asean positionpapers
TRANSCRIPT
ASEAN
Position Papers
Topic A:
Human Trafficking in South East Asia
Committee: ASEAN committee Topic: Human trafficking in South East Asia Country: The Republic of Indonesia School/University: SRM University ( ILS law college) Delegate Name: Harshavardhan Ganesan
The Republic of Indonesia is a victim, rather than a conspirator, in the dark world of human trafficking. Human trafficking has been defined by the Palermo Protocol, and also the TVPA( both of which has been signed and ratified by Indonesia), and there is no doubt that it is a serious threat to peace in the world today. South east Asia is of special interest, as there are a large number of individuals trafficked, including many women and children. Indonesia, is said to be a source country, which has individuals who migrate to other countries in search of labour, only to be cheated and forced to work in hazardous conditions. The source of the problem is two-‐fold, firstly it is because of the illegal activites of labor recruiting companies (PJTKIs) , and secondly because labour laws are not stringent enough. The PJTKIs are labour recruiting organisations, which take part in both legal and illegal activities, causing a difficulty in identifying the nature of the organisations, secondly, as compared to other nations, Indonesia does not believe that the borders need to be more tightly enforced, and border laws more stringent, rather Indonesia believes that the labour laws need to be made more stringent.
Indonesia has taken many steps to address these problems, both internally and externally. Internally, The Indonesian government made efforts to prevent human trafficking . The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection continued to chair the national task force on trafficking, which included working group sub-‐units on coordination, policy, and other areas. The Indonesian government has also worked in terms of increasing awareness of the same through public service announcements, and identifying districts and schools which require particular attention. Externally, Indonesia is ranked a Tier 2 country, by Trafficking in persons report by the United States, additionally we have signed and ratified many protocols, such as the Palermo protocol, TVPA, United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, etc. Indonesia has also played a major role in ASEAN, towards combating human trafficking, particularly in the South East Asia region. The Bali Process is another example of the dedication shown by Indonesia in solving the problem of Human Trafficking
Therefore the Republic of Indonesia believes that it is only through co-‐
operation and co-‐ordination that South East Asian countries can solve the problem of Human Trafficking, for Individual nations with myopic thinking cannot solve the issue. It is necessary to create a strong resolution, which is a long terms solution and a model legislation as suggested by Indonesia in the Bali Process, to eradicate Human Trafficking.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: 2. “Human Trafficking: The Humanitarian and Security Crisis” Country: The Philippines School/ University: Kapodistrian University of Athens Delegate Name: Fathie Oues
The Philippines, as part of Asean, continues to address human trafficking, an issue that plagues all countries of this organization and has many ramifications on the socio-‐economic situation of all Asean countries. The definition of trafficking appeared several years ago, if we consider the definition of human trafficking adopted by the Palermo Protocol, we can essentially trace it back to the Trans-‐Atlantic Slave Trade. An important role was played by immigration in the escalation of this phenomenon which has begun since the 1980s. Within this context of large-‐ scale labor migration, distinctively different processes of trafficking have developed through specialized agencies or informal networks. Yet, trafficking in the Philippines does not only take place within the context of international labor migration, but also for the purpose of marriage, the local sex industry and for commercial adoption or sexual exploitation of children. The first agreement was superseded by the 1949 United Nations Convention for the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.
Globally the Asia Pacific region is seen as the most vulnerable region for trafficking because of its huge population pyramid, growing urbanization, and extensive poverty. Despite these, the Philippines have also signed Memoranda of Understandings (MOUS) with key destination countries to protect migrant workers. Despite these achievements, more attention needs to be paid to the enforcement of policies and criminal prosecution. International Initiatives have been done are: United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (adopted 2000) -‐-‐Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children -‐-‐Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air.
