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DAYMUNC
Nepal (NP)

Review of present terrorism conventions

The Kingdom of Nepal believes that a review of the relevant existing terrorist conventions is urgent in light of the events of September 11th. Nepal is convinced that it is necessary to declare terrorism and all forms of support for it as crimes against humanity. We are aware of the growing threat of international terrorism and that attacks with weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical or even nuclear, are a distinct possibility. Nepal supports all efforts aimed at strengthening anti-terrorism conventions within the framework of the United Nations. The 1979 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material is one of many conventions that require immediate review in order to ensure their efficacy in the fight against terrorism.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

Role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Nepal reiterates our conviction that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will make the world a more just and more peaceful place in which to live. Recent atrocities around the world illustrate the need to put an end to the impunity of heinous crimes. We believe that Member States should give urgent consideration to amending and widening the Rome Statute to allow the remit of the ICC to include acts of international terrorism. The ICC offers the opportunity for a world where the interests of peace and justice will not be seen as contradictory. Nepal stresses the important future role of the ICC both in preventing serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights and in ensuring that those responsible for atrocities are brought to justice. We believe that the role of the ICC should be that of a complementary institution, which is not intended to replace national legal systems as a supranational body. The ICC will be most effective and widely accepted once a comprehensive framework of checks and balances that ensures respect for every State's sovereignty is established.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

Response options to terrorist acts

Nepal strongly condemns terrorism in all its manifestations and is committed to act against it. We believe each State has the right to defend itself from terrorist threats and to bring perpetrators to justice. Nepal pledges our full cooperation to the international community in its campaign against terrorism. GA/RES/56/1, SC/RES/1368 and SC/RES/1373 embody our resolve. We believe that the war against terror must be wider, deeper and stronger. It must be waged on a diplomatic, economic, political and military front to isolate terrorists, thwart their plots and eliminate their threats. We must starve them of their funds and track their communication links; we must frustrate cooperation among various terrorist groups, drug traffickers and organized criminals, which are deployed to raise finances, share information, acquire weapons, and execute their deadly designs. We believe that the most effective response is to cut the provision of their financial aid. We must deny them shelter or sanctuary, deprive them of rest and refuge and ostracize their sponsors. The crime of a few culprits does not constitute the culpability of an entire community or culture. Nepal believes that the casualty of innocent people is likely to tear down the coalition and generate disastrous backlash. Therefore, military targets should be selected carefully and action should be surgical and precise. We hope the cardinal principles of justice and fairness, which are the values that terrorists despise and civilized societies cherish, will be observed when action is taken, as they set democratic societies apart from clandestine criminal networks. Nepal believes that the war on terror will have to be waged on the development and peace fronts as well. Dehumanizing poverty, ignorance, and exclusion must be eradicated in order to prevent the rise of further terrorist groups. Victory will be impossible without committed and willing international cooperation. Countries that have the will but no wealth to carry out the fight against this menace must receive cooperation and support from those who can afford to provide it. Nepal further believes that the United Nations can and should be pivotal in gathering and galvanizing global cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
--Anonymous, Wright State University, 2002.

Children Left Behind: HIV/AIDS, Parental Death, and Living with the Disease

Emphasizing that children comprise the most important segment of the world population, the Kingdom of Nepal remains deeply concerned that children are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. Cognizant of the fact that children affected and infected require special attention and assistance in order to prevent stigmatization and discrimination and in accordance with A/RES/45/187 and A/RES/55/79, our Ministry of Health and our Ministry of Social Welfare are implementing a comprehensive program aimed at increasing access to non-discriminatory services for such children. Nepal continues to update our National AIDS Control Program and National Center for AIDS and STD Control with financial and technical support from the World Health Organization and UNAIDS. We welcome the continued work of the United Nations Children's Fund in establishing protection and care projects for children affected by HIV/AIDS, and we endorse the priorities for action as well as the initiative to establish a global fund to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS as outlined in the Report of the Secretary-General A/55/779.
--Molly A. Farrell, Wright State University, 2002.

HIV/AIDS in conflict zones

Recalling S/RES/1308(2000) and A/56/342, Nepal recognizes that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is only exacerbated by armed conflict as every Member State must realize that HIV/AIDS is not simply an individual or even a national problem but a global issue. Noting that Nepal attaches great importance to the protection of children in armed conflict and further noting that children are at greater risk for HIV/AIDS infection in conflict zones due to large movements of people, instability, and reduced access to medical care, we have adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and in accordance with S/RES/1314(2000), we urge all Member States to do the same. Pursuant to S/RES/1296(2000) and S/RES/1379(2001), we recognize that a multi-sectoral response is necessary in conflict and post-conflict zones, as States must remain focused on providing information and education for vulnerable communities during times of conflict. Concurrent with S/PRST/2001/16, Nepal is implementing a national strategy coordinated by 12 government ministries which seeks to extend awareness and behavioral change among many high-risk populations, especially focusing on our national defense forces.
--Molly A. Farrell, Wright State University, 2002.

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

Deeply concerned that HIV/AIDS does not respect national borders, Nepal concurs with A/RES/44/233 in its recognition that comprehensive and effective action at all levels is critical in containing and eventually eradicating the disease. We believe that all sectors of the international community, notably non-governmental organizations (NGOs), must adopt an active role in order to break the cycle of poverty and conflict which inhibits the eradication of HIV/AIDS. Underdevelopment inevitably constrains our response as noted in A/55/779, and therefore, in the spirit of A/RES/54/283, Nepal welcomes NGO assistance in building our human and financial capacities in order to combat HIV/AIDS. We are currently partnered with more than 100 NGOs, specifically focusing on generating awareness and establishing rehabilitation centers. In addition, we are joining NGOs in establishing social, cultural, and economic interventions to curb trafficking in women and girls so as to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS. We encourage both the private and public sector in all Member States to invite NGOs to play a meaningful role in the process of combating HIV/AIDS.
--Molly A. Farrell, Wright State University, 2002.

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