Topic: Dealing with Civil and Political Unrest
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Isaiah Mendoza
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Ghana position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
Civil and political unrest are difficult situations to deal with because no one can say surely who is at fault. Typically, one must try to decide for oneself who is more in the wrong, and which side is more justified in the conflicts that arise. Not always do armed conflicts arise due to unrest, although in two particular situations, those in Syria and Ukraine, armed conflicts have, and have caught the attention of the global community. Other occasions of unrest, such as protests over Hong Kong’s elections for the city’s chief executive, or the shooting of Michael Brown in Missouri, United States simply cause protests and polarization of those with opinions on the issue. Whether it creates protests or armed conflicts, civil and political unrest is a call for help by the people in the nation-state in dealing with injustice. Those with opinions on the issues causing unrest need the help of their nation and the global community.
The Republic of Ghana believes that unrest must be dealt with in order to keep citizens safe and content. Unrest often leads to violent reactions, especially if the dissenter’s views are not heard. Any unrest should be dealt with as quickly as possible because violent uprisings are dangerous to bystanders as well as those attempting to keep the peace. Ghana believes in multilateral approaches peacefully resolve unrest. According to UN resource statistics, Ghana contributes 2,969 peacekeepers to the global community, doing its part to help deal with civil and political unrest in the world, while other nations contribute as little as one peacekeeper.
Ghana proposes that member-states should first attempt to deal with unrest as quickly as possible, but consult with other states in the region on how to deal with the unrest. Civil and political unrest can be combated as soon as it arises. Together, the member-states of the United Nations can work together to quell issues of unrest. Dealing with unrest starts with hearing the citizens. When the citizens are heard, the citizens are happy.
