to turn to joining the army in order to survive, this is because by staying in conflict zones they would not be guaranteed the supplies needed for survival. Safe refugee camps would be beneficial to Libya because it would ensure basic needs-such as food and water- as well as education for children. Libya has been working with UNICEF recently to fix structures such as schools damaged because of the Libyan Civil War. Because the safe communities ensure children basic survival needs, they will be less likely to join the army.

We would like to start projects within conflict zones in our country to build safe communities- or refugee camps. Building safe communities would be most beneficial in the predominant conflict areas during the Libyan Civil War. We believe that the building of safe refugee camps is essential to the reintegration and prevention of child soldiers and will be beneficial to our future generations and the needs of our country as a whole.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Nikolas Zazula
School: Vicksburg High School

The delegation of New Zealand believes the topic of building safe communities in conflict zones is confusing in and of itself. It’s a very risky decision to place a large amount of funds and to focus on establishing a safe community within a zone of conflict. While the United Nations is able to fund this project through the use of NGOs and establish some form of protection for these communities, the delegation of New Zealand believes it would be much more worthwhile and cost-effective to provide the resources necessary for the relocation of these people. As conflict proceeds, innocent people are caught in the crossfire, and organizing a military becomes a waste of resources when the source of the conflict is unable to be eliminated.

The delegation of New Zealand believes that, in order to prevent the needless loss of the lives of aid workers, soldiers and innocent human beings, the United Nations should focus on the relocation of these individuals, and the direction of their movements. Considering the costs of reconstruction, rehabilitation and providing the resources necessary for these communities to attempt to survive in an environment where violence is prevalent, we believe that resources should be focused on establishing a community in a much more secure location. Providing assistance and protection on this venture would allow for a decreased amount expenses and resources wasted in attempting to defend a community in a violent environment.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Meghana Ranabothu
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

A safe, secure community usually has the the ability to access sanitation, food, transportation, education, commerce, and healthcare. Due to ongoing conflicts in countries such as Syria and Ukraine, many residents of communities in cities and refugee camps are not receiving these necessary elements. Conflicts in countries destabilize regions and create complications in providing aid and security. Principles of security are embodied in Articles 22 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; everyone is entitled to free and dignified economic, social, and cultural rights and the means to sustain a healthy, adequate standard of living. UNICEF in Nigeria helps ensure that water, power, shelter, medical and educational services, finances, and other aid reach these conflict zones. UNICEF helps treat children and increases the amount of health care centers in Nigeria. UNICEF’s task is to administer social security and aid to populations, especially children, while keeping all the constituents safe in the process.

Nigeria strongly supports UNICEF’s mission to work to help build safer and healthier communities in conflict zones. We currently have internal and cross-border refugees seeking safety from religious extremists in the northern part of our nation. Multiple international organizations, including UNICEF, are helping us protect our refugees. Our refugee problem has been compounded by the severe drought that has plagued our nation, so many of our refugees are malnourished. National and international organizations have been able to reach the affected areas, populations, and civilians. UNICEF in collaboration with others organizations supported thousands of children and adults with nutrition and health care centers. In some schools in Nigeria, students run to the pump with their plastic cups and bowls to fetch drinking water from the hand pump-equipped borehole provided by UNICEF, in collaboration with the State Rural Water Supply Agency. Although there are challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, UNICEF has greatly affected Nigeria.

Nigeria supports UNICEF’s role in building safe communities in conflict zones. There are multiple approaches to this solution. A successful example is UNICEF’s work is in our own nation. UNICEF constructed sanitation and water facilities around health care centres. It started procuring essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, and began helping facilities to operate six days a week. UNICEF is still helping and taking place today. UNICEF integrates more health services, nutrition, water, and hygiene, with a focus on the most vulnerable mothers and children. UNICEF’s project in Nigeria treated 11,300 severely malnourished children and treated 200,000 children in a wider area of northern Nigeria. The assistance was possible with the funding from the government of Japan, the EU and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and Bill Gates Foundation. Similar actions can be taken to protect the health and safety of citizens in other nation’s conflict zones.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Melissa Caren
School: Royal Oak High School

As a nation often targeted by western nations such as the United States of America and bordering nations such as the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is very familiar with conflict. It is for this reason that the DPRK finds the issue of building safe communities in conflict zones to be a pressing one. Considering it is nearly impossible to ensure peace between all nations, especially when feuds regarding territorial claims and resources have been known to last for years, sometimes decades, our primary focus is on keeping the people in these conflict zones protected from the outside nations that bring harm upon them.

