[PASSED] Humanitarian Aid Expansion Act

[Yodle]

Category: Health
Area of Effect: International Aid
Proposed By: Yodle
Description:

Concerned by the disturbing rise and phenomenon of natural disasters in many areas and the lives lost as a result; yet,

Aware that natural disasters will always occur, with or without government intervention; however,

Hopeful that at the very least, more lives can be saved with increased humanitarian aid to the rising number of afflicted areas near or around natural disasters;

The World Assembly hereby:

Defines “natural disaster” as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society, caused by naturally occurring phenomenon and involving widespread population, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

Further Defines "security check" as any measure(s) a host nation chooses to take to verify the identity, authenticity, and/or lack of a security threat of personnel and aid that are requested to enter the borders of the host nation in order to fulfill their duties as mandated by the International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee.

Highly recommends that the host nation attempt to provide efficient distribution of and easy access to any available domestic or foreign humanitarian aid with assistance from nearby member nations if the host nation is unable to support itself. All humanitarian aid originating from outside the borders of the host nation are subject to any extensive security checks imposed by the host nation in order for it to be sent to the afflicted areas.

Mandates that host nations allow any personnel working with humanitarian organizations that are involved with the relief effort to enter afflicted areas, with all personnel being subject to any extensive security checks imposed by the host nation. If the personnel pass the security checks, the host nation must provide transportation so the personnel can reach the afflicted areas, if deemed necessary.

Requires the maintaining or rebuilding, if necessary, of essential infrastructure in threatened areas, such as hospitals and distribution centers, which is necessary to provide effective disaster relief in times of crisis.

The International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee shall be expanded to:

• Be granted authority to send out unbiased inspectors, who are appointed by the powers within the WA, to conduct inspections of the essential infrastructure and supplies stockpiles, without interference from the host nation, within threatened areas inside host nations, especially during times when a natural disaster is believed to be imminent.
  
• Grant funds to international humanitarian organizations based in member nations which are involved in active disaster relief operations in order to ensure that the necessary resources are present.

[Imperium Anglorum]

Ensure efficient distribution of and easy access to any additional humanitarian aid that is sent to afflicted areas within the borders of the host nation.

Is not practical in situations with overwhelming disasters. This should be changed to something like 'attempt'. Furthermore, it is also a national security risk.

Allow any personnel working with humanitarian organizations that are involved with the relief effort to enter afflicted areas and provide any necessary transportation that is required to reach these areas.

Is a threat to national security.

Maintain essential infrastructure in threatened areas, such as hospitals and distribution centers, which is necessary to provide effective disaster relief in times of crisis.

Fails to account for times when such infrastructure may need to be torn down to be rebuilt anew.

---

Defining “natural disasters” as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society, caused by naturally occurring phenomenon and involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

Defines, in my opinion, should be in the operative clause section. Also, I think it looks better without emphasising every first word. Because we really need to emphasise everything or nobody can read what we wrote!

[Araraukar]

Because we really need to emphasise everything or nobody can read what we wrote!

OOC: Don't listen to IA on the matter of emphasizing things. He's got his personal petty peeves, like we all do.

On the other stuff, though, he's usually worth listening to.

EDIT: Random "yeay" for 7k posts.

[Yodle]

Ensure efficient distribution of and easy access to any additional humanitarian aid that is sent to afflicted areas within the borders of the host nation.

Is not practical in situations with overwhelming disasters. This should be changed to something like 'attempt'. Furthermore, it is also a national security risk.

Allow any personnel working with humanitarian organizations that are involved with the relief effort to enter afflicted areas and provide any necessary transportation that is required to reach these areas.

Is a threat to national security.

Maintain essential infrastructure in threatened areas, such as hospitals and distribution centers, which is necessary to provide effective disaster relief in times of crisis.

Fails to account for times when such infrastructure may need to be torn down to be rebuilt anew.

---

Defining “natural disasters” as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society, caused by naturally occurring phenomenon and involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

Defines, in my opinion, should be in the operative clause section. Also, I think it looks better without emphasising every first word. Because we really need to emphasise everything or nobody can read what we wrote!

Loll, all have been taken into account for, hopefully into good effect.

[Umeria]

Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters caused by climate change

This proposal doesn't really involve climate change, so it would be better to just say "Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters". Not all disasters are caused by climate change. Also, many nations are not experiencing climate change whatsoever, as they exist on different planets. Perhaps you should say "Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters in many areas" or something like that.

human life lost

You should change that to just "lives lost". Some nations do not have a human populace.

Aware that legislation to curb the rate of climate change is unlikely to succeed in the current incarnation of the World Assembly

This is because, again, climate change is not a problem for many nations.

rising number of afflicted areas

This entire preamble needs a lot of work. As of now it is focused on convincing nations that they need to provide aid to nations experiencing natural disasters because of climate change. Natural disasters happen sometimes, climate change or no climate change, and the preamble should reflect that. There isn't any reason to even mention climate change, as it has nothing to do with your proposal.

Define “natural disasters”

Define the singular, not the plural.

and involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts

Please don't use the word "human".

