Topic: Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Nathan Weller
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Mexico position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
In countries all around the world, including middle eastern countries, african countries, and countries in the Americas, there is constant conflict which puts civilians in danger. Many of these conflicts occur in cities where civilians of these countries live. These fights put these innocent civilians at risk of getting injured or even dying. In fact, worldwide, millions of civilians are targeted for violence in violence-affected areas. In 2017, the United Nations recorded the death and/or injury of over 26,000 civilians in just six countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, which is responsible for 10,000 of those deaths/injuries alone. The protection of these civilians in conflict zones has become a major world issue, one that must be addressed by the United Nations, as it is a major and important step in creating sustainable peace.
In certain parts of Mexico there is horrific of violence, especially with the constantly-waging wars between drug cartels. These conflicts can be dangerous to civilians, which is a major issue. The country of Mexico, in order to make efforts towards ensuring the safety of its people, has recently declared a war on organized crime, and has taken actions such as arrests and deploying forces to conflicted areas. Further, in 2009, Mexico signed UN Security Council resolution 1894, which dealt with increased protection for civilians in conflict zones. Mexico also both signed and ratified Protocol III of the Geneva Conventions, which also helps to expand humanitarian efforts to deal with civilians in armed conflict. There are many different humanitarian groups who give aid to civilians in conflict, and Mexico is in support of these efforts to work towards establishing more peace and safety in the world.
Mexico believes that the United Nations should continue to support humanitarian efforts for supporting and giving aid to civilians in armed conflicts. Mexico proposes that the United Nations expand peacekeeping missions to conflicted cities in countries where civilians are in danger in order to evacuate civilians efficiently and safely. Further, the United Nations should establish shelters for refugees leaving conflict zones, as well as offer methods of bringing said refugees to places of safety along with supplying them with medical care. Unconflicted countries should donate funds in order to provide refugee camps with food, water, and other necessities. Mexico proposes that mass attacks, including air strikes on conflicted cities shall be outlawed.
