Topic: Situation in Burundi
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Clayton deJong
School: East Grand Rapids High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Ukraine position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
The Ukraine is no stranger to political instability and it is important to ensure that human rights and peace within the country be upheld. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms this truth when it states, “All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms. The United Nations is committed to upholding, promoting and protecting the human rights of every individual.” Ukraine, as a member of the UN is committed to preserving this goal, and it is imperative that we address the turmoil being experienced by the people of Burundi. President Poroshenko affirms, “We hope that the reaction of the world community to the brutal violation of human rights .. will be demonstrated.” Ukraine stands with its allies in the EU and NATO when it comes to preserving these rights and the central problem of the crisis in Burundi is protecting global citizens.
An important part of preserving human rights in Burundi is fulfilling the five main objectives of Ukraine and its allies, including France, who articulated these goals when making remarks about Security Council Resolution 2279. The first is to support African efforts to emerge from the crisis by promoting an open discussion and dialogue that would lead to solutions. The second through fourth objectives involve bolstering a United Nations presence in the area, enabling further supervision of the deteriorating situation. The fifth objective is to uphold the gains made in the Arusha Agreement that ended the long Burundian Civil War and provide victimized Burundians the path to peace that they deserve.
Another important resolution that has been passed by the Security Council on Burundi is Security Council Resolution 2303, which requested that the Secretary-General establish a United Nations “police officers’ component” in the country for one year to monitor the security situation and to support Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Ukraine fully supports this measure and is confident that the UN will be able to open communications within the region using a supervisory capacity to ensure the welfare of the civilians.
Moreover, if under the surveillance set by resolutions 2279 and 2303 there are further human rights violations which could be considered “crimes against humanity” that are either condoned or sponsored by the Burundian Government it is our duty as the Security Council to invoke the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine (R2P). This means that regardless of President Pierre Nkurunziza’s opinion, we must save the lives of these global citizens.
Thus, because of the current issues within Ukraine’s own borders, particularly the unrest in the Eastern region of Ukraine, it is not realistic for Ukraine to contribute significant military or financial aid. However, it is certain that our wealthy allies would be open to these options in order to achieve UN objectives and save lives by solving the current crisis. The Ukraine pledges its full voting supports in order to realize these goals.
