Historical Resolutions Archive

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #124
Repeal "Promotion of Solar Panels"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #122


Proposed by: Ficticious proportions

Description: UN Resolution #122: Promotion of Solar Panels (Category: Environmental; Industry Affected: All Businesses) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument:

Let it primarily be noted that the original creator of this resolution, Starcra II, in his own words, has admitted to his resolution having faults and was previously aware of the repeal. He encourages nations to support this repeal as he is writing up a newer, better version of the resolution which will be up for debate before submission to the UN.

This repeal does not condemn solar panels, and the United Nations acknowledges that this resolution is well intentioned, but:

-A- The mandatory objective to ban fossil fuels use in ten years is unrealistic, due to it entailing:
- Too short a timescale for the phasing out of fossil fuels
- Too great a fiscal expense of environmentally-conscious replacements and the introduction of said replacement s
- Too much consumption of resources and of fossil fuels themselves for the materials and processes required for the manufacture of more environmentally-conscious alternatives
- An unforeseen and accidental hindering of many fossil fuel reliant economic sectors such as the aeronautical and airlines sector.
- An impact on power supplies, thus reducing the productive outputs of industries extracting, processing and modifying further resources to make the products that are taken for granted in maintaining our quality of life. This may involve the processing and packaging of foodstuffs, medicines, water and other supplies used in aid programs and our daily lives.

-B- This resolution's requirements will destroy many economies in next 10 years due to the costs of extracting, obtaining and processing the resources required, as mentioned in Section A, and the costs of the economy recovering to the level it was at before the fossil fuel ban would have to come out of already nearly depleted treasuries.

-C- As some nations receive little sunlight each year and many new/clean/renewable sources of energy are available, the nations must be to allowed to decide between these choices, some of which are more suited to their climates and geography, in order to decrease their use of fossil fuels, whilst maintaining the economic viability and practicality of the replacements.

-D- This resolution falsely states that the combustion of fossil fuels results in holes in the Ozone layer, and while the UN accepts that they theoretically assist the Greenhouse Effect and are aware of its implications, this error must be removed to prevent the misinforming of member states.

The United Nations,

PLEASED by the environmental concerns of the original proposal and its promotion of renewable energy source, but

REGRETTING the aforementioned shortcomings,

REPEALS Resolution #122 - "Promotion of Solar Panels".

This resolution was co-authored by Love and esterel

Votes For 10,922 (76%)
Votes Against 3,403 (24%)

Implemented Tue Sep 27 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #125
Repeal "DVD region removal"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal

Resolution: #5


Proposed by: Jey

Description: UN Resolution #5: DVD region removal (Category: Free Trade; Strength: Mild) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The U.N.

Realizing:

-A- The rights and privileges of nations and regions involving all other media types, including: Blu-ray disc, High Density DVD (HD DVD), Universal media disc (UMD), super Audio CD (SACD), DualDiscs, other record types, and nearly all computerized were not mentioned at all in the previous resolution.

-B- Other media supports exist or will arrive soon on the market and should be also free of a “regional system.” This resolution only covers one type of media which is only effective during the time in which DVDs are used as standardized media.

Regretting:

-C- This resolution is poorly written, and contains numerous grammatical errors which can be embarrassing to the U.N.

-D- This resolution is illogical to only include one type of media and this makes it in a way unenforceable and meaningless.

In light of this resolution ineffectiveness and failure to expand to other media types, be it resolved that:

Resolution #5, “DVD region removal” is repealed

Co-Authored by: Love and esterel

Votes For 11,801 (84%)
Votes Against 2,320 (16%)

Implemented Sun Oct 2 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #126
Fossil Fuel Reduction Act

A resolution to increase the quality of the world's environment, at the expense of industry.


Category: Environmental


Industry Affected: All Businesses


Proposed by: Ateelatay

Description: NOTING: that using fossil fuel as an energy source cannot continue indefinitely, because of damage to the environment and finite supply.

NOTING: that long-term energy sustainability requires drastic reduction of the use of fossil fuels as energy sources and the eventual reliance on clean, renewable energy sources.

NOTING: that the current level of energy generation may itself be unsustainable in the long term and that programs that promote conservation and increased energy efficiency, as well as reassessing what are energy needs and what are unnecessary luxuries, will be key parts.

NOTING: that environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels is not localized to the country burning them but rather of global concern.

REALIZING: that the drastic reduction of the use of fossil fuels is a monumental task requiring the help, cooperation, and commitment of all UN nations.

DEFINITIONS

Fossil fuels: Hydrocarbon deposits, such as petroleum, coal, or natural gas, derived from living matter of a previous geologic time and used for fuel.

Clean, renewable energy sources: energy derived from sources that do not completely use up natural resources or do significant harm the environment in the long-term.

The UN hereby enacts the following:

ARTICLE I: Terms of the resolution

Section A: Each nation must calculate the average amount of fossil fuel consumed per year over the last 3 years, this is their "ceiling consumption rate." Each nation is required to reduce consumption by a minimum of 2% of the ceiling rate every year, until rates are at or under 10% of ceiling consumption rate. This means that, after one year, rates should be at 98% of the ceiling consumption rate; after two years, at 96% of the ceiling consumption rate; and so on.

Section B: Each nation must increase funding for research, development, and implementation of clean, renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency and conservation programs by a minimum of 1% per year, until Section A has been satisfied.

Section C: Nations may use energy sources that are ultimately not sustainable, such as nuclear fission, to supplement power until they are able to use clean renewable energy sources only.

Section D: Nations' governments are strongly encouraged to give incentives to the private and nonprofit sectors to help it comply with the requirements set out in Sections A through C.

