Critical Reflection

Delegation from

The United States of America

Proposition Paper for the United Nations Security Council

Concerned by restrictions on religious freedom, speakers warn against using religion to fuel conflict, as security council considers situation in Ukraine.

Situation and the US’s position

The United States of America believes that Russia has committed horrendous war crimes and human rights violations by targeting religious groups within Ukraine. Whilst we do not view the discrimination of religion as a legitimate reason for Russia to invade Ukraine, the United States does believe that Russia has used religion to cause further divisions within Ukraine as they have in Crimea since 2014. Russia has used baseless charges of ‘religious extremism and terrorism’ to silent dissent in occupied territories as well as using the blessing of Patriarch Kirill to justify the invasion and create divisions within the Orthodox Church. The US does not believe that Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine is legitimate, and due to the human rights atrocities on display, the US is committed to supplying Ukraine with the aid and military equipment required to defend their territory and people. The US has sanctioned lend-lease deals, shared intelligence agreements and increased foreign aid commitments to support Ukraine during the conflict.

The US has defended and continues to defend religious freedoms around the world. As stated by UN Ambassador, Richard Mills: “The United States takes seriously allegations of violations of human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief. We expect all countries to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we call out those, friend or foe, who fail to meet them – including ourselves when that happens.” The US was founded upon religious freedom and has enshrined it within its constitutions and legal system. Throughout the 20th and 21st century the US has committed to protecting religious freedoms. During World War II, the US not only fought against the oppressive Axis powers in Europe and Asia but was a place of refuge for European migrants, fleeing persecution from fascist dictators. More recently, we have played a crucial role in defending the Kurdish people in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey as well as providing support for Croat Muslims during the conflicts in Yugoslavia. As well as this, the US has funded NGOs and hosted international conferences to promote the values of religious freedoms to encourage that these freedoms are protected around the world.

Proposal of Policies and Resolutions

The United States implores other nations to appreciate the gravity and severity of the wrong doings that Russia have committed and continue to commit upon the Ukrainian people. Neutrality cannot be an option. Russia has acted as a clear aggressor since the invasion in February 2022, being responsible for destruction of cities and thousands of civilian deaths, including the targeting of religious buildings used for shelter. This is an extremely sensitive matter that the US and fellow countries on this Security Council need to handle with care and respect. To support the people whose religious rights are being violated, The US encourages that all States commit to sending crucial religious aid (such as holy books) to places of worship and religious centres. This is to ensure that all individuals wishing to practice their religion have the means to do so in this time of crisis. As well as this, the US invites members to provide any military aid possible to help the people of Ukraine defend their homeland. The US also asks members that are able to do so, to commit to sharing strategic military intelligence to Ukraine. We encourage all States present to commit humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine to ensure civilians affected by the conflict have basic essentials. In addition to this, the US invites all States present on this council to place further sanctions on Russia’s key economic sectors such as oil, finance and agriculture and halt trade with Russia. Any country that violates the previously stated sanctions must and will be held accountable. Finally, the US invites for an expansion of the ‘International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance’ to ensure more productive communication in regard to the ongoing human rights violations on display during Russia’s continued illegal invasion of Ukraine. The US believes that this is a crucial and necessary step in containing a ‘domino effect’ of Russia’s actions being mirrored in future conflict around the world. To officiate the US’ efforts, we propose a drafted treaty on our individual and shared obligation to bring an end to the injustices seen within the conflict in Ukraine.