Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: William Bellinger
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Israel position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
As many know, recent influxes of those in unsafe regions have posed a large overarching question for nations across the globe; what is to be done with all of the refugees and how should they be handled? With most refugees rapidly fleeing from war, corruption, and discrimination in their homeland, many are fleeing with little belongings and little knowledge of what steps to take after seeking refuge. In the discussion there seems to be two major sections of nations. The first being those urged to accept refugees and the second being those pushing out of those seeking refuge. With five primary nations displacing the bulk of the refugee population, many other nations remain open for possible housing. As it should be, those in need of help, in nearly all accepting nations, are granted basic human rights. Yet ramifications remain up for debate. Should they be granted the same rights as ordinary citizens? Or they be granted very little rights beyond the necessities to a reasonable living situation? Currently, nations are asked to grant education, healthcare, and opportunities for employment. In return, refugees are asked to follow the laws set in place by the accepting nation. As expected, nations may not always be able to meet the needs of all refugees immediately. In these instances, the UNHCR usually steps in to help aid the nation in taking care of the influx of refugees. Refugees rights are a prominent problem circling the globe and must be dealt with with urgency considering the very recent mass displacements. With a very recent increase in need for refuge in the areas surrounding Israel, opportunity has been created for the Israeli government to act according to the nations needs. Israeli officials have seen it of interest to the nation to not accept refugees but to provide humanitarian help when possible. Some aids distributed included shelter, food, water, clothing, medicine/medical equipment, and more. These actions taken by the Israeli government have remained consistent over the course of the Syrian turmoil. Although the government’s decisions have been very controversial over the topic in recent years, it has not resulted in harm for the Israeli citizens and economy. With security a main focus of Israel during this time, it is too much of a risk to take in refugees. Looking forwards, Israel will remain more than willing to provide aid to refugees in Syria and other nations across the globe. Israel is also willing and able to provide human aid for refuge operations globally. Although Israel is readily able to help, it will be difficult for refugees to seek a home on Israeli territory for some time. With security of the nation as a primary focus, Israel is currently very hesitant and will most likely remain hesitant to accept any refugees until disputes in nearby nations die down. We hope to see resolutions allowing for refugee acceptance to be optional but recommended by the UN. Israel holds a desire to help those in need but is unable to provide all necessities of refugees currently and in the near future.
