Equal Rights
The Most Serene Republic of Sapientialis has proposed an Equal Rights Resolution because we belive it is incombant on the regional delegates to the United Nations to assert that UN membership means that member nations agree to recognize a universal standard of human rights.
This resolution builds on the foundation established by the Universal Bill of Rights (as well as other proposals currently under consideration). It guarantees those human rights protections to all groups of people, united by birth or by choice.
Discrimination is an unfortunate reality in many places, but it deserves no voice or sanction in the laws of UN members.
The text of the resolution follows:
WHEREAS, all people are equal and entitled to basic human rights,
Be it hereby resolved:
Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by any United Nations member nation on account of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
Section 2. Member nations shall have the power and obligation to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.
Allemonde
21-10-2003, 03:28
We would like to support tour UN bill if you decide to sent it to the UN. We will vote yes on the bill.
Secetery of State of Allemonde.
What is the definition of basic human rights, as pertaining to this document?
The two year time period should be eliminated.
Section 2. Member nations shall have the power and obligation to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
We will have the power and obligation to enforce it, but what if a nation chooses not to? Is the UN body empowered to force that nation into compliance?
The Republic of Eredron is not opposed to this proposal, but seeks clarification before making its decision.
What is the definition of basic human rights, as pertaining to this document?
The UN passed a Universal Bill of Rights, which begins to outline basic human rights (modeled on the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights).
However, it is not the intent of this bill to define what basic human rights are, but to assert that whatever rights are agreed upon by UN member nation shall be equally given to all people.
The two year time period should be eliminated.
I agree that this should go into effect as soon as possible, but there are some member nations that would need time to repeal discriminatory legislation.
Section 2. Member nations shall have the power and obligation to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
We will have the power and obligation to enforce it, but what if a nation chooses not to? Is the UN body empowered to force that nation into compliance?
Should a UN member nation decide that it is unable or unwilling to comply with this or any other resolution approved by the entire body, it would be subject to whatever sanction the body deemed appropriate for the offense.
It would seem reasonable that if a non-compliance complaint were registered against a member nation, the procedure should include due notice to the accused party followed by a full investigation of the merits of the claim by a task force, which would be accountable to the full assembly. Should the claim be found to be substantiated by the task foce, their report would recommend specific remedies to address the situation.
Remedy implmentation plans would be developed in consultation with a team from the non-complaint nation to ensure that adequate time is realistic and fair.
Penalties for continued non-compliance might include suspension of voting priviledges, economic sanctions, etc. (The full array of penalties permissable under the charter would be available to the membership when considering a continued, non-compliance complaint).
We in Gurthark support the general spirit of this resolution, but we would liek some minor rewording.
Provision 2 is redundant, and provision 3 is beyond the capabilities of the game mechanics. If the resolution is passed, member states will automatically and immediately be brought into compliance--that is the way it is with all U.N. resolutions.
Sincerely,
Javier Hootenany
Undersecretary to the United Nations Ambassador for NationStates Rules and Regulations
Community of Gurthark
We in Gurthark support the general spirit of this resolution,
Thank you for your support!
Provision 2 is redundant, and provision 3 is beyond the capabilities of the game mechanics. If the resolution is passed, member states will automatically and immediately be brought into compliance--that is the way it is with all U.N. resolutions.
Consider section 2 for emphasis and clarity.
Section 3 is intended to be fair to nations which might not yet be progressive-minded, but as UN member nations would need to move their counties to positions of tolerance. In reality, this cannot happen overnight. This provision acknowledges the struggle that some nations will have to institute a policy of tolerance and equality.
Niesi has since aproved this proposal.
We would like to support tour UN bill if you decide to sent it to the UN. We will vote yes on the bill.
Excellent!
The Equal Rights proposal has been submitted to the UN for consideration. It is currently on page 8 at the very bottom:
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal/start=35
The Equal Rights proposal has been submitted to the UN for consideration. It is currently on page 8 at the very bottom:
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal/start=35
Now it may be viewed at the bottom of page 6:
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_proposal/start=25
The People's republic of Schim is undecided on this issue. We are uncomfortable with the basic human rights not being defined.
The People's republic of Schim is undecided on this issue. We are uncomfortable with the basic human rights not being defined.
The rights are those as defined and agreed upon by the United Nations. Rights are defined through both past and future UN resolutions:
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=UN_past_resolutions
At present, those rights include basic healthcare, education, religious tolderance, fair trial, gay rights, and a universal bill of rights.
The language of this resolution is intended to be inclusive not only of those rights already defined, but of any rights as defined in future UN resolutions.
Sapientialis appreciates your thoughtful consideration of the matter. Hopefully, this explanation will asuage your concerns.
Collaboration
21-10-2003, 16:16
How would this affect Affirmative Action programs?
The Global Market
21-10-2003, 17:02
It would destroy affirmative action programs like the racist hypocrisy they are. The Commonwealth of the Global Market does not acknowledge the concept of race. We will wholeheartedly support this resolution.
The Holy Republic of Eredron will not support this resolution, until we are given a satisfactory definition of 'basic human rights' as pertaining to this proposal.
In addition, what obligation will UN members be under, if this becomes a passed resolution? When a nation is found to be in violation of this proposal, will UN members be required to participate in a course of action against the offending member(s)?