Topic: Protecting Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones
Country: India
Delegate Name: Noah Attal
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All India position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
India recognizes the United Nations mission to provide humanitarian aid in conflict and natural disaster zone one of the most exigent services the organization provides. The agencies that work through the UN provide much of that in the world. India however, reminds all members that the provision of humanitarian assistance must be in accordance to the Guiding Principles in General Assembly Resolution 46/182. The Indian Republic strongly supports that all humanitarian assistance be provided in accordance to the well established principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. The resolution also calls for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of the States must be fully respected and that humanitarian assistance should be provided with the consent of the affected country. However, since 1945 the decrease in conflicts involving two states has vastly effected the treatment of civilians and aid workers. Most modern conflicts involve a independent state and a non-state armed group(NSAG); NSAGs do not abide by national law and therefore are not subject to the Geneva Convention of 1949. Conflicts between states and groups like Hezbollah, Al-Shabab, the Communist Party of India, and La Familia Cartel have led to increases in civilian and humanitarian casualties. In the last 3 years over 300 aid workers have been injured deliberately by armed insurgents. The highest casualties come from Afghanistan, Somalia and The Sudan; India is deeply concerned with the rise of violence against humanitarian workers.
India supports a states national sovereignty and unity in dealing with humanitarian crimes within its boarders. India recommends humanitarian agencies not depend on a nation state for security however and instead work through the United Nations and its peacekeeping troops. India has contributed more than 100,000 troops to peacekeeping missions in over 40 countries. The Republic of India recommends that aid programs cooperate with UN troops and train personnel in avoiding potentially dangerous situations. To support these measures the United Nations must strengthen its own humanitarian aid agencies and increase the security provided by UN peacekeeping troops in conflict zones.
