Indiscriminate Weapons

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Colin Pattison

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Indiscriminate Weapons
Algeria
Colin Pattison
Forest Hills Eastern

Indiscriminate weapons, by definition, lack precision and cannot distinguish between military targets and civilians. These weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, have caused widespread devastation and suffering in conflicts around the world. Algeria’s own history of colonial violence and the trauma of war have left us with firsthand experience of the consequences of such weapons. Landmines alone have killed or maimed over 100,000 people worldwide since the 1990s, with an estimated 60 to 70 million landmines still remaining buried across the globe. For Algeria, the use of indiscriminate weapons is not just a military issue but a human rights crisis, one that we believe undermines the basic principles of humanity and international law. Their use perpetuates cycles of violence, disrupts peace efforts, and hinders post-conflict recovery.

As a country that has suffered from the devastating consequences of such weapons, Algeria strongly opposes their use and advocates for global action to eliminate them. The impact of landmines, for example, does not end when the conflict stops. It is estimated that approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people are killed or injured by landmines each year, with a disproportionate number of victims being civilians, including children. These weapons often render land unusable, disrupt agriculture, and limit access to basic services like water, making recovery after conflict even more difficult. In Algeria’s case, landmines and unexploded ordnance from the war of independence against colonial powers still pose a danger in certain regions, impeding development. This is why Algeria supports international efforts such as the Ottawa Treaty, which has been signed by over 160 countries to ban the use, production, and transfer of landmines.

Algeria also believes that the international community must provide significant support to countries that are affected by indiscriminate weapons. It’s estimated that over 60 countries are still dealing with the aftermath of landmines and cluster munitions. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that as of 2021, it has assisted more than 100 countries with landmine clearance, but the work is far from complete. For example, Algeria continues to receive assistance from international organizations to clear landmines in former conflict zones. Algeria advocates for the strengthening of funding for demining programs and the rehabilitation of victims. According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), an average of $250 million is needed annually to address the ongoing global mine action needs. Algeria calls on the international community to increase their support for clearing affected regions and providing medical care for victims, as these efforts are essential for long-term peace and stability. The elimination of indiscriminate weapons will make way for sustainable development and a safer future for all.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Siya Gupta

Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Jordan
School: Portage Central High School

The delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan recognizes the devastating impact of indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, and even nuclear threats, on global peace and civilian safety. By failing to distinguish between combatants and civilians, these weapons violate international humanitarian law and leave lasting harm in conflict and post-conflict zones. Jordan remains committed to eliminating these weapons and mitigating their effects, especially given its proximity to regions impacted by conflict, such as Syria.

Jordan supports international treaties like the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and has enacted domestic laws such as Penal Code Article 148 and Law No. 18 on Anti-Terrorism, which prohibit the use and possession of indiscriminate weapons. However, continued use of these weapons in modern warfare underscores the need for stronger global action.

Jordan urges the UN to strengthen legal frameworks by ensuring universal adherence to treaties like the Ottawa Treaty and updating protocols to address emerging technologies. To address the lingering dangers of explosive remnants of war (ERW), Jordan emphasizes the need for increased international cooperation in demining efforts, including the use of advanced technology like drones to accelerate cleanup operations. Regional cooperation is also vital, with joint monitoring and intelligence sharing to prevent the spread of these weapons across borders. Additionally, Jordan calls for enhanced transparency, requiring member states to report on the use and cleanup of these weapons, with NGOs empowered to monitor compliance. A UN-led committee to study and regulate new technologies is critical to ensuring international laws keep pace with advancements in warfare.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is committed to working with the UN and member states to eliminate indiscriminate weapons and safeguard global security and civilian lives.

References:
https://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/landmines/
https://bwcimplementation.org
https://www.clusterconvention.org
https://www.nti.org
https://www.hrw.org/topic/arms/indiscriminate-weapons
https://www.unmas.org

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Ayden Fisher

Country: Sierra Leone
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Committee: DISEC
School: Forest Hills Central High School

War is one of the most violent ways a country can enact change. If that violence isn’t carried out with strict guidelines, there would be devastation around the world. Some things lay on the line between something that could be used or banned. One of these is Indiscriminate Weapons. Indiscriminate Weapons are extremely deadly weapons that cannot focus on a single target and cause harm or injury to anyone they come in contact with no matter who they may be. Some examples of Indiscriminate Weapons are landmines, traps, bombs, nuclear explosives, and chemical agents. Some of the most famous uses of an Indiscriminate Weapon is the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In 1945, two atomic bombs were dropped on the towns of Hiroshima and Nagasaki shortly after. With an explosive power of 15,000 tons of TNT, both bombings were catastrophic to the population. The first bomb killed 140,000 people, and the second killed 74,000. Many survivors would later battle leukemia and cancer due to the radioactive residue left by the two bombs. This is just two cases of Indiscriminate Weapons causing massive damage and leaving severe casualties, and also led to long-term effects.

In May of 1981, Sierra Leone was a cosigner of a convention that was set to put restrictions on any weaponry that was designed to excessively inflict injury or have indiscriminate effects. This convention was designed to prohibit or restrict weapons such as mines, booby-traps, and any fragmentation or incendiary weapons. More recently, Sierra Leone decided to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It was signed by David J. Francis, the current minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation on September 22, 2022. It was then ratified by Timothy Musa Kabba, his successor, on September 24, 2024. This treaty has yet to be enforced during the writing of this paper. It is set to be enforced on December 23, 2024. Sierra Leone has also urged all other UN members to also sign and ratify the treaty. Before the treaty was proposed officially as it is now, Sierra Leone was one of the 127 states that endorsed a humanitarian pledge that was a stepping stone into the support for creating the TPNW negotiations.

Sierra Leone encourages that International law is to be strengthened to prevent the use of indiscriminate weapons in future conflicts before cleanup efforts are needed by adhering to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. This is to ensure the use of indiscriminate weapons is prohibited, eventually eliminating any more unnecessary harm. As new technologies progress, Sierra Leone emphasizes that members of the United Nations become more transparent on their use of indiscriminate weapons. This will allow other nations to be aware of each other.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Luke Roberts

By definition, indiscriminate weapons are weapons that cannot be directed at a certain military target. Any person, soldier or civilian, can suffer from the effects of these weapons. The vast use of these indiscriminate weapons paired with the increase in weapon potency leads to a deadly combination. Large indiscriminate weapons have caused considerable casualties against unintended targets, which are civilians. There were an estimated 5500 mine casualties in 2023, a great number of these being civilians. Certain types of indiscriminate weapons (biological and chemical weapons) have been banned as of 1989, however many remain in the field. Later, in 1997, the Ottawa treaty banned the use of mines. While the banning of these deadly weapons is a step in the right direction, countless numbers of indiscriminate weapons are still in the field. The removal of these weapons is key to limiting civilian casualties as the vast majority of casualties are administered by these weapons, oftentimes decades later. The main issue with these weapons is their continued effectiveness long after the conflict they were deployed for has subsided. For example, mines deployed in WW2 are still being deactivated in the French countryside to this day.
Throughout the past century, Sweden has been quite vocal on this issue, and has stated in the past that the destruction of indiscriminate weapons must be observed to ensure that it is done. Sweden stands by this notion and further states that inspections of the destruction of indiscriminate weapons must be present to verify that this has taken place, regardless of country or international status. To go along with this, sharing information globally on these weapons could be beneficial to the international quest to remove these deadly weapons from civilian areas. If improved methods of removal are developed, they must be spread globally to address the international concern for civilian deaths from indiscriminate weapons. Sweden proposes the creation of an international committee to tackle this issue of destruction and removal of these weapons. There are many innocent victims and these people are unfortunately often the victims of the conflicts of their grandparents.
As stated previously, the key to dealing with indiscriminate weapons is limiting their use and impact on civilian lives. The UN needs to strengthen international laws and regulations regarding the use of these weapons. Sweden believes that updated international laws regarding these indiscriminate weapons should be put in place, and measures should be developed to provide international verification that these procedures are followed.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Charlotte Dykstra

Indiscriminate weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents increase threats to global peace and stability. Despite these weapons serving as legitimate and effective defense mechanisms, their ability to harm civilians and threaten post-conflict regions presents an issue for the international community. For several decades, the UN has been at the forefront of addressing these issues, including the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in 2008, and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2013.

The Russian Federation approaches the complex issues associated with indiscriminate weapons with a focus on respecting sovereign states’ rights. While Russia has used cluster munitions and thermobaric weapons in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine, these attacks were adherent to international law and were solely aimed at military targets. The Russian Federation denies any allegations of indiscriminate attacks with the intent to harm civilians and other non-military personnel. Russia itself remains contaminated with mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) from World War II, the two Chechen wars, and other armed conflicts. In October 2024, the Russian International Mine Action Center trained as many as 136 deminers to aid in demining efforts in Laos.

Russia is a signatory on the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) that limit stockpiling, development, and use of certain indiscriminate weapons. The Russian Federation has refrained from signing the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, which bans antipersonnel landmines, and the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). This is due to the fact that prior regulations and protocols are sufficient to monitor and regulate indiscriminate weapons.

Russia is committed to balancing humanitarian concerns with military necessity concerning indiscriminate weapons. The Russian Federation recognizes the concerns indiscriminate weapons raise, especially in post-conflict areas, but is aware of the important role indiscriminate weapons play in active war zones. The delegation of Russia would like to advocate for stronger implementation and monitoring of pre-existing agreements in order to ensure compliance with CCW protocols. Additionally, the delegation supports increased international funding to support demining efforts in post-conflict regions through organizations like the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS). The Russian Federation would like to stress the prioritization of disposing of indiscriminate weapons from past conflicts as opposed to limiting the functionality and use of certain weapons in current conflicts.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Mateo Grimaldo

Ukraine’s Stance on the Use of Indiscriminate Weapons

Ukraine firmly establishes the need for strengthening international law to bar the use of indiscriminate ones, given the evolving modern threats of the changing nature of warfare to fight against and combat post-conflict risks. The world is more able to protect civilians and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law through the greater enforcement of compliance on current treaties with the development of modern accountability mechanisms and the legal realignment for the proliferation of such emerging technologies. Despite very important treaties, like the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the weapon keeps on being used in afflicted areas around the world. Ukraine now calls for stricter international principles and wider applicability of treaties for eliminating such weapons, while cooperation for innovation and funding for post-conflict demining efforts is emphasized. Ukraine also insists that international law must keep pace with the changing face of warfare, from autonomous weapons systems to cyber attacks, introducing accountability and transparency in their deployment. Indeed, this is the only way forward to ensure the protection of civilians, accelerate recovery, and sustain global security for the future. Ukraine calls for the strengthening of international law to prohibit indiscriminate weapon use and address new threats in warfare through enforcing compliance with treaties, building accountability mechanisms, and adaptive legal frameworks. There is a need for cooperative demining action, state-of-the-art technologies, and funding to help mitigate post-conflict risks while updating legal provisions for autonomous systems and cyber warfare should be taken care of to ensure the protection of civilians and the adherence to international humanitarian principles. Indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, pose severe threats to civilians and hinder recovery in post-conflict areas. Despite key treaties like the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, these weapons continue to be used, with devastating effects in regions like Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine. Challenges include slow and dangerous cleanup efforts, lack of universal treaty adherence, enforcement difficulties, and the emergence of new warfare technologies. Strengthening international cooperation, enforcing compliance, accelerating weapon clearance, and updating legal frameworks to address evolving threats are essential to mitigating these humanitarian risks.
Ukraine looks for more stringent international commitments as well as broader treaties, including the ones on cluster munitions (CCM), and anti-personnel-mines ban (APMBC), making these effective against such weapons that bring about indiscriminate destruction to the civilian populations and affect recovery. MAG and ICRC have formed a consensus about the hazards caused by cluster munitions and landmines by Palestine civilians and their future imperilment. Compliance with the said treaties excludes those arms with indiscriminate effects from the stockpiles of national arsenals worldwide. Compliance with CCM, for example, is indicated in other countries by significant stockpile destruction in all signatory countries. International calls for accountability mechanisms such as through the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been joined by Ukraine with appeals to violations of international humanitarian law. Thus creating disincentives to use such prohibited weapons, the prosecution of offenders would enforce legal norms while showcasing the determination of an international community to defend civilians.
Ukraine further underlines the importance of collaborative international efforts, technological innovations, and sufficient funding to scale up demining operations and make them more effective in reducing the risks associated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). The HALO Trust has been involved in demining projects in Ukraine, utilizing the most sophisticated tools and techniques to clear contaminated land more effectively. Increased investment in demining technology-including ground-penetrating radar and robots accelerates the clearance process, reduces the risk to human operators, and speeds up the re-establishment of conditions for safe living. Ukraine is working globally, alongside NGOs and international coalitions, in raising awareness and funding for demining. The demining of affected countries can be accelerated by broadening the funding and technical assistance sources. Training local teams in using advanced methods will ensure sustainability in demining efforts even after the departure of international teams.
Ukraine calls for adapting international law to respond to emerging threats such as autonomous weapons systems and cyber warfare. It strongly supports the need for accountability and transparency in the use of advanced military technologies. Reports by ICRC show that new means of warfare, such as AI-manned weaponry, might infringe upon laws of humanitarianism if not scrutinized in its usage. Specific codifications of criteria for utilizing advanced technologies follow international humanitarian tenets. For example, autonomous systems would have to distinguish between combatants and civilians to avoid unlawful harm. The Geneva Conventions, for what it’s worth, do not currently have provisions specially made for cyberspace. Although waging war in cyberspace is currently seen as one of the main features of having a conflict, these states have been falling into this phenomenon. Ukraine is no exception to this trend. Amendments that include cyber operations in the doctrines ensure that a state does not conveniently use legal gaps to conduct indiscriminate attacks. Visible regulations regarding cyber engagement reduce escalation, thereby protecting critical civilian infrastructure.
It must be emphasized that international law must strengthen and broaden approaches in the multifaceted way that treaty commitment expands, guarantees compliance, and recognizes the new technologies of warfare. Ukraine insists on other treaties, for example, CCM and APMBC, with accountability institutions such as ICC- to imbibe dissuations and protections for civilians. Removal of explosive hazards by innovative technology, continuing funding, and international cooperation is as important in ensuring that post-conflict recovery will not suffer. Finally, it is time to adapt legal frameworks to current challenges, such as autonomous weapons and cyber warfare, if legal gaps were to be closed and humanitarian principles could be kept at the center of all international security efforts. Only then can the global community meaningfully reach the imperative action of the future toward collective security.
Firmly establishes the need for strengthening international law to bar the use of indiscriminate ones, given the evolving modern threats of the changing nature of warfare to fight against and combat post-conflict risks. The world is more able to protect civilians and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law through the greater enforcement of compliance on current treaties with the development of modern accountability mechanisms and the legal realignment for the proliferation of such emerging technologies. Despite very important treaties, like the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the weapon keeps on being used in afflicted areas around the world. Ukraine now calls for stricter international principles and wider applicability of treaties for eliminating such weapons, while cooperation for innovation and funding for post-conflict demining efforts is emphasized. Ukraine also insists that international law must keep pace with the changing face of warfare, from autonomous weapons systems to cyber attacks, introducing accountability and transparency in their deployment. Indeed, this is the only way forward to ensure the protection of civilians, accelerate recovery, and sustain global security for the future.
Works Cited

“Demining Efforts and Technological Innovations in Ukraine.” HALO Trust, 2024, www.halotrust.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Indiscriminate Weapons and International Humanitarian Law.” International Committee of the Red Cross, 2023. www.icrc.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“MAG Statement on the Indiscriminate Use of Weapons and the Erosion of the Principle of Humanity.” MAG International, 28 July 2023, maginternational.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Technological Solutions for Accelerating Demining.” Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, 2023, www.gichd.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“The Cluster Munition Coalition and Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention: Updates and Progress.” ICBL-CMC, 2024, www.stopclustermunitions.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“We Must Go Above, Beyond Compliance, Fully Protect Civilians against ‘Harms They Are Suffering on Our Watch’.” UN Meetings Coverage, 2023, press.un.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Yemen
Delegate Name: Lore Dulin

The nation of Yemen is no stranger to the usage of indiscriminate weapons in conflicts. Yemeni Observatory For Landmine Removal finds that 370 civilians have been killed by landmines placed by the Houthis in 2019. In 2007, Yemen was close to declaring itself a landmine free nation, but with the escalation between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, mine laying increased drastically.
Yemen has supported international conventions such as the Mine Ban Treaty or the Ottawa Convention. In fact, Yemen was the first Arab country to destroy its stockpile of anti-personnel mines entirely. The Yemen Data Project has collected data on over 25,000 air raids carried out by the Saudi-led coalition. In 2022, one child was killed or injured on average every two days in Yemen by landmines.
Since the first United Nations General Assembly resolution was adopted, disarmament has been a priority. Indiscriminate weapons are a threat to civilians and national security. The United Nation has, and will continue to advocate for the cessation of the usage of indiscriminate weapons and urging all parties to comply with international law. However, the enforcement of initiatives to cease the application of indiscriminate weapons has not been where it needs to be. The United Nations must call for accountability and the enforcement of arms trade regulations.
The delegation of Yemen emphasizes the importance of comprehensive efforts and compliance with the existing treaties and conventions. The United Nations must monitor and work on enforcing regulations in arms trade. The delegation sees the necessity to support programs focusing on assisting victims of indiscriminate weapons and ensuring humanitarian aid is not hindered by the usage of these weapons.
For not only the benefit of the nation of Yemen, but for the global community, the United Nations must curb the use of indiscriminate weapons. A collective international response is crucial to prevent further civilian casualties and suffering, while working towards conflict resolution.

