Karinthy Model United Nations
Security Council
The Threat Posed by North Korean
Nuclear Development
Submitted by:
Arife Yesilöz
Date of submission
23.01.2017.
The modern-day threat posed by hydrogen and atomic bombs is becoming an
increasingly concerning topic, due to its immense menace and damage, as witnessed in 1945
in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and during the Cold War. Since then, the United Nations has
sought to prevent further destruction by establishing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZ),
and by introducing treaties with the aim of preventing nuclear proliferation and testing, while
supporting progress in nuclear disarmament. These include the Treaty Banning Nuclear
Weapon Tests In The Atmosphere, In Outer Space And Underwater, also known as the Partial
Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) in 1963, the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT) in 1968, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1995.
Today, since the previous nuclear tests, there are a total of nine countries believed to
possess nuclear weapons: the United States of America (1945), the Russian Federation
(1945), the United Kingdom (1952), the French Republic (1960), the People's Republic of
China (1964), the Republic of India (1974), the State of Israel, the Federation of Pakistan
(1998) and most recently the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2006). However, only
the first five countries mentioned above are considered to be official Nuclear-Weapon States
(NWS) by the NPT. Other countries – including North Korea – are not legally allowed to own
any nuclear weaponry or test them under any circumstances.
Background
At the end of World War II, Japan had lost control over the Korean peninsula, which
was divided between the Soviet Union, controlling the north and the United States, controlling
the south. The two new nations founded in 1948 are the Republic of Korea in the south, and
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north. While North Korea's army
and finance was supported by the USSR and China, the South was left vulnerable. As another
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episode of the Cold War between the United States and Russia, the Korean War arose
between the two Koreas on June 25, 1950. The war ended three years later, on July 27, 1953
with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement, after the war causing a total of
1,200,000 casualties.
The DPRK's structure was designed after Stalinist Russia, focusing on heavy
industries, mining and military. In the 1970s, the rapid rise in the price of foreign oil obliged
North Korea to drown in foreign debt to continue its establishment of a progressive economy.
At the same time the country had also lost its Soviet support. These two factors provided a
context for a great famine, called the Arduous March (1994-1998). However, the immediate
cause for this disaster was the noxious floods affecting as much as 30 percent of the country,
destroying many arable land, food resources, settlements, power generators and mines,
causing an unbearable drought, and devastating the country's economy. Since then, the DPRK
relies heavily on international assistance to nourish its nation.
History of the DPRK's Nuclear Development
December 12, 1985: the DPRK signs the NPT.
December 31, 1991: the DPRK and South Korea sign the South-North Joint Declaration on
the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 1 Both countries acknowledge not to “test,
manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons” or to “possess
nuclear reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities.” and mutually agree to go through
regular inspections for verification.
January 30, 1992: the DPRK concludes a safeguards agreement with the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
February 9, 1993: The IAEA demands the inspection of two locations that are believed to
stock nuclear waste, however the DPRK refuses the request.
March 12, 1993: the DPRK announces her intention to withdraw from the NPT within three
months.
June 13, 1994: the DPRK confirms its withdrawal from the IAEA, (however, she is still
required to go through IAEA inspections as part of the NPT agreement.) The country refuses
to undergo these processes.
1
See Annex
2
June 15, 1994: the DPRK negotiates a deal with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in
which she announces to “freeze” her nuclear program.
March 15, 2002: Pyongyang states that "if the U.S. inflicts nuclear holocaust upon [the
DPRK], the former's mainland will not be safe either." after the U.S. discusses the use of
nuclear weapons against the DPRK.
November 29, 2002: The IAEA introduces a resolution asking the DPRK to "clarify" her
"reported uranium-enrichment program." The DPRK dismisses the request, saying the IAEA
is cooperating with the United States.
December 12, 2002: the DPRK announces the reopening of her nuclear facilities and reactors
to “generate electricity”.
January 10, 2003: the DPRK announces her withdrawal from the NPT.
April 23-25, 2003: the DPRK, China and the United States hold a negotiation in Beijing,
called the six-party talks, where the DPRK announces her possession of nuclear weapons.
February 25-28, 2004: the second six-party talks take place, in which both Russia and China
announce to provide energy assistance to the DPRK if she freezes her nuclear facilities again.
June 23-26, 2004: the third round of six-party talks held in Beijing. The U.S. discusses a
proposal, which includes that the DPRK is expected to receive fuel oil from South Korea,
China and Russia after freezing her nuclear program entirely.
July 26, 2005: The fourth round of six-party talks takes place, where the DPRK denies having
a “uranium-based nuclear weapons program.”
November 9-11, 2005: The fifth round of the six-party talks begins; however, Washington's
