Topic: Combating the Rise of Xenophobic Violence
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Ashley Guynn
School: Fishers High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Colombia position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
The Republic of Colombia believes that it is our duty to maintain peace between different cultural and religious groups throughout the nation. Unfortunately, even with this strong belief rooted in our constitution Colombia has still had a long history of xenophobic violence that is still occurring today. In particular, the indigenous people of Colombia are bearing the brunt of this xenophobic violence. Although they are significantly protected in the constitution and legal frameworks they are still subject to intense xenophobia, discrimination, and violence. In order to protect themselves some indigenous groups have formed their own militias, resulting in more violence and death. A large number of refugees are fleeing to neighboring countries, where although they are safe from armed forces within Colombia they are still experiencing extreme xenophobia because of misconceptions and discrimination of Columbian people.
Colombia feels that because of this rise xenophobic violence within the country, that the United Nations is not addressing the problem properly. Colombia believes not only that the children of Colombia should be educated as young as possible about equality and tolerance of different ethnic groups and cultures; but also have refugees and different ethnic groups that have experienced discrimination come in and talk to the students about their experiences and their culture. This way the children have a better understanding of different cultures eliminating hate that originates from fear of the unknown. More active groups outside of the educational system need to be developed in order to spread awareness and combat xenophobic violence as well. Colombia would like to ask the United Nations to support and aid us in forming more awareness groups or helping already established groups take root in Columbia. Colombia would like these groups to take a more active role in promoting awareness not only nationally but internationally as well, by informing the public of the violence that is occurring because of discrimination. It is Columbia’s goal that by forming these committees xenophobic violence will significantly decrease not only at home but in other countries as well.
The Republic of Colombia recognizes that implementing this plan will be difficult, that is why Colombia is asking for the support and help of the United Nations both financially and morally. The Republic of Colombia strongly believes that by carrying out these plans, xenophobic violence with decrease and more nations will be at peace.
