Topic: Situation in Syria
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Amelia Wittig
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Australia position papers GLIMUN 2013 committees
The war in Syria has been a key issue on the international platform for a long time now. With the recent escalation of violence, human rights violations have run rampant and the United Nations must work together to bring an end to the bloodshed. Even more concerning is the lack of humanitarian aid that is currently reaching the civilians caught in the crossfire. This conflict was brought about by a civilian demand for democracy and has since escalated to an armed conflict between the president, Bashar Al-Assad, and his regime and a coalition of rebel groups. Australia expresses concern in supporting either side. The Assad regime has violated international law and committed countless crimes against its people. The rebels, however, are not purely democratic in nature and include groups with links to Al-Qaeda and other extremist factions. Any political negotiations and agreements must be approached with extreme caution in order to ensure a peaceful end to the conflict.
Australia initially supported a Syrian-led political resolution, but since the United Nations has confirmed the use of chemical weapons we has put its full support behind the United States and its allies. However, we recognize that the international community must focus on what is possible, rather than what is preferable. Forcing the regime out of power may not be within the realm of possibility provided the current situation, but the international community must do everything in its power to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. Australia has already provided medical support and food aid to the region and would encourage other nations to do the same. This, above all else, should be the main focus of the Security Council and the United Nations.
