UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION
ON SUPERHUMAN ACTIVITIES
STUDY GUIDE
Yavuz Ülker
Under-Secretary-General
Yiğit Ülker
Secretary-General
Vefa Lisesi Model United Nations Conference
March 31st – April 3rd, 2017
Istanbul, Turkey
LETTER FROM UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL
Most distinguished delegates of the United Nations Commission on Superhuman Activities,
It is my utmost honour and supreme pleasure to welcome you all to the very first
session of Vefa Lisesi Model United Nations Conference 2017. I will be serving as the
responsible Under Secretary General of United Nations Commission on Superhuman
Activities (UNCSA).
To very shortly introduce myself, my name is Yavuz Ülker, I am currently a senior in
Cağaloğlu Anadolu Lisesi. This will be my fifth very joyful and successful year of doing
MUN and I am proud to participate in this year’s VefaMUN.
With the concept of fictional committees in MUN Conferences becoming more and
more preferable, this year’s VefaMUN decided to host a committee in a similar aspect.
Having realized my personal interest both in comics and in global politics, I have got together
with the Secretariat to craft an ambiance that will allow its participants to debate
professionally and have fun simultaneously. The expectations I have from the delegates in
this committee to firstly do their research well. The Study Guide is a great material to begin
with but by no means to limit your research. Since we will be simulating a committee that is
set in an alternate reality, I recommend you to expand your imagination, think beyond politics
and expect the unexpected.
Apart from the work, VefaMUN will be an amazing conference for all of us.
Observing the enthusiasm and diligence of the Academic and the Organization Team, it is
easy to say that we all are going to leave the conference with a vast amount of aspiration.
I would like to stress my thanks to the Secretariat and the Secretary-General himself.
It was surely a hard process to create such an extensive Study Guide for the conference.
Despite working in harsh circumstances, we dealt with all subjects and prepared the Study
Guide you are reading now.
I am looking forward to seeing you all, living the extremity of joy together, and
saving the world while starting long-lasting friendships.
Yavuz Ülker
Under-Secretary-General responsible for United Nations Commission on Superhuman
Activities
1
1) Introduction
2) Definition of Key Terms
3) United Nations Commission on Superhuman Activities
4) Fictional Universe
a. General Overview
i. World War II Era
ii. Post-War Era
iii. Modern Day
b. Timeline of Events
5) Superhuman Regulation Protocol
a. Background
b. The Problem of Vigilantism and the Avengers
6) Conclusion
7) Further Readings, Recommended Media & Useful Links
This document is based on characters and events published by Marvel Comics and prepared with the
purpose of explaining the working of this committee. No copyright infringement is intended.
2
“With great power, there must also come great
responsibility.”
- Benjamin Parker
3
Introduction
For many years, the fictional world of superheroes and their adventures have become
a big area of interest for many people. The concept of heroism was brought to pages with
different kinds of people showing different kinds of powers, therefore creating an ideal world
presenting what people could do when they scrape themselves from negativity and unite to
solve a common problem. In that aspect, comic books have started taking the role of
reflecting simple circumstances of a normal life by creating dilemmas among the fictional
characters, bringing people together and presenting many concepts such as love, friendship,
war, fear and so on. Displaying the good nature of heroes and their accomplishments in their
early times, comic books have changed their attributes throughout the years as a result of
global shift.
Getting more and more realistic by nature, the books changed the qualities of our
heroes as they found themselves in global crises, intergalactic wars, political issues and social
unrest. The enemy was nowhere to be seen anymore as it used to be; there were now many
different threats which could instantly turn into big problems, threats that our heroes could
not overcome only with physical showdowns. In a dark and gritty world, compromising was
not something they could run away from. Friends clashed with friends, societies plunged into
fear and compelling villains arose. The line that separates the good from the bad, the right
from the wrong and the hero from the villain started to get blurry. Consequently, the
perception of heroism has experienced a paradigm transformation and necessity of such acts
got questioned.
Possessing tremendous abilities and powers have become controversial in society.
People who managed to dodge the consequences of their actions and do not face the proper
judgment for them have come into the focus of the global authorities. Heroism found itself
mixed with vigilantism and a clear distinction was absent. Resultantly, having a superpower
turned into a worriment rather than what their bearers choose to do with them. Because each
individual with these powers was now a threat, not an embodiment of hope once they used to
be.
Is it genuinely possible to see such great power free from great responsibility? What
kind of a morality can we talk about if we do not deal with the outcomes of our acts? Because
heroism today is lack of such view of liability considering that super-powered people operate
candidly for their own personal agendas or against what they call “common threats” such as
public villains; since they leave a huge trail of destruction behind them, ignore sovereign
borders and feel no obligation to look back. In this context, this problem itself is situated
within the shifting dynamics of international responsibility and political instability. 1
1
Backe, Emma Louise. “The Politics of Peace in Captain America: Civil War”. The Geek Anthropologist.
https://thegeekanthropologist.com/2016/05/19/the-politics-of-peace-in-captain-america-civil-war/
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This urge to control and oversight enhanced individuals come with a greater obstacle:
trampling civil liberties in order to achieve security.
