Position paper for Brazil
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| It is only natural for man to desire to explore space. What is not a good thing about exploring space, is the potential for catastrophic events and detriment to humanity. The United Nations was created to uphold international peace, and that includes what is out of this world. Developing technology and advancing science that allows for more innovation, creation, and cooperation is the ultimate goal. While previous actions taken have ensured peace in space, there are areas that are lacking. Non-state actors that are not bound to UN rules and treaties puts the world at risk. More so, while there are treaties preventing the weaponization of space, the development of anti-satellite weaponry has led to potential threats of catastrophe on Earth because of left over satellites and other debris. The world is not currently enroute to making space a sustainable sector. The UN must work together with member states in order to develop multilateral guidelines that the private sector can be bound to, provide solutions to space debris, and strengthen treaties that prevent any weaponry used in space that would pose a risk to the human race. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| There are many things happening around the world when it comes to SALW (Small arms and light weapons). In this case the delegation is heavily against SALW. They strongly believe that a key part to this will be the ATT (Arms Trade treaty) which will set responsible weapon trades and hopefully make less crimes. They were also a big part of the disarmament statue of 2003 which made weapons need to be registered and got rid of civilian ownership. Unfortunately in many states, civilians continue to access, to purchase and to possess weapons illegally. The international community must recommit itself to ensure that citizens obtain weapons in a legal, registered manner. The UN must work with all partners to ensure this process. Together through regional organizations such as MERCOSUR and OAS we can share intelligence and monitor weapons trades, strengthen border security and paying attention that weapon ownership is rare, registered, and lawful. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation recognizes that globalization opens the world through trade, finance, and
technology, and brings both prosperity and disparity. Although many States enjoy the
advantages of open markets, millions continue to suffer from poverty, debt distress, and
exclusion from global trade. The United Nations has addressed one of the world’s most
significant inequalities by promoting and facilitating international collaboration for
development, ensuring the benefits of global integration to all.
After the Charter was adopted in 1945, the UN began pursuing the goals of well-being and economic development. This led to the establishment of key initiatives such as the 1948 Technical Assistance for Economic Development, UNCTAD in 1964, and the International Development Strategies of the 1970s. The UN's efforts, guided by the 1986 Declaration on the Right to Development, have been of paramount importance in promoting development and reducing inequality. These efforts, along with the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, have aimed at fostering international collaboration on inclusive and sustainable growth. There are still barriers and uneven development. Progress of the SDGs by the target date of 2030 still remains possible, although the COVID-19 pandemic deepened these inequalities. We encourage the UN’s increased leadership on equitable participation of all countries in international trade, sustainable financing, and the inclusion of all countries in technological development. This includes incorporating the UNDP’s $4 trillion challenge, which would require only one percent of global wealth to be invested in sustainable development. This Delegation calls upon the General Assembly to deepen collaboration between developed and developing countries, enhance debt relief, and expand UN technical support to achieve fair globalization. The United Nations can make interdependence the basis of shared prosperity and enduring peace by guaranteeing every Member State’s equitable participation in the global economy. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The preservation and protection of the Global Climate is one of the most urgent
responsibilities facing humanity. What is a more basic and necessary goal than protecting
the one home humanity has. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and intensifying
natural disasters threaten ecosystems and communities. These effects are felt much more in
the developing world where resources and infrastructure for dealing with increasing natural
disasters is scarce. The accelerating loss of forests and biodiversity further weakens the
planet’s ability to absorb carbon and regulate the climate, creating a dangerous snowball
effect that will threaten not only our current populations, but all generations that come after
us as well.
