SPMUN Student Leadership

Secretary General – Juliana Torquato

Committee Chairs:
Security Council – Thomas Camargo
ECOSOC – Audrey D. de Magalhães
Human Rights Commission – Felipe Gandra
Political Committee – Beatriz Domingues
UNICEF – Julie Lund

Vice-Chairs:
Security Council – Arthur Guasti
ECOSOC – Renata Grasso, Camila Pinto
Human Rights Commission – Hamzah Smaili
Political Committee – Livia João, Fernanda Pinto
UNICEF – Mark Hu

Secretariat:
Joey Han
Emma Palmgren
Pedro Suarez
Purposes and Principles of the United Nations

The United Nations Charter is a constituent treaty that, upon ratification, binds all members to its articles
and prevails over all other existing treaty obligations.

Purpose:
o Maintain international peace and security
o Preserve the sovereign equality of states
o Develop friendly relations among nations based upon equal rights and self-determination
o Cooperate to solve international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems
o Promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
o Function as a forum for states to meet and accomplish these goals

Key Principles:
o Sovereign equality of all members
o Fulfill Charter obligations
o Settle international disputes by peaceful means and without endangering international peace,
security, and justice
o Refrain from using threat or force against another state unless seen as a last resort to preserve
international peace
o Offer UN assistance on any measure taken in accordance to the Charter
o The Charter does not authorize the UN to intervene in issues that are within the domestic
jurisdiction of the state
Structure of the United Nations

The United Nations has six main divisions- the General Assembly (GA), the Security Council (SC) the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Trustee Council, the Secretariat, and the International
Court of Justice (ICJ). All of the six factions are located in the UN Headquarters in New York, except for
the ICJ which is based in The Hague, Netherlands. In addition to these main organs there are numerous
agencies and programs, yet the majority of the UN’s work is carried out through the GA, the Secretariat
and the Security Council.

Model United Nations

Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations Organization, where students act as
representatives from member states and learn about the function, structure and purpose of the UN, all the
while promoting a higher interest in world affairs and issues. While playing the role of a representative,
delegates make speeches, draft resolutions, and negotiate with allies and adversaries to raise awareness of
pressing current events. The insight a student gains from their research of their country’s history,
geography, culture, economics and foreign policy help create a more world-conscious and pluralist
generation. MUN also provides a safe environment where participants are encouraged to expand their
conflict resolution skills, objectivity and perception of diplomacy.
Procedures

1. Lobbying
Lobbying takes place in the individual committee rooms and is an opportunity to acquire signatures
and sponsors from other nations. Resolutions are changed, merged or even discarded throughout this
process. To secure the correct number of co-submitters, the delegate must be able to negotiate with allies
to include points from other nations and convince others that their resolution is accurate and effective.
Should a delegate sign onto a resolution, it is understood that they will speak for it in the following debate
sessions, time permitting. Quite simply, you sign--you speak. Reminder: You can only submit or co-
submit one resolution for each topic in your respective committee.

2. Approval
To register a resolution for debate, the submitters must meet the requirements for the number of
submitters and co-submitters (varies according to committee), meet all formatting requirements and
deliver one hard and one electronic copy (pen drive/USB device) to the Approval Panel (see sample
resolution below).

Approval Panel Checklist

 Heading shows committee and topic, main and co-submitters.
 Pre-ambulatory Clauses end with a comma, are italicized, aren’t
numbered, aren’t indented.
 Operative Clauses end with a semicolon, are underlined, are numbered,
are fully indented.
 Spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct.
 Work is original or cited.

3. Debate
Once the resolution is approved, it will be passed into the hands of the Chair, and is thus considered
property of the forum. Once the committee sessions have commenced there will be time for the
resolution to be debated (countries may speak in favor of or against it). The resolution may further be
modified through amendments decided by a majority vote. The ultimate goal is a consensus so that the
resolution adopted represents the majority’s opinion. Should a resolution be passed in a committee, it is
eligible to be heard in the General Assembly.
 SAMPLE RESOLUTION

COMMITTEE: Human Rights

QUESTION OF: The spread of AIDS/HIV
SUBMITTERS: United States of America, South Africa
CO-SUBMITTERS: United Kingdom, Brazil