These two protocols form part of what is known as the Palermo Protocols (the third one being against illicit arms trafficking). The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes is responsible for their implementation. As far as international initiatives are concerned, this is the most pertinent one. Key International Players: UN, UNODC, International Organization for Migration, USAID, The Asia Foundation, Aus AID, CARAM and numerous regional NGOs. There has been a growing realization of the link between migration and trafficking and governments are attempting to address this. The most pertinent point that countries have failed to address effectively is the question of regulated labor migration. The promotion of this element is necessary within a resolution. A more inherent issue, which is hindering antihuman trafficking law enforcement, is the corruption amongst law enforcement officials. Sometimes influential government officials are in human trafficking rackets, which primarily focus and the sex industry due to its lucrative nature. Furthermore, the gaps in knowledge, and in certain situations, lack of political will: there is a need to train law enforcement officials to make them better versed with existing laws and issue itself. There is no point in having laws if those in charge of implementing them do not understand them.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia: The Humanitarian and Security Crisis. Country: Malaysia School/University: Hult International Business School Delegate Name: Nicolas Florez Malaysia acknowledges that human trafficking is a crime against humanity. Any victim of human trafficking will have physical and emotional scars and thus this is an act of exploitation, human degradation and coercion that should be punished by law. Malaysia’s vision is to become a country free from human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. The Anti-‐Trafficking in Persons Act was implemented in 2007 to stop the increasingly rampant human trafficking and smuggling of migrants’ activity. The result was a stronger legal system increasing the number of convictions. Moreover, Malaysia has signed the Palermo Protocol; ASEAN declaration against trafficking in persons; ASEAN vision 2020; ASEAN declaration against transnational crime; plus various Memorandums of Understanding MOUS all align in the goal of protecting the rights of migrants and make them less vulnerable to trafficking. Malaysia mission is to prevent and combat human trafficking and smuggling of migrants through systematic and consistent enforcement of the laws.
Committee: Association of Southeast Asian States Topic: Human Trafficking in SE Asia – the Humanitarian & Security Crisis Country: Democratic Republic of Timor-‐Leste School/University: Maastricht University Delegate Name: Daniel Khachab The Democratic Republic of Timor-‐Leste (DTL) is a destination country for women from Indonesia, Thailand, the People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, and the Philippines trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, and a destination for men from Burma trafficked for the purpose of forced labor. Timor-‐Leste has a growing internal trafficking problem, mainly women and children lured to Dili (Capital) from rural areas or camps for internally displaced persons with offers of employment and subsequently forced into prostitution. Transnational traffickers, who may be members of organized crime syndicates, typically recruit and control their victims through fraud and psychological coercion. Although the scope of the human trafficking problem is relatively small in Timor-‐Leste when compared to other countries in South East Asia, it has the potential to increase if proper measures are not put in place now to combat trafficking. Accordingly, DTL is working to combat human trafficking through it’s participation in the inter-‐agency Trafficking Working Group. DTL has also just submitted a joint proposal with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to conduct extensive training and awareness-‐raising on the issue, including the provision of ad hoc shelter and return support for trafficking victims. As an observer state of the ASEAN the DTL promote to involve the complete South East Asian region into a resolution of the committee since the main issue of DTL is being a destination country for human trafficking.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking Country: People’s Republic of China School/University: University of Cambridge Delegate Name: Francesca Kapfer-‐Gill
The People’s Republic of China is making substantial efforts to combat Human Trafficking in the South East Asian region. Since April 2009, nationwide policing has solved more than 39,000 human trafficking cases, apprehended 4,885 criminal gangs and saved 14,600 children and 24,800 women. However, China recognises that, in the face of more organised and more professional cross-‐border human trafficking, there is more that must be done and it is imperative that the international community cooperates. China therefore welcomes collaboration with partners in the region to secure borders and share information about trafficking syndicates so that criminals can be punished, and help and support can be offered to victims.
The UN protocol to “Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons” has helped China implement its own Anti-‐trafficking Action Plan and has facilitated cooperation with neighbouring countries. China therefore encourages all remaining member states to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime so that all countries in the region may present a visible united front against such a terrible practice.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking Country: Cambodia School/University: University of Hull Delegate name: Reem Hamad Human trafficking continues to increase throughout the world as a threat to destroy communities and the integrity of people. In the kingdom of Cambodia human trafficking emerged as a priority issue in the 1990s and has increased exponentially since then. Thus, the government work with national and international institutions to identify combating human trafficking as one of its priorities for 2006-‐2010 governmental plan, noting the particular vulnerability of women and the need to improve legal frameworks. In this regard, the Cambodian National Assembly passed a law on the suppression of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, giving police and courts a more efficient legal framework. On the international cooperation, Cambodia signed a Declaration against Trafficking in Persons Particularly Women and Children in 2004 as a member of ASEAN. As well as the ASEAN Declaration against Transnational Crime, and the ASEAN Vision 2020. Moreover, Cambodia launched a Child Sex Tourism Prevention Program in partnership with US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and World Vision Organization. Cambodia is striving to strengthen national and regional efforts to combat human trafficking in a four part response:
• Prevention of human trafficking · • Protection of trafficking victims, including return and reintegration
support. • Prosecution of traffickers through the facilitation of an appropriate
criminal justice response; and • Policy on human trafficking, including support for the development of
comprehensive and multi-‐sectoral policy approaches.
