WA Votes, Vol 9

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Injunct England" (May 13, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#446)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to injunct England, a historic and old region with a currently unreliable founder and Governor, who vanishes often, placing the region under threats of occupations and invasions by raiders. The proposal notes that the region is still weathering these invasions and trying to maintain their own culture. The proposal also notes that a liberation, which prevented the region from being passcoded, has been set in place before to prevent the region's refounding. The proposal, in ensuring that England does not become transitioned to a Frontier by hostile forces, injuncts the region to prevent it from being transitioned. The proposal believes that injuncting the region will allow the native population to eventually crown a new native Governor and continue to exist peacefully.

This proposal seeks to protect the long-lasting and historic culture of England, preventing the region from being transitioned to a Frontier to serve as a place where new nations can be founded, therefore allowing raider forces to recruit more new members, and to undermine the region's native sovereignty. Injuncting England allows the native population to rebuild their historic, cultural region peacefully without hostile interference.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Voting Rights Guarantees" (May 12, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#661)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal serves as a replacement for the repealed GA resolution #419 (Voting Equality For Freed Inmates), along with patching the current GA resolution #476 (Protecting Borrower Rights). It seeks to guarantee voting rights in elections for otherwise eligible individuals that are currently or have previously been incarcerated, or have failed to repay taxes and tax liens. The proposal prohibits member states from denying these individuals the right to register for voting and vote.

Voting and registering to do so are fundamental rights of citizenship in a country. Denying those rights to currently and previously incarcerated individuals, along with individuals indebted to the government, violate their rights to represent their voices in the process of democracy.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Kazaman" (May 8, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#445)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution argues that Kazaman's work in the Land of Kings and Emperors and affiliated regions, Nabban, and the Commonwealth in their early days in NationStates, and subsequently TNP's allies Europeia and Balder, merit interregional recognition. A large part of this work was in the field of intelligence, combined with a strong portfolio in military gameplay, foreign affairs, and high executive leadership roles.

Kazaman's legacy can be keenly felt throughout Europeia's foreign affairs apparatus, having been a key player in their improved relationship with The Pacific and their role in the Inter-Regional Chat, for example. His impact on Balder is also extremely noteworthy, again with impressive strides being made in the region's diplomacy, forging new meaningful interregional partnerships and taking a leading role in creating the Modern Gameplay Compact. This resolution would therefore recognise a highly valued member of the NationStates community.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Protecting Objectors in Combative Military Service" (May 8, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#660)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to prohibit nations from forcing individuals into armed conflict where they would cause harm to another if the individual expresses objection based on their moral, conscientious, or religious values. The objection may be voided only by the individual themselves.

This proposal, in its role of preventing conscription of individuals who morally or religiously object against conscription, prevents demoralized individuals from being forced into the army against their will. It also prevents objectors from demoralizing the army as a whole or performing poorly in battle due to their objection.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Shizensky Prime" (May 4, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#444)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Shizensky Prime for their greatly influential work in numerous regions. It first notes their work in 10000 Islands, where they re-established the region's Foreign Affairs department, once again established relations with defender allies, and worked in several refounds of regions. It then moves on to their creation of the Renegade Islands Alliance, an alliance of defenders, where they helped lead the region into prosperity. It also notes their work in building the region's special forces (RIASF), a defender military that participated in several key operations in regions such as The North Pacific, Middle Earth, and St Abbadon, along with their development of relations between defender organizations. The proposal also covers Shizensky's participation in the founding of Fort Triumph, another vibrant defender region. The proposal also covers Shizensky's participation in the development of the defender tool NSBreeze and its successors, which greatly helped to carry through defending operations. Lastly, it praises Shizensky's role in mentoring countless defenders.

This well-written proposal makes a great case in commending Shizensky Prime, who, through their work in establishing and prospering multiple defending organizations, has developed a strong foundation for modern defenders and influenced countless more, along with mentoring many individuals outcast from their original homes to become influential defenders.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Medical Standards” (May 3, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#659)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal sets to dictate general medical standards in member states, which it calls a "basic necessity and a civil right". It directs member states to establish a medical authority consisting of medical experts that certify medical practitioners, regulate medical institutions and approve medical drugs and devices. The proposal requires all medical practitioners to act in good faith for their patients and not engage in the treatment they know is ineffective, which they have limited knowledge of, or is irresponsible unless the treatment has the consent of the patient. The proposal also bans people from misrepresenting themselves or a drug/device as being approved by the medical authority. The proposal also forbids the manufacturing, transferring, or prescribing of drugs or devices where the person knows that the drug or device is ineffective or harmful unless there is consent from the patient and no better option. Lastly, the proposal encourages member states to establish distinctive markings of certified and approved medical practitioners, drugs, or devices, along with encouraging medical authorities to cooperate with international counterparts.

This proposal guarantees that medical treatments and related actions are safely regulated by a trustworthy authority, which helps in maintaining the health and safety of medical patients lest they be treated by an inexperienced practitioner or are prescribed an ineffective treatment. The proposal also guarantees that all devices and medicine prescribed to patients are certified by an authority, preventing accidental harm to a patient.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Lethen" (April 30, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#443)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend the player Lethen for their involvement within the region Europeia. It notes how Lethen began in the regions of Great Britain and Ireland and the Land of Kings and Emperors, where they began building and safeguarding those regions with involvement in their legislatures and government. The proposal then moves on to how Lethen helped set the foundations for the newly-founded, democratic region of Europeia by serving as President and Vice President a total of six times. It also notes how Lethen served many terms in the region's Senate, creating the current People's Assembly, and additional terms as ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture that drastically improved the region's relationships and development. Lastly, it admires Lethen's current role as a Supreme Chancellor in mentoring new nations and compassionately guiding the region.

The proposal makes a fantastic case in the well-deserved commendation of a nation that has contributed countless amounts of effort in developing and maintaining the region of Europeia, which it has been affiliated with from the start. The nation's role in commandeering this region has helped countless nations become involved in its government, has ensured its democracy, and has maintained the region's stability throughout countless years, even in the tumultuous period when it was founded.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Protecting World Assembly Neutrality" (April 30, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to mandate World Assembly neutrality in law enforcement and military affairs. It does this by requiring the World Assembly to stay "neutral" in all matters relating to conflict (which it defines as "armed combat between opposing forces or member states"); and prohibiting the World Assembly from having a military or police force, with the singular exception of "an armed security force for the purpose of protecting international World Assembly owned facilities, providing security services at the request of member states, or assisting in humanitarian crises".

This proposal has two main issues. Firstly, the scope of the proposal's exception is left extremely ambiguous. It fails to clearly define what it means, for instance, to "assist in humanitarian crises". Is it "assisting in humanitarian crises" to militarily intervene against a genocidal member nation? What about invading a nation which harbours anti-World Assembly terrorists; is this "protecting international World Assembly owned facilities"? These matters are ultimately left unanswered by the proposal's text, substantially hindering its effectiveness.

Secondly, even if this proposal had no issues in its execution, we are still opposed to the principle of proscribing World Assembly military or police force. The World Assembly should be permitted to military intervene against active genocide in a member nation where no other means have worked to halt the genocide; or provide convoy escorts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies by humanitarian organisations.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Injunct The Frontier" (April 26, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to injunct The Frontier, a region maintained by the Order of the Grey Wardens to help gather newly spawned nations by eventually converting it to a frontier. It justifies this by arguing that the target region's flag merits injunction, whose being "covered in dust" allegedly demonstrates that the region is "completely unsuitable for being a Frontier", and whose colouring "has frightening implications for new nations that decide to spawn". The resolution further notes that the Frontier, as of writing, has not yet begun transitioning to a Frontier as reasoning to injunct it; as well as arguing that it would be humorous for the region to be unable to become a frontier.

Injunctions have serious effects on the regions they target. We ought not to injunct regions simply because it may be endearing to some, and thus we cannot even stand the risk of this proposal's passage. This issue is amplified by the proposal explicitly citing as justification that "it would be absolutely hilarious if The Frontier could never actually become a Frontier".