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE,

Deeply concerned with the latest statistics published by UNAIDS on the world epidemic of AIDS/HIV
which state:

- There are 33 million people living with AIDS, 30.8 million of them being adults (out of which
15.5 million are women), 2 million of them being children
- There are 2.7 million people newly infected in 2007, 0.37 million of which were children
- There were 2 million deaths in 2007 out of which 0.27 million were children
- More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981
- Africa has 11.6 million AIDS orphans
- In developing nations 9.7 million people are in immediate need of live-saving AIDS drugs; of
these, only 2.99 million (31%) are receiving the drugs,

Observing that in the past two years, major progress has been made to expand access to services that may
prevent mother-to-child-transmission,

Taking note that treatment access has steadily expanded in recent years, but efforts to prevent new HIV
infections have lagged, while 87% of countries with targets for universal access have established goals for
HIV treatment, only about 50% of these countries have strategies.

Taking into consideration that even though between the years of 2005 and 2007 substantial new funding
became available for HIV related programs in low-and middle income countries and access to certain
components of HIV prevention improved, at the halfway mark towards the millennium development
goals, many people at risk of HIV infection lack meaningful access to evidence-informed prevention
services,

Deeply disturbed that people still lack accurate information on how to prevent the virus,

Noting with satisfaction that compared to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention 1991 studies, high
school students today are less likely to be sexually active, and when they are, most likely to use condoms,
the percentage of who had had intercourse with four or more partners declined by 20% and the use of
condoms increased 33%,

Nothing with deep concern that due to the economic crisis, the Global Fund of Fight AIDS, tuberculosis
and malaria is running short of money, about $ 5 billion short of what is needed through 2010,

Emphasizing that dealing with HIV threat requires about 13.1 billion condoms a year, including those
used for contraceptive adds another 4,4 billion, but of the 17.5 billion condoms needed, only 1.8 billion
are being distributed, even though at only 3.5 cents each the cost of saving lives by supplying condoms is
minuscule,
Fully alarmed that although governments and donors provide large amounts of money for HIV treatment
in the developing world, too little of the money reaches children and pregnant women seeking for
antiretroviral drugs that could prevent infections of their infants,

Recognizing that the financial resources and the medical personnel currently available for treatment are
severely limited compared to the need,

Observing that in Africa infected truck drivers who travel far distances often engage in commercial sex,
spreading HIV from one country to the next,

Nothing further that soldiers usually become infected from engaging in commercial sex and take the virus
to their home communities and spread the virus even further,

Expressing its satisfaction with President Barack Obama’s plan to combat Global HIV/AIDS,

1. Requests all nations to create:

a. School based educational programs that involve curriculum-based, adult-led interventions
b. Community based programs for young people who are not in school
c. Oriented mass media campaigns that promote:
i. Change in sexual and drug-using behaviors
ii. Promote correct and consistent use of both male and female condoms
iii. Reduction of number of sexual partners
iv. HIV testing and counseling
v. Harm reduction programs for drug users
vi. Medical male circumcision;
2. Further requests all nations to fix the nation’s health care system, so that it ensures affordable
health care coverage and that people living with HIV have access to lifesaving treatment and
care;
3. Recommends all nations to assure adequate and safe housing for those living with HIV;
4. Further recommends all nations to introduce free distribution of condoms to all citizens;
5. Urges all nations to bring medical coverage to low-income, HIV positive citizens;
6. Trusts that all nations will reauthorize and revise the President’s Emergency Program fo AIDS
Relief (PEPFAR) and rewrite much of the bill to allow best practices – not ideology – to drive
funding for HIV / AIDS programs;
7. Encourages all nations to increase investments for HIV treatment and if within reach to increase
contribution to the Global Fund;
8. Endorses programs that provide access through trade so that HIV / AIDS victims should have
access to safe, affordable generic drugs;
9. Congratulates President Barack Obama on his approach to the Development Millenium Goals
that includes:
a. Doubling assistance from $25 billion per year to $50 billion per year toward strategic
goals including:
i. Helping the world’s weakest states to build healthy and educated communities
ii. Reduce poverty
iii. Develop markets
iv. Generate wealth
b. Helping weak states to:
i. Fight terrorism
ii. Halt the spread of deadly weapons
iii. Build the health infrastructure needed to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS
 c. Dedicate as much funding as possible to HIV/AIDS without cutting into other critical
foreign assistance programs;
10. Invites all nations to reduce the debt of developing nations that limit their economic development
and make investments in public health, education and infrastructure difficult;
11. Authorizes various types of fundraisers to contribute to the AIDS Global Fund such as:
a. Product Red
b. Live 8 like concerts
c. And any type of fundraiser that doesn’t include illegal transactions;
12. Draws the attention of the world to an ongoing global issue that can only be stopped with the help
of each and every nation.
Pre-ambulatory Phrases

