Topic: Reducing the use of Indiscriminate Weapons in Conflict
Country: Burundi
Delegate Name: Akhil Vinod
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Burundi position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The civilians in war torn nations are threatened by indiscriminate weapons. Conflicts may rise from territorial disputes to cultural differences.Until recently, the people of Burundi were engaged in a violent civil war; however, the rebellions have yet to be fully quelled. The conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi have plagued our nation. The insurgent forces have launched a number of attacks against civilians. Residual cluster bombs and unexploded ordnance from the Civil War continue to endanger our citizens in a time of peace. These indiscriminate weapons are unethical and cause a precarious situation for our government and the governments of all countries with national conflict. As seen in Syria, terror groups illegally acquired barrel bombs and harmed the innocent. Burundi’s Regulations on International Humanitarian Law (2007) prohibits the use of indiscriminate weapons. Burundi’s Law on Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes (2003) defines indiscriminate weapons to be weapons that violate the international law of armed conflict by failing to target specifically armed combatants. Indiscriminate weapons must be kept under strict surveillance and they must be barred from use.
It is the responsibility of a nation to protect its citizens and establish peace. A strong government is able to take control and provide aid to its citizens. The Burundian government works to decrease the dangers of rebels and the use of indiscriminate weapons, though the efforts must be those of our nation. A nation may accept financial and technological aid from foreign sources, though no further foreign intervention is required. Financial aid to countries can be relocated to advise and protect sovereign forces from insurgents with indiscriminate weapons. Countries without a developed infrastructure struggle to find resources for progressive change. A financial backing of these countries can lead to stronger surveillance and further enforcement of law throughout a country. The government of Burundi further stresses that existing stockpiles of indiscriminate weapons should not be held in priority. Weapons held by government parties are in intense security and the use of such weapons are prohibited by previous law. Inactive stockpiles pose no direct threat, while anti government forces continue to plague underdeveloped nations. The priority of DISEC should be to help disarm existing minefields from previous indiscriminate weapon use and the protection of citizens from insurgent forces that possess such weapons. Humanitarian aid towards the aid of victims of indiscriminate weapons is well appreciated. Advanced medical supplies and subsidies would bring great relief current civilians endangered by these weapons. The removal and demolition of indiscriminate weapons requires attention, though the attention should be directed at current threats.
A resolution is necessary to help subside the use of indiscriminate weapons and disassemble lingering weapons systems. The United Nations is able to establish monetary funding towards countries in the mission to protect its citizens. Burundi implores that the United Nations establish a fund to aid developing nations in the fight against indiscriminate weapons. We further emphasize that forced disarmament should not be our objective within this conference. The fight lies with our nations as individuals. What these countries lack are resources and that is what should be provided to help combat the use of indiscriminate weapons. The attention to military stockpiles of nations should be redirected into establishing proper training to soldiers in engaging hostile forces carrying indiscriminate weapons. A strictly voluntary training will not infringe on sovereignty while keeping national militaries prepared. Our countries are independent and have the responsibility to remain strong in the face of danger. We may accept aid, though it is indispensable that we not rely solely on foreign aid. A problem within borders is that of its people. Indiscriminate weapons require national attention and international support. Together we may bolster the resources to combat indiscriminate weapons, though individually we shall end it.
