Topic: Containing and De-Escalating Sectarian Conflict
Country: France
Delegate Name: Tanvi Sharma
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
France has first-hand experience in reducing sectarian conflict. In the Central African Republic, we deployed troops through Operation Sangaris and have managed to improve conditions in the country. Additionally, we have succeeded in intervening and de-escalating sectarian conflict in Mali and Cote d’Ivoire.
While each situation is unique, some underlying causes are at the heart of many sectarian conflicts. One such cause is the large wealth inequality around the globe. Rampant poverty is often the cause of frustrations and tensions that lead to conflict. The UN must remain committed to reducing poverty in all nations. Additionally, sectarian conflict is often the consequence of the oppression of minorities. These minorities do not have any form of representation in government that would allow them to alleviate their struggles. France strongly believes that the UN should work to protect the rights of minorities, just as it should protect human rights of all mankind. Assisting in the establishments of stable democracies throughout the world is one way to combat discrimination against minorities and prevent sectarian conflict from arising. Areas in which poverty and discrimination are predominant should be considered high-risk areas in which the UN should work preemptively against sectarian conflict.
One way that the UN can work to de-escalate sectarian conflict is to use peacekeeping troops to both protect people of nations consumed by conflict and to combat oppressive and radical groups. Additionally, in nations with corrupt or unstable governments, the UN can work to implement elections, and could monitor these elections to ensure they are safe and unaltered. Finally, it cannot be stressed enough that the UN has a responsibility to continue find ways to lift people from poverty worldwide. Making sure that foreign aid reliably reaches people in need is necessary to accomplish this, and is critical in de-escalating conflict. France believes that through international cooperation, sectarian conflict can be diminished globally.