References
(n.d.). United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://disarmament.unoda.org/anti-personnel-landmines-convention/
(n.d.). Yemen Data Project. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://yemendataproject.org/data/
(2023, March 23). Save The Children. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://www.savethechildren.net/news/children-yemen-face-highest-risk-landmines-and-explosive-devices-least-five-years-save-children
Dashela, A. (2022, September 1). The Calamity of Landmines in Yemen. Carnegie Endowment. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2022/09/the-calamity-of-landmines-in-yemen?lang=en
Yemen: Houthi Landmines Claim Lives, Livelihoods. (2024, May 23). Human Rights Watch. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/23/yemen-houthi-landmines-claim-lives-livelihoods

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Sam Ostrow

In the Tanakh, David writes,
סור מרע ועשה־טוב בקש שלום ורדפהו
“Shun evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.”

The pursuit of peace faces troubling times, and the production and utilization of indiscriminate weapons hinder this virtuous pursuit. The Israeli delegation stands firmly in its belief that the issue of indiscriminate weapons must be dealt with in a timely manner, to protect the innocent, and fulfill the summons to live righteously as nations.

On October 7, 2023, we were attacked by terrorists whose mission was to slaughter Israelis without regard for the sanctity of human life. In acts of execution, rape, human cruelty, and pure evil, the lives of more than 1,200 of our brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers were taken in the most horrible manner, and hundreds were taken hostage. Due to these brutal acts of violence, we are at war. The terrorist organization Hamas infiltrated our nation to commit these atrocities under the cover of indiscriminate rocket attacks. Tens of thousands of rockets and missiles have rained down on our towns, cities, and villages since that horrific day. Let alone the tens of thousands that have been launched in the preceding decades. We have done what we must to defend our nation and protect our people. While we recognize the pain that Palestinians have suffered due to the cowardly actions of Hamas, we vehemently oppose all accusations that the Israel Defense Forces are utilizing indiscriminate weapons. We will under no circumstance let this accusation stand, and we have the evidence to dispute it and prove its falsity.

Israel has suffered from reckless and irresponsible missile attacks since October 7th that have only served to jeopardize the common pursuit of nations in the Middle East for a continued and lasting peace. The irresponsible parties have made it clear that they will attack Israeli citizens, which is why we now urge this committee to adopt a focus on implementing strategies to combat nuclear weapon production by nations that sponsor or commit acts of terrorism. We maintain our vow to not be the first party to introduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East, but we are aware that others cannot make the same promise. As a nation that has signed onto the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and is party to the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, we understand the threat that nuclear weapons pose to the world. However, through our continued opposition to a full non-proliferation agreement as evidenced by our opposition to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we understand the purpose of nuclear weapons as a method of deterrence. However, as evidenced by the continued escalation of conflict in the Middle East and implementation of indiscriminate warfare through direct attacks or proxy warfare, it is clear that others in the region do not view weapon proliferation as a method of deterrence, but rather as a means to eradicate any society that does not adhere to a certain agenda.

We urge the Disarmament and International Security Committee of the United Nations to adopt a method to target, with economic and diplomatic consequences, nations that undertake actions of nuclear proliferation while sponsoring or committing terrorist actions.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Kierstin Morley

The United Nation heavily opposes the use of indiscriminate weapons due to its high civilian casualty count and incompatibility with international humanitarian law. The UN has supported regulations on indiscriminate weapons evident in the 1997 Ottawa treaty which bans the use of stockpiling, producing and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. The UN has also endorsed the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008 which prohibits cluster bombs. The utilization of Indiscriminate weapons results in lasting effects such as unexploded ordnance and toxic remnants that may affect civilians for decades, as well as immediate civilian casualties.

In the past, the Kingdom of Thailand has operated with landmines in order to quell conflicts on the borders, specifically during the Cold war and the Cambodian Civil war. Thailand implemented the use of landmines on the Cambodian-Thai border in response to Cambodian conflicts, resulting in long term consequences through contaminated land on the border and risk to local populations.

In recent years however, Thailand has begun the demining of contaminated land, especially across the Cambodian-Thai border in areas such as Myanmanr and Laos. By 2023 Thailand cleared crucial portions of contaminated land, but continues to clear more land. Thailand cooperates with organizations like NGO’s in order to further the demining of tainted land, as well as participate in the ASEAN efforts to lessen the use of indiscriminate weapons. Thailand is an active party in the Ottawa convention and its goal for global disarmament of indiscriminate weapons, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Biological Weapons Convention adhering to global bans on stockpiling such weapons. In addition, Thailand has fostered programs such as the TMAC (Thailand Mine Action Center) which educates at-risk communities concerning mine clearance and provides victim assistance by providing rehabilitation and medical aid.

Thailand approaches the vital discussion of indiscriminate weapons with an urgency for adherence to international humanitarian law and protection of civilians from both immediate and long term repercussions caused by the employment of indiscriminate weapons. Thailand advocates for further protection of civilians through continued regulation on the use of indiscriminate weapons and maintaining present regulations seen in the Ottawa treaty.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Annie Alkema

Indiscriminate weapons are a massive problem in modern warfare. They don’t just affect those in combat, but civilians and people after the war is over. This can include many different types of weapons, but some of them are cluster bombs, landmines, and chemical weapons. These do not discriminate between military and civilian and often continue to harm people long after they were originally used. There needs to be a significant change in international law regarding indiscriminate weapons. There also needs to be a change in landmine removal and detonation.
Nigeria believes that there should be rules against the use of indiscriminate weapons. They often hurt civilians who are not being targeted rather than the militants they are being used against. There is also the risk that these weapons will harm the surrounding areas. Many deaths have been caused by surrounding countries’ use of indiscriminate weapons. In addition, landmines are also a significant issue. Nigeria is high among those affected by landmine explosions and deaths. Boko Haram has been known to also use landmines to attack.
Nigeria continues to support the efforts for landmine removal and detonation. More experts should be used to detect and deal with landmines in areas no longer affected by conflict. Nigeria also believes that there should be a strengthening of laws surrounding indiscriminate weapons. There needs to be a limitation on those who are affected by the weapons while not a part of the conflict. There also needs to be limitations internationally because surrounding countries can be affected by these weapons

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Viet Nam
Delegate Name: Devansh Agrawal

Indiscriminate Weapons are deadly means of destruction that cannot differentiate between civilian and military targets, killing regardless of position, age, and innocence. These include weapons like landmines, biological agents, and nuclear weapons. Nuclear Weapons, in particular, raised huge concerns regarding the death of an estimated 200,000 civilians. Chemical Weapons like mustard gas and chlorine gas brutally killed soldiers in World War 1 along with landmines in no-manlands. Indiscriminate weapons were banned according to the Geneva Convention. Landmines, however, were still regularly used during the many facets of the Cold War. Countries affected are Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Ethiopia, etc. In 1997, the Ottawa Treaty was written which banned all use of landmines. 133 countries signed it but major countries like the US, India, and Russia didn’t sign the treaty, meaning they still hold the right to use them in the event of war.

Vietnam has suffered greatly due to Indiscriminate Weapons like landmines during the Vietnam War. During the war, both the US and Vietnam deployed millions of mines with varying purposes including area denial, an anti-tank weapon, and a trap during guerilla-style warfare. Nearly 1/3 of US military deaths were caused by these mines. There have been an estimated 35 million landmines and 300,000 tons of unexploded ordinance. Over 40,000 people have died from these weapons after the war ended in 1975. The US has provided funding to help remove some unexploded bombs and programs like CWD and UNMAS have helped slowly chip away at the amount of landmines. Other organizations that are helping include PeaceTrees Vietnam, which is trying to solve the aftermath of the Vietnam War. However, there are still over 10 million unremoved landmines in the countryside which pose a huge threat to the people of Vietnam.

The Socialist Republic of VietNam urges the community to take greater care in removing existing landmines in affected areas to reduce further humanitarian suffrage. Vietnam recommends programs to effectively identify and remove any dangerous ordinances. Locals should be educated to inform them of the potential dangers, which can also help avoid further deaths. Furthermore, all indiscriminate weapons must be banned, as stated in the Ottawa Treaty.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Nova Wilson

Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly advocates for full disarmament and international peace. The only time that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea believes that indiscriminate weapons should be used is as a deterrent to prevent further international conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross defines indiscriminate weapons as any weapon or attack that is not directed at a specific military objective, that employs a method or means of combat that cannot be directed at a specific military objective, and as a consequence, are of a nature to strike civilians or military objects without distinction. Due to this lack of distinction between militant and civilian objects, indiscriminate weapons infringe upon the right to life that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly believes in. In the UN Human Rights Committee periodic review’s 131st session a general comment on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea policy and practices regarding the threat or use of nuclear weapons, “ [t]he threat or use of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, which are indiscriminate in effect and are of a nature to cause destruction of human life on a catastrophic scale, is incompatible with respect for the right to life and may amount to a crime under international law.“

Further, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea resolutely objects to the use of nuclear weapons. Due to their wide range of impact, nuclear weapons fall under the title of indiscriminate weapons. As shown through the signing of the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration and the 2018 Singapore Summit joint statement, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is actively reducing its usage of nuclear weapons. Included in the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, which is an agreement between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and The Republic of Korea, the countries agreed to cease all hostile actions against one another in every domain including land, air, and sea. Along with this, they agreed to transform the demilitarized zone into a zone of true peace. This is one of many actions that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in committing to transparency and future peace.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea encourages international law to be strengthened in order to prevent the use of indiscriminate weapons in future conflicts before cleanup efforts by increasing the transparency surrounding indiscriminate weapons. This would allow other nations to be aware of what they are facing while entering a conflict or during civilian activity. To accelerate the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict areas, the United Nations should create a task force dedicated to locating and safely removing them for the safety of nearby civilians. These transparency measures also allow nation-states to establish a framework for addressing the challenges posed by new military technologies. The transparency measures will further allow nations to be aware of the presence of indiscriminate weapons in other States.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea looks forward to creating international frameworks for promoting peace on the world stage.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Shep Bowert

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Indiscriminate Weapons
Canada
Shep Bower
Forest Hills Eastern

An Indiscriminate weapon can be defined as a weapon deemed to have indiscriminate effects either because of the way it is used or the inherent characteristics of the weapon. Examples of indiscriminate weapons include landmines, cluster bombs, and chemical agents. These weapons are particularly dangerous to society because they fail to differentiate between military personnel and civilians. Indiscriminate Weapons have been heavily employed since World War 2, and they continue to kill multitudes of civilians including attacks in Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen. Also, indiscriminate weapons like landmines have long-lasting impacts on civilizations due to explosive remnants of War (ERW) that still kill thousands of civilians each year.
In the late 20th century, multiple treaties including the Ottawa Treaty (which banned mines) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) were adopted to protect civilians from these dangerous weapons, however, there is an ongoing use of cluster munitions in densely populated areas during conflicts currently, and there is a lack of universal adherence to these treaties.

Canada has been a major advocate for the ban on indiscriminate weapons and has played a large role in addressing the humanitarian impact of these weapons. Canada hosted the Ottawa Convention in which they banned mines by creating the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, and Canada was one of the prime movers behind the Ottawa Treaty itself, which created a global standard for disarmament and civilian protection. In addition to its major role in the Ottawa treaty, Canada was also a key supporter of the CCM, which prohibits the use of cluster bombs. Also, Canada has provided funding to Countries like Afghanistan which are affected heavily by indiscriminate weapons, and global mine action programs across the globe. Canada wants to focus on the humanitarian impacts of these weapons and emphasize the protection of civilians in conflict zones from indiscriminate weapons.

to ensure civilian protection, Canada proposes a multilateral approach to address the threat these indiscriminate weapons impose. First, Canada calls for universal adherence to the Ottawa Treaty and the CCM because, with universal adherence to these treaties, the indiscriminate weapons themselves would be banned. Second, Canada proposes that the UN should ensure that countries take accountability for their actions by creating a new global tribunal that will punish countries that are found using these indiscriminate weapons. Finally, Canada calls for the UN to increase funding for humanitarian aid, since there are still many active ERWs in countries and indiscriminate weapons being used. Canada looks forward to working with its fellow delegates to create a solution for this problem.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: China
Delegate Name: Ari Shtein

The harm—potential and actual—arising from the use of indiscriminate weapons is both apparent and deeply concerning. However, as is always the case in questions concerning the conduct of warfare, the realities and necessities of national defense must be kept near the forefront.

Indiscriminate weapons were identified and banned in the Geneva Convention Additional Protocol (I), Article 51, to which China is a party: any “means of combat which cannot be directed at a specific military objective” should not be employed. It’s noted immediately afterward in International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) commentary that “most armies endeavour [sic] to use accurate weapons as attacks which do not strike the intended objective result in a loss of time and equipment without giving a corresponding advantage” (ICRC). That is: the use of indiscriminate weapons is inherently at odds with maximally effective warfare.

The only plausible scenario for deploying such a weapon would involve deliberate intent to cause indiscriminate harm, at the cost of military advantage. And, of course, if any belligerent state wished to conduct an indiscriminate attack, they could do so with conventional weaponry just as easily: a bullet doesn’t discriminate any more than a cluster bomb does—only the warfighter can choose not to strike a civilian. So we come to the root of the matter: international laws governing proportionality and intent are sufficient to capture and punish the inhumane use of any weapons. The only humanitarian risk posed by indiscriminate weapons per se is in their accidental misuse. This is most clearly illustrated by the persistent presence of anti-personnel mines in former war zones.

China, while not a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty (aimed at preventing the proliferation of anti-personnel mines) due to its national defense priorities, has consistently voted in the United Nations General Assembly to promote the Treaty’s mission and other nations’ accession to it, ceased all manufacturing of these weapons after 1997, and massively reduced its national stockpile (“Mine Ban Policy—China”). Ongoing efforts to clean up and demine former war zones are worthwhile, encouraged, and participated in by the Chinese government.

Often, cluster munitions are cited as another glaring example of often-used indiscriminate weapons. Though China has not acceded to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, it’s supported the initiative in the UNGA, and has never once deployed cluster munitions (“Cluster Munition Ban Policy—China”). However, the relevance of cluster munitions in certain defensive combat environments should not be disregarded, and for the sake of national security, China continues to produce and store these weapons, with a major emphasis on safety and precision. Western powers, by contrast, committed countless indiscriminate attacks with these weapons in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (Zhuo).

