MINNESOTA YMCA YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2017 DELEGATE STUDY GUIDE Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government 1801 University Avenue SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 823-1381 www.mnyig.org TABLE OF CONTENTS MEMBER STATES AND ORGAN MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES & GLOSSARY……………………………………………….………… ………….. PHILOSOPHY OF MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UN …………….………… ………….. STRUCTURE OF THE UNITED NATIONS ..…………………………………… ………….. 6 7 8 GUIDE TO DELEGATE PREPARATION ………………………………………… - Writing Status Reports/Position Papers ……………………..…….. - Writing Resolutions ………………………………………………………… - Resolution Format Guide …………………………………………………. - Initiating Phrases for a Resolution …………………………………… - Sample Resolution ……………………………………………………..……. - Writing ICJ Memorials ……………………………………………………… - Sample ICJ Memorial ……………………………….………………………. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 THE CONFERENCE …………..………………………………………………….…… - Role of the Delegate ………………………………………………….…… - Caucusing ..……………………………………………………………………… - Role Playing …………………………………………………………………… - Special Agencies ..…………………………………………………………….. - Crisis Situations ..………………………………………………………..…… ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. 17 17 18 19 20 21 TIPS FOR DELEGATE PREPARATION ………………………………………… ………….. 22 SECURITY COUNCIL ………………………………………………………………… ………….. 23 HISTORIC SECURITY COUNCIL ………………………………………………… ………….. 31 INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE ……..………………………………… ………….. 36 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL …………………………………………… ………….. 39 HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ……….……………………………………………… ………….. 49 GENERAL ASSEMBLY ………….……………………………………………….…… - Political & Security Committee …….…………………………………… - Economic & Financial Committee ……………………………………… - Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee ………………………. - Legal Committee ……………………………………………………………… - Special Political Committee ……………………………………………… - Administrative Committee ………………………………………………… ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. 49 50 55 60 65 70 75 Dear Delegates, I am very excited to present you with this year’s study guide. You will find that the topics span across many different fields, viewpoints, and interests. I hope you find the background knowledge to be helpful to you while you start your research processes. It is highly recommended that you not only use the resource links that we have provided for you, but that you also dive deep into the core of the issues as they relate to the Nations that you represent. We have a collective goal to come into the conference prepared and ready to create astounding resolutions that may inspire the changes you wish to see. When it comes to preparation, don’t be afraid to dig in! Discover how your Nation feels about topics, and then take it a step further - what are some questions that you might bring with you to ask other Nations that you will be working with? The more that you can bring with you to the conference, the better engaged you can be with negotiations and discussions. I hope that you find this guide to be quite useful. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it, we all want to see the conferenced filled with knowledgeable and bring young minds! With that said, good luck to you all as you prepare for the 31st annual Model United Nations. Most sincerely, Winona Johnson Secretary-General of the 2017 Model United Nations Conference MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2017 MEMBER STATES STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS FOR GRADES 7 – 8 ONLY! NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 4 DELEGATES Afghanistan Algeria Argentina Australia Botswana Brazil Chile China Czech Republic France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Honduras India Iraq Japan Kazakhstan Korea, Republic of (South) Nigeria Pakistan Panama Peru Portugal Russian Federation Serbia Somalia South Africa Sweden Uganda United Kingdom United States Vietnam Zimbabwe NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 1–3 DELEGATE Albania Armenia Angola Austria Azerbaijan Barbados Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia & Herzegovina Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Cyprus Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland Gabon Guatemala Guyana Haiti Hungary Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Jordan Kenya Korea, People’s Republic (North) Kuwait Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malaysia Mexico Morocco Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Oman Philippines Poland Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa Saudi Arabia Senegal Singapore Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Thailand Togo Tunisia Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Yemen Zambia MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2017 MEMBER STATES STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS FOR GRADES 9 – 12 ONLY! NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 8 DELEGATES China United Kingdom United States NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 7 DELEGATES France India Japan NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 6 DELEGATES Brazil Italy Russian Federation NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 5 DELEGATES Australia Bangladesh Belgium Bolivia Botswana Congo** Cote d’Ivoire Cuba Ecuador Ethiopia Georgia Germany Ghana Iraq Kazakhstan Korea, Republic of (South) Nigeria Panama Portugal Rwanda South Africa Sweden Somalia Switzerland Togo Uganda Zimbabwe NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 2 – 4 DELEGATES Afghanistan Albania Algeria Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Austria Burkina Faso Burundi Chile Congo, Dem Rep of** Croatia Czech Republic Egypt El Salvador Estonia Finland Greece Guatemala Guyana Honduras Hungary Indonesia Ireland Jamaica Kenya Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Mauritania Mongolia Morocco Moldova Netherlands Pakistan Paraguay Peru Philippines Qatar Romania Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam Yemen NATIONS THAT REQUIRE 1 – 3 DELEGATES Andorra Angola Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belarus Belize Benin Bhutan Bosnia & Herzegovina Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cyprus Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Fiji Gabon Gambia Grenada Guinea Guinea Bissau Haiti Iceland Iran Israel Jordan Kiribati Korea, North Kuwait Laos Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mexico Monaco Montenegro Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Norway Oman Palau Papua New Guinea Poland Samoa San Marino Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Solomon Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka St. Vincent & Grenadines Sudan Suriname Swaziland Syria Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Tonga Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uzbekistan Vanuatu Zambia ** Yes, there really are two Congos – slightly similar names, but different nations. NATIONS THAT REQUIRE ONLY 1 DELEGATE USSR Zaire (No longer countries – only part of Historic Security Council) MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2017 COUNTRY ASSIGNMENTS STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS FOR GRADES 9 – 12 ONLY! ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL Afghanistan Algeria Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Australia Bangladesh Belgium Botswana Brazil Burkina Faso Chile China Congo** Congo, Democratic Republic of** Czech Republic Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guyana Honduras India Iraq Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Korea, Republic of (South) Lebanon Mauritania Moldova Nigeria Pakistan Panama Peru Portugal Russian Federation Rwanda Serbia Somalia South Africa Sweden Switzerland Togo Trinidad & Tobago Uganda United Kingdom United States Vietnam Zimbabwe Italy Japan Kazakhstan Russian Federation Senegal Sweden Ukraine United Kingdom United States Uruguay SECURITY COUNCIL Bolivia China Egypt Ethiopia France HISTORIC SECURITY COUNCIL - 1991 Austria Belgium China Cote d’Ivoire Cuba Ecuador France India Romania USSR United Kingdom United States Yemen Zaire Zimbabwe INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE Australia Brazil China France India Italy Jamaica Japan Morocco Russian Federation Slovakia Somalia United Kingdom United States Ugand HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Albania Bangladesh Belgium Bolivia Botswana Brazil Burundi China Congo** Cote d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Ecuador El Salvador Ethiopia Georgia Germany Ghana Hungary India Indonesia Iraq Japan Kenya Korea, Republic of (South) Kyrgyzstan Latvia Mongolia Netherlands Nigeria Panama Paraguay Philippines Portugal Qatar Rwanda Saudi Arabia Slovenia South Africa Switzerland Togo Tunisia United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Venezuela RESOURCES & GLOSSARY RESOURCES In addition to doing research about countries and topic areas, it is a good idea to research a bit about how Model UN programs and the world work. www.bestdelegate.com While many of the resources here are related to competitive Model UN activities (YIG’s Model UN does not emphasize competition), there is a host of amazing info here. www.mnyig.org Look under the “Model UN Preparation” menu . . . go to “Model UN Resources”. There is a collection of sites – for UN Info, Country Info, Research & Participation Info and background on different Global Organizations. GLOSSARY OF TERMS Adjudication: The legal process of resolving a dispute. Analytics: Discovery and communication of meaningful patterns in data. Convention: A general agreement on something. Global North and South: These are preferred terms in political science when discussing development of countries; to break the racist idea of the “first and third worlds.” Rapporteur: A person appointed to an organization to report on its findings. Reparation: Compensation or satisfaction given to a person/group that has been wronged. Responsibility to Protect (R2P): A doctrine in international politics which details the international community’s obligations to civilian populations in the event their state is unable to ensure their safety. OCED: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Organized to help stimulate free trade and economic growth. State: A synonym for country. State is used primarily in international relations style writing to make it clear for international readers. 6 PHILOSOPHY STRUCTURE The Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations assembly. You will find a diagram of the structure of the real United Nations on the following page. For logistical and educational reasons, the YMCA Model United Nations only simulates certain parts of the actual United Nations. Emphasis is placed on simulating the United Nations for the maximum benefit of the delegates. There are a number of committees and topics in the real United Nations which are not being dealt with at this conference due to time and logistical constraints. THE UNITED NATIONS’ ROLE When discussing issues and resolutions at the Model United Nations conference, it is important that the delegates realize what the United Nations is. The United Nations is not a world government. It is an international forum, where a group of sovereign nations meet to discuss international issues. The United Nations can offer solutions to international problems, but it is not in a position to force its member countries to accept any decisions. The reason the United Nations exists is to foster greater communications between countries. In order for the United Nations to produce solutions to problems, there must be a great deal of negotiation. This is one of the skills which will be key to success at this Model United Nations. International diplomacy has been most successful when nations have found the room to compromise between their national policy and national interests. National policy is a country's original stance on an issue. National interests are a country's response to current events. International diplomacy is the search for common ground between national policy and national interests. The product of the approach that will be taken at this conference will be resolutions which have the support of the key nations involved in each issue. A passed resolution which is strongly contested by a key nation is not a successful resolution. Only one resolution per topic area will emerge from each committee. This is because international diplomacy is a series of near-consensus compromises by nations with competing views. Therefore, to be effective, a good resolution must be approved by all major players. Resolutions among nations are possible, but they require compromise. 