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Topic 1: NGO Relations with Military Organizations

Since the problems with diplomats mediating discussion during the Cold War, the involvement of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in times of conflict has drastically increased. During times of humanitarian crisis the international community deploys large-scale assistance, often with military support. Hundreds of NGOs serve as the implementing agents for diplomacy, peacekeeping, and peace building during times of conflict. These NGOs face the interesting dilemma of having to adhere to the beliefs of their interests groups while at the same time providing humanitarian aid to all communities that may need it.

Through individual efforts such as Pathways To Peace, and collective efforts such as the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace & Security, NGOs are striving to improve the manner in which emergencies are responded to. Although there are many existing organizations dedicated to peace and security, a better system of communication and cooperation between them needs to be built. Additionally, these organizations, and the United Nations as a whole, would benefit tremendously from greater citizen participation in NGO programs. As these NGOs are employed into the field, there remains debate over various factors. With military conflicts NGOs have to tread warily when it comes to accepting donations from citizens, because most cash offerings come from biased parties. When programs involve sending NGO members into the field, there exists the question over how much protection should be granted to them. Delegates should focus on the relationship between the military and NGOs, and whether or not there should be a standard set of rules for the two parties, or whether each conflict is too unique to make a blanket guideline for handling it.

*Please note that this committee is a simulation of the unique role that NGOs play in the international community and the UN system. Delegates will be represnting organizations instead of countries, and will be offering their organization's resources to the other committee simulations at NHSMUN. If you would like more information about this committee, please contact Director-General Chris Talamo at dg.nhsmun@imuna.org.