Topic: Syria
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Katie Bollman
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
In the past Nigeria has taken steps to strengthen its relationship with Syria, however we have been shocked and saddened by the wide-scale abuse of civilians by the Syrian government. Among other things, we condemn the use of government tanks in the streets and violent attacks against civilians.
As members of the United Nations it is our primary responsibility to promote peace throughout the world, but more than even that it is our responsibility to promote the safety of civilians from government –led attacks. This should begin internally however, and Nigeria would like to take this opportunity to once again urge the government of Syria to address the concerns of the United Nations and cease the ongoing violence against civilians. We join our fellow member of the United Nations in condemning these attacks.
While Nigeria firmly believes in national sovereignty, we do not see an investigation into the actions of this nation as being an infringement upon this sovereignty. For this reason, we believe that the first step that the United Nations needs to take in addressing this issue is by putting full efforts into the ongoing investigation of human rights violations throughout Syria.
Through all of this, we are still hopeful that peaceful progress can by made by the Syrian government, and we respect their sovereignty in making decisions and actions. The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the reported atrocities in Syria however but further action should be avoided for the time being. Syria maintains its status as a sovereign nation and it is not within the abilities of the United nations, nor is it advisable, to alter this sacred dynamic.