7 8 GUIDE TO DELEGATE PREPARATION Status Reports help delegates develop a better understanding of their country’s economic, political, and social history. The Status Reports are completed by your country group as a whole and should be a group effort. THE STATUS REPORT SHOULD BE COMPLETED FIRST – BEFORE THE POSITION PAPERS FOR YOUR COUNTRY. Position Papers help prepare delegates for intellectual debate and creative problem solving in committees. Position Papers are the basis of General Assembly, Human Rights Council, ECOSOC and Security Council resolutions and should be completed by General Assembly, HRC, ECOSOC and Security Council delegates, with input and assistance from other members of the country group. Memorials help ensure an exciting experience for ICJ members, who will be able to choose the most well researched and pertinent cases for hearing. Delegates of the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and Security Council will gain the opportunity to explore their role in the United Nations as a whole. All these projects require ample research. One of the most rewarding experiences of Model United Nations comes through this process of researching and working with fellow delegates in preparing for the conference. The following pages will provide you with information on how to prepare your status reports, position papers, and memorials. 9 WRITING STATUS REPORTS A Status Report in the Model United Nations program is a form designed to guide your research about the country that you are representing. It is intended not only to prepare you, but it will be available to other delegates at the conference wishing to have quick access to information about your country. It is important, therefore, to prepare well-written, in depth answers to the questions asked. These questions will include areas such as History, Culture, Politics, Religion and Economy. It is important to understand your country's situation in these areas because they are the main factors in the formulation of policy. Because these forms are meant to be a source of facts for both you and others, they should be answered in a non-biased manner. Please use at least three separate sources in your paper so you get the best possible info. Only one report per country is required. This report should be researched, organized and written by all the members representing your country, working as a group. A group project will help you discuss and understand the important issues which your country is facing. Report forms are available at the YIG website (www.mnyig.org). Remember, these forms are designed to guide your research. They will not cover everything you may need to know and you are encouraged to include any other information that you feel is important. WRITING POSITION PAPERS A Position Paper is your country's official opinion on a topic being addressed by the Model United Nations during its session. (Be sure to check and see if your country is already assigned to one or more committees). Your country must submit a position paper for each topic in each committee or organ you are represented in. This applies for all General Assembly committees, HRC, ECOSOC and the Security Council The Position papers must be submitted on the official form available from the YIG website (www.mnyig.org). One page is all that is required. Keep the Position Paper short, concise and thoughtful. Be accurate in your presentation. You should be presenting the official opinion of the country you are representing, not your personal opinion or an opinion that may be unrealistic or unduly controversial. You have some freedom to state the position of your country as you wish. It could be helpful to include statistics and give possible solutions to problems. Position Papers will be used as a lead-in to resolutions in committees and Organs. 10 RESOLUTIONS – AT THE CONFERENCE Resolutions are the basic, formal statements which the United Nations produces to express its collective opinion, suggest a course of action, or commit one or more of its various organs to a specific activity. When a consensus is reached on a topic of debate within a committee of the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, Economic and Social Council, or within the Security Council, the body expresses its decision in the form of a Resolution. While most resolutions state policy, some may include an entire treaty, declaration or convention. Resolutions may either be general statements or directions for specific organizations, bodies, or states. They may condemn actions of a state, call for collective action, or, as in the case of the Security Council, require economic or military sanctions. There will be a limit of one resolution per topic area, which can pass through each committee. Thus, a great deal of negotiation needs to take place in committee to get a resolution that most countries (at least seventy percent) can agree to. In addition, there will be no individual authors to any resolution. The committee itself is considered the author. The process of writing a resolution begins in the Introductory Stage. During this stage, each country that wants to see certain items in a passed resolution states their position. These stances can come directly from the position papers submitted by member nations. At this point, the Negotiation Stage begins. Invariably, certain delegations will find fault with a number of the clauses in each working paper. These delegations need to negotiate with other countries in order to find a compromise position which at least a majority of countries can agree to. These negotiations will take place during caucus time. After the negotiation stage has run its course, the Resolution Stage begins. At this point, if there are still delegations who disagree with the resolution, they can offer amendments to the draft resolution. Amendments to resolutions include additions, deletions, or changes in draft resolutions. After all of the amendments have been handled, and there is no more debate (or debate has been closed), the Voting Stage begins. If there are still delegations which disagree with certain parts of the resolution, they can move to divide the question into a number of parts. Otherwise voting proceeds as usual. If a majority votes in favor, the resolution passes and goes to the General Assembly Plenary. 11 RESOLUTION FORMAT GUIDE HEADING When presented to an organ or committee, all draft, plenary and other resolutions must be written on the proper forms as provided by the Secretariat. Information on the form must include the organ, Committee and Topic Area. BODY The resolution is written in the format of a long sentence. There are format rules for resolutions, just as there are grammatical rules for sentences. 1. The resolution begins with the General Assembly for all General Assembly committees and with the Economic and Social Council for all ECOSOC resolutions. The Specialized Agencies use their own names as the introductory line. The rest of the resolution consists of clauses with the initiating phrases of each clause underlined. 2. The next section, consisting of Perambulatory Clauses, describes the problem being addressed, recalls past actions taken, explains the purpose of the resolution and offers support for the operative clauses that follow. Each clause and the preamble begin with an underlined word and ends with a comma. 3. Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. These clauses all begin with present tense, action verbs, which are generally stronger words than those used in the Preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semi-colon except the last, which ends with a period. CONTEXT A well-written resolution demonstrates: 1. Familiarity with the problem. Relevant background information and previous United Nations actions are included. 2. Recognition of the issues. Arguments on the topic are specified early. 3. Conciseness. Every clause and phrase should have a purpose. 4. Good form. An otherwise sound resolution will suffer from clumsy grammar and sloppy form. 12 INITIATING PHRASES FOR A RESOLUTION PREAMBULATORY CLAUSES Acknowledging Affirming Anxious Appreciating Aware Bearing in mind Being convinced Cognizant Concerned Confident Conscious Considering Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply disturbed Desiring Deploring Determined Emphasizing Encouraged Endorsing Expressing… -appreciation -deep appreciation Expecting Fulfilling fully… -aware -bearing in mind Grieved Guided by Having -adopted -approved -considered -decided -examined further -received -regard for -reviewed Keeping in mind Mindful Noting… -further -with approval -with deep concern -with regret -with satisfaction Observing Realizing Recalling Recognizing Referring Regretting Reiterating Seeking Stressing taking… -into account -note Welcoming viewing with… -apprehension Directs Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses… -its appreciation -its conviction -its regret -its sympathy -its thanks -the belief -the hope Further… -invites -proclaims -reminds -recommends -resolves Instructs Notes… -with appreciation -with approval -with interest -with satisfaction Reaffirms Recognizes Recommends Regrets Reiterates renews its appeal Repeats Suggests Supports Takes note of Transmits Urges OPERATIVE CLAUSES Accepts Adopts Affirms Appeals Appreciates Approves Authorizes Calls upon Commends Concurs Condemns Confirms Congratulates Considers Decides Declares Deplores Designates 13 MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS SAMPLE RESOLUTION The General Assembly, Acknowledging the fact that cultural opinions sometimes do not allow women to receive a formal education, Keeping in Mind it is illegal in some countries to educate women and girls, Adapting to this knowledge, Appreciating the cultures and religions of women and their families, it is not expected that they receive an education if it is to interfere with their beliefs, Recognizing the danger women are in while traveling to school, 1. Suggests that women under the age of eighteen (18) are accompanied by a guardian or another respected adult to and from school, circumstances permitting, 2. Encourages that women who choose not to receive an education on account of religious beliefs are still taught the basic skills of reading, writing, and simple mathematics, so that they can be economically viable citizens for both themselves and their family, 3. Expects that women have an equal opportunity to be hired for a job and that their pay is equal to that of men in the same rank. 4. Encourages all countries to legalize the education of women 5. Endorses the fact that donations can be made and taxes can be paid to provide funding for the needs of schools to be made up for the new female students. 14 WRITING ICJ MEMORIALS To present or respond to a case to the Model International Court of Justice, a party must prepare and present a Memorial. A Memorial must contain three basic elements: 1) Claims of Fact 2) Assertions of Law 3) Prayers for Relief If a nation is sued in the ICJ, it will be required to submit a counter-memorial, due before the first day of the Model United Nations. Countries being sued will be notified and will be supplied with a copy of the memorial brought against them. CLAIMS OF FACT Applicants and Respondents must briefly outline the issues and facts relevant to the case to be decided by the ICJ. Claims of Fact detail the events that lead to the dispute pending before the court. Historical, legal and political research will be helpful in finding and stating the relevant facts. While facts must be truthfully stated, they may be written in the best light of the party preparing the Memorial. ASSERTATIONS OF LAW This section is the most important part of the Memorial. It contains the relevant principles and sources of law such as international treaties, international conventions, customary law, previous ICJ decisions, United Nations Resolutions and the works of noted international law writers and jurists. PRAYERS FOR RELIEF In this section, each party requests that the court rule and act in their favor. Applicants will generally ask the court to direct the Respondent to correct the wrong or injustice committed or applicants will seek sanctions or a simple declaration of the rights and duties that exist between the disputing parties. Respondents generally request a dismissal of the case or seek counter-relief against the Applicant(s). To find ideas for Memorials, watch your daily newspaper and magazines for current world events. All nations sitting on the ICJ are required to author at least one memorial. Nations not sitting on the ICJ are strongly encouraged to write and submit a memorial. THERE IS NO FORM FOR MEMORIALS – they are simply typed in the same format as the sample Memorial and are limited to 3 pages. 