Topic:
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Macie Dow
Genocide, as a disastrous and continuous aspect of human history, has taken many different forms in various ages and countries. While mass violence and the intended execution of specific communities may be traced back centuries, the term “genocide” was introduced in the twentieth century by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin during World War II and the Holocaust. The Republic of Gabon recognizes the critical need to address genocide within the context of this committee. Gabon, as a country dedicated to the principles of peace, justice, and human rights, emphasizes the importance of establishing a definitive and comprehensive definition of genocide to prevent and respond to such acts effectively.
Gabon believes that responses to acts of genocide must be swift and decisive to prevent further losses of innocent lives. The country recognizes the importance of international cooperation and collective action to resolve challenges such as a lack of coordinated global efforts, legal accountability, and refugee and displacement crises. The effects of these challenges are seen in past conflicts like Rwanda and Bosnia in the 1990s and the international community’s response. Moreover, there is a rise in refugee crises resulting from genocides such as the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar, which affected neighboring countries like Bangladesh and created a strain on their resources and infrastructure.
Gabon has a long history of engaging in efforts to prevent mass crimes. Gabon is acutely aware of the regional factors that can contribute to or alleviate the risk of genocide as a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Gabon has actively participated in peacekeeping missions and regional efforts aimed at encouraging debate, conflict resolution, and reconciliation in areas prone to genocidal conflict. Gabon has also taken steps to strengthen its national legal system to address and prosecute individuals involved in genocide. Gabon has faced challenges as a result of a lack of legal accountability, such as the post-election violence on Gabonese territory in 2016.
Considering these challenges, Gabon would like to address the conflicts of genocide and human rights violations that have plagued different regions. Gabon encourages increased international cooperation in preventing and responding to genocide, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems, intelligence-sharing, and collaborative efforts in addressing the root causes of genocide. Legal accountability is necessary, and Gabon encourages all member states to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigations and prosecutions related to genocide, ensuring the ICC has the resources and capabilities to ensure the conflicts are resolved efficiently and timely. By taking proactive measures, Gabon aims to promote peace and stability on the continent, fostering an environment conducive to development and prosperity. Additionally, Gabon recognizes the importance of international cooperation and seeks partnerships with other nations and organizations to tackle these issues on a global scale effectively.