Okay, Umeria supports the proposal's general idea(unless it duplicates or contradicts some other resolution), but the material needs some drastic changes.

[Yodle]

Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters caused by climate change

This proposal doesn't really involve climate change, so it would be better to just say "Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters". Not all disasters are caused by climate change. Also, many nations are not experiencing climate change whatsoever, as they exist on different planets. Perhaps you should say "Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters in many areas" or something like that.

human life lost

You should change that to just "lives lost". Some nations do not have a human populace.

Aware that legislation to curb the rate of climate change is unlikely to succeed in the current incarnation of the World Assembly

This is because, again, climate change is not a problem for many nations.

rising number of afflicted areas

This entire preamble needs a lot of work. As of now it is focused on convincing nations that they need to provide aid to nations experiencing natural disasters because of climate change. Natural disasters happen sometimes, climate change or no climate change, and the preamble should reflect that. There isn't any reason to even mention climate change, as it has nothing to do with your proposal.

Define “natural disasters”

Define the singular, not the plural.

and involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts

Please don't use the word "human".

Okay, Umeria supports the proposal's general idea(unless it duplicates or contradicts some other resolution), but the material needs some drastic changes.

I changed the preamble up a bit, does it still get off topic when I mention natural disasters occurring with or without government intervention?

[Wallenburg]

Concerned by the disturbing rise of natural disasters caused by climate change and the human life lost as a result; yet,

"Well, I have several objections to this. First, natural disasters are not rising in frequency nor in severity. Second, 'climate change' is nothing but a buzzword employed by those who hate basic human development*. Third, the use of 'human' in this clause could easily be perceived as racist."

Aware that legislation to curb the rate of climate change is unlikely to succeed in the current incarnation of the World Assembly; however,

"Indeed. Especially because climate change is not real*."

Hopeful that at the very least, more lives can be saved with increased humanitarian aid to the rising number of afflicted areas near or around natural disasters;

"Again, these numbers really are not rising, at least at a demonstrable scale."

Declares that member nations shall:

"'The World Assembly hereby:' usually works better."

Define “natural disasters” as a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society, caused by naturally occurring phenomenon and involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

"This is a terrible definition."

Attempt to provide efficient distribution of and easy access to any additional humanitarian aid, which has first went through extensive security checks, that is sent to afflicted areas within the borders of the host nation.

"'Has gone', not 'has went'. Also, what is this 'additional humanitarian aid'?"

Allow any personnel working with humanitarian organizations that are involved with the relief effort to enter afflicted areas, but first having to pass extensive security checks, while also providing any necessary transportation that is required to reach these areas.

"Okay, I'm curious: what are the 'extensive security checks', and why are they necessary?"

Maintain or rebuild, if necessary, essential infrastructure in threatened areas, such as hospitals and distribution centers, which is necessary to provide effective disaster relief in times of crisis.

"Essential infrastructure is inherently necessary, but otherwise this clause is sound."

The International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee shall be expanded to:

• Be granted authority to conduct inspections of the essential infrastructure and supplies stockpiles, without interference from the host nation, within threatened areas inside host nations, especially during times when a natural disaster is believed to be imminent.

"Absolutely not. We won't have a bunch of unaccountable foreign bureaucrats running around our nation and harassing our people just because someone back at the office had a feeling something bad might happen."

Grant funds to humanitarian organizations which are involved in active disaster relief operations in order to ensure that the necessary resources are present.

"Including those outside of member states? Because that would be illegal."

*OOC: Climate change is not occurring on a significant level on the planet where Wallenburg is.

[Jarish Inyo]

We can not support this resolution due to the following:

Be granted authority to conduct inspections of the essential infrastructure and supplies stockpiles, without interference from the host nation, within threatened areas inside host nations, especially during times when a natural disaster is believed to be imminent.

Why is an international organization more capable then the host nation's government to do the inspections? Why shouldn't the International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee not ask for permission to enter said nation?

[Umeria]

as mandated by The International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee.

The "the" should not be capitalized, as it is not part of the title.

[Imperium Anglorum]

Attempts to provide efficient distribution of and easy access to any available domestic or foreign humanitarian aid, which has first gone through extensive security checks, that is sent to afflicted areas within the borders of the host nation.

As a drafting note, this should be something along the lines of the World Assembly requiring nations to attempt to do stuff. The WA would not be doing this by itself.

This is a continuing issue throughout the draft. In the current draft, the primary actor is the World Assembly. If it were submitted as-is, we would oppose, and if it were passed, we would pursue a repeal based on costs.

[Yodle]

"'Has gone', not 'has went'. Also, what is this 'additional humanitarian aid'?"

I actually just changed it to 'available domestic and foreign aid,' but my intention was to say any aid that is sent in as surplus to the resources the host nation already has in place.

"Okay, I'm curious: what are the 'extensive security checks', and why are they necessary?"

I don't really go into detail with why, I added in the proposal's definition of 'security check' the option to choose to do very lax or no security check at all if the host nation wants, but some nations may view personnel just walking into their borders as a security threat I guess.

