Combating information technology crimes

South Africa is very concerned with the extraordinary amount of crime that has occurred in the physical and virtual world. In terms of fair use and protected work, material is solely to be used for the purpose of education and research; all other used of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited and is considered a crime. South Africa intends to combat the crime through various means. South Africa is deeply committed to its Telecommunications Act and desires to work with other existing regional, continental and international partners as enforcement agencies and in so doing create a more efficient and far-reaching framework for combating information technology crime. South Africa’s goals include developing more knowledge as well as making that knowledge available, establishing, coordinating, and promoting the best practices in investigation as well as prevention of crime through expertise. Not only that, but South Africa desires to increase the promotion of operating procedure in terms of information technology.
—Joelle Marquardt, Cedarville University, 2004.

Patent protection and access to pharmaceuticals

The largest problem in Africa today is the AIDS epidemic. AIDS is killing the people of South Africa at a rapid rate and the problem needs to be addressed. Therefore, everything else comes second to the AIDS epidemic, including patents on pharmaceuticals. South Africa believes that pharmaceutical companies still can recoup their investments by selling domestically in the country that the drug was developed and in addition they can sell to South Africa at a reduced rate to help control the HIV virus. Our government is deeply committed to the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act Amendment and supports reducing and reforming patent protection. South Africa will support any lessening of restrictions on patent protection.
—Joelle Marquardt, Cedarville University, 2004.

Genetic modification and intellectual property rights

South Africa believes that there is little concern over the safety of genetically modified foods. Although South Africa is committed to upholding the GMO Act, they feel that genetically modified foods pose a great opportunity for the country. The main concern of using genetically modified products is that the cost of implementing, researching and testing will preclude the benefits for developing countries. Although there is concern for further research, South Africa benefits and will continue to benefit from genetically modified foods, medicines and food additives. South Africa desires to investigate biotechnology solutions for development that is sustainable and encourage both the public and private sector to ensure that these solutions are acceptable to all. South Africa would not support heavy regulations against genetic modifications. South Africa would support the use and further research of genetically modified food.
—Joelle Marquardt, Cedarville University, 2004.

Nuclear free zones

It is quite obvious that the security of the world rests in grave danger from states pursuing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Based on national experience, it is the position of South Africa that nuclear weapons are politically ineffective, of marginal diplomatic importance, extremely costly, and rather unlikely to improve security. Therefore, the RSA advocates a policy of non-proliferation and arms control. The RSA is unequivocally opposed to the research, development, production, acquisition, assistance, and testing of nuclear explosive devices. As a result, the RSA strongly advocates the following policy proposals: a restatement of all NPT signatories to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; the strengthening and full adherence to all IAEA safeguards agreements; adoption of a set of principles and objectives on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament; systematic and progressive efforts to reduce nuclear arsenals; commitment to the establishment and implementation of regional NWFZ; and access to nuclear material and technology for peaceful purposes.
—Karla Herdzik, Cedarville University, 2004.

The struggle against terrorism and its implications for human rights

South Africa is deeply committed to the suppression and ultimate cessation of terrorist activities around the globe. The widespread occurrence of terrorism is an international problem that requires international cooperation. Several essential steps must be taken in order to accomplish this goal: first, the criminalization of terrorist acts; second, the suppression of recruitment of members of terrorist groups; third, the regulation of biological warfare agents and genetically modified organisms; fourth, the prevention of terrorists from obtaining weapons; fifth, the prevention, suppression, and criminalization of the financing of terrorism; sixth, a holistic approach focusing on the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and underdevelopment; and seventh, international cooperation through the compliance to United Nations Security Council Resolutions in respect to terrorist related activities. Appropriate jurisdiction must be given to investigative authorities in order to effectively prosecute persons engaging in terrorist actions and prevent future occurrences of such terrorist activities. However, it is essential that certain intrinsic human rights not be violated.
—Karla Herdzik, Cedarville University, 2004.

The effect of HIV/AIDS on peace and security

Controlling the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is a top priority of the government of South Africa. The global swell of HIV/AIDS has already begun to have dramatic effects on economic, community, national, and international security, and thus cannot be ignored. The RSA has implemented a national strategic plan outlining four main priorities in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. Those priorities are: prevention; care and support; research, monitoring and evaluation; and human rights. The RSA advocates promoting safe and healthy sexual behavior, including improving the management and control of STDs. Prevention efforts focus mainly on the use of condoms, specifically among the youth of the nation. The government is committed to providing adequate treatment, care, and support to both adults and children. Adequate treatment involves the dispensation of antiretroviral drugs; therefore, the RSA strongly advocates access to low cost pharmaceuticals. The government is also committed to regular testing and surveillance of AIDS patients, as well as the research and development of an AIDS vaccine. Finally, the RSA is committed to removing the stigma of AIDS, thus providing an appropriate social environment conducive to essential human and legal rights. The RSA calls on the international community to aid in the efforts to control this highly destabilizing disease that is a threat to international security.
—Karla Herdzik, Cedarville University, 2004.

