Topic: UN's Role of Addressing Sectarian and Ethnic Conflict within a Nation
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Philip Bernstein
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Japan position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Japan believes that the United Nations must have a substantial role in resolving sectarian or ethnic conflicts that are present or imminent in nations. The United Nations recognizes that each member of the human race is equal, and therefore none should be subjected to violence due to cultural differences.
Japan believes that the best way to approach ethnic or sectarian conflicts is through comprehensive methods. This means that anything that could continue to divide the nation in question must be absolved. The UN must encourage dialogues with a nation if a conflict seems probable; it must attempt to end conflicts once they have started using force if necessary. Finally, the UN must remain actively seized of the matter after the conflict has been resolved to ensure that peace is lasting.
As a member of the G8, Japan has aligned with many of the most powerful nations of the world on addressing these conflicts. We believe that the precedent set by the G8 and Japan should be used as a guide in similar dialogues about ethnic and sectarian conflicts in the United Nations. The nations of the G8 comprise a large percentage of the world, in both population and land area, and their unity on this issue is an important step in creating true and enduring peace.
Often, nations will claim that national sovereignty conflicts with this philosophy. However, sectarian and ethnic groups are not contained by a nation’s borders. Therefore, if a sectarian or ethnic conflict is present within any country, there is a large possibility that it will spread. Soon, whole regions may be unstable. We have seen this in the Middle East with Islamic extremist groups, what started in Iraq and Afghanistan has escalated, and now the region is in tumult. It is, then, in the interest of the United Nations to act quickly and directly, before a larger problem develops.
Conflicts between sectarian and ethnic groups in a nation can be economically devastating. The nation’s economic situation deteriorates as displaced persons take refuge in other regions, and stop fueling the home nation’s economy. Trade and investments dwindle, too, as no one can be certain that their investment is safe in a war-torn country.
Further, the nation cannot have coordinated diplomacy with the world, as the ruler or ruling party cannot speak for the interests of the people as a whole, and cannot show that they are, indeed, capable of keeping their country secure.
In conclusion, the nation of Japan encourages the United Nations to set uncompromising standards on how to properly address sectarian and ethnic conflicts. The United Nations has the potential to prevent all sectarian and ethnic conflicts.
