[PASSED] WA Border Policy

[The Wary Walrus]

"This is something to which we would be delighted to lend our support. My only query is about the rather odd placement of clause 5, which I believe would make a lot more sense directly after clause 2, but other than that practical non-issue I wish you the best of luck."

“I think that clause 7 should have a restriction for those who have been convicted of serious crimes, since these individuals ought to have restrictions on employment and housing on the basis of safety.”

Walter the Wary Walrus happily bellowed

OROOOO OROH OROOH OROH OROOOOO

His translator, an old, grey haired man, said

We appreciate the comments! We'll take these into account and revise the draft. Obviously it has sat dormant for some time, and adjustments should be made.

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter scribbled intently on the draft sitting on his desk, careful not to knock over the pyramid of empty beer cans he had been absentmindedly building throughout the day. Finally, he leaned back in his chair with a furrowed brow and said

ROH ORO ORO

His translator, peering out from the pyramid which Walter had constructed around him, said

Well I think I've hit all the points raised so far. I've also taken the liberty of cleaning up a bit of the language. One major item that I think must be added is a mechanism for states to leave the WABC Zone - I imagine some sort of official notice process, with a time delay before it becomes effective. Any thoughts on that?

[Maowi]

Walter scribbled intently on the draft sitting on his desk, careful not to knock over the pyramid of empty beer cans he had been absentmindedly building throughout the day. Finally, he leaned back in his chair with a furrowed brow and said

ROH ORO ORO

His translator, peering out from the pyramid which Walter had constructed around him, said

Well I think I've hit all the points raised so far. I've also taken the liberty of cleaning up a bit of the language. One major item that I think must be added is a mechanism for states to leave the WABC Zone - I imagine some sort of official notice process, with a time delay before it becomes effective. Any thoughts on that?

Feargal cleared his throat and addressed his speech to the pyramid of beer cans next to the wary walrus. "Would the kind translator relay to the ambassador my belief that a proper leaving mechanism should include a process by which all members of the zone are notified - whether the leaving state notifies the committee which in turn notifies the other members or the communication comes directly from the leaving state - and should also include a provision by which the leaving state must notify in advance all other members of the legal status of citizens of other members residing or employed in the leaving state? A suitable delay period would then hopefully allow necessary arrangements to be made."

[Tinfect]

OOC:
Christ, haven't seen this draft in a while. Don't look back on my old RP! It's terrible!

IC:

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

"A situation that, it would seem, only your government is direly concerned with," said Feren, for the first time in a long time, flanked by the other two members of the Imperial delegation.

[*]Authorizes the WABC to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to join the WABC Zone,

"Why, Ambassador? If a foreign government wishes to contact the Imperium, the most effective means are to do so directly, rather than acting through an intermediary. This would give nothing more than the appearance of attempting to force open the Imperial borders though sheer mass of diplomatic pressure. In other words, Ambassador, I cannot see how this is in any way conducive to your goals."

[*]Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to find housing and employment within any consenting state, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public safety,

"The Imperium would not normally engage with these sections of the draft, as the Imperium has no intention of subjecting itself to any form of 'free movement' agreements, but, this particular aspect seems... off-topic, shall we say? Matters of residency or citizenship are entirely unrelated from whether or not one has access to the territories themselves; presuming that the Imperial Government were to allow foreigners to enter our borders, why would we then therefore, be required to allow them to find permanent housing within the Imperium, regardless of the state of their citizenship? It simply seems absurd."

[*]Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,

"Again, why? What purpose is served by demanding that the Imperium sift through mountains of paperwork on an annual basis? Certainly, if the conditions were so different that border policy could legitimately come under question, then it would be done, regardless of any internationally-enforced mandate to do so regularly. This simply serves no purpose."

[*]Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC,

Seretis quickly cuts in front of Feren as this section is raised. "Rather my area of work, if you'll excuse me Tolarn. As for the draft... why? Not only is no singular authority within the Imperium capable of sufficiently expressing the concerns of the Imperium regarding its borders, what purpose would any such liaisons serve within the Border Committee? Surely the intent is not that the Border Committee be able to put a non-consenting-state's liaison 'on trial' so to speak, regarding their government's policies?"

Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

"I will never understand these clauses; you do realize that World Assembly 'encouragement', is roughly equivalent to the combined might of ten-thousand mildly worded letters being funneled directly into an incinerator? Admittedly, this is not a substantive critique."

Feren promptly pushed his way past Seretis. "To conclude, the Imperium sees little reason for this legislation to exist in the first place. Such agreements can be made between Member-States without the need for mediation by an unnecessary international bureaucracy, and where it does not specifically regard such agreements, the draft does little more than provide undue interference in the affairs of Member-States. The Imperium sees therefore, no reason to support it."

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter scribbled intently on the draft sitting on his desk, careful not to knock over the pyramid of empty beer cans he had been absentmindedly building throughout the day. Finally, he leaned back in his chair with a furrowed brow and said

ROH ORO ORO

His translator, peering out from the pyramid which Walter had constructed around him, said

Well I think I've hit all the points raised so far. I've also taken the liberty of cleaning up a bit of the language. One major item that I think must be added is a mechanism for states to leave the WABC Zone - I imagine some sort of official notice process, with a time delay before it becomes effective. Any thoughts on that?

Feargal cleared his throat and addressed his speech to the pyramid of beer cans next to the wary walrus. "Would the kind translator relay to the ambassador my belief that a proper leaving mechanism should include a process by which all members of the zone are notified - whether the leaving state notifies the committee which in turn notifies the other members or the communication comes directly from the leaving state - and should also include a provision by which the leaving state must notify in advance all other members of the legal status of citizens of other members residing or employed in the leaving state? A suitable delay period would then hopefully allow necessary arrangements to be made."

Walter nodded his head in agreement at the suggestions made from the representative from Maowi before turning to another voice speaking up from the chamber.

OOC:
Christ, haven't seen this draft in a while. Don't look back on my old RP! It's terrible!

OOC: Meanwhile, mine clearly stands the test of time. Good to see you!

IC:
Walter jumped with great vigor onto his chair, bellowing in response to the comments made from the representative from Tinfect:
ORO. OROOOO

His translator, bravely shouting from within his pyramid enclosure despite the risk of collapse, stated:

IC:

Cognizant of the fact that there exists no comprehensive General Assembly law regarding the state of borders between World Assembly member nations,

"A situation that, it would seem, only your government is direly concerned with," said Feren, for the first time in a long time, flanked by the other two members of the Imperial delegation.

That hardly seems to be the case, the majority of the commentary seems to be positive.

[*]Authorizes the WABC to negotiate bilaterally on behalf of consenting states with member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state consent to join the WABC Zone,

"Why, Ambassador? If a foreign government wishes to contact the Imperium, the most effective means are to do so directly, rather than acting through an intermediary. This would give nothing more than the appearance of attempting to force open the Imperial borders though sheer mass of diplomatic pressure. In other words, Ambassador, I cannot see how this is in any way conducive to your goals."

Simple: in a multiverse with so many nations, having a single, centralized entity handle such negotiations allows for coordination and uniformity which would otherwise be lacking.

[*]Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to find housing and employment within any consenting state, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public safety,

"The Imperium would not normally engage with these sections of the draft, as the Imperium has no intention of subjecting itself to any form of 'free movement' agreements, but, this particular aspect seems... off-topic, shall we say? Matters of residency or citizenship are entirely unrelated from whether or not one has access to the territories themselves; presuming that the Imperial Government were to allow foreigners to enter our borders, why would we then therefore, be required to allow them to find permanent housing within the Imperium, regardless of the state of their citizenship? It simply seems absurd."

Freedom of movement and freedom of labor and interconnected, and the ability for those moving to find work and residency - without fear of discrimination on the basis of their national origin - is critical for this to succeed.

[*]Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,

"Again, why? What purpose is served by demanding that the Imperium sift through mountains of paperwork on an annual basis? Certainly, if the conditions were so different that border policy could legitimately come under question, then it would be done, regardless of any internationally-enforced mandate to do so regularly. This simply serves no purpose."

Presumably your government does this already, in one form or another. From a purely legalistic perspective, this is the hook that prevents that resolution from being optional and therefor illegal.