15 MINNESOTA YMCA MODEL UNITED NATIONS SAMPLE ICJ MEMORIAL THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE The Scientists and the People of Japan: Applicants The United States of America: The International Whaling Community Respondents Claim: That the United States of America and the IWC (hereinafter known as the Respondents) have not given Japanese Scientists the opportunity to study the Southern Hemisphere Mince Whales because of claims of killing too many whales in the process, That the Japanese government has issued permits to the Japanese nationals who give them the right to kill the Southern Hemisphere whales for scientific studies, That the Japanese Scientists are bringing its whaling activities into conformance with the regulations of the IWC, That Japan is conducting these scientific experiments for the improvement of all countries' knowledge of the Minke Whale, Assert: That such regulations are not in accord with the accepted norms of decisions and regulations made within the United States, That such a regulation is infringing on the rights of the Japanese Scientists to make new discoveries that could seriously change the world in which we live in, Prayers: That the court can find that such regulations are unjustifiable; That the court orders the Respondents to rectify their regulations on Japan's Scientists so they can kill a minimum number of Minke Whales to continue their complex study. 16 THE CONFERENCE THE ROLE OF THE DELEGATE Each delegation to the Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations conference faces an exciting, challenging task in preparing to represent a United Nations Member. You must do some intensive research on a variety of topics and be prepared to clearly state the position actually held by your country. Moreover, you must be prepared to make impromptu speeches explaining your country's position on a developing crisis. An important element of the conference is the depth of responsibility which is placed on the individual delegate to adequately prepare for the Model UN so as to ensure that constructive and informed discussion of the issues will take place. DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Attend all Delegation meetings and participate in practice simulations of United Nations organs. 2) Research your country as a whole and prepare a Status Report, Position Paper and Memorial for the Assembly. 3) Review the purposes, structure and major activities of the United Nations. Every Delegate should study carefully the Rules of Procedure for the organ in which they are involved. 4) Be prepared to participate in caucusing sessions during the conference with them wherein you will agree on common goals and courses of action to meet those goals. 5) Attend all scheduled functions during the Conference. 17 CAUCUSING The bulk of United Nations negotiations occurs in caucus groups. In these sessions delegates meet informally, without public scrutiny, to formulate positions and to negotiate with other nations. Amendments to resolutions can be discussed and differences of opinion worked out so that the committee can take some action. Productive caucusing is not confined solely to your bloc. Agreement on a proposal is only possible if nations of varying political and geographic areas can meet to discuss their differences. As the number of nations that support a view increases, there is a much greater chance for concrete action to take place. This increases the importance of constructive caucusing, rather than confrontation. Delegates to the Model United Nations are encouraged to contact other Delegates before the conference (the Summit is a good opportunity) to discuss common objectives and strategies for realizing those objectives. Caucus groups may be thought of in terms of voting blocs; that is, Member States which tend to vote together on particular issues in the United Nations. For the purposes of our Model United Nations, we shall consider Caucus Groups as informally organized and structured groups of nations who tend to vote together. The purpose of the Member States forming Caucus groups is to use the United Nations as a forum for expressing official opinions and as an instrument for protecting their own national interests. Since neither of these goals could be accomplished with all nations pulling in the opposite directions of individual national interests, it has become necessary to combine the common interests of individual nations in an effort to exert a greater amount of political influence within the United Nations. Caucusing will take place primarily during the periodic recesses of the General Assembly committees and ECOSOC. Countries are encouraged to set up their own bloc meetings with the help of officers or Secretariat members throughout the conference. Countries are also encouraged to apply to host informal gatherings at the conference. Countries may sign up for receptions by the first night of Model UN. Snacks and beverages will be provided for these meetings. For these gatherings, host countries must indicate which other countries they want to invite. See the Special Agencies section, for more information. 18 ROLE PLAYING The YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations program is a simulation of the actual United Nations, where the countries of the world send delegates to act as representatives of the governments of those countries. Your role as a participant in the Model United Nations is to ACT as a representative of the country you are representing for the conference. Your primary goal is to give your government’s views on all the issues in front of your organ, whether you are a member of the General Assembly, ECOSOC or the Security Council. The key here is that you must get into character and play the role of the delegate like you would a character in a play almost. The most important things to remember are: You won’t be able to know everything about your country, but the most important tool you have is RESEARCH. The more you know about your country, the government and the people who live there, the better you will be able to make EDUCATED GUESSES about how they would feel about issues. Pay special attention to your country’s ECONOMIC, RELIGIOUS and EDUCATIONAL status. Understanding how your country’s trade and overall economic status, primary (or official) religion and overall rate of literacy and education will be key to understanding how your country will be able to respond to many UN issues-not all will be able to support certain resolutions because of religious attitudes, etc… The closer you stay to character, the more FUN you will have. Part of this conference’s appeal is that you will spend three days acting like someone who most likely has had a very different life than yours, and will therefore have very different views than yours. Remember that you are representing your country’s views, and NEVER YOUR OWN VIEWS. While it is tempting to respond as you personally feel, you must remember that this conference is not about speaking how we feel, but as world leaders feel. When in doubt about how your country might feel about something, look first to the views of delegates representing countries which might have similar views. In order to do this, you need to understand what countries have many things in common with yours. The only real way to know which countries are like yours is, again, RESEARCH. In addition, this will help you build coalitions and “blocs”. 19 SPECIAL AGENCIES CONFERENCE RESOURCE CENTER The Conference Resource Center serves as a great resource for delegates throughout the conference. If you have any questions or simply want to update or supplement your research, you may be able to find what you need at the Conference Resource Center. The Conference Resource Center will be the center of crisis, informal caucus, and communication/reference coordination. The Conference Resource Center will be open throughout the conference as a place where delegates may find guidance and information. The Conference Resource Center will have files of status reports, position papers, and memorials for your disposal. The Conference Resource Center will also have supplementary resources about United Nations Member States acquired from embassies, and other reference materials. Topic information collected by the Secretariat will also be available at the Conference Resource Center. INFORMAL RECEPTIONS A Secretariat member may help organize informal caucus meetings. Delegates may also coordinate with the Secretariat members during the conference if they want to host other caucus meetings. MODEL UNITED NATIONS NEWSPAPER Student editorial staff will write, publish and distribute a daily newspaper to inform participants of conference events. This newspaper will also outline various opinions on specific issues and provide insight on activities of special interest to delegates and advisors, as well as provide the official text of any resolutions coming before any organ of the Model United Nations. 20 CRISIS SITUATIONS At various times over the course of the conference, the Crisis Coordinators will be introducing crisis situations. Crises will involve a conflict between a number of nations, and will reflect the current events of the international world. All nations affected by any crisis will be informed of the situation in the form of a communiqué, either from the Secretariat directly or from their "Home Government." Each country should be prepared to deal with any crisis relevant to them. Should a crisis develop, the Security Council shall be the organ which will coordinate any discussion and/or resolution of the crisis. There will be two types of crises that will take place during the conference: 1) 2) Crises of Peace and Security will be discussed and voted upon by the Security Council. Only resolutions that have passed through the Security Council on these matters and have been sent to other organs for consideration will be discussed in the General Assembly or ECOSOC. Any delegation that would like to submit a proposal or draft resolution to the Security Council on these matters may do so. The Council may invite any Member to participate, without vote, in the discussion of any matter which the Council considers to be of vital interest to said United Nations Member. Crises of Economic, Social, Cultural, or Humanitarian Nature may be discussed in the General Assembly or ECOSOC, if a draft resolution has been prepared and is submitted to the proper officers. If you are informed of a crisis involving the vested interests of the United Nations Member which you represent: 1) Communicate with your Home Government as directed by the Secretariat in your area. 2) Meet with your country members to work out a strategy. 3) Meet with other nations, friendly or unfriendly, who are also involved in the crisis. 4) Draft a resolution or proposal for the appropriate organ suggesting a response to a crisis which it is discussing. 5) If the organ has not already invited you, send a petition to the Secretariat asking to be allowed to participate in the discussion. 21 TIPS FOR DELEGATE PREPARATION One of the most important ingredients to a positive Model United Nations experience is adequate delegate preparation. Delegates must research their countries before they arrive at the conference. This is absolutely essential to the success of the conference. While they need not be experts on international affairs, it is important that delegates look toward the proper sources for information. In addition to research at a local library, here are a few other ideas: 1. Compete the required Status Report. These documents serve as a great starting place for a country delegation’s research. To participate in Model United Nations, each country must turn in a completed Status Report before the conference. Since a completed Status Report makes a good resource, it is highly recommended that each country make multiple copies of this document and bring them along to the conference. 2. Keep informed of current affairs. Since global affairs can change quickly, the Internet and newspapers are often your best source of information. Delegates should start a file that relates to the current state of their nation and its relationship to the rest of the world. 3. Contact embassies of UN missions. Embassies can be an extremely valuable source of current, hard to find information. The UN website has very helpful links to most missions and can be found on the YIG website, www.mnyig.org. There are several useful research links on the site! 4. When in doubt, ask a lot of questions. School or community librarians will be able to suggest other resources. Also, as always, don’t hesitate to call the State Office. The State Staff will be happy to answer questions! 