Position paper for Nigeria
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| During the Cold War era, the space race was dominated by both the United States and the
Soviet Union, culminating in the moon landing—a significant victory for humanity. Now the
space race has shifted from domination to a friendly competition for innovation and the
betterment of society. Many Member States around the world have been investing in Space
programs recently.
Nigeria has seven active satellites launched with the assistance of both the Russian and Chinese space programs. Nigeria is actively working on launching its own Nigerian- manufactured satellite. As more countries enter space, a new risk is posed—space debris. Satellites or space products can pose a potential risk to civilians if they land in urban areas. All Member States must adhere to the 1972 Convention on Liability for Damage to Space Objects and comply with its provisions under the 1974 Convention on Registration of Space Objects. As technology advances, it is time to set new rules that allow for continued innovation while also preventing the risk of space debris. Much of the threat of space debris falls in the hands of private non-state space organizations that operate with fewer regulations. More restrictions must be placed on these non-state organizations while also allowing them to continue innovating. A new risk is also posed by anti-satellite weapons (ASATs). Member States should have the right to develop these weapons, but their use should be minimal. The active testing of ASAT weapons also poses a significant risk of space debris to other Member States' satellites should they be shot down. We must ensure that space remains a place for friendly competition and innovation while protecting against space pollution and debris. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| With the advancement of technology, the production of small arms is becoming increasingly
affordable. Since 2001, there have been attempts to tackle its illegal trade through
regulations such as the UN Program of Action (UNPoA). Additionally, the International
Tracing Instrument (ITI), designed to track small arms in 2005, was created to reduce the
likelihood of weapons produced by governments falling into the hands of unauthorized
individuals. Nigeria itself has been a supporter of the UNPoA, the first African state to ratify
the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty.
Arms getting into the hands of non-state actors like terrorist organizations, separatist groups, and criminal organizations is a significant issue. Nigeria is actively working on combating the trade of arms to Boko Haram. Combatting the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons requires us to tackle the problems of proper or efficient tracking and making sure these weapons do not land in the hands of non-State actors. Though mechanisms and tools for monitoring have been used in the past, specifically with the ITI, there must be continual advancements of the technology used to track small arms, in turn necessitating the increase of funding for said tools that all States can benefit from. Additionally, there must be a focus on areas of active conflict to prevent further harm to human life through strengthening regional organizations focused on reducing the ease with which illicit trade occurs in black markets. Further regional cooperation needs to take place in West Africa to prevent the spread of small arms to extremist groups in the region. Member States in active conflict zones must have an active seat at the table in the monitoring and prevention of arms entering the region. Pushing for funding from major global organizations includes the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), both of which address continuous funding for disarmament and facilitate more efficient tracking of weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Since its founding, the United Nations (UN) has played an important role in developing
globalization and interdependence through establishment of common goals, mutual aid, and
international cooperation significantly improving the global economy and standards of living
in several Member States. However, several existing barriers in development like rising
inequality, poor labor conditions, pollution, corruption, and debt overshadow benefits of
globalization. Additionally, systemic challenges like conflicts, diseases, lack of access to
education, and dependency on resources prevent developing states from full participation in
the global economy. Nigeria remains committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive
development. We believe addressing these issues through collaborative common efforts
would uplift the socio-economic well-being of the world.
The last Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 “Partnerships For The Goals,” cannot be completed without the cooperation of Member States and a striving for globalization and interdependency. Nigeria is implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTFA) and, with the United Nations Development Programme, has launched a Market Access Tool to guide businesses in meeting export requirements, which represents 95% of Nigerian businesses employing 75% of the workforce. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council supports businesses through incentives such as the Export Expansion Grant and Export Development Fund, while initiatives like an intra-African air cargo corridor reduce delivery times and costs. In addition, we are promoting and improving exports in agro- processing and textiles to increase global competitiveness. To achieve development, Nigeria firstly calls on Member States to improve access to global markets by reducing the number of trade barriers like tariffs, license requirements, quotas, and targeted subsidies that distort global markets. Secondly, provide access to financing, training, and technical assistance to build trade skills and support developing countries to grow new industries. Lastly, to cooperate with global and regional organizations and support regional trade agreements such as the AfCFTA. Nigeria believes that through these practices, the UN can foster the economy and overall well-being of the world. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The impacts of climate change can be seen all throughout the world, with an estimated 99%
of the world breathing in polluted air. The Federal Republic of Nigeria became the first
African nation to join the BreatheLife Network. This network can greatly improve the air
quality, thus improving the quality of life for many Nigerian citizens. The Federal Republic of
Nigeria has been a part of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2012, this is due
to the impacts we are already facing from climate change.