[*]Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC,

Seretis quickly cuts in front of Feren as this section is raised. "Rather my area of work, if you'll excuse me Tolarn. As for the draft... why? Not only is no singular authority within the Imperium capable of sufficiently expressing the concerns of the Imperium regarding its borders, what purpose would any such liaisons serve within the Border Committee? Surely the intent is not that the Border Committee be able to put a non-consenting-state's liaison 'on trial' so to speak, regarding their government's policies?"

Certainly not, the intention would be for such liaison to be able to communicate a nation's border policies to the Committee - in other words, it is for states to keep lines of communication open.

Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

"I will never understand these clauses; you do realize that World Assembly 'encouragement', is roughly equivalent to the combined might of ten-thousand mildly worded letters being funneled directly into an incinerator? Admittedly, this is not a substantive critique."

We absolutely understand this. The strength is exactly as intended - an encouragement, but not a directive. Nations are encouraged to participate, but we respect that control over borders is an important issue which states should retain the right to avoid cooperation with WABC should they wish.

Feren promptly pushed his way past Seretis. "To conclude, the Imperium sees little reason for this legislation to exist in the first place. Such agreements can be made between Member-States without the need for mediation by an unnecessary international bureaucracy, and where it does not specifically regard such agreements, the draft does little more than provide undue interference in the affairs of Member-States. The Imperium sees therefore, no reason to support it."

Uniformity and coordination are achieved through the WABC. We respect the position held by the representatives of the Imperium, however, we firmly believe that cooperation in this field will be to the benefit of all.

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter crossed an i and dotted a t before critically examining his draft and placing it back before the chamber for consideration, still somewhat woozy from a week of heavy drinking at the Stranger's Bar.

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter, noting the number of endorsements his nation recently obtained, looked around the chamber for any further input before submitting the proposal to the General Assembly.

[Wallenburg]

"Is there any reason for a member state to enter into this open-border agreement, beyond the propagation of the capitalist lie?"

[The Wary Walrus]

"Is there any reason for a member state to enter into this open-border agreement, beyond the propagation of the capitalist lie?"

Walter scratched a tusk quizzically before responding to his translator, who addressed the Wallenburgian ambassador:

Well beyond the propagation of the capitalist lie, there are also the cultural benefits associated with the free flow of people. Along with associated benefits that you can imagine. Of course, nations that do not wish to participate are under no requirement to - and they will in fact benefit from the coordination of national border policies targeted by this resolution.

[The Wary Walrus]

OOC: I'll likely submit this today, pending any further comments.

[The Wary Walrus]

OOC: I'm actually going to hold off, as two issues come to mind: (1) ensuring that states can pull out of the WABC Zone; and (2) adjusting the rights of individuals to work and live in consenting states. My vague recollection is that the Schengen Area requires individuals to apply for a visa if they'll be living in an area for longer than a brief period - probably something like that makes sense here as well.

Edit: I've tweaked 7 and 8 to address the above - no right to housing, travel/employment remain protected.

[The Wary Walrus]

OOC: Submitted!

[Hanovereich]

I would oppose it because of my opinions on this subject, but you know what, there's nothing to oppose. Good job.

[Jedinsto]

Approved.

[Picairn]

"Vigorous support. Open borders between consenting states will boost our Tourism industry, as well as providing a greater flow of workers to the industries of the Empire."

[Gorundu]

Feargal cleared his throat and addressed his speech to the pyramid of beer cans next to the wary walrus. "Would the kind translator relay to the ambassador my belief that a proper leaving mechanism should include a process by which all members of the zone are notified - whether the leaving state notifies the committee which in turn notifies the other members or the communication comes directly from the leaving state - and should also include a provision by which the leaving state must notify in advance all other members of the legal status of citizens of other members residing or employed in the leaving state? A suitable delay period would then hopefully allow necessary arrangements to be made."

Walter nodded his head in agreement at the suggestions made from the representative from Maowi before turning to another voice speaking up from the chamber.

OOC: Seems like you forgot to cover this suggestion from a year ago Either that or you think Clause 7 does the job, which I'll have to disagree with.

