Topic: Reducing the use of Indiscriminate Weapons in Conflict
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Vic Simmons
School: Vicksburg High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Finland position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The Parliamentary Republic of Finland maintains a position opposing the use of indiscriminate weapons in conflict and warfare. Finland has used landmines in the past for purposes of anti-tank defense during the Winter War, however, recently the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction presented an ultimatum to member states. Nations were to destroy any and all indiscriminate landmines no later than four years after their joining of the Convention. Finland’s mine destruction started in 2012 and was completed on August 15, 2015; nearly a full year before their deadline.
Up until 1918, Finland was subject to the whims of the Soviet Union. Any conflict therefore affected the economic and social stability of the Finnish people. Said conflicts were only intensified and exacerbated by the use of indiscriminate weapons. The effects on smaller, more modest nations are oftentimes overlooked, although unnecessary casualties are ultimately more devastating to these nations than their larger counterparts- those of whom oftentimes are the instigators and contributors to the conflict. Countless casualties of both military and civilian individuals have also plagued international citizens to the present day. Constant warfare, that of which is spurred by civilian casualties and revenge, also takes its toll on the economies of not only the states involved in said conflict, but trade allies and nations around the world. Indiscriminate weapons make trade and travel, especially in underdeveloped countries, exceedingly difficult and dangerous. It is imperative that an agreement be reached internationally for the sake of both civilian livelihood and the global economy.