Along with the impacts of climate change, Nigerian citizens are deeply impacted by food inflation. Over 46% of Nigerian citizens live below the poverty line. The increase in the price of food, due to the 2022 floods, disproportionately impacts poor citizens who spend 70% of their income on food. After the change in administration in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with help from the World Bank, performed macroeconomic reforms aimed at restoring growth and stability to the country. Nigeria has pledged to achieve a 20% unconditional reduction in greenhouse emissions and a 47% conditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Nigerian Government has implemented the Climate Change Act of Nigeria as of 2021, this was created to drive the country in the correct direction towards a net zero. Nigeria is on the correct track to meet our Paris Agreement Goal by 2030. Observing the effects and impacts of climate change globally, the Federal Republic of Nigeria calls upon its Member States to boost the enforcement of air quality regulations and cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. Nigeria supports the Paris Agreement by urging Member States to implement further measures to ensure the Paris Agreement goals are reached. Additionally, Nigeria also hopes to further collaborate with the World Bank and other organizations in their efforts to provide economic assistance for Member States experiencing hardship. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Self-determination is a concept that is rich and deep with many forms—such as internal or
external. Nigeria has seen issues arising from this disconnect plaguing our homeland, where
murky definitions have allowed for cries of secession and infighting to prosper, leaving us
uncertain and in disarray. This problem is amplified for smaller countries, where this
disconnect rages even more heavily. Nigeria stands firmly in support of internal self-
determination: the rights of individuals to set and pursue their own political, economic,
social, and cultural goals. However, externally, we believe that these acts of expression
should work in accordance to certain guidelines laid down by the United Nations so as to
avoid conflict and violence.
Articles 1(2) and 55 of the UN Charter for human rights lay down the groundwork for the requirement of friendly relations between nations and the conditions required to do so. Considering how important these articles are to maintaining international peace, they still have major inadequacies. Furthermore, during the appalling anti-apartheid struggle, Nigeria advocated that liberation movements for self-determination cannot count as terrorist movements, something that is now part of an international standard. Moreover, we are also a member of numerous regional and international agreements concerning internal self- determination, and our constitution guarantees that all are entitled to freedom of expression, the ability to have and share opinions, and operate media. Nigeria is in complete support of internal self-determination, and proposes amendments to Articles 1(2) and 55 in the UN Charter, urging them to provide definitions that do not so blatantly contradict. Accordingly, we encourage this body to collaborate with the Secretary General to review the needed changes and to develop specialized recommendations addressing such concerns. Countries will continue to fester in societal unrest without these changes, making it a requirement for future longevity. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Women and girls in rural areas face complex, systemic inequalities: high poverty rates, lack
of economic/leadership opportunities, violence, healthcare, and access to effective,
continuous education. In Nigeria, over 10.5 million children are not currently in school, 60%
of whom are from northern regions—the most rural areas of the country. Rural women face
higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Poverty, reproductive health issues, and lack
of economic and leadership opportunities further set back the possibilities for improved
lives for rural females. However, education is key to promoting advocacy against IPV,
allowing them to develop competitive skills for the workplace, in turn reducing their chances
of teen pregnancy/marriages and increasing civic engagement.
