sc issue 2 country position papers

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HKMUN Security Council: Horn Of Africa Country Position Papers

Committee: Security Council

Topic: Horn of Africa Country: Afghanistan

I. The countries in the Horn of Africa have a history of inactive economy and famine. The extremely arid climate is mainly due to the trade winds from the Middle East, in which, with the high temperature, makes the Horn of Africa one of the toughest climate to live with. Due to such problems, countries like Ethiopia and Somalia could not rely on agricultural industry as to support their economy.

Low level of economic activity triggers social unrest and civil wars within the region, costing thousands of lives each year. The government and tribes in Somalia in particular, have been involved in continuously in civil wars within the country, leaving thousands homeless and large amount of population in famine. Such social unrest also leads to a threat to the International maritime security, as the Gulf of Aden is one of the important routes for cargo ships.

ii. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses huge concern to the situation in the Horn of Africa and its effects to the international society. In fact, this is one of the largest concerns of our country within the region as it is currently triggering a humanitarian disaster in the region due to the famine. Thousands were escaped to the neighborhood countries like Kenya and Ethiopia. More than 16 million residents within the region need immediate aid.

Afghanistan is equally concerned with the security threats in the region, especially the emerging terrorist and piracy movements in the region. The Gulf of Aden, as the main shipping route between Asia and Europe, has been crucial towards the international transportation. Blocking of the Gulf hinders the recovery of Afghanistan’s post-war economy, as this is the main transportation of our resources and aids.

iii. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan believes that negotiation is the best pathway towards peace, development and well being of the region, inclusive of different interests and groups. However, humanitarian aid should place as priority in order to protect the right of survival of the population in the region.

Afghanistan suggests providing further aid, especially crops and medications to the areas affected by the drought, through UNICEF. Further emergency food supply should be provided under the framework of the World Food Programme. Safety of the personnel within the organization should be protected. In long term should also be planned and the international society should provide aid as in means of donation.

A political reform should be implemented in the region. International society must provide any possible help to the different interest group as to establish a united, creditable government in which represents the voice of the citizens in Somalia. Official conferences should be held with the aid of a 3rd party between the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and different interest groups such as the Al Shabaab.

Economic reform should be implemented with the support of the international society in order to achieve long-term peace. Pirate groups should be given financial incentives to eliminate any firearm trade and usage. Furthermore, microloans and other economic support could be given to the locals as to develop agriculture within the country.

Most of the solutions were not set to give the Horn of Africa with a sustainable future. However, the political and economy stability will not be achieved with the humanitarian issues solved in the short term. Afghanistan believes that, developed countries should provide aid to the Horn of Africa, as they are lack of resources in the region.

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: Brazil

The Federative Republic of Brazil is honored to be invited to the Security Council. On behalf on it's partners in the G4 Brazil would like to urge the expansion the number of countries on permanent representation on the Security Council from 15 – 25 as it would aid to a greater representation among developing countries.

On the issue at hand, Brazil has always supported humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in cooperation with the United Nations. Dire circumstances in the Horn of Africa has created victims of severe famine across Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti with 2 million children affected and half a million on the brink of death. Internal armed conflict and civil unrest have resulted in 840,000 refugees and 25% of Somali population displace internally or as refugees causing extreme crowding of refugee camps. Brazil has already donated 38,000 tons of food to Somalia and 15,000 tonnes of food to refugee camps in Somalia in partnership with the UN World Food Programme.

Brazil has always been in favor of multilateral cooperation as a means of solving such issues in the Horn of Africa and encourages all nations participating to work together on the issues. It would like to stress the importance of no foreign military intervention in the region but rather that a peaceful settlement is reached by all parties. Stability within the region, it notes is essential towards moving to the goal of peace within the region. Only when they have peace, will countries in the region of the Horn of Africa be able to build up their economies through trade and foreign investment where then foreign companies would help to supply the local economy with jobs to those affected by drought.