Finally, some have argued that lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) should be considered unacceptable under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) (Kahn). This line of attack fails to understand the most fundamental truth about LAWS: they are more precisely targeted and discriminating than any other existing weapon systems. Whereas a traditional firearm, or even guided missile, can only strike where a human warfighter points it, AI-enabled weapons systems will instead point themselves to legitimate military targets alone. Banning LAWS would hinder progress and result in more indiscriminate attacks perpetrated on account of human malice and error.

Works Cited

“Cluster Munition Ban Policy—China.” Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, 2024, the-monitor.org/country-profile/china/cluster-munition-ban-policy?year=2023. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
ICRC. “Commentary of 1987.” International Committee of the Red Cross IHL Databases, 2023, ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-51/commentary/1987.
Kahn, Jeremy. “The World Just Blew a ‘Historic Opportunity’ to Stop Killer Robots.” Fortune, 22 Dec. 2021, fortune.com/2021/12/22/killer-robots-ban-fails-un-artificial-intelligence-laws/.
“Mine Ban Policy—China.” Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, 2024, the-monitor.org/country-profile/china/mine-ban-policy?year=2023. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Zhuo, Chen. “U.S. Should Face up to Its Track Record of Cluster Bomb Use.” China Military, 12 July 2023, eng.chinamil.com.cn/OPINIONS_209196/Opinions_209197/16236563.html.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Robert/RJ Langen

Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Indiscriminate Weapons
Republic of Finland
RJ/Robert Langen
Forest Hills Northern

Finland recognizes the grave threat that indiscriminate weapons pose to international peace, security, and humanitarian principles. Indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and certain types of explosive devices, do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, leading to unacceptable civilian casualties and long-term socio-economic consequences. The use of such weapons has been documented in various conflicts worldwide, resulting in loss of innocent lives, displacement of populations, and hindering post-conflict recovery efforts. The international community has made strides in addressing this issue through instruments like the Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions; however, challenges remain due to non-universal adherence and the emergence of new technologies that may circumvent existing regulations.

Finland is deeply committed to the promotion of international humanitarian law and has actively participated in global efforts to eliminate the use of indiscriminate weapons. Finland acceded to the Ottawa Treaty in 2012 and has since completed the destruction of its anti-personnel mine stockpiles, reaffirming its dedication to a world free of landmines. Additionally, Finland supports the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and its protocols that seek to prohibit or restrict the use of weapons deemed excessively injurious or whose effects are indiscriminate. Finland contributes to mine action programs and victim assistance initiatives in affected countries, providing both financial support and expertise. Through cooperation with international organizations and non-governmental organizations, Finland aims to alleviate the suffering caused by these weapons and to promote sustainable development in post-conflict regions.

Finland calls upon all member states to reinforce their commitment to international treaties addressing indiscriminate weapons and to work collaboratively towards universalization and effective implementation of these agreements. Finland recommends the following actions:

1. Universal Ratification and Implementation: Encourage all states that have not yet ratified the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions to do so promptly and to implement their provisions effectively.

2. Strengthening International Legal Frameworks: Support the enhancement of existing international legal instruments and consider the development of new protocols under the CCW to address emerging technologies that may have indiscriminate effects.

3. Humanitarian Mine Action: Increase international cooperation and assistance for mine clearance, risk education, and victim assistance programs to mitigate the impact of indiscriminate weapons on affected communities.

4. Transparency and Reporting: Promote transparency measures, including comprehensive reporting on stockpiles, clearance efforts, and victim assistance, to build confidence and encourage compliance among states.

5. Research and Development of Alternatives: Invest in the research and development of alternative technologies and methods for national defense that do not rely on weapons with indiscriminate effects.

By taking these steps, the international community can make significant progress toward eliminating the threats posed by indiscriminate weapons. Finland reaffirms its commitment to working with all nations to promote peace, protect civilians, and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law.

References:
https://disarmament.unoda.org/anti-personnel-landmines-convention/
https://disarmament.unoda.org/the-convention-on-certain-conventional-weapons/

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Katherine Risley

Japan’s experience in World War II, specifically the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have shaped its firm opposition to the use of weapons of mass destruction and other indiscriminate arms. Such weapons target wide areas without distinction, disproportionately affecting innocent civilians and leaving long lasting environmental and public health impacts. Japan believes that within the DISEC committee, decisive action must be taken to ensure that such weapons are banned internationally and all members of the UN understand their severe impacts to humans and the environment.

Japan supports the strengthening of existing international agreements such as the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). Japan advocates for a comprehensive global ban on the use of indiscriminate weapons, including cluster munitions, landmines, and chemical weapons, and believes that countries must take immediate steps to ensure full compliance with these agreements. Furthermore, Japan urges the international community to close any existing legal loopholes that allow the use of such weapons under certain conditions. In order to mitigate environmental and human health impacts of the use of such weapons, Japan advocates for the establishment of a global clean up fund managed through organizations such as the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). Additionally, Japan believes in the importance of developing more advanced technology to detect and neutralize mines, as well as the expansion of victim assistance programs to ensure adequate medical care to civilians that have been impacted by indiscriminate weapons.

Finally, Japan believes that one major focus within the DISEC committee should be developing global standards for the usage of autonomous weapons, making new technologies within warfare subject to international expectations. Japan believes that in order to promote peace and stability, the world must be made free from indiscriminate weapons.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Sam Ogilvie

Delegate Name: Sam Ogilvie
Country: Ghana
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Indiscriminate weapons are weapons that cannot be controlled to target only specific military objectives or combatants, making them inherently capable of causing widespread, unintended harm to civilians and non-combatants. These weapons do not distinguish between legitimate military targets and civilian populations, and as a result, their use can result in excessive collateral damage. These can include nuclear weapons, landmines, and biological and chemical weapons.
Ghana has been extremely opposed to the use of Indiscriminate weapons in their support of global peace. In the past, Ghana has begun disarming nuclear weapons due to their signing of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Additionally, Ghana’s government has also signed the treaty of Ottawa which ultimately puts a ban on all use of landmines, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Ghana has followed through with the treaty of Ottawa, actively assisting other African countries plagued with civil wars and other conflicts, helping them de-mine different areas. Ghana also has many separate organizations that act to prohibit the use of the development, production, or stockpiling of either biological or chemical weapons. These organizations are known as the CWC and the BWC.
Ghana is planning to make efforts to raise awareness of the humanitarian impact of these harmful weapons. This is part of a plan to promote humanitarian approaches to disarmament. Along with spreading awareness, Ghana also wants to bring these issues to the African Union, and the United Nations to increase the peacekeeping operations and increase support in West Africa, working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lessen the flow of indiscriminate weapons into conflict zones. Finally, Ghana is pushing for peace and further focus on building partnerships and promoting cooperative communication between states to address security concerns.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Wilson McEvoy

The Republic of Belarus
Wilson McEvoy
DISEC

Indiscriminate Weapons
The Republic of Belarus supports restrictions on indiscriminate weapons and strongly condemns the use of any cluster or anti-personnel mines. Following the breakup of the Soviet Union, Belarus had the seventh largest stockpile of anti-personnel mines. Belarus became a party member of the Convention on certain Conventional Weapons, and destroyed the entire stockpile by 2017. Belarus fully believes that putting an end to the use of these weapons is a necessary step to a more peaceful world.

Belarus was able to successfully destroy its entire stockpile with the aid of the European and international community. Disposing of explosive weapons is costly to do in a safe and environmentally healthy way, but Belarus was able to do so. Belarus believes that more investments into nations to dispose of their arsenal is the correct way to encourage disarmament, like was done earlier this century in its own country. International support and investment is vital for destruction of indiscriminate weapons.

References
The Republic of Belarus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Conventional Arms Control and Confidence- Security-Building Measures.” Conventional Arms Control and Confidence- Security-Building Measures – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Belarus, mfa.gov.by/en/mulateral/global_issues/global_security/armament_control/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
“Belarus Destroys over Three Million Hazardous Landmines Fulfilling Its Ottawa Convention Obligations; over 50 Million Landmines Have Now Been Destroyed – Belarus.” ReliefWeb, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 7 Apr. 2017, reliefweb.int/report/belarus/belarus-destroys-over-three-million-hazardous-landmines-fulfilling-its-ottawa.
Casey-Maslen, Stuart. “Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction – Main Page.” United Nations, United Nations, 13 Nov. 2009, legal.un.org/avl/ha/cpusptam/cpusptam.html.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: India
Delegate Name: Anish Kulkarni

As stated by the Red Cross, Indiscriminate Weapons are weapons that cannot be directed at a specific military target, or if its effects cannot be controlled. The Republic of India, a nation deeply committed to peace and international stability, has always championed disarmament and the regulation of weapons that cause indiscriminate harm. India’s defense policies in this matter are firmly rooted in adhering to international humanitarian law. As a nation deeply committed to the principles of nonviolence and equity, We approach this issue of indiscriminate weapons with a nuanced perspective rooted in its unique geopolitical realities and historical experiences. While we aspire to a world free of weapons that cause indiscriminate harm, our policy on retaining certain defensive capabilities must be in regard. We firmly believe that disarmament must be equitable, inclusive, and universally implemented to ensure the safety and sovereignty of all nations.
Historically our nation has seen the dangers of these weapons. In 2019 cluster bombs were used in civilian areas in the Poonch and Tajouri sectors in our Line of Control. We are also seeing this currently in our territories of Jammu and Kashmir with cross-border infiltration threats causing significant casualties on 15.6 million people. Due to these atrocities, The Republic of India deems it plausible to use indiscriminate weapons to define the lines of national sovereignty with surrounding nations when physical barriers are insufficient.
However, because we value humanitarian law, We follow multiple international safety protocols to use these such as marking mined areas, maintaining minefield records, and removing mines when the situation stabilizes; as we modernize as a nation we are stepping back on reliance on these weapons and are becoming more reliant on broader security measures such as fencing, sensors, and surveillance technology. Additionally, We are a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the first country to meet the destruction deadlines set under the treaty. We are also a party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) which seeks to ban or restrict weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or have indiscriminate effects.

India, therefore, recommends multiple solutions to the DISEC Committee of the UN. Firstly we would emphasize that all nations adopt the No First Use (NFU) Nuclear Doctrine, stating that nations will not use nuclear weapons unless first attacked with them, serving their sole purpose as a deterrent. Secondly, India recommends that the UN strengthen the CCW’s framework to include emerging technologies such as cyber warfare and expand its regulations on indiscriminate weapons. Thirdly, India would urge the UN to prioritize a phased approach to global disarmament under strict international oversight in a systematic and equitable manner.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Matthew Chrostowski

Poland is strongly against the use of indiscriminate weapons, which are forbidden under international humanitarian law for not distinguishing between combatants and civilians. Being a member of the European Union and a signatory to such key treaties as the Geneva Conventions and the Ottawa Treaty, Poland supports international efforts to ban such weapons. Poland seeks a far more vigorous enforcement of IHL, with an emphasis on the development of international frameworks-like that pertaining to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons-meant to prevent the use of weapons which excessively harm civilians and undermine peace.

In this regard, Poland urges increased international cooperation and responsibility in the impossibility of using weapons without the least degree of discrimination. The country supports increased monitoring systems along with imposed sanctions against states or non-state actors violating IHL, while viewing an increased UNSC role in ensuring compliance, particularly in most conflict areas where there would be a deployment of such weapons. This is essential in deterring the use of indiscriminate weapons to protect the lives of civilians.

Poland is also worried about the effects of indiscriminate weapons on humanitarian work. Their use in zones of conflict increases suffering and complicates humanitarian deliveries. Military actions, including by private military contractors, should not hamper humanitarian missions, Poland insists. It demands that PMCs respect the neutrality and non-militarization of aid work and not allow operations to contribute to harm caused by indiscriminate weapons.

The Polish position on indiscriminate weapons stems from a respect for the protection of civilians and IHL itself. Poland further believes that, through strengthened legal frameworks, better international cooperation, and assurance of humanitarian aid protection, the catastrophic effects of conflict actions using indiscriminate weapons can be minimized.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Christina Merikas

In 1977, the USA signed Additional Protocol 1 (AP1). This article of the Geneva Convention prohibits the use of indiscriminate weapons. Indiscriminate weapons are weapons that cannot be aimed at anything specific; something with uncontrollable affects. However, the Reagan Administration delayed submitting the treaty for approval. Concerns were discussed about the weaker aspects of the protocol: AP 1 would ensure that non-official groups (such as ISIS) would be protected and given the same treatment as official national groups (such as the military) in times of conflict. In 1986, the US government decided to not ratify the treaty, and has not ratified the treaty today. However, American history with indiscriminate weapons stretches farther back than the 1970s. The Allied Forces (the United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China) dropped around 32,000 napalm bombs on Korea during the Korean War and around 16,000 against Japan in 1945. Napalm is a substance made up of acids and chemicals used to thicken gasoline and create fire bombs. After these times of war, American soldiers felt unease with the use of indiscriminate weapons. Pilots, members of the US Navy, and Generals alike opposed the use of indiscriminate weapons. Another example of the US’s napalm use is the Vietnam War, where South Vietnam and the US dropped 388,000 tons of napalm on Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) across ten years. To provide a more recent example, the US also used indiscriminate weapons during the Iraq War. The US used MK-77s (napalm-type weapons), white phosphorus, depleted uranium, napalm fire bombs, munitions, and cluster munitions. These weapons are very effective when used against densely populated areas. The US and the UK denied usage of these weapons but later retracted the statements. In 1991, the USA went before the UN and claimed that Iraq’s conduct in the Gulf War was unlawful, regarding their use of indiscriminate weapons. Another example of the USA against indiscriminate weapons in the UN is their joint statement with the Kingdom of Jordan. This statement highlighted concerns about indiscriminate weapons and the environment.
The USA has affirmed that the use of indiscriminate weapons is unlawful. While never ratifying AP1, the USA signed the document and is bound by its rules. However, the Department of Defenses’ War Manual does not explicitly condemn the use of indiscriminate weapons and fails to acknowledge AP1. Still, other sectors of the manual address similar issues. Recent examples of US use of indiscriminate weapons include their role in the Israel-Palestine conflict. An air strike on the Gaza Strip killed numerous civilians.
International law can be strengthened to prevent the use of indiscriminate weapons in future conflicts before cleanup efforts are needed. This can be done by forming a committee to rewrite a treaty, similar to the sector Additional Protocol 1, that nearly every nation finds just. Additionally, there should be more enforcement of the international laws in place. Creating a special group in the military, either US or another nation, that focuses on removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict areas could aid this problem. This is an alternative to sending regular officers who have other duties. International frameworks should adapt to address the challenges posed by new technologies in warfare by updating documents, laws, and treaties every 2-5 years, or as needed.