[The Wary Walrus]

Walter nodded his head in agreement at the suggestions made from the representative from Maowi before turning to another voice speaking up from the chamber.

OOC: Seems like you forgot to cover this suggestion from a year ago Either that or you think Clause 7 does the job, which I'll have to disagree with.

OOC: I think it does! I wanted to build in some flexibility for the WABC to set up a reasonable process without bogging down the resolution with every detail - I think it's fair to say that any reasonable process of leaving the WABC Zone administered by WABC would involve notice (even without WABC this would likely occur, if for no other reason than the leaving nation would want to provide such notice so that its own industries don't get surprised by the loss of workforce).

I would oppose it because of my opinions on this subject, but you know what, there's nothing to oppose. Good job.

Approved.

"Vigorous support. Open borders between consenting states will boost our Tourism industry, as well as providing a greater flow of workers to the industries of the Empire."

Walter happily began drafting thank you cards to the various supporting delegations, signing each with a flourish and slipping in a poorly-concealed IOU for a drink at the Stranger's Bar.

[Paleocacher]

I like this idea, especially given that its not mandatory. Are there provisions for a nation to leave the program if they so choose after a change in government or otherwise?

[The Wary Walrus]

I like this idea, especially given that its not mandatory. Are there provisions for a nation to leave the program if they so choose after a change in government or otherwise?

Yes, see clause 7 of the resooooroooolution.

[Morover]

An intern of the Morovian Department on the World Assembly, who seems to have lost their nametag.

"I am concerned that the phrasing of this proposal, while it allows the Border Commissio- er, Committee- to process applications from member-nations regarding this free movement zone, and it gives theoretical information should such a zone exist, it fails to give the Border Committee to actually establish such a zone, making nearly the entire proposal null. I eagerly await the, uh, ambassador's response to this concern."

[The Wary Walrus]

An intern of the Morovian Department on the World Assembly, who seems to have lost their nametag.

"I am concerned that the phrasing of this proposal, while it allows the Border Commissio- er, Committee- to process applications from member-nations regarding this free movement zone, and it gives theoretical information should such a zone exist, it fails to give the Border Committee to actually establish such a zone, making nearly the entire proposal null. I eagerly await the, uh, ambassador's response to this concern."

The WABC Zone is created through the implementation of the resoooorrooooolution as a whole - it includes the mechanism of such creation in clause 2, and general rules for the WABC Zone in clause 8 below. We dooorooon't include a "creation of the WABC Zone" clause because the WABC Zone is subject to constant change as states join and leave.

1. Creates the World Assembly Border Committee ("WABC") as a subcommittee of the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation
2. Tasks WABC with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone ("WABC Zone"),
3. Requires that applicant states, in order to be approved by WABC, meet a list of criteria established by WABC which will include an analysis of their border security regarding non-consenting and non-member states,
4. Explains that the WABC Zone applies to consenting states only and allows unlimited travel across borders at designated points between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,
5. Authorizes WABC to negotiate on behalf of consenting states with member states and non-member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state or non-member state consent to join the WABC Zone,
   
6. Further authorizes WABC to change a consenting state's border laws to create a single unified policy across consenting states that is to be publicized before any member state joins,
7. Directs WABC to develop procedures for a consenting state to withdraw from the WABC Zone in an efficient, timely manner,
8. Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to travel or find employment within any consenting state differently from existing citizens of the state in question, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public health and safety,
9. Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,
10. Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC, and lastly
11. Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

[Morover]

An intern of the Morovian Department on the World Assembly, who seems to have lost their nametag.

"I am concerned that the phrasing of this proposal, while it allows the Border Commissio- er, Committee- to process applications from member-nations regarding this free movement zone, and it gives theoretical information should such a zone exist, it fails to give the Border Committee to actually establish such a zone, making nearly the entire proposal null. I eagerly await the, uh, ambassador's response to this concern."

The WABC Zone is created through the implementation of the resoooorrooooolution as a whole - it includes the mechanism of such creation in clause 2, and general rules for the WABC Zone in clause 8 below. We dooorooon't include a "creation of the WABC Zone" clause because the WABC Zone is subject to constant change as states join and leave.

