Topic: Mechanisms for Peacefully Resolving Border Disputes
Country: Angola
Delegate Name: Ben Simonis
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Angola position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
We have been involved in several border disputes since we became an independent nation. Recently we resolved a dispute between The Democratic Republic of the Congo. When we resolved our disagreements we realized the importance of solving any kind of border dispute peacefully. If nations cannot resolve border disputes in an orderly and peaceful manner the loss of many lives will occur. It is the responsibility of the United nations to prevent unnecessary disputes between boarders as well as the loss of soldiers lives that result from those disputes. Angola believes that any dispute can be resolved peacefully and all nations have the capability to do so.
There have been many cases in which a nation believes that their border has been encroached upon. The dispute between Israel and Palestine for instance has been addressed several times but no long lasting resolution has been made, and fighting there continues. There have been numerous border disputes in africa as well including situations involving our own country. In the past we have used a joint development zone that involves members from both countries equally dividing and using the land. We have found that when people divided by land disputes can freely travel to both sides, an accomplishment has been made. If nations can get past any discrimination to bordering people this world will become a better place.
If border disputes can be solved before war begins then they should be! We understand that circumstances are not usually puzzles were issues can be solved by gently placing the pieces together and everything is fine. We strongly urge the United Nations work together to create a common ground between nations that are in dispute with each other. If Angola can resolve a dispute with the DRC why cannot any other two nations solve an issue? We think that even small disputes should have the United Nations input. If you can keep an open mind to compromise, the massive loss of life that goes with some border disputes can and will be prevented.