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Borderzone Mining and Drilling" (April 26, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#658)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal is a partial replacement for the recently repealed GA#417, "restrictions on hydraulic fracking", but instead of focusing on a particular drilling technology, it chooses to focus on an area not covered by previous resolutions on mining and drilling: namely settling potential disputes on land-based drilling near the borders of member states, leaving the other parts of regulating drilling activities to existing resolutions.

We believe this is a sensible proposal to cover one of the few aspects of mining and oil and gas exploration not covered by previous World Assembly resolutions, given that the World Assembly already regulates such activities fairly extensively. It also specifically extends rules to start to cover dredging (usually of sand, but also sometimes metals such as iron ore) in shallow waters.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Injunct The Communist Bloc" (April 22, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#442)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to prevent The Communist Bloc from transitioning to a Frontier, due to its raiding of native and often vibrant, historical, and peaceful communities with its military. The proposal also notes that The Communist Bloc deceives nations into their military under the false cause of "progressivism". The proposal believes that preventing the Communist Bloc from transitioning to a Frontier will hinder its raiding activities and prevent its government from being further strengthened.

This proposal will prevent the Communist Bloc from recruiting newly-founded nations as a frontier into their military to assist in raiding operations, which destroy the basic culture and independence of many innocent regions. Without this form of increased recruitment, the Communist Bloc will not have the extra potential for new members, as 50% of newly-founded nations spawn in frontiers. The Communist Bloc is also allied with the Brotherhood of Malice, a destructive raiding region which we have experienced hostilities with recently and has wreaked havoc over countless regions. Therefore, preventing a switch to a frontier will indirectly prevent the Brotherhood of Malice from further spreading their detrimental raiding activities.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Legal Equality Act"" (April 22, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GA#649 "Legal Equality Act" over concerns of the definition of "public interest", and the flaws that constitute the supposed lack of definition. The proposal also raises the concern over the conflict with the compliance powers of GAR#440, stating that it would be taxing on police resources, and risk the constant occurrence of unnecessary arrests.

Although well written, this proposal is based mainly around one argument. The core argument is that the definition of "public interest" is too overly broad, and could be manipulated if the "actor" is the one who determines what is in the public interest.

This argument not only unreasonably assumes that the "actor" will not themselves face punishment for manipulation of that member state's justice system; but fails to take into account that the resolution quite clearly requires the measures to actually be in the public's interest, rather than merely asserted to be by a member state. The argument is therefore based on the occurrence of certain situations that, although possible, rarely occur.

The second argument is also at best an exaggeration and at most simply false. The target's exception includes a provision for "refraining from prosecuting a case", and applies to like actions to the listed examples. Refusing to investigate or prosecute a frivolous case is therefore permitted, so GA #649 would not result in these "unnecessary arrests and strain on police resources".

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Injunct Canada" (April 18, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#441)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal marks the first injunction proposed by the Security Council, to ensure the security and safety of Canada, a long-lived, founderless region that has recently been invaded. This proposal seeks to injunct Canada to prevent changes to Canada's status under the new mechanisms introduced.

The Ministry supports the efforts for the natives of Canada to take back power ultimately and resulting in a restoration of the historic community and rightfully placing the region back in the hands of its native populations.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "World Psychoactive Drugs Act" (April 18, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#657)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal serves as a replacement to the repealed GA #577, "Drug Decriminalization Act", which decriminalized recreational drugs but was repealed for its exclusion of drugs with "recognized medical purposes" as being defined as drugs (still criminalizing the use of medical recreational drugs) and its vague statement of "monetary or other forms of material gain" (which may unintentionally cause governments to punish simple drug use). This proposal seeks to fully decriminalize drugs used recreationally consumed in private. Members nations are still allowed to prosecute individuals using or distributing a recreational drug to incapacitate and harm an individual, and if the drug poses a serious harm to the safety or health of others. It is also stated that current punishments for recreational drug uses that violate the resolution must be instantly rescinded.

The proposal serves the purpose of decreasing negative effects related with drug abuse, as criminalizing drug use does not reduce addiction but punishes the victims of drug abuse and prevents them from adequately seeking rehabilitation. It also prevents governments from using illegal drug possession charges to imprison political opponents, to oppress minorities, and to justify violence against victims of drug abuse.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Protecting Public Domain Dedications" (April 15, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#656)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to protect the ability of copyright-holders to waive their copyrights, and prevent the enforcement of copyrights which their holdiers have waived. It does this by requiring member nations to recognise the waiving of copyrights by all owners of the work in question, and then requiring member nations to recognise the waiving of copyrights in each other's jurisdiction.

While there may be concerns as to whether these measures would not already be taken by rational member nations, we find that this is a common-sense policy solution necessary to prevent the continued enforcement of copyrights whose owners have no interest in enforcement. We also find that the proposal achieves its goal concisely and thoroughly.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "A Celebration of Spring" (April 12, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposed declaration claims that Spring is the most beautiful season of the year, as "the sun is brighter, and the air is filled with the sound of birdsong, (and that) (e)verything is awash in color, as flowers bloom... (and) is a time for new beginnings, for hope, and for love"

The WA security council declarations forum has usually been used to address matters of governance across nations, with occasional declarations that are humorous. We do not believe that celebrating spring, as this proposal seeks to do, is of significant relevance to the World Assembly, such that we are not comfortable with this proposal permanently being in the listings of passed resolutions. Nor was this proposal drafted on the forums, contrary to longstanding practice of the WASC that proposals are drafted on the gameside forum for extensive comments prior to submission.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Combating International Piracy" (April 10, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#655)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal at hand is a replacement for GA#20, "Suppress International Piracy", which was repealed due to unclear definitions over the concept of "privateers" and a clause in the old resolution which assumed that anyone found on a pirate ship is guilty of piracy unless they can prove otherwise (and subject to very restrictive criteria), creating what was perceived by the assembly to be a travesty of justice. This proposal fixes those problems and adds significantly better defined criteria on what constitutes piracy, privateering (private forces plundering and pillaging with the authority of a government), and jurisdiction issues when they may potentially overlap.

We believe that piracy interferes with international shipping and trade and is one of the issues that the General Assembly is ideally suited for resolving, especially at a time when trading across international borders is becoming more and more prevalent. We believe this is a sensible replacement for the repealed resolution and defines a much clearer and concise framework for handling piracy in international waters.

Pallaith's resolution Commend Madjack was passed by the Security Council (April 10, 2023)

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Madjack" (April 6, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#440)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal seeks to commend Madjack for their work in region-building in multiple regions. It highlights MadJack's term as pharaoh of Osiris, where they served as a compromise leader bridging the divide between the various factions in the region. The proposal also emphasizes MadJack's impact on the community in The North Pacific (TNP), through their work as Roleplay (RP) Moderator, as Cabinet Ministers, and notably as Delegate. During their time as Delegate, MadJack modernized the process of disclosing private government records, re-aligning TNP towards defender-aligned forces, as well as influencing the Security Council to reconsider commendations of raider nations. Finally, the proposal talks about MadJack's successes in The Rejected Realms (TRR), where they rejuvenated regional spirit as Cultural officer, and helped TRR navigate the new politics as Foreign Affairs officer.

The resolution does a great job presenting MadJack as a commendable figure, detailing MadJack's early work in older User-Created Regions (UCRs), as well as their contributions in Game-Created Regions (GCRs). In light of the huge variety of contributions that MadJack has given to this game and this region, we strongly agree that he deserves to be given the highest honor the World Assembly has to offer.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "The Civil Charter of the World Assembly" (April 6, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#654)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to replace the recently-repealed GA #2, "Rights and Duties of WA States", following the defeat of a previous replacement. It does this by establishing a set of mandates which declare the sovereignty of member nations subject to World Assembly law, formally bind member nations to comply with World Assembly law in good faith, allow the World Assembly to directly and indirectly penalize member nations which fail to do so (as done by resolutions such as GA #440), and require World Assembly law to treat all member nations equally.