Section E: Nations that meet the requirements at least 5 years before the minimum required term of 45 years, implied in Section A, shall receive a 5% increase in any UN aid they are receiving, until said 45 year term.

ARTICLE II: Special Cases

Section A: If a nation is trying to comply with the resolution, but having trouble, it may apply for a time extension, but must demonstrate significant need. Legitimate significant needs are extensive damage to infrastructure or economy because of:
Natural disasters
War
Severe economic depression
If significant need is established, an appropriate time extension relative to need will be granted.

Section B: If a nation refuses to comply with the resolution, the UN grants the right to UN member nations to impose trade sanctions on the offending nation, except for sanctions previously banned by the UN, until the nation comes into compliance.

Votes For 9,136 (65%)
Votes Against 4,965 (35%)

Implemented Sat Oct 8 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #127
Diplomatic Immunity

A resolution to increase democratic freedoms.


Category: Furtherment of Democracy


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Cobdenia

Description: REALISING that national law can restrict diplomatic and consular personnel (hereafter referred to as diplomats) from carrying out their assignment

NOTING that unrestricted diplomatic immunity is subject to abuse

FURTHER NOTING that a lack of diplomatic immunity can lead to the abuse of diplomats by national governments for political reasons and cause undue interference with their official duties

EMPHASISING that the decision to grant diplomatic immunity is the exclusive prerogative of the nation in which the diplomat is to be serving (hereafter referred to as the host nation), and that diplomatic immunity may be revoked by either the host nation or the nation that the person represents (hereafter referred to as the home nation)

PROCLAIMS that a person holding diplomatic immunity is immune from arrest and prosecution by the host nation. The person may be detained by host nation officials only when necessary to prevent death or injury of that person or others. In such case, the law enforcement officers shall immediately notify the mission to which the person is assigned. The person shall be promptly released to the custody of an authorised representative of that mission upon request.

FURTHER PROCLAIMS that diplomatic missions and other property declared extraterritorial by agreement between the home and host nations are inviolable from search by host nation officials. Such property may be entered by host nation officials only upon request by the mission involved. Nations may negotiate other circumstances in which such entry is permitted

PROCLAIMS that goods and documents in transit to or from to or from diplomatic missions and identified as diplomatic bags or pouches are inviolable from seizure or search by host nation officials, and exempt from customs and excise duties

AFFIRMS that, if the host nation revokes diplomatic immunity and there is probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a crime under the host nation's law, the person must be tried for said crime under the rules of judicial procedure of the home nation. Evidence and testimony from the host nation must be weighed if admissible under those rules. The trial shall be conducted within the home nation's mission in the host nation whenever feasible. If found guilty, the person shall be immediately returned to the home nation for appropriate punishment

AFFIRMS that if the host nation revokes immunity the diplomat remains immune for prosecution by the host nation for any crime committed whilst the person had immunity

URGES nations to prosecute diplomats charged with crimes whose immunity has been revoked for non-political reasons

AFFIRMS that, if the home nation revokes a person's diplomatic immunity, he or she may face prosecution by the host nation for a crime committed while the immunity was in effect under the host nation’s laws and judicial system

PROCLAIMS that no nation may wilfully send any diplomat with the express purpose of committing a crime in the host nation

RECOMMENDS that nations cooperate in providing diplomatic missions with appropriate security.

Co-authored by Ausserland

Votes For 8,691 (70%)
Votes Against 3,746 (30%)

Implemented Wed Oct 19 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #128
Representation in Taxation

A resolution to increase democratic freedoms.


Category: Furtherment of Democracy


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Powerhungry chipmunks

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations

RECOGNIZING the diversity of individual nations’ peoples, cultures, political leanings, governmental systems, and economic situations, and the fundamental need for each person or group of people being able to express those unique characteristics,

SUPPORTING the view of many that democracy and its precepts (fair representation, and political license among them) can both address and categorize these disparate situations, attitudes, and lives more justly than any other system of government,

ASSERTING that substantially fairer representation and greater political license (prerequisites to democracy) accompanies ‘local governance’ (that those most closely involved with and knowledgeable of an issue address it), except on issues in which overarching, external intervention is necessary,

BELIEVING as impossible for an individual citizen in a member nation to receive a fair form of representation in taxation legislation made on a UN level,

DETERMINING, in the interest of fair representation and greater democratic freedoms, that taxation of national, domestic activities and products is best dealt with, at highest, by national government:

1.FIRMLY ENCOURAGES member nations to allow citizens the highest degrees of representation regarding the taxes incurred upon them, SUGGESTING each member nation and citizens in that nation regularly and soberly scrutinize their respective taxation system, specifically to understand its effects on economic liberty and social equality, and its general service to nations’ peoples;

2.DECLARES and PROTECTS, as inviolable rights of nations:
(a) imposing or not imposing of taxes or fees on domestic activities, items, and businesses within their national boundaries, and
(b) the determination of rate, general type (progressive, flat, etc.) and specific application of such taxes (who/what is and is not taxed);

3.DEFINES “taxes or fees on domestic activities, items, and businesses” as including, but not limited to:
(a) fees for national postal service, copy fees for national documents, and admissions for national parks or natural recreation activities, as well as tolls for roads within a member nations borders,
(b) taxes imposed upon businesses which engage in strictly intra-national trade, and taxes imposed on items and services which are made and sold strictly within a member nation, and
(c) taxes placed upon (or tax credits awarded) farmers which sell their crops strictly within the nation and taxes placed upon (or tax credits awarded) government workers;

4.ALLOWS that member nations may voluntarily relinquish all or part of their rights to determining their taxation systems to local, region, and international groups (such as an international economic alliance) if a member nation so decides;

5.URGES that nations use this right to tax their peoples with responsibility, and, most importantly, with consent and approval from the people who are taxed, NOTING that unjust governments are often punished economically, politically, and militarily by other governments as well as by those whom they oppress.

