Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Owen Hufnagel
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Indiscriminate Weapons
Republic of South Africa
Owen Hufnagel
Forest Hills Eastern
The use of indiscriminate weapons, such as biochemical weapons, nuclear weapons, cluster munitions, landmines, incendiary weapons, and uncrewed aerial vehicles, is a modern warfare tactic. As technology evolves, the old practice of putting boots on the ground has been discouraged and slowly removed. While many countries, including South Africa, have come forward, asking to disarm and end the nuclear and other indiscriminate arms race, the UN still supports the countries who participate.
South Africa opposes the use of indiscriminate weapons, arranging itself as a strong advocate for disarmament. The country has passed legislation, such as the National Conventional Arms Control Act, to regulate arms exports and prevent the transfer of weapons that could be used in a manner causing harm to civilians. Internationally, South Africa is a signatory to critical treaties like the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Chemical Weapons Convention, demonstrating its commitment to prohibiting the use of such weapons. Additionally, South Africa actively participates in global arms control discussions, working with allies and regional partners to promote responsible arms management and enhance humanitarian protections in conflict zones. The government has also engaged with non-governmental organizations to support advocacy efforts to strengthen international standards against indiscriminate weapons.
South Africa’s actions to end civilian-harming weapons have a global impact, inspiring and motivating others to follow suit. By passing legislation, laws, and regulations to prevent the use of these weapons domestically, South Africa sets a powerful example for the world. Their proposal to ban the use of nuclear arms and disassemble and recycle the materials used in the production of atomic weapons is a call to action for the international community to join the fight for ethical warfare standards.
