[Xiomera]

Secretary-General Xochica walked briskly to the podium in front of the Council chamber, his expression flinty. In his hand, he clenched a blue and gold folder with the LIDUN seal on it. As everyone watched, he stepped behind the podium, laying the folder on top of it. He opened the folder, turning a page inside of it and briefly glancing at the page before beginning.

"Good morning, esteemed members of the Political and Human Rights Council. Before I get to the purpose of this meeting, I would first like to welcome our newest members, Eldid and Taragai. It is my hope that they will find membership in this body a worthy and fulfilling pursuit, and that they will be welcomed to the community of nations." Xochica nodded warmly at both delegations. "It is actually auspicious that I get to welcome Taragai to this assembly, as their nation is the subject of my concern today."

Xochica turned another page in his folder. "I come before this Council with a request. The LIDUN Charter grants this Council the right to 'appoint, or charge the Secretary-General with appointing, Special Envoys or Special Rapporteurs with the duty of investigating the condition of specific human rights worldwide, or instances of suspected breaches of human rights.' As of this moment, the Xiomeran Empire has engaged in what can only be described as a colonial occupation of Taragai." Despite the beginnings of angry murmuring from the Xiomeran delegation, Xochica continued without even glancing at them. "The Xiomeran government claims that their presence in Taragai is beneficial, desired and even welcomed by the local population. They claim that it is being led by local Taragaian leaders eager and willing to join the Empire. However, there have been many reports of this being a forcible occupation, rather than a joining of equals forming a commonwealth of nations."

Xochica tapped the podium. "I am requesting that this Council grant me the mission of appointing a LIDUN Special Envoy to investigate the Xiomeran presence in Taragai, and in particular the increasing reports of potential human rights violations by Xiomeran forces there. Xiomera claims that their occupation of Taragai isn't violating anyone's rights, and is in fact a willing act by the Taragaians. If that is the case, I am sure that the Xiomeran delegation, and the government they represent, would have no problem with this request. It will help us prove their statements as true, no?" Xochica finally turned to look pointedly at the fuming Xiomeran delegates as he said this, before raising his eyes back to the front of the room.

[Sanctaria]

The grumblings from the Xiomeran delegation were getting louder as Sanctarian Ambassador Antoine Rousseau cleared his throat. There was some silence, but it was clear the Xiomerans were still scrabbling among themselves to formulate a reply.

"If I may speak, Secretary-General", Rousseau said, waiting for objections and hearing none, continuing. "I think what this Council would benefit from is a bit more detail as to why your office is of the opinion there is a colonial occupation of Taragai. Perhaps that delegation might also be willing to comment or testify as to the need for this appointment?" He paused.

"The Divine Federation is supportive of the Office of Secretary-General being able to appoint Special Envoys when it is appropriate and right for that office to do so. I don't believe it's something that should be done lightly, especially when the inference being made with that appointment is that another member of the League - whether they be in good standing or not - is doing something nefarious or illegal to necessitate the investigation without clear grounds. With the greatest respect to the Secretary-General, Sanctaria would need more than just his word to feel comfortable endorsing this move."

[Xiomera]

"That is a fair request, Ambassador Rousseau, and I thank you for giving me the chance to respond to it," Xochica replied. "There are some data that I would like to present to help support my request." As Xochica continued, aides of his office began handing folders to the gathered representatives. "The first document being distributed is a recent report by Crisis Watch International on the Xiomeran presence in Taragai. This report was compiled with both surveillance data and reports from within Taragai itself, gathered by investigators and including testimony from individuals who are there. It outlines repeated and organized violations of human rights on a wide scale by Xiomeran forces present in Taragai."

As more documents were distributed, Xochica continued. "The second document is a set of witness testimonies from Taragaians within the occupied area, obtained at great risk by the Center for Democratic Advancement branch in Taragai. These additional testimonies help support the violations already previously reported by CWI."

Xochica paused until the documents were all distributed. "I would like to hand off the podium now to the esteemed ambassador from Taragai, who I believe is best suited to address what is happening in his country."