Votes For 7,024 (54%)
Votes Against 5,975 (46%)

Implemented Tue Oct 25 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #129
Repeal "Protection of Dolphins Act"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #106


Proposed by: Yeldan UN Mission

Description: UN Resolution #106: Protection of Dolphins Act (Category: Environmental; Industry Affected: All Businesses) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: 1): COMMENDING the goals of United Nations Resolution #106, Protection of Dolphins Act;

2): NOTING the passage of United Nations Resolution #119, UNCoESB;

3): FURTHER NOTING article 7 of UNCoESB which bans all hunting of endangered species, in addition to other provisions which ensure the survival of endangered species;

4): CONVINCED that Resolution #106 is rendered redundant by the protections provided in Resolution #119;

5): BELIEVING that the removal of unnecessary legislation is in the best interests of the member nations of the UN;

6): HEREBY repeals United Nations Resolution #106, Protection of Dolphins Act.

Votes For 7,269 (53%)
Votes Against 6,454 (47%)

Implemented Sun Oct 30 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #130
Global Food Distribution Act

A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.


Category: Free Trade


Strength: Strong


Proposed by: Yeldan UN Mission

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

RECOGNIZING the role of proper nutrition in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of all persons;

FURTHER RECOGNIZING the importance of proper nutrition in the growth and development of children;

NOTING the need of all peoples to have adequate supplies of good quality, healthy food;

DEFINES "food" as the appropriate and healthy substance(s) that a person uses or can use as a primary source of energy.

HEREBY

1. ENCOURAGES the sale and/or transfer of food products between UN nations;

2. ENCOURAGES all nations to institute health and nutritional education programs within their school systems;

3. REQUIRES the gradual reduction, in stages, of all protectionist mechanisms in the trade of food including, but not limited to, Tariffs, Duties, Farm Subsidies and Subventions. Exception will be made for protectionist mechanisms which are based upon legitimate Religious, Cultural, Medical, or Ecological concerns;

4. ESTABLISHES the following schedule for reducing protectionist mechanisms:

Years 1 thru 6: 36% cut over six years (6% per year)
Years 7 thru 11: 50% cut over five years (10% per year)
Year 12: 14% cut (total elimination of protectionist mechanisms)

5. EMPHASIZES that UN member nations reserve the right to employ retaliatory tariffs towards non-UN nations to prevent price dumping;

6. ESTABLISHES the United Nations Free Trade Commission (UNFTC) to arbitrate trade disputes and pass rulings on exceptions claimed under Article 3;

7. ENCOURAGES STRONGLY the removal of all sales taxes levied on food;

8. CALLS UPON UN member nations to, except in cases where private entities already conduct such research, advance research into new and improved methods of food production and distribution as a priority within their research budgets insofar as is necessary and possible given their circumstance(s).

Votes For 9,207 (64%)
Votes Against 5,172 (36%)

Implemented Wed Nov 16 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #131
IT Education Act

A resolution to reduce income inequality and increase basic welfare.


Category: Social Justice


Strength: Mild


Proposed by: Caradune

Description: The United Nations,

-A- CONCERNED by the number of children who do not have basic information technology education,

-B- CONVINCED that the mastering of Information Technology is essential in the education of every child worldwide and for his/her own future

-C- FULLY AWARE of the difference of technology level between member nations

-D- SEEKING to minimize the cost of the following clauses

-E- FULLY AWARE of the availability of cheap, basic and low power-consumption computers designed by non-profit organizations

-1- STRONGLY URGES all nations to secure that each child, aged at least 12, receive some information technology education adapted to the national technology level. This can be integrated into National Education programs,

-2- ENCOURAGES STRONGLY all nations to secure for every child, aged at least 12, some access in school to information technology school equipment with educational software and Internet access,

-3- SUPPORTS operations which provide children, personal computers with Internet access and educational software, or more powerful high-tech educational tool, when the cost for the Nations will not be significant. Computers, Internet access or others tools could be bought or rented at a very modest price for children not able to afford them

-4- RECCOMENDS all nations to be prudent by ensuring that these actions don’t undermine or reduce nutritional, health or clothing efforts

-5- ENCOURAGES all Nations to try to limit the cost induced by this resolution, by different means such as:

-5.1- providing cheap, basic and low power-consumption computers designed by non-profit organization as those that already exist

-5.2- Running the computers mentioned in this resolution with needed open-source software, freeware or software graciously paid or discounted by companies, as a sponsoring operation for them or by non-profit organization

-5.3- Proposing some non-profit organization or some companies to graciously offer some computers, internet access and technical support, as a sponsoring operation for them which can prove more efficient than a TV ad campaign

-6- ENCOURAGES all developed Nations to help developing Nations to implement this program, by different means such as:

-6.1- Sharing technologies with nations who don't have yet access to them

-6.2- Giving access to these nations to a low rate loan/bonds system, which will be repaid in middle term by the growth of the amount of taxes collected due to the growth of information technology economic sector

Co-authored by Love and esterel

Votes For 9,457 (68%)
Votes Against 4,441 (32%)

Implemented Mon Nov 21 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #132
UN Small Business Education

A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.