Topic: Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia Committee: ASEAN Country: Brunei Darussalam Delegate: Mr. Alexander Steffen University: Vienna University of Economics and Business
1. Brunei’s principles: The State of Brunei Darussalam and our Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah believe in fundamental values that grant all people the ability to live their life in dignity and safety. We therefore live Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that 'no one shall be held in slavery or servitude' and that 'slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.' This remarks the challenges the region of Southeast Asia currently faces with regards to human trafficking.
2. The aim to achieve progress:We intend to achieve in this committee a consensus that will benefit the citizens of each member country and ASEAN as a whole. We therefore intend to put emphasis on achieving an effective common goal rather than individual projects which potentially fail to deliver the desired effects. In the past there has been unequal progress among the ASEAN countries. In the future there needs to be a collective attempt to fight the humanitarian problem of human trafficking. Our mission as a country which is composed of 68% immigrants is to promote the creation of a strategy that allows for the regulated but legal movement between all member countries and the reduction of factors that facilitate human trafficking and the exploitation of people.
3. Action plan :Being a Tier 2 country in terms of actions and a nation with
lesser pressure of humanitarian injustice in the region it is Brunei’s responsibility to assist all partners in the fight against human trafficking. We plan to push forward ASEAN’s previous achievements in this matter while assisting those nations that struggle with implementing effective strategies for a strong and unified ASEAN. We aim to achieve both with the following points:
1. Initiating open discussions about currently disclosed or dormant topics 2. Providing training to law enforcement staff to allow responsible and
sustainable persecution 3. Providing incentives to law enforcement officers to reduce corruption 4. Providing education to the citizens of Brunei Darussalam for better awareness
of the issues especially in terms of outlining the range of profiles of victims (not only girls)
5. Providing assistance to victims of human trafficking to regain worthwhile living conditions
6. Establishment of laws which improve the situation by limiting the possibilities for criminals
7. Inviting rather apathetic nations to join the table of action
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia -‐ the Humanitarian and Security Crisis Country: Singapore School/University: Royal Holloway, University of London Delegate name: Morgane Griveaud Singapore, as a signatory to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and to the ASEAN Declaration Against Trafficking in Persons Particularly Women and Children, condemns all actions related to human trafficking. By the latter the Republic of Singapore understands illegal trade of human beings, that includes selling, buying, or obtaining possession of any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution, as well as wrongful restraint and confinement of an individual, kidnapping and abducting a person for the purpose of forced labour or prostitution. Such actions carried out by false pretence, false representation, or fraudulent or deceitful means are punishable by law under the Singaporean Penal Code, Women's Charter and the Children and Young Person's Act. Singapore comprehends the urgency of the matter as a regional humanitarian and security crisis. The government has been trying to manage the issue locally by preventing the entry of illegal immigrants, vulnerable to unlawful compulsory labour, by enforcing strict immigration policies and legislation, and by assisting foreign workers with understanding their employment rights and responsibilities in Singapore, as well as providing contact information for reporting complaints to labor authorities. Our government has also been offering anti-‐trafficking training opportunities to the Singapore Police Force. Singapore has been facing some forced labour issues, especially regarding boys and men on fishing boats which, even if they embark from our country's port, do not fall under our jurisdiction and hence our government is simply not capable of acting in that matter. Thus, we understand how regional assistance might be helpful in some case. Therefore Singapore calls upon ASEAN members to take deterring and preventive measures to decrease the flow of human trade, keeping in mind that such measures should not affect national policies and disturb national social plans. Amongst other actions that could be taken, the principle ones should involve improving workers' social conditions in some countries so that they are not forced into migration, enforcing migration laws to prevent illegal workers and establishing severe penalties in order to punish perpetrators of human trafficking, recognising the benefit that it will deter others from trading human beings in the future.