and Pyongyang's disagreement continue to prevent developments.
October 9, 2006: the DPRK conducts her first underground nuclear test near P’unggye.
Experts estimate the Plutonium explosion measures less than 1 kiloton.
October 14, 2006: Resolution 17182 is adopted by the UN Security Council, demanding the
DPRK to refrain from further nuclear tests.
March 19-22, 2007: The sixth round of six-party talks begins in Beijing.
2
See Annex
3
June 26, 2008: Pyongyang announces a declaration, indicating that she separated about 30
kilograms of plutonium, and used about 2 kilograms for the 2006 nuclear test.
April 14, 2009: the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry states that Pyongyang is withdrawing from the
six-party talks and she will overturn the steps taken to disable her nuclear facilities.
May 25, 2009: the DPRK conducts her second underground nuclear test, now with an
estimated range from 2-8 kilotons. The UN Security Council assembles an emergency
meeting and releases a presidential statement sentencing the test as a violation of UN Security
Council resolution 1718.
June 12, 2009: The UN Security Council unanimously accepts Resolution 1874 3, which
expands sanctions against Pyongyang.
February 13, 2013: North Korea alleges that she conducted her first successful nuclear test by
using a uranium-enriched device. Experts measured a yield of 6-7 kilotons.
March 7, 2013: The UN Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution 2094.
March 8, 2014: China declares a “red line” on the DPRK, stating she will not tolerate any
kind of war on the Korean peninsula, as well as expressing that peace can only be achieved by
denuclearization.
January 6, 2016: the DPRK announces she has conducted her fourth nuclear test with a
hydrogen bomb.
March 2, 2016: The UN Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution 2270. 4
May 6-9, 2016: During the seventh Congress of the Korean Workers' Party, Kim Jong Un
states they "will not use a nuclear weapon unless its sovereignty is encroached upon by any
aggressive hostile forces with nukes, as it had already declared."
September 9, 2016: the DPRK conducts her fifth nuclear test, and states she has achieved the
miniaturization of nuclear warheads so as to fit on ballistic missiles.
October 25, 2016: U.S. Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper says that "the notion
of getting the North Koreans to denuclearize is probably a lost cause.”
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4
See Annex
See Annex
4
Main Issue
The current military state of the DPRK can affect numerous countries and the life of
millions. There are not enough checks and balances in the DPRK’s political system to ensure
that the weapons will not be used indiscriminately or fall into the hands of undesirable
elements like terrorists or rogue regimes. The relationship between the DPRK and her
neighbouring countries has always been controversial, especially with South Korea, dating
back to the Korean War in 1950. The DPRK’s nuclear development may significantly
threaten these, and other opposing countries, and may result in a nuclear war. Even though
further developments are needed to create a nuclear weapon powerful enough to reach the
United States, the nuclear weapons are not the only menace. The DPRK is also believed to
possess more than 1,000 missiles of varying capabilities, including long-range rockets, as well
as biological and chemical weapons programs. The country also has a land army of more than
1.1 million, but their equipment is believed to be Soviet-era and in poor condition weakening
the country in direct combat. The DPRK also possesses 14 nuclear facilities, which continue
developing a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a ballistic missile, (thus endangering
farther countries as well) and is an active exporter of ballistic missile components shipped to
various destinations in the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, Iran, Syria, Libya,
Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.
While the Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and supreme leader of the DPRK,
Kim Jong Un has stated that they would only use nuclear weaponry when the country is being
attacked, the threats and the risk of a potential upcoming nuclear war is still a concern and
should not be ignored. Previously adopted UN Security Council resolutions (mentioned in the
previous list presenting the DPRK’s nuclear developments) were seemingly unable to find a
solution to this issue, however the sanctions against North Korea are rapidly getting tougher.
These sanctions include severely limiting North Korea's exports of coal and non-ferrous
metals, such as copper, nickel, silver and zinc, banning the export of statues and luxury items
including rugs, tableware and tapestries. These penalties can significantly damage the
DPRK’s economy and market and may cause further financial depths.
The DPRK maintains a good relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The PRC is North Korea’s largest trade partner, providing about half of all North Korean
imports and receiving a quarter of its exports. During the Korean War, China assisted the
DPRK, sending as many as 500,000 soldiers to support North Korean forces. However, their
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good relation has declined markedly over the past few years due to the DPRK’s nuclear
weapons program. After North Korea conducted her first nuclear test, the Chinese
government stated that they were “resolutely opposed to it” and voted for United Nations
sanctions against North Korea.
The DPRK’s actions are unquestionably amiss not only for her neighbouring
countries, but for the Country herself. The country is not financially stable enough to bare any
more sanctions; her economy and infrastructure need expansion and modernization, her ties
with other countries are narrowing and her citizens are fleeing the country.
Questions to consider

