sample position paper

Committee Name: Human rights council

Topic A: Protecting human rights while countering terrorism

Country: Switzerland

Delegate: Michelle Lisette Verdín Johnson

Background of the topic

The human cost of terrorism has been felt in virtually every corner of the

globe. The United Nations family has itself suffered tragic human loss as

a result. Terrorism clearly has a very real and direct impact on human rights, with

consequences for the enjoyment of the right to life, liberty and physical integrity of victims, terrorism

can destabilize Governments, undermine civil society, and threaten social and economic development. Security of the individuals is a basic human right and the States

therefore have an obligation to ensure the human rights of their nationals.

Repressive measures have been used to stifle the voices of human rights defenders

UN involvement

The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted by Member States on 8 September 2006, the States Members of the United Nations, resolve to implement all General Assembly resolutions on measures to eliminate international terrorism, to recognize that international cooperation and any measures that we undertake to prevent and combat terrorism must comply with our obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. 

Country policy and involvement 

Switzerland is concerned that United Nations sanctions to combat terrorism could be weakened if they continue to ride over fundamental human rights.

That is why Switzerland, with ten other countries, has presented new recommendations aimed at improving the sanctions regime so that basic legal norms are respected

 it believes the system would be more effective if there were mechanisms to guarantee fundamental human rights.
 

It is one of a number of countries which have been trying for several years to promote a more transparent and fairer system. They have already had some success.

In the fight against terrorism, Switzerland has two main focuses at international level: 

• Cooperation with other states and the provision of mutual support for each other’s counter-terrorist activities 
• The defense, under all circumstances, of human rights.