There have been over 150 known incidents between the DPRK and ROK since the Korean War in 1950, a clear sign that our people are being threatened by this bordering nation. And as if these incidents weren't enough to deal with already, western nations, most notably the United States, are constantly challenging the North Korean government and continuously endangering our people. The US refuses to allow the DPRK to run its country according to its own respectable policies, using intimidation to attempt to control us, and keeping land mines along our borders, as well as using other weapons (some of mass destruction), in hopes of injuring the people in those areas while preventing trade. Worst of all, these civilians do not have proper food, water, shelter, etc., because the United Nations has wrongfully put economic sanctions on us, not allowing for proper aid to make it to those who need it as a result. Aside from being murdered by interfering nations, the biggest threat to our people in conflict zones is malnutrition.

In order to relieve the civilians who are suffering due to the gross actions of outside nations, the DPRK believes that any current sanctions in place on it, and any other wrongfully affected nations, must be lifted. It is unfair to put a nation's people at risk solely because they will not conform to the westernized policies implemented by its aggressors. Once sanctions are lifted, the DPRK would be open to aid from its allies and any organizations that wish to supply it (assuming it is approved by our government), and the UN Food Program, which is already in place but is in danger due to lack of funding as a result of western intimidation by nations such as the USA, who are plotting against us and our people.

Even after sanctions have been lifted though, it is important that the DPRK continue to militarily secure its borders and nation overall. It is very obvious that the US, ROK, and their allies are a constant threat to the the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and it is for this reason that we will continue the same level of security, especially at borders, in order to protect our people from these outside threats.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Mitchell Plichta
School: Mattawan High School

So long as there is war, there will be conflict zones. A priority for many nations in these situations is maintaining a healthy and stable standard of living. Those who inhabit countries such as Syria and Iraq face a number of issues in areas of conflict. Civilians are displaced because of destruction to homes and facilities; thus, refugee camps are formed outside of the area.

The federation of Russia has been assisted by many of its neighbors in reconstruction after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many Eastern European countries aided the nation with economic support. The delegation, therefore, recognizes that it is a necessity for other states to aid those who have experienced war and the side effects of conflict.

Russia holds the view that protecting citizens from harm in combat zones is critical, but the goal is unrealistic in active combat zones. Rebuilding cities and providing for populations when there is ongoing conflict is a difficult issue. Increased intensity in violence can lead to the destruction of important buildings in communities, thus resetting any projects that may be finished by any groups attempting to aid the distressed individuals. Relief can only be granted in areas isolated and separate from combat. The issue then becomes more important in how to assist refugees who have been displaced because of conflict, and how to help nations after times of conflict. Although the Russian Federation believes that safety and necessities are paramount, the United Nations does not have unlimited resources. This committee must put into close consideration the amount of funding, and the lives that may be at risk because of independent groups during times of war. We cannot, however, simply ignore the refugee groups. Independently funded groups such as NGO’s should play a significant role in assisting those who have been displaced in times of war.

Many nations simply do not have the resources to aid those in other nations who are facing war. There are much more persistent internal problems such as disease and natural disasters for nations rather than worrying about whether or not refugees hold a suitable standard of living.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Olivia Venus
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

In areas of conflict such as Sudan and Gaza, thousands of innocent civilians are killed simply for inhabiting a region of conflict, and children are often affiliated with armed gangs or terrorist groups. Their homes are no longer safe, and they are at the constant threat of harm. Refugee camps are often just as unsafe as the citizen’s home, and lack clean water and shelter. Refugee camps can be made safer by the United Nations, by setting standards for camps internationally, and by region. Guidelines regarding pumps for clean water, shipments of food, schools, and shelters need to be set in order to create a safe environment for children in conflict zones.

When building a refugee camp, it is important to consider its urgency. Camps need to be built quickly and have the ability to maintain a continuous flow of resources throughout the time of conflict. Military use, ideally by the United Nations, but backed by several nations can be used to enforce the safety of citizens within the camps, by forming a constant armed border of the camp and by instituting a no weapons ordinance within the camp. By instituting such an ordinance, there would be little threat from an under cover terrorist attack within the camp. The military can also be used to transport resources to the camp, and ensure the general well-being of the refugees, including assistance in building and insurance that pumps and wells are working properly. Alternatives to national military could be a small militia, focused solely on protecting and assisting the refugees, while avoiding an international conflict.

