Topic: Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Honduras
Delegate Name: Taylor Potter
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Honduras position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
The rise of authoritarianism is detrimental to the development of many nations. This is an important topic to both developed and underdeveloped countries. Authoritarian policies can be seen in Democracies, and if they continue the effect will be seen in the economic health of all nations. Authoritarianism restricts the personal freedoms of the citizens. According to Human Rights Foundation’s research, the citizens of 94 countries suffer under non-democratic regimes. In total 3.97 billion people are being controlled by tyrants. The United Nations needs to address the civil rights violations and crime that has arose from authoritarian government presence. Authoritarian government violates the rights and oppress the citizens. As well as letting social and economic injustices flourish.
As a country who has recently shifted from Authoritarian rule into Democracy, Honduras understands how military dictatorships can negatively impact the citizens and economy. We have come a long way since military dictatorships, but are still trying to obtain a perfect democracy. Honduras has faced corruption as a result of authoritarian rule, and agree the UN should help these nations stop the spreading of authoritarianism. Honduras has been apart of many treaties that focus on ending corruption and promoting democracy including United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and Inter-American Convention Against Corruption (IACAC). There has been many efforts to try and address these problems each with little success. Authoritarianism is not the direction failing democracies should head towards. Instead of taking away the rights and liberties of the people the UN should be working with these countries to solve the problems at the root. These problems include corruption, crime, as well as political and economic instability. The UN needs to promote democracy in the areas. They can do this by sending peacekeepers, providing electoral assistance, and offering solutions to the factors that deter stability in democracy.
Honduras proposes that the United Nations help provide peacekeepers to the countries with corrupt governments to prevent the rise of authoritarianism. As well as organizing elections in countries facing political chaos. Honduras knows what effects authoritarian governments can have on the economy and individuals rights. In order to prevent this, the UN can step in to failing democracies and provide aid and resources. This would Result in the discontinuation of authoritarian tendencies. For the United Nations Development Programme to achieve its goal of Sustainable Development there needs to be freedoms and rule of law. A resolution that advocates for helping politically corrupt nations will help to end the spread of authoritarianism.