While we remain of the opinion that the repeal of GA #2 was an unnecessary and worthless endeavor, we also believe that the replacing the mandates of GA #2 after its irreversible repeal is important to effectively uphold the legitimacy of the World Assembly. The proposal notably does not address some aspects of GA #2 such as the ability of the World Assembly to use armed force, but nonetheless we find that it is an effective replacement of the original charter resolution.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "On the Majesty of Elephants" (April 3, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to declare "the great size of elephants", imitating a previous passed Security Council resolution declaring hippopotamuses to be "really very large". The resolution argues that elephants are of "great importance", "great size" and "great strength". The resolution states that accordingly they "are not to be trifled with", and concludes by declaring that "all elephant species shall be considered official animals of the World Assembly".

This proposal remains unfunny and far from endearing or amusing. While we are not opposed to having humorous resolutions in principle -- especially as this was submitted during the last April fools' day -- this one does not meet a standard of quality that allows us to support it.

Pallaith submitted a proposal to the Security Council Commendation Board entitled "Commend Madjack" (April 2, 2023)

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Prevention of Identity Theft (April 2, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#653)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution intends to act as a replacement for the now-repealed "Preventing Identity Theft". It establishes a number of mandates which do this; including creating the World Assembly Identity Database (WAID) in order "to log and track stolen identities"; establishing mechanisms for the distribution, addition, and protection of information within the WAID; and directly prohibiting the act of identity theft within all member nations.

We believe that these mandates are complete, effective, and overall necessary in the protection of identity theft victims around the world. While there exist concerns relating to the possibility of hacking of the WAID, we disagree with these arguments in the same manner that we accept fantastical elements of World Assembly roleplay: if magical gnomes can staff the World Assembly, surely they would be able to already enact otherwise-fantastical measures to prevent hacking of the WAID. We therefore find that the proposal's measures are overall highly beneficial to identity theft victims.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Military Freedom Act"" (March 29, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#652)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal repeals GA#132, "Military Freedom Act", citing two major issues with the definitions, namely (1) that the resolution's definition of a "war of aggression" requires that said war be "initiated by the conscientious objector's nation", thus allowing member nations to force conscientious objectors to serve in combative roles to assist unjust wars of aggression by other nations and that (2) it authorizes member nations to force objectors to continue to serve in combative military duties for up to six months under certain circumstances, noting that it is neither beneficial to the objector nor to the morale of the combat forces.

We believe the issues raised by the author of the repeal proposal are glaring enough that it necessitates a repeal, and the underlying issue of military conscientious objections is a matter of sufficient importance to warrant the attention of the World Assembly. There are a number of proposals vying as potential replacements for this resolution and the MoWA will comment on those proposals in due course.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Spiritus" (March 25, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#439)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend the region of Spiritus, for a number of listed achievements since sprouting in 2012, demonstrating the region's success in "protecting innocent regions, cultural prowess, and sowing a firmly positive reputation and influence on a community level". It begins by citing the achievements of the Spiritus Defense Force, the defender-aligned military of the region, before going on to cite the region's consistent presence in the World Assembly, the region's culture, and the success of the "Potato Alliance" in the annual N-Day events.

Not only does this commendation make an excellent job in showing that its nominee is commendable, but it also manages to incorporate the region's culture and history very well. It is clear that the region of Spiritus has been one of the greatest in the game, such that it has earned the highest honor the World Assembly can bestow.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Right to Assemble"" (March 25, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution aims to repeal the resolution "Right to Assemble", citing numerous "flaws" with the proposal. The repeal first denounces the target for only granting negative rights. It then argues that the exceptions are both too narrow and too vague, such as asserting that the target prevents member nations from "temporarily [breaking] up assemblies to unblock [ambulances'] passage", and that there is ambiguity regarding what constitutes "hatred" or "abuse". It also asserts it undesirable for the resolution to require member nations to "ensure the safety of the individuals targeted by" hate speech should they not suppress such speech, citing an example that member nations which allow an assembly demanding immigrants from a certain nation to be repatriated "may have to supply guards on a temporary basis to protect those inhabitants' houses".

Given how the resolution guarantees the right to assemble, we find that the repeal fails to make a coherent or compelling case on why we should repeal it. The given arguments are absurd edge cases which should not even be considered as reasons for repealing the target resolution. For example, any reasonable nation should have laws that make blocking the passage of emergency vehicles illegal. Likewise, the argument that the resolution is flawed because it grants "only negative rights" does not adequately convince us on why the resolution should be repealed.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Atlantian Oceania" (March 22, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#438)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution aims to commend the region of Atlantian Oceania (AO), primarily for its achievements in the NS Sports (NSS) roleplaying community. In particular, it cites the target's pioneering of the concept of a sports region, and its achievements in promoting a sports-based regional culture. It begins by mentioning the range of regional sports tournaments in AO, including the AO Confederation of Association Football, the longest-running regional sports tournament, before citing some of the region's most prolific individuals in the sports roleplaying community, such as Vilita and Turori and Farfadillis. It then mentions other non-sports features of the region, including the "AO Regional Defense Organisation", a regional military alliance, as well as the region's success in the annual Z-day events.

Very few regions, if any, have left such a prolonged and intense impact on the NSS community as AO has over the years, both collectively and through its individual nations. We like to see well-written roleplay resolutions being brought into the Security Council -- and this is clearly one such resolution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Foreign Copyright Recognition"" (March 22, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#651)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): "Repeal: 'Foreign Copyright Recognition'" by Heidgaudr seeks to repeal GA#232, a resolution designed to protect copyright across the WA. It argues the target resolution effectively creates the possibility for absurd outcomes with foreign copyright far outlasting domestic copyright or otherwise lasting an unnecessarily long period of time. It further claims that the target resolution is too exploitable, because by leaving the determination of the length of foreign copyright protection largely up to the domestic law of the state from which the content originated, it allows for member states to change their copyright laws to economically damage other nations. Finally, it claims that the resolution's allowance for exceptions for foreign copyright are too vague and are too open to litigation.

The resolution makes a compelling case for the target's repeal. The resolution fails to accomplish the goal of protecting authors and artists. It allows for foreign copyright recognition to last for either an arbitrarily long date or for an absurdly long date established by a member state with extremely long durations for copyright protections. It also harms member states, by making them vulnerable to abusive economic behavior by cultural powers, and by exposing them to litigation through the vagueness of the resolution's text. Overall, "Foreign Copyright Recognition" is poorly conceived policy, and the repeal makes a convincing case for its repeal.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate England" (March 17, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#437)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposed declaration concerns liberating England, which has very recently been occupied by the Brotherhood of Malice and Lone Wolves United along with their allies. These regions, constantly countered by the North Pacific Army and our allies, have since expelled their rightful delegate and defaced this region. We note England has a long established native community, and have expressed their desire to regain control.

The Brotherhood of Malice and Lone Wolves United are raider regions that have long caused destruction across regions, and The North Pacific and our allies have a strong commitment to fight back against attacks by this group of raiders and to assist natives under occupation in rebuilding their region.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Restrictions on Hydraulic Fracturing"" (March 17, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#650)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The proposal seeks to repeal "Restrictions On Hydraulic Fracturing" (GAR#417), citing a number of loopholes that render the targeted resolution largely irrelevant. For instance, advances in fracturing mean that non-hydraulic fracturing has become more common, making the resolution's definition of "pressurized liquids" easy to get around by using natural gas, nitrogen, propane stimulation and pneumatic fracturing. There are also wide exemptions for hydraulic fracturing itself and for fracking activities near member states' borders.

We believe the arguments made in the repeal are reasonable, given the loopholes in the existing resolution, some of which would have been less apparent to the authors and voters back in 2017 when this resolution was passed, due to rapid advances in fracking technologies.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Nakarisaune" (March 13, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#436)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Nakarisaune, also known as Nakari, for their region-building and military efforts. The proposal highlights their contributions to The South Pacific's (TSP) legislative system, which allowed democracy to continue in the region, the enthusiasm and innovation of their defending in the Grey Wardens, TSP, and their contributions as delegate and Minister of Culture for The Rejected Realms while praising their authorship of NationStates Issues.

