Nuclear free zones

Sierra Leone is particularly sensitive to the implications for peace involved in the escalation of domestic or regional conflicts, having suffered through the devastating effects of an eleven year civil war. With that in mind, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, particularly in nations already coping with domestic unrest, takes on proportions so dangerous as to be virtually unthinkable. It is, therefore, in the interest of preserving international peace that Sierra Leone unequivocally supports a worldwide nuclear free zone. Sierra Leone has signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and encourages all nuclear nations to voluntarily forsake the use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons and to commit to the use of nuclear technology for solely peaceful purposes. Furthermore, Sierra Leone heralds the developments in nations such as Libya, Iran, and North Korea in transparency and the progress towards international inspections. Sierra Leone looks forward to the opportunity to take on a greater leadership role in achieving openness and disarmament on the African continent and in the world.
—Andrew Goodhart, Ohio University, 2004.

Struggle against terrorism and its implications for human rights

In 1999, Sierra Leone signed the Lome Peace Accords, ending the civil war between the rebel RUF (Revolutionary United Front) and the government. However the violence, fueled by the trade of illegal ‘blood’ diamonds, continued to terrorize the local population. In an effort to curb the ongoing conflict, Sierra Leone began, with critical help from UNOMSIL/UNAMSIL and the World Bank, an extensive program of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) aimed at healing the aftereffects of the bloody civil war. Of additional concern, the flight of refugees into Sierra Leone from Liberia during that country’s own civil war has underscored the permeability of Sierra Leone’s borders. Considering that Liberia serves as a stopping point in the peddling of cocaine and heroin and the terrorist activities associated with such trafficking, the integrity of Sierra Leone’s borders takes on even greater importance. Recognizing the urgency of protecting its civilian population, securing its borders, and cutting off terrorist activities, Sierra Leone entreats for an expansion of United Nations forces in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, Sierra Leone, drawing on its experience with the Special Court, which is charged with trying suspected war criminals from the Sierra Leonean civil war, strongly recommends that suspected terrorists to be tried by the world community in a forum mutually agreeable to the member states of the United Nations. Sierra Leone urges the support of the international community in this fight against terrorism that is essential for the African continent as well as for the world.
—Andrew Goodhart, Ohio University, 2004.

Spread of HIV/AIDS on peace and security

HIV/AIDS has become a serious issue that the world community has done far too little to solve. Many nations, particularly in Africa, fail to make significant progress in fighting this deadly disease simply for lack of medication. Clearly, a nation such as Sierra Leone which is still working to achieve and maintain security in its territory is particularly susceptible to the destabilizing effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. To this end, Sierra Leone supports the 3 by 5 initiative, designed to extend antiretroviral therapy to three million people by the end of 2005. This epidemic must not be allowed to continue unhindered and Sierra Leone wholeheartedly encourages the world community to devote all available resources to fighting it.
—Andrew Goodhart, Ohio 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.