Category: Free Trade


Strength: Mild


Proposed by: Powerhungry chipmunks

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

ASCERTAINING drive to economic enterprise by individuals as a large part of many individuals’ paths toward happiness,

UNDERSTANDING that greater realization of this drive could be effected, if each individual were to have greater knowledge regarding economic enterprise, specifically small business enterprise, in relation to their surroundings and local economies,

RECALLING many other positive things (besides the possible fulfillment of happiness for some individuals) which may come about when a healthy number of citizens engage in small business,

DETERMINING the drive towards personal achievement universal enough for the United Nations to support and encourage:

1. ENCOURAGES member nations in which there are free market or semi-free market economic systems to have compassion on those entrepreneurs who begin small businesses in the retail, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, etc. industries by assigning those businesses or citizens tax breaks or by helping provide the necessary technical support and infrastructure resources or in any way a member nation and its people may determine a possible route to decrease the difficulties of starting and owning a small business;

2. ENCOURAGES small business owners and potential small business owners to research, acquire and enact intelligent, sensible business practices from reputable sources;

3. SUPPORTS the use of subsidies to allow small businesses to compete against larger national or international corporations--considered dutifully for its effects on the national and regional workforce, and used only in just moderation; and SUPPORTS distribution of government or public contracts among small businesses to equalize distribution with larger businesses;

4. CREATES “The United Nations Small Business Classroom” (“The UNSBC”), which may operate branches in consenting member nations with as large or small of a presence in each nation as desired by each national government ("presence" including content of “The UNSBC” branch in a member nation, location(s) of “The UNSBC” branch facilities, etc.): with staffing determined by individual member nations as overseen by UN officials;

5. DESIGNATES “The UNSBC” as an organization intended primarily to educate small business owners and prospective small business owners on how to begin, run, and operate a small business;

6. ALLOWS member nations to add curricula--especially regarding local, provincial or national laws, or market research--to “The UNSBC” so far as additional staffing, if necessary, is provided and salaried by the member nation;

7. URGES member nations to allow citizens say in “The UNSBC” branch(es) in their member nation, be it through written or spoken feedback, through ombudsmen, local referenda, etc.;

8. DESIGNATES “The UNSBC” as an organization which may also, should it be within the agreement between “The UNSBC” and the member nation in which a branch resides, produce literature concerning small businesses and national/regional markets, service regional citizens, educate new citizens in the economic workings of the member nation--or educate and facilitate a member nations citizens in any way so long as that service is reasonably related to economics, and approved by UN oversight.

Votes For 6,625 (56%)
Votes Against 5,226 (44%)

Implemented Sat Nov 26 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #133
Repeal "UCPL"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #45


Proposed by: Gruenberg

Description: UN Resolution #45: UCPL (Category: Free Trade; Strength: Significant) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: RECOGNISING that copyright and patent law are fundamentally different methods of protecting intellectual property;

NOTING WITH REGRET that this resolution makes no distinction between the two;

REALISING that there are profound differences in the way nations view the value and ownership of intellectual property;

BELIEVING that copyright law and patent law are such inherently complex concepts that no single resolution can formally and effectively create a universal system of UN law in this regard;

DEEPLY CONSCIOUS that the mechanism for sharing copyright described in UCPL would be impossible;

ALARMED at the cost of constructing and maintaining over 30,000 separate chapter offices in member capitals, and further sub-agencies;

REAFFIRMING the importance of global cooperation in copyright issues;

EXPRESSING ITS HOPE that nations will continue to work together in this respect;

BELIEVING that a more effective replacement for "UCPL" can be achieved:

REPEALS "UCPL".

Votes For 9,077 (76%)
Votes Against 2,832 (24%)

Implemented Thu Dec 1 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #134
Rights of Neutral States

A resolution to restrict political freedoms in the interest of law and order.


Category: Political Stability


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Wolfish

Description: RECOGNIZING that all sovereign states have the right to declare war and defend themselves from attack;

NOTING that nations may, from time to time, declare themselves neutral, and

DEFINING a "Neutral State" as one which has formally declared its neutrality with regard to a specific state of war or belligerency existing between two or more other nations, thus

AFFIRMING that it is the right of nations which are not belligerents in such a conflict to make a claim of neutrality;

ALSO AWARE that such states need the support and respect of the NationStates United Nations to maintain that neutrality;

THESE UNITED NATIONS DO HEREBY FIND AND DECLARE THAT a neutral state must abide by the following terms:

1. It must not knowingly harbour, aid, support or provide for any combatant nation, nor its forces nor military allies, nor any extra-national combatant force or militia, including but not limited to air forces, naval ships, land forces, agents, or those undertaking to procure the goods and supplies of war.

2. It must not actively or covertly act to hamper or assist any force or agents of an active combatant nation, nor the militarily allied force of another nation, nor any extra-national combatant force or militia, through either force of arms or other support.

3. It shall not conspire to influence the outcome of armed combat through overt or covert means, excepting efforts to mediate or negotiate a truce or end to the conflict.

4. It may allow and facilitate provision of humanitarian aid by neutral third parties to civilian populations and to military wounded, and may allow such organizations to operate from, travel through, or stage in neutral territory, for the express purpose of delivering said aid.

Violation of these terms shall render neutrality broken.

THESE UNITED NATIONS DO FURTHER DECLARE that

Any nation publicly declaring neutrality must be afforded the special rights stated herein for the period during which they maintain the obligations of a neutral state;

A neutral state shall not be invaded, occupied, or otherwise used by belligerents during time of war or conflict by any signatory to this treaty, and

Shall not be used for the internment of prisoners of war, treatment of wounded or storage of dead combatants, without the explicit and uncoerced consent of all parties;

No declared neutral state shall be used or traversed to facilitate the transportation of war materials, foodstuffs or supplies of any kind, including ammunition, personnel and armaments or agents of signatory states, excluding humanitarian aid noted above, and

At the sole discretion of individual governments, nations can use any or all measures deemed appropriate to deter non-UN nations from violating the terms of neutrality, including all diplomatic efforts and sanctions, economic and trade sanctions, economic and trade embargoes, declaration of hostile state status, and declaration of hostilities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, having deposited their respective full powers, have signed the present Convention.

