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Resolution 2010/09 concerning the rescue of environmental refugees.

Billinge1991

Resolution 2010/09 concerning the rescue of environmental refugees.

Committee: Social and Cultural, Environmental
Proposed by: The Federated States of Micronesia
Co-sponsor: Republic of Seychelles

Deeply concerned about the fate of small island nations as a consequence of a rise in sea level believed to be linked to global warming.
Seeking advice and help from the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) on the dangers faced by those native to susceptible lands.
Desiring progression in legislation designed to be affective against global warming.
Deeply conscious that the increased floods result in an increase in the transmission of parasitic infection, putting many lives at risk.
Observing conclusions by the IPCC in 2000 that deltas and small island states are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, with media focus on the Polynesian islands.

1. Requesting the Secretary General's office to guarantee the safety of the citizens of island nations.
2. Recommend the creation of a Natural Disaster Relief Plan in which citizens of island nations in danger from sea level rise can be granted refuge in case of destruction of liveable territory.
3. Demanding further research into the causes of sea level rise.
4. Appeal to the General Assembly for funds to:
a. Help combat increased infection due to flooding.
b. Help maintain liveable conditions.
c. Put in place emergency systems.
5. Asks neighbouring states for help resituating refugees in extreme circumstances where homes are reclaimed by the sea.
6. Further requests any suggestions to help relieve the situation.

Additional Notes
Please see the link below for a list of the states supposed to be vulnerable (Small Island Developing States - SIDS):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Island_Developing_States
For approximate budgetting see the link below - section titled "required budget":
http://us-africa.tripod.com/safe.html
While it won't be identical, we would hope to engage in something similar.

Reply 1

username202682

17

The UK broadly agrees with most issues. However the UK notes that it isn't just those living on islands that are at risk, but also those residents living near coasts in general.
As is such, the UK wishes this to be put as an ammendment in the resolution before agreeing to it.

Reply 2

Billinge1991

OP

Stricof

The UK broadly agrees with most issues. However the UK notes that it isn't just those living on islands that are at risk, but also those residents living near coasts in general.
As is such, the UK wishes this to be put as an ammendment in the resolution before agreeing to it.

We understand the concerns of the UK, but this resolution is for those whose entire nations will be washed away and who do not have more mainland to move on to. SIDS (Small Island Developing States) have been published as those most at risk and most vulnerable, and have already seen a marked reclamation of our land by the sea.

Reply 3

Mrgd291190

16

As the Representative for the Federated States of Micronesia has noted, this resolution is primarily in place to guarantee the safety of those world citizens whose national governments will be unable to care for them as their landmass will be threatened. Those in coastal locations would still have a government and a landmass to relocate to.

As such, this flood of refugees would cause a problem for international security, without such a resolution in place in advance.

Reply 4

username202682

17

Understood. I shall press on with the rest of the issue.

Billinge1991

1. Requesting the Secretary General's office to guarantee the safety of the citizens of island nations.

How would this safety be guarenteed? As is such, a program can be begun to improve barriers to natural disasters, and an fund that guarentees aid to such affected areas, when struck with disaster. However, finding a re-allocation point elsewhere could prove extremely problematic.

2. Recommend the creation of a Natural Disaster Relief Plan in which citizens of island nations in danger from sea level rise can be granted refuge in case of destruction of liveable territory

. Once again, finding a re-allocation point elsewhere could prove extremely problematic. It could prove extremely problematic, not to mention very difficult.

3. Demanding further research into the causes of sea level rise.

This is, perhaps, less relevant, the UK finds. Research into such issues is always on going and there are firms and organisations that do so.

Reply 5

Billinge1991

OP

Stricof

Understood. I shall press on with the rest of the issue.
How would this safety be guarenteed? As is such, a program can be begun to improve barriers to natural disasters, and an fund that guarentees aid to such affected areas, when struck with disaster. However, finding a re-allocation point elsewhere could prove extremely problematic.
. Once again, finding a re-allocation point elsewhere could prove extremely problematic. It could prove extremely problematic, not to mention very difficult.
This is, perhaps, less relevant, the UK finds. Research into such issues is always on going and there are firms and organisations that do so.

1) A barrier is not really possible. The FSM alone hase 2000 islands, what sort of barrier could protect these? The FSM agrees that it is a big ask - however the SIDS involved can hardly be driven into the sea. The second link outlines a possible plan. It would just be a case of finding some land.

2) Once again, the FSM agrees it will be problematic, but there needs to be some sort of guarantee that our citizens are granted life, especially in an issue such as this where the developed world has contributed so much to global warming. I do not see why we must sow what you have reaped.

3) On going research has not yet proven a link between global warming and sea level rise. We would very much appreciate any other causes to be outlined as well as how they are able to be prevented.