What is your country's opinion of nuclear weapons?

What is your country's relation with the DPRK?

Is the DPRK a threat to your country? If yes, how?

What can your country do to prevent further nuclear developments in North Korea?

What new sanctions can the UN impose against the DPRK?

How can your country convince the DPRK's allies to help preventing further nuclear
developments in North Korea?
Sources
1. https://www.nonproliferation.org/wp-content/uploads/npr/npr_183_pollack_ballistictrajectory.pdf
2. http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/prk/
3. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/30/asia/un-north-korea-nuclear-sanctions/
4. https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/sc1540/
5. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Korea-NorthINFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html
6. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21710644
7. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17399847
8. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11813699
9. https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/
10. https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/sc1540/
11. http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/a/npt/democraticpeoplesrepublicofkorea/acc/mosco
w
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12. http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/t/npt
13. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/30/un-north-korea-sanctionsnucleartest
14. https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/dprkchron
15. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/09/09/north-koreas-5nucleartests/90112694/
16. http://www.history.com/topics/korean-war
17. https://piie.com/publications/wp/99-2.pdf
18. http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/north-korea/nuclear/
19. https://www.stratfor.com/interactive/interactive-north-koreas-nuclear-facilities
20. http://www.ncnk.org/resources/publications/DPRK-Nuclear-Weapons-Issue-Brief
21. http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/dprk-north-korea/
22. http://38north.org/2011/04/quagmire/
23. http://cdn.loc.gov/master/frd/frdcstdy/no/northkoreacountr00word/northkoreacountr00
word.pdf
24. http://kcna.kp/kcna.user.home.retrieveHomeInfoList.kcmsf?lang=eng
25. http://www.korea-dpr.com/
26. https://www.dmoz.org/Regional/Asia/North_Korea
27. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15256929
28. http://www.dailynk.com/english/index.php
29. http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/
30. http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_res_2270.pdf
31. https://www.iaea.org/About/Policy/GC/GC55/GC55Documents/English/gc5524_en.pdf
32. http://isis-online.org/uploads/conferences/documents/kimpaper.pdf
33. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/dprk.pdf
34. http://isis-online.org/uploads/conferences/documents/kimpaper.pdf
35. http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/aptkoreanuc.pdf
36. http://www.un.org/en/sc/1540/
37. http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/resolution1718.pdf
38. http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/n_korea/nuclear/unsc_resolution1874.pdf
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Annex
(1) Joint Declaration of South and North Korea on the Denuclearization of the Korean
Peninsula:
In order to eliminate the danger of nuclear war through the
denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, to create conditions and an
environment favourable to peace and the peaceful unification of Korea, and thus
to contribute to the peace and security of Asia and the world, Declare as follows;
South and North Korea shall not test, manufacture, produce, receive,
possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons.
South and North Korea shall use nuclear energy solely for peaceful
purposes.
South and North Korea shall not possess nuclear reprocessing and
uranium enrichment facilities.
In order to verify the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, South and
North Korea shall conduct inspections of particular subjects chosen by the other
side and agreed upon between the two sides, in accordance with the procedures
and methods to be determined by the South-North Joint Nuclear Control
Commission.
In order to implement this joint declaration, South and North Korea shall
establish and operate a South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission within
one month of the entry into force of this joint declaration;
This joint declaration shall enter into force from the date the South and the
North exchange the appropriate instruments following the completion of their
respective procedures for bringing it into effect.
(2) Operative Clauses 2, 3 and 8 (a) from Resolution 1718
Demands that the DPRK not conduct any further nuclear test or launch of
a ballistic missile;
Demands that the DPRK immediately retract its announcement of
withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;
Decides that the DPRK shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing
nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, shall act
strictly in accordance with the obligations applicable to parties under the Treaty
on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the terms and conditions of its
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards Agreement (IAEA
INFCIRC/403) and shall provide the IAEA transparency measures extending
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beyond these requirements, including such access to individuals, documentation,
equipments and facilities as may be required and deemed necessary by the IAEA;
Decides that: All Member States shall prevent the direct or indirect supply,
sale or transfer to the DPRK, through their territories or by their nationals, or
using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their
territories…;
(3) Operative Clauses 20 and 28 from UNSC Resolution 1874
Calls upon all Member States not to provide public financial support for
trade with the DPRK (including the granting of export credits, guarantees or
insurance to their nationals or entities involved in such trade) where such
financial support could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear-related or ballistic
missile-related or other WMD-related programs or activities;
Calls upon all Member States to exercise vigilance and prevent specialized
teaching or training of DPRK nationals within their territories or by their
nationals, of disciplines which could contribute to the DPRK’s proliferation
sensitive nuclear activities and the development of nuclear weapon delivery
systems;
(4) Operative Clauses 29, 30 and 34 from UNSC Resolution 2270
Decides that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer, directly or
indirectly, from its territory or by its nationals or using its flag vessels or aircraft,
coal, iron, and iron ore, and that all States shall prohibit the procurement of such
material from the DPRK by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft,
and whether or not originating in the territory of the DPRK…;
Decides that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer, directly or
indirectly, from its territory or by its nationals or using its flag vessels or aircraft,
gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore, and rare earth minerals, and that all States
shall prohibit the procurement of such material from the DPRK by their nationals,
or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in the
territory of the DPRK;
Decides that States shall prohibit financial institutions within their
territories or subject to their jurisdiction from opening new representative offices
or subsidiaries, branches or banking accounts in the DPRK;
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