Topic: Situation in Somalia
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Meredith McKeown
School: Ann Arbor Community High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Venezuela position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
The United Nation has declared that the situation in Somalia “one of the worst food crises in the horn of Africa’s history.” It has placed over 12 million people at risk, 780,000 of them children. In 1991 a civil war broke out in Somalia between the Northern British part (Somaliland) and the South. The result of this war devastated much of the nation and resulted in disruption of agriculture and food distribution especially in southern Somalia. In 1992 the United Nation Security Council launched a peace keeping effort titled United Nations Operation in Somalia I (UNOSOM I). It’s force was limited to use of weapons only for self defense and while it was originally welcomed by both sides, it was later disregarded. Despite efforts from various nations, Somalia continues to be in a state of distress. As the result of two weak rainy seasons, Somalia is experiencing the worst drought in over 60 years and the killing of civilians has been referred to as “genocide.”
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela believes that the least they can do is help. “By purchasing and sending additional food, it can often help soften the death and hunger that is present.” said president Hugo Chavez. Recently 50 tons of non- perishable food and clean water arrived in Somalia, as just part of the humanitarian aid sent by the Venezuelan government. Also a $5 million transaction was made to the international efforts in the Somalia area.
Hugo Chavez the Venezuelan president says the “If funding is not made available for humanitarian interventions now, the famine is likely to continue and spread.” He also believes that the Somalia’s “Savage Capitalism” is to blame for much of the death and hunger that is currently present, calling on all nations to “support (his) pledge to help the crisis ridden African Nation.”
Another way that this crises could be helped is by making the funds that are used by the United States and it’s European allies in Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan available for humanitarian causes instead of war. In addition to these monetary and food supplies a delegation of Venezuelan military officials and a team of agricultural technicians is being sent to Somalia to see what else can be done to help pull them out of the drought and famine that they are currently facing and to help increase food production.
In order to move Somalia out of a state of distress, nations must come together to help and form a network of aid and support. The Venezuelan government strives to be a part of this through whatever means possible, allying itself with the United Nations and other nations striving to provide aid.
