NationStates Jolt Archive

Category: Political Stability
A resolution to restrict political freedoms in the interest of law and order.
Resolution Name: UN Special Powers
Strength: Significant
Submitted by: Aligned Planets

In cases of extreme emergency or dire need, upon request of the Governing body of a Nation, United Nations Special Representatives are empowered to assume emergency powers to deal with a condition or circumstance that is deemed hazardous to the welfare of the citizenry of that Nation.

Within the scope of these emergency powers, duly authorized civilian personnel may assume temporary command of military forces and/or personnel to deal with the emergency. All other personnel must submit to their authority for the duration of the crisis.

The United Nations Special Representatives are invited into the Nation by the Governing body, and must act accordingly. Whilst acting under the provisions of their emergency powers, the Special Representatives do not have in any way any influence over the governing body and can be asked/made to leave at any time as the Governing body requires.

The request for emergency assistance from a UN Nation demands unconditional priority from UN Special Representatives. Such personnel shall immediately respond to said request, postponing all other activities.

The Special Representatives may do by an emergency order all or any of the following things, that is to say:—


authorise and provide for the regulation and control by or on behalf of the State of all or any supplies or services essential to the life of the community and, where the Special Representatives so think proper, the maintenance and provision of such essential supplies by or on behalf of the State and the provision and operation of such essential services by or on behalf of the State;
authorise an appointed member of the Governing body to buy and sell goods of a particular kind or class or to engage in any other form of trade in relation to goods of a particular kind or class, and make such provisions as may be requisite in relation to such buying, selling, or trading;
authorise and provide for the control, regulation, restriction, or prohibition of the import or of the export of particular hinds or classes of goods;
authorise and provide for the regulation and control of navigation by sea or air or space and the movements of ships and other vessels and aircraft, and for the making and enforcement of provisions for securing, or contributing to the safety of ships and other vessels and aircraft;
authorise and provide for the censorship, restriction, control, or partial or complete suspension of communication by means of all or one or more of the services maintained or controlled by the Governing body or by any other means, whether public or private, specified or indicated in such emergency order;
authorise and provide for the prohibition, restriction, or control of the entry or departure of persons into or out of the State and the movements of persons within the State;

Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed as authorising the declaration of war or the participation by the State in any war without the assent of the Governing body.

The Governing Body may by order, whenever they so think fit, revoke an emergency order issued by the UN Special Representatives and/or remove said Representatives from their Nation.

This is very well written, and well presented.

I just don't get the point of it.

If we have to invite these people in to our nation to do all this, can't we do it without them?

Serious Edit

Also - unless I am reading it wrong - this would give me the power to insist the UN take over the governing of another nation because they pose a threat to me.

Or have I totally misread it?

This is very well written, and well presented.

Thank you :)

I just don't get the point of it.

If we have to invite these people in to our nation to do all this, can't we do it without them?

Basically, the point of the Resolution is this:
If the Government of a Nation has a serious crisis on their hands that they feel they may not be able to handle by themselves, they can invite the UN Special Representatives in to take temporary emergency control of the situation.
The Government would retain control, but the Representatives would actually dictate policy during that period until the end of the crisis, or the Government asked them to leave.

Also - unless I am reading it wrong - this would give me the power to insist the UN take over the governing of another nation because they pose a threat to me.

Or have I totally misread it?

I don't believe so, I think you are perhaps reading it wrong. If you could tell me where you received that impression, I'd be able to see if there was a problem with the wording.

But these UN special representatives would just be invited in to make the government's decisions for them.

But these UN special representatives would just be invited in to make the government's decisions for them.

Yes

Until the Government decides one of two things

a) That the situation has been resolved

b) That the Special Representatives are no longer acting in the best interests of the Nation

When either of those two scenarios occur, the Government asks the Representatives to leave (and the UN Representatives are bound by the Resolution to comply).

Come on UN Community!

You lot are normally so quick to pounce upon a new Resolution and discuss it!

But I don't get what makes this UN administrators any more qualified to run a nation in crisis than the normal government of that nation, which at least has some experience of the nation in question.

But I don't get what makes this UN administrators any more qualified to run a nation in crisis than the normal government of that nation, which at least has some experience of the nation in question.

These UN Special Representatives are specially trained to handle specifically these sorts of situations, hence the word 'special' in their title. Think of them as...hmmm...an Elite branch of the United Nations. Capable of handling terrorist situations, natural disaster repercussions, food shortages, they offer alternative solutions that the Nations Government may not be able to come up with on their own.

They are a last resort if all else has failed on the part of the Government. Only to be called if the Government themselves cannot handle/regulate the situation themselves and require the aid of the UN.

Okay, I have to ask this given what is happening in an RP at the moment.

How do these 'Special Representatives' decide who to help? In Enn there is a civil war looming between two different levels of government. Which one does the UN help, especially if both call for aid from the UN?

Interesting...so basically if things get fubared I can call over these guys from the UN and they essentially take over the nation for a little bit until I say they're done? Very well written and presented...the only problem is I'm sure this could be abused somehow, but it looks like a good idea.