Noting the importance of education for young people, global action has been taken to increase access to education. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 26 declares the right of all peoples to an education. 1979 saw the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in which Article 10 requires all States to eliminate discrimination against women and girls in education. In 1989, Nigeria ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which requires State parties to make primary education compulsory for all children, including girls. Nigeria has increased educational access for girls; in our Constitution, primary education is universally free and mandatory. Nigeria supports efforts to increase education in rural areas by improving educational infrastructure: mobile classrooms, radio schools, and evening classes. Further, Nigeria encourages States to follow UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework and adopt programs like the FAO’s Farmer Field School initiative that merge field school models with literacy, numeracy, history, and human rights education. Nigeria also values fostering community-led initiatives, in collaboration with UNICEF’S child rights education programs, to promote awareness of the long-term value of schooling and protect children from abuse. Further, Nigeria believes introducing improved technologies through UNDP- supported capacity building projects can reduce child labor and increase household incomes. At the same time, enforcing laws against IPV and child marriage, supported by UNICEF’s child protection initiatives, can safeguard girls’ rights and future opportunities. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| Our oceans are facing unprecedented threats due to human activity. As a coastal country,
Nigeria relies on the ocean for food, trade, and livelihoods. The rising sea levels, pollution,
and degradation of marine ecosystems jeopardize our communities. If these threats remain
unaddressed, the effects will irreversibly alter the biodiversity of our planet, destroying a
vital resource. It is the international community's responsibility to take action to reverse the
damage we have inflicted upon it; we must act now before further damage is done.
Nigeria applauds the global efforts that have been made thus far, particularly the recent ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), a landmark global initiative to preserve, protect, and sustainably use the high seas. Nigeria has taken steps to protect ocean health within our borders: the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management established plans to phase out single-use plastics and to provide proper plastic waste management infrastructure. Nigeria has partnered with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on environmental protection and sustainability through policy development. Nigeria calls on the global community to act through international cooperation. This is an international issue, and without global cooperation, we cannot create meaningful and lasting change. We advocate for the ratification of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across all Member States in order to conserve biodiversity, restore marine ecosystems, and build resilience against climate change. The current MPAs can be improved upon through increased marine research, the use of advanced satellite monitoring systems to prevent illegal activity, and the exchange of technological expertise among Member States. Nigeria advocates for the adoption of a circular economy to extend the life of plastic materials through novel uses of plastic, like ecobricks, plastic-infused recycled asphalt, and artificial fuel, to combat plastic pollution with the goal of reducing plastic pollution while promoting sustainable development | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Nigeria is facing one of the toughest humanitarian crises as according to the UN Crisis Relief,
31 million Nigerians experience food insecurity and 3.5 million children are at risk of severe
malnutrition. This has been worsened by armed conflicts, natural disasters such as flooding,
rising prices, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Nigeria recognizes that this is only one
of the many humanitarian crises occurring globally, therefore we are calling for more
comprehensive solutions towards humanitarian crises.
Nigeria, alongside other Member States, has been working on assisting at the local level. Under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund works to support the most critical humanitarian needs—as defined in the Nigeria Humanitarian Needs Response Plan—by collaborating with dozens of trusted local NGOs and frontline responders who best understand different communities’ needs and can tailor humanitarian responses and efforts to the local conditions. Despite these efforts, however, the estimated number of people in need (PiN) has increased 27%, clearly highlighting the need of expanding the support to an international scale. Nigeria suggests several solutions to solve the current situation and to improve the sustainability of humanitarian aid. Firstly, the reduction in humanitarian aid funds must be reversed, given this unprecedented scale of the crisis. We also support solutions aimed at enhancing infrastructure to extreme weather events and for climate change. This will significantly contribute to Member States whose economies rely on agricultural stability and need food security. Alongside external financial support, Nigeria proposes the establishment of systems that allow people to be less dependent on food aid from outside sources. To achieve this, the international community should utilize resources for locally led initiatives to improve disaster management and building resilience to floods. We also advocate for the protection of humanitarian workers worldwide, so that humanitarian support will be properly delivered in an effective and sustainable way. Nigeria’s solution at an international level, including evaluating humanitarian funding, improving infrastructure, and protection of workers, will save lives and solve our cumulative crises. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The Federal Republic of Nigeria believes robust nuclear security is indispensable for
safeguarding nuclear materials and facilities from threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism,
and insider attacks. Nigeria is directly affected by some of these threats, with the last
cyberattack being in 2024 and the most recent terrorism attack by Boko Haram in 2025.
Securing nuclear facilities is crucial for global safety, particularly for Nigeria due to its
location in the Sahel and risk of terrorist attacks.