Batzorig Narantsetseg, the newly appointed ambassador from Taragai, switched places with Xochica at the podium with a smile of appreciation. "Thank you, honorable Secretary-General, and greetings to my colleagues of this Council. I am honored that Taragai has been accepted into this community of nations - and not a moment too soon - for our very sovereignty and the rights of our people are being trampled."

Narantsetseg gripped both sides of the podium and leaned forward, eyeing the Xiomeran delegation. "What Xiomera says about their forces being welcome in Taragai - these are lies." He plowed ahead, speaking over the growing sounds of outrage from the Xiomerans. "The Xiomerans first showed up uninvited in our country, at least by anyone who had authority to do so. They tried to force a self-declared Khatun to rule over us as in the days of old. But she was a fake, not of noble lineage. The Xiomerans then imprisoned her, shipped her off to Xiomera, and put her flunky Osbeg Zayaat in her place. With the exception of his own clan, no one in Taragai ever asked to be ruled over by Zayaat - especially when the man sold out his own people for power as the puppet of the Empress Calhualyana."

"The esteemed ambassador from Sanctaria asks, fairly, for proof that Xiomera is engaging in colonialism in Taragai. I would direct the ambassador, and indeed everyone here, to the Xiomerans' own words. They betray their intent all too well, as if Xiomera ever even planned to hide it. They styled Zayaat as 'Colonial Governor' and call the place they occupy the 'Imperial Colony of Taragai.' They are sending settlers in droves, to seize the homeland that belongs to Taragaians for themselves. And yes, they are abusing the people. Those that resist or question the Xiomeran presence on our own soil are being imprisoned, without trial or charge. Many of them never come out of those cells. Those that do, they have been abused." Narantsetseg paused. "It is understandable that the members of this Council would want proof of Xiomera's actions, especially since the Xiomerans will undoubtedly rise up now and deluge us with denials. All I would ask, if proof is desired of the Xiomerans' actions, send someone to Taragai so that LIDUN can see it with their own eyes. The truth will come out then."

[Xiomera]

Cuauhtzon, the new Xiomeran Ambassador to LIDUN, stood up in a slow and deliberate fashion. He raised his hand to request the floor. Xochica sighed as quietly as he could (although not entirely in an inaudible way). "The ambassador from Xiomera is recognized."

Cuauhtzon nodded at Xochica in the way a well-heeled guest might nod at the bellhop who had just carried his bags to his hotel room. Recognition that another human was standing there, not quite recognition of said human as an equal or even more worthy of consideration than the nearby potted plant in the hallway. As Xochica tapped his pen slowly, Cuauhtzon picked up the reports from CWI and CDA he had been handed. He glanced inside them briefly. Cuauhtzon then held his hand up as a signal to wait, before walking to the nearest trash can in the same slow and deliberate way he had stood up. He dropped the CWI report into the trash can first, followed by the CDA one. With a gesture of dusting his hands off, as if to say "good riddance to bad rubbish", Cuauhtzon walked back to his desk.

"I will begin by stating the obvious: these so-called 'reports' are lies. Crisis Watch International is based out of Laeral, which has been pursuing an increasingly biased and hostile anti-Xiomeran agenda since its interference in our internal conflict in 2021. Laeral's government may as well have written this so-called 'report' themselves. If, in fact, they did not do just that." Cuauhtzon took a maddeningly slow sip of water, before continuing. "As for CDA, they are an arm of the Huenyan government, whose sole purpose is to engage in disruptive operations at the behest of the FIS. Cuetlancaona probably drafted their 'witless testimonies'...sorry, 'witness testimonies' himself as well."

Loud snorts of derision (and not a few insults in various Huenyan dialects) greeted Cuauhtzon's remark from the Huenyan delegation. Cuauhtzon continued on, treating the Huenyans as just more potted plants in the room. His gaze fell on Narantsetseg. "As for the remarks from the Taragaian ambassador, we dismiss them entirely as the empty claims of an entirely discredited government. As I recall, you were an apparatchik of the communists before you fell into this new role, hmmm? A former communist, speaking for the regime in Bor-Öndör that is desperately trying to keep territory and people under its thumb that have no desire whatsoever to remain in a backward and backsliding country." Cuauhtzon chuckled in bemusement, as Narantsetseg glared at him.

