Topic: Building Safe Communities in Conflict Zones
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Rachel Lissner
School: Grand Blanc High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United Kingdom position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
Presently many areas such as Syria, Ukraine, Congo, and Iraq are in desperate need of safe communities for the civilians living within their borders. Conflict leads to a rise in trauma injuries, as well as psychological distress, mental illness, and sexual violence. All people, but especially children, living in conflict zones need to be protected and assisted. Many children living in these violent areas become separated from their families and struggle to survive. Unaccompanied children should be reunited with their immediate families or, when this is not possible, cared for by other relatives or close friends, rather than institutions. All internally displaced children need to be removed from areas of conflict.
The United Kingdom believes that it is our duty to assist all peoples living amidst conflict. We take part in many organizations that aim to create safe areas in conflict zones. War Child is an organization that trains social workers in conflict zones and teaches literacy skill to entire communities in addition to the basic assistance it provides. MSF UK (Doctors Without Boarders) sends specialist to areas of conflict and provides independent, neutral and impartial assistance to all people living in conflict zones on a need basis. We are more than willing to do our part in any program organized by the UN. We would like to ensure that the situation that occurred with the UN Safe Areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not repeated, if a member nation designates a safe area they must take part in the protection of this area. A clear procedure must be outlined in any resolution that is passed.
A first step we would like to see taken in the development of safe communities is the creation "Safe Zones" providing refuge for civilians until more permanent communities can be established. These Safe Zones should provide protection and assistance, such as healthcare, food and water. It is of the utmost importance that education be provided in established Safe Zones. More than 40 million children worldwide are missing out on schooling, half of these live in conflict zones. Education has the ability to teach children how to avoid land mines but also how to treat drinking water. Additionally, peace education has the potential to preventing future conflict and will be beneficial to all futures generations.
The formation of safe communities and access to education provide a sense of home and belonging while helping children to socialize and teaching them right from wrong. The United Kingdom believes that using our resources to help other countries build safe communities within their borders will pay off. This wise investment will benefit not only those countries suffering through conflict but all countries around the world.