Brazil would like to stress the importance of establishing immediate methods to reach victims in Southern and Central Somalia where aid is currently being restricted and promoting aid deliverance across the region. One method would be casting the role of delivering aid to the African Union Mission to Somalia and expanding their role in this crisis. Another issue of equal importance would be ensuring peace and stability across the region. This can be achieved through ways like cooperating with the Transitional Federal Government (TGF) in Somalia to restore control in the area, the restriction of the influence of Islamist military groups particularly Al Shabaab and paramilitary groups.

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Committee: Security Council Topic: Horn of Africa

Country: China

Madam Chairwoman, Secretary General, Delegates of the Security Council:

There is little point in reiterating the dire straits, which East Africa is in. China has always been a faithful friend to the nations of Africa and is deeply concerned with the strife and famine occurring in war-torn Somalia.

China identifies two problems in Somalia: firstly, the famine. China has and will continue to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the country by contributing to food aid programmes. However, massive spending on short-term aid is not enough and is unsustainable. China also wishes to establish long term, sustainable measures against such crises from happening by investing and improving the infrastructure in Somalia. China also demands developed countries to contribute relatively more to the Somalia cause than less developed countries, which we think is only fair.

Secondly, there is civil war and political fragmentation. China condemns violence on all sides of the fighting and demands an immediate ceasefire in Somalia. We also want Kenyan and Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Somalia territory. There is sectarian violence in Somalia, and the international community should encourage negotiations with al-Shabaab and other factions in the country. We hope to obtain the following results from the negotiations:

1. That both sides throughout the negotiation process will respect the ceasefire; 2. That abducted humanitarian workers will be returned; and

3. That bans to international aid will be lifted on territories they control

China hopes that the relevant parties in Somalia will bear in mind the interest of the country and its people end all fighting and achieve peace through dialogue and negotiation. Thank you.

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Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

The continent of Africa has long been hindered by war, famine and political differences. The horn of Africa has become one of the most focused areas of this problem. The Somali civil war has raged for more then two decades. It has torn the country of Somali apart and has been a heavy cost to the country. It has created a large black market for arms and drugs. Militant groups rule parts of the country with violence. Off the coast piracy rampages though the major shipment routes.

The DPRK recognizes that there are problems present in the country of Somalia with reference to the bigger picture the Horn of Africa. We sympathize with the African nations that have been affected. We have been monitoring the situation with great concern. Although our motherland is far from Africa the situation there has directly affected us. Such as during 2007 pirates attacked one of our cargo ship the “Dai Hong Dan”. Our patriotic sailors were able to repel the attackers. This event and others has displayed a weakness in the global commitment to peace in the Horn of Africa.

We the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea proposes an increase of international military presence in the Horn of Africa. One such step is the increase of ships currently in the Anti piracy taskforce. In a sign of good faith we are willing to deploy our Navy in this international effort in exchange of suspending trade sanctions held against our country. We would be highly supportive of a less imperialistic approach such allowing The People’s Republic of China to have a larger role in the security of the region. The DPRK would be in favor of an international ground operation similar to that of “Operation Restore Hope” in 1992 with the inclusion of China and the DPRK.

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Country: Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany expresses grave concern at the humanitarian and security crises afflicting the Horn of Africa. As a key contributor to UN relief and peacekeeping efforts, she is firmly committed to resolving both issues.

The famine is the most immediate of concerns. As of August, Germany has pledged €151.5m to supporting food and supplies missions. Collective efforts thus far have reduced the famine's severity, but more must be done. Germany thus urges that all UN member states contribute to meet the fund's $2.3bn target.

The region's instability continues to be a long-term concern, and the anarchy in

Somalia has allowed for piracy to flourish, injustices go unpunished, and provide terrorists a stronghold. The World Bank further notes the correlation between the region's instability and the famine outlined. Al-Shabaab remains the region's most significant threat, and must be made accountable for their actions against civilians, foreign nationals and aid workers.

Germany thus backs the Transitional Federal Government as the true Somalian

government. She further supports AMISOM as of Resolution 2010 (S/RES/2010), and with the provision of €3.58m in resources. Germany has further served for Task Force 150 off Somalian waters to protect vital but dangerous trade routes.