Votes For 9,897 (77%)
Votes Against 3,009 (23%)

Implemented Tue Dec 6 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #135
* REPEALED *
Right to Divorce

A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.


Category: Human Rights


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Love and esterel

Description: The United Nations,

A – NOTING the positive effects of marriage and the happiness it procures in both those within the marriage and those around the married.

B – NOTING that not all marriages are happy

C – NOTING that many couples in this case have difficulty maintaining a healthy relationship over short periods of time, let alone a life-long relationship.

D – CONCERNED about the health and welfare of both the couple and any children the couple are responsible for

E – ACKNOWLEDGING the potential issues that could result from a possible divorce

F – DEFINING for the purposes of this document a divorce to be the contractual ending of any marriage or equivalent Civil Union recognized by any state

G – DEFINING for the purposes of this document a prenuptial agreement to be any contract signed by both partners before a marriage agreeing to certain terms pertaining to their marriage and/or potential divorce.

H – DEFINING for the purposes of this document a Civil Union to be a legal union between any two people given equal status within the union and granted certain rights by any government.

-1- DECLARES that a marriage or civil union may be ended by divorce in the following cases:
-1.1- Both partners ask for divorce, after 3 month of marriage or civil union
-1.2- One partner request a divorce and it is accepted by the other partner, after 3 month of marriage or civil union
-1.3- One partner requests the divorce due to proven domestic violence issues from the other partner
-1.4- One partner requests the divorce after 1 year of being officially separated
-1.5- One partner repeats a request for a divorce 3 months, or later, after the initial request
-1.6- Any additional scenarios that have been chosen by a more local government as grounds for divorce

-2- DECLARES that each party has the right to employ a lawyer for the divorce proceedings

-3- DECLARES that both parents have the right to continue to regularly see their children after a divorce, except for cases where the divorce was over proven domestic violence or sexual abuse, or if such actions are taken upon either the other parent or any of the shared children after the divorce has taken place

-4- PERMITS parents who have lost the right to see their children for issues listed in [3] be allowed to have this right returned if a court of law feels that said parent is no longer a threat to the child or other parent.

-5- URGES Nations to ensure that their legislation protects both partners and their children in divorce cases by granting financial help for one partner, when a fair solution, in accordance to the prenuptial agreement, can be found in order both partners and children can live with a reasonable financial situation - except in cases where the divorce was over proven domestic violence,

-6- ENCOURAGES all Nations to support organisations/associations providing help to married/divorced persons/couples by anonymous meeting, phone call, internet contact or any other medium that can be arranged

Co-authored by Forgottenlands UN

Votes For 7,530 (54%)
Votes Against 6,357 (46%)

Implemented Sun Dec 11 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #136
Repeal "Right to Divorce"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #135


Proposed by: Fonzoland

Description: UN Resolution #135: Right to Divorce (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Significant) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The United Nations,

NOTING the recent passage of "Right To Divorce",

CONCERNED at a number of failures of said resolution:

1. OBSERVING that although it 'declares that a marriage or civil union may be ended by divorce', this does not actually guarantee any right to a divorce, meaning the final decision still rests with national or local courts anyway,

2. DEEPLY DISTURBED by clause 3, which enforces parental rights in such a way that it is illegal to deny regular access to the child to a parent who is assessed being a significant risk to the child, even where such parent has been convicted of crimes such as sexual molestation of children or infanticide,

3. BELIEVING it to be fallacious to base post-divorce visitation rights exclusively on the circumstances of divorce,

4. RECOGNISING that it would be better to have visitation privileges determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the facts of the specific situation and giving proper attention to the welfare of the children as well as the rights of the parents,

5. NOTING FURTHER that the definition used in the resolution does not extend any rights to those in polyandrous or polygamous relationships, and as such enforces one particular set of values,

6. CONVINCED that the resolution constitutes an attempt at inappropriate micromanagement, where many of its provisions would be more effectively delegated to national or more local agencies,

7. REMAINING OPEN to the possibility of replacement legislation that legislates a 'right to divorce' without resorting to unnecessary micromanagement:

REPEALS "Right To Divorce".

Submitted on behalf of Gruenberg.

Votes For 8,859 (78%)
Votes Against 2,465 (22%)

Implemented Mon Dec 26 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #137
Repeal "Save the forests of the World"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #48


Proposed by: Fonzoland

Description: UN Resolution #48: Save the forests of the World (Category: Environmental; Industry Affected: Logging) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

COMMENDING the assumed intentions of Resolution #48, “Save the forests of the World”;

DEEPLY COMMITTED to guaranteeing the sustainability of the world ecosystem, namely by the preservation of forests; yet

REGRETTING the confusing, discursive and unconstructive nature of said Resolution;

NOTING that it does not mandate or recommend any course of action to further the cause of sustainability, rendering it ineffective;

ACKNOWLEDGING the clear overlap between the assumed intentions of its author and the mandate of Resolution #23, “Replanting Trees”; and

DECLARING that ambiguous and ineffective legislation threatens the credibility of the UN, especially when in duplication of previous legislation;

REPEALS Resolution #48.

Votes For 8,769 (72%)
Votes Against 3,432 (28%)

Implemented Sat Dec 31 2005

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #138
Artistic Freedom

A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.