Rights of female refugees

South Africa is concerned about atrocities committed against female refugees-some even in UN states. Elimination of such abuses is a high priority for our country. As a nation that hosts refugees from many surrounding states, South Africa is fighting these exploitations. Ours was the first country to begin interviewing each refugee and registering them. We encourage other states to make this practice mandatory as well. South Africa also holds that nations need to unite to ensure that perpetrators of these horrendous acts are held accountable. Refugees must also have access to filing complaints. South Africa, as a member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, firmly believes that public awareness about the plight of these female refugees must be fostered through strong media campaigns. This is of utmost importance to South Africa.
—Andrea McCarthy, Cedarville University, 2004.

Right to a decent standard of living

South Africa strongly supports the idea of equality for everyone. We believe that every person has a right to a decent standard of living and quality of life. As a member of NEPAD, South Africa agrees with the partnership that the developed states of the North should consider the needs of the lesser-developed Southern states and act on them. The Northern states should not be solely concerned with issues that benefit their own interests. South Africa also supports international partnerships that will alter the relationships between the underdeveloped nations and the developed states. When these partnerships exist, more people will have the chance to obtain a decent type of living. South Africa takes very seriously the right of every individual to a quality standard of living.
—Andrea McCarthy, Cedarville University, 2004.

Food security through international cooperation

As a country struggling to provide for the basic nutritional needs of it own citizenry, South Africa is deeply concerned about the problem of food security. Individuals without food are deprived of human dignity, freedom, and equality—foundational values of the South African constitution. Undernourishment plagues every part of the world. South Africa would like to see it abolished. Programs like “Food for Oil” in Iraq must be adjusted to ensure that all people eligible for humanitarian aid receive it. The most urgent needs must be addressed first. South Africa calls on the developed Northern countries to be the primary sources of providing for these needs. The UN and other NGOs should also help to meet these needs and distribute the goods. South Africa further calls on the Northern countries to no longer take advantage of the Southern nations in the area of agriculture by imposing economic laws that serve to benefit the developed nations. This leaves the lesser developed states with very little to provide for the needs of their own citizens. Raising awareness worldwide of the dire food security situation of many underdeveloped countries must be a top priority for developed states. South Africa is dedicated to seeing all people given access to quality food and water.
—Andrea McCarthy, Cedarville University, 2004.

Creation and implementation of an African Union peacekeeping force

Since President Thabo Mbeki’s decision to join the peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999, the Republic of South Africa has encouraged African involvement in Peacekeeping. South Africa has worked hard to prepare itself to participate in such through the extensive training of our own troops. South Africa diplomats and officers have observed some of the best peacekeeping troops in the world and now feel prepared to offer guidance and support to the African Union in this area. It is vital for African stability and global respect, that African conflicts, internal and external, be eased by other African nations, rather than the outside world. The African Union will only gain the respect of the world when it is capable of taking these measures.
— Courtney Butterfield, Cedarville University, 2004.

Strengthening African economies through good governance

It has been with great pride and pleasure that South Africa chaired the first session of the African Union and the development of its Peer Review Mechanisms. As good governance is essential for the creation of healthy economies, we firmly believe in the necessity of continued support for Peer Review and other Nepad good governance initiatives. The global economy relies on transparency. In order to be attractive to foreign business it is necessary that all African governments create clear, just, and consistent laws to govern trade and the economy. The businessmen and women of our communities are an excellent resource in the development of such laws and should be heard by our governments and this council.
— Courtney Butterfield, Cedarville University, 2004.

The impact of poverty on environmental sustainability

The creation and increasing support for Nepad by African nations and the world has lead to exciting opportunities to alleviate poverty while developing a sustainable environment. South Africa recognizes that the poor are harmed most by poor environmental standards. However, in solving these environmental problems, we cannot harm the poor by removing their livelihood. One of the best ways that Nepad and the African Union can work to help the poor and the environment is to make farming more productive and profitable. When farming techniques, such as crop rotation and irrigation, are brought to farming communities, they not only increase the standard of living for the poor, but also decrease the need of the poor to use slash and burn farming methods to find new, fertile land increasing the process of desertification. Therefore, Nepad must make agriculture a top priority and work with local communities to increase productivity while sustaining the environment.
— Courtney Butterfield, Cedarville University, 2004.

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.