22 SECURITY COUNCIL 2017 TOPICS Nuclear Weapons and State-Sponsored Terrorism Management of Peacekeeping Forces 23 THE SECURITY COUNCIL BACKGROUND The organ which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security is the Security Council. The Council is composed of five permanent members-China, France, The Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 10 nonpermanent members, elected by the General Assembly for two year terms and not eligible for immediate re-election. The number of non-permanent members was increased from six to ten by an amendment of the Charter which came into force in 1965. FUNCTIONS AND POWERS While other organs of the United Nations may make recommendations to governments, the Council alone has the power to make decisions which all member States are obligated under the Charter to accept and carry out. The Council may investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction and may recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement. Disputes and situations likely to endanger international peace and security may be brought to the attention of the Council by any Member State, by a Non-Member State which accepts in advance the obligations of pacific settlement contained in the Charter, by the General Assembly, or by the Secretary-General. The Council may determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. It may make recommendations or decide to take enforcement measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. Enforcement actions may include a call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures short of the use of armed force. Under the Charter, all Members undertake to make available to the Council on its call, in accordance with special agreements to be negotiated on the Council's initiative, the armed forces, assistance and facilities necessary for maintaining international peace and security. The Council is also responsible for formulating plans to regulate armaments. In addition, the Security Council exercises the Trusteeship functions of the United Nations in areas designated as strategic. The Security Council makes annual and special reports to the General Assembly. On the Security Council's recommendation, the General Assembly appoints the SecretaryGeneral. 24 VOTING AND PROCEDURE Each member of the Council has one vote. Decisions on matters of procedure are taken by an affirmative vote of at least nine of the 15 Members. Decisions on substantive matters also require nine votes, including the concurring votes of all five permanent Members. This is the rule of "great power unanimity," often referred to as the "veto." All five permanent Members have exercised the right of veto at one time or another. If a permanent member does not support a decision but has no desire to block it through a veto, it may abstain; an abstention is not regarded as a veto. A State which is a member of the United Nations, but not of the Security Council, may participate, without vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that the country's interests are specially affected. Both Members of the United Nations and Non-Members, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, are invited to take part, without vote, in the discussions. However, the Council lays down the conditions for participation by a Non-Member State. The presidency of the Council is held monthly in turn by members in English alphabetical order. The Council decides its own rules of procedure and may establish subsidiary organs. The Military Staff committee, composed of the Chiefs of Staff of the five permanent members of their representatives, was established under the Charter to advise and assist the Security Council on such questions as the Council's military requirements for the maintenance of peace, the strategic direction of armed forces placed at its disposal, the regulation of armaments and possible disarmament. UNITING FOR PEACE The General Assembly in November 1950, adopted a three part resolution entitled "United for Peace." Under that resolution, if the Security Council, because of the lack of unanimity of its permanent Members, failed to exercise its primary responsibility in the maintenance of peace, in a case where there appeared to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression, the Assembly would consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to Members of collective measures, including the use of armed force when necessary, to maintain international peace and security. If not in session, the Assembly would meet in emergency special session within 24 hours of a request for such a session by seven members of the Security Council (now amended to nine) or by a majority of General Assembly members. 25 DECISIONS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL Resolutions of the Security Council: The resolution has been the major vehicle of Security Council action. There are two distinct types of resolutions: 1) consensus resolutions and 2) resolutions adopted by vote. The consensus resolution is a creation of the post 1966 Council. The consensus form is ideal for the council for several reasons. It places the emphasis on an image of unanimity when, in some cases, the members would feel obliged to vote against or abstain on a resolution that was formally voted on. The resolution adopted by vote is the more traditional approach. Resolutions are adopted by vote when, in spite of consultations, the Council members have failed to reach a consensus; any member may object to an attempt to adopt a resolution by consensus, and thereby force such a vote. Presidential Statements of Consensus: Often the Council finds that its consensus does not fit conveniently into a resolution form. In this case the Council will resort to a Presidential Statement of consensus. The President may, if he perceives a consensus and sees no resolution, wish to consult with Members concerning the substance of a formal statement. The President then reads that statement in a formal session, and the statement is made an official decision of the Council. Communications of the President of the Consensus of the Body: This is the subtlest of forms available to the Council. This form is like the Presidential Statement of Consensus except that it is less public. This technique is used when the Council wishes to minimize damaging debate. ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT THE SECURITY COUNCIL Under the Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken; to call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression; to take military action against an aggressor; to exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in "strategic areas"; to recommend to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General 26 The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is so organized as to be able to function continuously, and a representative of each of its members must be present at all times at United Nations Headquarters. On 31 January 1992, the first ever Summit Meeting of the Council was convened at Headquarters, attended by Heads of State and Government of 13 of its 15 members and by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the remaining two. The Council may meet elsewhere than at Headquarters; in 1972, it held a session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the following year in Panama City, Panama. When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council's first action is usually to recommend to the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. In some cases, the Council itself undertakes investigation and mediation. It may appoint special representatives or request the Secretary-General to do so or to use his good offices. It may set forth principles for a peaceful settlement. When a dispute leads to fighting, the Council's first concern is to bring it to an end as soon as possible. On many occasions, the Council has issued cease-fire directives which have been instrumental in preventing wider hostilities. It also sends United Nations peace-keeping forces to help reduce tensions in troubled areas keep opposing forces apart and create conditions of calm in which peaceful settlements may be sought. The Council may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade embargoes) or collective military action. A Member State against which preventive or enforcement action has been taken by the Security Council may be suspended from the exercise of the rights and privileges of membership by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. A Member State which has persistently violated the principles of the Charter may be expelled from the United Nations by the Assembly on the Council's recommendation. A State which is a Member of the United Nations but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that that country's interests are affected. Both Members of the United Nations and non-members, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, are invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions for participation by a non-member State. 27 Nuclear Weapons and State Sponsored Terrorism Why this is important? When State’s are presumed to have nuclear weapons, or are working towards the completion of said weapons, the situation can be quite dangerous. Though this is not necessarily a common occurrence, often times relationships can be tense between States that are being accused of holding such weapons, and the State’s that are doing the accusing. This same idea of tense relations between State’s is also apparent when it comes to the concept of state sponsored terrorism. This is when a Nation’s government supports a violent group in an act of terrorism. Topic Summary and Background: There are a few States that have been accused of harboring nuclear weapons in recent years – one notable example is the Republic of Iran. Often times, accusations of having nuclear weapons and of being a State sponsor of terrorism go hand in hand. It is not uncommon throughout our history for States that feel threatened by another State to lash out. There is also historical precedent for invasions, and incursions into sovereign territories. Issues to be addressed in a Resolution: 1. What role should the Security Council have in keeping records of accusations of Nations holding nuclear weapons, or being state sponsors of terrorism? 2. Should the Security Council maintain a list of state sponsors of terrorism, or terrorist groups linked to governments if it can’t be ascertained if they directly sponsor terror? 3. How should the Security Council weigh the needs for survival, and preventing a war as a result of an out of control security dilemma? 4. How should the Big Five balance political aspirations, and their commitment to the UN Charter? 5. Should the Security Council behave differently if the states in question have access to Nuclear Weapons? 28 Resources General Assembly of the United Nations – Measures to eliminate international terrorism http://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/67/ElimIntTerror.shtml United Nations office of Disarmament Affairs – nuclear weapons https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/ 29 Management of Peacekeeping Forces Why is this important? Currently, the People’s Republic of China is aiming to control the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) as it starts to integrate more fully into the international community at large. This has led to increased tensions particularly in the West where fears about China’s human rights abuses may destabilize peacekeeping missions if allowed to lead the DPKO. Summary and Background: Throughout the history of the DPKO, the leadership has mainly been comprised of French diplomats and French Military Commanders. There has not been much of an international response as the French are typically seen as more impartial than the other permanent members of the Security Council by the rest of the international community. However, France only contributes 6.31% (which places them in 5th) of the peacekeeper budget, and contributes only 872 Peacekeepers to the nearly 100,000 strong organization. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should the leadership composition be constantly shifting around the world- similarly to the Secretary General? 2. Should leadership composition be restricted to non-permanent members of the security council? 3. Should the amount of money or troops given to the DPKO give precedence to a particular nation? 