Topic: Legitimacy of Government during Popular Uprising
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Sarah Rusinowski
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Australia position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
The question of legitimacy in government has been called into question recently, especially with the uprisings and crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. These revolutions, particularly in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and Syria, signaled unstable governments. Legitimacy is extremely complex, and many different factors should be taken into account when addressing the issue.
In the case of Libya’s recent revolution, Australia was at the forefront of international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, being the 3rd largest donor in aiding the rebels. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said, “Throughout the crisis, we have been clear in supporting the universal aspiration for human dignity and for individuals to determine how they are governed.”
Australia believes that a government should rule with the consent of the governed, and should have its people’s best interests as highest priority. Therefore, Australia condemns governments who react to popular uprisings with resistance and military force. We uphold the belief that when crimes against humanity are being committed by a government, the international community has ‘Responsibility to Protect.’ The ‘Responsibility to Protect’ principle holds that states are responsible for the protection of their own civilians from grave mass crimes, and that the international community is responsible for assisting states in this effort. When basic civil rights are being violated, Australia advocates for the international community to intervene and support the common people, and to assist rebuilding the national government after an uprising. Australia believes that legitimacy in a government should uphold national sovereignty and should reflect support from the people. We fully support democratic, representative forms of government when rebuilding and restructuring a revolutionized nation.
To effectively be able to define the legitimacy of a government during popular uprising, we must note that our responsibility is not only defining a legitimate government, but also defining a legitimate uprising. When does a rebellion have legitimate cause? This is another factor that must be taken into account. A popular uprising should articulate clear political discontent to be considered legitimate.
Australia hopes that these aims will be met to relieve the governments and the people in nations struggling with uprisings. We believe that the international community’s goal should be protecting the interests of those who have fallen victim to oppression and met with government resistance, and also clarifying when international interference is necessary.