South Africa would be willing to send militia members to regions of conflict, in order to assist in the building and keeping of safe refugee camps. We believe it is of the upmost priority to continue the education of refugee children, provide them with safe homes, and ensure them clean water and food, to minimize the amount of civilian causalities in war time, and prevent child affiliation with terrorist groups or gangs.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Hugh McDonald
School: Forest Hills Central High School

All over the world civilians are at risk from attack everyday. Every human has the right to a safe community. Humans need safe drinking water, sanitation, proper shelter, and food in order to live. Children are the most susceptible to damages cause by wars and disasters. Children also need education in order to get out of poverty and infrastructure to bolster economies of war torn zones. Awareness and education also needs to be raised in order for communities to become safer. Millions of adults and children around the currently do not have access to safe communities around the world. The plight of refugees in Syria for example shows hard some countries and groups of people have it.

Sudan recognizes the importance education and school is compulsory from ages 6 to 13, although we do recognize the education is sub par to the rest of the world because education facilities have been destroyed by war. We recognize that not all areas of Sudan are safe due to rebels, but the situation has improved in recent years. Sudan is unfortunately not financially secure enough to donate money or supplies to other areas around the world. The breakaway of South Sudan resulted in the loss of our main export which is oil has greatly harmed our economy and living standards. Sudan requests that UNICEF and overall the UN increase aid to areas of insecurity.

Countries that are not in a state of war or poverty should donate resources in order help build safer communities all over the world. Sudan believes the superpowers (Russia, USA, France,etc) should shoulder a portion of the burden and donate medicine, doctors, teachers to countries that need it the most. We also request that more economic aid be given to countries in need in order to build better infrastructure and ensure other investments. The United Nations should act on one of its chief goals, which is to provide safety to civilians around the world

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Maddie Meyer
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Civilians’ safety has been an issue in conflict zones around the world since the beginning of warfare. However, civilians are being purposely attacked more often now than ever before. The Geneva convention is the set of rules created to define the humanitarian standards of warfare. These rules are partially implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and if they are broken during warfare, the UN Security Counsel is allowed to decide the punishment. One of the many topics discussed in the Geneva Convention is how to handle civilians in conflict zones. In 1970 the UN general assembly made a law stating that places designated for the protection of civilians should not be near a military operation. This was the first law to state that these “safe zones” would be completely removed from all the activities going on with the conflict.

Sweden is a global leader in the integration of refugees. Sweden took in refugees from Chile in the 1970s, Iran and Iraq in the 1980s, Somalia and Balkans in the 1990s, and more recently, Iraq in the 2000s. The Swedish migration board also allows any asylum seekers from these troubled, usually war-torn, countries to take up permanent residence in Sweden. This permanent residence allows these refugees to immediately find work in Sweden, letting them start a peaceful and productive life for themselves. Sweden does all of this for these people because they believe that people should have safe places to continue their daily lives. That is why they believe that before a war begins, parts of a state can be determined a neutralized zone in which no acts of war may take place. Also, during a war both parties can reach an agreement that all acts of war shall temporarily cease in a given area.

Although war is a hard thing to regulate, the ICRC has been successful in doing so, with more than 88% of the food aid they’ve given out going to internally displaced people. Increasing funding for the ICRC is one simple solution that will help continue to build safe communities in conflict zones and supply people who have already been displaced with the necessary resources. Another possible solution is to simply make the punishments for not following the Geneva Convention stricter, improving compliance with the existing rules.

Sweden believes that in order for these safe zones to be laid out and then peacefully maintained, this must occur through the action of an unbiased third-party. This third-party, such as the ICRC, will be given the permission to build and govern safe zones in any area within the conflict zone. If one of the sides of conflict doesn’t follow the Geneva Convention rules outlining the rights of civilians in safe zones, they will be punished by the UN Security Council.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Tunisia
Delegate Name: Alison Pinos
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

In the Republic of Tunisia, there is a lot of traffic due to refugees. Surrounding countries have had problems and their people have come to our soil, which is fine. Tunisia wants to help these people in their time of need, but not if they are going to bring crime along with them. This has been the case in years past, and it is a huge problem. It is important for wherever refugees live to be safer than where they came from was, but with the increased crime rates, it is difficult for Tunisia to sustain all of these people.

The population in Tunisia is about 10 million. Over 1 million of those people are refugees, most from Libya. The economy of Tunisia is in the midst of crumbling, and with the security threats from our borders, it is difficult to care for all of the refugee camps. If they are going to stay here, they should pay taxes and make this country safer by not participating in crimes. Due to the struggles of our economy, we are unable to keep refugee camps going forever if the conflict zone they came from has resolved its problems. The people from the camps will be offered the option to integrate into the Tunisian society, but many do not want to do that or return where they came from, leaving them without a good living space. It is their own choice to stay at a camp after it has closed.