1. Creates the World Assembly Border Committee ("WABC") as a subcommittee of the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation
2. Tasks WABC with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone ("WABC Zone"),
3. Requires that applicant states, in order to be approved by WABC, meet a list of criteria established by WABC which will include an analysis of their border security regarding non-consenting and non-member states,
4. Explains that the WABC Zone applies to consenting states only and allows unlimited travel across borders at designated points between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,
5. Authorizes WABC to negotiate on behalf of consenting states with member states and non-member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state or non-member state consent to join the WABC Zone,
   
6. Further authorizes WABC to change a consenting state's border laws to create a single unified policy across consenting states that is to be publicized before any member state joins,
7. Directs WABC to develop procedures for a consenting state to withdraw from the WABC Zone in an efficient, timely manner,
8. Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to travel or find employment within any consenting state differently from existing citizens of the state in question, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public health and safety,
9. Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,
10. Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC, and lastly
11. Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

The aforementioned intern.

"My issue arises through the fact that committees do not have any mechanic allowing them to interpret resolutions as they see fit, unless said right to interpretation is given in the actual proposal. Because of this, the lack of actual clause regarding the creation of such a space means that any clauses regarding it are entirely hypothetical, and the zone will never be created by the Border Committee. There needs to be a clause that actually gives the WABC the right to create, maintain, and modify such a zone in order for the proposal to work in effect."

[Outer Sparta]

Ambassador Tav: Before I go into the proposal further, what have you walruses been doing all these years when this proposal seemingly lie dormant?

[The Wary Walrus]

The WABC Zone is created through the implementation of the resoooorrooooolution as a whole - it includes the mechanism of such creation in clause 2, and general rules for the WABC Zone in clause 8 below. We dooorooon't include a "creation of the WABC Zone" clause because the WABC Zone is subject to constant change as states join and leave.

1. Creates the World Assembly Border Committee ("WABC") as a subcommittee of the Global Emigration, Security, Travel And Passport Organisation
2. Tasks WABC with processing applications from member states to join a free movement zone ("WABC Zone"),
3. Requires that applicant states, in order to be approved by WABC, meet a list of criteria established by WABC which will include an analysis of their border security regarding non-consenting and non-member states,
4. Explains that the WABC Zone applies to consenting states only and allows unlimited travel across borders at designated points between consenting states without the need of the traveler to present documentation at each border,
5. Authorizes WABC to negotiate on behalf of consenting states with member states and non-member states in order to loosen border restrictions without necessarily having the member state or non-member state consent to join the WABC Zone,
   
6. Further authorizes WABC to change a consenting state's border laws to create a single unified policy across consenting states that is to be publicized before any member state joins,
7. Directs WABC to develop procedures for a consenting state to withdraw from the WABC Zone in an efficient, timely manner,
8. Forbids consenting states from restricting the right of individuals from other consenting states to travel or find employment within any consenting state differently from existing citizens of the state in question, subject to such reasonable restrictions that consenting states may institute in the interest of public health and safety,
9. Compels all member states, including those which do not join the WABC Zone, to conduct an annual review of their border policies,
10. Designates that each member state shall appoint at least one liaison to the WABC, and lastly
11. Encourages all member states to negotiate bilateral agreements with the WABC even if they do not wish to consent to join the WABC Zone

The aforementioned intern.

"My issue arises through the fact that committees do not have any mechanic allowing them to interpret resolutions as they see fit, unless said right to interpretation is given in the actual proposal. Because of this, the lack of actual clause regarding the creation of such a space means that any clauses regarding it are entirely hypothetical, and the zone will never be created by the Border Committee. There needs to be a clause that actually gives the WABC the right to create, maintain, and modify such a zone in order for the proposal to work in effect."

The zone is created by the admission of various states to the WABC Zone and the associated administrative process. I think you're looking to do too much with the resolution, yet at the same time doing that which is already established. The right of the WABC to establish and modify the WABC Zone is clearly established by the resolution.

[The Wary Walrus]

Ambassador Tav: Before I go into the proposal further, what have you walruses been doing all these years when this proposal seemingly lie dormant?

Drinking, mostly.

Walter wandered around the chamber, handing out IOUs to the Stranger's Bar.