Position Paper on the situation in Syria: Kingdom of Morocco

This is a Position Paper on the situation in Syria from the perspective of the Kingdom of Morocco a country with Western views.

Committee: Security Council             Topic: The Situation in Syria,

Country: Kingdom of Morocco

Topic Background

       ​The Syrian Arab Republic is currently in a state of civil war with its multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. For a year and a half since the “Arab Spring”, the rebel movement has protested the restrictions on their rights and the lack of government transparency, while the oppressive Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad, is fraught with corruption and attempts to stifle the rebels. Syria receives support from surrounding countries in the Middle East and Asia in the form of weapons and propaganda. A major problem is that the Syrian conflict has forced millions of Syrians to flee to country, the majority being women and children. Key army units remain loyal to the regime as the prolonged civil war ensues, with disastrous consequences expected to hit Syria’s warring. According the United Nations’ proceedings in July, the conflict has claimed an estimated 17,000 of civilians’ lives, displaced more than 1.2 million Syrians, and has caused more than 1 million people to flee to neighboring Middle Eastern nations such as Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey to seek refuge.

UN Involvement & History on the Subject

​International disapproval of the Syrian massacre was highlighted in the Arab League’s observation of the Syrian government in 2011. This marked the pinnacle of Syria isolating itself from most of its former neighboring allies. In a letter circulated by the Security Council in April of 2013, the UN ambassador of Jordan, Prince Zeid Ra’adZeid Al Hussein, addressed the issue of Syrian refugees fleeing to Jordan. The influx of Syrians into surrounding areas has greatly compromised the international peace and security of Jordan among other nations, as stated in the letter.

Morocco’s Policy & Proposals for Future Actions

Morocco’s current policy focuses on indirectly assisting the rebel movement by providing supplies and asylum to those groups affected by the civil war. The delegation considers it imperative that a cease-fire be put into action as soon as possible, thus allowing diplomacy to thrive between both parties. Morocco can offer asylum to refugees of the Syrian conflict because the nation is deeply concerned about the traumatizing experiences that the population is going through, which is a clear infringement of human rights. The delegation suggests utilizing the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to emphasize the Syrian situation specifically. This could help in collaborating with countries to identify and find a new home for refugee and providing jobs, education, and healthcare programs. The means of how these refugees will arrive at their new home will also be at the discretion of the UNHCR council. Finally, Morocco is a proud supporter of a political transition in Syria, with the ideal outcome of the transition being resilient peace.

Gay Marriage ruled as constitutional by the Supreme Court

Today the US Supreme Court ruled the Federal Defense of Marriage as constitutional. I believe this historical. In the dictionary marriage is defined as a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage. This means marriage is the union with your partner that you chose; he or she. The fundamental of marriage is love. Defines as a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.

 Why shouldn't a person have the right to choose who he or she wants to spend the rest of his  or hers life with. Be happy with that person. One right that every person has is the right to be free. When everyone is treated as equal we are all more free.

 This is just the first step toward reaching equal marriage, there is a lot of road to travel. First, the US should be an example to the world in legalizing gay marriage across the country(California has to set the example of a same-sex marriage act working). This tendency has to expand throughout the world. But, gay marriage is just a first step towards an equal society. We have to work on all the different aspects of equality for EVERYONE. I encourage you to reflect on your opinion on same-sex marriage and if it should be legal or illegal. Ask yourself this question: Would I want to not be able to marry the person I love?

Note: I look forward to listening to everyones opinion on the subject

THIMUN: A new experience

 So I am attending a MUN camp at Georgetown University in Washington DC. It has been an amazing experience. I've learned public speaking, resolution writing, how to optimize research and most importantly I've met a lot of great new people and made some very important connections. 

 Today we had practice committees. Now, in the previous practice committees I'd felt really uncomfortable and not as though I was able to excel and participate as I usually do and am used to. Today we had the opportunity to try out another MUN procedure THIMUN(The Hague International Model United Nations)-this is based on british parliamentary procedure and is most commonly used at MUNs in Europe, Asia and the pacific-. I would recommend THIMUN, it is more constructive for the delegate and for your general knowledge. Delegates have the opportunity to develop more social tools and also critical thinking.

 The procedure for THIMUN is like this:

1) Opening speeches: This is when each delegate has the floor to express each countries view on the topic. It is better to go up and propose your countries' past action and also solutions you would propose.(Be sure to start sending notes to delegations who you believe have the same policies as your delegation, this way you can start identifying what peers you will be working with)

2) Lobbying: This is the form of unmoderated caucus. Blocs are formed and draft resolutions begin being written. This usually lasts a day.(Delegations are normally represented by more than 3 delegates and each delegate mediates with a different subject along with other delegates that were given the same topic) 

3)Working Papers: With all draft resolutions done we go on to presenting the draft resolutions where all usually a delegate from each bloc will come up and read their draft resolution. After, all delegates will read their own copy of the draft resolution and can add amendments-all amendments go to the chair first- After a good session of critical thinking we go on to delegations speaking in favor of the resolution. Then, we proceed to debate where each country declares why they are in favor or against certain resolution. Delegates then proceed to have the floor where they go through a session of Q&A set by the delegate speaking. Amendments are then discussed and voted on. Clauses can also be removed. Draft resolutions are then voted on and then proceed to become a resolution. -More than one resolution can be passed-

 If I could highlight one thing about THIMUN is the aspect that there is no awards. This eliminates the competitive aspect of MUN(which can be good) and adds a more "lets all work together and share ideas" aspect. Although there is no awards there is however invitations to chair at the next conference. The utmost best thing about THIMUN is that resolutions that are passed are sent to the UN. This gives a real purpose to MUN, if not to change the world and help it. Why are we doing MUN?

