Topic: Children and Armed Conflict
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Natalie Downs
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Canada position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
1.The number of children fighting in armed conflict is thought to be around 250,000 children between the ages of fifteen and eighteen, and every year more children are killed as a result of armed conflict than soldiers. Canada feels very strongly about ending the abuse of children around the world. Not only are children injured, but also their genitalia is mutilated, and along with all of that that the psychological effects are enormous. After the Resolution 1882 Canada strongly believes that any action taken to combat the issue of children in armed conflict is worth taking.
2.Canada would like to see the United Nations take a more hands on approach towards Children and Armed Conflict. Actions such as sanctions. Canada would also like to see even more action taken through the Working Group on children and armed conflict. Non-Governmental Organizations are strongly supported by Canada because of their success in many countries. Canada would like to see more consequences for the countries that arm children in battle and those countries that tolerate sexual and physical abuse upon the children in their nations. Along with ending child soldiers Canada wishes to see action regarding children’s rights as a whole, in conflict and out.
3.Canada has many allies when the issue is regarding children and armed conflict. The United States of America are always a huge supporter of human rights and because of that they are always to support action concerning children’s rights. The United States can also help provide financial assistance along with France and Mexico who are also sure supporters. They have both been running the Working Group regarding children and armed conflict; France was the head of the group through the end of 2008 and Mexico gained leadership in January of 2009.
4.Countries who will not support Canada’s position regarding children’s rights will be Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Sudan. This is because these countries are continuing to use child soldiers to fight their battles. The countries that do not support a new resolution regarding this topic could be the downfall of a resolution due to lack of support for change.