The proposal is well-written and makes an excellent argument for Nakari's commendation. They have clearly made significant legislative, cultural, and military contributions to the NationStates multiverse in their respective regions, which are well presented in a compelling narrative with convincing and logical reasons to justify the commendation.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Asbestos Consumption, Disposal and Worker Protection"" (March 12, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Following the defeat of another repeal of this target by the same author, this proposal seeks, once again, to repeal GAR #435, "Asbestos Consumption, Disposal And Worker Protection". The author contends that it is disproportionately harmful towards the development aspirations of less technologically and logistically advanced member states over the use of asbestos-containing structures and harmful to nations that rely on asbestos in building construction.

This is the second time this issue has come up to vote since the author's last attempt in August 2022 (and a proposed vote missed quorum in December 2022), and the August 2022 ended in a heavy defeat for that proposal. We remain sympathetic to the plight of asbestos-reliant developing nations, nevertheless we cannot countenance the continued use of an objectively unsafe building material that is clearly dangerous to health. We believe this view is widely shared within the World Assembly community.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Istillian" (March 8, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#435)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal commends Istillian, who has made extensive contributions to our friends at Europeia, including leading and comprehensively developing the Europeian Republican Navy (ERN) as Vice Admiral and three-time Grand Admiral, extensive service in the foreign affairs work of Europeia as Minister and six-time Deputy, as well as Istillian's work as Deputy Minister and Editor-In-Chief of "At Home in Europeia" and "Beyond the Borders", two regional publications, as two-time Minister of Communications, as Second Minister, and their work in celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community as First Minister. The proposed resolution concludes with an expanded list of the substantial achievements of the nominee as Vice Chancellor and recognizing the sense of community and the goodwill earned throughout Europeia.

This resolution has gone through extensive drafting through the Heroes of Valhalla programme, of which The North Pacific is a member, and several TNP regulars made extensive comments to improve the draft, which we will not repeat here. We believe Istillian's impressive record speaks for itself and that Istillian is a thoroughly commendable and deserving nominee.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Legal Equality Act" (March 8, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#649)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The current proposal-at-vote, "Legal Equality Act", aims to enshrine the principle of equality before the law in the legal systems of all member-states. It does so through mandating that all law within a member-nation applies to everyone within that state, including legal persons and the state itself. There are necessary exceptions given for commutations, required immunities for politics or lawmaking, and the effective operation of public bodies.

We find that this measure has a positive aim, one which ought to be fundamental to any coherent, just system of law. It accomplishes its mandate simply and effectively, with exceptions confined to those areas in which they are strictly required. The use of flexible terminology in the exceptions permits member-nations some discretion in the application of law, while still preserving the key principle of equality.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "On the Artworks of Defunct Nations" (March 5, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#434)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to set forth general rules of conduct for members of the international community as they interact with artworks, better known as cards, of nations that have ceased to exist. The proposal contends that there exists a scarcity problem in regards to the cards of defunct nations, that many card collections are impossible to complete because of this problem, and that combatting this would invigorate inter-nation relations and cultural flourishing. It goes on to declare that nations should refrain from hoarding, destroying, or triggering the inflation in value of cards belonging to defunct nations.

We agree that less-established collectors should be able to have access to the broader cards market, including access to rarer cards. Artificially induced scarcity, compounded on the scarcity that is associated with defunct nations to begin with, severely hinders and often completely shuts out any attempts at putting together a myriad of collections that may involve the cards of defunct nations. We further believe that such artificially induced scarcity goes against the inherent spirit of the cards market and mini-game. As such, we support the aims of this proposal.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Drug Decriminalization Act"" (March 4, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#648)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal General Assembly Resolution #577 (GA#577), also known as the "Drug Decriminalization Act, which aimed to decriminalize the simple possession of psychotic drugs. However, GA#577 had a number of flaws. Due to its broadness, GA#577's definition of a "drug" excluded any substance with recognized medical purposes, which included many recreational drugs such as morphine and fentanyl. Furthermore, clause 1b.i did nothing to prevent member nations from setting a legal basis that any quantity of drugs was "for the purposes of monetary or material gain." This allowed member nations to de-facto criminalize simple drug possession.

While GA#577 had good intentions, it did not achieve its desired goals and did not effectively decriminalize the possession of drugs. Its repeal can help ensure that member nations adopt policies that are more effective in addressing drug addiction and use while protecting the rights and well-being of drug users at the same time.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Kuramia" (February 28, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#433)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks award a Commendation to Kuramia for their numerous contributions to our long-time regional ally Europeia. Notable accomplishments noted in the proposal include their diplomatic prowess in their position as Europeian Minister of Foreign Affairs, their rejuvenation and stellar leadership of Europeia's military force, the Europeian Republican Navy, and their numerous contributions to and streaming of Europeia's legislative process in their capacity as a Senator. Additionally, the proposal also highlights Kuramia's work in recruiting and aiding newcomers in becoming adept legislators and foreign ambassadors in their own right, as well as their contributions to Europeia's cultural outreach mission.

Kuramia is a particular deserving nominee for a Commendation. Their years of service to Europeia and the numerous innovative contributions they provided to the region have altered the region's trajectory for the better. Their diplomatic and military efforts have significantly bolstered Europeia's regional standing and security, and has also benefitted Europeia's regional allies. Additionally, Kuramia's guidance to newer members of the Europeian community have resulted in numerous shining regional stars that will no doubt continue to bring prosperity to Europeia and its affiliates. We are therefore proud to support Kuramia's Commendation, and look forward to them receiving the recognition that they deserve.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Action on Period Poverty" (February 28, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#647)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to increase access to menstrual products, by mandating the universal and free provision of menstrual products in areas including hospitals, educational establishments and public toilets. It would also require employers with toilet facilities to provide free menstrual products to employees and customers who may require them. The resolution also establishes a requirement for those providing free menstrual products to provide bins to safely dispose of those products. Finally, member states would be required to provide basic education about periods for students.

While the aim of the proposal is one the Ministry supports, there are issues with the proposal which would limit its effectiveness. Due to its broad language, the proposal would require online schools to provide free menstrual products to students. This would be impractical and likely logistically impossible for online schools. Additionally, the wording of Section a.ii is poor, as it remains very ambiguous on when a patient would be "in genuine need", thus allowing for easy circumvention of the mandate.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Declaration in Regard to Hippopotami" (February 25, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): A resubmission of a previously-defeated resolution of the same name, this proposal seeks to "correct the record" about hippopotami and their being "larger than life". To do this, the author highlights the case of the pygmy hippopotamus which, while quite large, is not necessarily as large as the original "Declaration on Hippopotamuses" made all hippopotami out to be. Thus, the author declares that "Hippos are not necessarily very large."

While a cute joke at first, and something we perhaps could have supported as a stand-alone, we do not find this to be a good use of the World Assembly's time. Far from being a prescient in-joke that preserves one of the funnier parts of the World Assembly's lore, this proposal wastes four days to engage in what is essentially a correction of the record, and one which was already shot down by the World Assembly in the past. Hippos may be very large by our human standards, but our patience for resolutions about them is not.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Regulating Medical Genetic Modification" (February 24, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to establish minimum standards for genetic modification procedures performed on sapient individuals. It requires that, within the bounds of a nation's level of scientific advancement, genetic modification procedures be as specific to the purposes of conducting a particular medical treatment as possible, that such procedures have undergone testing and are considered "generally safe" for the purposes of genetic modification, that such procedures cause "as few genetic editing errors as possible", and that these procedures are administered by medical experts with "adequate" training on genetic modification.