Sources:
The Department of Defense’s Use of Private Security …, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R40835. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Finucane, Brian. “The Prohibition on Indiscriminate Attacks: The US Position vs. the DOD Law of War Manual.” Just Security, 14 July 2022, www.justsecurity.org/81351/the-prohibition-on-indiscriminate-attacks-the-us-position-vs-the-dod-law-of-war-manual/.
“How We Help.” Canadian Red Cross, www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/international-humanitarian-law/what-is-international-humanitarian-law/weapons-and-international-humanitarian-law#:~:text=Weapons%20must%20be%20 able%20to,be%20controlled%2C%20it%20is%20indiscriminate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Mid, mid.ru/en_GB/foreign_policy/international_safety/regprla/-/asset_publisher/YCxLFJnKuD1W/content/id/2116079/pop_up?_101_INSTANCE_YCxLFJnKuD1W_qrIndex=0&_101_INSTANCE_YCxLFJnKuD1W_viewMode=tv. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“Napalm.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/science/napalm. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“An Overdue Review: Addressing Incendiary Weapons in the Contemporary Context.” Human Rights Watch, 7 July 2021, www.hrw.org/news/2017/11/20/overdue-review-addressing-incendiary-weapons-contemporary-context.
“Private Military Companies: Blackwater.” Silent Professionals, 19 Sept. 2024, silentprofessionals.org/blackwater/.
“Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.” United Nations, United Nations, legal.un.org/avl/ha/pagc/pagc.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Soldiers of Fortune: Why U.S. Mercenaries Should Not Be Legal.” War on the Rocks, 26 Aug. 2021, warontherocks.com/2021/08/soldiers-of-fortune-why-u-s-mercenaries-should-not-be-legal/.
U.S.-Made Weapons Used by Government of Israel in Violation of International Law and U.S Law | Amnesty International USA, www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/u-s-made-weapons-used-by-government-of-israel-in-violation-of-international-law-and-u-s-law/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“United States Considers Deployment of Its Military Contractors to Ukraine: Insights: Mayer Brown.” Insights | Mayer Brown, 23 July 2024, www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2024/07/united-states-considers-deployment-of-its-military-contractors-to-ukraine.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Johnny Thai

As warfare progressed, so has technology. When these two fields meet, a flower of death blooms. A blossom of technological innovation that could benefit society or could aid in humanitarian solutions, but when paired with warfare, brings nothing but death, and a prime example of this is indiscriminate weapons. Despite international efforts to remove these from the field of war, they still are used, as demonstrated in the conflicts of the Middle East and Ukraine, and as general assembly, must discover a solution to this ever-growing problem.

Sudan’s relationship with indiscriminate weapons is long and arduous. Indiscriminate weapons have been in many conflicts that Sudan has faced such as the first two Sudanese Civil Wars, the Sudan and South Sudan border dispute, the conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, and the most apparent, current Third Sudanese Civil War. Sudan fully recognizes that indiscriminate weapons are harmful to all sides of conflicts as any side, whether civilian or military, are injured or killed. Just as most nations, Sudan wishes for the removal of indiscriminate weapons but also recognizes the potential conflicts that may arise against such a motion. Many nations in Africa and the Middle East are in conflicts thus making such a motion extremely difficult as this must be resolved first and foremost before anything can be in effect.

Sudan further believes international law can be strengthened to prevent the use of indiscriminate weapons in future conflicts before third parties are required, through means of aiding in preventing such conflicts in the first place, as Sudan, currently within a civil war, cannot afford to fight fairly against the Rapid Support Forces, a former part of the Sudanese Armed Forces, who are using such weapons. Sudan would be more open to enforce such policies after order has been completely restored and threats to power of the government are eliminated but as of this moment in time, Sudan must fend off the Rapid Support Forces by any means necessary.

Sudan is of the opinion that intense measure must be taken to accelerate the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict areas, as Sudan is currently facing such indiscriminate weapons and once the civil war is resolved, would desire such measures. Sudan also assumes the belief that international frameworks must adapt extremely to address the challenges posed by new technologies in warfare. As stated previously, Sudan has and is currently facing such challenges. Only through extreme international measures, can new technologies be avoided within future conflicts, as countries, such as China, are the ones developing and supplying these technologies to conflict zones such as the Middle East, thus prolonging conflicts even longer than they should be.

In conclusion, indiscriminate weapons in conflict cause major casualties, both civilian and military. Sudan regards this as unacceptable, if, as a human race do not wish to destroy ourselves but also recognizes that action cannot be taken due to conflict. Conflicts, most notably in Africa and the Middle East, must first be resolved before any international cooperation can occur because as conflicts occur, no government can put international law into effect as they are being faced with a major obstacle, a threat to authority to carry out said laws. By considering these factors, the general assembly can propose a more defined and strong resolution in tackling this problem of indiscriminate weapons.

References:

“New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict.” Amnesty International, 25 July 2024, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2024/07/new-weapons-fuelling-the-sudan-conflict/.

Ogao, Emma. “Civilians in Sudan Endure 15 Months of ‘indiscriminate and Widespread’ Violence: Humanitarian Report.” ABC News, ABC News Network, 22 July 2024, abcnews.go.com/International/civilians-sudan-endure-15-months-indiscriminate-widespread-violence/story?id=112142340.

“Sudan War: Rights Probe Demands Wider Arms Embargo to End ‘rampant’ Abuse | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154011. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

“Sudan: Constant Flow of Arms Fuelling Relentless Civilian Suffering in Conflict – New Investigation.” Amnesty International, 26 July 2024, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/sudan-constant-flow-of-arms-fuelling-relentless-civilian-suffering-in-conflict-new-investigation/.

“Sudan: Explosive Weapons Harming Civilians.” Human Rights Watch, 4 May 2023, www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/04/sudan-explosive-weapons-harming-civilians.

“Sudan: Unlawful Attacks on Civilians, Infrastructure.” Human Rights Watch, 19 June 2024, www.hrw.org/news/2024/06/19/sudan-unlawful-attacks-civilians-infrastructure.

“Sudan’s Warring Parties Acquiring New Foreign-Made Weapons, Says Report.” Middle East Eye, 9 Sept. 2024, www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudan-warring-parties-weapons-foreign-made-report.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Matthew Keith

Delegate Name: Matthew Keith
Country: Brazil
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors

Indiscriminate weapons are a subset of weaponry that cannot be directed at a specific military purpose. They’re typically designed with the intent of causing serious harm without a purpose and include the likes of landmines, chemical agents, and unguided missiles. The use of these weapons is highly controversial, as they typically do more damage to civilians than they do good for a cause.

Brazil recognizes the importance of cracking down on indiscriminate weapons. Brazil ratified the Mine Ban Treaty under the Ottawa Convention in 1999 which prohibits the use of anti-personnel landmines. Brazil was also a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as well as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) which both strive to Ban weapons that violate humanitarian law. In addition, Brazil is also looking into the future, participating in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) which discusses the regulation of autonomous weapons such as drones.

Brazil actively participates in post-conflict clearance. Brazil played a major role in the UN mine clearance effort in Haiti during 2004, also known as MINUSTAH. This organization works closely with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to dispose of dormant explosives and protect communities. Brazil also makes an effort to support neighboring countries in these efforts and has invested funds into researching ways to safely and effectively discard explosives.

Brazil acknowledges the growing adoption of technology in the use of warfare. To stay ahead, Brazil has called for an outright ban of autonomous weapons through the CCW, believing it is necessary to ensure public safety. Brazil is also keen on highlighting the potential risk of AI weaponry and wishes to globally discuss ways in which the misuse of AI can be prevented. Like many other countries, Brazil has banned the development of nuclear weapons in its constitution and works with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure compliance.

Bibliography
https://docs-library.unoda.org/General_Assembly_First_Committee_-Seventy-Eighth_session_(2023)/Brazil_en.pdf
https://meetings.unoda.org/ccw-/convention-on-certain-conventional-weapons-group-of-governmental-experts-on-lethal-autonomous-weapons-systems-2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Ava Chapman

Weapons that are indiscriminate cannot be aimed at a particular military objective, resulting in extensive harm and destruction among civilian populations. Types of weapons like landmines, cluster munitions, and specific chemical and biological weapons are examples of such. These weapons pose a heightened risk as they cannot differentiate between those participating in fighting and those who are not, with their harmful effects lingering well beyond the conclusion of conflicts and causing ongoing harm to civilians in times of peace.
In the past few years, there has been an increase in the use of these weapons in conflicts within the Middle East, impacting neighboring countries like Egypt, resulting in high casualties, environmental harm, and ongoing humanitarian disasters. Even though Egypt has not directly used indiscriminate weapons, the nation is alarmed by their deployment in current regional conflicts and the harmful impact they cause on civilians, especially in locations such as Syria, Yemen, and Libya. Egypt stands firm in its belief that the use of such weapons, which fail to distinguish between military targets and civilians, is unacceptable under international law and should be prohibited. Egypt strongly advocates for the protection of civilian lives and the prevention of the suffering caused by indiscriminate weapons.
The employment of unselective weapons goes against international humanitarian law, whose goal is to safeguard civilians in times of war. Egypt is urging for a worldwide dedication to banning and getting rid of these weapons, especially those that have lasting effects on civilians. Egypt is dedicated to upholding the guidelines established in the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Treaty, which aim to eradicate the use of these hazardous weapons and tackle their humanitarian impacts. One key objective of international humanitarian law is to safeguard non-combatants during war. The principle is compromised by the use of indiscriminate weapons, exposing civilian lives to great danger. Nations and armed forces using these weapons should be accountable for the damage they inflict, including being subject to international courts and tribunals. Egypt is dedicated to collaborating with fellow member nations to advance the enforcement of current global agreements, like the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Treaty. In addition to preventing their use, Egypt calls for increased international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to countries affected by these weapons.
Egypt suggests enhancing international treaties by promoting wider participation, stronger adherence, and improved enforcement to address the issue of indiscriminate weapons. There is also a recommendation for creating a worldwide monitoring organization to oversee the use of random weapons and communicate any breaches to the global community. This entity will make sure that those who employ these weapons are responsible and will collaborate with impacted countries to lessen the damage done. Egypt is requesting financial support for victim aid programs, clearing of landmines, and rehabilitation for individuals impacted by indiscriminate weapon attacks. Encouragement is given for the advancement and utilization of more accurate, focused weapon technologies to minimize civilian casualties in times of war. Egypt backs global investment in research and development aimed at lessening the effects of warfare on civilian communities.
In summary, Egypt is dedicated to eradicating indiscriminate weapons and safeguarding civilians in conflict areas. Using these weapons goes against international humanitarian law and is a moral failure that causes unnecessary human suffering. Egypt is urging worldwide collaboration in enhancing international regulations, ensuring that those who break them are held responsible, and providing assistance to those affected by these weapons. Egypt is prepared to collaborate with the global community to create a world where armed conflicts do not lead to the unnecessary deaths of civilians.

Works Cited
Shadows of War
https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.dotabID=Magazines&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=MultiTab&retrievalId=82558ab9ead94a34bae4892c14084573&hitCount=12&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=2&docId=GALE%7CA726954391&docType=Excerpt&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZXAYMOD1&prodId=OVIC&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA726954391&searchId=R6&userGroupName=lom_egrandmdl&inPS=true
INEW – Egypt
https://www.inew.org/states/egypt/
Egypt
https://www.nti.org/countries/egypt/

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Eddie Wuerthele

The origins of human trafficking go way back to the 16th century where Europe, Africa, and the Americas partook in the Triangular Trade. Over 400 years later, human trafficking continues to be a worldwide problem. Human trafficking is the illegal act of acquiring, selling, or purchasing individuals through methods of force, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation or profit. Unfortunately, there are many people around the world who enjoy coercing individuals into commercial sex, forced labor, involuntary servitude, among other examples. The UN has taken steps towards limiting the effects of human trafficking through methods such as the 2000 Palermo Protocol. This protocol was designed to: Prevent human trafficking, particularly women and children; protect and assist victims of such trafficking, with full respect to their human rights; and promote cooperation among nations in order to meet those objectives. While the idea behind the Palermo protocol is right-minded, the effectiveness has been limited, leading to the realization that other systems must be put into place.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledges the severity of this issue, as it has been affected by the amount of trafficking within the country and between borders of neighboring countries. Over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country do to crises including the trafficking crisis and the economic crisis. 60-80% of those migrants are women and children. In response, Venezuela has ratified multiple pieces of legislation, including the Palermo protocol, CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), and the 2007 Organic Law on the Right of Women to a Life Free of Violence (LOMPVLV). LOMPVLV was put into place to punish acts of violence against women in Venezuela to help ensure gender equality. Venezuela has also expressed support towards the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, a plan dedicated to global coordination towards the prevention of human trafficking. All of these pieces of legislation dictate that human trafficking is punishable under Venezuela’s penal code.

While the delegation of Venezuela agrees that systems must be put into place to mitigate the amount of human trafficking, it believes that the best solution would be allocate funding to each country in need, so that each country can resolve the problem nationally, as each country understands their situation the best. Venezuela has been working towards limiting human trafficking and funding would be markedly appreciated, specifically towards victim protection and training programs for police revolving around the enforcement of trafficking. The delegation of Venezuela, keeping privacy and national sovereignty in mind, is willing to collaborate with other delegations to determine the allocation of resources to prevent human trafficking.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Abigail Kearney

Mozambique firmly opposes the use of indiscriminate weapons in any context and urges other countries of this Committee to do so as well. This decision is due to the inherent danger these weapons pose to humanity. Indiscriminate weapons harm civilians and cause massive harm to the environment for years after their use. Due to these dangers, Mozambique believes that we must treat all indiscriminate weapons as weapons of mass destruction.

One of the most prominent issues with indiscriminate weapons is the length of time that they remain dangerous. For chemical-based indiscriminate weapons, such as poison gasses, can contaminate soils for years after they are initially used and can remain highly toxic for up to a decade. This harms more than just the region’s original inhabitants, but those yet to come. With minimal clean-up efforts, the struggles faced by those afflicted by poison gas and chemical weapons will continue. The victims of these weapons should not bear the tremendous burden placed upon them due to inadequate handling and cleanup of such weapons. As nations charged with protecting the public, we must change and adapt to best fulfill our obligations to our citizens.

Landmines are one of the most devastating and difficult to remediate indiscriminate weapons. Used consistently since World War I and World War II, landmines pose one of the greatest hidden threats to our society. Landmines are extremely hard to detect and often kill civilians due to their indiscreet nature. Landmines can also remain in an area for decades after original placement and thus harm generations who weren’t even alive when they were placed. In Syria, in 2022, seven children and fifteen adults were killed by landmines in the span of two months. Since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, 38,980 people have been killed by landmines; 66,033 more were injured by landmines. The dangers of indiscriminate weapons like landmines are obvious, and we cannot ignore the facts. Only an end to the production and an increase in clean-up efforts for such weapons can save lives like those lost in Syria and Vietnam.

Nuclear weapons are the most egregious example of indiscriminate weapons. They cannot discriminate between targets, so nuclear weapons kill innocent civilians such as children, the elderly, and the infirm. Along with massive death rates from the explosion itself, nuclear weapons create fallout that can last for decades and make land completely inhospitable. Hiroshima is a prime example of the harm of nuclear weapons on the environment and essential resources. In Hiroshima, materials from limestone to flaxseeds were absolutely annihilated, and the effects of radiation in Hiroshima lasted for five to six years. This may not seem like long, but the bomb that affected Hiroshima had only a semblance of the radiation found in nuclear weapons today. The radiation produced by nuclear weapons is deadly and can be carried through the air in ways that cause harm to more than just the original region targeted.

To prevent the spread and creation of new indiscriminate weapons as well as address the necessary clean-up efforts that are required, Mozambique proposes that the UN prioritize removal, clean-up, and extend the work of the UN peacekeeping force to focus primarily on the dangers of indiscriminate weapons. Mozambique also suggests the immediate requirement of all nations within the UN to sign and ratify The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. These extensions are necessary to protect civilians around the globe and preserve the environment.

Due to the harms that indiscriminate weapons pose to the future of this earth and all those who reside on it, Mozambique must urge nations of this committee to prioritize the eradication and clean-up of indiscriminate weapons and to work together towards the abolition of all forms of indiscriminate weapons. We have a moral obligation to uphold, and it is time we do so.