Pre-ambulatory phrases are not numbered. They should outline the problem and provide background
information as well as how the topic fits into a contemporary global context. All perambulatory phrases
must start with one of the below phrases, all of which must be italicized.

Acknowledging Expecting Noting with appreciation

Affirming Expressing its appreciation Noting with approval
Alarmed by Expressing its satisfaction Noting with deep concern
Approving Fulfilling Noting with regret
Aware of Fully alarmed Noting with satisfaction
Believing Fully aware Observing
Bearing in mind Fully believing Pointing Out
Confident Further deploring Reaffirming
Congratulating Further recalling Realizing
Contemplating Guided by Recalling
Convinced Having adopted Recognizing
Declaring Having considered Referring
Deeply concerned Having considered further Reminding
Deeply conscious Having devoted attention Seeking
Deeply convinced Having examined Taking into account
Deeply disturbed Having heard Taking into consideration
Deeply regretting Having received Taking note
Deploring Having studied Viewing with appreciation
Desiring Keeping in mind Welcoming
Emphasizing Noting further
Operative Clauses

Forming the second part of the resolution, the Operative Clauses state the measures to be taken order to
resolve the selected issue. All Operative Clauses must start with one of the below phrases and be
underlined. Note that those in bold are only to be used in Security Council resolutions.

Accepts Encourages Recommends

Affirms Endorses Regrets
Approves Expresses its appreciation Requests
Authorizes Expresses its hope Resolves
Calls Further invites Seeks
Calls upon Further proclaims Strongly affirms
Condemns Further reminds Strongly condemns
Congratulates Further recommends Strongly urges
Confirms Further requests Suggests
Considers Further resolves Supports
Declares accordingly Hopes Trusts
Deplores Invites Transmits
Draws the attention Proclaims Urges
Designates Proposes

Amendments

Approved resolutions can be modified through amendments, which are written statements that
complement, delete or revise an operative clause in a resolution. They should be used to strengthen a
resolution and allow for a greater chance of a consensus.

Amendments must be submitted to the Chair, clearly stating the phrase or clause affected and the
proposal. The Chair will then either approve or deny the request. If approved, it is up to the delegate to
request the floor to defend their point. There will be a limited debate time set and a two-thirds majority is
required for the amendment to be adopted.

It should be noted that it is possible for an amendment to be submitted to an amendment that is still being
debated. If this is the case, there will be the same format for debate, however, should this motion pass,
the initial amendment is adopted by proxy. However, if the amendment to the amendment is rejected, the
debate returns to the original amendment in question.

General Tips for Delegates

 Participate actively in discussions not only by debating, but also by producing feasible solutions.
 Key elements to an effective speech include:
o Numbering the points so that they follow a logical sequence
o Using a key word for each argument and repeating the thesis before yielding the floor

 Opening speeches are first order of business in committees. Each delegation is granted only one
minute so these should be concise and informative, conveying the nation´s primary concerns over
the issues and hopes for debate.
 It is essential that delegates come to the conference well-prepared, having completed prior
research on the issues being debated and knowing their country’s position before all matters.
 Public speaking:
o Pace yourself: don't talk too fast or too slow.
o Be aware of posture when you speak. It can help you communicate confidence.
o Make eye contact with the audience.
o Be concise to avoid losing the attention and interest of the audience.
o Be positive. Critique different points of view in a constructive way, providing alternatives
and backing up your arguments.

Conduct in the Committee Meetings

Delegates must dress appropriately (as expected from real UN diplomats) at all meetings. Each delegate
should be dressed in formal attire for all committee sessions; sneakers or jeans are not acceptable. Males
are to wear suits or sport coats and ties. Females are to wear dresses, suits, or professional pants. In order
not to offend other delegates, national dress, military uniforms and armbands are not allowed.

