Topic: Dealing with Civil and Political Unrest
Country: France
Delegate Name: Patrick Jarvis
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
Nearly every nation has seen the effects of civil or political unrest in some form or another. Some movements take the form of peaceful protests, as do many currently taking place in the Western world. Some, however, take the form of violence, whether it be a guerilla campaign, a revolution, or a mob riot. These violent campaigns especially have immediate negative consequences, such as loss of economic production or loss of life. There must be distinctions, however between the value of these campaigns, both peaceful and otherwise. For instance, a peaceful protest could be held in support for or against minority rights. Likewise, a violent movement could be in support of expanded political rights, or lessened political rights. The way to handle these situations is unclear. In which situations should rebels or agitators be supported, and in which should they be opposed?
In the former French protectorates of Mali and the Central African Republic, violence on ethno-religious divides has recently prompted French military action, per UNSC resolution 2149, in order to restore (in the case of Mali) political stability to the country. In another former French protectorate, Tunisia, Unrest in 2010 and 2011 resulted in a peaceful transfer of power from a dictatorship to a more modern, free and open democracy, which is supported by France.
France is interested in the support of dissidents who are not campaigning against a person or group of people, but rather in favor of advancing freedom through peaceful means. France would advocate the creation of a multinational board to assess world conflicts, protests and rebellions and recommend a response to the international community, be it support or opposition.
France expects support from countries such as The United States, Canada, Iraq, The United Kingdom, and Ukraine, and expects opposition from countries such as Sudan, Syria, Iran, China, and Russia.
