Special Political Convenes for Solutions to Human Rights Violations in Brazil
Late Saturday morning, the Special Political committee convened to find a solution for the problem of human rights violations in Brazil. The Brazilian situation is unique because the human rights abuses are exacerbated by the country’s extreme levels of poverty and crime, and highlighted at events like the World Cup and the Olympics, which will be held in Rio in 2016. The delegate from Pakistan suggested that the United Nations should send official representatives to the Brazilian slums, called favelas, to “fully understand the situation”. Another delegate suggested that educating Brazil’s youth could be a promising solution, while others wanted more short-term reform. But despite problem-solving, the delegates clashed in regards to working papers and resolutions.
The delegate from South Africa, representing Resolution 1.2, asserted that Resolution 1.1, on its own, “would not be enough of a comprehensive resolution to solve this complex topic”. Yet one sponsor of Resolution 1.1, the delegation of Pakistan, claimed “Our solution is all-encompassing of human rights violations in Brazil… [by advocating for] multifaceted education and funding for internal Brazilian programs that limit corruption”. The sponsors of the resolution stated that their resolution had “unique points” about in-depth “boots on the ground” approaches by the UN. The Pakistani delegate mentioned his support of Resolution 1.3 and hoped to pass the two resolutions in tandem. Yet in addition to these resolutions, the delegations of Cuba and North Korea sponsored Working Paper 1.4, a paper the Cuban delegate referred to as “not like any others” for its emphasis on “short term effects” and its use of “logical reasoning”.
As the delegates in the Special Political committee move towards a solution to Brazilian human rights violations, it is important to keep in mind that despite some disagreements, the group is moving toward a common goal: ending these violations. Whether the vote for Resolution 1.1 passes or fail, it is clear that the committee has and will continue to work hard to solve this serious matter with the utmost dignity and respect.
The delegate from South Africa, representing Resolution 1.2, asserted that Resolution 1.1, on its own, “would not be enough of a comprehensive resolution to solve this complex topic”. Yet one sponsor of Resolution 1.1, the delegation of Pakistan, claimed “Our solution is all-encompassing of human rights violations in Brazil… [by advocating for] multifaceted education and funding for internal Brazilian programs that limit corruption”. The sponsors of the resolution stated that their resolution had “unique points” about in-depth “boots on the ground” approaches by the UN. The Pakistani delegate mentioned his support of Resolution 1.3 and hoped to pass the two resolutions in tandem. Yet in addition to these resolutions, the delegations of Cuba and North Korea sponsored Working Paper 1.4, a paper the Cuban delegate referred to as “not like any others” for its emphasis on “short term effects” and its use of “logical reasoning”.
As the delegates in the Special Political committee move towards a solution to Brazilian human rights violations, it is important to keep in mind that despite some disagreements, the group is moving toward a common goal: ending these violations. Whether the vote for Resolution 1.1 passes or fail, it is clear that the committee has and will continue to work hard to solve this serious matter with the utmost dignity and respect.