Citations:
Syria: Seven children killed by landmines in two days. (2022). Save the Children International. https://www.savethechildren.net/news/syria-seven-children-killed-landmines-two-days
Doran, B. (2015). The Human and Environmental Effects of CBRN Weapons. https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1009&context=environ_2015
“Landmines in Vietnam.” APOPO – Training Animals to Rid the World of Landmines and Tuberculosis, 14 Aug. 2021, apopo.org/what-we-do/detecting-landmines-and-explosives/where-we-work/apopo-in-vietnam/.
ICAN. (2018). Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. ICAN; ICAN. https://www.icanw.org/hiroshima_and_nagasaki_bombings

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Estonia
Delegate Name: Sarath Badithala

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Indiscriminate Weapons
The Republic of Estonia
Sarath Badithala
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, are designed to inflict widespread harm without distinguishing between combatants and civilians, violating international humanitarian law. Their historical use, from chemical weapons in World War I to modern-day conflicts like the wars in Israel and Palestine, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, long-term damage, and psychological trauma. Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), and the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) have effectively advocated for bans and provided victim assistance. The United Nations has taken action through the Chemical Weapons Convention, UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and Security Council resolutions that condemn these weapons. Addressing the issue of indiscriminate weapons is crucial for international peace and security, as they hinder development, cause harm to civilian populations, and compromise global humanitarian norms. The international community must persist in its efforts to eliminate these weapons and mitigate their devastating effects on both current and future generations.

Estonia has a strong stance against the use of indiscriminate weapons, including landmines and cluster munition, and is committed to upholding international humanitarian law (IHL). As a member of the UN, The Republic of Estonia collaborates with allies, NGOs like Human Rights Watch, and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) to promote disarmament and humanitarian assistance. Estonia ratified the Ottowa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty) in 2002 and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in 2011, prohibiting the use, production, and transfer of these weapons. Estonia also supports international mine clearance programs and victim assistance initiatives, contributing over €5 million to global mine action. Through its advocacy in the UN, Estonia pushes for stricter control over arms, and enforcement of disarmament norms. While a small military power, Estonia plays a significant role in international diplomacy, supporting treaties and solutions aimed at eliminating weapons that cause extensive harm to civilians. Estonia’s work in international diplomacy helps the world be more safe and secure.

As a dedicated member of the United Nations and a strong advocate for global peace and security, the Republic of Estonia proposes the gradual implementation of a ban on the use of indiscriminate weapons, acknowledging the critical threat they pose to civilian safety and international stability. To this end, Estonia calls for greater international pressure on major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, which continue to support the use of such abusive weaponry. Furthermore, Estonia emphasizes the necessity of mobilizing resources to fund the removal and safe disposal of these weapons, thereby safeguarding human lives and enhancing global security. By taking concerted action, the Republic of Estonia reaffirms its commitment to fostering a secure and peaceful future for all nations, working collaboratively to eliminate the dangers posed by indiscriminate weapons and uphold the values of peace and safety.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski

Committee: Disarmament & International Security
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Federal Republic of Austria
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski
School: Forest Hills Northern

Unsurprisingly, world peace and safety are two key United Nations(UN) objectives, and have been for a long time. A primary debate when discussing ways to reach these goals is the use of weapons. In the past, there have been struggles when trying to ban them. The Geneva Protocol, signed in 1925, prohibits the use of chemical and biological weapons in international armed conflicts. However, at the time of its signing, several major powers reserved the right to use the forbidden weapons for retaliatory purposes. In 1946, the UN passed a resolution establishing a commission to deal with atomic energy. Almost all states agreed to constrain nuclear ambitions. However, the Cold War brought on usage for these explosives, despite the Geneva Protocol. In 1980, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons treaty prohibited the use of weapons whose impact could not be detected by X-rays, and nondetectable anti-personnel mines and their transfer. This was effective, but it wasn’t until the Cold War ended that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which bans nuclear use, the Ottowa Treaty, which prohibited anti-personnel landmines, and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which bans cluster bombs, were implemented. All of these steps were strong actions towards the end of indiscriminate weapons and a safer future for the world, but issues are still present in this field.

The Federal Republic of Austria recognizes the need for security. As the host of the First Meeting of States Parties of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and one of the first countries to sign and ratify the TPNW, Austria sees the problems with the usage of this artillery and strongly supports the removal and destruction of nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices. Additionally, Austria has signed and ratified the Ottowa Treaty and is a signatory of the CCM. Even though, in the current war in Gaza, Austria has been supplying Israel with kinetic weapons, we only do this because we support them so strongly. Additionally, in the war in Ukraine, Austria has abstained from arming any forces. Austria exports merely 0.53% of military weapons and imports 0.19% of them. This is to keep our country and others free of dangerous artillery. Austria sees that indiscriminate weapons are unpredictable, and thus, unsafe for our population. According to international statistics, 90% of the victims of explosive weapons in populated areas are civilians, which means Austria cannot allow this type of weaponry in our country.

Thus, within our borders, Austria does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons, has never done so, and does not host any other state’s nuclear weapons on our territory. Therefore, we call upon the United Nations to ask the same of all countries, to enforce strict rules that ban chemical, biochemical, and nuclear weapon usage. Additionally, when it comes to the issue of explosive remnants of war, Austria’s suggestion is for the UN to bring all the countries together to assist in the clearance of them. If each country assembles teams on this issue, the number of victims of the seemingly dormant explosives would decline drastically. Indiscriminate weapons are dangerous for humanity and should not be in the hands of the wrong people. Hence, by prohibiting them in every country and enforcing such a law, every country will be a safer place, and the world will be a better place for us to live in. Austria is a great model for these goals and is more than willing to help other countries reach them, too.

Works Cited
United Nations. “The United Nations and Disarmament Treaties.” 2014. www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/united-nations-and-disarmament-treaties
Austrian Embassy to Lithuania. “Austria Stands With Ukraine – As Long As It Takes.” 2024. www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-to-lithuania
‌Federal Ministry Republic of Austria (BMEIA). “Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.” 2024. https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/european-foreign-policy/disarmament/conventional-arms/explosive-weapons-in-populated-areas
Action On Armed Violence (AOAV). “Who Is Arming Israel? Other Global Exports to Israel.” 12 Apr. 2024. aoav.org.uk/2024/who-is-arming-israel-other-global-exports-to-israel/
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Humanitarian Law Databases. “Weapons That Are by Nature Indiscriminate.” 2024. ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v1/rule71
Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). “Military Weapons, Product Trade, Exporters and Importers.” 2022. oec.world/en/profile/hs/military-weapons

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Delegate Name: Charlie Francis

The international community has debated the use of indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents, for a long time. These weapons are blamed for causing extensive suffering among civilians but also have been key in responding to fundamental threats to security, especially in conflict zones. The use and regulation of such weapons in Syria can only be understood through a lens of national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and maintaining stability in a region torn apart by foreign interference.

The Syrian Arab Republic objects to the politicization of the usage of indiscriminate weapons, by some countries that do not respect the rights of sovereign states whose very existence has been threatened. Actions to regulate indiscriminate weapons must take into account the diverse challenges facing those countries in continuous conflict and their right to self-defense.

The Syrian Arab Republic would like to affirm that any discussion on indiscriminate weapons must be balanced, fair, and based on the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. It should be noted that Syria is suffering from a long, multifaceted conflict with both internal and external threats. In such a situation, the use of all available resources, including those weapons criticized as “indiscriminate,” sometimes becomes unavoidable in order to preserve the nation’s territorial integrity and stability.

It strongly contests the prevailing outsider perspective, which accuses the government of international law violations against insurgent groups and foreign powers operating in Syrian territory with impunity. Politicizing allegations of the use of indiscriminate weapons by the Syrian government are made, often without investigations being impartial. The Syrian Arab Republic believes security and sovereignty should be prioritized over external pressures from outside parties to make the nation adhere to treaties that do not explain the realities of specific conflicts.

The Syrian government has taken defensive measures by planting explosive devices and munitions to defend its sovereignty from terrorist organizations and armed militias that have caused destruction and instability. Syria, in cooperation with international organizations, has worked on landmine clearing in the liberated territories to ensure the safety of civilians and allow the return of the displaced population.

While Syria has not signed treaties like the Ottawa Treaty or the Convention on Cluster Munitions, this position reflects the need to maintain defense capabilities in the face of persisting threats Syria remains open to interstate dialogue respectful of sovereignty and security concerns. Syria demands that the right of states to use such tools, when deemed necessary in light of internal conflict foreign intervention, be recognized. Efforts to regulate weapons should not detract from the legitimate efforts of governments to maintain law and order.

The Syrian government supports unbiased, internationally monitored investigations into allegations of indiscriminate weapon use by all parties to the conflict. It is important that such investigations respect the sovereignty of Syria and avoid politicization. Syria calls for increased funding and technical support to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by terrorist groups and foreign forces. On condition of guarantees of non-interference, respect of sovereignty, and equal scrutiny of all the parties in the region, Syria is ready to discuss disarmament.

The Syrian Arab Republic emphasizes the importance of impartial, balanced debate concerning the subject of indiscriminate weapons. The government is committed to minimizing civilian harm, but for the alleged perpetrators of such war crimes, unique and complex challenges are at hand in efforts to combat terrorism and foreign-backed insurgencies. Syria calls on the international community to support its efforts to restore stability and full national sovereignty, reject biased accusations, and recognize the legitimate defense needs of nations under siege.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Dominik Barrett

The use of indiscriminate weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents pose a significant threat to worldwide peace and security. These weapons often create extensive and long-lasting harm on non-combatant populations.In The Philippines it is currently illegal to use these weapons, yet there are still many left over from previous wars. Although, America has helped us to retrieve many of them, it is nearly impossible to find out how many more there are.

The Philippines has been a location for many previous wars such as World War II, Indochinese war, and the Vietnam War. This means that there are still an unknown amount of unidentified explosive objects (UXOs). In any explosions from 1979-2013 that happened in the Philippines, they were mostly caused by these UXOs (JMU Scholarly). These UXOs are largely made out of metal and are supposed to be searched for with metal detectors. However, these can be missed due to malfunctions or how old the UXOs are. The Philippines would like to work with other UN member nations to send or create a NGO agency that has access to military-grade metal detection to all well-known battle-torn areas to keep them safe for civilian living.

The Philippines has already been working with nations like the United States to remove 4,397 indiscriminate weapons since 2011. The Philippines also worked on the UN Secretary General report on Resolution 78/241. The Philippines look favorably on continuing to work on this paper in committee. The Philippines would like to provide a space to discuss and consider the implications of the use of autonomy in weapons systems from the point of view of the indo-Pacific region, meaningful human control, applicability of international law, ethical considerations, other military applications of artificial intelligence, and strategic trade regulations.

Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) are weaponized human controlled robots that go into spaces where they’re not safe for humans to be in. As the delegate of the Philippines we acknowledge that we have history with this topic at hand when we voted pro for the UN General Assembly resolution 78/241 to pass it in December 2023. One of the lines in the resolution we strongly support is to“help to better protect civilians in certain circumstances”. We the Philippines support LAWS because we think civilian safety is the first priority. We accomplish this goal by putting LAWS in human places in raid situations. We the Philippines personally do not use Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems. But with the understanding the more advanced tech is being developed we will consider adapting Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems in the future.

Sources Used
6th Conference of the High Contracting Parties to Protocol v on Explosive Remnants of War. UN Office of Disarmament Affairs, 2011.
General Assembly. 78/241 Lethal Weapons Autonomous Systems. UN General Assembly, 22 Dec. 2023.
INPUTS from the PHILIPPINES: Resolution 78/241. UN Secretary General Report .
willi4bm. “Empowering Host Nation Counter~IED and Counter~Insurgency Efforts: Innovative Application of Ordnance Recycling.” Www.jmu.edu, www.jmu.edu/news/cisr/2023/10/273/02-273-banach.shtml.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Brody McDonald

Indiscriminate weapons are weapons that cannot be distinguished between military targets and civilian populations. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a set of laws designed to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures during armed conflict. Indiscriminate weapons, such as cluster munitions, landmines, and chemical weapons, remain a series of concerns in international law in humanitarian work. A series of treaties and conventions regulate them to limit their use of reducing civilian casualties during and after conflict. Colombia is focused on the Geneva Conventions – Particurillary Protocol II. Protocol II of the Geneva Convention focuses on regulating the conduct of armed forces and reducing the number of civilian casualties. Despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains challenging, particularly in disputes involving non-signatory states or non-state actors.

Columbia’s history with indiscriminate weapons is deeply tied to the prolonged armed conflicts. The Colombian Conflict primarily involved the government, various paramilitary groups, and left-wing guerrilla organizations, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). Over the years, indiscriminate weapons like landmines, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and even more forms of cluster have been used extensively in the conflict, causing immense harm to villains and civilian infrastructures. The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC marked a turning point in the conflict in the use of indiscriminate weapons. The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC marked a turning point because it helped set a precedent for peacebuilding in Colombia. Peacebuilding set a precedent because the 2016 peace agreement helped end Colombia’s long-running internal conflict.

Colombia’s current approach to indiscriminate weapons, particularly landmines, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and cluster munitions, has evolved significantly, especially following the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolution Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), because of the 2016 peace agreement Colombia was able to end the internal conflict inside of the country of Colombia, start peacebuilding, focus on the safety and humanitarian of the civilians, and help the rural development of the country. According to the Colombian campaign against mines CCCM, over 60% of the Mindfields in the country have been cleared by 2021, with the total number of land victims significantly decreasing. However, many regions, especially in rural areas, remain contaminated with the armed groups still placed in mind to control territories.

With the support of international organizations, Colombia is committed to further reducing the threat of indiscriminate weapons. Still, the ongoing conflict in fragmented territory control remains a substantial hurdle for the Colombian government. Colombia has evolved and is trying to become a country that shifts its point of view to become more focused on the humanitarian aspects for the people of Colombia. Once we start resolutions and hear from the countries that also want to concentrate more on their civilians, we will have a working paper that will align with Colombia’s new forward way of thinking.

Work Cited
International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC). International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition. International Campaign to Ban Landmines, www.icblcmc.org/ Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Geneva Conventions and Their Commentaries. International Committee of the Red Cross, www.icrc.org/en/law-and-policy/geneva-conventions-and-their-commentaries Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). United Nations Mine Action Service. United Nations, www.unmas.org/en Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Julia Malone

Indiscriminate weapons are incapable of discriminating between soldiers and civilians. Landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents weapons stay active even after fighting has ceased, causing civilian injuries and deaths, displacing people, and harming the environment. Concerning this, the international community has set rules or outright bans against indiscriminate weapons including the the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997 and the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008.

Albania strongly condemns the use of indiscriminate weapons because of the devastating impact on civilian populations and long-term developmental consequences. Having previously experienced the dangers these weapons pose, Albania has suffered from residual effects caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Following the Kosovo conflict at the end of the 1990s, Albania engaged in an ambitious demining program with international support and subsequently declared itself mine-free in 2009.

Albania is a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions and has joined international efforts to eliminate them. The Albanian government attaches great importance to these two treaties in minimizing the humanitarian and development impacts of armed conflict. However, Albania believes more needs to be done to ensure the universality of these agreements and address gaps in their implementation.

Over recent years, Albania has called for a ban on the use of indiscriminate weapons in ongoing conflicts where there is little or no international monitoring. Improved verification mechanisms would ensure that these treaties are respected. Albania also calls for more funding to achieve victim assistance, demining, and public awareness campaigns in the affected areas.
Albania is concerned about the stockpiling and production of cluster munitions by states which are not parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. In a 2022 statement to the United Nations General Assembly, Albania urged that more must be done to hold accountable those states and non-state actors who use or supply indiscriminate weapons. Albania strongly believes that international cooperation and capacity building remain needed to address this concern.

In this committee, Albania strives to work on the development of international frameworks controlling indiscriminate weapons. Albania would look favorably upon heightened international support of demining efforts and other projects benefiting survivors. We look forward to collaborating with delegations ready to build a world free from the threat of undiscerning weapons.

Works Cited
Convention on Cluster Munitions. “Text of the Convention.” United Nations, 2008.
Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining. Demining in Albania: A Success Story. GICHD, 2010.
Human Rights Watch. “The Impact of Cluster Munitions on Civilians.” Human Rights Watch, 2011, https://www.hrw.org.
International Campaign to Ban Landmines. “Albania Declared Mine-Free.” International Campaign to Ban Landmines, 2009, https://www.icbl.org.