4. Should there be additional checks, and balances for determining leadership composition? Resources: United Nations Peacekeeping – Financing http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/financing.shtml United Nations Peacekeeping – Contributors http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2016/dec16_1.pdf News Article about China becoming largely involved with UN Peacekeeping http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-crossette/as-china-becomes-a-major_b_11582954.html 30 HISTORIC SECURITY COUNCIL 2017 TOPICS Year of Focus - 1991 Gulf War – Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait Yugoslav Wars 31 INTRODUCTION The Early ‘90s set the basis for international relations through the United Nations that are continually (or trying to be) upheld by the international community at large. The policies of Glasnost and Perestroika pushed by Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as his refusal to stamp out dissent in Poland eventually led to the unraveling of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in December of ‘91. With the Soviet Union backing away from a significant portion of Security Council decisions, and the People's Republic of China not being overly interested in asserting itself (compared to today) in the Security Councilthe Western contingent of the P5 could essentially push anything they wanted through. For the 2017 Historic Security Council, we are going to operate under what the Soviet Union may have acted in the Security Council if a Communist Party hardliner (More Stalinist/Leninist than say Gorbachev) had risen to control of the Soviet Union. As well as the People’s Republic of China taking a more active role in attempting to lead the Security Council. However, assume no changes to any other country in question unless your foreign policy is tied to either the USSR, or the PRC. How would these changes have shaped the ‘90s particularly related to the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait, and the start of the Yugoslav Wars? 32 Gulf War – Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait Background: On August 2nd 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait to punish Kuwait over an argument stemming from economic issues. Prior to the invasion of Kuwait the two countries were strong allies. During the Iran-Iraq War, Kuwait was very supportive of Iraq and acted as a major port for Iraq. The issue that came between the two countries happened after the Iran-Iraq war ended. Iraq owed about 14 Billion USD to Kuwait (Which Saddam probably could have paid, but he bankrupted Iraq during the war, and was massively afraid of a Military Coup because he wouldn’t have had enough money to pay his soldiers). Iraq asked Kuwait to waive the debt as a kind payment to Iraq for protecting the Arab world from a Persian invasion. Kuwait chose not to waive the debt. Throughout the late ‘80s both countries tried to resolve the outstanding debt to no avail, and the issue was entirely exacerbated by the big money in Oil Production. Iraq asked fellow OPEC members to reduce the supply of crude oil production to thereby raise prices of oil to pay back debts. Kuwait did not agree with this reduction in supply, and asked to increase their crude oil production by 50%. This move infuriated Iraq, and the Foreign Minister of Iraq Tariq Aziz said "every US$1 drop in the price of a barrel of oil caused a US$1 billion drop in Iraq's annual revenues triggering an acute financial crisis in Baghdad." The Historic Security Council will begin this topic after the successful invasion of Kuwait. It will be your job to try to find a solution, or not (as the case may be). Research: Timeline of events – Gulf War http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/cron/ Operation Desert Storm – 25 years later https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/01/operation-desert-storm-25-years-since-thefirst-gulf-war/424191/ Desert Storm, the Last Classic War https://www.wsj.com/articles/desert-storm-the-last-classic-war-1438354990 33 Moments in U.S. Diplomatic History – Desert Storm http://adst.org/2013/01/desert-storm-the-war-never-really-ended-part-i/ Looking Back at Desert Storm http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-01-17/from-1991-looking-back-at-desertstorm 34 Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001) Background: The best historical background for this is contained within the following document https://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/library/pubs/rp/1995-96/96rp14.pdf I highly suggest you read it fully to truly appreciate how flagrantly the Security Council failed the people of Yugoslavia. Because even when the Security Council did finally intervene, they still failed to prevent thousands of deaths. All in all, the conflict left 140,000 dead, and over 4,000,000 displaced. The Historic Security Council will begin this topic after the declarations of independence by Croatia, and Slovenia. It will be your job to try to find a solution, or not (as the case may be). Unlike the other topic, there is a component of genocide in this conflict that the UN did not handle well in any fashion in the 1990s, to what extent are your respective governments comfortable with that? Moreover, if a UN peacekeeper mission is proposed- make sure to include a Rules of Engagement that could prevent another Srebrenica Massacre Research: The Fall of Srebrenica and the Failure of UN Peacekeeping https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/bosnia1095web.pdf The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia http://www.icty.org/en/about/what-former-yugoslavia/conflicts The Breakup of Yugoslavia https://history.state.gov/milestones/1989-1992/breakup-yugoslavia The Bosnian Genocide http://www.history.com/topics/bosnian-genocide Bosnia Srebenica United Nations Peacekeeping https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/07/bosnia-srebenica-united-nations-peacekeeping/398078/ 35 INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 2017 TOPICS Agenda Determined by Cases Submitted 36 THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE Background In 1920, the League of Nations approved the Statute of the Permanent World Court. Neither the United States nor the Soviet Union became parties to the statute, but the court did play a role in world affairs throughout its life (1920 - 1940). In 1945, the Permanent Court was reconstructed as the International Court of Justice by a statute annexed to the United Nations Charter. Thus, all United Nations members are parties to the statute. Representation Fifteen justices sit on the court. Ten positions are rotated, while five are always held by "The Big Five" (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and United States). When disputes involve parties not already represented on the Court, and "ad hoc" justice may be appointed by the unrepresented country to act as a full, voting member for that case. Technically, the justices are to act as neutral arbitrators in all matters presented to them... All but the President, however, do represent a flag and thus, are concerned with serving their nation's best interests. In preparing for the conference, familiarize yourself with your country's stance on a wide range of international issues. Members of the Court are expected to strike a balance between serving their country and serving the international community. The more you know, the better justice you will be. Functions and Powers The basic function of the International Court is to decide in accordance with international law, such disputes as are submitted to it. Its jurisdiction comprises all cases on a truly international level that parties submit to it and all matters specifically provided for in the Charter of the United Nations. In resolving issues, the court is not limited to the suggestions made by the submitting parties. They can render any decision which they deem the best solution to the problem. The Court's power in enforcing its decisions is, however, limited. The strongest move the Court can make is recommending that the Security Council or the General Assembly take action against a nation. 37 Submitting Cases To present a case to the ICJ, a party must prepare a memorial. The Memorials must contain (1) the submitting party's (applicant's) name and signature, (2) the responding party's name(s), (3) Claims of Fact, (4) Assertions of Law and (5) Prayers for Relief. All CLAIMS OF FACT This is a brief outline of issues and facts relevant to the case. The facts detail the events leading up to the dispute. Historical, legal and political research will aid the finding and stating of relevant facts. The facts must be truthful but may be stated in a manner favorable to the applicant ASSERTIONS OF LAW These are the pertinent principles and laws in question. Examples of valid sources of law are international treaties, international conventions, customary law, previous ICJ decisions, United Nations resolutions and the works of noted international law writers and jurists. PRAYERS FOR RELIEF This is the section where the submitting party asks the court to act in its favor and states its recommended action. Applicants generally request that the Court direct the Respondent to correct the wrong, recommend sanctions against the Respondent or declare what rights and duties exist between the disputing parties. Respondents generally request dismissal or seek counter-relief against Applicants. Presentation of Cases Each party has a designated amount of time to present its case. Judges may ask questions of the presenters at any time throughout the presentation. The basic format for presentation is 10 minutes for Applicant presentation, 10 minutes for Respondent presentation and 5 minutes for rebuttals per side. The format can be altered by the current Model Court. Deliberation Judges deliberate for as long as they deem necessary. No justices may leave during presentations of deliberations if they plan to vote on the case at hand. They may, however, participate in deliberations even if they have forfeited their vote. Decisions of the Court Voting is done in closed chambers by roll call. Official opinions must then be written for the majority opinion and for each dissenting opinion. The President will make the assignments. All opinions will be collected and announced in the General Assembly. 38 ECONOMIC & SOCIAL COUNCIL 2017 TOPICS High-Yield Energy Alternatives Free Movement of Goods and Services 39 High-Yield Energy Alternatives Why this is important? The Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals have set the issue of environmental protection as a major priority for the international community. Scientific research has shown that carbon emissions in the atmosphere are increasing and having a marked effect on the world’s climate and environment. It is currently projected that carbon dioxide emissions related to energy will increase 20% from 2013 to 2040 (source). Background: Energy sources with high carbon emissions include coal, oil, and natural gas. These are also known as fossil fuels. They account for about 80% of global energy consumptions and contribute around 2/3 of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy alternatives such as solar, wind, and hydraulic energy have low environmental impact and are sustainable, but further research and development is needed before they can become reliable high density energy alternatives. Nuclear power is not renewable, but produces minimal carbon emissions and is a high density energy option. International bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) aid countries in rebalancing their energy industry by implementing plans for meeting energy requirements with alternative sources. These organizations receive different types of funding, but the main proposition to be discussed is whether ECOSOC should set up a specific fund for these organizations. Such a system would encourage member states to donate funds and scientists to aid these bodies in researching energy alternatives to decrease carbon emissions. Issues to be addressed in a Resolution 1. Should a specific fund be set up through which member states can donate scientists and funds to these organizations? 2. Should this be funded through the general budget (which ECOSOC controls) or just encouraged on a voluntary basis? 3. Should only renewable forms of energy be funded or should nuclear energy be considered as well? 40 Resources: How the International Atomic Energy Agency assists newcomers https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/how-the-iaea-assists-newcomer-countries-inbuilding-their-way-to-sustainable-energy United Nations Development Program – Renewable Energy http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/climate-and-disaster-resilience/sustainable-energy/renewable-energy.html United Nations Sustainable Development Goals http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/ 41 Free Movement of Goods and Services Why this is important? Trade is extremely important across the globe. Whether a State is importing or exporting, often times there will be agreements that are struck between different States regarding trade. Among these agreements, free trade is often brought up. Free Trade is when governments do not restrict imports from, or exports to, other countries. There are some regional examples, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico (NAFTA), as well as the European Economic Area (EEA) which has many European Union States as members. These free trade groups tend to be located close to each other geographically, but it’s worth discussing these agreements on a more global scale. Background: There are many different trade agreements that States have devised in recent history. Often times, these deals will be made when a geographic area wants to become more competitive in the marketplace, and reduce trading costs. Sometimes these agreements are bilateral, where there are two States involved. Other times they are multilateral, as is seen with NAFTA or the EEA. The World Trade Organization also has a part to play in global trading. The WTO was founded in 1995 and deals with the rules of trade between nations. They act in a regulatory role, and are involved with approximately 95% of world trade. Issues to be addressed in resolutions 1. What role does the United Nations have in facilitating new trade agreements between States? 2. Should the United Nations put an emphasis on Free Trade within these agreements? 3. Should there be a push to have agreements struck between States that are not geographically close to each other? 