We applaud the authoring delegation for their initiative in tackling this emerging trend in medical science. However, there are several concerns with the wording of the proposal and thus its robustness. The usage of the term "generally safe" in regards to genetic modification procedures entails an unacceptable threshold for safety. Such procedures have a very real potential to inflict catastrophic, irreversible, and lethal damage upon sapient beings, in the process also potentially inflicting untold amounts of pain and suffering upon the subject. Where the standard of being "generally safe" may be acceptable in the context of other procedures, here it is woefully inadequate. A similar concern is present with the requirement to "cause as few genetic editing errors" as possible. Even single-strand modifications or errors in DNA can result in severe, potentially lethal health impacts upon a patient such as cancer and heart failure. A higher standard of safeness is essential here. We also criticize the training requirement for medical staff to be merely "adequate". For the aforementioned reasons, we believe a higher standard in staff proficiency is also required.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Suppress International Piracy"" (February 20, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#646)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#20. The repeal acknowledges the efforts to combat piracy that were made by GAR#20 but raises concerns over two clauses. These concerns involve the lack of specification involving the concept of privateers in Clause 1, and the indirect issues raised by Clause 7.

This repeal is based around serious issues that these clauses form, such as in Clause 7, where the clause requires proof of innocence to come from the accused, which indirectly deems the accused guilty until proven innocent. This clause forms a major issue, as a guilty until proven innocent case normally ends in a guilty verdict due to the flaw in the case. This issue, coupled with the lack of specification in Clause 1, places a large flaw in the original resolution.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "On the supremacy of the Potato"" (February 16, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to repeal a humourous resolution declaring potatoes "the official food of the World Assembly". Along the way, it makes a number of frivolous arguments, based around the dangers of a lack of variety in foods, including the possibility of the devaluation of other crops. The repeal also warns about the possiblity of misinterpretation of the resolution, such as that the term "potato" includes "couch potatoes".

While this resolution may be endearing to some, we do not believe that the target resolution is one worthy of repeal, and especially not on these arguments. Further, the assertions in this repeal, such as that the resolution allows for the creation of "potatoterrorist groups" or that "couch potatoes" are included in the definition, although humourous, constitute no actual basis on which the resolution should be repealed.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Responsible Handling of Toxic Materials" (February 16, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#645)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks restrict the use of toxic materials and to obligate member nations to ensure regular testing of the surroundings of toxic material handling sites. It seeks to establish the Toxic Materials Commission (TMC), wich will take lead on handling various matters concerning toxic materials, with some de minimis exceptions. Additionally, the TMC would materially compensate member nations in the case where the reporting on such incidents would otherwise breach their intellectual property rights on that research.

The proposal offers reasonable solutions on handling of toxic materials, and the peripheral processes of gathering and disseminating research and information concerning potential toxic material incidents. This proposal was significantly revised with the assistance of Namwenia, who has unique expertise in real life in this area. We are comfortable that this is a logical compromise between reducing harm while providing measures to safeguard against an overreach of the proposed TMC, and to protect member nations' intellectual property rights.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Popular Statecraft" (February 12, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to grant each member nation the right to freely choose its government and mode thereof. It does this by 1) explicitly "guarantee[ing] to each member the right to determine its preferred mode of government"; 2) prohibiting member nations from forcibly attempting to remove any government or mode thereof in other member nations; and 3) clarifying that the World Assembly may still "forbid specific practices associated with a mode of government", as long as this does not have the primary effect of preventing member nations from adhering to that mode.

We are dismayed by the philosophical arguments of this resolution, as the World Assembly should be able to prohibit tyrannical, inefficient modes of government from being adopted by member nations. In addition, we find the second clause to be overly restrictive on member nations, as it prohibits member nations from engaging in armed action to overthrow a fascistic or genocidal regime, or to restore a toppled allied government. All in all, this proposal is highly flawed both in principle and in execution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Condemn Baggieland" (February 9, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#432)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution aims to condemn the nation of Baggieland for their contribution in the issues and sports roleplaying communities. It begins by mentioning villainous roleplayed aspects of their nation, such as "forcing visiting sports fans to indulge in its bizarre etiquette of consuming lasagna with spoons". It also details their contribution to the Aussie Rules World Cup, established by the nominee, and the Rugby Union World Cup, which they hosted once. Finally, it mentions some of the issues authored by the nominee, which total 34.

We believe that this nominee has made immense contributions to the sports roleplaying and issues authoring communities which undoubtedly merit recognition in the form of a World Assembly condemnation. It must also be noted the full scale of the nominee's issue authorship cannot be legally mentioned in the resolution, regardless of its significance.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "The Rights, Wrongs, Duties, And Powers Of WA States" (February 9, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution begins the attempt in earnest to replace GAR#2 "Rights and Duties of WA States". It codifies existing General Assembly gameplay conventions and mechanics in an "in character" format, such as rules on the duplication and contradiction between resolutions and the use of committees. It also explicitly requires member states to remain from the use of physical or military force and removes the previous ban in GAR#2 regarding a WA military and police force.

We see improvements over the previous attempt (which missed quorum) but remain underwhelmed by this version of a purported replacement of the closest that the GA has to a constitutional charter. We find the preamble to be closer to reopening the wounds over the repeal of GAR#2 than an introduction to a constitutional charter, and there remains no broad "in character" consensus on the matters such as the military and use of force, explicit recognition of the supremacy of GA laws, the advocacy of membership to non members, and other matters. We believe another repeal-and-replace of the replacement of GAR#2 would create even more instability in gameplay and would set a higher standard on this resolution than others.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend A Leaf on the Wind" (February 4, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#431)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend A Leaf on the Wind, commonly known as Sarah Bread, for her contributions to the community. The commendation lists out her contributions over time, starting with The Rejected Realms, The Order of the Grey Wardens, The North Pacific, Europeia, and now Balder.

We believe Sarah Bread is a strong candidate for commendation. Their have very prominent contributions in different regions, especially in culture and home affairs. This was addressed in the proposal, which listed out their contributions across various regions in their illustrious career, cumulating in their current role as Princess of Jomsborg and Statsminister of Balder. In particular, TNPers would likely remember their role as Minister of Culture in 2021 under Delegate Robespierre and later St. George.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Protecting Press Freedoms" (February 4, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#644)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to provide protections to the press and journalists, after the repeal of GAR#155. It does so by prohibiting member nations from restricting freedom of the press except where allowed under World Assembly law, or where to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.

This resolution's phrasing does not pose any ambiguity that could threaten the freedom of the press -- as was the case for GAR#155 -- giving the press the protections and freedoms necessary for its proper functioning and ensuring that journalists are not punished for the exercise of their role. Yet, it also imposes reasonable regulations to protect consumers from inappropriate content.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Mokastana" (February 1, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#430)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to recognize the efforts of Mokastana, a prominent role-playing nation in the region of Greater Dienstad. The majority of this proposal focuses on specific and long term role play development from the nation of Mokastana; specifically mentioning the values and contributions under their self titled People's United Federation (PUF), and the efforts they have made in their role-play to promote freedom, equality, civil rights, and humanitarian outreach to other nations. However, this proposal also brings to light Mokastana's efforts for regional and cultural development, specifically the "Scholastic Association of Competitive Tankery", a regional tournament between teams from around Greater Dienstad; and Mokastana's hosting of a coronation ceremony, a wedding ceremony, and regional gala to commemorate their shared community.

While Mokastana's efforts are specific to the role-play community in Greater Dienstad, their long-term contribution to their community, exceptional devotion to nation building, and the clear and well reasoned argument in this proposal highlighting Mokastana as a role model for others in their region, shows that they are certainly worthy of recognition by the Security Council.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Reducing Addiction" (January 31, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#643)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to tackle the crisis of addiction in member states though education and rehabilitation, as well as taking a non-punitive approach for those who seek treatment. It establishes rehabilitation programs which are free for all, and requires nations to educate their citizens on what addiction is and how to avoid it. It also forbids punishment against people who seek help for their addiction.