“The issue has generally been portrayed in broad terms as being a debate
between the rights of the individual (to freedom of action and expression
etc.) on one side versus the rights of society at large (to safety from danger
or harm) on the other. Does the super-powered individual (mutant or
otherwise) have an absolute right to their abilities or does society have a
right to constrain or at least monitor them and their expression of those
abilities?”2
This particular problem has become the main argument of this fictional committee as
it contains elements of international diplomacy and has the potential to cause contradictions
among many individuals as well as authorities, which creates a splendid atmosphere for the
delegates to simulate debating and mutual cooperation. It is the definitive goal of this
committee to sustain professional dialog despite oppositions and to preserve an agreement
that binds all the parties involved in this problem.
2
http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Registration_Acts
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Definition of Key Terms
enhanced individual: An enhanced individual or a superhuman is a legal adult who
possesses at least one skill, power, ability, talent, biomechanical improvement or enhanced
weaponry that provide capabilities far beyond the range attainable by normal human beings.
The mentioned powers and skills can be both inborn or later acquired through
experimentation, mutation, genetic alterations or extraterrestrial elements. For instance, an
athlete is a normal human in extraordinary physical condition, such as a weightlifter or
boxer. A peak human is a person who keeps his bodily functions at the maximum level of
human condition, meaning that the person is fast enough to catch-up a moving vehicle or hold
his/her breath underwater for minutes. But a person who can lift a car or fly is considered as a
superhuman.
vigilante: A vigilante is often described as a person who commits an act as a law enforcer
without any legal authority. Groups or individuals who execute vigilant activities often try to
justify their actions by claiming that legal agencies are insufficient. Violence is a common
element in vigilantism.
mutant (homo superior): A mutant is someone whose genetic feature allows him/her to
naturally develop superhuman abilities. Mutants are born with a genetic oddity called X-gene
and manifest their abilities during puberty.
atlantean (homo mermanus): The race of aquatic humanoids who reside in the lost city of
Atlantis. The total population of homo mermanus has been estimated at over 1,000,000
globally.
paramilitary organization: An organization with a partly militarized force. Paramilitary
organizations share similarities with professional militaries but often not listed in any state’s
formal armed forces.3
collateral damage: A general term for deaths, injuries, or other damage inflicted on an
unintended target.4
3
4
"paramilitary". Oxford English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. June 2011
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collateral%20damage
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United Nations Commission on Superhuman Activities
The Commission on Superhuman Activities is an intergovernmental body acting
concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. It is
exclusively dedicated to providing oversight and regulation for the deployment of enhanced
individuals with the purpose of reducing regional and international incidents.
The Commission addresses emerging issues, focus areas and new approaches to
questions affecting the situation of superheroes, that require timely consideration. The
outcomes and recommendations of each session are forwarded to Security Council for
follow-up. Consisting of 8 member parties, the Commission works with both member states
and global non-state actors such as the Avengers, SHIELD and the X-Men.
Apart from previous years and sessions, the Commission is going to be responsible
for implementing the newly written Superhuman Regulation Protocol (SRP) which will
establish the registration process of superpowered individuals and group as well as
supervising their actions. Functioning accordingly with the United Nations Charter, the
Commission is the final authoritative body on this Protocol; meaning that the scope of this
document is global and only the Commission is liable for the ratification of this document.
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Fictional Universe
This year’s UNCSA in VefaMUN 2017 will be having its own timeline apart from
comics and movies, but containing elements and events from both. This timeline and series of
events are explained in this section for the delegates to comprehend the main attributes of the
people, groups and individuals involved.
a. General Overview
World War II Era
First superhumans appeared in the early decades of the 21st century, bringing the
concept of "superpower" along with itself. Particularly the scientific breakthroughs and
experimentations in WWII years serve as an origin point for the interest of the Commission.
Canada, the United States, Russia and Nazi Germany have reported being carrying out first
known experiments for creating super soldiers both prior to and during the war. This series of
experiment and researches caused a heavy disturbance in the world in term of science ethics
despite showing a great deal of progress in the field of genetics.
One of the most notable events occurred during WWII is the invasion attempt of
Wakanda by Nazi forces. As soon as Hitler became aware of Wakandan vibranium, he
ordered an assault on the country in hopes of obtaining some of the famous metal. Wakanda
was able to fight off the Nazi incursion with the aid of Captain America, who had been also
sent there by the Allied powers. A newly made vibranium was given to him by the Wakandan
royals as a token of gratitude. Wakanda soon stepped into the global stage, forming an
alliance with the USA and becoming a founder member of the UN.
