Kingdom of Spain Policy Statement

Madame / Mr. Chair, Fellow Delegates, and Distinguished Guests:

The Kingdom of Spain is honored to be a member of such an esteemed body. We look forward to working and engaging in deliberation with the nations of the world on the issues of kidnapping, immigration and guest-worker problems, and human trafficking over the coming days. Through discussion and compromise we strongly believe that we have the ability to improve the lives of future generations to come.

The nation of Spain is concerned with the United Nation’s policy and procedure regarding hostage situations and kidnapping. Since our induction into the United Nations in 1955, we have endeavored to aid our fellow nations in times of crisis and catastrophe. Unfortunately, our nation has been personally afflicted by this particular crisis as we recently regained two of our own citizens who had suffered at the hands of Al Qaeda operatives for nine months. We are determined to organize a more effective and collaborative United Nations approach to similar incidents in the future: consolidating aid, improving communication, and establishing a more succinct and direct approach to comparable events. We suggest the formation of an International Hostage Response Committee (IHRC) composed of the Chiefs of Staff of all permanent members of the Security Council, as well as representatives from all nations effected by the incident in question. We also suggest that all members of this committee be required to supply monetary support to said committee, the amount of which is to be determined by the committee upon convening. The purpose of this committee would be to coordinate international hostage rescue efforts including, but not limited to, the request of hostage rescue forces from member nations, the coordination of communication between assisting nations, and the creation and granting of loans to support the economies, governments, and initiatives of the afflicted nations. We also feel strongly that the United Nations should condemn the use of hostages as political and monetary tools, making it clear that such actions will not be tolerated in the future. It is our hope that these new pieces of legislation will make that more clear to those who might think to employ such methods, as well as serve to effectively and appropriately address international hostage and kidnapping incidents in the future.

The Kingdom of Spain also concerned with the international immigration situation and is interested in working to address some of the major problems through a resolution addressing the humane treatment of immigrant populations and their citizenship status. As a nation we have had liberal policies relating to immigration. Since 2005, we have granted mass amnesties for illegal immigrants. However, we are beginning to lean towards more restrictive policies (in accordance with the changes being made through out the European Union) because we believe they will prove to be more beneficial to the international community. The Kingdom of Spain is interested in implementing a guest worker system similar to the green card system in the United States. We believe this change will decrease illegal immigration and increase immigration of skilled laborers who are essential to the development all nations worldwide. The EU alone is estimated to have between 4 to 8 million illegal immigrants, with half a million arriving each year. We can see that these numbers are too large and are costing the European countries too much in-unneeded expenses. Because this trend is mirrored through out the world, the Kingdom of Spain sees it as essential that the global community creates incentives for legal immigration. We also believe it is important to address the domestic situations that cause mass emigration and we will advocate for increased humanitarian aide. We realize that some of what we propose is controversial and look forward to working with the various delegations on the issue to make sure that we reach a solution that promotes equality and economic growth.

While many believe slavery was abolished long ago, human enslavement is still an issue raging behind the scenes of international relations and within countries’ own borders. In 2004, Spain joined the Campaign against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), which encourages the increased public awareness of the practice through various mediums—videos, handouts, media training—to make this issue a known one. In association with programs like ECPAT and the recently formed Blue Heart Campaign, global communities must be educated and leaders influenced to tighten border controls and increase crackdowns on prostitution circles and exploitation—especially sexual exploitation and organ harvesting. Along with trafficking of women, female migrant workers are also far under-acknowledged for the so-called “invisible” jobs they perform. The Kingdom of Spain supports efforts made by the International Migration Programme to regulate such workers. The Kingdom of Spain also supports the International Labor Office’s non-discrimination and equality conventions that advocate for equal treatment, opportunities, and training for both male and female immigrant workers.

The Kingdom of Spain realizes today that we come before the body with some lofty proposals that will create intense debate, yet we hope that at the end of the day this body will be a body that works together as one. A body that will keep in mind the citizens walking through the streets and in the fields of our home countries. A body that will treat fellow delegates and nations with respect. And a body that will not be afraid to engage in debate and compromise to reach a solution that won’t just allow us to go home and tell to our citizens that we did something productive, but a solution that will create lasting change for the years to come. For, fellow delegates we have three very important issues in front of us today and a countless number of solutions. The Kingdom of Spain looks forward to leading the charge in pursuit of that one meaningful solution and we look forward to what we hope will be a diplomatic, deliberative, and productive session.

Muchas Gracias