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.