United Nations. “Albania Statement on Indiscriminate Weapons – Sixth Committee (Legal) — 77th Session.” United Nations, Oct. 2022.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Jathniel Malalay

The use of indiscriminate weapons in armed conflict remains one of the most critical problems in
modern warfare, as these weapons often go against the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
and lead to civilian casualties in the future. These weapons are designed to cause widespread
destruction with no regard for their victims, not distinguishing between combatants and non-
combatants. We must strengthen international law and accelerate the removal of unexploded
landmines in areas of conflict.
Switzerland has already made a voluntary report on the Implementation of IHL. The focus was
to set specific rules governing certain weapons, such as indiscriminate weapons. In general,
indiscriminate weapons, or weapons that cause unnecessary suffering, are banned under IHL.
Although this report has been made, there are still several cases of unexploded land mines
causing harm to civilians. In 2023, the Landmine Monitor recorded 4,710 casualties from
landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2022, with 85% being civilians, and historically, the
estimate ranged from 10,000-26,000 deaths annually. The highest number of casualties
occurred in Syria, having 834. To stop these unnecessary deaths, we must expand and
strengthen already existing treaties. International conventions such as the Ottawa Treaty on
landmines are important for banning indiscriminate weapons.
To accelerate the removal of landmines, governments of countries with high casualties or have
been a setting for conflict should implement Mine actions into their national plans, this can
ensure that efforts of removing mines relate to larger recovery strategies. Collaboration between
governments and non-governmental organizations can help gather resources, share resolutions
and improve efforts in removing mines.
The delegation of Switzerland would like for all of us to gather and implement these resolutions
that we have suggested. Not only does it remove the problem, but it can also strengthen
security to our citizens and improve our relationships with other countries.
Sources:
https://www.hi-us.org/en/landmine-monitor-2023-current-conflicts–long-lasting-contamination-
cause-high-number-of-mine-casualties
https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/switzerland-voluntary-report-implementation-
ihl#:~:text=%5B2%5D%20In%20general%2C%20weapons,damage%20to%20the%20natural%
20environment.
https://www.hi-us.org/en/landmine-monitor-2023-current-conflicts–long-lasting-contamination-
cause-high-number-of-mine-casualties

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Jathniel Malalay

The use of indiscriminate weapons in armed conflict remains one of the most critical problems in
modern warfare, as these weapons often go against the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
and lead to civilian casualties in the future. These weapons are designed to cause widespread
destruction with no regard for their victims, not distinguishing between combatants and non-
combatants. We must strengthen international law and accelerate the removal of unexploded
landmines in areas of conflict.
Switzerland has already made a voluntary report on the Implementation of IHL. The focus was
to set specific rules governing certain weapons, such as indiscriminate weapons. In general,
indiscriminate weapons, or weapons that cause unnecessary suffering, are banned under IHL.
Although this report has been made, there are still several cases of unexploded land mines
causing harm to civilians. In 2023, the Landmine Monitor recorded 4,710 casualties from
landmines and explosive remnants of war in 2022, with 85% being civilians, and historically, the
estimate ranged from 10,000-26,000 deaths annually. The highest number of casualties
occurred in Syria, having 834. To stop these unnecessary deaths, we must expand and
strengthen already existing treaties. International conventions such as the Ottawa Treaty on
landmines are important for banning indiscriminate weapons.
To accelerate the removal of landmines, governments of countries with high casualties or have
been a setting for conflict should implement Mine actions into their national plans, this can
ensure that efforts of removing mines relate to larger recovery strategies. Collaboration between
governments and non-governmental organizations can help gather resources, share resolutions
and improve efforts in removing mines.
The delegation of Switzerland would like for all of us to gather and implement these resolutions
that we have suggested. Not only does it remove the problem, but it can also strengthen
security to our citizens and improve our relationships with other countries.
Sources:
https://www.hi-us.org/en/landmine-monitor-2023-current-conflicts–long-lasting-contamination-
cause-high-number-of-mine-casualties
https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/switzerland-voluntary-report-implementation-
ihl#:~:text=%5B2%5D%20In%20general%2C%20weapons,damage%20to%20the%20natural%
20environment.
https://www.hi-us.org/en/landmine-monitor-2023-current-conflicts–long-lasting-contamination-
cause-high-number-of-mine-casualties

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Thien Truong-Phan

Delegate: Thien Truong-Phan
School:Williamston High School
Country: Peru
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons

Breaking the term “indiscriminate weapons” into its individual definitions, we get “done at random or without careful judgment” and “a thing designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage.” This means that, by definition, an indiscriminate weapon causes harm to people without any form of judgment behind it. Landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical agents are all examples of indiscriminate weapons, and they pose numerous ethical concerns in warfare. For one, these weapons fail to distinguish combatants and civilians, consequently causing many civilian deaths. Secondly, the remnants of these weapons continue to plague areas for years after a conflict, whether it be undetonated landmines, or the lasting effects of chemical warfare. Thirdly, indiscriminate weapons take human decisions and morality of killing someone out of the equation.

There have already been somewhat successful policies and treaties signed between many countries through the UN, such as the Ottawa Treaty (1997) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (2008). These are good steps in the right direction, however, more action is needed. This is still a very relevant issue across the world, especially in war-stricken/war-torn countries. In 2023 alone, 219 lives were lost due to cluster munitions, with the large majority being civilian children. Regions such as Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen have witnessed continued use of these weapons, often targeted in densely populated areas. Peru has and will continue to demonstrate a firm commitment to disarmament and the protection of all civilians. As a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Peru has taken steps towards a better and safer world. In 2023, Peru completed the destruction of its remaining stockpile of cluster munitions, reaffirming its dedication to humanitarian disarmament efforts​. Although Peru itself is not heavily affected by landmines or cluster munitions, the nation recognizes the devastating impact these weapons have had on countries across the globe.

Peru believes that the steps forward are complex, but with proper discourse and discussion between many countries, a proper solution can be reached. Peru believes that there could be many possible answers to the issue at hand. Strengthening international law, better enforcing compliance, and expanding clearance efforts are all examples of steps that can be taken. More importantly though, victim assistance and education for civilians are also some things that we as a committee should consider whilst coming up with a solution. Peru believes that the 3 main aspects for a good solution are disarmament, prevention, and remediation. Peru looks forward to working with many countries in this committee to solve this pressing issue.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Juliet Guenther

Delegate: Juliet Guenther
Country: Republic of Korea
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons

Indiscriminate weapons are a plague to many citizens around the globe. Their nature of affecting populations even long after the conflict has ended. This problem has been covered multiple times by the General Assembly, most recently on December 4th, 2023. However, despite the constant attention since the end of the 20th century, this issue persists. This is likely due to an incomplete adherence to international agreements, especially when nations in conflict don’t sign resolutions. Such has happened in the current conflict in Ukraine there has been the use of landmines by both sides. Especially as Ukraine has recently gained permission to use landmines provided by the United States, this shows how this problem is still relevant and needs to be addressed on the international stage.
The Republic of Korea does not have any plans to use indiscriminate weapons. However, Korea will continue to arm itself with nuclear weapons to deter regional enemies, similar to the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. This is followed similarly by the Republic of Korea’s abstention from the Ottawa Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Republic of Korea is in a tense spot being so close to rivals that they are unwilling to give up their arms, and neither is their strongest ally the United States who also shows the same interest.
Due to the geopolitical corner Korea is in, Korea will not support efforts to disarm nuclear weapons, unless the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea agrees to follow through. Otherwise, Korea will support the disarmament of chemical and biological weapons. The Republic will help the United States as a strong ally. With this ally, Korea will not participate in efforts to disarm nations of landmines. The Republic of Korea will support efforts of using landmines in self-defense and production of nuclear weapons as a deterrence of conflict. That is the Republic of Korea’s plan for addressing this issue at the conference.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Alexander McBride

Country: Ireland
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Delegate: Alex McBride
School: Williamston High School

Indiscriminate Weapons are weapons that cannot be targeted at specific military targets, like anti-personnel mines, as they cannot determine if the target is military or civilian, or attack them indiscriminately. Nuclear bombs could be an indiscriminate weapon, as they can harm the surrounding civilian areas when detonated. Chemical Weapons and Landmines are also indiscriminate weapons. These weapons are bad as the inability to differentiate military and civilian targets can cause unnecessary death and damages to a country and their economy.
Ireland has supported Nuclear disarmament since it joined the UN in 1955. They stand to free the world from the threat of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) prohibits the undertaking to develop, test, stockpile, possess, acquire, produce and threaten and/or to use the force of nuclear weapons. Ireland ratified this treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (PNW) into Irish law on August 6, 2020. Ireland is in the New Agenda Coalition (NAC) with Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Africa. The NAC’s goal is to achieve complete international nuclear disarmament. The NAC has no parliament or secretariat, its decisions are made by consensus, but unanimity. The NAC formed in response to the difference between Nuclear Weapon States and Non-Nuclear Weapon States. (NWSs and NNWSs). NNWSs believed that NWS weren’t upholding Article VI in the NPT, which is “Each of the Parties to the Treaty undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.” Ireland has been a party in the Chemical Weapons Convention since its inception in 1997. Ireland also is part of the Biological Weapons Convention since it was founded in 1977, and helped shape The EU’s contribution to the Third Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Ireland hosted a conference in Dublin to talk about Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), and 83 countries adopted the EWIPA, and this number continues to increase. This declaration’s focus is to address the devastating and lasting effects that EWIPA have on the humanitarian crisis.
In the future, Ireland will follow similar steps that the EU and other nations in other organizations they are in. The EU helps control the distribution of weapons material and enforce the ban on chemical and biological weapons. They are also the second largest donor in mine-action, by helping clear mines, helping mine victims, and much more. Ireland supports all these actions, and would look to continue their implementation and further improve their efficacy.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Meira Gable

Modern technology has drastically changed the way warfare is done. In particular, indiscriminate weapons have the ability to breach the legal classifications of combatants and civilians leading to a disproportionate number of unnecessary civilian deaths in conflict zones. Indiscriminate weapons are defined under humanitarian law as “weapons that are by nature indiscriminate are those that cannot be directed at a military objective or whose effects cannot be limited as required by international humanitarian law.” (IHL Databases). In other words, the use of indiscriminate weapons in warfare is characterized by the inability to distinguish between civilians and enemy forces in their deployment.

As a nation in the Middle East, the Islamic Republic of Iran is no stranger to conflict. Because of this, Iran understands the necessity for sovereignty in states’ own actions in wartime. During the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq attacked Iran using chemical weapons. All efforts were made to avoid retaliation, but Iran had to use its own discretion to protect its citizens. With that being said, indiscriminate weapons do pose an unprecedented danger for civilians that must be addressed. Iran has joined numerous conventions to reduce the impact of indiscriminate weapons including the Organization on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of which Iran is an Executive Council member. Iran has also been a member of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) since 1979.

While Iran acknowledges the dangers indiscriminate weapons present, the nation firmly believes that action within states should be left entirely up to individual nation’s governments. In particular internal policy decisions regarding indiscriminate weapons are no business of the international community. However, the UN does have a place in preventing indiscriminate weapons from exacerbating conflicts. First of all, a distinction must be made between conflict and non-conflict zones. The UN only has a place in regulating conflict between countries, internal affairs are the business of that state alone. Second of all, in instances of war, if one nation uses chemical warfare or other indiscriminate weapons against another, the international community cannot in good conscience prevent the nation from retaliating and protecting their own people from harm. With those limitations in consideration, the Islamic Republic of Iran is looking forward to working with the delegates of the Disarmament and International Security Committee to decrease the detrimental impacts of indiscriminate weapons on the global community.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Nicole Schafer

Delegate: Nicole Schafer
Country: Belgium
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons

Indiscriminate weapons can be a confusing term in our complicated world. These are usually regarded as weapons that cannot be specifically directed at military personnel and may cause harm to civilians as well. For example, these can be bombs over enemy territory, hoping to hit a military base but also hurting others. The UN has worked on finding solutions to these horrifying weapons through their Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which they started enforcing in 1983 and meet up for every five years. The purpose of this convention is “to ban or restrict the use of specific types of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering to combatants or to affect civilians indiscriminately” (UN). As of 2023, 126 countries have acceded to or ratified the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
The country of Belgium recognizes the seriousness of these indiscriminate weapons and openly rebukes the use of them. In the Belgium Law on Serious Violations in 2003, in Article 8, we prohibit “employing weapons, projectiles and material and methods of warfare which are of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering or which are inherently indiscriminate in violation of the international law of armed conflict.” Even though Belgium is a mostly non-militarial nation, we see the negatives of indiscriminate weapons and firmly
condemn them.
Belgium has been working towards solutions, particularly with fellow European nations. They have made laws regarding economic investments in prohibited weapon, banning “manufacture, use, repair, exhibition for purpose of selling, sale, distribution, import or export, warehousing or transport of anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions, and/or inert munitions or armor plating containing depleted uranium or any other type of industrial uranium.” (Laws Prohibiting Investments) If companies do participate in these actions, federal funding through loans or bonds will be cut off. This is a process our country is still working on, but we believe it’s something every nation should look toward and promote,

Sources:
https://cjad.nottingham.ac.uk/documents/implementations/pdf/Belgium_Serious_Violations_of_International_Humanitarian_Law__2003.pdf
https://disarmament.unoda.org/the-convention-on-certain-conventional-weapons/
https://maint.loc.gov/law/help/controversial-weapons/investments-controversial-weapons.pdf

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Evan Puzzuoli

Guyana acknowledges the critical issue of indiscriminate weapons usage. We believe that it poses a plethora of consequences, none of which are good for human development or the overall good of humanity. If we choose not to act right now, the usage, supply, and number of Indiscriminate Weapons will proliferate, continuing to kill our people. We have taken many steps to ensure the safety of our people. We believe that collaboration on this topic is vital for the assurance of safety of not just our people, but the people of the world. We look forward to discussing this pressing issue with the rest of the committee in hopes of finding a solution that will protect our friends, family, and children.

The Red Cross classifies an Indiscriminate Weapon as a “Weapons that are by nature indiscriminate are those that cannot be directed at a military objective or whose effects cannot be limited as required by international humanitarian law.” With that being said, these weapons have continuously oppressed countries and their people. Countless men, women, and children have lost limbs, died, lost loved ones, been wounded, etc. These weapons disrupt everyday life and have the capability to end it, so they should be designed with the upmost care to ensure that civilians are not affected, which was not done. The Red Cross gives examples of indiscriminate weapons, which are “chemical, biological and nuclear weapons; anti-personnel landmines; mines; poison; explosives discharged from balloons; V-1 and V-2 rockets; cluster bombs; booby-traps; Scud missiles; Katyusha rockets; incendiary weapons; and environmental modification techniques.” These weapons have the capability to destroy a country, its people, and its economy. With that being said, Guyana believes that no country should have that power.

We have been very active in our efforts to end the usage of Indiscriminate Weapons. Examples of our actions are: member of the Non Aligned Movement; endorsee of Non Proliferation Treaty, which sought to end the spread of nuclear weapons, Ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention, which ended the acquisition, usage, possession, and development of chemical weapons, Ratified the Biological Weapons Convention, which ended the acquisition, usage, possession, and development of biological weapons, Ratified the Tlatelolco Treaty, which banned the possession of nuclear weapons. Endorsed the Convention of Cluster Munitions, which banned the acquisition, usage, possession, and development of Cluster Munitions. Ratified the Anti-Personal Mine Ban Convention, which bans the acquisition, usage, possession, and development of land mine type bombs. Agreed to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Ratified a prohibition of nuclear weapons treaty.