Post-War Era
After the devastating effects of the war, the world came together to create a new
supranational mechanism in order to prevent further wars and oppression. Subsequently, the
United Nations was founded in October 1945 with the goal of maintaining global peace. The
US-based research organization, Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), got renewed as Strategic
Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate (SHIELD) and retasked with sustaining
international security against advanced threats and terrorist organizations.
A while later, Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN and
genetic modification experiments on humans were prohibited in 1953.
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Modern Day
SHIELD has been continuing to carry out international operations and resolve
security matters around the globe while various terrorist organizations such as HYDRA and
AIM have been expanding in numbers and influence since the Cold War.
In a more diplomatic aspect, Latveria and Atlantis have been drawing attention
internationally with their vicious bureaucratic behaviors. Relative to their brief conflicts with
the Nazis that took place during World War II, Atlantis have disclosed an aggressive
approach on international politics after becoming a member of UN. Particularly King Namor,
who keeps on insulting statesmen and delegates on a regular basis, have taken a bigoted antiregulative stance on superhuman matters.
Victor von Doom's rule in Latveria is still being criticised by many Western countries,
as his oppression on the Latverian people continues. The Latverian king had previously
appointed his son Kristoff von Doom as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations
after invading Transia in 1997 and withdrew from international politics.
Recent decades have become certainly interesting as the world saw enhanced
individuals started gathering and forming groups, creating new conceptions such as superhero
and supervillain teams. Formation of the Canadian superhero team Alpha Flight in 1984 was
one the first examples of such assemblages. Nowadays, the Avengers is the most well-known
superhero team in the world.
Although mutants emerged in the 1960s, it was until the 1990s that they had serious
impacts within the societies. Charles Xavier opened an institution specializing on mutants in
1992. As a result, X-Men started to represent the American mutant community and became a
role model for the others all around the world. Scott Summers and Jean Grey especially came
out as public faces for mutants by fighting for mutant rights and gaining diplomatic victories.
b. Timeline of Events
The following events are considered having the biggest impacts on the background of
the world’s superhuman problem and detailed chronologically.
1939 - Nazis discover a suboceanic settlement, Namor clashes with Nazi forces
1940 - Formation of Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR)
1941 - SSR establishes Project Rebirth and Steve Rogers becomes Captain America
1942 - Nazis produce super soldiers with Übermensch Program
- Wakanda steps into the world stage as the nation faces Nazi invasion
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1945 - World War II ends and Steve Rogers crashes into the Arctic
- United Nations is founded
- SSR is recreated as SHIELD, a paramilitary counter-terrorism intelligence
organization tasked with maintaining global security
1948 - Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted, no articles about superhumans
1953 - Genetic experimentation and modification on humans declared illegal
1960s - First sightings of mutants
1974 - Atlantis becomes globally known, declares itself as a sovereign state, joins UN
1978 - Canada initiates Department H, a government branch that sanctions, supports, and
monitors all the superhuman activity in Canada
1992 - Charles Xavier establishes Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters as an educational
institution
1994 - Erik Lensherr, also known as Magneto,
declares the formation of Brotherhood of
Mutants in his cause of mutant superiority
over humans
1997 - Latveria invades Transia, an Eastern
European country, leading to an ongoing
border dispute; innocents perish, UN takes
no action5
2000 - Brotherhood of Mutants attacks UN
Millennium Summit in New York, X-Men intervenes; many dead and injured
2002 - Formation of the Avengers, the group assembles for the first time
- Captain America recovered from suspended animation, joins the Avengers
2003 - The Avengers recognized as a peace-keeping force by the United States
2003 - United States Senate enacts Mutant Registration Act
2004 - Prison break in the Raft, the Avengers interfere and successfully contain supervillains
but more than 40 escape, Queens devastated
2007 - Avengers clash with Doctor Doom in India, extensive civilian casualties
5
Eastern Europe map from Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #15, 1987
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2009 - Mutant Registration Act abolished by the United States Senate
2012 - Ultron battles the Avengers in Johannesburg, the city faces massive destruction
2016 - Terrorist organization HYDRA attacks UN Office at Vienna, 12 dead and more than
70 injured
Superhuman Regulation Protocol (SRP)
The full document will be released to the Commission on the first session, giving
delegates proper time to grasp its content.
SRP consists of different articles, all divided into different sections clarifying a
particular scope of the document. For instance, the first section General provisions, namely
explaining the main objectives and features of the protocol.
The delegates are expected to debate on the implementation of this document while
constantly dealing with crises such as alien invasions, robot attacks and brand-new
superpowered individuals.
a. Background
The Mutant Situation
As the mutants grew in number and the activities of the terrorist group known as the
Brotherhood of Mutants started to become frequent, public concern climbed day by day and
the United States government opened up the argumentation of mutants. The Republican
senator Robert Kelly introduced a bill which demanded every mutant to register his/her
ability and identity for the government to index.