This delegation believes that equitable sustainable development must be at the heart of climate action. Combating deforestation and massively promoting new renewable energy sources are essential to reducing emissions and protecting vital ecosystems. This development of new energy sources must be distributed equally across nations, all nations should be able to participate in the switch to clean renewable energy, not just those with the wealth to buy in. This responsibility must be supported by equitable international cooperation that provides financial resources and technology to developing countries that are pursuing their green transitions. Existing global agreements such as the Paris climate agreement need to be strengthened and applied practically. We can not endlessly be in a cycle of agreeing to goals, missing deadlines, and readjusting our goals, forever kicking the can down the road making the problem worse in the process. We need to reaffirm our commitment to universal climate action. No nation should have to choose between economic growth and environmental preservation. By investing in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic policies, the international community can unite global prosperity with ecological balance. Protecting the one home humanity has been gifted should not be seen as an unachievable reality, but as the moral duty of every nation. And it is a reality that is possible. This delegation hopes it is a reality we can see come to pass through the support of clean and equitable investment projects that help fight deforestation and move us towards universal green energy. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The principle of self-determination is a cornerstone of the United States Charter, ensuring that all people have the right to decide their own political status, and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. Yet, this right remains unenforced in many parts of the world due to political resistance, and ongoing conflicts that prevent people from exercising autonomy. While the United Nations has taken significant steps such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples (1960), and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), progress has slowed. Many states hesitate to support movements for self-determination out of fear of retaliation from governing bodies. They fear the disruption of trade relations, and political alliances, thereby undermining the UN’s goal of ensuring freedom for all groups of people. This delegation believes that the international community must exert stronger pressure on states that deny people their right to self-determination. This may include both diplomatic and economic measures. Greater accountability within the UN system is essential to discourage selective enforcement of international norms. Additionally, this delegation calls for faster coordination among international entities in response to conflicts that threaten the right to self-determination. As conflict, military occupation, and aggression, hinder people's liberty to exercise this right. Finally, this delegation calls for increased commitment in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples within existing states. Greater representation in government, preservation of cultural autonomy, and local control over community resources are essential towards achieving self-determination. The international community must act with consistency and urgency to ensure that no person is denied the right to determine their own future. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Women and girls in rural areas around the world face many challenges that prevent them
from fully enjoying their rights and improving their lives. Many of these women and girls
have limited access to basic resources such as education, healthcare, and political
participation but oftentimes face significant poverty, discrimination, and violence. Even
though women and girls in rural areas carry an important role in food production and rural
development, they continuously face unequal opportunities compared to men. Climate
change and weak social protection are other significant factors that worsen their situation by
putting their own lives and communities at risk.
Through the United Nations, there has been international help to promote equality for rural women and girls. Agreements like The Convention On The Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action have helped highlight the importance in allowing women equal rights, education, and financial opportunities. Despite having international help, many rural women still struggle today due to the lack of certain laws being enforced and global economic systems often leave women behind. While there has been progress made towards education and maternal health, there is more that could be done for women so that they can acquire a lot more benefits that stem from efforts being made to continue developing resources for women. In order to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this delegation calls upon all governments and organizations to focus on giving rural women girls access to better education, technology, and land ownership. Overcoming the digital divide is very important for women and girls so they can connect to markets, access financial resources, and gain new skills. Empowering women in agriculture and decision making will not only make them feel heard and seen, but will also strengthen rural economies and support global sustainability. The upcoming Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026 emphasizes a great opportunity to raise awareness and promote change for women and girls in rural areas. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The ocean sustains life, stabilizes the climate, and supports millions of livelihoods worldwide.
However, its health is declining because of human activity. The United Nations’ 2024 report
on Sustainable Development Goal 14 shows that the ocean continues to absorb large
amounts of carbon dioxide, becoming more acidic and losing its capacity to regulate the
Earth’s temperature. Fish stocks have also decreased, with several regions, such as the South
Pacific and Mediterranean, experiencing high rates of unsustainable fishing. These trends
threaten global food security, biodiversity, and economic stability.