We are committed to the disarmament of indiscriminate weapons and are unwavering on ensuring the safety of the citizens of the world. We believe that now is the time to act, and we feel that we as a whole must unite and take action to ensure the safety and continuity of humanity. Now is the time to act; this may very well be our last chance.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Chase Martin

The Delegate of Afghanistan knows firsthand how Afghanistan has endured decades of conflict that have left the nation heavily contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). These indiscriminate weapons continue to inflict harm on civilians, hinder economic growth, and weaken efforts to rebuild peace and prosperity. This delegation strongly supports and advises global initiatives to eliminate these sorts of weapons and advocates for increased international collaboration to accelerate clearance operations to ensure adherence to international disarmament treaties and assist affected communities.

Indiscriminate weapons, including landmines, cluster munitions, and other ERWs, pose a constant threat to Afghanistan’s recovery and stability. The nation’s experiences undergo the broader global challenges posed by these weapons including and not limited to: Economic and Developmental cost, a Lack of Universal Adherence, and the impact on civilian lives. In further detail on the last point, Afghanistan remains one of the most heavily mined countries in world with thousands of deaths per year due to so. Encountering a solution to that problem is paramount for this delegation and will find ways to benefit all countries.

Afghanistan calls for universal ratification of the Ottawa Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions and urges states to modernize these frameworks to address emerging technologies in warfare. The Ottawa Treaty (also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention) distinctly prohibits the production, place, and stockpiling of landmines. With 35 nations not accepting this Treaty those countries will follow in Afghanistan’s stead as civilian casualties increase by the year.

Afghanistan’s ongoing battle with the consequences of indiscriminate weapons highlights the urgent need for a concrete solution by strengthening treaties and prioritizing victim assistance. DISEC can help create a safer world for all of us. The Delegation of Afghanistan remains committed and driven to collaborate with the global community to eliminate these weapons and achieve forever lasting peace, safety, and prosperity.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Ben Cook

Argentina is a strong advocator of international disarmament and has an active role in efforts to regulate and eliminate the use of indiscriminate weapons. Argentina’s has a position on many different weapons for example landmines: Argentina is a party to the Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty), which prohibits the use and production of mines. Argentina is also trying to clear mine fields regularly. Cluster Munitions: Argentina is also a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which makes transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions illegal. Argentina’s commitment to this treaty shows its strong stance against the use of weapons that cause widespread harm and suffering, particularly to civilians. Chemical and Biological Weapons: Argentina is a signatory to both the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which make the development, production, and use of chemical and biological weapons illegal. Nuclear weapons: Argentina has a consistent position advocating for nuclear disarmament. It is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) and has voluntarily renounced nuclear weapons development. Argentina is also a member of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which establishes Latin America and the Caribbean as a nuclear- weapon-free zone. In summary, Argentina’s position on indiscriminate weapons is influenced by its commitment to human rights, and peace. It supports restricting the use of indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines and cluster munitions, while advocating for greater control and accountability over private military contractors.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Aidan Jaronik

Delegate Aidan Jaronik
New Prairie High School

Position Paper: Addressing Indiscriminate Weapons in Spain
Country: Spain
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: Promoting Safety and Human Standards Over Indiscriminate Weapons

Introduction
Indiscriminate weapons are arms that cannot target precisely, harming both military targets and civilians. Landmines, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons all fall into this category. Many are banned under international law due to their uncontrollable, widespread impact. This position paper outlines Spain’s concerns, policy stances, and proposed actions to prevent the use and spread of indiscriminate weapons, promoting safety and humanitarian standards both domestically and internationally.

Spain’s Perspective
Spain is strongly against the use and spread of indiscriminate weapons and supports strict rules to limit their harm. Spain is dedicated to protecting civilians and following high humanitarian standards. Some issues that Spain is particularly concerned about are as follows:

Civilian Safety: Indiscriminate weapons, like landmines and cluster munitions, have long-term risks to civilians, even years after wars end.
Ethical and Legal Concerns: Their use raises ethical and legal concerns, potentially breaching international humanitarian laws and harming Spain’s global standing.
Environmental Impact: The long-lasting environmental damage caused by indiscriminate weapons, such as soil and water contamination from chemical weapons.
Spain’s Policy Positions
Spain supports a comprehensive, humane approach to Addressing indiscriminate weapons. Key policy positions include:

Ban on Landmines and Cluster Munitions: Ban the use, production, and stockpiling of landmines and cluster bombs due to their severe impact on civilian populations.
Support for Nuclear Disarmament: Spain seeks to advance global nuclear disarmament while carefully balancing its commitments within NATO. It aims to reduce nuclear risks and encourage dialogue for a nuclear-free world.
Eliminate Chemical and Biological Weapons: Spain is dedicated to preventing the development and spread of chemical and biological weapons. It wants to strengthen global measures for monitoring and enforcing bans on these dangerous weapons.
Strengthened Global Arms Control: Spain intends to tighten international regulations on the arms trade, focusing on preventing weapons from reaching conflict zones and reducing the illicit trafficking of arms.
Stronger Civilian Protection in Conflict Zones: Spain wants to lead international efforts to limit the use of explosive weapons in urban areas, emphasizing the need to safeguard civilian lives and reduce indiscriminate damage during conflicts.
Proposed Solutions
To address indiscriminate weapons, Spain proposes the following solutions:

Stricter National Laws: Spain may create stricter laws to ban the making, owning, and use of indiscriminate weapons, with strong punishments for breaking these rules.
International Cooperation: Spain can work with other nations to ban indiscriminate weapons, pushing for international agreements and supporting global efforts to get rid of these arms.
Increased Border and Customs Checks: To stop illegal weapons from entering, Spain could improve border security, use improved technology to find hidden weapons, and work closely with other countries’ police forces.
Public Awareness Campaigns: The Spanish government could start educational campaigns to teach people about the dangers of indiscriminate weapons, promoting a peaceful mindset and encouraging the public to report illegal weapons.
Support for Cleanup Efforts: Spain may put resources into clearing landmines and safely disposing of leftover weapons from conflicts, both at home and abroad, to help communities recover and stay safe.
Conclusion
Spain is dedicated to eliminating the threat of indiscriminate weapons and promoting global peace and security. By enforcing stricter regulations, enhancing international cooperation, and prioritizing public education, Spain is working towards a safer environment both domestically and globally. Spain seeks to be a strong advocate for responsible arms control, ensuring the protection of civilians and upholding humanitarian principles.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Henry Rife

An indiscriminate weapon is a weapon that has effects that can not be controlled or can’t be directly directed at a specific military target. Well known examples of these include things like landmines and booby traps. In late WW2, Germany made a prototype flying bomb named the V1. It was colored in a camouflage colour, and could fly distances of over 250 miles. In WW2, 8600 of these bombs were deployed and shot at London. 2000 crashed, and many were shot down, yet over 2340 landed in London, which led to over 5000 deaths, and 16000 injuries. The V-1 bombs were not always being controlled. They had sensors that would try and correct any imperfections in their flight, but the sensors did not always work.

The most indiscriminate weapon Germany used was the V-2 rocket. This rocket made the V-1 look like a little fly compared to a giant angry bear. Compared to the V-1’s speed of 360 miles per hour, the V-2 could fly at 3500 mph (mach 4.5). This way faster than most modern jets can fly now, and more than 10x faster than most planes back then. The German Military absolutely destroyed London and Antwerp with these rockets. London got struck over 1338 times with this bomb, and Antwerp, over 1600. The V-2 bomb has over 30,000 confirmed kills of citizens and military personnel just in London alone. The V-2 was essentially a terror device back then, a 45 foot long, supersonic, giant black and white rocket.

Germany and other countries recognized the terror the indiscriminate weapons caused in WW2, so now indiscriminate weapons are now considered to be a war crime to use. This is a good thing due to the terror and destruction the weapons have caused in the past. However, just because using indiscriminate weapons is a war crime, doesn’t mean that countries wont secretly use them.

Right now, Germany is against the use of indiscriminate weapons, almost every country is against them. However, Germany does possess indiscriminate weapons, in specific, they are nuclear. The Nuclear Weapons are stored at Buchel Air Base, and in time of war, the weapons would be delivered by Luftwaffe Panavia Tornado planes. But this is only in case of emergency, they do not use indiscriminate weapons in any form of war, unless they are forced to. Germany participates in the NATO nuclear weapons sharing arrangements and trains for delivering United States nuclear weapons, which means that Germany can and will possess nuclear weapons.
Germany in the future wants to ban nuclear weapons completely. Germany is a member of NATO and supports its nuclear deterrence, which aims to prevent nuclear coercion, deter aggression, and preserve peace. Germany also has planned to discuss nuclear weaponry on a European scale.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Ella Fabyanic

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Ella Fabyanic

Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations Conference
Delegation of Morocco
Disarmament and International Security Committee

Indiscriminate Weapons

Indiscriminate weapons have been utilized historically, but the dangers of these weapons are increasing, along with the casualties. Indiscriminate weapons are defined as weapons that cannot distinguish between military objectives and civilians. Several states have argued that a weapon should be considered indiscriminate if it has uncontrollable effects or if the damage would be expected to cause incidental civilian losses. Dozens of militaries continue to use these devices in combat, never mind the consequences (Weapons). There are several treaties, laws, and agreements that are intended to reduce the use and therefore effects of indiscriminate weapons, but without legal ratification, they are practically useless.

Globally, more than 500 people die every day because of violence committed by firearms (Arms). This is miniscule compared to what could actually happen. Twelve billion bullets are produced every year. That is nearly enough to kill everyone in the world twice (Arms). To help lower the risk of the abuse of firearms, treaties such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty have been put in place to work against the extensive violence. Morocco attended as an observer of the first meeting of states for the TPNW, in 2022. The delegation then participated in the negotiation of the TPNW at the United Nations in 2017 and was a part of 122 states that voted in favor of its adoption (Morocco). Along with the TPNW, there is also the global Arms trade that is imposing strict rules to regulate international arms transfers. This treaty has been in force for over five years, yet global arms trading is still on the rise and continues to fuel human rights abuses. This is because some of the largest arm’s exporters like Russia and the USA have not ratified the treaty. Even countries that have ratified the treaty fail to comply with it, and transfer weapons and munitions to places where they risk being used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law, including possible war crimes. Morocco has faced specific instances of Indiscriminate weapons due to past wars across the Sahara Desert that is legally their land. In total, it is estimated that nearly half a million people internationally are killed per year with firearms. These deaths are enacted by not only state repression but also criminal gangs (Global).

Since the Delegation of Morocco has experience with the situation, we have a valid reason for reaching out to help fight this problem. Morocco does not want to halt the entirety of global arms trade, since this is trade has formulated nearly 95 billion dollars (Arms). The current implementations of the TNPW and the ATT are no longer enough, therefore Morocco recommends making this one joint initiative to save time, money, and personnel that would be put into starting another program. If the delegations can decide on a way to bring reasoning to the countries that have not yet ratified these programs, then there is a high chance that globally we can help put an end to the unnecessary casualties that have become existent due to indiscriminate weapons.

Works Cited

“Arms Control.” Amnesty International, 3 Nov. 2023, www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/.

“Global Arms Trade Treaty – A Beginners’ Guide.” Amnesty International, 17 Aug. 2021, www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2013/03/global-arms-trade-treaty-a-beginners-guide/.

Morocco | Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, www.icanw.org/morocco. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

“Weapons That Are by Nature Indiscriminate.” IHL, ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v1/rule71. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Sophia Kiser

2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Bangladesh
Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)
Mattawan High School
Sophia Kiser

Indiscriminate weapons are harmful to everyone involved in an attack. Many countries want to hold dominant military control over other countries by using bombs, anti-personnel landmines, chemical weapons, and so forth. But that isn’t a good enough reason to harm innocent civilians who have nothing to do with the conflict at hand. Mass-destruction weaponry has had a big negative impact on all civilizations around the world for a long time now. Most of these weapons that are the cause of these damages have been banned by the UN but it hasn’t stopped a lot of these countries from maintaining the usage of their equipment.

Bangladesh has suffered bombing and other indiscriminate weapon usage during the liberation war of 1971, which resulted in up to 3 million civilian casualties. As one would expect, the delegation of Bangladesh agrees with the ban on weapons that can’t be targeted at a specified military objective and that don’t have predictable results. Too many innocent lives have been, currently are, and will be lost if the United Nations doesn’t act upon this matter.

After the destruction, civilians who have already suffered through a war that would commonly result in suffrage would be the ones picking everything back up again to how it used to be. Many people go through losses and anything but gains through wars and shouldn’t have to be the ones taking accountability for the attackers’ damage. Therefore, Bangladesh believes in the current ban on indiscriminate violence inflicted by their weapons and that the UN should try harder to enforce them.

Sources:
Independence war of Bangladesh
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/the-independence-of-bangladesh-in-1971/

Eric A. Strahorn , “The Bangladesh Liberation War” , Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective
December, 2021
https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/bangladesh-liberation-war

Indiscriminate Weapons
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/

Past actions
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Marcos Calderon

For a very long time, indiscriminate weapons have been used by many different countries. They are weapons that cannot be a specific military target and/or their effects cannot be controlled.
Venezuela uses indiscriminate weapons on many occasions such as protests, raids on groups, crime, and intimidation.
For Venezuela, indiscriminate weapons are extremely necessary and important. Tear gas is one of our most used indiscriminate weapons based on how many protests we experience per year, especially during the election period. We also use tear gas for raids on homes that we believe are a threat to our president, Maduro. Many of the houses we decide to raid are the ones who willingly protest against our views and we see that as a clear threat to this great nation of ours. We believe that there should not be international laws to strengthen the prevention of indiscriminate weapons. It should be up to us how we use indiscriminate weapons and when we should try to prevent them. There is absolutely no need to make international laws for them.
We are in agreement to accelerate the removal of landmines in areas to prevent any fatal causes. We believe the best way to get rid of them is to use extreme heat or to simply explode the landmines. As of right now, we should just review the use of indiscriminate weapons in warfare with new technology and make sure nothing crosses the line. New technology can be dangerous but if we make sure nothing is taken out of hand, then we will suffer no problems.
Overall, we believe that there are truly no big problems with the use of indiscriminate weapons, and although there are aftereffects, we believe those are better to deal with than not having indiscriminate weapons. We cannot express how important we have these weapons with the problems that go on in our country yearly.

Works Cited
“NIGHTS OF TERROR: ATTACKS AND ILLEGAL RAIDS ON HOMES IN VENEZUELA” https://www.amnestyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Venezuela-Nights-of-Terror-Briefing-ENG.pdf

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Owen Hufnagel

Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Indiscriminate Weapons
Republic of South Africa
Owen Hufnagel
Forest Hills Eastern

The use of indiscriminate weapons, such as biochemical weapons, nuclear weapons, cluster munitions, landmines, incendiary weapons, and uncrewed aerial vehicles, is a modern warfare tactic. As technology evolves, the old practice of putting boots on the ground has been discouraged and slowly removed. While many countries, including South Africa, have come forward, asking to disarm and end the nuclear and other indiscriminate arms race, the UN still supports the countries who participate.
South Africa opposes the use of indiscriminate weapons, arranging itself as a strong advocate for disarmament. The country has passed legislation, such as the National Conventional Arms Control Act, to regulate arms exports and prevent the transfer of weapons that could be used in a manner causing harm to civilians. Internationally, South Africa is a signatory to critical treaties like the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Chemical Weapons Convention, demonstrating its commitment to prohibiting the use of such weapons. Additionally, South Africa actively participates in global arms control discussions, working with allies and regional partners to promote responsible arms management and enhance humanitarian protections in conflict zones. The government has also engaged with non-governmental organizations to support advocacy efforts to strengthen international standards against indiscriminate weapons.
South Africa’s actions to end civilian-harming weapons have a global impact, inspiring and motivating others to follow suit. By passing legislation, laws, and regulations to prevent the use of these weapons domestically, South Africa sets a powerful example for the world. Their proposal to ban the use of nuclear arms and disassemble and recycle the materials used in the production of atomic weapons is a call to action for the international community to join the fight for ethical warfare standards.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Micaela Wagner

Indiscriminate weapons are weapons that cannot be directed at a specific military target or its effects cannot be controlled. Anti-personnel landmines and booby traps are examples of illegal indiscriminate weapons because they are unable to distinguish between a military and civilian target. Slovenia as a part of the European Union and the United Nations believes in upholding international law and human rights. Slovenia believes that indiscriminate weapons cause more unnecessary suffering than being able to achieve military aim. In 1992, Slovenia addressed its readiness to provide information for groups using indiscriminate use of weapons. Also, Slovenia’s Penal Code (1994) says that it is a war crime to commit a random attack harming the civilian population.

