Topic: Determining the Legitimacy of Secession Movements and Obligations of Parent States
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Joey Van Boxtel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Libya position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Secession movements remain today a pivotal topic in the global world. Political complications and the shortfall of proper legislation determining legitimacy of seceding states are two of the important issues that require resolution. Historically, secession movements have forged contempt between both the parent and seceding states. For example, although initially passing by a 98% majority, the secession movement in South Sudan led to years of military conflict over border issues and oil rights. Even in the most peaceful initial secession movements, warfare is seemingly inevitable. The lack of defining boundaries and economic claims led to prolonged armed conflict between South Sudan and Sudan. These two issues remain pivotal questions that our committee of Special Political and Decolonization must address. In order for states to effectively and peacefully secede, the United Nations must clearly articulate what legitimizes a seceding state. Furthermore, the United Nations must determine the necessary actions a state must undergo to secede in order to make the transfer as seamless as possible.
As a country who has recently underwent a brutal civil war, Libya understands how military conflict amidst a state can have devastating impacts upon the economy, and the overall well being of our citizens. According to the Libya Herald, the Libyan economy is near total collapse due to “political stalemate and civil conflict”. With multiple forces military forces claiming the rights to govern Libya, we know firsthand the detriment civil conflict can have upon our failing economy, and our people as well. With a government constantly in transition since Gaddafi's death in 2011, Libya has been in a state of constant chaos, lacking national leadership and assets to rebuild our country. In order to prevent an country from division, Libya wholeheartedly encourages the United Nations discourage secession movements. However, it is discernible that few exceptions must be made. A state may seek independence from the mother country when they do not feel they are being accurately represented by their government. Furthermore, tyrannical violence by an autocratic government may merit a secession movement, however Libya believes that only in the most extreme cases should the United Nations validate a secession movement. It is paramount to the general well being of a population to maintain a foundation based upon unity and collaboration rather than condoning sects of a state to rebel and remove oneself from their country.
Libya proposes that the United Nations rule secession movements illegal, with few exceptions in the most extreme possible cases, in order to eliminate the controversy regarding the legitimacy of secession movements as well as ceasing any further obligations of parent states. In a country devastated by Civil War, Libya knows firsthand the effects that political instability and divide can have on a country. In order to prevent this, the UN can eliminate any divisional conflict by disallowing secession movements to help keep countries united and politically stable. It is important that Special Political and Decolonization maintains a grounded position based upon unity within a country in order to prevent war and keep economies stable. De-legitimizing secession movements is the best way for the United Nations to promote unity and maintain peace within all nations. A resolution that advocates for solidarity within a nation will help economies to improve and help keep the global world safe from war.