Recognizing the urgency of these problems, the international community has taken steps to improve cooperation and scientific understanding. The 2022 UN Ocean Conference reaffirmed that stronger partnerships, better data collection, and respect for the knowledge of Indigenous and local communities are essential for effective ocean management. The 2025 conference expanded on these commitments by calling for greater financial support to developing countries and small island states, as well as the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups in ocean governance. Both conferences highlighted that the success of Sustainable Development Goal 14 depends on international collaboration and the sharing of research, technology, and resources. The future of the ocean relies on protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of resources. Expanding marine protected areas, investing in renewable ocean-based energy, and strengthening education about ocean stewardship are key steps toward lasting change. In addition, the UN Environment Programme has recommended a global pause on deep-sea mining until its full environmental impacts are known. Protecting the ocean is a shared responsibility, one that determines not only the planet’s future but also humanity’s own. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Since its creation at the end of World War II, the United Nations has provided humanitarian assistance to people in need around the globe. Whether this aid is in the form of direct, indirect, or infrastructural assistance, the UN has championed efforts to renew people’s dignities thanks to the generosity of UN member states. Yet, while the UN has funneled its attempts to provide aid to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA) after years of decentralized campaigns, recent cuts to humanitarian assistance funding have underscored the intergovernmental organization’s need to strengthen how it coordinates the distribution of its now limited humanitarian assistance funds. Further exacerbating the matter is the increased demand for humanitarian assistance worldwide, as the Global Humanitarian Overview has identified over 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance as of 2024. Thus, with more people requiring humanitarian assistance just as the UN experiences significant cuts from a major donor, we sympathize with the UN’s predicament and support initiatives that will lead to greater efficiency in the coordination of humanitarian assistance. As a country that has been on the receiving end of foreign aid, we understand the importance of distributing aid without risk of duplicative efforts or misuse, for aid can elevate a country and its people to new social and economic heights like it has for ours. We also join together in denouncing the weaponization or blockage of humanitarian aid by warring states and insist on the establishment of formal peacekeeping operations to stabilize these regions and allow for the flow of humanitarian aid. Finally, we embrace the ethical and inclusive use of technology to allow for enhanced accuracy when it comes to identifying people with the most severe humanitarian needs, especially as technologies act as a springboard for further innovative solutions. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| Since 1957, the IAEA, or International Atomic Energy Agency, has monitored countries around
the world to ensure that only five globally approved states possess nuclear weapons, and that
other states eschew nuclear weapons programs in exchange for technology around peaceful
use of nuclear energy. According to the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (or NPT), the
United Nations charges the IAEA with fostering “nuclear security.” Nuclear security means
preventing, detecting, and responding to nuclear threats in all shapes and sizes, including
intentional nuclear threats, nuclear power plant accidents, radioactive spills, illicit nuclear
material and weapons trafficking. It is the job of the IAEA to inform, share knowledge, and
provide direct monitoring and oversight into nuclear activities across the globe. The IAEA has
successfully helped the world navigate through many nuclear challenges including the Cold
War, the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, and the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The IAEA works hand-in-
hand with the Security Council to draft resolutions and make suggestions in order to expand
the scope of nuclear plant oversight, ease global tensions on nuclear warfare, and ensure all
correct parties are responsible when things do go sideways.
The IAEA is capable of accurately measuring and using analytics to assess nuclear threat levels, ensure global safety in power plants, and mitigate risk, damages, and assign responsibility to the proper places if things do happen to go wrong. The IAEA is particularly important in today’s age as cybersecurity risks are on the rise, and having a team of leaders at the forefront of nuclear security will ensure that one of our most vulnerable and valuable assets is not put under pressure, especially as these plants grow more automated. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| The International Atomic Energy Agency’s second main policy mission is maintaining nuclear
and radiation safety, while simultaneously supporting the advancement of nuclear science,
technology, and proliferation. Protecting workers, the environment, and preventing risks of
massive radiation leaks while assisting nations with innovation are all part of the IAEA’s
overall goals. In 2006, the IAEA published their “Fundamental Safety Principles”, which
encompassed the full breadth of their mission and emphasized the protection of people
across the globe from the potentially harmful effects of nuclear radiation and power plant
failure by introducing rigorous safety standards and helping out countries that don’t have
such rigorous standards in place. From famous examples like Chernobyl to Fukushima, the
IAEA has strengthened their guidelines in the years since their founding. When it comes to
disaster preparedness, the IAEA is also on top of global emergency aid in case any such
instances happen again. Every aspect of nuclear power is monitored and considered by the
IAEA, from plant maintenance and safety, improving efficiency of plants, the transportation
of hazardous materials, and more. Internal missions like RISS, the Regulatory Infrastructure
for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security form the foundation for strengthening the IAEA’s
scientific and technology activities across the world and making a global push towards
compliance with their goals.