Committee: Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Topic: Human trafficking in Southeast Asia-‐ the humanitarian and security Country: Republic of Korea School: University of Manchester Delegate name: Alice Wooree Ko Republic of Korea (ROK), as an observer to this ASEAN committee, is sincerely symphathised with on-‐going ‘Trafficking labour exploitation.’ Based on ‘International Council on Social Welfare’ (ICSW) 2007 report on ‘Trafficking and Related Labour Exploitation in the ASEAN region’ gives more concern on both the areas where human trafficking is still widely bypassed and the volatile regions where the cross-‐border mobility of labour is increasingly growing although their movement of new integration cannot oversee the labour market. Moreover South Korea is aware of people who have been migrating from the origin of home country to another country intend to seek their new lives, including personal, economical and political purposes. Among these people, a large number of people also do ultimately migrate to reach South Korea at the end for their own values of reasons. So even though this country is not bound to any obligations or the rights of intervening into sovereign matters, South Korea is willing to participate actively in those two severe regions, Mekong (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand) and the Malay archipelago (Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia) regions. Based on current responses from ASEAN, South Korea understands the potential of the labour market in Southeast Asia would improve so much more in terms of preventing further human trafficking victims who escape or leave the origins of the countries on their dreams, plans or purposes.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking in South East Asia-‐ the Humanitarian and Security Crisis Country: Japan University: University of Oxford Delegate Name: Oleri Galope Japan is committed in helping our neighbours in the ASEAN region in tackling the problem of Human Trafficking. We are aware of Japan’s position as a destination for human trafficking and determined in putting an end to this problem. The Japanese government has already facilitated the distribution of over 500,000 copies of a brochure in many languages for trafficking victims and over 25,000 that describe the link between prostitution and sex trafficking. Furthermore, the government has donated $2 million to the ILO for anti-‐trafficking efforts in Thailand and the Philippines. Our government is in the process of making a comprehensive plan in combatting human trafficking within the country and recognises that the only way human trafficking can be reduced is by tackling the problem from the source, by cooperating with ASEAN governments and providing much needed assistance. It is therefore in the interest of Japan that a resolution be passed in this committee, one which is comprehensive in its substance, where countries are committed to implementing a coordinated programme, where information will be shared, and enforcement of law is guaranteed.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Human Trafficking Country: Papua New Guinea University: University of Bath Name: Carl Coppernoll-‐Houston Human trafficking is a horrible phenomenon that hurts thousands of people around the world, but especially in South East Asia. Papua New Guinea has been especially hard hit, with many of our young men, women, and children being abducted to become sex slaves or work slaves. This must stop. We as the countries of South East Asia cannot sit ideally by as thousands of people suffer. It is our duty to put an end to this. It is Papua New Guinea’s belief that this problems stems from the difficulty of people travel freely and legally. Therefore this committee should focus on making this legal transportation of people easier so that free citizens don’t turn to other means to get from one country to another. While Papua New Guinea hasn’t made very much progress on this problem, it feels that this is more the responsibility of the collective community then of the individual country. Therefore we will be supporting discussions that look at what we as a community of countries can do to stop this problem together.
Topic B:
Terrorism and Civil Unrest in South East Asia
Committee: ASEAN committee Topic: Terrorism and Civil Unrest Country: The Republic of Indonesia School/University: SRM University ( ILS law college) Delegate Name: Harshavardhan Ganesan The Republic of Indonesia, one of the major countries in the ASEAN committee, has faced the brunt of terrorist attacks in the past decade. The number of individuals killed in the Bali bombings, the Marriot Hotel and the Australian Embassy are vicious attacks on Indonesia, resulting purely from Indonesia’s willingness and close relations to Western Nations. Indonesia has shown its commitment in implementing international legal stipulations on eradication of terrorism and so far has ratified 7 and 16 related international instruments related to terrorism. The steps Indonesia has taken to sign and ratify several of these international conventions is also part of the implementation follow-‐up of the UN Security Council resolution number. 