Since its 57-year IAEA membership, Nigeria has upheld international non-proliferation norms, ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and supported the Treaty of Pelindaba, affirming our anti-nuclear arms stance. From 2018-2019, Nigeria upgraded its nuclear facility surveillance systems. In 2020, the IAEA concluded that Nigeria has successfully fulfilled its safeguard obligations in the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocols. In 2023, Nigeria participated in International Physical Protection Advisory Missions of Nuclear Facilities, where good practices were identified, and in 2024 took steps to improve peaceful nuclear material storage security. Prospectively, Nigeria believes the 2026–2029 Nuclear Security Plan should prioritize cyber protection, insider threat management, and regional cooperation. Nigeria proposes working with the Division of Nuclear Security and the African Regional Cooperative Agreement (AFRA) to strengthen regional cybersecurity standards and establish shared intelligence systems. Nigeria supports expanding IAEA-led security training, creating a West African Nuclear Security Network to enhance security and ensure swift detection and recovery at nuclear sites. Furthermore, Nigeria encourages integrating the IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) with law enforcement systems, conducting annual cyber and physical threat response drills. Nigeria advocates for alliances in the region to spearhead these measures, contributing to the international community’s efforts to safeguard nuclear facilities and materials adequately. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| Nigeria believes that nuclear security must be a top priority. However, Nigeria also
acknowledges the value of nuclear science and technology applications, especially since
there are lots of global issues—from environmental or health-related to socio-economic—
that can be addressed in part through nuclear applications.
In 1976, the Nigerian government established the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) for all matters relating to the peaceful use of atomic energy. Through this, Nigeria has collaborated with international bodies, including the recent memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), to enhance nuclear cooperation in Africa under IAEA guidance. Nigeria believes that, with adequate nuclear security infrastructure in place, nuclear science can have useful applications to address various global issues. Nigeria supports more frequent Nuclear and Radiological Education and Training programs to provide a detailed evaluation of a Member State’s current nuclear capabilities with strategic planning for short, medium, and long-term development that accounts for safety, security, and sustainability of the technology. Furthermore, Nigeria intends to strengthen its collaboration with the IAEA through the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) by expanding participation in initiatives such as the expansion of NUTEC Plastics through enabling more research into nuclear techniques for plastic recycling, expanding collaboration, and boosting assistance for developing countries on safe implementation of nuclear technologies for monitoring microplastics. Nigeria also suggests greater investments into Africa-specific projects with the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI), like the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) for zoonotic disease outbreak surveillance and mitigation. These programs have demonstrated success across Africa, supporting water management in the Sahel, enhancing early detection of zoonotic diseases, and introducing radiation-based recycling methods. Through education, expanding regional cooperation, and promoting responsible technological use, Nigeria believes Member States can safely and effectively utilize nuclear science and technological applications to achieve global security and environmental sustainability. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| Nigeria believes in focusing on a holistic approach in order to prioritize a preventative
solution. This approach will consist of mobilizing the community, investing in education, and
reducing the poverty rate.
First, Nigeria hopes to directly involve the community in reducing the trade of illicit substances. Through local radio stations, newspapers, and social media, the population can stay up to date with important information. It provides citizens with the necessary knowledge so they can help their community. By providing local access to drug resources, Nigeria can help develop nationwide drug literacy. Since rural communities are often the most heavily impacted, Nigeria hopes to work with other Member States to create action plans through the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development to help rural communities. Next, Nigeria emphasizes the need to focus on expanding education surrounding the drug trade. Since many youth are affected, programs spreading awareness in schools is crucial. Additionally, counseling services in an educational setting are crucial to provide students with support. If youth are exposed to illicit substances, schools can create safe spaces to process adverse experiences and provide the next steps to rehabilitation. Lastly, Nigeria hopes to reduce the poverty rate. For many, the drug trade is a lucrative business that can help families who have no other income. By focusing on providing various jobs across multiple sectors, citizens can earn income without needing to resort to illicit activities. With expanding industries in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure, the government can help citizens find work that provides a more stable income. If citizens are given guidance in finding work, these efforts will contribute to a reduced drug trade throughout the nation. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation of Nigeria is deeply concerned by the deepening drug crisis. Worldwide, 275
million people have used illicit substances, and 36 million are facing addiction. The youth are
at particular risk of using due to a lack of opportunity and poverty, in addition to societal
pressures. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), 1 in 7
Nigerians used drugs in 2018. Drug use is also linked to genetic predisposition, increasing
the risk of addiction in certain communities.