Actually the proposed issue is quite good to me. I understand that it gives recommendations, not restrictions. Moreover, it seems that it is going to improve the overall situations in countries if enacted. I do not have nothing against it; I am for it.

The U.N. has my fullsurport on this issue!

I will see what I can do to explain my problem :}


In cases of extreme emergency or dire need, upon request of the Governing body of a Nation, United Nations Special Representatives are empowered to assume emergency powers to deal with a condition or circumstance that is deemed hazardous to the welfare of the citizenry of that Nation.


Now it does take a bit of a warped mind to read this as a licence to take over someone elses nation, but I have a very warped mind when it comes to reading proposals, and also I have a very annoying mind, since I tend to pick up on things that no one else notices :}

Two nations - GeminiLand and TilEnca.

GeminiLand is about to do something that I would deam hazardous to my nation. A random example would be building a nuclear reactor on the border between our two lands, or they are doing genetic testing and letting monsters loose in to my nation.

Both nations are members of the UN. So I call upon the UN to provide some people to deal with this crisis. And because of the nature of this, the emergency powers require them to do something in GeminiLand. Now the proposal does not say that they only have power over the nation they are invited in to. It says that the representatives may assume command of military forces and so forth - which could apply to military forces of another nation. So I could ask the represntatives to take over the Geminian Military and oust the current government of GeminiLand, and there would be nothing in the proposal to stop me doing that.

I know - it's a stretch. But is it impossible under the way it is written? (It might be - there might be some nuance that would prevent it, but I don't see it).


Also - on another matter - how many representatives are there? Cause if they have to stop what they are doing and answer my call (As it says, although I am paraphrasing a touch) what if they are in the middle of sorting out someone elses problems?

This resolution is simply frightening. I do not like the idea of U.N representatives "filling in" for any government. We obey U.N resolutions, that we decide. If the U.N takes over even one time then it will become easier and easier for them to do it. Such a scenario could easily go amiss. Use a bit of imagination and you will see how.
Also, who are these "representatives" and how can the U.N possibly afford to send them to various countries? The only way I would support this is if it is very very clearly and carefuly worded and only allowed the U.N to intervene if invited (by the currently recognized governent) with a very specific mandate.
We, in the principality have consulted the U.N on elections not long ago (since we haven't had a national one in over 75 years). We have also helped some of our poorer neighbours with their farming technology, ect. We like working together, but we don't like the idea of anyone loosing their autonomy.

Sai
Principality of Prachya

Okay, I have to ask this given what is happening in an RP at the moment.

How do these 'Special Representatives' decide who to help? In Enn there is a civil war looming between two different levels of government. Which one does the UN help, especially if both call for aid from the UN?

I perhaps need to add a clause that will specifically state that isomething along the lines of that if the UN Special Representatives are requested during a state of war between two or more Nations, the said UN Special Representatives may not actively participate in planning or executing any military strategies against the enemy of the Nation they are in. They would only facilitate the duties of the civilians, food, transport, etc - leaving the Government/Military to conduct the actual war.

(Will rephrase and contract, and add into the Resolution if this is along the line of what you had in mind.)

Also, in terms of a Civil War, the UN Special Representatives would not aid either faction and would be bound by the Resolution to stay out of the Nation.

(Again, will add a clause to the Resolution if this is agreed.)

I know - it's a stretch. But is it impossible under the way it is written?

No, you are right. It is a bit ambiguous. Read the first comment I made and see if you agree with it (in this post), and I will also specify in the Second Paragraphy of the Resolution that it refers to the military forces of the Nation they are invited into.

(Will add clauses if the above is agreed upon.)

Also - on another matter - how many representatives are there?

More of a voluntary basis - citizens from within UN member Nations can apply to join the Special Representatives forces. With so many UN Nations, with so many UN citizens, I think there will be more than enough to go around. The number wasn't specific to the aim of the Resolution, as I was outlining what they could do. Does my answer clear it up?

If the U.N takes over even one time then it will become easier and easier for them to do it. Such a scenario could easily go amiss. Use a bit of imagination and you will see how.

No, how does it become easier? I specifically state repeatedly in the Resolution that the Government of the Nation retains control in the entirety, and that they have the authority to remove the UN Special Representatives whenever they see fit. I think you've missed the point...

Also, who are these "representatives" and how can the U.N possibly afford to send them to various countries?

As I said in the above comment, I didn't feel it was necessary to the heart of the Resolution. The Representatives are volunteer citizens from UN Nations. I will add a clause to the Resolution specifically stating exactly who they are, but I don't think it is necessary.

The only way I would support this is if it is very very clearly and carefuly worded and only allowed the U.N to intervene if invited (by the currently recognized governent) with a very specific mandate.

Have you even read this?!? What the heck do I say repeatedly throughout?!? THEY HAVE TO BE INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT!!!! How could it BE any clearer?!

We like working together, but we don't like the idea of anyone loosing their autonomy.

Noone loses their autonomy; the Government retains control...gah!!
Read the Resolution before commenting.

:)

Anyone else any thoughts to add? Shall I make the amendments suggested?