1373 which requests, among others, that all country members of the UN sign and ratify international conventions on eradication of terrorism. Of 16 international instruments related to prevention of terrorism, Indonesia is party to 7 instruments as follows: (1) 1963 Convention of Offences and Certain Other Act Committed on Board Aircraft; (2) 1970 Convention on Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft; (3) 1971 Convention of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation; (4) 1980 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material; (5) 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorism Financing; (6) 1997 International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings; (7) Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). Internally, after the Bali bombings and attacks on the Australian Embassy, Indonesia, under the able guidance of American Counter-‐terrorist forces and Australia, has formed the Anti-‐terrorist squad known as Detachment 88. Detachment 88 has been highly successful against the Islamic terrorist organisation, Jemmah Islamiya, which was the group which orchestrated the various bombings in Indonesia. With regards Civil Unrest, Indonesia is currently working for peaceful negotiations with the Free Aceh Movement. Though in the past, Indonesia has been forced to resort to force against papa new guinea, and east timor, it believes that peaceful negotiations are the only way in order to solve issues of civil unrest.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: 1.“Terrorism and Civil Unrest in Southeast” Country: Philippines School/University: Kappodistrian University of Athens Delegate Name: Fathie Oues A fairly contentious issue that predominates in the Philippines country and is of immediate interest is the resolution of terror and civil unrest. This resolution can be defined according to a scale, ranging from outright civil war on the one hand and to peaceful nonviolent protest on the other and may be a response to social, political or economic conditions, or more likely, a combination of the above factors. The Philippines believe that its eradication is not only an essential step towards reaching an individual state affairs, but also a global problem will be solved because the area of Asean is the source of the starting point and spread of terrorism throughout the world. Undoubtedly, our region is particularly attractive to terrorism. The literature refers to ASEA nations as ‘countries of convenience’ for terrorists for several reasons, such as: historical links between major terrorist organizations (Al-‐Qaeda) and Southeast Asia began as early as the 1980s; domestic insurgencies and ideological similarities allow for easier terrorist penetration of home-‐ grown organizations; a network of Islamic charities and poorly regulated banks are coupled with money-‐laundering practices and corruption to make financing easier for terrorist groups. Also, terrorism and civil unrest in the region differ dramatically from country. It is escalating due to the fact that nations have porous borders and lax immigration laws. This accompanied with large tracts of isolated areas for training camps, with little government control over outlying provinces. Specifically the main organisations include: the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro Nationalist Liberation Front (MNLF) and Abu Sayyaf. Asean (therefore the Philippines) has carried out various measures in combating terrorism. Key initiatives to note include: 1. ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism: issued at the 7th ASEAN Summit (Brunei 2001) in the immediate shadow of September 11th, the Declaration endorsed the convening of a Special Senior Officials Meeting on Terrorism and a Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Terrorism. 2. Special Senior Officials Meeting on Terrorism and the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Terrorism: both meetings occurred in 2002 and identified future programmes and initiatives regarding intelligence exchange, training workshops, and the possible review of laws and legislation with a view towards harmonisation. 3. The Bali Concord II: adopted at the 9th ASEAN Summit in Bali, 2003, the Concord stipulates the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2020. The ASEAN Community includes an ASEAN Security Community, which seeks to enhance "ASEAN-‐wide political and security cooperation". 4. The ASEAN Convention on Counter-‐Terrorism: adopted at Cebu, in the Philippines, 2007, the Convention identifies thirteen specific areas of cooperation for ASEAN nations in the fight against terrorism.
5. The ASEAN Political-‐Security Community (APSC): a Blueprint for the APSC was adopted at the 14th ASEAN Summit, Thailand, 2009. It accelerates the plan for the APSC to be in place by 2015 and is built on principles of comprehensive security, including diverse issues ranging from conflict prevention and information sharing to humanitarian assistance and eradicating corruption. The state has received monitoring and control measures to mitigate the issue which seems from the present situation that has not been resolved. There are many obstacles involved: the lack of a strong record on human rights and democratic freedoms; the increasing spread of radical Islam because of the education (as Abuza, 2003, claims 35 out of 1600 madrasahs are state-‐controlled); civilian government of corruption turn a blind eye so as to evade capturing terrorists; the financing of Jihad and other terrorist organizations together with the weakness of the state to control the arms trade. The promotion of the last mentioned element is necessary for a resolution. They must cut off monetary and weapon supplies. The major obstacle which complicates the act of settlement is the lack of information and resources in general, especially immigration which facilitates the regional of terrorism. There should be more concerted action on the exchange of information to identify terrorist actions. The Philippines feels this is an essential aspect to any resolution passed by the committee. Indeed on a recent occasion, in the military arena, a recent meeting of Asean defense chiefs in Jakarta produced seven agreements regarding information and intelligence sharing, to be reported at the Asean Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting.