Delegate badges must be worn at all times and will serve to identify entrants to the particular committees.
Delegates may only visit another committee by special invitation.
Delegates will receive warnings from the chair in case of any infractions during committee sessions.
Delegates will be asked to leave the session after receiving the third warning. Warnings are given in case
of but not limited to inappropriate attire, tardiness, and disrespect.
Chart of Basic Motions of Parliamentary Procedure

MOTION REQUIRED TO PASS

A motion to set the speakers time sets or changes the amount of time each
Simple majority vote
delegate has to speak.
A motion to open the speakers list allows delegates to sign up to speak. At
some conferences a motion to close the speakers list closes the list for the
remainder of the session or topic. However, at most Model UN conferences Simple majority vote
the speakers list can be opened and closed multiple times. This motion
requires an immediate vote.
Delegates propose a motion to caucus. If you move to caucus, be sure to
Simple majority vote
specify the purpose and the amount of time.
A motion to table the resolution at hand is used to table, or put on hold, the
resolution that is currently being debated. This may be suggested when it is
felt that the current topic is not progressing. If a delegate has submitted a Two-thirds majority vote
resolution on the same topic, they may use this in an attempt to discuss their
resolution.
A delegate makes a motion to close debate in order to move the committee
to a vote, usually when the delegate has made his or her country's position Two-thirds majority vote
clear and there are enough draft resolutions on the floor.
A point of order is used when a delegate believes the chair has made an error
in the running of the committee. The Delegate should only specify the errors
Decision of Chairperson
they believe were made in the formal committee procedure, and may not
address the topic being discussed.
A point of inquiry (also known as a point of parliamentary procedure) can be
made when the floor is open (i.e. when no other delegate is speaking) in No vote
order to ask the chairperson a question regarding the rules of procedure.
A delegate may raise a point of personal privilege in order to inform the
chairperson of a physical discomfort he or she is experiencing, such as not No vote
being able to hear another delegate's speech.
A delegate raises a point of information in order to pose a question to a
speaker during formal debate. The speaker chooses whether or not to yield Decision of speaker
his or her time to points of information.
A delegate makes an appeal to the chair's decision when he or she feels the
chairperson has incorrectly decided a point or motion. At some conferences,
Two-thirds majority vote
this formal challenge must be made in writing. The appealing delegate
speaks and the chairperson defends himself or herself before the vote.
A motion to go into a Superamendment Caucus may be made by a delegate
or chairperson when several amendments pertaining to the same resolution
or specific parts of a resolution have been submitted to the Chair, and an
amendment-by-amendment approach is very time-consuming. Should the
chairperson consider it fit to go into a Superamendment Caucus, the House
Decision of Chairperson
will be allotted a fixed time to merge all the amendments previously
submitted to the Chair into one superamendment, which will be
subsequently debated and voted, thus saving debate time and maintaining
delegations interested in the parliamentary procedures.

Committees and Committee Issues

The Security Council

The main duty of the Security Council is the maintenance of international peace and security. The SC has
15 members, 5 of which hold permanent seats and veto power while the remaining members are elected
for 2 years by the GA. The 5 permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United
Kingdom, and the United States. The Security Council is the only organ with the power to make
decisions that all UN member states must adhere to and carry out. The most important functions and
powers of the Security Council are the following:
o Maintain international peace a security within the parameters of the UN Charter
o Arms regulation
o Investigate any dispute or situation that may lead to international friction and recommend
methods for solving these problems
o Determine the existence of a threat to peace or act of aggression that may lead to further
disruption
o Call upon member states to take measures not involving the use of force (such as sanctions) to
uphold the SC’s decisions
o Resort to or authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security
o Recommend the appointment of the Secretary General to the GA and along with the GA, elect the
judges of the ICJ

Issues for the Security Council

Required for debate – Main submitters: 1 min, 2 max; Co-submitters: 2 min, 3 max.