Germany further recommends that discussion be held over the extension of AMISOM's mandate, in terms of duration, strength and potent operating capacity, to allow for as smooth a transition as possible to the UN-backed government.

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Country: India

India is deeply concerned over the current issue of East African drought and its effect on the humanitarian and refugee crisis in the area. Since mid-July 2011, the worst drought in 60 years has been affecting Somalia, Djibouti and Kenya and has threatened the livelihood of an estimated 10 million people. Refugees from Southern Somalia have fled to Kenya and Ethiopia where crowded, unsanitary conditions together with severe malnutrition have led to a large number of deaths.

We strongly support the means by which the countries involved can achieve lasting relief from the relevant issues and call on international support to aid the African countries of Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya in their efforts to help their people. India's continued commitment to supporting every meaningful effort aimed at establishing peace, reconstruction and structure in Somalia. India has contributed significant numbers of peacekeepers and naval and air assets to Somalia in the past and we also remain active in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia while continuing with existing measures to protect our seafarers and maritime commerce.

The worsening situation in Somalia, caused by the famine, is a cause for serious alarm. While the international community has undertaken emergency measures to provide aid to those affected, nearly 2.8 million people are living in the hardest hit areas controlled by Al Shabaab, where access of humanitarian agencies is severely restricted. And we urge that the Somali groups provide unconditional access to humanitarian agencies in order to facilitate the delivery of aid to all those in need. India has decided to provide humanitarian assistance of US$ 8 million to the countries afflicted with severe famine and drought in the Horn of Africa, i.e. Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti, through the World Food Programme (WFP). We have also donated US$ 1.5 million to the AU Trust Fund for Somalia and US$ 0.5 million to the UN Trust Fund, both for augmenting the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

India also remains committed to the policing of the Gulf of Aden in Somalia to prevent the holding of international merchant ships for ransom by pirates. The problem of piracy and the taking of hostages off the coast of Somalia remains a serious threat to international security and maritime trade and India is determined to address this issue. India co-sponsored the Security Council resolution 1976 and voted in its favor to address the problems of hostage. India is also actively cooperating with the international community through the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and will Chair the Plenary of its Working Group-II this year. The shift of attacks to the south and east of the Indian Ocean reflects the pirates' ability to adapt to increased security established by naval forces and to extend their reach to approximately 1000-1200 miles from Somali Coast.

India would continue to contribute to international efforts aimed at increasing effective cooperation among States to tackle the problems of piracy. We also propose to actively engage in this Council's work in the follow through of the recommendations made by the Secretary General's Special Advisor and in ensuring the development of effective operational, legal and institutional response to the problems of piracy. Through productive negotiations, we hope to resolve the pressing issues concerning the Horn of Africa.

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: Iran

Fellow Delegates,

The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes the dire socioeconomic and political situation in the Horn of Africa. We have been actively involved in providing our assistance to the governments of Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia. Iran recognizes and commends current efforts to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crises and stresses the need for continued and prolonged attention to a region suffering from extreme climates and severe economic instability. Furthermore, Iran stresses the need for international cooperation in both the policing of the Gulf of Aden against current piracy insurgence and the resolving of ongoing political tensions, notably in Somalia. The Iranian navy has been actively involved in combatting piracy in the region, and urges all members of the international community to participate in protecting this economically strategic region. The government of Iran has also been involved heavily in hosting negotiations to resolve political unrest, and urges more international attention towards this matter. At the same time, the Iran would like to emphasize the importance in all nations respecting the sovereignty of countries located in the Horn of Africa. It is important that the international community is fully committed to and involved in solving the current humanitarian, economic and political crises in the region to ensure peace and stability.

Thank you!

