Topic: Congo
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Joe Tuohey
School: Dearborn High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Poland position papers GLIMUN 2007 committees
The nation of Poland has been greatly troubled by the recent events that have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in light of the strides the nation has made since the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement in 1999. Though not entirely peaceful, the democratic elections that have occurred there are a major step in the right direction. However, the systemic use of sexual violence by rebel forces in Eastern Congo is completely unacceptable and must be stopped.
Poland recognizes the progress that the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has made, and that the MONUC will undoubtedly be useful in the future resolution of this conflict. Despite this, the current forces deployed there have obviously been inadequate, as violence has persisted. In addition to being numerically inadequate, the fact that these forces are composed solely of policeman and soldiers is also worrisome. This situation in East Congo requires specialized attention as conventional forces are not appropriately prepared to handle the types of sexual violence that are occurring.
With these things in mind, Poland would support an increase in the troop levels in the MONUC in addition to humanitarian assistance to assist with the recovery of those who have suffered from the atrocities of sexual violence in Eastern Congo. Poland expects to find allies in other members of the European Union, as well as those in the African Union. It is imperative to all African nations that peace and stability be reached in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
