[Novella Islands]

While the Budgetary & Internal Affairs Council was busy with the Opthelian delegation to LIDUN debating the merits of an organisational rebrand, the Political & Human Rights Council remained rather unbusied, with just a handful of bureaucratic procedural motions filling the dead air... until the better part of the entire Novellan delegation to LIDUN filed to their allocated seating within the council.

While a lone junior attaché could be entrusted with the Social Republic's nuclear security agency proposal over in the BIAC chamber, it would take the remainder of their delegation to handle the political and diplomatic issues a proposal in this council was bound to raise. The clerk raised his eyebrow as the large group silently made their way into the room, each with a small nod to the chair, as polite formalities dictated. "The Novellan delegation has something to raise with the Council, I assume?"

A slight grin spread across the ambassador's face, as he raised the document bearing the proposal in a show of acknowledgement at the secretary's question.

PHRC-PROP-1-A - On the Drafting of a Universal Human Rights Framework.pdf Size: 241.18 KB  Downloads: 49

[Lauchenoiria]

A junior member of the Lauchenoirian delegation, who nonetheless was the most senior member present, had no qualms about standing up and showing his support, even without senior approval. A quick skim of the proposal made it clear that this was something Lauchenoiria would definitely support.

The pair of Kerlians who'd been left behind exchanged alarmed glances and began whispering to each other frantically, one quickly texting her superior, with her fingers flying across her phone. The other women's eyes flitted back and forth as she tried to take in the expressions of those around her.

The Zongongian representative in the room, who'd been having a surreptitious nap behind a propped up clipboard was woken by all the mutterings and quickly glanced around to see what had happened. He grabbed the copy of the proposal which had been set in front of him and skimmed it, biting his lip. Yes, probably something they'd support, unless the royals had really gone mad. Still, he better check in before saying anything.

Meanwhile, the Glannish delegation were simply watching the Opthelian delegation, to see what they'd say first. Such an initiative could go either way for Glanainn; either making things easier or harder depending on what was contained and how the crackdown in Deasaig after the egg incident played out.

[Xiomera]

Upon introduction of the proposal, the Xiomeran delegates present assumed expressions of concern. While the notion of universal human rights undoubtedly sounded great to some nations present, to an Imperial ear it carried the ring of an alarm bell. The Xiomeran stance on human rights was simple: loyal citizens had rights and everyone else did not. The most senior delegate present began frantically texting Ambassador Tetlahue.

The sole Huenyan representative present, by contrast, simply smiled as they read the document. This was something that Huenya would assuredly support.

[Laeral]

The Laeralian delegate at the Political and Human Rights Council was scrutinizing the reactions of the different autocratic states present—those who would likely be attempting to throw sand in the gears of the process the Novellans had initiated. The Xiomerans were stirring like a hornet's nest, the Kerlians as well, while others who were no friends to human rights—the Sansongians, the Daryans, the Holokovoyans—were staying silent for now. Their panic would subside in due time as they realized that they'd be both unlikely to stop the resolution and also that their best opportunity to sabotage the process lay in the convention that would draft this covenant of rights.

[Haesan]

The Misumian delegate resisted the urge to turn to the Novellans sitting next to them and give them a giant hug.  This is what they served for, a chance to spread liberalism and goodwill around the globe.  They were surely going to be among this project's largest supporters.

The Haesanite delegate looked down at two notes hastily scrawled by her aides, "Process too weak" and "Lao Sansong???".  There were definitely going to be concerns to work out, both in Democracity and back home.  She spoke into the microphone, "While we enthusiastically endorse this legislation and believe that safeguarding human rights is critical in an IDU increasingly hostile to them, the delegation from Haesan has some concerns about the outlined process.  There are undoubtedly those who are hostile to the idea of this legislation gathered here today, and we are concerned that language seeming to imply that 'a broad consensus' is critical to the process could be used by those in opposition to kill this important legislation before it gets off the ground.  We hope that the delegates here assembled can hopefully reach an agreement on how to ensure that this proposal can be best amended to ensure a decisive victory for human rights around the globe."

[Doatia]

The Doatian delegate to the council requested recognition by the clerk.

"This is a necessary and essential discussion to be had. A resolution cementing and further legitimizing widely recognized human rights and liberties is something this body must not longer delay. While there will surely be more to do after this process reaches completion, starting now by accepting the proposed framework and building a strong foundation for internationally recognized and protected rights will enable us to go further and better protect the people of the IDU and their rights in the future. Doatia rises in support of this proposal."

[Lauchenoiria]

The two Kerlians looked at the phone in front of them. They blinked in unison, whispering to each other as if needing to confirm some unbelievable sight in front of them. As they both ascertained they were indeed saying the same thing, the whispers turned into an argument along the lines of "you do it!", "no, you!" before one of them eventually spoke into her microphone.

"The Matriarchy of Kerlile would like to express our... cautious support," she began, sounding disbelieving herself as she read out the message she'd been sent, "for this proposal. We believe that there is... strong potential for this to be a... great step for the IDU and for the furtherment of women's liberation, a cause deeply close to Kerlile's collective heart as well as being a great step for... everyone regardless of gender?"

She finished as if it was a question, though one she was asking of her superior, rather than the gathered delegates of other nations.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Dr. Alia Karklina, the Eirian representative on the Political and Human Rights Council, spoke up once the chair had granted her request to speak. "First off, I would like to thank the Novellan delegate for proposing this legislation. Protecting human rights around the world should be our utmost priority, and I'm glad that we can begin to work on that priority."