The question of: reform of peacekeeping operations

A reform in the military peacekeeping operations led by the United Nations began in 1999 with
the following main objectives in mind: enhancement of African peacekeeping capacity, development and
implementation of comprehensive strategies for complex peace operations, disciplinary issues, training,
and effective capturing and application of best practices. The main issues include the deployment and
distribution of the “Blue Helmets” (designated UN peacekeeping troops), which execute operations under
the UN flag. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or European Union forces are also allowed
by the Security Council to perform peacekeeping operations. Other pertinent factors include the
versatility and competence of the UN peacekeeping force deployment. Established within previous
councils, peacekeeping forces are required to deploy from 30 to 90 days in critical operations, yet for this
timeframe to be achieved three main factors must be considered and furthered: personnel, material
readiness and funding. These are just a few of the issues that should be addressed within the council
regarding the Reform of Peacekeeping Operations; however, delegates are not restrained to these aspects.
More information:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/gaspd265.doc.htm
http://www.cfr.org/publication.html?id=8113
http://www.unitar.org/hiroshima/publications/list/peacekeeping/Reform

The question of: modern maritime piracy and sovereignty

Conflicts involving modern piracy have escalated in the past years, especially throughout the east
coast of Africa. The waters of Somalia are considered the most dangerous in the globe, yet such maritime
issues are not restricted to the African coast, occurring throughout Southeast Asia and western sections of
the Pacific Ocean. These piracy-related crises have brought to the surface issues such as the safety of
cargo vessels. The bearing of arms within cargo ships is forbidden, rendering sailors helpless to these
attacks. However new technologies have been designed in order to provide ships with certain defenses
against the pirates without breaking international law. The sources of maritime piracy must also be
considered. Some have proposed humanitarian aid or military action within the nation of Somalia, whose
waters hold more than 50% of piracy-related crimes throughout the year.

More information:

http://www.cfr.org/publication/18376/combating_maritime_piracy.html
http://www.southchinasea.org/docs/Mo,%20Options%20to%20Combat%20Piracy%20in%20SEAsia.pdf
http://www.bc.edu/schools/law/lawreviews/meta-elements/journals/bciclr/28_1/03_TXT.html

The question of: North Korea’s nuclear weapons capacity

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) has caused much controversy with its
nuclear weapons testing and recent launch of a nuclear rocket. The nation denounced and rejected the
Security Council’s statement towards the rocket launch and has withdrawn from previous arrangements
regarding nuclear weaponry research, including the Six-Party Talks. The nation then proceeded to state
that it will strengthen its nuclear weaponry technology for self-defense. Certain nations express a fear that
North Korea may engage with Iran in an agreement to further their plutonium enrichment technologies for
energy and military reasons. The constant testing of nuclear weaponry has also further degraded North
Korea’s relations with neighboring countries such as Japan and South Korea. Issues regarding the North
Korean nuclear weapons capacity include multilateral agreements attempting to reach a consensus on the
issue, whilst other nations are proposing more decisive military and political actions in order to limit
North Korea’s potential nuclear actions.

More information:

http://www.thebulletin.org/web-edition/features/the-risks-of-north-koreas-nuclear-restart
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/nkorea010.html
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/cib/1999-2000/2000cib01.htm
The Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council was established to coordinate the UN’s efforts in economic and social
as well as other related fields of work and is overseen by the UN’s numerous specialized agencies and
institutions. ECOSOC is made up of 54 members who serve 3 year terms. Their functions and powers
consist of the following:
o Central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and for formulating policy
recommendations
o Make or initiate studies and reports and make recommendations on international economic,
social, cultural, educational, health and related matters
o Promote respect for, and observance of fundamental human rights and freedoms
o Coordinate the activities of the specialized agencies, through consultations with and
recommendations to them, and through recommendations the GA
ECOSOC coordinates the various UN programs such as UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF, UN-HABIT, and
UNFPA as well as specialized agencies such as FAO, WHO, ILO, and UNESCO.

Issues for ECOSOC

Required for debate – Main submitters: 1 min, 2 max; Co-submitters: 3 min, 4 max.

The question of: using food crops for the production of biofuels

This is a debate concerning the use of food crops for conversion to biofuels. The policy has been
enthusiastically supported by many developed countries in pursuit of more environmentally-friendly
energy supplies in the wake of the global climate change. Studies have demonstrated, however, that
expanding biofuel production is partly responsible for rising food prices and may, as demand for biofuels
increases, affect the food security of developing nations. This question ultimately suggests that this issue
be addressed by a consideration of the welfare of developing nations as well as of measures that must be
taken toward global climate stability.