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Country: Iraq

The Horn of Africa consists of Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea and Djibouti. Located in East Africa, countries in the Horn of Africa have been facing a severe food crisis. Drought, coupled with conflict in Somalia, has affected over 13 million people. This crisis has resulted in severe malnutrition, acute hunger, and rising levels of starvation. It has also generated extraordinary refugee flows across East Africa. 30% of children are acutely malnourished, 20% of the population is without food and deaths are running at two per 10,000 children everyday. The United Nations’ World Food Program has said that almost a third of the people in the three provinces are malnourished.

Food assistance is provided by WFP through hunger relief programs, but the situation

cannot be relieved unless aid delivery increases in proportion to the needs of people. Iraq sees presenting a humanitarian assistance to Somali against drought and poverty as a humanitarian obligation and solidarity, particularly in memory of the Ramadan.

The constant drought in the Horn of Africa left the area arid. Deforestation and desertification remains a major problem. Recent problems caused by global warming, which changes world weather patterns, has particularly worsened the drought. Iraq submits mitigating measures to limit the impact brought by climate change. Iraq supports the elimination of deforestation and implementing strict control over population. The measures above is meant to done including but not limited to: educating peoples the correct ways of using firewood and birth control.

Ongoing conflict in southern Somalia has restricted access for humanitarian agencies. The role of Shabab , an Islamist militia opposed to Western influences, is in the midst of battle despite its weak government. The Shabab banned food aid in most of Southern Somalia, and is believed to have used food aid from humanitarian aids for military purposes. In 2009, it started removing aid agencies from its territory, including the WFP, and aid funding to Somalia was genuinely expelled. Iraq condemns the Al-Shabaab for banning the acceptance of Western aid and inappropriate use of resource distributed. It is of vital importance for the Security Council to develop strategies to promote aid deliverance and maintain peace in the Horn of Africa so victims would receive full funds and aids, and more importantly, enjoy their right to live in peace in their home country. Iraq is in full commitment towards supporting the Horn of Africa in overcoming the crisis and would like to urge all member states to provide financial aid and humanitarian assistance to these countries.

The Iraqi government would like to remind Delegates the Iraq is currently under national reconstruction due to the recent wars. Iraq welcomes funds to aid the current reconstruction; Iraq admits the pressing need in the Horn of Africa, but extra funds available in the nation would be prioritizes to be used for full reconstruction.

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Country: Kenya

The crisis that the Horn of Africa now faces is not a new one. The peoples of this beleaguered region have repeatedly faced, over the decades, repetitive famine, drought and oppression. Though the international community has been extremely generous in the provision of aid and services to stem the deaths of innocent civilians, the Republic of Kenya also recognizes that the core roots of instability have never truly been dealt with in this area, and in light of the worsening crisis calls for the United Nations to take on the burden of dealing with the Horn of Africa once and for all.

The Republic of Kenya’s essential position is that there are two main issues that need to be addressed before we can truly achieve peace and begin laying the foundations for future prosperity. These are Security and Commitment.

The Horn of Africa suffers from a fundamental lack of security. Though the Republic of Kenya is proud to call itself a stabilizing influence in the region, the specter of Somalia looms over all humanitarian efforts in the Horn. We would call upon the international community to recognize and support the efforts than the Republic of Kenya is currently taking to protect its own people through the deployment of military forces along the border of Somalia. We believe that with greater coordination between Kenya’s military and the current AMISOM mission should be implemented, and that the United Nations should also consider a third phase of the currently dormant UNOSOM mission.

Furthermore, we believe that the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) should enter negotiations with the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. Though we do not see negotiation as official recognition of the entity, the Republic of Kenya believes that the international community’s refusal to deal with the self-declared Republic has been detrimental to procuring the most desirable outcome – namely that of peace in the region.

Next, security forces must be attached to all aid missions, which are currently operating in the Horn of Africa, especially in the Southern Regions of Somalia. This is to ensure that the aid given so generously to the people of the Horn is effectively received. Furthermore, attaching security forces to the refugee camps which dot the region is essential in protecting the lives and livelihoods of the millions of displaced persons currently affected, and serves to reduce the likelihood of Al-Shabaab and other extremist activity in those camps.