Category: Human Rights


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Jey

Description: The General Assembly of the United Nations,

NOTING Article II of Resolution #26, “The Universal Bill of Rights,” which states that “All human beings have the right to express themselves through speech and through the media without any interference.”

ACKNOWLEDGING that the majority of artistic genres are not transmitted by speech or the media; thus

CONSIDERING that the rights of artists are not covered by any N.S.U.N. resolution;

UNDERSTANDING that artistic freedom should be protected and promoted throughout the world;

1. DEFINES for the purpose of this resolution:

a) A “work of art” as an object (such as a painting or sculpture) or intellectual construct (such as a novel or musical piece) created with the primary purpose of attaining aesthetic value,

b) An “artist” as a person who plays a major creative role on either the construction of an original work of art, or the interpretation of an existing work of art;

2. DECLARES the rights of artists to create and interpret works of art, and of any person to distribute and preserve them, without interference from other individuals, any government, or the N.S.U.N., provided they:

a) RESPECT national and international law on property rights, including copyrights,

b) ENSURE that no other person is harmed, or likely to be harmed, directly or otherwise, by their activities,

c) RESPECT any other relevant legislation that does not directly restrict their freedom of expression;

3. ENCOURAGES N.S.U.N. members to endorse and promote all artistic genres, by such means as they see fit, as long as these genres do not infringe on the restrictions described in clause 2.

Co-Authored By: Fonzoland

Votes For 8,790 (67%)
Votes Against 4,352 (33%)

Implemented Thu Jan 5 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #139
Repeal "MANDATORY RECYCLING"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #13


Proposed by: Herconia

Description: UN Resolution #13: MANDATORY RECYCLING (Category: Environmental; Industry Affected: All Businesses) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: OBSERVING the need for practical recycling legislation,

APPALLED by the failures of "Mandatory Recycling" to deliver suitable solutions, and its restriction on the ability of the UN to adopt more workable recycling policies,

REGRETTING the lack of clear guidelines, measurable goals and regulations in aforementioned resolution,

AWARE that not all member states have the industrial capacity for the scale of recycling mandated by this resolution, for which no allowance is made,

CONCERNED by the irresponsibility of forcing member states without the requisite facilities to engage in this level of recycling,

NOTING the distinct possibility of environmental damage caused by inappropriate recycling of materials by member states without developed, safe industrial facilities,

CONSIDERING that recycling "all paper, glass, aluminum, and batteries", regardless of needs, value, other uses of these items, etc, as this resolution mandates, is not a safe, intelligent, or effective way to issue a resolution encouraging recycling,

REMAINING OPEN to a replacement which adopts a more effective set of recycling regimes

REPEALS "Mandatory Recycling"

Co-authored by Gruenberg, Jey

Votes For 9,498 (73%)
Votes Against 3,457 (27%)

Implemented Tue Jan 10 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #140
Civilian Casualty Records

A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.


Category: Human Rights


Strength: Mild


Proposed by: Unstable former nuns

Description:

The United Nations,

CONCERNED by the deaths of civilians in times of war,

PERSUADED that a proportion of these are avoidable,

CONFIDENT that the military can assist in preventing many of these unnecessary deaths,

DESIRING, therefore, to contribute a positive response to this problem;

The UN hereby calls on all member nations to maintain records of civilian casualties in times of war. It further encourages them to use this data to improve the conduct of military operations, gathering of intelligence, and use of weapons, for the purpose of reducing loss of innocent life.

Votes For 10,185 (73%)
Votes Against 3,738 (27%)

Implemented Sun Jan 15 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #141
Repeal "The Law of the Sea"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #74


Proposed by: Gruenberg

Description: UN Resolution #74: The Law of the Sea (Category: Free Trade; Strength: Mild) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The United Nations,

OBSERVING that non-UN members outnumber UN members 3 to 1,

ASSERTING that the attempts of "The Law of the Sea" to claim UN jurisdiction over international waters are misguided, impractical, and illegal,

FULLY CONVINCED that the 20 kilometre allotments granted by "The Law of the Sea" are far too small without allowance for the extension of Exclusive Economic Zones, and further that the undefined and vague status of 'scientific research stations' could lead to abuse by unscrupulous nations,

BELIEVING that the allotment of fishing quotas is inefficiently administered by "The Law of the Sea", but now falls under the jurisdiction of the UNCoESB,

APPALLED at the extensive bureaucracy created by "The Law of the Sea", which would be largely rendered ineffectual by the presence of non-UN navies, and the lack of legislation governing relations between these and UN navies,

CONCERNED by the conflict between the obligations of ships under "The Law of the Sea", and of declared neutral ships,

DEPLORING the designation of definition of piracy to bilateral definition, which would in fact allow ships at will to disrupt trade, in effect fuelling, rather than preventing, international piracy,

NOT BELIEVING 'reasonable grounds' is sufficiently defined to prevent arbitrary, aggressive boarding of ships, and appalled at the breach of confidentiality created by the UN database of searches,

DISREGARDING the claim that the UN can designate no-fishing areas, given the presence of non-UN fishing boats,

DISBELIEVING the sweeping nature of "The Law of the Sea", in attempting to connect a number of entirely separate concerns, such as international security and ecology, to be a productive approach to internationally binding legislation,

FULLY CONDEMNING "The Law of the Sea" for attempting to assert UN jurisdiction over international territory:

1. REPEALS "The Law of the Sea";

2. IMPLORES the General Assembly to ensure speedy replacement of certain admittedly important aspects of "The Law of the Sea" concerning the sovereignty of territorial waters, and its well-intentioned but ineffectively and dangerously executed attempts to combat piracy.