Committee: Association of Southeast Asian States Topic: Terrorism & Civil Unrest in SE Asia Country: Democratic Republic of Timor-‐Leste School/University: Maastricht University Delegate Name: Daniel Khachab The overall crime and safety situation in the Democratic Republic of Timor-‐Leste (DTL) remains stable. The continuing presence of a large United Nations police force (UNPOL) and the International Stabilization Force (ISF) has maintained stability. Law and order is the top priority of the government of Timor-‐Leste and a serious concern for the multitude of international development organizations resident there. As the maintenance of law and order continues to improve, UNPOL continues to hand over direct responsibility for policing to the Policia Nacional Timor-‐Leste (PNTL). There are no indigenous terrorist organizations operating in Timor-‐Leste. Martial Arts Gangs/Groups (MAGs) are present in Dili and resemble organized criminal gangs. However, with increasing attention from the Timor-‐Leste Government and the NGO community, MAGs are becoming less of a phenomenon. The MAGs are mostly involved in extortion operations and have been known to resort to lethal violence, although rarely targeted against UN interests. There are no known transnational terrorist groups operating in Timor-‐Leste. As Timor-‐Leste continues to develop and address the challenges of constructing a nation, the possibility of civil disobedience and unrest remains a concern. However, when instances of civil unrest do occur, they are usually quelled peacefully. Civil unrest has been known to spark when linked to occurrences of excessive force by the police and/or military. Nevertheless, a heavy United Nations police presence has helped deter and manage civil unrest before it reaches unmanageable proportions.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Terrorism & Civil Unrest Country: People’s Republic of China School/University: University of Cambridge Delegate Name: Francesca Kapfer-‐Gill The People’s Republic of China acknowledges that the threat of terrorism to the South East Asian region has greatly intensified since 2001 and it is dedicated to tackling this issue in cooperation with all ASEAN nations. China has already increased security along its border to prevent international terrorists travelling through the country to carry out attacks in the South East region and would urge all states to do the same. Furthermore, China has been making sustained efforts to eradicate militant training camps in the region. Tackling civil unrest is of vital importance to enable the development of economies and the stability of the entire region and the People’s Republic of China believes that each individual country is best placed to deal with tensions through their own governmental framework. China would resist any proposed resolution that would impinge on the sovereignty of any state in the region as China believes that each state is best equipped to understand and thus respond to any civil unrest that arises within its borders.
Topic: Terrorism and Civil Unrest in Southeast Asia Committee: ASEAN Country: Brunei Darussalam Delegate: Mr. Alexander Steffen University: Vienna University of Economics and Business Brunei’s perspective: Among the violence in recent years in Southeast Asia some acts of terrorism have been carried out by extreme Islamists who use aggression to pursue their goals. Other tensions arose out of negative sentiment towards local political decisions. While our country is secular and open to all cultures and religions the State of Brunei Darussalam and the actions of our Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are fundamentally guided by Islamic Culture. We support every peaceful approach of our Muslim brothers to educate and develop the people of our nation as well as our neighbors. We do however condemn extremist moves against humanity everywhere. The aim to shift people’s perception and create understanding: Our main focus lies on terrorism and the achievement to change people’s perception of Islam away from seeing Muslims in general as a threat. We believe that by doing so we may take away some of the anger that extremist terrorists develop towards some western governments and citizens as mutual understanding builds. Ultimately this can reduce the violence sustainably. Also we would like to assist our partner nations in achieving peace. This will need a unified approach aiming to reduce poverty to reduce the income gradient while providing coherent and transparent government in each nation. Action plan: We see it our responsibility to assist all struggling partners in the fight against terrorism and civil unrest. We plan to create a base of actions from which ASEAN can collectively counter injustice inflicted on the citizens of each member state. Assisting those nations that struggle with implementing effective strategies is also a central point to be addressed. Therefore we aim to
8. Create a strategy that can help form an understanding of Islam across the world
9. Provide funding only to monitored educational institutions to promote the peaceful practice of Islam while closing down those that evidently promote violence in their teachings
10. Assist fellow nations in building transparent governments and judicial systems to provide equality, reliability and justice for their citizens
11. Establish laws which improve the situation by limiting the possibilities for criminals
12. Create agreements that allow quick reactions to attacks of each member country to arrest and consign criminals and hence improve justice
13. Inviting rather apathetic nations to join the table of action
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Terrorism and Civil Unrest in Southeast Asia Country: Singapore School/University: Royal Holloway, University of London Delegate name: Morgane Griveaud Singapore endorses the ASEAN Declaration on Joint Action to Counter Terrorism and the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism. Therefore, the Singaporean government has been strengthening its border security through strict border controls, as well as increasing the surveillance of significant national public infrastructure. In 2002 Singapore forces dissolved the Jemaah Islamiyah Singaporean cell, however other local cells of the same organization have been establishing themselves elsewhere. Singapore still being a potential target for terrorist groups, it is ready to execute necessary means to undo such dangerous organizations. Hence, regarding terrorism and civil unrest, the Republic of Singapore believes that ASEAN's priority should be to dissolve militant organisations that have been involved in terrorist acts or pose a threat to Southeast Asian nations. Actions should be taken to improve intelligence cooperation on a regional level between specialised agencies and governments. By sharing information, governments will have more insight on certain terrorist groups and their activities. Additionally, preventive measures must be taken and enforced in order to protect public facilities and Southeast Asian peoples. People should be made aware of potential threats so that they will be able to inform police forces when they witness unusual activities. Terrorist actions would weaken the economy, political environment and social order of the region, thus it should be prevented at all costs.