The second item that is necessary to ensure long term regional stability is commitment. By commitment, the republic of Kenya calls for concerted efforts by all parties which have a stake in the Horn of Africa – from Non-Governmental Organizations to the International Community at large – to be prepared to stay in the region for a long time. Though we applaud the efforts of the AMISOM mission, the fact that Al-Shabaab has so effectively mounted resistance to the combined efforts of AMISOM and the TFG, even striking into countries such as Uganda, point to the extent of the problem. Long-term peacekeeping commitments, an expansion of the AMISOM mandate and the possibility of further military coordination to secure the region are crucial to the future of the Horn.

Furthermore, we believe in that the international community has a responsibility not just in the provision of humanitarian aid, but also in developmental aid to the countries of the region. Only through the protection and pursuit of basic Civil, Political and Socio-Economic Rights, as advocated under the International Bill of Rights can peace be guaranteed in the

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long run. The nations of Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Eritrea all deserve significant aid in dealing with the crisis of displaced persons, and building effective developmental policies.

Finally, the Republic of Kenya calls upon the International Community to bring the indicted leader of Sudan, Omar Al-Bashir, to justice. Allowing the perpetuation of violence in the region, whether through the funding of Janjaweed militia to the West or to the strife with the newly formed state of South Sudan, Al-Bashir has constantly been a destabilizing influence in the region, contributing to conflict and crisis. As a law-abiding member of the Rome Statute, we call upon states to fulfill their obligations.

The Republic of Kenya hopes that with the full support of the international community and the United Nations, we can strive to aid the Horn of Africa onto a road of reconstruction and reconciliation, and save the cradle of man from being synonymous with strife and poverty.

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: Russia

As a cooperative nation dedicated to improving international relations and maintaining

peace, the Russian Federation is deeply concerned by the host of issues that have plagued the Horn of Africa for far too long. We recognize the importance of food security, governmental stability, and regional safety as prerequisites for restoring peace, and offer our assistance to the African Union in the pursuit of these goals.

The delegation of Russia is outraged by the lawless actions of the al-Shabab militia, a

great threat to not only the countries in the Horn of Africa, but the international community as a whole. Barring any infringement of sovereignty, no methods are too extreme in the tackling of this dire situation, and we recommend forcible action in the eradication of this dangerous terrorist organization.

Our stance on decisive measures extends to the problem of piracy in the region, which

is rapidly metastasizing to threaten even more areas off the coast of Africa. Russia was the first nation to support Somalia in sending naval aid to its coast to counteract the pirates, and would be proud to be the nation that leads our African friends to lasting peace.

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: Somalia

I. General statement: The situation in the Horn of Africa is critical and getting worse, Consisting of

Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, The Horn of Africa currently faces terrorism, piracy, famine and drought on an unprecedented scale. Situated in the center of the Horn of Africa, Somalia has been deeply affected by the current situation. With 300 000 of our people dead and a further 2 million or so displaced by the internal conflict, the TFG expresses its appreciation for the ideals and goals set by the Resolutions of 2010, but at the same time urges the world’s governments to act upon the ideals set and provide practical militaristic and economical aid in alleviating the current situation. The TFG furthermore encourages nations to answer the call of the UNHCR and help provide aid for the 10 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia who are at risk of starvation.

The TFG is currently doing all in its power to improve the situation, but having to combat an active insurgency and deal with a humanitarian crisis is too much for a government that runs on a budget of 11 million dollars only. To effectively deal with both situations, Somalia must receive international aid. Our goal in this conference is therefore to encourage more definite action from the world’s governments in tackling this situation, to prevent further loss of life.

II. Particulars

The TFG knows that it does not have the resources to end the current humanitarian crisis; it encourages the international community to give more aid, and also asks that the OFAC regulations and other, similar aid-inhibiting policies be removed or loosened. At the same time, the TFG urges the international community to help in the construction of infrastructure in Somalia, so that the people of Somalia may better use the natural resources in Somalia, such as underground water and oil deposits. Furthermore, the TFG encourages the UNSC to form a peacekeeping force in order to expunge the Al shabaab militants from Somalia and help AU troops secure areas reclaimed from the Al shabaab. Somalia has gone far too-long without a strong government, and it has descended into a state of anarchy, alone the TFG simply does not have the resources to rebuild, that’s why it is our primary concern to, through this conference, unite nations through a common cause-to rebuild Somalia, and help a country that has been in disarray for 20 years back on its feet.

