Topic: Improving Political Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Sam Oostendorp
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Haiti position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
The United Nations was created to solve problems in the world. However, on occasion it creates more problems than it solves. Haiti believes that the United Nations sometimes intervenes unnecessarily in a particular country’s problems. It is not always acceptable for outside influences such as the UN to intrude on issues within countries borders. The current political conflict resolution mechanisms have shown to be needless and sometimes even overly aggressive. Nonetheless, it is important to note that numerous times, the UN’s intervention has not only been necessary, but also beneficial. Haiti has seen this within its own borders with the relief provided by the United Nations after the earthquake in 2010.
Whether it be supplying troops or funds to a country in need, or settling a dispute between two or more countries in a peaceful manner, the United Nations has various mechanisms to carry out such responsibilities. However, these mechanisms need to be reviewed and amended. When the UN takes action in countries in which it has no business in and was not asked to do so, it is violating the countries national sovereignty. A problem within a country should be solved by that country, unless it requires aid from the United Nations, in which case intervention is tolerable and welcome. The United Nations need not interfere in matters it has nothing to do with, if a country needs aid it will make that known to the UN and appropriate action will be taken.
There are exceptions to what has just been mentioned. Often times we see that the problem within a country lies in the government itself. In these cases, a request for aid will not be made by said country. In these cases, UN intervention may be necessary without the consent of the government in a particular country. It is the UN responsibility to intervene and create peace within the country, especially if the problem is violent, and may cause civilian casualties. These decisions should not be made lightly. It is up to the delegates in the conference to decide what is necessary to do, and what is necessary not to do.
Haiti would like to see the United Nations reform its conflict resolution mechanisms to more closely resemble what is mentioned above. We understand that sometimes it is necessary to intervene without governmental consent, but it is also important to recognize a nation’s sovereignty. These mechanisms should be used when the lives of many innocent people are at stake, otherwise a country should be free to do as it wishes.
