Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Delegate Name: Charlie Francis
The international community has debated the use of indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, for a long time. These weapons are blamed for causing extensive suffering among civilians but also have been key in responding to fundamental threats to security, especially in conflict zones. The use and regulation of such weapons in Syria can only be understood through a lens of national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and maintaining stability in a region torn apart by foreign interference.
The Syrian Arab Republic objects to the politicization of the usage of indiscriminate weapons, by some countries that do not respect the rights of sovereign states whose very existence has been threatened. Actions to regulate indiscriminate weapons must take into account the diverse challenges facing those countries in continuous conflict and their right to self-defense.
The Syrian Arab Republic would like to affirm that any discussion on indiscriminate weapons must be balanced, fair, and based on the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. It should be noted that Syria is suffering from a long, multifaceted conflict with both internal and external threats. In such a situation, the use of all available resources, including those weapons criticized as “indiscriminate,” sometimes becomes unavoidable in order to preserve the nation’s territorial integrity and stability.
It strongly contests the prevailing outsider perspective, which accuses the government of international law violations against insurgent groups and foreign powers operating in Syrian territory with impunity. Politicizing allegations of the use of indiscriminate weapons by the Syrian government are made, often without investigations being impartial. The Syrian Arab Republic believes security and sovereignty should be prioritized over external pressures from outside parties to make the nation adhere to treaties that do not explain the realities of specific conflicts.
The Syrian government has taken defensive measures by planting explosive devices and munitions to defend its sovereignty from terrorist organizations and armed militias that have caused destruction and instability. Syria, in cooperation with international organizations, has worked on landmine clearing in the liberated territories to ensure the safety of civilians and allow the return of the displaced population.
While Syria has not signed treaties like the Ottawa Treaty or the Convention on Cluster Munitions, this position reflects the need to maintain defense capabilities in the face of persisting threats Syria remains open to interstate dialogue respectful of sovereignty and security concerns. Syria demands that the right of states to use such tools, when deemed necessary in light of internal conflict foreign intervention, be recognized. Efforts to regulate weapons should not detract from the legitimate efforts of governments to maintain law and order.
The Syrian government supports unbiased, internationally monitored investigations into allegations of indiscriminate weapon use by all parties to the conflict. It is important that such investigations respect the sovereignty of Syria and avoid politicization. Syria calls for increased funding and technical support to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by terrorist groups and foreign forces. On condition of guarantees of non-interference, respect of sovereignty, and equal scrutiny of all the parties in the region, Syria is ready to discuss disarmament.
The Syrian Arab Republic emphasizes the importance of impartial, balanced debate concerning the subject of indiscriminate weapons. The government is committed to minimizing civilian harm, but for the alleged perpetrators of such war crimes, unique and complex challenges are at hand in efforts to combat terrorism and foreign-backed insurgencies. Syria calls on the international community to support its efforts to restore stability and full national sovereignty, reject biased accusations, and recognize the legitimate defense needs of nations under siege.