"Reducing Addiction" can be seen as a step to reducing stigmatisation of addictions. Education to prevent addiction from starting in the first place and rehabilitation for those who need it (which cannot come at a cost to individuals because of how addiction impacts those most unable to pay for treatment) is a wise strategy in fighting addiction. Additionally, forbidding punishment against sufferers of addiction is very important for this system to be effective, otherwise individuals who are addicted will be pushed away from seeking treatment for fear of (in some cases, draconian) criminal punishment.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Commend Witchcraft and Sorcery" (January 27, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#429)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to commend Witchcraft and Sorcery (known as W&S from here on out) for their service to defenderdom. This proposal highlights W&S's time in TSP as their prime minister, and Minister of Defense, along with leading a very successful defender organization as the General of the South Pacific Armed Forces. The proposal also takes note of W&S's defensive efforts in TITO and the Order of the Grey Wardens, where they obtained the military rank of Tactical Officer, along with their regional development in 10000 Islands.

The resolution presents W&S as a commendable figure, and we agree that their skill in defenderdom and region-building and their accomplishments, such as freeing 2000 regions from the clutches of raiderdom and creating a popular chess club in 10000 islands, along with their dedication to many areas of the realm of NationStates lead them to be more than worthy of a Commendation.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Drug Decriminalization Act"" (January 27, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal the "Drug Decriminalization Act" for two perceived problems: firstly, that the target allows member nations to set broad presumptions of malice or intent to distribute and thereby circumvent the resolution; and secondly, that member nations should have liberty to determine their policy surrounding drug criminalisation per own sovereignty.

The target certainly has a number of legitimate flaws; first and foremost, the target allows member nations to criminalise the simple possession of any drug, as long as that drug happens to have legitimate medical uses. Many drugs, such as morphine, fentanyl, or marijuana, can be both abused and used for recognised medical purposes. Yet, the repeal, instead of focusing on the target's flaws, focuses on that nations should be allowed to punish persons for their simple possession of drugs due to their sovereignty. Such a heavy-handed approach has never worked in practice to actually reduce drug use or addiction. The World Assembly should prohibit the unnecessary and ineffective punishing of victims; and even if the World Assembly would technically still maintain the ability to decriminalise simple drug possession, the precedent that the World Assembly believes that nations should be allowed to punish victims in a wild goose chase is not one which should be enshrined into World Assembly law.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Sophisticated Investors Protocol" (January 23, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#642)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal requires member states to indirectly block retail investors from being sold complex financial products, unless they can prove that they have the means to absorb potential losses and the knowledge to understand these products. It also requires sellers of complex financial products to properly disclose risks. Lastly, it prohibits member states from allowing their citizens to buy these products elsewhere, even if the product is not available in the original member state.

This proposal lets WA members tailor consumer protection rules regarding investments based on their own needs, while imposing a framework that should help promote international trade. We see this proposal as providing a sensible balance between (i) protecting consumers not deeply versed in finance from scams or mistakenly purchase overly complex products and (ii) allowing better resourced investors to purchase such products if they desire.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "World Assembly Website Act" (January 19, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal proposes to establish a World Assembly website. It specifies some technical details on web hosting, creates a wiki or blog site for all nations and disseminates relevant public documents on the activities of the World Assembly, and finally also provides for livestreams of the debates to be broadcast on the website.

We believe this resolution offers very limited benefits over and above existing resolutions related to the dissemination of information on World Assembly activities, namely GAR#78 (Universal Library Coalition) and GAR#442 (Circulation Of World Assembly Law). In our view, the proposal ends up dwelling on a minor administrative matter that should merit at best the most cursory of reviews by the General Assembly as a whole.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Liberate Islamic States"" (January 17, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#428)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to repeal SC#427 Liberate Islamic States, a proposal aimed at preventing the region from being secured by ""malevolent forces of invading"". It reiterates the harm that Islamic States has caused to the international community, and congratulate the defender and independent forces for their successful counter-invasion. It also highlights The Mystical Alliance's role in the counter-invasion, considering how their predecessor region was captured by forces including that from the Islamic Army.

The repeal covers the entire story of Islamic States rather well, reaffirming the impact of Islamic States on the international community, and congratulating the defender and independent forces for their job in securing the target region. Given this region's consistent support of the Brotherhood of Malice, diplomatically and military, we believed that it is justified for this region to become a defenders' trophy. With that done, the aims of the original liberation has now been achieved, and as such, we are fully supportive of the repeal

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Stock Exchanges and Foreign investment"" (January 15, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#641)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GAR#401, "Stock Exchanges and Foreign Investment". The authors provide several reasons as to why this resolution should be repealed. First, they argue, GAR#401 does not outline any specific regulations that the International Securities and Exchange Commission (ISEC) would establish pursuant to the goals of the proposal. Secondly, they argue that what exactly constitutes "artificial manipulation of the exchange rate" is not defined, which may hamper exchange rate interventions by member states during periods of crisis. Finally, they argue that the definitions set forth in GAR # 401 are of poor quality, contain omissions, and cause the ISEC to provide misleading advice to member states.

We find ourselves in agreement with the authors of this repeal. As pointed out by the authors, the definitions of stocks, bonds, and securities are indeed very poorly written, and exclude numerous concepts and instruments found within modern economics and trade. The target resolution's ambiguity on what constitutes "artificial manipulation of the exchange rate" has severe national security implications, as currency rate interventions are often necessary to combat market volatility. Lastly, by failing to properly define the scope of the ISEC's regulatory activities, there is an uncomfortable level of power afforded to it when it comes to a nation's ability to regulate and manage its currency and its relationship with the exchange market.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Condemn The Communist Bloc" (January 13, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): Similarly to numerous past resolutions attempting to condemn The Communist Bloc (TCB) on ideological arguments, this proposal seeks to condemn TCB primarily based on criticism of communism. It also asserts that "they deny publicly yet privately confirm" their "classification of themselves as a raider region".

These so-called "arguments" are exceedingly poor, and fail to make a remotely persuasive argument that TCB is indeed worthy of a condemnation. In addition, the author's behaviour in pursuing this proposal, such as specifically targeting fascist regions for approval campaigns, further prevents us from being able to support this resolution in good conscience. We strongly discourage other authors from taking up a condemnation of TCB on ideological grounds.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Reducing Spills and Leaks"" (January 11, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#640)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal "Reducing Spills and Leaks" for a number of flaws and oversights. Firstly, it points out that the target only tasking the SaLDA with penalising entities responsible for spills and leaks "through negligence" colourably prevents the SaLDA from also penalising entities responsible for such incidents through recklessness or malice. Secondly, the repeal points out the target's mandate that member nations follow recommendations of the SaLDA in regulating against spills and leaks unnecessarily burdens member nations and harms their ability to legislate in this area. Thirdly, the repeal points out that the target mandating embargoes on transport of any material "capable of causing a spill or leak" should said transport not comply with SaLDA recommendations is overly broad, and unduly harms trade between member nations and non-member nations, due to such non-member nations having "little incentive to abide by regulations that hold no legal authority over them". Finally, the repeal criticises the target's cooperation clauses for being entirely non-binding, despite such a matter being worth legislating on in a binding manner.

We find these repeal arguments to be compelling. The target's overly stringent requirements unduly harm member nations both economically and administratively; while other mandates of the target lack enough teeth to competently legislate on this area. Further, the repeal author is sponsoring two replacement drafts which would adequately address this matter on repeal of the target.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate Islamic States" (January 9, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#427)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to liberate Islamic States, citing the disappearance of the "custodial nation" by miraculous factors, and concerns that the "malevolent forces of invading" will attempt to secure this region from counter-evasion.

This region's founder was deleted by moderation for persistent violations of the rules surrounding nation in the World Assembly—namely that they often had more than one in that body. Separately, this region has engaged in consistent support of the Brotherhood of Malice both by being a diplomatic ally and supporting them militarily. Taken on the whole, liberation of the region at this juncture is more than justified.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "LGBTIQA Inclusiveness in Schools Act"" (January 7, 2023)
Result: passed (GA#639)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal GA #603, "LGBTIQA Inclusiveness in Schools Act", for a number of flaws primarily relating to the definition of a "school", which is argued to include institutions such as "junior football academies, martial arts dojos, and online coding courses". The repeal asserts that the target thus obligates such institutions to provide education surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, and also provide sundry mental health resources towards students with "diverse" sexual orientations and gender identities; and that doing so is overly burdensome upon such institutions.