Votes For 7,689 (65%)
Votes Against 4,101 (35%)

Implemented Fri Jan 20 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #142
Repeal "Stop dumping - Start Cleaning"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #35


Proposed by: Safalra

Description: UN Resolution #35: Stop dumping - Start Cleaning (Category: Environmental; Industry Affected: All Businesses) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: The General Assembly,

Noting the passage of United Nations Resolution #35, 'Stop Dumping - Start Cleaning',

Unconvinced that local charities are the most effective organisations for rectifying large-scale environmental damage,

Regretting that the resolution fails to consider that uncontaminated waste water, a byproduct of many industrial processes, when cooled and aerated is no longer harmful to aquatic ecosystems,

Noting that 'filtering' refers only to the removal of particulate matter and will not remove most chemical contaminants,

Observing that the concept of a 'federal prison' is alien to member States without federated government,

Concerned that the specified legal sentences are insufficiently flexible and prevent State judiciaries from considering extenuating circumstances such as time spent in custody,

Affirming that the basis of a United Nations resolution should be a considered analysis of the situation and not emotive rhetoric,

1. Repeals United Nations Resolution #35, 'Stop Dumping - Start Cleaning';

2. Condemns the style of argument, false assumptions and ill-defined terms of the resolution;

3. Urges delegates to consider the differing structures of legislatures in member States when proposing future resolutions.

Votes For 9,102 (73%)
Votes Against 3,359 (27%)

Implemented Wed Jan 25 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #143
Repeal "The Rights of Labor Unions"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #38


Proposed by: Leg-ends

Description: UN Resolution #38: The Rights of Labor Unions (Category: Social Justice; Strength: Strong) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: RECOGNISES that many member nations prefer the presence of Labor Unions in their economy.

NOTES that the abolition of all national labor unions would be extremely disastrous to the local economic atmosphere.

NOTES that Resolution #38, "The Right of Labor Unions", has serious flaws for the following reasons:

1) Does not allow the government to limit the scope of unions in areas vital to the well being of the nation, such as the military.

2) Does not give non-unionized workers protection against union discrimination.

3) Enables unions to appoint, rather than elect, their leaders, rig votes, or perform other such acts harmful to the workers

4) Allows wildcat strikes, secondary picketing and Union action outside of the rule of law

THEREFORE it is recommended that the each member nation decide on their own legislation concerning the implementation of unions.

REPEALS Resolution #38 "The Right of Labor Unions"

Votes For 8,615 (63%)
Votes Against 5,154 (37%)

Implemented Mon Jan 30 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #144
Repeal "Gay Rights"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #12


Proposed by: Omigodtheykilledkenny

Description: UN Resolution #12: Gay Rights (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Strong) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: This Assembly,

AFFIRMING that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals are deserving of full and equal protection under the law;

REAFFIRMING its earlier stance in Resolution #99: Discrimination Accord, that the resolution Gay Rights "in practice does virtually nothing to protect citizens' rights";

VOICING its concern that keeping poor, ineffectual legislation such as Resolution #12 on the books will do nothing to advance the cause for human rights, and will in fact hamper this body's ability to make further strides in that arena;

ACKNOWLEDGING that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals are ALREADY afforded substantial protections under international law through past declarations of this body; protections including, but not limited to:

1) Freedom to marry individuals of the same sex or gender;
2) Freedom to express their love for persons of the same gender;
3) Freedom from imprisonment based on sexuality;
4) Freedom from discrimination;
5) Freedom of sexual privacy; thus

DEEMING the Gay Rights resolution redundant and unnecessary;

MINDFUL that it is in the interests of the United Nations to streamline and strike out superfluous and ineffective legislation;

RECOGNIZING that the enactment of this article will NOT permit member states to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals; hereby

REPEALS Resolution #12: Gay Rights.

Votes For 8,084 (60%)
Votes Against 5,359 (40%)

Implemented Sat Feb 4 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #145
Repeal "Abortion Rights"

A resolution to repeal previously passed legislation.


Category: Repeal


Resolution: #61


Proposed by: Dorksonia

Description: UN Resolution #61: Abortion Rights (Category: Human Rights; Strength: Significant) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: RECOGNIZES that abortion is an issue where good people on each side of this issue disagree.

PRAISES the concern for women in crisis and with needs.

POINTS OUT Resolution #61 provides no details or reasons for it's argument.

EMPHASIZES Resolution #61 does not limit abortion to "Women's health" during later trimesters, but allows a woman to have an abortion for any reason whatsoever (age, gender of the baby, etc.), for no reason whatsoever, without parental consent, without spousal consent, and at any any point up to and including the ninth month of pregnancy.

ACKNOWLEDGES this repeal will not prohibit any abortions, but permit it to be a daily issue in which a nation may decide this issue for themselves.

NOTES people are passionate on both sides of this issue and repealing this issue will indeed be "pro-choice" (member nations may choose to permit abortions for any reason, limit it as they deem necessary, or prohibit).

CONSIDERS the further medical technology of prenatal surgery deeming the unborn child as a "patient" and questions if abortion does not protect the rights of these individuals based on their location.

QUESTIONS if women are able to make informed choices without further research into the pychological and emotional side effects of such a common surgical procedure.

REPEALS resolution #61 "Abortion Rights"

Votes For 7,630 (54%)
Votes Against 6,519 (46%)

Implemented Tue Feb 14 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #146
Workplace Safety Act

A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.