More information:

http://www.stwr.org/food-security-agriculture/un-says-biofuel-subsidies-raise-food-bill-and-hunger.html
http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0100e/i0100e00.htm
 ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/011/i0100e/i0100e06.pdf
 ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/011/i0100e/i0100e08.pdf
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_06/b4020093.htm?
chan=top+news_top+news+index_top+story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/11/AR2007121101834.html
The question of: reviewing Millennium Development Goals in light of the global financial crisis

Millennium Development Goals, as proposed by the United Nations, encompass eight goals
aimed at targeting issues of global importance, namely hunger, education, health and gender inequality,
by 2015. In the face of the global financial crisis however, first world countries have been forced to
reduce their expenses, including those directed towards the United Nations’ humanitarian initiative, while
developing nations are being confronted with economic and social shortcomings. The successful
fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 is in doubt.

More information:

http://www.undp.org/mdg/basics.shtml
http://www.guardian.co.uk/katine/2008/sep/25/aidanddevelopment.news

The question of: promoting economic development as an alternative to drug trafficking

This is a debate regarding the combat of drug trafficking through economic development. In
approaching this question, it is important to note the highly profitable market resulting from the demand
for drugs, and the link between drug trade and organized crime and armed conflict. In the past,
governments have tried to battle the world drug trade by creating education programs that have the
purpose of decreasing the general interest in drug consumption in order to discourage drug dealers to sell
them. The control of drug production is an especially challenging task because of the poor legal systems
and government corruption that contribute to it, as well as the economic support provided by the drug
market to certain nations.

More information:

http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/drug-trafficking-and-the-financing-of-terrorism.html
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/alternative-development/index.html
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/bp435-e.htm
http://socialissues.wiseto.com/Topics/DrugTrafficking/
The Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council is an international body within the UN structure that serves to
address human rights violations. The Council is the successor to the highly-criticized United Nations
Commission on Human Rights (dissent arose from the high-profile positions granted to states that did not
guarantee the rights of their own citizens), and came into existence on March 15, 2006 after receiving
support from 170 members (out of 191) in the General Assembly. The mission statement of the HRC
states that it resolves to
o Give priority to addressing the most pressing human rights violations, both acute and chronic,
particularly those that put life in imminent peril;
o Focus attention on those who are at risk and vulnerable on multiple fronts;
o Pay equal attention to the realization of civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights,
including the right to development; and
o Measure the impact of its work through the substantive benefit that is accrued, through it, to
individuals around the world.
Additional to working with the UN system, the HRC works with governments, legislatures, courts,
national institutions, civil society, regional and international organizations to strengthen capacity at a
national level within the specific countries. The HRC is also committed to strengthen the UN human
rights program to ensure that human rights form the basis for the work of the United Nations.

Issues for Human Rights

Required for debate – Main submitters: 1 min, 2 max; Co-submitters: 3 min, 4 max.

The question of: improving living conditions of non-combatants in areas affected by ongoing conflict,
such as the Israeli-Palestinian territory or Darfur

More than 1300 Palestinians (many of them women and children) and 13 Israelis (including 3
civilians) have died between the dates of December 27, 2008 and January 17, 2008. Gaza's infrastructure
is in horrible condition after the attacks and protection must be offered to the civilians that live in the
region in the case of further violence.
Darfur, Sudan is a region where systematic and widespread murder, rape, abduction and
displacement are occurring. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed by both deliberate and
indiscriminate attacks, and over 2.5 million civilians have been displaced. Displaced civilians are in
urgent need while humanitarian organizations work to gain access and funding.
More information:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/israel/occupied-palestinian-territories/page.do?id=1011175
The question of: possible human rights violations associated with Taliban activities in Afghanistan and
Pakistan

The presence of Taliban forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan is causing multiple human rights
violations, many of which concern women’s rights under the Shia branch of Islam. The conflict between
the U.S.A. and the terrorist forces in the region only worsen the scenario. There must be fundamental
changes in the use of airstrikes by the U.S. Human Rights Watch has long criticized the Taliban for using
civilians as "human shields," and for deploying their forces in densely populated areas that placed
civilians at unnecessary risk. However, unlawful actions by a defending force do not permit the attacker
to ignore the civilian presence.