In doing this, the IAEA is able to collaborate with scientific institutions, use their own findings, and work with regulators and lawmakers in nations across the globe to promote safety practices and exchange technical expertise between nations to ensure a level playing field and a guarantee of quality. Nuclear energy has the capability of being the most powerful source of energy that we have access to and could be a boost to so many struggling nations who cannot meet the energy demands of their people, and the IAEA’s continued push towards stronger leadership and support in achieving this mission allows us to inch every closer to peaceful, responsible, and beneficial uses of atomic energy worldwide. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| Effective solutions to the global drug problem require shifting away from punitive and enforcement-centered responses toward sustainable, development-oriented strategies that address root causes. Expanding education, rural infrastructure, and access to fair markets can reduce the economic dependence that drives communities toward illicit cultivation. International cooperation should prioritize inclusive programs that empower farmers, women, youth, and Indigenous populations to participate fully in legitimate and stable economies. Preventive measures—such as social protection, early education, and youth employment initiatives—must be strengthened to stop the cycle before it begins. Aligning these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals will enhance food security, promote environmental conservation, and support long-term human development. Redirecting global resources from militarized enforcement to inclusive community resilience will create a more humane and effective approach to reducing drug production, trafficking, and the social harms they cause. Sustainable reductions in drug production and trafficking while advancing global justice and equality is our mission. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| The negative impacts of illicit drugs range from substance abuse to organized crime, corruption, and terrorism. According to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), an estimated 316 million people used illicit drugs in 2023, with over 63,000 tons of illegal substances seized and more than 3 million drug-related crimes reported globally. The current landscape of drug control policies varies significantly among countries, emphasizing the inconsistency in global responses to ongoing drug crises. Prior existing strategies concentrate more on the disciplinary measures rather than addressing the underlying issues of substance abuse and drug cultivation. Active underlying issues include environmental, psychological, social, and economic inequalities that impact the well-being of communities and individuals. Member States continue to face significant challenges in adopting scientific, evidence-based approaches and prevention programs due to a variety of systemic and individual barriers, such as competing political priorities, resource limitations, and institutional capacity issues. Despite these challenges, implementing effective drug control policies requires a shift toward comprehensive, evidence-based strategies. These approaches involve investment in technical assistance programs, capacity-building initiatives, and monitoring and evaluation systems to guide and assess policy effectiveness. Systems and programs will include facilitating knowledge sharing and communication, strengthening data collection, and collaboration with health, education, and social sectors. By prioritizing comprehensive, evidence-based strategies over corrective standards, we can accurately address the complex factors contributing to drug abuse and trafficking. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Paper text: | |
| As the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rapidly deteriorating and the international community may predominantly be remembered for failure to take real action. Now is the time to take action. Safe areas are still under constant attack and bombardment, the people who humanitarian aid is meant to save are the ones who it cannot reach, and the resolutions passed in this very committee remain theoretical and their deployment falls short of their promises, leaving many without tangible change. The international community must join forces to ensure that the end of this tragic war is within sight. That the days off ethnic cleansing is over. In the hopes of the commitment and cooperation of this committee we fully believe that we can end this tragedy. We are committed to ensure that the protection areas under the United Nations name will hold up to the name they have, by ensuring that there are sufficient resources and manpower available to protect them and the humans inside of them. We favor the cooperation of this committee to ensure that the safe delivery of imperative humanitarian aid so desperately awaited will be achieved. In addition we are deeply committed to ensure that accountability for these ethnic cleansing acts must remain at the core of our collective response. We cannot speak about peace while ignoring justice. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Somalia |
| Paper text: | |