Slovenia is deeply concerned about the use of indiscriminate weapons in modern conflicts. These weapons can cause extensive damage to the military and civilians and cost the lives of thousands every year. The Geneva Convention, Article 51 (4) Protocol 1 prohibits any indiscriminate attacks and Slovenia upholds this to the highest standard.

Slovenia advocates for the strengthening of international treaties banning the use of these indiscriminate weapons. Slovenia continues to support the disarmament and efforts to reduce global reliance on weapons that destroy human lives. We hope the international community remains set on preventing their use to save human lives.

Slovenia recognizes the devastating impact of indiscriminate weapons on civilians, especially in areas of conflict. The use of these weapons causes unnecessary harm and violates human law. These weapons can cause medical challenges, environmental damage, and contamination.

Slovenia promotes strengthening international legal frameworks and calls for the enforcement and creation of international treaties banning indiscriminate weapons. These treaties must be adhered to with strict punishments for violations.

Slovenia also calls for the international community to provide humanitarian assistance for the victims of indiscriminate weapons. This could come through financial aid, medical support, environmental rehabilitation, and psychological support for the victims of indiscriminate weapons.

Slovenia is committed to decreasing the use of indiscriminate weapons to eliminate their devastating effects.

Bibliography
https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/es/customary-ihl/v2/rule11?country=si
https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/international-humanitarian-law/what-is-international-humanitarian-law/weapons-and-international-humanitarian-law#:~:text=If%20a%20weapon%20cannot%20be,target%20and%20a%20civilian%20one.
https://www.amnesty.org/es/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/act790062003en.pdf
https://explosiveweaponsmonitor.org/state-positions/slovenia/

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Karim Heydarzade

Committee: Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: The Republic of Indonesia
School: Portage Central High School

Indiscriminate weapons are weapons whose effects cannot be controlled. Indiscriminate weapons can lead to indiscriminate attacks which may put the lives of innocents at risk. Examples of indiscriminate weapons generally include bombs, landmines and even nuclear weapons because they can often not distinguish between enemy or civilian. Thus, it is important to discuss and reduce the use of indiscriminate weapons.

Indonesia strongly opposes the use and expansion of indiscriminate weapons, especially nuclear weapons. Indonesia has signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Indonesia has, without failure, supported disarmament. There are many events which led to Indonesia coming to such conclusions as indiscriminate weapons, especially nuclear weapons, have had lots of impacts on Indonesia. Indonesia is in a part of the world where nuclear tensions were high, especially during the cold war which influenced Indonesia’s advocacy for disarmament and the establishment of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to ensure no such thing happens again.

Indonesia would like to propose multiple solutions to the UN. We advocate for more countries to sign and ratify the TPNW. We also believe the UN should increase global awareness about the treaty and its benefits in reducing nuclear risks. Indonesia also wants the UN to set up better systems to ensure countries follow disarmament treaties, such as checking if nations are complying and punishing those that break the rules. Indonesia also encourages the UN to assist in the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones, similar to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) in other regions as well.

Indonesia also advocates for several specific actions that member states should undertake in their own countries to prevent use of indiscriminate weapons. We encourage countries to adopt or strengthen national laws that prohibit the development, possession, and use of indiscriminate weapons. These laws should follow with the international treaties mentioned. Indonesia also believes that member states should educate their populations on the consequences of indiscriminate weapons to prevent future tragedies and misapplications.

Bibliography
“Canadian Red Cross Home.” Canadian Red Cross Home, https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/international-humanitarian-law/what-is-international-humanitarian-law/weapons-and-international-humanitarian-law. Accessed 25 November 2024.
“Indonesia.” The Nuclear Threat Initiative, https://www.nti.org/countries/indonesia/. Accessed 25 November 2024.
“An Indonesian diplomat’s call to prioritize nuclear disarmament.” UNITAR, https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/stories/indonesian-diplomats-call-prioritize-nuclear-disarmament. Accessed 25 November 2024.
“Indonesia | Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, https://www.icanw.org/indonesia. Accessed 25 November 2024.
“Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) – ASEAN Main Portal.” Asean.org, https://asean.org/our-communities/asean-political-security-community/peaceful-secure-and-stable-region/southeast-asia-nuclear-weapon-free-zone-seanwfz/. Accessed 25 November 2024.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: France
Delegate Name: Vincent DelRosso

Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations
Delegation of France
Disarmament and International Security Committee

Indiscriminate Weapons
From landmines to biological warfare to civilian bombings, there is no doubt that indiscriminate weapons are a terrible biproduct of war’s brutality. This is despite the drafting, propositions and installation of numerous treaties and plans to combat the issue. Yet the issue is still extremely prominent in countries that were recently or currently in conflict. As for active conflicts, the biggest problem of indiscriminate weaponry is the bombing of densely populated areas. We see densely populated areas commonly targeted in most if not all active conflicts, a major example being in the Russo-Ukrainian war, where an unimaginable 12,000 people have been killed and another 20,000 injured. (Gadzo). In a long-term sense, a form of indiscriminate weapons that lingers for years following a conflict is the danger of planted landmines. Since the 1989 conflict in Afghanistan, the United Nations (UN) have been actively managing the usage and detonation of concealed land mines in conflict zones, seen with the genesis and usage of the United Nations Mine Actions Service (UNMAS), yet unfortunately, anti-personnel landmines are still being deployed in active conflicts, which is classified as a war crime. Recently in 2022 it was reported that there are an estimated 4700 new casualties from remnants of war throughout 51 different countries, seen highest in countries such as Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. (Landmines)
The French Delegation recognizes the concerns around indiscriminate weapons, especially indiscriminate explosives. This concern comes alongside a major belief of the delegation, the priority of the civilian’s wellbeing. Most cluster-bombing takes place in densely populated urban areas. Inadvertently, a consequence of this is not only a high number of civilian casualties, but also essential infrastructure being damaged and, in some cases, destroyed. These actions directly oppose the viewpoints of the French delegation and its allies, as indiscriminate weapons call into question the safety and security of the civilian. (Protection). Most if not all of France’s allies are in agreeance on this issue, as such they have sponsored and contributed to a multitude of different resolutions combating the issue of indiscriminate weapons that have made its way onto the general assembly floor. Granted, there is the minor exception of Ukraine, who is allied to France, yet has seen usage of indiscriminate weapons amidst the Russo-Ukrainian War.
To eliminate the general usage of indiscriminate weapons, it is important to eradicate the individual types of weapons which act indiscriminately, one of which is the concern of landmines. Using resources like the UNMAS, we can declare populated areas with a high density of landmines unsafe and inaccessible to the public. Once closed off, the land can be safely and efficiently swept for mines, without any risk to civilian wellbeing. For landmines in active zones of conflict, it is important to ensure that landmines are not being used in conflict, as the usage of landmines is considered a war crime per The Ottawa Treaty (1997). Another form of indiscriminate combat is the cluster bombing of urban areas. It is hard to outright ban the usage of cluster munitions, as they are still used as an instrument of war within the confines of a battlefield. Instead, the French delegation proposes setting a minimum population density threshold upon an area to classify cluster-bombing as a war crime. Finally, another major indiscriminate weapon actively used is chemical weapons. Like landmines, chemical weapons are illegal to use in combat, yet some countries still possess a surplus from wars past. The Delegation of France proposes all nations with history of chemical weapon actively report amounts of chemical weapons, while reducing the said amount. The Delegation of France calls upon the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for assistance in the execution of this plan

References:

Gadzo, Mersiha. “Record High Deaths in the Russia-Ukraine War: What You Should Know.” Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 16 Oct. 2024, www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/16/russia-ukraine-wartime-deaths
“The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.” France ONU, onu.delegfrance.org/The-protection-of-civilians-in-armed-conflict. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Niger
Delegate Name: Hannah Weber

Niger’s stance on indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions, and chemical weapons, is shaped by its commitment to international humanitarian law, its role within regional and international organizations, and the security challenges it faces in the Sahel. The use of such weapons is prohibited under various international treaties, and Niger has made significant efforts to comply with these agreements. Overall, Niger does not support the use of indiscriminate weapons because of the treaties it follows and will support resolutions that ban the use of indiscriminate weapons and take action against terrorist and insurgent groups that use them.
Niger is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty (the Mine Ban Treaty), which was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 1999. The treaty prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Niger has actively supported this treaty and has made progress in clearing minefields, particularly in areas affected by conflict and insurgency, such as in the Diffa region, where Boko Haram insurgents have previously used landmines. Niger’s participation in the Mine Ban Treaty demonstrates its commitment to eradicating indiscriminate weapons like landmines, which cause harm to civilians long after conflicts have ended. Niger has also received support from international organizations, such as the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), in mine-clearance operations. As of 2020, Niger was reported to have completed its stockpile destruction of anti-personnel mines, marking significant progress in adhering to the treaty’s objectives.
Niger is also a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use, production, and transfer of cluster bombs and requires the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and assistance to victims. The treaty entered into force in 2010, and Niger ratified it shortly after in 2011. While the Sahel region has seen various types of explosive devices used by militant groups, Niger itself has not been a significant user or producer of cluster munitions. However, Niger’s alignment with this international convention reflects its broader commitment to eliminating indiscriminate weapons.
Niger is a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development, production, and use of chemical weapons. Although chemical weapons are not commonly used in the Sahel, Niger’s adherence to this convention is part of its broader alignment with global norms against the use of weapons of mass destruction. Niger has not been implicated in the use of chemical weapons, and there is no evidence to suggest that it possesses such weapons, but its ratification of the CWC indicates its commitment to international arms control regimes.
While Niger has adhered to international conventions on indiscriminate weapons, the country faces significant security challenges, including from armed groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). These groups have been known to use various forms of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines, which can be classified as indiscriminate weapons in some contexts. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) has noted that the spread of such devices poses a substantial risk to civilian populations in conflict zones in the Sahel. Niger has cooperated with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to clear such devices and support victims of landmines and IEDs.
Niger’s government has not been involved in the use of indiscriminate weapons against civilian populations. However, like other countries in the region, it is caught in a security dilemma, where non-state armed groups engage in tactics that contravene international law, including the use of landmines and other IEDs, which often result in civilian casualties. The Sahel is a region where international efforts, such as the G5 Sahel Joint Force, aim to counter terrorism and extremism. As part of these initiatives, Niger has advocated for strengthening international legal frameworks and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, which includes the prohibition of indiscriminate weapons. Niger has called for greater international support in addressing the security threats posed by these groups, which sometimes deploy indiscriminate weapons as part of their insurgency tactics.
Niger is home to several organizations and groups working on humanitarian issues, including those that address the threats posed by landmines, cluster munitions, and other indiscriminate weapons. Human Rights Watch and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are active in the region and report on the ongoing humanitarian consequences of these weapons. For example, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) has provided reports on landmine casualties in Niger and highlighted the challenges of clearing landmines in conflict-affected areas, including the Diffa region. The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and Danish Demining Group (DDG) have also been involved in landmine clearance operations in Niger, particularly in areas impacted by insurgent activity along Niger’s borders with Nigeria and Mali.
Niger’s position on indiscriminate weapons aligns with its international obligations and commitment to humanitarian principles. The country is a signatory to key disarmament treaties such as the Ottawa Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Chemical Weapons Convention. While Niger does not have a history of using such weapons itself, it faces significant security threats from militant groups in the region who use indiscriminate weapons, such as landmines and IEDs. Niger continues to support efforts to address the humanitarian impact of such weapons through international cooperation and mine clearance programs.

Sources:
International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL): www.icbl.org
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): www.un.org/disarmament
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Reports on Niger: www.hrw.org
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS): www.unmas.org
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): www.icrc.org

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Alexander Kha

The definition of indiscriminate weapons by Red Cross defines them as, “those that cannot be directed at a military objective or whose effects cannot be limited as required by international humanitarian law.” These weapons include, but are not limited to; mines, cluster bombs, and unexploded ordnance. Those who are affected by these weapons are both military personnel and civilians. These indiscriminate weapons are used within conflicts and the locations of previous conflicts. Examples include the current Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the conflict in Gaza, and the aftermath of post-conflict countries such as; Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. These weapons affect both civilian and military targets. In the case of unexploded ordnance, the civilian population is affected significantly. These weapons are of high significance due to the nature of these weapons, killing indiscriminately between civilian and military. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan does believe that law on the prevention of these weapons should be strengthened, that there is a need to enforce necessary measures to accelerate the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in post-conflict areas, and that international frameworks should adapt to address the challenges posed by new technologies in warfare through prohibiting the use of these weapons such as autonomous ones.
The use of indiscriminate weapons has strongly affected the country of Pakistan. This is as stated previously in 2022 “Landmines continue to play a significant role in meeting the military needs of many States. Reliance on landmines is an integral part of Pakistan’s defense in view of our security need to guard long borders that are not protected by any natural obstacle.” Although, in previous years we the country of Pakistan have stated that Pakistan “supports the humanitarian objectives of this Convention and is guided by humanitarianism and respect for international humanitarian law and protection of civilian life,” and is also stated that it “is supportive of an international legal instrument banning the transfer of antipersonnel landmines” within 2018. What could be done to strengthen the prevention of the use of indiscriminate weapons in the future would be the tightening of regulations. Measures that can be taken to accelerate the removal of landmines within post-conflict areas could be through the support of both the country that the ordinance has been placed within the government and the assistance of countries within the United Nations. International frameworks should work to prohibit the adaption of new technologies in warfare to address the problems and challenges posed by the technology

Bibliography:
Pakistan General information (CIA world Factbook) – Indiscriminate weapons
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/pakistan/
Pakistan policy on mines 2023 (the-monitor) – Indiscriminate weapons
https://the-monitor.org/country-profile/pakistan/mine-ban-policy?year=2023

Topic: 2024-Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Holden Eldridge

Topic: 2024 Indiscriminate Weapons
Country: United Mexican States
Delegate: Holden Eldridge

Throughout history, we have seen advancements none more prevalent than weapons. From the introduction of muskets to the invention of the machine Gun, the weapons war has been fought with are ever-changing. But, as weapons technology advances so does their deadliness and their ability to kill indiscriminately.

The United Mexican States strongly condemns the use of any Indiscriminate weapons. This includes Chemical, Nuclear, Anti-personal mine, and Cluster munitions.
As an early signatory of the Ottawa Treaty, the United Mexican States strongly condones the use of anti-personal mines and their indiscriminate way of killing the failure of nations to remove these mines once a conflict has ended. Also as a signatory of the CWC, we strongly condone the use of chemical weapons and stockpiling of these weapons. The United Mexican States encourages its fellow nations to dismantle chemical weapons and not to use them during war as their usage is not only inhumane but indiscriminate. Mexico also condemns the use of cluster munitions. This is due to the tendency for the munitions in warheads to not all detonate. We also condone the use of cluster munitions due to the fact that the blast radius of the warhead is quite large and can lead to civilian casulties.

In short, Mexico condones the use of any and all indiscriminate weapons. Due to the inhumane nature of the weapons. And there tendency to kill civilians and non-combat personnel in war zones. The United Mexican States strongly encourages its fellow nations to dismantle said weapons and to put in policies that would require countries to dismantle their weapons. And to require nations to have a limited amount of these weapons and to forbid stockpiling weapons and would require nations to allow the UN to require nations to allow UN inspectors into their country to make sure that stockpiles do not go over a stated limit.

Sources

CWC

Ottawa treaty

CCM

Position papers for GLIMUN 2024 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.