"I wish to make the position of the Xiomeran Empire very clear, so as to leave no ambiguity." Cuauhtzon smiled slowly. "The Imperial Colony of Taragai, as of the moment of its declaration, is considered by the Empire to be sovereign Xiomeran territory. We are not concerned with what anyone else regards it as. We regard it as our land. As such, we are not obligated to let LIDUN, or anyone else, violate our sovereign territory with so-called 'envoys'. We do not accede to this request from the Secretary-General, who we knew would pursue an anti-Xiomeran agenda the second he was elected." As Xochica shook his head in disgust, Cuauhtzon went on. "We are making it known here and now - we will not cooperate or comply with any such request."

[Eldid]

Mr. David Perz, the newly appointed ambassador of the Kingdom of Eldid to LIDUN, rose from his seat and adjusted the cuffs of his jacket before requesting the floor. The room had grown increasingly tense following the exchange between the Taragaian and Xiomeran delegations. Having approached to the podiun, Perz placed a small folder bearing the royal seal of Eldid on the lectern and looked around the chamber before beginning.

“Thank you, esteemed Secretary-General, and distinguished members of this Council. First, allow me to express the Kingdom of Eldid’s gratitude for its admission to LIDUN. We regard our membership as an opportunity not only to strengthen our own nation, but also to contribute meaningfully to the work and principles of this League. Eldid is committed to the values upon which this institution stands, and it is a particular honour for our delegation to begin its participation here, before the Political and Human Rights Council, in the service of ethics, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.”

Perz paused briefly, allowing the room to settle before continuing.

“Even before our admission, the Kingdom of Eldid had been following the developments in Taragai with considerable concern. We sincerely hope that our participation in this League may contribute, in whatever measure possible, to the resolution of this conflict and to the protection of those whose lives have been affected by it.”

He glanced down at his notes, then raised his eyes towards the Council: “What we have heard today concerning Taragai is deeply troubling and, in our view, deserves the serious attention of this Council. These are not merely rumours or stories circulating without foundation. Specific allegations have been presented alongside reports and witness testimonies. Their contents are serious enough that they cannot simply be dismissed without proper examination.”

A low murmur began to spread among the delegates. Perz remained composed. “We have listened with the utmost respect to the remarks of the distinguished Ambassador Antoine Rousseau of Sanctaria. We agree with his fundamental point that investigations of this nature must rest upon concrete evidence, and that accusations against a member of this League should never be treated lightly. Such a principle is essential to the credibility of this institution.

“However, in light of the material already presented before this Council, Eldid believes that the time has come for LIDUN to take concrete action. The appointment of a Special Envoy would not constitute a declaration of guilt, nor would it prejudge the conclusions of an investigation. Rather, it would be a responsible step towards establishing the facts independently and ensuring that the allegations receive the scrutiny they deserve.”

The Xiomeran delegation began exchanging increasingly audible whispers of displeasure. One representative leaned towards another, shaking his head, while Ambassador Cuauhtzon remained motionless, his expression hardening as Perz continued: “The consequences of inaction must also be considered. If the allegations presented today are accurate, continued delay could expose the people of Taragai to further suffering and serious harm. The Council must consider not only the risks of acting without sufficient evidence, but also the risks of refusing to act when credible allegations have already been brought to its attention.”

Perz turned a page in his folder. His tone remained measured, but he now looked directly towards the Xiomeran delegation. “Furthermore, such an investigation would also serve the interests of the esteemed Xiomeran Empire itself. If the Empire maintains that its presence in Taragai is lawful, welcomed by the local population, and consistent with its obligations, then an impartial investigation would offer an opportunity to demonstrate that this is indeed the case. Surely, the distinguished Empire would not wish to see allegations of serious violations of human rights remain attached to its name when an independent inquiry could help establish the truth.”

Hearing the name of the Empire, the murmuring from the Xiomeran delegation ceased for a moment. Several representatives turned towards Perz, while others exchanged glances across the chamber.

“The Kingdom of Eldid therefore supports the appointment of a LIDUN Special Envoy to investigate the situation in Taragai. We urge all parties to cooperate with such an inquiry and to respect the rights and dignity of the Taragaian people throughout this process.”

Mr. Perz closed his folder and gave a slight nod to the Secretary-General.