Category: Human Rights


Strength: Significant


Proposed by: Yeldan UN Mission

Description: NOTING the absence of UN legislation guaranteeing the safety of employees while in the workplace;

RESOLVED to establish a common standard of workplace safety in all UN nations;

BELIEVING that employees have the right to safe working conditions while at the workplace and that employers have a responsibility to provide a healthy and safe work environment;

DEFINING, for the purposes of this resolution:
- person as one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, or any organized group of persons
- an employee as an individual who performs certain tasks for another person in return for financial or other compensation
- a workplace as any site at which the tasks employees are engaged to perform are carried out
- an employer as a person or persons engaging employees to perform certain tasks, excluding the law enforcement and military bodies of UN member nations;

the United Nations hereby,

ENACTS the following:

(1)Each employer shall make every reasonable effort to furnish a place of employment which is free from hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm to his employees and inform employees as fully as possible of potential hazards.

(2)Workplaces must be maintained in such a condition that employees will not be exposed to excessive danger.

(3)Every employer must ensure that regular inspections are made of all workplaces and work methods and practices, at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions.

(4)Employers shall, where applicable, inform employees of any Personal Protective Equipment required. The minimum standard of PPE is that which will prevent injury or harm to the employee considering all known or anticipated hazards within the specific workplace. All employees must provide or be provided with, and be required to use, the minimum standard of PPE. Employers shall also provide formal training in the use of PPE and in safe operational procedures for all employees, plus updates whenever significant new procedures are introduced.

(5)The employer must ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used and operated.

(6)Employers shall ensure that each employee complies with all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to the employee's own actions and conduct.

(7)Employers must not knowingly permit employees to enter or remain at the workplace while the employee's ability to work safely is so notably impaired as to endanger the employee and/or anyone else, or diminish their ability to operate machinery safely.

(8)Employers shall ensure that employees do not engage in any inappropriate activity or behavior at a workplace that might create or constitute a hazard to themselves or to any other person.

(9)All UN member nations are encouraged to enact workplace safety legislation at the national level that would further expand on the concepts embodied within this act. Nothing in this legislation shall be taken as forcing or inducing nations to lower existing national standards of workplace safety.

(10)Each UN member nation shall ensure that within it there exist one or more adequately funded governmental bodies that can inspect work sites and ensure compliance with this act throughout its territory.

Co-Authored by UNOG

Votes For 9,792 (66%)
Votes Against 4,965 (34%)

Implemented Sun Feb 19 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #147
Abortion Legality Convention

A resolution to restrict civil freedoms in the interest of moral decency.


Category: Moral Decency


Strength: Mild


Proposed by: Omigodtheykilledkenny2

Description: The United Nations,

REAFFIRMING Article 5 of The Universal Bill of Rights, that no one may be subjected to cruel or inhuman treatment,

RECOGNISING that both scientific and moral opinion remains, and is likely to remain, irreparably divided over the issue of at what stage human life begins,

ACKNOWLEDGING that there are many societies within the NSUN that would consider a fetus, and especially a developed fetus in the third trimester, to possess human characteristics and be deserving of special protection, whilst others would not,

REGRETTING that such divisions render global resolution over abortion unlikely,

SEEKING to establish a fair compromise:

1. DECLARES that states have the right to declare abortion legal or illegal, and to pass legislation extending or restricting the right to an abortion;

2. RECOMMENDS that in cases of rape, incest, severe fetal abnormality or where the continuation of the pregnancy poses severe medical risk to the mother, states permit abortion procedures;

3. URGES states to prevent the Intact Dilation and Extraction (IDX or 'partial birth') procedure;

4. CALLS FOR increased international research in fetal development, so as to develop greater understanding of the ramifications of abortion;

5. REMINDS states that in the absence of completely reliable contraception, there may always remain a demand for abortion, and that legalisation and regulation is more likely to provide sanitary abortion possibilities.

Authored by Gruenberg

Votes For 8,993 (71%)
Votes Against 3,673 (29%)

Implemented Tue Mar 7 2006

[The Dourian Embassy]

HISTORICAL RESOLUTION #148
Meteorological Cooperation

A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.


Category: Free Trade


Strength: Mild


Proposed by: St Edmund

Description: Argument: The United Nations,

NOTING that accurate forecasting of the weather and of changes in the climate can be very useful for the agriculture, fishing, tourism and transport industries, as well as for nations’ populations in general;

NOTING that weather patterns are unlikely to fit neatly within national borders, especially when types of weather with potentially serious effects are involved, and that climate changes can have world-wide effects;

NOTING that the more information is available the more accurately weather-forecasting models can be designed and used;

REALISING that nations may be reluctant to share information about their current and predicted weather when they are at war, because that information might be of use to their enemies;

ESTABLISHES the ‘International Meteorological Organisation’ [or ‘IMO’] to collect information about weather, climate changes, and methods for forecasting these; to help develop better forecasting methods; and to disseminate this information to any cooperating UN member-nations whose governments request it;

STRONGLY URGES the governments of UN member-nations to cooperate with the IMO by supplying it with all of the relevant information that they possess;

STRONGLY URGES any governments of UN member-nations who choose to restrict the spread of relevant information during wartime to cooperate with the IMO by saving that information so that it can be sent to the IMO for research purposes after those hostilities have ended;

INSTRUCTS the IMO to cooperate with any other UN agencies that might also have an interest in the subject, such as [for example] the Natural Disaster Assessment Organisation or the Tsunami Emergency Warning Centre, within any limits set by the resolutions which created those agencies;

OFFERS the services of the IMO to any nations that are not members of the UN, if their governments are willing to pay a negotiated contribution towards its expenses and to send it all relevant information that they possess, except for any such nations that are at war with any UN member-nations;

REQUIRES that any information that the IMO has supplied to national governments shall only be passed to any subsequent users free of charge, rather than sold either by those governments or by anybody else.

Votes For 9,727 (80%)
Votes Against 2,459 (20%)

Implemented Sun Mar 12 2006