It seems pretty good. However, this does not protect the country from the UN. What if the representative of the UN, decided to remove the goverment? I see no wording in there that prevents it. It will take time before a goverments wishes can be relayed to the UN, and the representive being removed from power. You should place in limts of the representives power. For example, the representive can be prohibited from changing the constitution of the nation, and therefore prevent the nation from removing the representive. The representive should also be banned from interfering on a local level. They should only work at a national level.

Working on my interpretation, since these people are only there at the government's invitation and only stay until asked to leave, and the government can veto any of their decisions, it would make much more sense to simply call them what they are - advisers.

Your proposal would make much more sense if you simply said that the UN would train specialist crisis advisers, and nations in crisis could invite them in, give them as much information as the government deems appropriate, and ask them to advise them on what actions to take.

I agree that it would be a good idea to send in advisers to assist the government in the event a crisis arises that the local government. Allowing a United Nations Representative to assume control and dictate policy is asking for trouble in my opinion. I can picture the decree from Ambassador *insert name here* formally declaring the government of *insert nation here* a rouge government and will now be taken over officially by said ambassador. That would be sweet. Again, I think advisers would be a better choice?

Ok - Updated Proposal

Category: Political Stability
A resolution to restrict political freedoms in the interest of law and order.
Resolution Name: UN Special Powers
Strength: Significant
Submitted by: Aligned Planets

In cases of extreme emergency or dire need, upon request of the Governing body of a Nation, United Nations Special Advisors are empowered to assume emergency powers to deal with a condition or circumstance that is deemed hazardous to the welfare of the citizenry of that Nation.

Within the scope of these emergency powers, duly authorized civilian personnel may assume temporary command of the military forces and/or personnel of that Nation to deal with the emergency. All other personnel must submit to their authority for the duration of the crisis.

The United Nations Special Advisors are invited into the Nation by the Governing body, and must act accordingly. Whilst acting under the provisions of their emergency powers, the Special Advisors do not have in any way any influence over the governing body and can be asked/made to leave at any time as the Governing body requires.

The request for emergency assistance from a UN Nation demands unconditional priority from UN Special Advisors. Such personnel shall immediately respond to said request, postponing all other activities.

The Special Advisors may do by an emergency order all or any of the following things, that is to say:—


authorise and provide for the regulation and control by or on behalf of the State of all or any supplies or services essential to the life of the community and, where the Special Advisors so think proper, the maintenance and provision of such essential supplies by or on behalf of the State and the provision and operation of such essential services by or on behalf of the State;
authorise an appointed member of the Governing body to buy and sell goods of a particular kind or class or to engage in any other form of trade in relation to goods of a particular kind or class, and make such provisions as may be requisite in relation to such buying, selling, or trading;
authorise and provide for the control, regulation, restriction, or prohibition of the import or of the export of particular hinds or classes of goods;
authorise and provide for the regulation and control of navigation by sea or air or space and the movements of ships and other vessels and aircraft, and for the making and enforcement of provisions for securing, or contributing to the safety of ships and other vessels and aircraft;
authorise and provide for the censorship, restriction, control, or partial or complete suspension of communication by means of all or one or more of the services maintained or controlled by the Governing body or by any other means, whether public or private, specified or indicated in such emergency order;
authorise and provide for the prohibition, restriction, or control of the entry or departure of persons into or out of the State and the movements of persons within the State;

Nothing in this Resolution shall be construed as authorising the declaration of war or the participation by the State in any war without the assent of the Governing body.

Under the confines of this Resolution, no United Nations Special Advisor may alter, suspend or dissolve the Constitution of the Nation they are invited into, nor may they suspend a Government. The UN Special Advisors are invited into Nations by request of the Government, and are directly answerable to the Government.

Under the confines of this Resolution, no United Nations Special Advisor may be requested to interfere in the internal politics of a Nation, nor to lend assistance during a time of Civil War.

United Nations Special Advisors are authorised, under the confines of this Resolution, to enter into a Nation when requested by that Nation during a time of International Warfare between that Nation and others.

All Emergency Powers are available to them at this time, with the direct exceptions of any influence over military personnel or military equipment; this must fall under the jurisdiction of the Government or the Military for the entirety of the conflict. Section D is still applicable, unless the ships, vessels and aircraft that would be influenced are under military control. During warfare, Section D is only applicable to civilian ships, vessels and aircraft.

The Governing Body may by order, whenever they so think fit, revoke an emergency order issued by the UN Special Advisors and/or remove said Advisors from their Nation.

No, you've missed my point. I meant that if you call them advisors, and say that governments can invite them in to advise them of what to do, you wouldn't need to give them any powers at all, and thus you wouldn't hit any tricky issues about the boundaries of their powers.

Just say they'll be trained to know how to deal with crisis situations, and that governments can invite them in and ask them what to do. The government still retains all its powers, and the advisors just say to the President or whoever "we recommend you follow this plan of action we've laid out here" or "we think the best response would be...".

This doesn't really hinder the ability of the advisors to resolve the crisis, and vastly clarifies what you seem to be trying to do.