Combating information technology crimes

India counteracts piracy and IPR violations through the Copyright Enforcement Advisory Council (CEAC) and police forces focused on these issues. India advocates the acceleration of IP judiciary proceedings for more timely resolutions. India is working to further itself in global technology industries. Therefore, its ability to show responsibility as it enforces Information Technology (IT) crimes will help it become a leader in technology sectors. Transnational crimes are facilitated through available IT resources and utilization, thus member nations must collaborate to apprehend criminal activity without hindering intelligence and security efforts. India believes international IT crimes must be systematically and effectively addressed according to TRIPS agreement parameters.
—Stephanie O’Hara, Cedarville University, 2004.

Patent protection and access to pharmaceuticals

India supports the implications the TRIPS agreement has for member nations to meet deadlines for expanded patent protection which includes pharmaceuticals. According to the TRIPS Agreement, January 1, 2005 was the deadline set for India to meet patent protection on the pharmaceutical sector, and India expects to be on line for this date. Specifications require nations to supply receipt of patent applications as well as grant exclusive marketing rights for owned property. Addressing pharmaceutical access, India, along with other countries unable to rely on social security or insurance systems, finds that drug price controls set are necessary in so far as they adequately account for manufacturing costs of the products. While measures for free pricing are and will continue to be considered, many are not currently feasible. India does advocate that quality medicines be available for reasonable prices, which for many nations will only possible through investments.
—Stephanie O’Hara, Cedarville University, 2004.

Genetic modification and intellectual property rights

As continuous advances in genetically modified (GM) products are actualized, India urges that further research and information be collected and published to increase awareness of products and use thereof. India also calls for greater transparency between countries so that data, policies, and use of GM products can be discussed and evaluated among cooperating nations. Member nations should work to help their countries understand the risks and benefits involved in biotechnology. As many nations are concerned with the specifications for food distribution to their countries or regions, food regulations in trade are an increasingly significant issue. India is willing to consider food regulations so long as there is a concerted effort to minimize trade distortions as they are currently realized. India acknowledges that greater agricultural development, particularly for underdeveloped nations, may be achieved as genetic modification is learned and applied, and supports further research and trials into useful areas.
—Stephanie O’Hara, Cedarville University, 2004.

Nuclear free zones

India remains committed to global nuclear disarmament and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. It was India’s initiative that the item “non-proliferation of nuclear weapons” was included in the UN agenda of 1964. Our government believes that Nuclear Free Zones are one step in on the road to a nuclear free world. India supports the establishment of NWFZ’s in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Central Europe. There are however many problems that are faced by existing nuclear free zones and any that will be created. A standardized body must be able to verify that all nations are complying with their treaty obligations. This body does not exist now, and if it were created it would need significant funding to support its actions. India encourages member nations to support the creation of a body to oversee NWFZ’s that is adequately funded so that it can carry out its mission.
—Joshua Ehrich, Cedarville University, 2004.

The struggle against terrorism and its implications for human rights

India has been the victim of many terrorist attacks in its history. Over 30,000 of our citizens have been brutally murdered through the acts of terrorists that have been sponsored by nations such as Pakistan. For many years India has called the international community’s attention to the global menace of terrorism. We are working with many nations of the world including, the United States, Russia, and many others toward the elimination of terrorists. India was actively involved in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and also has been working with the UN Human Rights Commission to condemn terrorism as a major violation of human rights. We believe that in order to protect the basic human rights we must unite to defeat terrorism everywhere it exists as well as any nation that sponsors such acts.
—Joshua Ehrich, Cedarville University, 2004.

The effect of HIV/AIDS on peace and security

With the number of people being infected with HIV/AIDS growing around the world steps must be taken to curb its growth. The effects upon economic, political, and personal security cannot be denied. The only successful way to combat these effects is to combat the disease itself. Work must continue with UNAIDS and the World Bank and the many NGO’s that are leading the fight against this devastating disease. India is working closely with UNAIDS and the World Bank to stop the spread of this disease. We would encourage member nations to increase funding for UNAIDS and the NGO’s on the front lines of this battle so that they can defeat it.
—Joshua Ehrich, Cedarville University, 2004.