Nigeria is committed to limiting the introduction of drugs into society, systematically countering drug supply chains across the world. We are also committed to being a regional leader in drug enforcement, increasing tracking capacity in addition to major drug seizures, as well as expediting cases, allowing justice to be served. In partnership with the United Nations and the European Union, Nigeria has created a balanced approach to the international drug trade, focusing on qualitative studies, while also supporting inter-ministry and intergovernmental cooperation. Nigeria supports a community-based approach to the drug crisis, specifically through the use of educational investments, school counseling, and increasing support and rehabilitation for addicts. By creating increasing awareness about drugs and the harm they pose, we hope to limit cases of experimentation. Nigeria supports partnering community-based rehabilitation centers in helping to eliminate stigma, in addition to providing adequate treatment, and mitigating the dangerous aspects of withdrawal. Additionally, providing clinics through these centers will help to treat other effects from drug use, such as heart issues, weight loss, dental issues, and pregnancy complications. Nigeria is committed to increasing its statistical gathering apparatuses, allowing for more comprehensive monitoring systems for global supply chains and in keeping illicit substances out of places where they could do harm. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Somalia |
| Paper text: | |
| Nigeria is deeply concerned with the collapse of Somalia and the consequences it will cause
throughout Africa. Clan warfare and famine after 1991 have caused millions of people to
suffer. Nigeria helped lead African efforts, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), to
preserve Somali unity and provide aid. In the 1991 OAU Council in Abuja, the Federal
Republic of Nigeria joined a resolution reaffirming “the indivisibility and territorial integrity”
of Somalia and calling for urgent humanitarian relief. In 1992, the OAU likewise urged all
factions to observe a ceasefire and to convene an inclusive national reconciliation
conference, while intensifying relief aid.
Nigeria strongly supports a joint UN and OAU approach that is both robust and Somali-led. Our UN Ambassador emphasised that the UN “should not simply ‘fold up’ and exit from Somalia”, for the credibility of the UN and the higher interests of the Somali people, UNOSOM II must help Somalis overcome their difficulties and rejoin the international community with dignity. Nigeria welcomed the Security Council’s strict arms embargo on weapons to Somalia and has repeatedly insisted that any withdrawal of troops must not abandon the Somali people. We stress that true peace and governance can only come from the Somali people, with international assistance facilitating dialogue and reconstruction. Nigeria calls for African leadership and coordination with the UN. We will work with the OAU’s Horn of Africa committee to ensure all parties join in peace talks. We urge the Council to focus on securing humanitarian corridors so relief reaches civilians, enforcing the arms embargo to prevent further inflows of weapons, protecting UN/African peacekeepers and aid workers, and supporting Somali-led political reconciliation. Nigeria also notes the strain on neighbouring States from refugee flows and urges the international community to help stabilise those economies. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Rwanda |
| Paper text: | |
| Nigeria believes the Rwandan crisis seriously threatens regional stability in Central Africa.
Rwanda has suffered from decades of ethnic conflict and violence between the Hutu and
Tutsi, and the 1990 invasion by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) escalated this conflict,
displacing thousands within the region. Even though the 1993 Arusha Accords have created
an agreed-upon framework for peace, their implementation is still fragile. Security Council
Resolution 872 (1993) established the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda
(UNAMIR) to oversee transitional governance and support the security provisions of the
Accords, with limited resources.