| The situation in Somalia is escalating at an unprecedented speed. As essential partners have begun to disengage from this crisis, a peaceful end to this war needs to be within reach. Attacks on soldiers cannot go on further, soldiers that are sent in the hopes of peace and stability. Somalia must regain its social, economic and political stability sooner than later to put an end to this civil war. It is crucial that we all work in unity and collaboration to spearhead the response to this crisis. We urge that member states do not withdraw their support and participation as it is as essential and necessary as ever. We support the renewal and continuation of the United Nations mission in Somalia with no expiration date until the war is over and safety is ensured. In addition we are deeply committed to ensure that the safe delivery of the imperative humanitarian aid so desperately awaited will be achieved. Furthermore, we favor the approval of the deployment of troops to assist the boots on the ground in bringing stability back to the country. We support open dialogue and talks between the various clan leaders to bring about a peaceful end to this tragedy. If there is a way to end this war with the least amount of casualties then that should remain a priority to this committee. | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Inquiry on Darfur |
| Paper text: | |
| Preparatory Statement — International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur
As of 25 October 2004, the situation in Darfur remains defined by large-scale displacement, widespread allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations, and a deteriorating security environment affecting civilians, humanitarian personnel, and local communities. Multiple players including Government forces, associated militias, and armed opposition groups continue to shape the conflict aspect, while African Union monitoring initiatives and humanitarian operations face persistent limitations. The Commission is mandated to establish a detailed factual record, clarify the nature and scope of violations, and identify conditions necessary to support accountability, protection, and lasting peace. To fulfill this mandate, a clearer picture of responsibility, chain-of-command structures, and the lived realities of affected populations remain essential. I. Major Unanswered Questions for the Commission To direct early fact-finding and hearing priorities, the Commission may focus on the following core questions: · Command Responsibility and Coordination o What formal or informal command structures exist among state and non-state actors, and to what extent do they direct, tolerate, or fail to prevent violence against civilians? o Were there identifiable orders, motives, or exclusions that enabled patterns of attack, forced displacement, or obstruction of humanitarian access? · Patterns and Intent of Violence o Are there consistent and widespread patterns of village destruction, targeting specific groups, and interference with aid deliveries, and what motivations or strategic objectives may underlie these actions? · Humanitarian Access and Civilian Protection o What factors continue to obstruct humanitarian access and protection efforts, and what conditions would be necessary to ensure safe return or resettlement of displaced people? · Accountability and Justice Pathways o What mechanisms domestic, regional, or international are viable for holding perpetrators accountable, and what gaps exist in current judicial or investigatory processes? The answers to these questions will shape the Commission’s ability to form a coherent narrative of events and identify credible, actionable recommendations. II. Obstacles to Fulfilling the Mandate Several challenges may hinder the Commission’s work moving forward: · Restricted Access to Sites and Populations: Limited mobility, insecurity, and state or local resistance may restrict investigations and evidence collection. · Protection and Intimidation Concerns: Witnesses and local officials may fear retaliations, affecting the safety and reliability of testimony. · Multiple Stakeholders and Varied Tedtimonies: Multiple armed groups and competing claims complicate the establishment of a verified factual record. · Evidence Preservation: Ongoing violence risks the loss or contamination of documentary, testimonial, and physical evidence. · Sensitive Regional and Diplomatic Dynamics: Neighboring states and regional entities may influence cooperation, information sharing, and access. The Commission may consider recommending additional security guarantees, enhanced cooperation mechanisms, or technical assistance to address these barriers. III. Potential Witnesses, Experts, and Information Needs To best inform its work, the Commission may wish to hear from: · Government Officials and Local Authorities: To clarify command structures, security policies, and state responses to alleged violations. · Community and Displacement Representatives: To provide firsthand accounts of violence, displacement, and ongoing protection concerns. · African Union Monitors and UN Field Personnel: To supply verified observations on ceasefire implementation and humanitarian access challenges. · NGOs, Humanitarian and Medical Organizations: To present data on displacement patterns, injury documentation, and aid obstruction. · Subject Experts: Including specialists in international humanitarian law, forensics, arms flows, and conflict mapping. Each category of witness can address specific gaps in fact-finding and help the Commission cross-verify claims. IV. Suggested Lines of Inquiry for the Commission In its upcoming work, the Commission may wish to: · Prioritize documentation of patterns of attack and displacements. · Compare testimony across multiple groups to identify inconsistencies or verification. · Assess the adequacy of state protection measures and humanitarian guarantees. · Explore approaches for accountability that balance impartiality, practicality, and the needs of affected communities. Conclusion The Commission’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to gather credible evidence, safeguard cooperation from all parties, and remain impartial in its pursuit of truth. By addressing unanswered factual questions, overcoming access and security obstacles, and engaging a diverse set of witnesses, the Commission will be positioned to help clarify the situation in Darfur and contribute to future accountability and reconciliation efforts. | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Experts to Review the Prosecution of Serious Violations of Human Rights in Timor-Leste (then East Timor) in 1999 |
