Country: United Kingdom

Committee: Genetic Engineering

Delegate: Kevin Villa

Introduction:
For years we have been able to modify certain organisms without much restraint, but as
of recent times the option for possible modifications on humans embryos has arised and we must
find whether it is ethical to carry out this type of information. Within our country we have had
technology that was capable of editing genetic structure in order to replace it with healthier
structures. Recently the Francis Crick Institute has been approved by the Human Fertilisation and
Embryology Authority to move forward with research that involves modifying the gene structure
of an embryo. Although they must still be approved by the Research-Ethics Committee.
Humanity and the United Nations are faced with a question: Should we be able to modify human
organisms or any organism as a whole?

National Actions:
Our country has been very open towards the modifications of organisms such as embryos
but there hasnt been much action on the side of genetically modified agriculture. This is due to
the opposition that our citizens have towards the modification of their crops. While 22 percent of
the population is saying yes to Pro-GMs, a whopping 40 percent believe that the GMs should
not be implemented.On the side of genetics scientists in the United Kingdom have been able to
modify the genes in embryos, but have been withholding the usage of the procedure for various
reasons. Some of them involving the ethicality of the operation and whether it is alright for
someone to change the genes in another organisms structure. In the past couple of months, the

United Kingdom has opened the doors for a group of scientists to be able to experiment and
conduct research with this technology. Although we do see that this might seem wrong to some,
we believe that it can lead us to a step towards healthier people. Our scientists say that by cutting
out certain genes in organisms and replacing them could lead to finding cures or for the diseases
of Huntingtons, Lou Gehrigs, and cystic fibrosis, and many others. By editing the DNA we
are changing certain parts of the information to remove or cancel out, harmful diseases. By doing
this, we can help those who have these diseases and change their lives for the better.

International Actions:
Other countries worldwide have been genetically modifying things such as their
agriculture for some time now. Take for example the U.S which is the lead producer of GMOs in
their crops, with 90% of their corn, cotton, and soybeans having been genetically modified. As
well as other countries such as Argentina, and Brazil which closely follow the U.S. in the usage
of GMOs. There have also been actions towards the modification of human organisms such as
embryos, and changes within the gene structure. A year ago China was the first to modify a
human embryo using a common procedure known as CRISPR/Cas9. But this action wasnt well
received since many believed that it was one step closer to creating designer babies. And since
then there have been bans towards the usage of this procedure, but other countries are still
hoping to be able to use the procedure and experiment with it.

Recommendations:
As a global community that is divided by their opinions, we think that it is necessary to
find guidelines in which it is okay to genetically modify organisms. We must ensure that what we
do with these modifications are safe and that they dont harm or create unease within the

population. Therefore we propose that genetic modifications are to stay within reason and should
be safe to those who might be affected. All potential modifications must be tested and proven to
be harmless in the long run before being introduced to the public. Whether it be in agriculture or
in the modification of genes. Further, these modifications should not be created unless there is a
necessity for them. We are well aware of the dangers that these modifications could hold, but we
are also aware of the benefits that come from them. And we must put the safety of humanity
before anything else.

Sources:
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/02/01/465131900/u-k-regulator-gives-go-ahead-for-scientists-to-editgenes-in-human-embryos
Kennedy, Merrit. "U.K. Regulator Gives Go-Ahead For Scientists To Edit Genes In Human Embryos." NPR. NPR, 1

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