The well-known mutant group of X-Men has stepped into the argumentation as they
held speeches against the bill publicly. Despite having clearance to operate on US soil and
holding a distinctive status both as a superhero team and an institution, representatives of the
group accused the US government of being authoritarian during their speeches at the UN.
The Mutant Registration Act, also called Kelly Act, is ratified by the US government and
enacted in 2003.
However, the enforcement process has continued differently than expected as notable
number of mutants refused to share personal information with the US government and went
underground while X-Men put a lot of pressure on the Bush administration, demanding the
repeal of the act. The US Senate decided to abolish the Act on January 2009, claiming that it
has lost its validity and applicability.
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Although applying only for mutants, this act was the first enaction in the world that
required superpowered individuals to register.
The Problem of Vigilantism and the Avengers
Occasions, confrontations and conflict scenes involving enhanced individuals have
always been a problem for authorities because of collateral damages. This situation has
always been ignored or tolerated by the people and the governments as these devastations
were seen as a price for saving lives. But the levels of such destructions have become
overwhelmingly unacceptable in the last 15 years.
The Avengers has the biggest impact in the shaping of this perception undoubtedly.
The global community is already well aware of that they have been putting their lives at stake
with great costs but the amount of people who consider their actions as dangerous,
irresponsible and unreliable should not be underestimated.
American citizens are refusing to cover the damages caused by the enhanced
individuals as taxpayers, no matter how large scaled they are. After the incidents in 2000 and
2004 in New York, which houses UN Headquarters, city residents started to necessitate legal
undertaking for these endamagements from the mayor and city authorities.
According to global media, cross-border operations of the Avengers’ tend to end with
vast amount of destruction. The confrontation between the Avengers and Doctor Doom in the
Delhi district of India a decade ago, stands as a proof. During the short lasting battle, high
number of innocents have suffered due to Delhi being the most densely populated area in the
country.
The group has ignored international applications many times and their methods of
operations bear resemblances to those of vigilantes by the means of avoiding local and
regional jurisdictions along with acting as independent law enforcers.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that the world needs superpowered individuals to protect them
from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial threats. There is no denying that these individuals are
well-intentioned. But these people must also be aware of their moral obligations when they
devote themselves to safeguard humanity and remain to the point of absolute accountability.
“Victory at the expense of the innocent is no victory at all.”
-
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King T’Chaka
Further Readings
Secret War and Avengers Disassembled
These two storylines are connected directly, as the Avengers face the consequences of their
actions that they have taken in Secret War. Delegates can understand what unauthorized
covert missions may cause and how the legal status of the Avengers can change.
Civil War
This 7 issue story introduces the famous Superhero Registration Act and shows how the
Avengers can separate into different groups. The concept of questioning the rights of society
and individuals is especially a significant element in this story. We also recommend you to
look other comics that tie into Civil War over, in order to understand the subject more in
depth.
Ultron Unlimited
With the main theme of the story being Ultron and his quest on the Avengers, this story
shows how the Avengers can collaborate with the UN.
Alpha Flight Vol. 1
In May 1993 Alpha Flight series featured a storyline, in which the Canadian government
passes a “Superpowers Registration Act” that requires all mutants and superheroes in Canada
to register. This story brings up, how complex the relationship between superhero teams and
government can be.
Recommended Media
Captain America Civil War
2016 film is the 13th installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the film, the world
demands accountability from the Avengers as the idea of oversight fractures them, creating
two opposing sides.
X-Men and X2
As these two films directly connect, the concept of restricting the mutant activity is an
important element in the plots. Robert Kelly appears in X-Men and introduces Mutant
Registration Act to the Senate, however in X2 the Act is referenced briefly.
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Avengers Assemble
Avengers Assemble is a 2013 animated TV series based on the Avengers.
In the 19th episode of the first season, Doctor Doom decides to give a speech in UN General
Assembly on the condition of the Avengers providing his security.
17th episode of the third season revolves around Wakanda and Black Panther, but also shows
T’Challa giving a speech at UN Headquarters.
Useful Links
http://www.economist.com/news/diversions/21698458-avengers-should-agree-be-placedunder-un-supervision
WHIH World News - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJkDqZzoOFYbqwOIFn2Lng
http://www.salon.com/2016/05/16/the_sokovia_accords_wouldnt_work_captain_america_civ
il_war_the_united_nations_and_war_in_the_21st_century/
https://thegeekanthropologist.com/2016/05/19/the-politics-of-peace-in-captain-america-civilwar/
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alisonwillmore/captain-america-civil-warreview?utm_term=.olDqe0ZLVl#.ibjv157oGB
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