"Including those outside of member states? Because that would be illegal."

Thank you for pointing that out, 'tis fixed.

[Separatist Peoples]

We can not support this resolution due to the following:

Be granted authority to conduct inspections of the essential infrastructure and supplies stockpiles, without interference from the host nation, within threatened areas inside host nations, especially during times when a natural disaster is believed to be imminent.

Why is an international organization more capable then the host nation's government to do the inspections? Why shouldn't the International Humanitarian Aid Coordination Committee not ask for permission to enter said nation?

"Because a host nation is not an unbiased source of such information, and refusing permission to impartial inspectors ensures that nothing will ever get done. If you don't like it, resignation is an option."

[Jarish Inyo]

Imperial law only allows one WA official within the Empire at a time. We'd gladly kick out Harold the compliance gnome for the time it takes an inspector to complete the inspection.

[Yodle]

Attempts to provide efficient distribution of and easy access to any available domestic or foreign humanitarian aid, which has first gone through extensive security checks, that is sent to afflicted areas within the borders of the host nation.

As a drafting note, this should be something along the lines of the World Assembly requiring nations to attempt to do stuff. The WA would not be doing this by itself.

This is a continuing issue throughout the draft. In the current draft, the primary actor is the World Assembly. If it were submitted as-is, we would oppose, and if it were passed, we would pursue a repeal based on costs.

I think I fixed it, with the WA acting as the enforcer and host nations/member nations acting as the primary actor. I

[Europe and Oceania]

We'll definitely support this.

[Normlpeople]

OOC: Some light reading

It appears GAR 51 covers this area well. On quick glance you seem to duplicate or contradict it a few times.

[Yodle]

OOC: Some light reading

It appears GAR 51 covers this area well. On quick glance you seem to duplicate or contradict it a few times.

My intention was to build off of it, with a greater emphasis on natural disasters specifically, but you may be correct. I will go through it to make sure

[Tinfect]

OOC:
The World Assembly has its own Gnomes to staff committees, you don't need to source personnel from Member-States.

[Yodle]

OOC:
The World Assembly has its own Gnomes to staff committees, you don't need to source personnel from Member-States.

All fixed!

[Yodle]

OOC: Some light reading

It appears GAR 51 covers this area well. On quick glance you seem to duplicate or contradict it a few times.

It definitely looks like it duplicates/contradicts at first, but when I looked at it in closer detail I seem to have just made it unique enough to be different and adding on to the previous resolution. While I could be wrong, hopefully if anyone catches something they'll post it here

[Araraukar]

Calling your current draft "final draft" makes it sound like you were about to submit this, which I hope you aren't.

[Yodle]

Calling your current draft "final draft" makes it sound like you were about to submit this, which I hope you aren't.

Thank you for pointing that out, I have adjusted its title accordingly.

[Imperium Anglorum]

Calling your current draft "final draft" makes it sound like you were about to submit this, which I hope you aren't.

This was submitted. The following telegram was sent:

Good evening my fellow delegates,

%NATION%, I would like to ask that you vote for and support new legislation called Humanitarian Aid Expansion Act that I have proposed through my WA Puppet [nation=short]Ichu[/nation].

The purpose of this legislation is to increase international aid to member nations suffering from frequent natural disasters, in the hope that more lives can be saved even if we are unable to change the reality that natural disasters that will always occur no matter what intervention the WA takes. I hope that you can empathize with this proposal and enable fellow member nations to be helped out in order to save their citizens' lives.

Thank you, if you have any questions or concerns please telegram me or my puppet [nation=short]Ichu[/nation].

[Araraukar]

This was submitted.

OOC: Naturally.

...we need a facepalm emote.

Aside from the bad grammar, I can see minor infractions - requiring nations to let the workers in without requiring them to have a passport (and visum) á la GAR #76, as well as possibly stepping on the toes of GAR #105 as the funder for disaster response, and duplicate/contradict IHACC's rights/duties to coordinate humanitarian aid to civilians affected by disasters via GAR #51.

Actually, looking at it more closely, the last two subclauses of this proposal seem to directly duplicate GAR #51.

I'm urging Yodle to submit a GHR to have this pulled and fix the infractions and grammar, but I'm personally not going to submit a challenging GHR myself (RL health issues having most of my attention).

[Kryozerkia]

Legality Ruling

This is the Secretariat's response to a legality challenge. Duplication and Game Mechanics were cited as potential problems.

After reviewing resolutions #51: Humanitarian Aid Coordination and #340: Access to Humanitarian Aid - because we want to ensure nothing is missed - it's the opinion of the Secretariat that the proposal, 'Humanitarian Aid Expansion Act' doesn't run afoul the duplication rule. Although there is mild overlap, it's expected when expanding on an existing committee's duties and responsibilities. Another concern relates to game mechanics. However, no such violation was found. Nothing in the text affected the game itself or required action beyond the typical scope of the World Assembly. The Secretariat is satisfied with the uniqueness of the proposal and absence of game mechanics violation.