United Kingdom Policy Statement

United Kingdom

The delegation from the United Kingdom is honored to be participating in this year’s meeting of the General Assembly. The United Kingdom understands the importance of these issues and eagerly looks forward to the possible benefits that can come from our cooperative participation with this assembly. The United Kingdom is committed to working with all delegations present to produce peaceful and effective solutions to the issues facing our world. The United Kingdom stresses the importance of our work here as our resolutions regarding these issues have the power to benefit millions of lives now and in the future.

On the issue of human trafficking there is a growing awareness that in spite of the international abolition of slavery, trading human beings for sexual exploitation and forced labour is still prevalent in many parts of the world particularly the Middle East. The United Kingdom has several government agencies that combat human trafficking on a national scale. These units are recognized internationally as examples of the best systems and practices in finding and rescuing victims. Despite the fact that the issue is most prevalent in the Middle East, the United Kingdom recognizes that it is a global problem, and therefore needs to be addressed in every country. For this reason the United Kingdom would like to propose a four pronged plan—to be adopted at some scale in every country—for tackling the issue. The United Nations suggests countries consider assigning priorities, reviewing their immigration laws to ensure they are up to date with the Palermo protocols, assessing their efforts to rescue victims, and tighten their borders and maritime control. The United Kingdom would consider placing sanctions on countries not compliant with the Palermo Protocols. This body must work together to find a strategic and holistic approach to combating this serious and shocking issue facing the world.

On the issue of immigration, particularly guest-workers and human rights pertaining to immigrant populations in Europe, the U.K. believes that all European countries should join in an effort to minimize-illegal immigration. However alongside this increased control on illegal immigration, the UK believes that all countries must make their first priority the conservation of human rights for all immigrants. The UK believes that our committee for immigration human rights established in 1967 would be a prime example for other European countries. Committees set up by these countries would advise immigration bureaus to promote legal immigration, as well as campaigning for needed changes in immigration laws, asylum and nationality laws. The UK believes that the first step that should be taken in the effort to improve human rights for immigrants is the improvement of living conditions of guest workers in Europe, most of them are living in over-crowded and unsanitary condemned buildings. The improvement of these living conditions will mean a lowering of the rate crime, and better lives for the immigrants involved. The governments of the countries involved should tighten building laws, limiting the number of people allowed to live per building, and should impose large fines on any landlord who doesn’t obey the regulations. The improvements proposed by the UK will help control immigration into Europe and improve the human rights experienced by those already living in our union.

The United Kingdom is aware that kidnapping for ransom is a worldwide issue and has been on the rise in recent years. The United Kingdom recognizes that political instability is a key contributor in the rise of kidnapping in many countries, and suggests assistance in stabilizing governments as a possible solution to the route of the problem. The entry of Western multinationals, especially high-value individuals, into more dangerous areas provide new targets for these kidnappers. The United Kingdom recommends that travelers are warned by countries who have there high-risk areas. The United Kingdom has a no-concession approach to ransom and encourages other countries to take up this policy to deter future crimes.