Topic: Role of the UN in Encouraging and Aiding Democratization
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Christian O’Sullivan
School: Fishers High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Japan position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Encouraging and promoting democracy in non-democratic countries is of the utmost importance to Japan. Not only should the U.N encourage democratic growth, it should provide security and safety for those who seek to change their nation’s political system. As with the recent Arab Spring, thousands of protesters, rebels, and civilians have been killed trying to bring out reform in the incumbent government. No matter how strong the words were against the governments, they still continued to kill. Using Egypt, Libya, and Syria as examples the governments only relinquished power when a coup from internal elements occurred, an international military force intervened, or an armed civilian revolt staged a rebellion. This committee cannot expect legitimate, functioning democracies to emerge from nations with such governments willing to use lethal force to suppress the civilian population.
Japan recognizes the need to preserve national sovereignty up until the point it is used as a tool to prevent positive change from being brought about. Japan refuses to allow a debate that is mired in issues of sovereignty, for it detracts from actual substantive discussion. Keeping this in mind Japan is also is against the unnecessary use of military force by the international community. Democracy should be fostered, allowed organic natural growth and acceptance by the nation’s populace. Not enforced by an international security force. Therefore Japan lies at a crossroad, allowing a hands off approach to democratization is unacceptable, yet using aggressive military action would be counterproductive in many cases.
Finding the balance between the two strategies is the key. Japan proposes that this committee offers political and economic incentives for governments that transition peacefully into a democracy. A government that abides by guidelines and goals set by this committee and other U.N bodies would receive economic and humanitarian aid. The U.N and other NGOs would then facilitate a peaceful transition of power .The deployment of peacekeepers temporarily to insure polling and voting sites are protected. The protection of both the voters and the validity of the ballots are also recommended to be monitored by impartial, third party organizations. The goal is to make the transition to democracy in a nation’s best economic and political interest. If a government does not work toward a path of democracy then those benefits will be reduced. Sanctions, trade embargos, and if deemed absolutely necessary, naval blockade sand a no fly zones enforced by the international community. Regardless of what the varying opinions are on the boundaries on which policies cross, Japan asks that we put aside those divisions and have common to a reasonable and sensible consensus.