More information:

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/08/13/afghanistan-law-curbing-women-s-rights-takes-
effecthttp://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/05/14/afghanistan-us-should-act-end-bombing-tragedies

The question of: human trafficking

Human trafficking is the commerce and trade in the movement or migration of people, legal and
illegal, including both legitimate labor activities as well as forced labor.
Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are coerced or forced into crossing international
borders each year. Half of those are children, 80 percent are female and 66 percent are exploited sexually.
Reasons for doing such include slavery, prostitution, forced labor and servitude. Trafficking involves
massive corruption, document fraud, and corrupt officials. It is the fastest-growing criminal industry in
the world, with the total annual revenue for trafficking in persons estimated to be between $5 billion and
$9 billion. The most common destinations for victims of human trafficking are Thailand, Japan, Israel,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Turkey and the US, according to a report by the UNODC
(United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). The major sources of trafficked persons include Thailand,
China, Nigeria, Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.

More information:

http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-
english/2007/February/20070212140713HMnietsuA0.1229059.html#ixzz0OgyneTWR
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking
The International Court of Justice (The Political Commission)

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN, and serves to settle legal
disputes between states as well as advise the UN and its agencies. The agency opened in 1946 in the
Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands when it replaced the Permanent Court of International Justice
which had been operating in the same location since 1922. There are 15 judges, each elected to a nine
year term. Every three years, elections are held for one third of the seats and positions are voted upon by
the General Assembly and Security Council. Judges may be re-elected and no judge may share the same
nationality as another. These Members of Court do not represent any governments; instead they are
considered to be independent magistrates.

The ICJ is only open to states, not private persons, entities or international organizations. The main
functions of the Court are: The ICJ settles disputes by applying international conventions, establishing
rules recognized by the states in dispute, the general principals of law recognized by nations and judicial
decisions and the teachings of the most qualified scholars of the various nations. The forum that is the
Political Commission is a representation of the ICJ, as legal disputes…
o Settle in accordance to international law the legal disputes submitted to it by States,
o Give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized international
organs and agencies.

The ICJ settles disputes by applying international conventions, establishing rules recognized by the states
in dispute, the general principals of law recognized by nations and judicial decisions and the teachings of
the most qualified scholars of the various nations.

Issues for the Political Commission

Required for debate – Main submitters: 1 min, 2 max; Co-submitters: 3 min, 4 max.

The question of: Taiwan’s appeal for representation in the United Nations

Since August 8, 2001 Taiwan has re-initiated its campaign to enter the United Nations. The
United Nations is a world body founded on the principles of universality and self-determination and its
establishment in 1945 began a new era in international relations. Because of the occupation of Taiwan by
Chiang Kai-shek’s armies fleeing from China, the Taiwanese people were not able to join the United
Nations as an independent nation. The controversy regarding the political status of Taiwan hinges on
whether Taiwan should remain effectively independent as a territory of the Republic of China, become
unified with the territories now governed by the People’s Republic of China, or be independent and
recognized by the international community.
Over the past decades, Taiwan has achieved a prosperous economy and a stable democratic
government. Taiwan now appeals to the world, particularly the United States and Europe to live up to the
principles of Universality and Democracy on which the United Nations were found and accept Taiwan as
a full and equal partner.

More information:
http://www.taiwanunme.tw/mp.asp?mp=1
http://www.mofa.gov.tw/webapp/lp.asp?ctNode=1878&CtUnit=117&BaseDSD=7&mp=6
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2007/1029_taiwan_huang.aspx

The question of: the political status of indigenous peoples and former slave populations in the Americas

It is estimated based on archaeological data and written records from European settlers that from
10 to 100 million indigenous people lived in the Americas when the 1492 voyage of Christopher
Columbus began a historical period of large-scale European interaction with the “New World”.
Colonization of the New World needed an immense amount, millions, of emigrants that came willingly
like most Europeans or unwillingly like African slaves to the Americas. While the population of
Europeans in the Americas flourished, the population of indigenous people plummeted especially with the
U.S. Indian Removal. The population of Africans that came on slave ships grew. Nevertheless, both these
bodies of individuals were recognized as inferior and enjoyed limited rights.
With the abolition of slavery and a decrease in violence toward these populations, these people
are still not recognized politically and in most countries do not share equal economic rights. It is evident
the difficulty ethnic and indigenous people have in engaging with the dominant political system. The
question: “Is it enough to give people formal equalities, or do we also need to address the structural
obstacles that prevent certain groups from making full use of their equal rights?” also has to be called into
attention. Hence, the consequences of immigration of the past centuries raises fundamental moral issues
as well as cultural, social and political consequences today.