4. Should free trade agreements brokered by the UN only cover goods, or should they also cover the free movement of people? 42 Resources: North American Free Trade Agreement: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/nafta European Economic Area: http://www.efta.int/free-trade/free-trade-agreements World Trade Organization: https://www.wto.org/index.htm 43 HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 2017 TOPICS Children in Armed Conflict Birthright Citizenship 44 Children in Armed Conflict Why this is important? Children have been at the center of every conflict that has happened between different nation states. Children aren’t even always physically at the center, but they are the ones who are used against their parents to appease a group of individuals, or they are separated from their loved ones and that takes a great toll on them as they continue to grow up, or they are killed in the middle of a conflict. The United Nations wants to protect children, and has done their best to create different rules and regulations that are already in place and not being followed. We need a better set or rules regarding children in armed conflict to better protect them. Background: The United Nations Security Council has looked at the issue of children in armed conflict and has already established the 6 Grave Violations; killing and maiming children, recruitment or use of children as soldiers, sexual violence against children, attacks against schools or hospitals, denial of humanitarian access for children, and the abduction of children. In 2005, the Security Council established a monitoring and reporting system to document all the situations of concern in the world, especially when they could affect the lives of children directly. Another United Nations working group then goes through all of the country reports and makes recommendations for children in the specific country situations. This system has shown to make us more aware, but it hasn’t been shown to save the children from these situations. We need an addition or maybe even something new to effectively keep children safe from these armed conflicts. An example of an armed conflict happening now is the conflict in Aleppo. There are children in this area that are being brutally murdered, injured, or left without homes, water or food. This is a situation that we cannot let continue. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Do the 6 Grave Violations created by the United Nations Security Council cover all the harms that can be done to these children in armed conflict? Would you add or delete anything? 2. What partnerships could the United Nations have with outside organizations to further advocate for the children? 3. What can be done as an act by the United Nations and a country in crisis to show that they care for the children’s safety and well-being? 45 4. What is the best way for the United Nations to remind countries of their duty to keep their people safe, especially children? Resources: UN Documents for Children and Armed Conflict http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/children-and-armed-conflict/ United Nations Office of the SRSG Children and Armed Conflict https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/ Children and Armed Conflict, UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/index_childsoldiers.html 46 Birthright Citizenship Why this is important? The recent controversy over citizenship in the US is just a single facet of the larger global debate on birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship is the right of anyone born in the territory of a state to citizenship of that state. As an unconditional basis for citizenship, it is the predominant rule in the Americas (including being found in the US Constitution), but is quite rare in the rest of the world. Birthright citizenship is potentially a great way to level the playing field in nations that want to restrict citizenship rights to selected groups of people. The alternative, Jus Sanguinis (Latin for Right of Blood), is by far the most common granter of citizenship in the world. Jus Sanguinis is a potentially great way to ensure that the state keeps a succinct culture through the preservation of their nation-state. Birthright citizenship represents the ideals of countries built by waves of immigration while Jus Sanguinis is the more traditional method of applying citizenship by ancestry in a particular place. Background: In the current global refugee crisis, ideas over who can come into a country, and who can be granted the civil rights of citizenship are being heavily scrutinized. The UN naturally has a stake in leveling the playing field for human rights, and protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees. However, many states must fear that by allowing more and more diversity through liberal citizenship and immigration laws, they will lose both security and the distinctness of their nation. This topic also calls for the consideration of the legacy of colonialism. Historians trace the source of the more lenient citizenship laws to efforts to grow colonial populations to overwhelm indigenous ones. Countries in the global south could argue that the current refugee situation was created by the meddling of colonial powers in regions of Africa and the Middle East. It would then hold that they bear some responsibility to update their citizenship and immigration laws to protect human rights. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. The UN has no power to force countries to change their founding documents or established law, what strategies can it employ to aid the flow of refugees and the establishment of citizenship? 47 2. Does the UN need to have an official stance on whether birthright citizenship, or ancestry citizenship is more likely to aid human rights efforts? Is it germane to amend UN documents like the Declaration of Human Rights to be amended in such a situation? 3. What can the UN do to overcome negative stereotypes and misconceptions about refugees in order to aid the flow of people away from areas of conflict, and ensure the do not become persecuted in the states here they land? 4. Is it acceptable to the UN for countries to establish laws basing new immigration and citizenship based on religion, country of origin, or other personal identifying factors? 5. What is the UN’s position on providing citizenship to the children of undocumented persons? Resources: Three Things to Know about Birthright Citizenship http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/08/18/432707866/3-things-you-shouldknow-about-birthright-citizenship Examples of specific criteria for citizenship in Europe http://www.loc.gov/law/help/citizenship-birth-country/citizenship-birth-country.pdf Center for Immigration Studies – Birthright Citizenship http://cis.org/birthright-citizenship 48 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MONDALE GA COMMITTEES (Grades 9 – 12) Political & Security Economic & Financial Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Legal Special Political Administrative (only for Mondale GA) 49 ANDERSON GA COMMITTEES (Grades 7 – 8) Political & Security Economic & Financial Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Legal Special Political POLITICAL & SECURITY COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Proliferation of Chemical Weapons Foreign Involvement in Elections 50 Proliferation Chemical Weapons Why this is important? Chemical weapons are some of the most disastrous elements that can be used for harm to humans. Defined as a toxic chemical compound that is contained within a delivery system such as a bomb or a shell, they are classified under four categories – choking, blistering, blood, and nerve agents. Chemical weapons have no place as an aid to violence, yet recently there have been many articles published that detail different states and their links to chemical weapons. In a time of conflict, this isn’t surprising, but should be taken very seriously. The United Nations has taken measures to control the production and stockpiling of these weapons, but it does not appear to have solved the issue completely. As states have declared their possession of such weapons, there has been a mass movement to destroy them safely. However, it is unknown how many states did not submit a declaration of their stocks of these weapons, so there is nowhere to know for certain what is out there. Background: In 1925, the first written response to chemical weapons was published with the Geneva Protocol. This document outlined the issues with chemical and biological weapons, but did not have any language that prohibited production or possession of them. In the early 20th century, the world saw an upswing in developed countries devoting resources to the development of chemical weapons, though none of them were used during World War II. In 1968, the Disarmament committee was formed with 18 states as members, and they later changed their named to the Conference on Disarmament in 1984. Their goal was to eliminate chemical weapons on a global scale. In 1992, they proposed the Chemical Weapon Convention to the General Assembly, which was an arms control treaty. In the treaty, there were deadlines set in place to have eliminated all of the chemical weapons, which was to be done in phases. The last phase was set to be complete in 2007. Unfortunately, this deadline was not met and at this point only 90% of the declared weapons and production sites have been destroyed. There have been several states that have not signed or ratified the treaty (Israel, Egypt, Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea, Palestine, and South Sudan). However, there have been confirmed cases in which terrorist organizations have either stolen chemical weapons, or produced them themselves. 51 Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should it be recommended to the United Nations Security Council to sanction states that have not ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention? 2. What should be done to prevent terrorist organizations from pursuing or creating chemical weapons? 3. What should be done when States use Chemical Weapons? Resources: Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons https://www.opcw.org/chemical-weapons-convention/ Arms Control Association https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/cbwprolif United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/chemical/ 52 Foreign Involvement in Elections Why this is important? Elections may or may not be an inherent part of a states’ governance. Even though Heads of State across the world are not always chosen via an election, the majority of Parliaments/Legislatures are chosen this way. Recently, there have been some widely covered elections to happen, and during the election season many news sites wrote about foreign involvement in elections. Though this is not a new phenomenon, it does raise the question of whether there should be guidelines in place to prevent this from happening in future elections. Background: The United Nations does have an outlet to get involved with elections, which is through the Peacekeepers. Housed under the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD), these officials have three roles – Technical Assistance, Election Monitoring, and Organization and Supervision. The UN has been helping Member States’ handle these processes since the 1940’s, where they observed elections on the Korean Peninsula. Observation is no longer a key component of the EAD, now more often than not Member States are requesting Technical Assistance, which covers everything from review of electoral laws to training of election officials. Over the past two decades, the UN has been involved in over 100 elections across the globe. Even with EAD, there is little stated about what happens in the case of election tampering by a foreign state. In light of recent global events, there may be a need to clarify and expand upon consequences in the case of meddling with elections. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1.Does the current system do enough when it comes to tampering by foreign countries in elections? 2.Should elections be monitored to look for evidence of tampering? 3.Should the UN involve itself in elections where there is alleged tampering? 53 Resources: United Nations Peacekeeping – Electoral Assistance http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/issues/electoralassistance.shtml Department of Political Affairs http://www.un.org/undpa/en/elections 54 ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Combating Sex Tourism Currency Manipulation 55 Combating Sex Tourism Why this is important? Sex trafficking of children is an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of children across the globe. This issue needs to be addressed because these children are being used against their will, often times under the influence, without the ability to defend themselves. We, as the United Nations, are obligated to defend human rights, especially when those being violated are helpless. Background: Children around the world are trafficked for all different reasons, including a very large issue; being trafficked for sexual reasons. Children are the least protected, without the means to defend themselves, and for those children of color, it is even worse. Each member state in the committee should be aware of the process and punishments for those that find trafficking children. Because these children are often trafficked for many reasons, there needs to be a developed system to track traffickers and catch them before they can send the children out of the country. Any form of crisis in their home country can also exacerbate these issues. With the conflicts occurring in Syria and Aleppo, there are even more children who are at stake to be trafficked, taken advantage of, or killed. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. What is the best way for the United Nations to remind countries of their obligations to all people via the UN Charter Agreement? 2. What criteria will the United Nations use to classify a person or group that is trafficking children for any reason? 3. What non-governmental, regional, or human rights organizations can the United Nations partner with to raise awareness about the sex trafficking and general trafficking of children? 4. Should the United Nations recognize any specific cases that may need immediate action to protect children from being trafficked? 56 Resources: Sex Trafficking: Lifelong Struggle of Exploited Children http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33710224 The Forgotten Children: Investigating Sex-trafficking in America http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-forgotten-children-investigating-sex-trafficking-inamerica/ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children http://www.missingkids.com/CSTT Child Trafficking News Hub http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/child-sex-trafficking United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund https://www.unicef.org/ 57 Currency Manipulation Why this is important? Currency manipulation, also sometimes referred to as currency intervention, is the process of a government or central bank buying/selling foreign currency in exchange for their own. This is often used as a way to manipulate the exchange rate. This also tends to strengthen a State’s currency. Background: In 1944, the United Nations Monetary and Financial conference was held in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This conference sought to rebuild the world’s economic systems after World War II, and had a few key results. To start with, States were obligated to develop a monetary policy that maintained the current exchange rates. To accomplish this, currencies were tied to gold, and the US dollar. The conference also established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). These two organizations are now part of the World Bank Group. In 1971, the United States, gold was no longer backing currency, and so the US dollar became the world reserve currency. Presently, there are multiple reserve currencies, the bulk of which being the US dollar at 64%, followed by the Euro at 20%. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should the United Nations adopt an official stance on currency manipulation? If so, what should their response be to the issue? 2. Does the United Nations support the idea of backing currency with something of physical value, as was the case when the US dollar was backed by gold? 3. Should the United Nations host another conference similar to Bretton Woods in order to revisit any of the current standards surrounding world currencies? 4. Does the United Nations have a stance on the world reserve currency and its tendency to be monopolized by a select few large currencies? 58 Resources: The World Bank http://www.worldbank.org/en/about Information about the Bretton Woods Conference https://www.britannica.com/event/Bretton-Woods-Conference International Monetary Fund http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm 59 SOCIAL, HUMANITARIAN & CULTURAL COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Oceanic Biosphere Depletion Gender Segregation 60 Oceanic Biosphere Depletion Why this is important? The United Nations hope that all member states will pass laws that are beneficial to all other member states to the best of their ability. The United Nations is in support of keeping the resources that we have clean, which includes our planet’s natural resources of ocean. This topic addresses how we need to protect the resources that we have and ensure the lasting ability to use these resources. Background: Our dynamic ecosystems provide services for each one of us on this earth. They are generally split into three different types of services: provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services. Provisioning services are those that provide harvestable goods such as fish, shellfish, seaweed, algae, minerals and health products. Cultural services are the many non-material benefits that are derived from nature. These are things like recreational activities, beauty, spiritual, intellectual and cultural benefits. Regulating services are those that help protect our environment like coastal protection, prevention of erosions, water purification and biggest of all, carbon storage. Carbon storage (sequestration) is done by the ocean and is where you take CO2, which is a greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere and the ocean holds onto that carbon dioxide. The ocean is capable of doing this without harming itself as long as we are not causing extra pollution to be taken in by the ocean. The more pollution and carbon dioxide created in the world, the less carbon dioxide can be held by the ocean. The ocean can create so many benefits and has very unique processes that you won’t find in another body of water, but that also makes it a vulnerable source that could be damaged and destroyed by human activity. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. What criteria will the United Nations use to classify the oceanic biosphere unhealthy? 2. What is the best way for the United Nations to remind countries of their need to keep their water supplies clean? 3. What non-Governmental Organizations, regional organizations, and environmentalist groups can the UN partner with to raise awareness of the biosphere depletion and promote clean habits? 4. Should the UN recognize any specific incidents as worthy of immediate attention and repercussions for those who damage the oceanic biosphere? 61 Resources: Ecosystem Services: Mapping Ocean Wealth http://oceanwealth.org/ecosystem-services/ Ocean Carbon Uptake, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Ocean+Carbon+Uptake United Nations Environment Management Group http://unemg.org/ 62 Gender Segregation Why this is important? Gender segregation is a worldwide issue that is treated very differently regarding the country’s customs, traditions, and belief system. This is an issue that affect basic human rights that are guaranteed by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. This affects the UN and the whole world because we are working as a large community to find equality for genders. This issue is especially prevalent in nations like Saudi Arabia where women can do almost nothing without permission or a male escort. Background: Gender segregation as existed in the world for a very long time. This has been seen is all different forms and types of segregation, done by different groups of people. This is a current, pressing issue in regards to ensuring the safety and basic human rights of all those who live within the guidelines of the United Declaration of Human Rights. Women in countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt are not allowed to pass citizenship onto their children, spousal rape is not illegal, two women are equal to one man in court and women cannot divorce their husbands. This is an issue that not only is affecting the livelihood of these women, but it also affects the gender gap when viewing the issue economically. By closing the gender gap, we could add $12 trillion to global gross domestic product by 2025. This issue can stem from lots of things, but more often than not it stems from a religious or spiritual view that the men and women possess. Even women are responsible for some of the violence against other women when these norms and roles are disobeyed. 63 Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. What is the definition that the United Nations should use when defining gender? 2. How can the United Nations enforce gender equality without stepping into someone’s religious freedom? 3. How can the issue of gender segregation and discrimination be enforced by the United Nations? What outside bodies can also help with the enforcement and promotion of gender equality? 4. Should the United Nations recognize any specific incidents as worthy of immediate attention and repercussions for those who segregate or discriminate by one’s gender? Resources: The 10 Worst Countries for Gender Equality, Ranked By Perception https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2016-03-10/the-10-worst-countries-for-gender-equality-ranked-by-perception The Dimensions of Occupational Gender Segregation in Industrial Countries https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/gender-society/occupational-gender-segregation-pay-differences Gender Segregated Sociology https://familyinequality.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/gender-segregated-sociology/ UN Women http://www.unwomen.org/en 64 LEGAL COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Tax Evasion by Multinational Corporations Colonization of Space 65 Tax Evasion by Multinational Corporations Why this is important? Multi-national corporations operate the complex differences between tax codes around the world. Often certain countries will grant specific deals or incentives to these corporations in order to create more business. This topic will help solidify the UN’s stance on whether these deals are fair, how other countries can enforce or punish others for their creation, and what role the UN has in overseeing multi-national business entities. Background: A primary issue which brought up this topic is the 2016 case where the European Union ordered Ireland to collect $14.5 billion in unpaid tax dollars from Apple, a US based company. Ireland has been accused of violating parts of their agreement with the EU by granting a company “unfair” treatment under its tax laws. This practice is not uncommon however the EU alleges it creates an uneven playing field among its member states who have all signed on and agreed to similar economic rules. This situation has created animosity between Apple (and with it the US) and the EU. The Irish do not feel compelled to collect the money from Apple and hurt itself economically by following the EU’s order. Both Ireland and Apple have appealed the decision and the EU is standing by its claim to the unpaid tax money. The result of the unresolved situation is tremendous doubt over whether the EU might go after other multi-national corporations (many American) and whether they have both the legal and political means of getting the money. Transparency over the taxes paid by these large corporations and who they were paid too is now a hot topic across the world. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Does the UN have any grounds to enter into or mediate disputes between corporations and multiple states? (If not then most of the resolution will have to be your justification legally, morally and otherwise why this is the case.) 2. What rights do multi-national corporations have to petition the UN for assistance in these situations? Could the European Union’s decision hurt global commerce? 3. What should the UN advise large multi-state economic coalitions like the EU to do with states that violate their agreements? 4. Are there any specific solutions to be applied to the case of Ireland and Apple against the European Union? 66 Resources: New York Times article about the Apple v. Ireland dispute https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/31/technology/apple-tax-eu-ireland.html?_r=0 Apple Appeals against EU tax ruling… http://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-apple-taxavoidance-idUSKBN148007 EU Regulators demand greater tax transparency from multinationals https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/apr/12/eu-regulators-demand-greater-taxtransparency-companies 67 Colonization of Space Why this is important? Humanity’s continued best hope for survival is to become an interplanetary species. Colonization would most likely lead to massive jumps in technology over short periods of time that wouldn’t normally be developed due to the ban on colonization. Moreover, it would allow for greater access to spaceborn resources which in turn would put less environmental stress on the planet. Background: Currently, colonization of extraterrestrial bodies by national entities is banned by Article 2 of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.). However, reality today means that technology is advancing, and it may be in the best interest of the international community to amend Article 2 - via Article XV of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (Any State Party to the Treaty may propose amendments to this Treaty. Amendments shall enter into force for each State Party to the Treaty accepting the amendments upon their acceptance by a majority of the States Parties to the Treaty and thereafter for each remaining State Party to the Treaty on the date of acceptance by it.). Humanity’s continued best hope for survival is to become an interplanetary species. Colonization would most likely lead to massive jumps in technology over short periods of time that wouldn’t normally be developed due to the ban on colonization. Moreover, it would allow for greater access to spaceborn resources which in turn would put less environmental stress on the planet. