By Evelyn G11

The Human Rights Commission joined together today to debate the resolution submitted by the delegation of Afghanistan concerning the harassment, rights, and killing of Human Rights Defenders. In recent years, many Human rights defenders have been killed especially in Middle Eastern countries due to terrorist groups and the nation’s security forces. 

The delegation of France believes that human rights defenders should have the ability to raise issues within society, without being contested. The delegation of the United Kingdom aligns themselves with the co-submitters and is for the resolution submitted by Afghanistan. The delegation of the United States stands firmly in support of the protection of Human Rights Defenders.

On the opposing side, the delegation of Russia opposed the resolution proposed today. The delegation believes that the defense of human rights defenders is an attack on national sovereignty. The delegation of China agreed with the delegation of Russia and urged all other delegations to vote against the resolution submitted today. The delegation of Vietnam believes that defending human rights is destabilizing and threatens the nation’s security. The delegation of South Africa believes this resolution will only create more conflict between countries and reinforce stereotypes. 

The delegation of Afghanistan withdrew their main submission as the delegation disagreed with the resolution’s principles and believed that countries should have the right to govern without external factors. They believe that the human rights of minorities do not need to be considered. The delegation believes that any kind of humanitarian intervention is an attack on Afghanistan’s resources. 

The resolution decidedly did not pass due to a slight majority being not in favor.