| Paper text: | |
| Preparatory Statement — Commission of Experts on the Prosecution of Serious Violations of
Human Rights in Timor-Leste (1999)
As of 25 October 2004, the Commission faces an accountability aspect still marked by incomplete judicial processes, unresolved questions about responsibility for violence in 1999, and ongoing coordination challenges between national, regional, and international mechanisms. The events following the 30 August 1999 Popular Consultation characterized by widespread violence, forced displacement, destruction of property, and alleged systematic targeting of civilians continue to shape political and social conditions in Timor-Leste. While national institutions and the United Nations have initiated legal proceedings, significant concerns remain about the success, reach, and impartiality of existing accountability efforts. The Commission’s mandate to review these processes requires a comprehensive assessment of the facts, judicial responses, and remaining gaps obstructing justice and reconciliation. I. Major Unanswered Questions for the Commission To establish a clear record and inform future recommendations, the Commission may consider examining the following outstanding issues: · Command Responsibility and Coordination of Violence o What degree of coordination existed between militia groups and elements of the Indonesian security system before, during, and after the referendum? o Were acts of violence spontaneous or premeditated, and what evidence exists to clarify planning or intent? · Accountability and Judicial Adequacy o Have national, regional, and international judicial mechanisms sufficiently identified and prosecuted those bearing the greatest responsibility? o What structural or legal gaps have prevented the prosecution of key suspects, particularly individuals outside Timor-Leste’s jurisdiction? · Cross-Border Dynamics o To what extent do developments in West Timor, including the presence of displaced populations and militia elements, continue to affect accountability efforts? o What role can regional cooperation play in facilitating justice and witness access? · Victim and Witness Inclusion o Have victims and displaced people been adequately included in accountability and truth- seeking processes? o What further measures are necessary to ensure safe, meaningful participation? The answers to these questions will likely influence the Commission’s evaluation of the adequacy of past prosecutions and its recommendations for future mechanisms. II. Obstacles to Fulfilling the Mandate Several challenges may disrupt the Commission’s work and the pursuit of justice more widely: · Limited Jurisdiction and Political Constraints: Some suspects remain outside Timor-Leste, making prosecution dependent on cooperation and extradition structures. · Institutional Capacity: Judicial and investigative bodies, though progressing, continue to face resource and expertise limitations. · Witness Protection and Security: Fear of retaliations may disrupt testimony, particularly for individuals living in vulnerable communities or across the border. · Incomplete Evidence: Passage of time, displacement of communities, and destruction of records complicate efforts to verify events and assign responsibility. · Diplomatic Sensitivities: The bilateral relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia affects the political environment surrounding accountability efforts. The Commission may consider ways to encourage cooperation, increase protection mechanisms, and support institutional capacity as part of its recommendations. III. Potential Witnesses, Experts, and Information Needs To address remaining gaps, the Commission may hear from: · Timor-Leste Judicial and Government Officials: To clarify the status, limitations, and achievements of domestic prosecutions. · United Nations Mission Personnel (UNTAET / UNMISET): To provide insight into early investigative efforts and transitional justice measures. · Human Rights Organizations and NGO Observers: To supply documentation, field reports, and patterns of violations. · Victim and Displacement Representatives: To ensure firsthand accounts inform the factual record and highlight ongoing needs. · Regional and Legal Experts: To advise on cross-border issues, international cooperation, and accountability options. Each category of witness can help verify facts, assess judicial performance, and guide improvements. IV. Suggested Lines of Inquiry Going Forward The Commission may: · Compare findings from national and international proceedings to identify gaps in accountability. · Clarify the roles and chains of command associated with the 1999 violence. · Assess protection and participation mechanisms for victims and witnesses. · Examine pathways for increased regional and international cooperation in ongoing or future prosecutions. Conclusion To fulfill its mandate, the Commission must establish a verified factual record, evaluate the adequacy of existing accountability mechanisms, and propose realistic recommendations that support justice, stability, and reconciliation. Through impartial investigation, cooperation with key actors, and careful consideration of remaining obstacles, the Commission can contribute to a more complete and enduring foundation for the rule of law in Timor-Leste. | |
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