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should colonization be done through the UN, or should colonization be left to individual States. 2. Should space-capable States be encouraged to provide aid to non-space capable States? 3. Does Article 2 prevent private corporations from colonizing on their own? 4. If a private corporation does colonize a celestial body, is that corporation now a state? A. Can that Colony be recognized by the UN? 5. If a colony decides to break away from a State, are they capable of being recognized by the United Nations? 68 Resources: Outer Space treaty of 1967 https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Outer_Space_Treaty_of_1967 Moon Treaty https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moon_Treaty Montevideo Convention https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Montevideo_Convention Antarctic Treaty https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty Other Readings http://www.space.com/20657-stephen-hawking-humanity-survival-space.html https://futuretravel.today/why-we-must-colonize-space-ea7d54e2deb6#.cax4hnjkk 69 SPECIAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Galactic Weaponry Control of the Internet 70 Galactic Weaponry Why this is important? The fear of another arms race in space is apparent to many non-space-capable nations, and has been brought before the United Nations on multiple occasions. Most recently on December 4th of 2014, the General Assembly passed two resolutions aimed at preventing an arms race in space. As of yet, no weapons have been stationed in space, excluding the Soviet Almaz space station, however the threat of these weapons is certainly not just in science fiction. One notable example is Project Thor, developed in the late 1950s which involved telephone pole sized rods of tungsten fired from an orbital satellite station. This project was included in a 2003 report by the US air force as a “future system concept”, notable for their ability to strike targets in a matter of minutes anywhere on the globe. Background: The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, or more commonly known as the Outer Space Treaty was signed on the 27th of January in 1967 and was put into force on October 10th of that year. The primary purpose of this treaty was to prevent any state from placing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) into orbit around the earth or any other celestial body or otherwise placing them in space, amid growing concerns as Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology advanced during the cold war. In regards to the treaty, a WMD is defined as a nuclear, biological, chemical or other weapon designed to kill and/or bring significant harm to a large number of humans, the biosphere, human-made or natural structures. However, the treaty did not specify the use of conventional weapons such as lasers or kinetic weapons. This in theory could allow for these weapons systems to be built and used in orbit around the earth, able to strike anywhere on the globe without warning. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should the UN ban conventional weapons in space? 2. Should the UN attempt to legally protect satellites in low earth orbit? 3. Should the UN encourage, or discourage spaceborn anti-intercontinental ballistic missile systems? 4. Should the UN ban development and ownership of Fractional Orbital Bombardment System type weaponry? 5. Should the UN ban the usage of satellites that are being used in a military capacity? 71 Resources: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs http://www.unoosa.org Outer Space Treaty of 1967 http://legal.un.org/avl/ha/tos/tos.html 72 Control of the Internet Why this is important? Recently, there have been a lot of discussions in the news about who controls the internet. Previously, this role was handled by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN. This was a group that was partnered with the United States Department of Commerce. This past year, the United States did not renew their contract with ICANN, and the group entered the public sector. Given the fact that this group has a large role to play in the regulation of the internet, the question arose as to whether or not ICANN should be part of an organization like the United Nations. Most States across the globe have very different views on censorship and freedom on the internet, so this new development with ICANN could lead to a more uniform regulatory process, or a more chaotic one. Background: ICANN was founded in 1998, and was previously headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The group was in charge of doing maintenance on the central internet address book, among other things. They also have a Governmental Advisory Committee, which is made up of 108 UN Member States. When the United States Department of Commerce ceded control of ICANN on October 1st 2016, the group became a multi-stakeholder community. There was immediate division on this decision, with some saying the change would create a large upset, and others saying the change would essentially go unnoticed. It remains to be seen what this change will bring long term. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should the United Nations seek to obtain control of ICANN, either directly or by creating a similar organization? 2. Should there be rules in place to prevent Member States from being able to take control of ICANN? 3. What can the United Nations do to keep the bureaucracy of this Multi-Stakeholder Community organization to a minimum? 4. Should ICANN have a concrete central headquarters? If so, where should this location be? 73 Resources: A look at what censorship looks like across different State’s governments http://www.economist.com/news/special-report/21574634-chinas-model-controlling-internet-being-adopted-elsewhere-each-their-own Governmental Advisory Committee https://gacweb.icann.org/display/gacweb/Governmental+Advisory+Committee ICANN https://www.icann.org/policy#what_is_policy 74 ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE 2017 TOPICS Peacekeeper Training and Pay Space Junk 75 Peacekeeper Training and Pay Why this is important? Peacekeepers in theory should be well trained and well equipped soldiers who are fully capable of completing mission critical tasks with minimal issues. However, this isn’t always the case. UN peacekeeping missions have been known for their abject failures. In 2010, a UN peacekeeping camp brought about a Cholera epidemic in Haiti that is still going on today - leaving thousands dead. Other projects that had issues were the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda and the United Nations Protection Force (Yugoslavia). There is also continual outrage towards the Peacekeepers that have a reputation for sexual assault and rape among those they are sworn to protect. Some of these failures have been a result of poor command, and others a result of their rules of engagement. Background: For UN Peacekeepers, there is no universally mandated training competency. There have been instances of State’s supplying Peacekeepers as a way to gain a better reputation, despite their own human rights abuses. These troops often have low levels of readiness, and are thus underprepared to be Peacekeepers. When the UN was founded, there were some assumptions that the Peacekeepers would mainly be coming from the West, which came with more assumptions about the readiness of these Peacekeepers. Some States may also take advantage of Peacekeeper pay; with the average entry salary being $1,028 (not counting equipment), this is often much more than soldier’s make per year. This serves as an incentive without any direct benefit to the international community as a whole, particularly the people that may need peacekeepers. 76 Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. Should the UN require that peacekeepers meet a minimum standard for them to be deployed? If so, what Militaries should the UN base it’s training standards off of? 2. Should the UN set up dedicated training centers around the world to ensure performance before deployment? 3. Should states be required to give reparations for damages committed to the general population while not doing peacekeeping related activities (Rape, and the spreading of cholera for example) 4. How should the UN handle the issue of State’s supplying peacekeepers in order to take advantage of the salary? Resources: Why One Small Nation Plays a Major Role in Peacekeeping http://www.ozy.com/acumen/why-1-small-nation-plays-a-major-role-in-peacekeeping/62085 Haitian Cholera Case http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/08/18/490468640/u-n-admits-role-inhaiti-cholera-outbreak-that-has-killed-thousands Successes and Failures of UN Peacekeeping Missions http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/bosnia/11729436/Srebrenica-20years-on-What-have-been-the-successes-and-failures-of-UN-peacekeeping-missions.html Contributors to United Nations Peacekeeping Forces http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2016/dec16_1.pdf United Nations Peacekeeping http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/ 77 Space Junk Why this is important? We aren't always the best at cleaning up after ourselves, and nowhere is this more apparent than in space. As of July 2013, more than 170 million debris smaller than 1 cm, upwards of 670,00 debris between 1 and 10 cm, and around 29,000 larger debris are estimated to be in orbit around earth. The European Space Agency estimates the total mass at upwards of 6300 metric tons, roughly equivalent to 13,889,000 pounds of debris. Background: Most debris slowly falls back to earth, roughly at the same speed as new junk is created. If the amount of new junk created begins to surpass the decay rate, it may reach a point where the Kessler Syndrome, a runaway chain reaction of collisions, comes into play. In a Kessler scenario, collisions become more common due to the increased amount of space junk, with each collision producing more debris, leading to more collisions and so on and so forth. Despite this concern, no cleanup operations have been undertaken by any major space agency or private corporation. Many growth mitigation practices exist, however not all crafts utilize these. Current practices only extend to launch licensing, with some nations like the United States requiring satellites to put themselves in a “graveyard orbit” after they cease functionality. The 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, or more simply known as the Space Liability Convention, provides that states are wholly responsible for all space objects launched from their territory, whether they are private or government payloads. Any damage caused to land, aircraft, buildings, celestial bodies, or other craft is the sole responsibility of the launching state. This convention, ratified by every major space-faring nation, does not entail any preventative measures and states are only liable retroactively. Issues to be addressed in a resolution: 1. What can the United Nations do to provide an incentive for States to create space clean-up programs? 2. Should the United Nations seek to clarify the Space Liability Convention so that launching states are responsible for any debris they create? 3. What organizations can the United Nations partner with to help create a cohesive plan for space clean up? 4. Should there be a point when the United Nations declares Space Junk to be an emergency issue? If so, what would emergency protocols include? 78 Resources: How Commercial Space activities are affected by resolutions http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2305/1 NASA report on space debris https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html 79 RESEARCHING FOR THE MODEL UN SESSION One of the best ways to get the most recent information on the country that will be represented at the Model United Nations is by researching your topics through the UN website. The United Nations maintains a host of links to member nations as well as many other sources of helpful information. www.un.org There are also resources on the YIG website. Find our “Model UN Resources” webpage. www.mnyig.org 80
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