Topic: UN's Role of Addressing Sectarian and Ethnic Conflict within a Nation
Country: France
Delegate Name: Amber Walters
School: Flint Central Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Ethnic and sectarian conflict has always been an issue throughout the international community. We are all aware of the horrendous acts of violence against different ethnicities, notably the situation that erupted in Rwanda, and the 1994 slaying of nearly one million people. The ongoing ethnic conflict in Iraq, between Sunni and Shiite Muslims and in other member states is also cause for alarm.
France feels this is a problem that affects every nation in some form. First and foremost, France believes disputes should be solved in a more humanitarian way, preventing them from escalating into life-threatening displays of violence. Also, we feel it is crucial that humanitarian laws be upheld and adhered to. The UN's role of addressing this issue is fairly limited. For most of their measures, the United Nations needs the permission of the country in question. Therefore France feels the best ways to help combat this issues is to have solid prevention measures, actions designed to “prevent disputes from arising between parties, to prevent existing disputes from escalating into conflicts and to limit the spread of the latter when they occur.” In circumstances where disputes that have already escalated into deadly violence, the UN's best option are peacekeeping forces and peace enforcing units. Finally, France would also like to reiterate the sovereignty of member states.
The nation of France realizes the issue of ethnic and sectarian violence is a global issue. We feel that preventative measures are the United Nations first step in combating this issue. Community coordination and the adherence to humanitarian documents like The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is key. Lastly, the use of peacekeeping forces and peace enforcing units is another option in combating this issue.