More information:

www.unhcr.org/.../topic,463af2212,49709c232,49749ce5c,0.html
www.absoluteastronomy.com/.../Population_history_of_American_indigenous_peoples
www.apsanet.org/~rep/syllabus/Syllabus_Affigne1.pdf

The question of: the border dispute involving Chile, Bolivia and Peru

Chile, Peru and Bolivia have been in great dispute over the environment and ownership of the
lucrative oil and fishing rights, land and waterways that Chile has claimed since it won a three-way war in
1884. There is no near-term prospect of territorial wars over these border disputes but tensions continue to
rise.
The former conflict resulted in the Chilean annexation of the valuable and much disputed
territory on the Pacific coast. First, the dispute involved the Atacama Desert on the Pacific coast of South
America, a territory that contained valuable mineral resources including sodium nitrate.
National borders in the region have never been definitively established. At one period the right to
share export taxes was even negotiated between the countries, but the States were left dissatisfied at such
negotiation. As each State tries to enjoy the benefits of this rich territory, war has been declared
numerous.
In 1884, a truce between Bolivia and Chile was established, Bolivia giving Chile an entire coast
with its mineral industries and Chile in return building a railroad connecting capitals and ports to facilitate
transportation and hence exportation of the products of such mineral industry. However neither of the
nations prove themselves satisfied with the current agreement resulting in the state of tension present
now-a-days.
More information:

http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/17/world/fg-border17
http://www.onwar.com/aced/nation/cat/chile/fpacific1879.htm
http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-10351.html
UNICEF Committee

UNICEF works for and towards the benefit of children because children have rights. That is the main and
only purpose, and it works hard to achieve it. Aid is prioritized in order of need; there are no favorites and
there is no discrimination against anyone. UNICEF works to ensure child survival and development and
so it seeks to protect children. UNICEF promotes education, culture, and healthy lifestyles, as well as
child gender equality, especially in regards to education. UNICEF works with the children for a better
future for themselves, and everyone else as well, because poverty reduction starts with children.
www.unicef.org

Issues for the UNICEF Committee

Required for debate – Main submitters: 1 min, 2 max; Co-submitters: 2 min, 3 max.

The question of: quality education for all

Education is extremely important for it is through it that people’s ideas are shaped. Creating a
safe and decent education system will ensure that people acquire skills and values to play a positive role
in their society. As governments expand education they must remember to ensure that students stay in
school long enough to acquire the knowledge they need to cope with the world and its changes.

More information:
http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-
URL_ID=35939&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

The question of: youth migration

Youth migration is driven by poor socio-economic conditions. These migrants are deprived of
their rights and discriminated against both in their final destination as well as the countries they must go
through to reach it. Illegal migration can lead to human trafficking, especially young migrants, who are
particularly vulnerable. It is crucial to expose young individuals to the difficulties and potential threats of
migration in order to ensure their safety.

More information:

http://www.unicef.org/voy/takeaction/takeaction_4399.html

The question of: child soldiers

“Over 250,000 children under 18 are fighting in both government armies and armed opposition
groups. Some children are kidnapped or forced to serve; others join up hoping to find food and shelter,
help their families, or improve their lives.”
Given their emotional, physical and psychological immaturity, children are easy to manipulate
and because they do not fully understand violence they find it difficult to understand why one should not
engage in it. Boys and girls are being sent into minefields ahead of troops, forced to commit atrocities to
their families and neighbors, serve as porters, cooks, guards, servants, messengers or spies. Most are
sexually abused, killed or wounded by their adult leaders. Those who survive and escape suffer from:
trauma, injury, abuse, and psychological scarring. Some are then rejected by their families and
communities and have no place to go, or a way to acquire education, job skills or any hope for the future.

More information:

http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/childsoldiers/whatsgoingon/