Topic: Controversial Cultural and Religious Practices
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Faith Schafer
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United Kingdom position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Though all the peoples of the world deserve the right to their own freedom of expression and deserves respect regardless of their actions, there are certain practices that harm the wider global community, specifically in regards to young girls and endangered animals. Such practices cause an increase in female mortality rates through the practice of female genital mutilation, encouraging early marriage, and using traditional practices in the case of childbirth rather than modern and and safer medicine. Unnecessary suffering and the endangerment of animals in dozens of countries also occurs, even though the same countries have joined the The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which has agreed to protect the same animals they hunt. When these people and animals who cannot stand up for themselves are targeted, it is time for the United Nations to take action to protect these while still respecting the practices of these cultures. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is concerned about the lack of protection offered to these groups that are being harmed by the traditional mindset. In the United Kingdom, the government is focused on protecting its people, providing free healthcare to its people and making sure that they have access to the most modern practices available. This is why hearing the stories of unnecessary harm coming to women because of malpractice due to a desire to keep within traditional boundaries puts the United Kingdom in a difficult position- the country feels it is their duty to help out, but they also do not wish to trample upon cultural boundaries. In order to solve this issue as smoothly and effectively as possible, the United Kingdom believes that a half-and-half solution would be an ideal compromise: in the case of health matters, tradition can be bypassed in order to save lives and prevent harming the innocent, but in the case of animal sacrifices, such a distinction between suffering and not suffering is hard to judge and can be left to the culture. When it comes to animals suffering during sacrifices, the United Kingdom acknowledges that such regulations have been left to the individual countries up until this point and are better off left in that position to retain the rights of the people and the national sovereignty of the country. To ensure that the people are not optionless, however, all cultures that practice such methods shall be provided with the opportunity After all, we cannot entirely ignore the beliefs and practices that cultures have held for centuries, and by acknowledging the right these people have to hold their rituals, we are respecting their liberties.
