Topic B: Decolonization and Democracy

Committee: Historical General Assembly, 2000

Guinea-Bissau understands the significance of decolonization and democratization because there are only 25 countries that can be called full democracy. There are the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Guinea-Bissau supports UN because it contributes to the democracy through UN Development Programme, UN Democracy Fund, DPA. DPKO assists to maintain international peace and security. There are 16 remaining non-self-governing territories.

There is United Nations Integrated Peace-building Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) that helps to improve security in the country. Guinea-Bissau became independent from Portugal in 1974. There were state-planned development policies under single-party rule(PAIGG) until 1980s. Luis Cabral was overthrown by Joao Viera who triggered civil war in 1998. Soldiers are not paid properly and they can deteriorate the situation by military coup. Guinea-Bissau has been ranked as partly free country (score 4.0) by Freedom House. Drug trafficking, patronage, corruption hinder democracy. There were free elections in 1994 and 1998. Proportion of women among the total number of members elected to the National Assembly in 1994 was 9 %. World Bank Governance Indicators are lowest in rule of law (6th percentile) and government effectiveness (15th percentile) in Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau underlines significant aspects to achieve accountability of governance: 1) political parties should be vigorous at the local level; 2) activities of NGOs; 3) public meetings; 4) the role of Mass Media; 5) Vigilance Committees that monitor elected councils and file actionable complaints (in Bolivia); 6) opinion surveys.

It is necessary to eradicate illicit arms trade by: 1) checking freight; 2) discovery of bank accounts from it; 3) treaties that forbid to sell and send arms in hot spots; 4) incentives programs. It is significant to make elections transparent through: 1) identifying voters; 2) voter registration cards; 3) training of polling staff and security personnel; 4) tamper-evident boxes; 5) results management; 6) Mass Media; 7) voter-education.

To tackle security issue, there are certain decisions: 1) reintegration strategies for ex-combatants; 2) increase in the number of female military personnel in peacekeeping operations; 3) preventative democracy; 4) monitoring ceasefires; 5) assisting the return of refugees and displaced persons; 6) pension funds for soldiers; 7) security sector reform; 8) foster national reconciliation; 9) organize truth commissions.

Exit strategy should consist of: 1) limited mandate and time frames; 2) capacities; 3) gathering information; 4) trained staff; 5) main and extra plan; 6) unique approach. Guinea-Bissau recommends more measures to contribute to democratization and decolonization:1) mobile courts in buses; 2) village courts at local levels; 3) the constitutional quota with women’s political representation; 4) educational campaigns; 5) extending the list of non-self-governing territories; 6) develop legislation and media capacities to ensure freedom of expression and access to information.