Nigeria is committed towards multilateral solutions that work towards peace. We stress the importance of full implementation of the Accords and support for democratic transition in Rwanda. We have consistently supported peacekeeping efforts and draw upon our experiences handling regional instability through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group. Additionally, we have supported humanitarian discussions in recognizing the strain from the flow of refugees entering neighbouring States. Further, we will continue advocating for international support to agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Nigeria recognizes the sovereignty of Rwanda and affirms that the international community cannot ignore continued human rights abuses and ethnic killings. We encourage all Rwandan parties to honor all commitments to the Accords and their guidance in power-sharing, democratic governance, and national reconciliation. African leadership must be at the forefront in resolving African conflicts, in partnership with the UN, and should be supported with the resources to take quick action. UNAMIR must be strengthened through expanding logistical and financial support to ensure UNAMIR can effectively monitor and assist in Rwanda. Early warning mechanisms need to be developed to monitor hate speech and incitement to violence in Rwanda, ensuring swift action should the peace agreement collapse. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | Topic 3 |
| Paper text: | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Inquiry on Darfur |
| Paper text: | |
| Having officially declared more than 70,000 deaths in the Darfur region, the formation of the
Commission of Inquiry is an important next step for the Security Council. In light of the
photos, stories, and data coming out of this conflict zone, the Commission’s investigation will
seek to determine if this situation should be classified as a genocide according to the
Genocide Convention of 1948. If evidence proves a genocide is being committed, the
Commission must name those responsible and their part in perpetrating this crime.
Additionally, the Commission needs to prioritize answering questions related to the funding
sources of all parties involved in the conflict, including militia and rebel groups. Finally,
accountability, justice, and security measures should be taken to address the protection of
the vulnerable civilians and the promotion of human rights.
However, the Commission faces obstacles of security, transparency, and access in effectively reporting on the conditions. The violence has become so severe that it is not safe in some areas for the UN and other organizations to operate. Furthermore, the lack of transparency from actors will limit access to information and on-the-ground movement. In attempting to address these obstacles, the Committee should ask the Council to increase security funding and urge the negotiation of a temporary ceasefire or humanitarian pause to allow investigations to be conducted. In addressing transparency, the Commission can urge the Council to pass resolutions emphasizing the responsibility of Member States to cooperate with investigations. A diversity of interviews need to be conducted to paint a complete, neutral picture of the situation. Firstly, the Sudanese government is a key party that should be represented, as they can provide information surrounding their perspective on the violence and their relationship with the Janjaweed Militias. Next, representatives of the militias and rebel groups, although difficult to access, can provide valuable information. Additionally, NGOs, regional blocs and allies, and the African Union, actively working on a peace deal, will be necessary experts. Finally, witnesses including victims, refugees, displaced persons, and workers need to testify. Their perspectives and first-person accounts of events will help the commission determine exactly what has happened. | |
| 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: | |
| After the people of East Timor decisively determined their independence in a 1999 UN-
administered referendum vote, violence from pro-Indonesian militias, backed by the
Indonesian Military, commenced. This violence took the form of infrastructure destruction,
killings, and mass displacement. The major unanswered questions come from concerns
about the efficacy of the judicial processes used by the Indonesian Ad Hoc Human Rights
Court on East Timor in prosecuting those believed to be responsible for the violence. If the
Commission determines that the trials did not meet international standards, the
Commission must then investigate the obstacles that hindered fair trials. These questions
impact the resolution by requiring strengthened accountability in the future and delivering
justice to the victims.
The Commission is limited by jurisdiction and resources: complications are standing in the way of the Commission’s investigation, namely a lack of transparency and cooperation from the government of Indonesia. The Commission can ask the Security Council to engage in diplomatic conversations with regional blocs and Member States friendly to Indonesia and to pass resolutions highlighting the responsibility of States in cooperating with investigations. Additionally, increasing public transparency is a useful tool to pressure Indonesia to fully cooperate. It would be valuable to have representatives from the governments of Indonesia, East Timor, and other regional Member States involved. After receiving different answers from the above-mentioned parties, hearing each government's perspectives on the evidence of ineffective trials will better inform the Security Council of the problem. Representatives from the militias and the Indonesian Military should also be interviewed. Neutral experts from regional blocs like ASEAN, NGOs, and those affiliated with the UN during the referendum and following conflict could help conclude whether sentences applied to alleged perpetrators are accurate. Finally, witnesses including victims, the families of victims, and those who directly witnessed the fallout from the referendum should be interviewed to provide first-person testimonials. | |
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