General Assembly Abstracts

Topic A: The role of blood diamonds and external allies in the financing of armed conflicts.

"Blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds," are diamonds sold or traded to fund rebel military conflicts, primarily concentrated in Central and Western Africa. Despite being considered illegal, the trade persists due to the funding of armed conflicts and the inhumane conditions associated with diamond mining, often involving forced labor and severe human rights abuses. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), aims to regulate the diamond trade and prevent the flow of blood diamonds, but challenges remain, such as corrupt  governments and state-sponsored militias, a lack of effective monitoring and loopholes in the KPCS guidelines. Notably, the situation in Central African Republic highlights the ongoing struggle, with armed groups using blood diamonds to finance military operations, contributing to mass genocide and displacement.  

Consumers can play a role by being informed about a diamond's origin before purchase and opting for lab-grown diamonds, which provide an ethical alternative. Lab-grown diamonds can contribute to the resolution of the blood diamond problem and ensure ethical choices that positively impact lives.

Topic B: Holding accountability within the United Nations Organs: Redistributing power among nations

The General Assembly emphasizes accountability, defining it as the obligation of the Secretariat and its staff to answer for decisions and actions without exception. The GA must ensure equal importance and power for all delegations in resolutions, irrespective of economic, historical, or geopolitical impact, as the current power dynamimcs among memeber nations do play a role in the decision making of the UN. 

There are exisitng power imbalances, especially in the Security Council, where even non-permanent members wield significant influence. Some nations propose banning veto power, while others advocate for equal rights and rules. The veto system has faced criticism for deviating from its original purpose, leading to resentment among members. It is important to consider concerns about developed countries seeking more power and advocates for broader representation in permanent seats. The evolving global power distribution since the UN's establishment, with the emergence of new influential nations, is must be acknowledged.