Large protests have been taking place in Libygpt (a state in North Africa) against its oppressive authoritarian leader General Weird Al -dress-sense. The protesters want the General to step down as leader and for multiparty democratic elections to take place. The General has run the country for the last 30 years. He has suppressed any pro democracy movements and has exploited the countries large oil reserves to enrich himself and his family. In response to these protests which are the largest in the history of the state, the General has ordered the army to use whatever force necessary to disperse the protestors. The army is extremely loyal to the General as he has made sure that they are well paid and receive additional benefits such as free private healthcare. Moreover, the General has blamed the Outcast ethnic group in the country for instigating the protests and wants the military to summarily execute every Outcast they come across. Since, giving both these orders a week ago more than 30 000 Outcasts have been killed together with 20 000 civilians from other ethnic groups.
You are the South African representative on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). A Resolution is currently before the UNSC that would allow member states to intervene and take prescribed measures to protect the civilian population. (see attached proposed resolution) These would include airstrikes by member states coordinated jointly by the US and the UN against military installation being used to perpetrate violence and genocide against the civilian population as well as securing a "no-fly" zone over Libygpt
China who wants access to Libygpt is lobbying South Africa to vote for the resolution and commit troops to this above UN led action.
Taking into account South Africa's domestic context, national interests; and foreign policy objectives advise the President whether or not South Africa should vote in favour of this Resolution.
Proposed United Nations Security Council Resolution
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011,
Deploring the failure of the Libygptian authorities to comply with resolution 1970 (2011),
Expressing grave concern at the deteriorating situation, the escalation of violence, and the heavy civilian casualties,
Reiterating the responsibility of the Libygptian authorities to protect the Libygptian population and reaffirming that parties to armed conflicts bear the primary responsibility to take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians,
Condemning the gross and systematic violation of human rights, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and summary executions, especially perpetrated against the Outcast Tribe
Considering that the widespread and systematic attacks currently taking place in Libygpt against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity,
Expressing its determination to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian populated areas and the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance and the safety of humanitarian personnel,
Recalling the condemnation by the League of Arab States, the African Union, and the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference of the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have been and are being committed in Libygpt ,
Considering that the establishment of a ban on all flights in the airspace of Libygpt constitutes an important element for the protection of civilians as well as the safety of the delivery of humanitarian assistance and a decisive step for the cessation of hostilities in Libygpt,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the Libygpt,
Determining that the situation in the Libygpt continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,
1. Demands the immediate establishment of a cease-fire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against, and abuses of, civilians; especially the genocide being perpetrated against the Outcasts
2. Demands that the Libygptian authorities comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, human rights and refugee law and take all measures to protect civilians and meet their basic needs, and to ensure the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance;
Protection of civilians
3. Authorizes Member States that have notified the Secretary-General to take all necessary measures, including military intervention, to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libygpt.No fly zone
4. Decides to establish a ban on all flights in the airspace of Libygpt in order to help protect civilians;
5. Decides further that the ban imposed by paragraph 4 shall not apply to flights whose sole purpose is humanitarian, such as delivering or facilitating the delivery of assistance, including medical supplies, food, humanitarian workers and related assistance, or evacuating foreign nationals from Libygpt.
Enforcement of the arms embargo
6. Calls upon all Member States, in particular States of the region, acting nationally or through regional organisations or arrangements, in order to ensure strict implementation of the arms embargo, to inspect in their territory, including seaports and airports, and on the high seas, vessels and aircraft bound to or from the Libygpt.
Asset freeze
7. All members states agree to freeze Libygpt assets which shall apply to all funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Libygptian authorities, and decides further that all States shall ensure that any funds, financial assets or economic resources are prevented from being made available by their nationals or by any individuals or entities within their territories, to or for the benefit of the Libygptian authorities, within 30 days of the date of the adoption of this resolution and as appropriate thereafter;
8. Affirms its determination to ensure that assets frozen pursuant to paragraph 17 of resolution 1970 (2011) shall, at a later stage, as soon as possible be made available to and for the benefit of the people of Libygpt;
9. Decides that all States shall require their nationals, persons subject to their jurisdiction and firms incorporated in their territory or subject to their jurisdiction to exercise vigilance when doing business with entities incorporated in Libygpt or subject to its jurisdiction, and any individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, and entities owned or controlled by them, if the States have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that such business could contribute to violence and use of force against civilians;