Children left behind: HIV/AIDS, parental death, and living with the disease

In support of GA/RES/26/2, GA/RES/54/283 and GA/RES/55/242, India is fully committed to solving the problems that result from HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, a growing number of children have to face the harsh realities of this disease. We believe that educating the youth on the gravity of this problem is crucial. They must know what the disease is, how it is spread and how to protect against it. Regrettably, many children are infected before they can receive this life saving information. These children are infected either during birth or while breast-feeding. To combat this, India encourages other member states to create programs to raise awareness on the issue such as our National Family Health Awareness Campaign. Testing is vital in stopping the spread of the HIV/AIDS, especially in families. We urge governments to offer free screenings to prevent spouse-to-spouse and mother-to-child transmissions. Furthermore, children with the disease must have equal access to medical care, education and social services. As the number of AIDS orphans continues to grow, countries must concern themselves with the care and protection of these minors. Whenever possible, we encourage their placement with family members and when not possible, in state sponsored care conducive to their situation.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2001.

HIV/AIDS in conflict zones

Conflict zones present unique problems for combating the HIV virus. Often there is a lack of a stable government in these conflict zones to effectively deal with the growing problem. We believe that the international community has a responsibility to guarantee health care in these regions and it is important to make sure that health care professionals are trained in handling HIV/AIDS. It is essential to abide by the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war to ensure that the virus is not used as a biological weapon as other viruses have been in the past. Creating peace and stability in areas of conflict needs to be the first step in fighting HIV/AIDS.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

The role of non-governmental organizations in the HIV/AIDS pandemic

India believes that NGOs should play an important role in the global battle against HIV/AIDS. The virus recognizes no borders therefore governments alone cannot stop the problem. India's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) works with several NGOs in it struggle to combat the disease. We encourage governments and NGOs to collaborate on finding a vaccination for HIV. India also promotes regional NGOs to work on issues related to the virus in specific area such as SEA-AIDS, which is devoted to the AIDS problem in the Asian-Pacific region. Non-Governmental Organizations are highly focused and therefore have the ability and resources to deal with the problem in ways that the government cannot. We implore NGOs to realize that HIV/AIDS is most prevalent in poor and underdeveloped states. Noting this, combating the disease must go hand in hand with the economic development of countries. India believes that NGOs should be pivotal in raising awareness of the disease because awareness is truly the only weapon we have today against AIDS. They can also work to reduce the prejudices and stigmas attached to the virus to ensure that discrimination does not exist. HIV/AIDS has manifested into a global epidemic. With governmental agencies, community leader, and NGOs working together in this international war on HIV/AIDS we are sure this can be a war we all can win. The world has eradicated other diseases and India, with the rest of the world looks forward to the era when HIV/AIDS is considered a problem of the past.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

Climate change

While the Earth's climate has been evolving from the beginning, the last two centuries have witnessed the development of greenhouse emissions, which threatens to change climate in an unprecedented manner. India is committed to forming global partnerships to protect the environment through numerous multilateral environmental conventions such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), along with aiding developing countries that strive to do the same. We are focusing on eliminating substances such as chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) pursuant to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Our economy is heavily reliant on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and forestry, and the low-lying, densely populated coastline is threatened by potential rise in sea level. Hence, we strongly emphasize the need for global cooperation and understanding when dealing with such important issues as per A/RES/47/195 and A/RES/47/190. India strongly supports the development of an institutional capacity to formulate, assess, and implement economic and technical responses to climate change issues; focus on transfer and adaptation of technology; and integrate sustainable development with national development programs. We believe further priority should include elaborate studies for better understanding of the relationship between trade and environment, particularly for sustainable development in developing countries. We believe this is crucial to the global effort to reduce the risk of climate change as can be seen through our support of A/RES/47/194. India commends the progress of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Committee on Trade and Environment and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Implementation of Agenda 21 requires international cooperation to achieve bilateral, multilateral, and regional initiatives. India remains committed to developing and strengthening the process of international cooperation, which would cover not only cooperation among governments and international agencies but also among other major actors such as the private sector, civil society, and voluntary organizations.
--Shane Regoli, Wright State University, 2002.