Honorable chair and fellow delegates,

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: United Kingdom

The situation in the Horn of Africa necessitates absolute and unwavering attention

from all members of the Security Council. Now is not the time to be hesitant nor restricted because as the working arms of the United Nations, this council must place the well-being of those who can be aided, but are not receiving the appropriate assistance, as our utmost priority. Specifically for the United Kingdom, the Horn of Africa has long been an area of historical significance. As the region continues to undergo severe famine and social turmoil, this delegation is firmly supportive of measures aimed to ameliorate the crisis once and for all.

The United Kingdom recognizes the responsibility of the global community to offer generous aid to the millions displaced, malnourished, and under threat of violence from groups such as Al Shabaab. This delegation has been a steadfast supporter of AMISOM and has independently sent 9000 tonnes of food and medical supplies to Somalia, thus aiding 800, 000 civilians. In Ethiopia, 1.36 million people have been provided shelter, water, and medical support. For Kenyans, similar treatment for refugees has been initiated and in total, more than 3 million people have been aided through the United Kingdom’s endeavors. As it is known that approximately 13 million people are under such dire circumstances, there is an apparent need to reach larger numbers and so this delegation strongly encourages the increase of aid by other member states. In addition, support for activities of the World Food Program, UNICEF, and other UN actions is vital as collective effort is the most effective method of relieving humanitarian calamity.

It is also understood that political instability is the root of such chaotic events, and

therefore we are committed to exploring the formation of a dependable government to terminate the volatile transitional period. Specifically, we are interested in the stances that other nations harbor on the question of national sovereignty in the resolution of the matter.

This delegation cannot stress enough the urgency of the situation. Now is the time for the UN to fixedly unite. We must generate the collective energy needed to resolve an issue that continued for far too long. In this conference, the UK sees opportunity to significantly increase concern and immediately activate the means to resolve the disorder in the Horn of Africa.

We look forward to an historical conference. Thank you.

The United Kingdom Delegation.

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Topic: Horn of Africa Country: United States of America

The issues before USA are:

1. The military conflicts in the Horn of Africa 2. Civilian casualties and the lack of accessible aid

1. USA’s role in the issue of the Horn of Africa:

USA has been a strong supporter of the civilians under the conflicted area of the Horn

of Africa. We have long studied the potential effects this region has to its development and the subsequent losses involved.

Therefore, USA:

1. Recalls the nature of the struggle as being against terrorism and piracy. 2. Recalls the specific nature of personnel engaged in piracy as agricultural farmers

3. Reaffirms the need to comprehensively address the issue of terrorism, not only with blind force.

2. US actions in addressing the Horn of Africa

The delegate of the United States of America strongly believes that the issue in the

Horn of Africa is a comprehensive subject covering all four countries within the vicinity instead of a unilateral approach with the country of Somalia. It is to our strong conviction that the given instability and turmoil of the region merits a military presence; more specifically, a peace-keeping force comprised from the four countries with a joint military group as supervisor, comprising of willing member states of the Security Council. Our nation recognizes that this is clearly an issue of combating terrorism – the piracy network within the Horn of Africa. However, this matter requires not only a military presence, but also a well-balanced approach covering negotiations. This nation believes that due to the nature of a majority of Somali pirates as former farmers, issues of agricultural and social revitalization programs must be met. Amnesty and issues of pardon should also be given to lesser delinquents. Most importantly, the delegate of USA acknowledges that the present turmoil feeds on the suffering of the people of that region, and thus, would strongly advocating releasing embargos on foreign and UN Humanitarian Aid directed towards the civilians in the Horn of Africa.

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