Clean water, food, and steady shelters are very important for refugees. As long as the refugees treat the land as their own, pay taxes, and steer clear of crime, we will definitely help. But due to previous bad experiences at the borders, security is much higher and the roads sometimes are closed. Because many countries have bad economies, NGOs would be a good option because they can help out with finding funding for refugees.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Kiara Atkins
School: Roeper School

Sadly, due to conflict in many areas of the world, huge amounts of people are becoming refugees in order to avoid combat situations near their homes. More than fifty-one million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes, a record since World War II. Half of these refugees are children.

In April 2013, Turkey approved the Law on Foreigners and Equal Protection, which among other things states that foreigners will not be sent back to places where the will be subject to inhumane treatment. Due to the conflict in Syria, more than 1 million refugees are estimated to have fled to Turkey. While so far Turkey has been largely successful in handling these refugees so far, there are concerns about the future if and likely when people continue to immigrate. Turkey realises that caring for displaced refugees is a worldwide issue, and that if we let we let that responsibility fall to only a few nations then it is unlikely that these people will be able to successfully rebuild their lives. Even more strain from accommodating refugees has been put upon countries such as Jordan and Lebanon.

UNICEF is currently providing aid in the form of water, education, and immunizations for children who have been displaced, and we must not understate how much this aid has been appreciated. However, because the amount of refugees potentially coming out of Syria and other parts of the world, more infrastructure and more aid may be needed in order to accommodate these people and allow them to lead healthy lives.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Rachel Lissner
School: Grand Blanc High School

Presently many areas such as Syria, Ukraine, Congo, and Iraq are in desperate need of safe communities for the civilians living within their borders. Conflict leads to a rise in trauma injuries, as well as psychological distress, mental illness, and sexual violence. All people, but especially children, living in conflict zones need to be protected and assisted. Many children living in these violent areas become separated from their families and struggle to survive. Unaccompanied children should be reunited with their immediate families or, when this is not possible, cared for by other relatives or close friends, rather than institutions. All internally displaced children need to be removed from areas of conflict.

The United Kingdom believes that it is our duty to assist all peoples living amidst conflict. We take part in many organizations that aim to create safe areas in conflict zones. War Child is an organization that trains social workers in conflict zones and teaches literacy skill to entire communities in addition to the basic assistance it provides. MSF UK (Doctors Without Boarders) sends specialist to areas of conflict and provides independent, neutral and impartial assistance to all people living in conflict zones on a need basis. We are more than willing to do our part in any program organized by the UN. We would like to ensure that the situation that occurred with the UN Safe Areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not repeated, if a member nation designates a safe area they must take part in the protection of this area. A clear procedure must be outlined in any resolution that is passed.

A first step we would like to see taken in the development of safe communities is the creation "Safe Zones" providing refuge for civilians until more permanent communities can be established. These Safe Zones should provide protection and assistance, such as healthcare, food and water. It is of the utmost importance that education be provided in established Safe Zones. More than 40 million children worldwide are missing out on schooling, half of these live in conflict zones. Education has the ability to teach children how to avoid land mines but also how to treat drinking water. Additionally, peace education has the potential to preventing future conflict and will be beneficial to all futures generations.

The formation of safe communities and access to education provide a sense of home and belonging while helping children to socialize and teaching them right from wrong. The United Kingdom believes that using our resources to help other countries build safe communities within their borders will pay off. This wise investment will benefit not only those countries suffering through conflict but all countries around the world.

Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Gregory Poole
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

One of the realities of war is the displacement of large numbers of people. This is more of an issue than ever, considering the destruction and devastation modern war can apply to huge swaths of land. Though the logistics of such displacements can be overwhelming, it is essential that the international community remains focused on the essentials needed by all refugees. Food, water, and basic medical supplies are often in short supply, if they are present at all. Aid, when sent, is often waylaid and confiscated by corrupt officials or military forces. Education in these camps is often nonexistent.

The United States is fortunate to have never have fought an invader upon our own soil. However, the US realizes that events in the Middle East and elsewhere have forced the creation of these refugee camps, at times when sanitation and health are small concerns. The current war in Syria, for example, has displaced over 3 million residents. Providing food, water, and shelter to these people is no easy task.

No refugee camp will ever provide anything close to what could be described as “an adequate standard of living.” However, the United States would like the international community to provide at least the basics: food, water, shelter, medical supplies, and education. The United States would like to see the international community provide protection, stability, and safety. The United States would like to see the international community provide opportunities for immigration or temporary residence. Even if we, as the United Nations, cannot stop the wars, we, as the United Nations, can stop the suffering of those affected by them.