We find these arguments to be compelling, and to sufficiently argue for repeal of the target. The overly broad requirements of the target arising from the ill-defined term "school" place undue burden upon educational institutions and detract from their main purposes. In addition, one of the repeal authors is sponsoring a replacement draft which we believe adequately addresses this subject without the flaws of the target.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Nuclear Aggression Act" (January 3, 2023)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to prohibit nuclear first strikes between nations in the World Assembly, in order to prevent unnecessary conflict and destruction in member nations. Yet, the proposal exempts nations which violate the terms of its mandates, and allows nations to use nuclear strike to retaliate against armed attack of themselves or their allies.

We find these protections to be necessary, due to the large-scale destruction caused by use of nuclear weapons. The proposal does an excellent job in providing leeway to member nations as needed, while prohibiting the gravest cases of abuse of nuclear weapons.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "The Holiday Apocalypse" (January 1, 2023)
Result: passed (SC#426)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal is a declaration, which aims to officially recognise the extended downtime that occurred in late December. It declares certain key details about the event, such as its beginning on the twenty-third, as well was recognising the harm that was caused to various areas of the game. Namely, the forums were rendered inactive, and bids on trading cards were cancelled.

Declarations serve the function of promulgating the Security Council's stance on some notable matter. In terms of notability, the Holiday Apocalypse certainly qualifies. It is one of the most impactful, temporary things to have happened to NationStates, which the declaration mentions, through comparison to N-Day and Z-Day. The declaration also provides a useful stance on this event, suggesting a commemoration of the event, on the time in which the event occurred. It also recognises the disaster that the Security Council would regard this multiversal disaster as being.

The declaration is cleverly written in-character, with subtle nods to various aspects of the Apocalypse, such as the fears that an early backup would need to be used, losing players' recent progress. It maintains a humorous, melodramatic tone throughout, though with genuine sadness at the annoyances facing those active in Trading Cards.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "International Patent Agreement"" (December 30, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#638)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal repeals GAR#394 "International Patent Agreement" on the grounds that "economic benefit" should not be the only consideration in according patents, and complaints that the resolution allows patent rights-holders access to lifesaving inventions such as medical treatments, followed by a sovereignty argument that reverts recognising patents to WA member states based on "their economic and ideological needs".

We believe patents are a foundation to economic development and prosperity, as it rewards inventors for the risks they take - whether it's the solo inventors of the 18th century, extending through industrialization and to 21st century companies at the forefront of technology today, be it health sciences, aerospace, or artificial intelligence. International cooperation in patents is a necessity as it reduces the risk of counterfeiting and also gives large-scale research and development projects a better chance to recoup their investment through sales in multiple markets.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Rights and Duties of WA States"" (December 19, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#637)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to repeal "Rights and Duties of WA States", one of the key pillars to the governance of the World Assembly introduced back in 2008 as a matter of urgency, and the very first foundation resolution of the WA, covering such basic areas of law as relations between member states, national sovereignty, and the role of the World Assembly. The repeal cites concerns over various articles which we will not elaborate.

Attempts at repealing this resolution have appeared periodically for the last 14 years and we have consistently opposed repeal of this resolution, which would upend gameplay within the World Assembly for no clear benefits. No resolution is perfect but a rushed repeal of the main document governing war and peace and sovereignty of the WA will be a self-inflicted grievous wound to goodwill among member states. We have significant doubts on the community coming together on a widely accepted replacement - no serious attempt for a consensus has gained momentum since 2016, and any claims that a replacement is ready is far off the mark. Further, it appears that any replacement will be scattered and piecemeal, and we believe the loss will be keenly felt by the community.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate New Westphalia" (December 18, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposed declaration concerns liberating New Westphalia, which was very recently been occupied by Lone Wolves United, one of the raider groups countered by The North Pacific and our allies. Since the vote started, our allies and The North Pacific Army have emerged victorious after a well coordinated campaign and have successfully liberated the New Westphalia region, and expelled the invaders.

Given the fact that the said region has been liberated with the cooperation of a large number of regions, this resolution is no longer necessary. As a result, we are reversing our recommendation in light of recent developments in order to stop the pending resolution from taking effect.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Psychiatric Care Act" (December 16, 2022)
Result: passed, but discarded due to rules violations
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposed resolution requires World Assembly member states to clearly define what constitutes a mental illness, provide basic rights for anyone admitted to a mental health facility, including visitation rights and the adequacy of psychiatric care provisions, as well as for post-treatment support.

We believe the proposal is a satisfactory first step towards providing protection for those suffering from mental health issues. Mental health issues remain taboo in some countries and cultures and with grossly inadequate care and concern in others, and we are pleased that the resolution highlights an important issue not just for the benefit of the NationStates multi-verse but also in real life.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Protections for Sexual Assault Victims" (December 11, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#636)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to establish protection for victims of sexual assaults, particularly those who have filed complaints against these crimes to prevent them from being punished for it. It also fixes a wording flaw from a similar resolution (#632) from the same author that was passed but then quickly repealed to rectify the flaw.

The clauses of this resolution allow victims of sexual assault to suffer no reprisals, from discrimination to punishment, while ensuring that these assaults cannot be treated differently depending on the status of the victim. The resolution also ensures that those responsible for such reprisals are punished, and creates an awareness program for children who may witness or be victims of such acts.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "On the Warzones" (December 7, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): The resolution attempts to legislate on the "Warzone" regions, ie 6 Game-Created Regions known for their lack of a founder, their lack of any requirement for influence to eject nations, and the automatic routine clearing of their ban lists. It proceeds to "[recognize] the unique traits of the Warzones, as well as their status as non-threatening bodies."

We find this resolution to be poorly written in general. It fails to adequately argue for any stance, while adding nothing novel and providing no information that cannot be found out elsewhere.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Aquatic Cleaning Act" (December 7, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposed resolution requires World Assembly member states to (1) "reduce and eventually eliminate aquatic pollution without compromising other ecosystems", and (2) "fund cleanup of waste within their aquatic ecosystems".

We find the wording of the resolution to be inadequate and unsatisfactory. The resolution does not consider such issues as the cost of "clean up", the timeline or feasibility of any action to "eliminate pollution", or even a definition of what constitutes pollution or ecosystems.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Religious Freedom Protection" (December 3, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#635)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to provide protections for religious freedoms, outlawing systemic discrimination against individuals "based on their religion or lack thereof" -- noting particularly discrimination under the law, in legal penalties, and in taxation -- as well as imposing a legal test upon restrictions on religious practices.

We find that these protections are indeed necessary since "Freedom of Religion" was repealed. Without overly specific mandates like the ones in the repealed "Freedom of Religion", this resolution does just enough in preventing both state discrimination based on religion, and ensuring that restrictions on religious practice are reasonable and justified.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Declaration Against Declarations" (November 30, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal -- submitted as a Declaration -- seeks to codify a stance against the "Declaration" function in the Security Council.

This premise of this proposal is, itself, absurd -- there is no reason that the World Assembly would disavow a category in which it has several active resolutions. Further, the proposal itself is poorly written, failing to provide sufficient argumentation for the stance it aims to codify, and being generally abridged.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Protection of Sexual Assault Victims"" (November 28, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#634)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to insta-repeal "Protection of Sexual Assault Victims". The repeal argues that the target only prohibiting state discrimination "strictly" for reporting sexual assault opens the doors to prosecutions for reporting sexual assault by "marital partners, police officers, or persons in positions of power".

We agree with the repeal's argument, that this singular flaw significantly weakens the target. Further, the author of the target supports this repeal, and is drafting a replacement to protect sexual assault victims in the event of repeal of the target.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Independent investment Research Protocol" (November 24, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#633)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to ensure the independence of research advising investors on their securities. To this end, it stipulates that investors are entitled to receive notice of any potential conflicts of interest, and analysts are to be protected from retributions by their employers should they publish research contravening their interests. It also tightens libel laws to alleviate the issue of "strategic lawsuits against publication" - suits filed by large companies against analysts to silence them - by increasing the burden of proof on the part of the petitioner.