"However, I must raise a few concerns. Echoing what the honorable delegate from Haesan mentioned, I fear that some of the language used in the proposal will leave critical loopholes for states who aren't as open to human rights legislation. Some of the phrasing, including 'broad' and 'invites' appears to imply that the Convention is optional and more advisory than regulatory. While this may bring up an intense discussion on how binding international law should be, I believe that such a discussion is necessary, especially in regards to human rights. As such, while Eiria wholeheartedly supports the intent behind this proposal, we would like to see some amendments before we vote in support of it. Now, I would like to cede the floor to other delegations who wish to state their concerns before we discuss amendments."

[Novella Islands]

"Exactly how binding international law is, is not up for debate!" The thick accent of the Head of the Opthelian Mission to LIDUN boomed through the BIAC chamber, conveying his dissatisfaction well before the administrative staff had the opportunity to turn on his microphone. Incensed that either Haesan or Eiria would consider even consider the overreach of legislating mandatory performance without unanimous support, the diplomat continued.

"While the Empire of Opthelia has no qualms with the proposal, as it stands - indeed, we thank the Novellan delegation sincerely, for their very measured approach to its drafting - any attempt by others present to dissolve the very nature of rule-by-consent that this (and any other) international body works under will not be tolerated!" Gesticulating forcefully with a pointed finger as he enunciated each and every word in a measured but stern tone, the ambassador left no room for error or misinterpretation of his views.

"While there is, of course, likely to be a great deal of overlap between cultures with respect to those rights we find universal... there are no doubt certain rights with which some may hold sacrosanct, that others may find abhorrent to even consider. Such is the trouble when dealing with cultural and moral relativism. It is only through this proposed hybrid approach that any genuine consensus can be reached; any attempt to browbeat Opthelia into submission - or any other country, for that matter - shall be resisted at every turn, I promise you that!"

Returning to a sedentary position once again, the Opthelian ambassador leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze scanning the room to ensure that his message had been received loud and clear. The silence that followed his passionate speech was palpable.

[Doatia]

Ambassador Venessa Rodrigo, the senior diplomat representing Doatia on the Political and Human Rights Council, rose for recognition.

"While Doatia echoes the concerns expressed by our colleagues from Eiria, that internationally recognized rights should be adhered to universally amongst member nations, it is our consensus that this is not the time for that conversation. Reaching a consensus amongst members of a general list of recognized rights and liberties is the first step; the first step of many. Certainly a conversation regarding universal compliance and enforcement is an essential one, but one to be had in the future."

The Ambassador took her seat, awaiting the inevitable response of other representatives.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Upon a period of silence from the delegates, the representative from Čarles Danton's office turned on her mic. "Thank you all for your deliberation. As some concerns have been raised, before bringing the matter before this committee to a vote, the chair hereby cedes the floor to any delegation seeking to offer substantive amendments to the proposal brought before us by the honorable representatives from the Novella Islands."

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

The clerk stood back up after a pause. "Alright, seeing as there have been no amendments raised, let's proceed to the voting. I declare voting on the proposals titled 'On the Drafting of a Human Rights Framework' officially open."

[OOC: I'll leave voting open for 72 hours initially, or longer if necessary. Please vote as soon as you can, it makes life easier! ]

[Laeral]

The Laeralian delegate stood. "Laeral votes in favor."

[Haesan]

Once again staring at the rapidly sent messages from her aides: "more good than bad" and "contain Xiomera!" the delegate of Haesan stood hesistantly.  Despite the fears of a messy and ugly drafting process, she did her duty; "The delegation from Haesan votes aye."

[Doatia]

The Doatian delegation to the PHRC reached a consensus. Doatia is to advocate for a neutral solution to the disagreement regarding the drafting of the resolution. Something that appeases the democracies and autocracies to a similar degree. Nobody will get everything they want, and both sides will suffer some loss. Thus is the nature of honorable negotiation.

As far as the approval of the proposed framework, Doatia supports it wholeheartedly. Modest compliance and/or cooperation from all member nations may be our end-goal, but this is an essential first step.

International recognition of widely accepted, understood, and acknowledged rights is paramount to a civilized, modern, and progressive international community.

"The delegation from Doatia votes aye"

[Novella Islands]

Passing from debate to amendment to voting unaltered, the proposal had no reason to be opposed by the very delegation that introduced it to the chamber; the Novella Islands votes in favour of the resolution.

Similarly - seeing no reason to object, having successfully repelled the Eirians' attempt to overstep the boundaries of international law - the Empire of Opthelia also vote in favour of the resolution.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Despite their posturing on potentially amending some of the language to be more binding, the Eirian delegation still wanted to see the framework passed (even if they feared it may be toothless).

"The Eirian delegation votes aye."

[Lauchenoiria]

The Lauchenoirian delegate stood. "The Lauchenoirian delegation votes aye."

This was followed by a very surprised Kerlian, who still spoke as if the words she read off her tablet claimed that pigs had started flying. "The Kerlian delegation votes aye."

"The Zongongian delegation votes aye," said the Zongongian delegate simply.

"The Glannish delegation votes aye," the Glannish delegate added, sounding distinctly unimpressed with himself. The look on his face made it even clearer than the Kerlian that he was 'just following orders' on this matter.

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

The committee clerk stood back up after the delegates had announced their votes, adjusting his glasses. "I am pleased to announce that the Proposal PHRC-1-A passes."