Topic: Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Jacob Howell
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Security and protection of civilians is still a major problem in the Italian society. The shortfall of protecting the civilians in the conflict zones, which is an area marked by extreme violence, must come to an end. The conflict has turned into a guerilla-style warfare, which is becoming an everyday part of life for these civilians. The zones which impact Italy, are mostly in the Middle East and Western Europe. For children, the casualty rate has increased drastically. A child under 15 year of age dies every five seconds. Women are also affected greatly. They are constantly used for targets and tools for war, and are the victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Civilians are lashing out on the healthcare specialists, because of the outrages prices of the conflict-related costs for healthcare payments. These conflicts are forcing civilians out of their homes, and creating more chaos.
Italy has looked to improve its rules and regulations on treatment of civilians for decades, but has fallen far short. One non-government imposed a code of conduct on operations at sea. Little positive actions came from this code of conduct. Civilians got involved in trading across the sea, and civilians died trying to cross. With a government and country that is in support of change, Italy is in approval of a resolution from the United Nations. Italy supports international initiatives for the prevention of sexual violence in conflicts and emergencies, specifically the preventing sexual violence in conflicts and calling to action the protection from gender-based violence in emergencies. Recently in September of 2017, Italy joined the “circle of leadership,” to fight against the treatment of civilians. Countries involved in this prevention are the U.K, Italy, France, and 57 others. As a state that lacks the leadership in conflict zones, Italy signed the voluntary compact, which commits the roll out the measures taken to prevent sexual abuse towards women and children. The country has also looked to improve protection for children. Some major conflict zones include schools and hospitals. Italy looks to improve the care and aid the children affected by conflict receive, and protect children during their time of education.
Protection of civilians in conflict zones is an epidemic around the globe. Italy proposes that the United Nations creates a resolution, to end the conflict for women and children around the world. By reviewing the codes of conduct for every state and revising them to all be identical, this will weaken the possibilities or major conflict arising. With past experience, Italy suggests that the rules must be fluent throughout the states of the UN, to eliminate conflict between civilians and the government. Italy would like to create a stricter border of rules and regulations. A resolution will protect civilians in conflict zones, and will improve the overall safety and wellbeing, of our civilians.
