Topic: Situation in Congo
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Hema Karunakaram
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All South Korea position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
The Republic of Korea is deeply concerned about the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The world's largest humanitarian crisis, accompanied by the UN's largest peacekeeping force, seem to put the DRC in a very extreme and vulnerable position. Millions of lives have been lost in this region due to war, disease, malnutrition, and genocide—and still the chaos has not relented. As a major trading partner of the DRC, the Republic of Korea is concerned not only for the DRC's government and security, but also for its overall economy and infrastructure.
The DRC's new government under Joseph Kabila, elected democratically, seems to be heading in the right direction. However, peace and security are still very far away from becoming a reality. General Nkunda has proved to be ruthless as a leader and unappeasable as a rebel, and the DRC has no hope for stability unless Nkunda can be cornered and properly dealt with. Several peace treaties have been signed, but unforutnately, none have been effective. Moreover, the Republic of Korea expresses great concern for the people of the DRC and the surrounding regions in turmoil, particularly the women and children. These people deserve a better life, and it should be a priority of every nation's to ensure this in the future.
The Republic of Korea puts its full support behind MONUC and all financial and humanitarian aid being supplied to the region currently. In the word's of the Republic of Korea's own Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary-General, “The conflict along the Rwanda and Congolese border has gone on too long and with catastrophic consequences.” The Republic of Korea envisions a DRC in the future that is safe and secure, with a blossoming economy and successful infrastructure, healthy and educated citizens, and a democratic government free from military conflict. The Republic of Korea is eager to find a solution to this situation and restore peace and stability to the region.