[OOC]The worst case I've found so far is the sea has reclaimed a Micronesian cemetery, so dead/decaying bodies are being washed up, harly sanitary *yuck* [/OOC]

Reply 6

username202682

17

Billinge1991

3) On going research has not yet proven a link between global warming and sea level rise. We would very much appreciate any other causes to be outlined as well as how they are able to be prevented.

In reference to this - further research cannot demand a solution quckly. We can compare this to an increased funding vs research for a cure for SARS or HIV.

Reply 7

Billinge1991

OP

Stricof

In reference to this - further research cannot demand a solution quckly. We can compare this to an increased funding vs research for a cure for SARS or HIV.

The FSM is aware that all research takes time and as such did not specify a timeframe. We feel this is a fairest way to remind nations of the importance of such research and that it is still far from complete.

Reply 8

gyyy2807

14

The People's Republic of China endorses this resolution. We understand that raising sea levels will have a tremendous impact on many citizens of SIDS. However, given the long-term nature of this problem, it may not be possible for countries to provide funding for any research or humanitarian program now, since the world still recovering from the effects of the recession and indeed some governments are cutting their spending.

Reply 9

Billinge1991

OP

gyyy2807

The People's Republic of China endorses this resolution. We understand that raising sea levels will have a tremendous impact on many citizens of SIDS. However, given the long-term nature of this problem, it may not be possible for countries to provide funding for any research or humanitarian program now, since the world still recovering from the effects of the recession and indeed some governments are cutting their spending.

The FSM thanks China for it's endorsement and realises the limitations of research.

The FSM also understands the current financial climate but would like to remind all that it will not slow the current environmental climate.

Reply 10

henil3110

9

Germany needs to know the funding required for this project. Obviously Micronesia and other small islands do not have enough money to fund this resolution. Therefore we need to know clearly and exactly what the small islands need from the developed world. What do we do for help? Since, if this resolution was just brought to create awareness, it should not be a resolution but should merely be a topic in the GA.

Reply 11

Billinge1991

OP

henil3110

Germany needs to know the funding required for this project. Obviously Micronesia and other small islands do not have enough money to fund this resolution. Therefore we need to know clearly and exactly what the small islands need from the developed world. What do we do for help? Since, if this resolution was just brought to create awareness, it should not be a resolution but should merely be a topic in the GA.

The FSM thinks that a resolution would guarantee safety, while in the GA it may be discussed but no action taken. As such, it is justified as a resolution.

An international organisation dealing in refugee welfare suggests that for a fully operational 'village' for around 16000 refugees will cost around $15mill (USD). That's including hopitals, schools and that like. We are aware that this would be very expensive, which is why we have also appealled for other suggestions, but we need a safeguard promise in the meantime.

Reply 12

henil3110

9

Billinge1991

The FSM thinks that a resolution would guarantee safety, while in the GA it may be discussed but no action taken. As such, it is justified as a resolution.

An international organisation dealing in refugee welfare suggests that for a fully operational 'village' for around 16000 refugees will cost around $15mill (USD). That's including hopitals, schools and that like. We are aware that this would be very expensive, which is why we have also appealled for other suggestions, but we need a safeguard promise in the meantime.

Germany thanks FSM for clarifying this position. We would like to show our support for this resolution by donating $15 million for one 'village'.

Austria would like to match Germany's donation, and donate $15 million too, for one 'village'.

Reply 13

DayneD89

21

Billinge1991

X

This will have to go to vote tomorrow at the latest, just as a reminder :wink:

Reply 14

Billinge1991

OP

DayneD89

This will have to go to vote tomorrow at the latest, just as a reminder :wink:

[ooc] Epic :wink:

thanks for the heads up. I'll do that after (or during :P :smile:

my epic amounts of revision! Ha ha! Thought this should go in OOCs as the FSM revises nothing! mwahaha [/ooc]

Reply 15

DayneD89

21

Billinge1991

[ooc] Epic :wink:

thanks for the heads up. I'll do that after (or during :P :smile:

my epic amounts of revision! Ha ha! Thought this should go in OOCs as the FSM revises nothing! mwahaha [/ooc]

Just for future reference, polls can either last two or 3 days. I've edited this one to 3 days :smile:

Reply 16

Billinge1991

OP

DayneD89

Just for future reference, polls can either last two or 3 days. I've edited this one to 3 days :smile:

Aha! Been trying to find how long it should be! Thanks for a) editing it for me and b) letting me know so I can do so in future :biggrin:

Reply 17

Mrgd291190

16

Naturally, the Republic of Seychelles supports this resolution and encourages other nations to help ensure the human security of your fellow men and women in vulnerable positions.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent supports this resolution, recognizing that climate change is one of the greatest dangers to the world's population today, and dangers such as floods and drought not only worsen conditions, but make our job a lot more difficult.