 

Position Paper on the Involvement of weapons in the Syrian conflict

Hey this is a Position Paper I worked on. I hope you like it and it is useful for your model UN conferences or just for your general knowledge.

 Committee: Security Council​

Country: United States of America

Topic: B, Involvement of weapons in Syria

Delegate:  Daniel Ricardo Saa Zaniefski

School: CUAM CUN

 

 In 2011, following a series of protests that sparked across the Middle Eastern region. The people of Syria tired of the oppression of Bashar Al- Assad took to the streets and began protesting. Assad with the support of the Syrian army responded to the protests violently. Since then, there has been 70,000 deaths, several defectors, and many people arrested with no fundament in the least. Weapons as mean of killing have had a great impact in this conflict.

 

 

The delegation considers it imperative that the Security Council understands and comprehends that the United States has not dealt weapons to either side in the conflict and that if US weapons have been seen in Syria they have not been sent there by the government. The United States has a no tolerance policy for terrorists and does not negotiate with these. The United States would formally recognize a coalition of Syrian opposition groups as the countries legitimate representative.

 

President Obama mentioned that “Not everybody who isparticipating on the ground in fighting Assad are people thatwe are comfortable with,” Mr. Obama praised theopposition, known formally as the National Coalition ofSyrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, for what hesaid was its inclusiveness, its openness to various ethnic andreligious groups, and its ties to local councils involved in thefighting against Mr. Assad’s security forces. “At this pointwe have a well-organized-enough coalition — oppositioncoalition that is representative — that we can recognize themas the legitimate representative of the Syrian people,

 

The only way to stop the problem is by putting a halt to violence in the country.  For this, Assad has to step down and allow a clean transition to power.  If there is weapon trade in the world. Nations should control the weapons they export and make sure these end in the right hands. In Syria acease fire has to be implemented. Heavy weapons have to be halted. If promises are broken sanctions have to be put. A weapon ban has to be pursued in Syria and an anti-weapon program also.

Position Paper on access to water: Mexico

 Water is essential to life on earth. It is useful for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation. Without water there would be no life on earth. Unfortunately, water is scarce in many regions around the world. Water is a basic human right and has to be guaranteed for every human. The UN-FAO predicts that by 2025 1.8 billion people will be in complete water scarcity. This is roughly on third of the world population and by 2025 it is estimated it will about 25 percent of the world population. The international community has to act on this subject all together.

 The delegate of Mexico believes every one can agree on one thing: everyone needs water. Mexico acknowledges the access to clean water a right already extant in international documents.The delegation considers one of the main factors that determine water availability is population increase. Through the “Water Utilities Efficiency Improvement” (or PROME) project, the National Water Commission (Conagua) works on the modernization of about 20 water utilities, on reducing the wasting or leakage of water and increasing commercial efficiency. A modernization process is increasing availability of water in Mexico. This is done by increasing the effectiveness of water machines.  Through the “Water Utilities Efficiency Improvement” (or PROME) project, the National Water Commission (Conagua) works on the modernization of about 20 water utilities, on reducing the wasting or leakage of water and increasing commercial efficiency. Mexico has increased the percentage of population that has access to water by 4 percent: from 89 percent to 93 percent.

 The Mexican delegation would suggest that countries enroll in the World Banks "Water Partnerships' Program". Also the creation of a council made by water optimization experts with the aim of helping developing countries have better access to water.  

Position Paper on Child Soldiers:Kenya

Hey I just wanted to leave this position paper here. It can be useful to you. I hope you can learn from it and see the harsh reality many children face and what is being done about this.

Child soldiers are boys and girls under the age of 18 who have been reported in many conflicts acting as soldiers for a rebel group or even a government. To this  day tens of thousands of  children serve in armed forces. Governments and rebel forces recruit these children because they are cheaper to feed and clothe. Child soldiers are often recruited from empobrished countries, countries shaken by conflict, or in rural parts of countries.

 The Kenyan delegation is in disagreement with child soldiers that is why it has signed "A world fit for children" which prohibits children under the age of 18 to be participants in armed conflict. In the kenyan constitution it is stated that no child under 18 can take part in hostilities or be recruited in armed conflicts, also that no child between 16-18 years old can participate in a job that would keep them away from school or be hazardous. To prevent children to join an armed rebel force the kenyan government has changed the constitution, this guarantees all children free education,basic nutrition, shelter, health care, parental care and protection for children. Spending on social services has been increased in recent years, this is a reason why child mortality has decreased in the nation. In kenya d

tuition for primary and secondary school is free, this means more kids in school and less in armed conflicts.

Kenya suggests the increase in social activities, mobile schools, more investment in education and pursuit of the leaders of the rebel forces who recruit child soldiers. The kenyan delegation calls upon countries to guarantee basic human rights in their constitution and upon more powerful countries to help these countries  guarantee these basic rights.

Bibliography:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/children-s-rights/child-soldiers

http://www.irinnews.org/report/91882/global-hopeful-signs-for-un-action-plans-on-child-soldiers

http://beta.globalmarch.org/worstformsreport/world/kenya.html

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/gashc3981.doc.htm

http://www.unicef.org/specialsession/docs_new/documents/A-RES-S27-2E.pdf

http://beta.globalmarch.org/worstformsreport/world/kenya.html