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Christian Hodges Mali Commission on the Status of the Middle East Arundel High School 24 January 2012 Social Services in the Middle East Although the Republic of Mali is satisfied with the recent developments of the “Arab Spring,” we believe that there is ample room for improvement of social services and rights throughout the Middle East, even in the Republic of Mali, in the areas of education, physical security, economic productivity, access to drinkable water, and healthcare. Many Middle Eastern countries lack the social services and civil rights that Mali offers its people. The Republic of Mali believes that we have much to offer to our Middle Eastern counterparts in the topic of social services and civil rights. The Republic of Mali offers its people a variety of freedoms and services in the areas of education, physical security, and economic productivity. Mali offers the freedom to pursue an education, with the development of a compulsory school system. However, only 33% of the population of Mali resides in urban areas. Children often are exploited and forced to work in farmlands. The disparity in gender equality hinders women from pursuing the education that is available to them. As far as physical security, Mali has a highly developed police force. Due to conflict in the Northern region of Mali and the rising of Al-Qaeda (also known as AQTM), the General Directorate of State Security (DGSE) was implemented. The DGSE works to investigate reports and incidences of terrorism. Further, the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection works as a police force for local issues and instances of crime, albeit Mali is behind the Western World in the codification of crime in the areas of discrimination and gender equality. In the area of economic productivity, Mali offers its people the freedom to assemble in the workplace and collectively bargain for rights. However, Mali lacks the social services necessary to assure equitable access to proper healthcare. The Republic of Mali fully understands the importance of social services and the role they play in the implementation of a lasting, effective democracy. Mali believes that much progress is needed to enhance the codification of laws prohibiting corruption. We believe that corruption plays a significant role in hindering the availability of social services that meet the needs of our people. Although we support the expansion and development of social services insomuch as education, physical security, healthcare, equitable access to drinkable water, and economic productivity, the Republic of Mali does not support any execution or codification of laws enabling gender equality to the male superior. Mali fully believes, as we have demonstrated in our laws, that women are OBLIGATED to obey their husbands. Although women should most definitely have access to education, and other essential rights, the Republic of Mali will not support any resolution that calls the subjugation of women into question. In electing a government that enforces the disparities that exist in the rights of gender, it is demonstrated that our people agree. Nonetheless, the Republic of Mali understands the importance of social services that allow democracy to exist and thrive, save gender equality, and will fully support any resolution that allows the Middle East to become further democratized. The Republic of Mali will work with members of our Voting Bloc to draw together a resolution that provides social services to its people, with financing originating in the international community. Mali, and members of our Voting Bloc, understands the expense and difficulty in implementing social programs that adequately provide for our people. We believe that the international community does play a role in assisting the development of African social services. Mali lacks the financial resources that many Western and autocratic Middle Eastern countries have. Therefore, we are unable to finance the implementation of programs that aid our people. We do not believe that our financial incapability should negatively impact our people, for that reason we are ask for the financial support of the international community in implementing social services in the Middle East. The Republic of Mali is looking forward to discussing social services in the Middle East, the role of women, and what can be done to bring change to a region plagued by poverty, disease, and incapability of governments to aid their people.