Topic: UN's Role of Addressing Sectarian and Ethnic Conflict within a Nation
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Tracy Norcross
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Australia position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
For years within the world there has been major conflict between different ethnic groups and issues with sectarianism. Ethnic groups have fought each other because of their belief that they are better than the other, or have been threatened. Sectarianism has gained strength over the last century because groups have felt more important and have also felt the need to aggressively fight for their beliefs. Both conflicts coexist with one another peacefully today, but in some parts of the world different groups have violently attacked and expelled others in different ethnic groups and those with different beliefs. Such happenings have brought upon the need for UN intervention.
Currently, such regions as the Middle East, India and Sri Lanka have been in sectarian conflict. Ethnic conflict today is also very heavy in areas previously affected by the Cold War. Australia is involved first off by it’s membership of the United Nations. Part of the UN’s mission is to aide countries in conflict. Also, the United States is a very prominent force in addressing most conflicts and because their military alliance with the US, Australia is associated with sectarian and ethnic conflicts that the United States aides. Australia also has a history of sectarian and ethnic conflict within its borders because of Irish immigrants and the diversity of religion in the country.
Proposals out today include those stated in Resolution 1830. The resolution underscores the need for Iraqi communities to reject sectarianism and states the decision to extend the existence of the UNAMI. This involvement, approved by Australia, outlines the importance of ending sectarian violence in the Middle East, as well as involving the new Iraqi government. Australia also has the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2005 which highlights the need for keeping terrorism out of Australia.
Australia proposes that the UN motivate the Government of Pakistan to prevent sectarian conflict and to help inform religious governments against religious discrimination and violence. The government should be pressed to do more than previously attempted. Australia also believes that the UN should call for a more strict enforcement of international humanitarian and human rights laws, especially in the Georgia-Russia region. Studies have also shown that greater governmental involvement in local economies has crippled ethnic relations because of the threat imposed. Australia believes that the UN should either aide the violence and ethnic conflict or call for countries to lessen their impact in affected areas.