The impact of armed conflicts on the environment

Realizing that many methods used in modern day warfare can have grave impacts on the environment, India believes that the international community should look for feasible ways in which to prevent environmental destruction. In accordance with A/RES/47/37, India encourages all Member States to ensure compliance with existing international law for protection of the environment during any time of armed conflict. One aspect which India believes is important while considering this topic is the issue of refugees. With many refugees in our State, India believes that environmental destruction by refugees is an indirect result of armed conflicts. We believe that one unfortunate result of armed conflict on the environment is the impact of the massive use of landmines. India has considerable experience in de-mining has made significant contributions to the de-mining work in various Peace Keeping Operations (PKOs). India believes conserving our forests, preserving wildlife, and preventing pollution are important and noble goals. In order to achieve these goals, all States must avoid direct attacks on the environment to pursue military and political goals. We believe that through the spirit of cooperation and negotiation the international community shall achieve both a reduction of conflict and environmental protection.
--Shane Regoli, Wright State University, 2002.

On review of present terrorism conventions

Recalling the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism and A/54/301, India believes that no consideration of political, philosophical, ideological, radical, ethnic, religious, or any other nature can justify an act of terrorism. We are deeply concerned about the worldwide escalation of acts of terrorism in all its forms, which endanger or take innocent lives, jeopardize fundamental freedoms and seriously impair the dignity of human beings. India takes part in all multilateral international conventions against terrorism and also incorporates them into domestic legislation. The importance of the Convention of Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft is further implemented in the Anti-Hijacking Act from 1982. India has ratified the International Convention for Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, and we play a role in evolving Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) consensuses against terrorism. We are delighted to acknowledge the efforts of both SAARC and NAM in implementing a comprehensive convention against terrorism. We are deeply convinced that by highlighting the importance of a unified international response to transnational and trans-border terrorism we are acting upon the principle of zero tolerance.
--Vera Bardarska, Wright State University, 2003.

On role of the International Criminal Court

India strongly supports international cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is in this spirit that we participate constructively for the progressive development and codification of international criminal law directed at suppressing and deterring the most heinous crimes of international concern. We would like to remind all Members States that the fundamental principle of the UN is the sovereign equality of States. Recalling the UN Charter, we reaffirm that the cooperation between states cannot be achieved through discrimination, neither is it achieved through interference in internal affairs. Those beliefs and principles guide our participation toward the establishment of an international criminal court in the meetings of the AD hoc Committee and Preparatory Committee Meeting (PREPCOM). We believe that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has less authority over the crimes than individual State courts. We encourage Member States to support the amendment that was previously tabled in the Statute for the ICC, which will list nuclear weapons among those whose use is banned.
--Vera Bardarska, Wright State University, 2003.

On response options to terrorist acts

In accordance with A/RES/54/109, India strongly supports the International Convention for Suspension of Financing of Terrorism. With regard to the annex to this convention, we support the idea that the security of each country depends on the cooperation of all Member States. India is deeply concerned with the increased number of terrorist acts throughout the world. We urge the international community to remember that, as mentioned in A/RES/51/210, the seriousness of the terrorist act is dependent upon the financing available to the terrorist organization. The measures that the international community takes are in no way an attack on a single country as terrorist organizations are spread across the borders of many States. Affirming that the one and only purpose of our actions is to fight terrorism, we agree that those States or governments that shelter terrorism should be held responsible for the terrorists operating within their territories. This is an ongoing battle, and in order to advance in it we must strengthen the international legal framework for combating terrorism.
--Vera Bardarska, Wright State University, 2003.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page represents student scholarship pertaining to the individual's participation in the Dayton Model United Nations Conference (DAYMUNC) and should NOT be construed as the official policy of any sovereign state or nongovernmental organization.