Topic:
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Luci Perez-Simons
The United Kingdom is strongly determined to limit human trafficking and save and support all humans from it. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and our committee must find solutions to keep citizens of the world safe from it. Dating back to 1919, the League of Nations created the International Labor Organization, dedicated to combatting child labor globally. In past years, the United Nations passed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, which defined key human rights. Additionally, the United Nations passed the Palermo Protocol, which defines trafficking, encourages awareness campaigns for human trafficking, and promotes global cooperation (United Nations).
The United Kingdom has taken lots of action to combat human trafficking and to support victims. For instance, the United Kingdom passed the Modern Slavery Act of 2015, which outlined strict punishments for those who commit human trafficking crimes, defined human trafficking and modern-day slavery, and outlined support for victims (Legislation UK). Additionally, the United Kingdom passed other legislation in 2019- the National Referral Mechanisms- which helped identify victims of modern slavery and human trafficking and ensured that victims got the necessary support (Gov.UK). Specifically, the National Referral Mechanisms outlines support in the forms of legal advice, accommodation, protection, and “independent emotional and practical help.” The United Kingdom has also played significant roles in UN committees and other global legislation, such as the Palermo Protocol and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The United Kingdom highly advises that the committee follows preceding legislation that has worked. For instance, both the Modern Slavery Act and the National Referral Mechanisms have ensured more transparency in supply chain management. Although there have been numerous pieces of legislation passed, human trafficking is still an issue. The committee can supplement these legislations by strengthening individual nations’ protocols. The UN can and should urge that every country create more legislation to combat human trafficking. For instance, the United Nations should provide help to nations that lack the resources to implement legislation. Countries could donate funding and assistance. Additionally, the United Nations should come up with stronger technology to help combat such issues.
The United Kingdom is looking forward to creating global resolutions through this committee. As a committee, the best way we can supplement legislation is by honing in on individual nations and making sure every nation can actually implement legislation passed by the UN. We must ensure that we have a correct balance of power between the UN and individual nations.
