NationStates Jolt Archive

It may not be as sexy as counter-terrorism or orbiting space refuse, but I believe that the legitimacy of the entire WA is dependent upon educating its nations' citizens on the process of the WA and developing experts in international law.

Here's my resolution which I did propose once already, but it was met with tepid support. Let me know if it's a waste of everyone's time to try again, or any suggestions for improvement.


WA RESOLUTION: TEACHING OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

ACKNOWLEDGING that one of the most effective ways to further the development of international law consists in promoting public interest in this subject and using education to familiarize the world's citizens with the principles and rules that govern international relations;

ACKNOWLEDGING that greater knowledge of the aims, purposes and structure of the World Assembly constitutes another positive method of assisting the development of international law, of which the World Assembly is the main instrument,

The World Assembly RESOLVES to request the Governments of Member States:

1. To take appropriate measures to extend the teaching of international law in all its phases, including its development and codification, in all higher educational institutions of each country, or to initiate such teaching where it is not yet provided;

2. To consider incorporating international law in all its phases, including development and codification, to the curriculum of secondary schools within the Government's jurisdiction; and

3. To promote similar teaching regarding the aims, purposes, structure and operation of the World Assembly.

Well I think it's a fine idea. It falls outside of the normal curriculum so I'm not sure something like this would be included in a general education bill anyway. Category and strength?

David Watts
Ambassador
The Dominion of New Leicestershire

Category is "Education and Creativity", area of effect is "Education". No strength classification.

It looks like a pretty sound resolution. However:

2. To consider incorporating international law in all its phases, including development and codification, to the curriculum of secondary schools within the Government's jurisdiction;

Supposing there are countries that don't have secondary schools?

I take your point about secondary schools, but the clause only asks member states to "consider" it, and I tried to address it by adding "within the Government's jurisdiction". If there are no secondary schools within the government's jurisdiction, the clause doesn't apply, and adding international law to the curriculum of secondary schools need only be considered, anyway.

If you'd rather the clause be more broad, or the entire resolution more strongly worded, I'm open to suggestions.

I think 'secondary schools' is a reasonable phrase to use. Most nations seem to use a primary/secondary/tertiary approach to education.

Three things that could be done, though they're by no means necessary as I like this proposal as it stands:
- use the WA's funds to make available a (perhaps small) fund for grants towards research in international law;
- publish a journal of international law;
- establish a free resource (probably web-based) about international law and the WA, so that even those not in school can still learn.

I like all of those ideas. I'm not a huge supporter of creating Councils and Commissions for every issue, but I think this works better with one. Here's my draft amendment, let me know what you think:


The World Assembly further ESTABLISHES the International Law Council ("ILC"), whose mandate shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. CREATING and MAINTAINING an official website which shall include information concerning the aims, purpose, structure and operation of the World Assembly and a databank of all resolutions of the World Assembly that are in force. None of the foregoing shall limit the functions or content of the official website as the World Assembly may see fit at a later date.

2. ADMINISTERING the Study in International Law Prize, which shall be awarded to deserving individuals who are studying International Law at a higher educational institution, in the amount that the ILC deems appropriate. The criteria used by the ILC in determining whether or not a student is deserving of the prize shall include both academic excellence and financial need.

3. PUBLISHING the Journal of International Law on a quarterly basis. Said publication shall be devoted to furthering the study of international law, and provide a forum for academics to further ideas, studies, recommendations, critiques, and observations of all aspects of the World Assembly. The ILC shall establish its own policies and procedures in order to determine which submissions will be published, and said policies and procedures shall be made available to the public.

Nice idea, but since it really doesn't DO anything except establish a commission and encourage nations to do things, I don't see any chance of it even reaching quorum, let alone passing. Something more concrete (outside of the clauses that talk about the committee) is needed.