Topic: Reducing the use of Indiscriminate Weapons in Conflict
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Emma Wilkerson
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Belgium position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Indiscriminate weapons, presently, are divided into two categories: the use of weapons that have been restricted by a treaty, these are thought to be indiscriminate by nature and the use of weapons that are yet to be restricted by a treaty, these are thought to be indiscriminate in specific situations. Chemical weapons, biological weapons and anti-personnel landmines are all examples of prohibited indiscriminate weapons. Examples of indiscriminate weapons not in any treaties are nuclear weapons and incendiary weapons. The reason this committee must discuss the reducing of them is because many social and economic issues come with the use of such weapons and large civilian casualties can be a result from them. Indiscriminate weapons are defined as any weapon that cannot be directed at military objective or effects cannot be limited as required by international humanitarian law. International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set a rules that's’ goal is to limit the effects of armed conflict. The nation of Belgium is party to almost all Conventions governing IHL and has signed the latest ones, which are currently undergoing ratification. Belgium is a promoter of preventing and ultimately eliminating all indiscriminate weapons.
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was signed in January 13, 1993 and 192 countries have acceded to it, including Belgium. This convention is different and unique in that it holds to the fact that chemical weapons are prohibited and the production and use of a number of chemicals is subjected to a verification mechanism. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), in force since 1975, prohibits the development, the stockpiling and the use of toxins, microbial and other biological agents as weapons. BWC worked closely with Belgian Biosafety Association coming up with new ideas to keep countries safe by using biological safety. Regarding nuclear weapons, Belgium is apart of the European Union (EU). Within The European Union, Belgium has made significant efforts to achieve balanced results with which both the European nuclear weapon states and the other EU supporters can concur. Belgium wishes to find solutions to stop widespread mass destruction weapons. With that, Belgium sees a future of completely ending indiscriminate weapons in conflict. Belgium is open to finding new ways to reduce indiscriminate weapons and working with different organizations to find a solution to end them..
As a nation, Belgium recommends this subject be discussed and dealt with a positive outlook and with a consideration for civilian safety. Belgium has been part of many conventions and treaties wanting to stop mass destruction arms. With the uprising of more indiscriminate weapons, Belgium wants to be apart of reducing them efficiently. Belgium also would like to hear any opposing statements and reasons for keeping such weapons available. Belgium recommends taking actions soon to reduce indiscriminate weapons throughout the whole world.