Committee: Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Topic: Terrorism and Cicil Unrest in South East Asia Country: Republic of Korea School: University of Manchester Delegate name: Alice Wooree Ko Republic of Korea understands the severity and the needs for immediate action for current civil unrest and the fear for terrorism largely in extreme religious groups in Southeast Asia, specifically dealing with Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Based on one of the biggest think tanks base Congress Research Service (CRS) had studies on current problems in Southeast Asia regions. Although South Korea completely respects the sovereign rights for domestic and military rights, South Korea is also on the other hand concerned of breaching basic human rights stated on Preamble and the Article 1.3 of guaranteeing universal human rights in the Charter of Human Rights in UN.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Terrorism and Civil Unrest in Southeast Asia Country: Japan University: University of Oxford Delegate Name: Oleri Galope Japan’s relationship with our ASEAN neighbours is one based on historical links, trade and business, and the welfare of millions of Japanese people which reside in these countries. As such, it is in the country’s best interest that an end be placed on terrorism and civil unrest in Southeast Asia. Japan has been at the forefront of counter-‐terrorism works in the international community, recognising that it is of vital importance for the world to unite in its fight against international terrorism and to sustain a long-‐term approach to this issue. In July 2005 Japan held the Seminar on Prevention and Crisis Management of Biological Terrorism at the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-‐Terrorism (SEARCCT) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, inviting the Southeast Asian countries. This was held as a follow-‐up to the seminars held in Tokyo in 2003 and in Malaysia in 2004. Moreover, in May 2005 Japan implemented grant aid of ¥449 million with the objectives of improving investigative activities for the Indonesian National Police and preventing terrorist attacks. This grant aid included the provision of an investigation communications system and equipment and supplies for a crime investigation laboratory. Japan has actively committed to negotiations on relevant treaties in the UN and other international bodies. It has ratified and implemented all of the 13 international counter-‐terrorism conventions and protocols, most recently, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in August 3, 2007. Japan with its close economic and historical ties to our ASEAN neighbours is fully committed in passing a resolution that will prevent terrorism and civil unrest in Southeast Asia, one which includes a coordinated intelligence system and comprehensive long term plans.
Committee: ASEAN Topic: Terrorism and Civil unrest in Southeast Asia Country: Papua New Guinea University: University of Bath Name: Carl Coppernoll-‐Houston Terrorism and Civil unrest are problems that can hurt and displace thousands of people. Papua New Guinea has largely avoided the problem of terrorism but still rightly believes that this is wrong and should be stopped. With regards to civil unrest, the problem mostly stems from Indonesian rebels who come across the porous border between our two countries. Terrorism is a problem that the ASEAN community must address together. Much of the reasons the terrorist have been able to make such gains and do so much hurt is because there is a lack of border control between the nations. This goes hand in hand with the problems that Papua New Guinea faces in civil unrest. It should be the goal of this meeting to hammer out a better and more modern border control between the countries of South East Asia. Not only will preventing legal transportation of terrorist be a beneficiary decision, by stopping smuggling we will help slow down terrorism as well as help human trafficking. Also, by agreeing as a group to help promote education we can stem the tide of the brainwashing that leads to these horrible acts of violence and breaches of national and international security.