We believe the protection of investors is important, and similar regulations have been in place in most real-world countries for some 20 years. Although some conflicts still prevail in these cases, such regulation has been proven to help reduce the most egregious examples of misconduct. By safeguarding analysts' ability to publish more negative research and ensuring its independence, all investors, large and small, benefit from a more efficient market.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "World Assembly Paper Reduction Act" (November 20, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to reduce the use of paper in the day-to-day functions of the World Assembly, by permanently digitizing parts of the WA archives, encouraging the use of digital technologies to communicate, and increase the use of "tablets or similar digital devices" be used in lieu of paper, among other measures.

We find this proposal poorly drafted and is merely interfering in the minute details of how the World Assembly is administered. Even as an exercise in micro-management, there are substantial issues left unaddressed such as compatibility with GAR #442 (Circulation Of World Assembly Law) and the need to accommodate role-play regions that do not adopt modern technologies, making the effectiveness of this proposal highly questionable. We also see this as a missed opportunity to pass a worthwhile resolution on larger related issues that need to be addressed, such as pollution in paper production, recycling of electronics in an age of widespread use of smart phones and proper management of carbon sinks, among other issues that are much more worthy of the consideration of the WA.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Condemn Ever-Wandering Souls"" (November 18, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#425)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal seeks to remove the condemnation on Ever-Wandering Souls, a long-term raider with The Brotherhood of Malice and a council advisor in The Black Hawks. The proposal notes that the original resolution meets standards for a condemnation but has a fatal flaw: that Ever-Wandering Souls has been hapless and unsuccessful in leading raiding efforts, citing numerous examples including Souls' adherence to the parasitic and self-defeating "Raider Unity" ideology, dogmatic and antagonistic diplomatic follies towards supporting invaders, and miserable failures in intelligence and subversion operations.

Ever-Wandering Souls is not worthy of condemnation as the long history of this raider's so-called "leadership", succinctly summarized in this proposal, demonstrates nothing but feebleness, inefficiency and generally sub-par capability in raider efforts and ultimately made no notable "contributions" to the efforts of raiders.

Please also note that, as signatories of the Modern Gameplay Compact and as reiterated in the 10 November statement on sanctions against The Black Hawks and The Brotherhood of Malice, The North Pacific will vote For this resolution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Protection of Sexual Assault Victims" (November 16, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#632)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to establish protection for victims of sexual assaults ; particularly those who have filed complaints against these crimes; in order to prevent them from being punished for it.

The clauses of this resolution allow victims of sexual assault to suffer no reprisals, from discrimination to punishment, while ensuring that these assaults cannot be treated differently depending on the status of the victim. The resolution also ensures that those responsible for such reprisals are punished, and creates an awareness program for children who may witness or be victims of such acts.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Liberate Moon" (November 13, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution purports to liberate Moon, a small region recently invaded and pretends to condemn the raiders, including The Black Hawks, Lily, Lone Wolves United, The Brotherhood of Malice, The Communist Bloc, Osiris, Islamic States, and Hartfelden.

The Ministry believes this proposal was not submitted in good faith, especially judging from comments made by the author on the gameside forum, and is merely an attempt by our rivals in the raiding-defending community to pretend to advertise and "celebrate" their so-called "success". The Ministry believes this amounts to nothing but trolling on the gameside Security Council proposal page. The Ministry looks forward to this proposal's defeat at the earliest opportunity.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Public Domain Act" (November 12, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to forcibly make copyright holders release their works within a very specific time period of 20 years to 65 years. It also "requests" member states to strip intellectual property from a "company that went out of business and did not sell or otherwise give the copyright to a successor", and to encourage creators to release their works into the public domain.

The proposal has several major issues. Requiring member states to forcibly remove copyright after a certain period deviates from (real life) practice (which reserves such rights to nations) and having a specific time period also creates issues for role-players due to variations in the definition of time. Stripping intellectual property (including copyright) from a business if it goes "out of business" also fails to follow bankruptcy law practice (in real life), when patents are frequently the most valuable parts of a bankruptcy (Nortel and Kodak, for example), and encouraging copyright to be released into the public domain also means discouraging artists and other content creators from creating valuable works. In short, we believe the resolution has not been drafted with current international practice in mind and creates problems which appear not to have been well considered in advance.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Historical Region Act " (November 10, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#424)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to recognize regions that were founded before founding nations held executive power, a feature not introduced until April 2003, including those that since had a founder nation appointed. This resolution seeks to protect these historical regions against raiders or other subversion through calling for interregional protection treaties, voting on liberation resolutions based on native support, encouraging for the establishment of caretaker administrations and other measures.

The protection of vulnerable native populations of regions is a long standing goal of The North Pacific and the North Pacific Army. The resolution enforces our existing goals and missions in respecting the desires and intents of native populations. The establishment of a caretaker administration is in our view a necessity in some occasions as a region is restored and codifies existing practice.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Freedom of Religion"" (November 8, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#631)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to repeal GA#430 "Freedom of Religion", providing 2 main arguments for why the target resolution is bad. Firstly, the target's requirements for the "least restrictive means" prevent the use of more effective yet more restrictive solutions in dealing with religious practices. Secondly, the target has a "narrow scope" for reasons as to why religious practices can be restricted.

While we believe that religious freedoms are important, we agree with the arguments laid out by the repeal. We also note that the author is currently drafting a replacement, which would solve the issues with the target resolution and continue to protect religious freedoms. As such, we are receptive to the idea of a repeal-and-replace for the resolution.

Pallaith voted for the World Assembly Resolution "Condemn Creeperopolis" (November 5, 2022)
Result: passed (SC#423)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to condemn Creeperopolis, a nation which has shown gross human rights violations over the past decades, at the hand of a bloodthirsty dictator who reigns terror with an oppressive and corrupt regime, not hesitating to repress its opponents with the greatest violence, thanks to its army and its secret police.

Noting the abominable crimes committed by Creeperopolis, without any limit in their cruelty, and observing that the acts described in this very well written resolution will probably not be the last that this nation will experience under the yoke of its tyrannical regime, it is therefore urgent that the Security Council give this nation the condemnation it richly "deserves."

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Repeal "Recognition of the General Assembly"" (November 1, 2022)
Result: failed
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This resolution seeks to repeal SC#359, "Recognition of the General Assembly," which was created as an in-character recognition of the General Assembly, its responsibilities, and a documentation of the creation of the World Assembly and eventually the Security Council.

The repeal makes the argument that the General Assembly (GA) had failed to recognize the Security Council (SC) and as such the SC should not recognize the GA. This argument fails to take into account the fact that GA Secretariat has long established that mentions of the SC within the GA are illegal, and that the nature of the GA simply does not involve the necessity for a recognition of the SC. Additionally, part of this resolution relies on the argument that a handful of GA players have been hostile towards SC players, and as such recognizing the GA is somehow going to "bring more pain to [the SC]," which not only makes little sense but also solidifies personal drama permanently into the pages of international law.

Pallaith voted against the World Assembly Resolution "Protections in Wartime Reporting" (November 1, 2022)
Result: passed (GA#630)
Reason for vote (adapted from TNP MoWA): This proposal aims to provide fundamental protections and guarantees for journalists and reporters operating within active war zones. It stipulates that such wartime reporters are to be considered non-combatants, and that they should accordingly not be targeted by combatant forces. Furthermore, the proposal forbids member states from denying access to or deporting, prosecuting, persecuting, or otherwise discriminating against individuals on the basis of their participating in wartime reporting. Lastly, it provides exemptions for member states where wartime reporters are specifically operating to aid one or more combatant force(s).

The proposal strikes a nice balance between the rights and dignities of those operating in a journalistic capacity, and allowing member states to take legitimate action against those individuals using the veneer of wartime reporting to take part in hostilities. Article 4(c) faced additional scrutiny due to the exemption it provided member states seeking to target reporters that collected and provided classified information to aid one or more sides in a conflict over others. Given that this does not negate the practice of collecting and cataloging open-source intelligence (OSINT), we do not find any issues with this Article or another provision contained within the proposal.