Model UN - Position Paper Finished

I was able to finish writing a position paper for Model UN. I chose to write about Topic B, which discusses the rights and treatment of disabled people in Macedonia. Unfortunately, I was not able to write a second paper for my committee over the weekend. I will talk to the group about what to do about this, but at the very least I will be sure to do research on Topic A, which focuses on foreign debts and investments. I have posted my essay on Topic B below. I think that writing this essay helped me to develop yet another new skill; I needed to write it quickly, and I knew very little about the topic, so I had to do a large amount of research in a small amount of time. While this may not be a great habit to get into, I think that being able to more quickly process information that I research could be very helpful for my future education.

Position Paper Topic B:

Implementing the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons

My country, Macedonia, is very much aware of the difficulties facing disabled persons throughout the world and the extent to which it is necessary for the United Nations to ensure that the human rights of such persons are not overlooked. As such, Macedonia hosts non-governmental organizations such as Polio Plus, which is dedicated to preserving human rights and supporting people who suffer from disabilities. The nation is also currently involved with international organizations including UNICEF and USAID. Because of its concern for this matter, Macedonia has provided its signature for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons. In addition to signing the convention in March 2007, Macedonia also signed the optional protocol, further proving the nation's commitment to resolving this issue.

Within the past few years, Macedonia has made progress towards implementing the ideas set forth by the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons. The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has been working with various NGOs in order to eliminate discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities since 2008. Polio Plus has been a particularly active participant in this movement, assisting Macedonia greatly with the process of Universal Periodic Review and remaining in contact with the UN Human Rights Council.

Macedonia is also providing disabled children with educational opportunities, working with organizations like USAID to give these children access to specially designed computers, in hopes of establishing equality in the education of all children in the country. We have recently begun the development of community homes for people with intellectual disabilities. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has stated that he sees this development as the first step in creating "a just and inclusive society in Macedonia," as it will help to encourage the people of Macedonia to recognize the rights and equality of the disabled persons around them.

However, we are still struggling to implement the convention as effectively as possible. In the recent past UNICEF has pointed out the inefficiency of institutions for disabled children in comparison to the relative success of providing the children with a family environment. Macedonia is willing to keep an open mind in regards to the best methods with which to improve this situation. Nations like Macedonia might not have the large amounts of resources that may seem necessary to combat discrimination against disabled persons, but it is clear to us that open-mindedness and sheer determination to succeed in this endeavor could easily be our most useful tools. The world must recognize the troubles that face disabled persons daily at treat those persons accordingly. However, it is important that this is done in a way that supports people with disabilities, rather than in a way that causes them to be denied of their human rights.