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43rd
Delegate Handbook
Hope College
Holland, Michigan March 6-7, 2014
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Table of Contents
Introduction 3 Introductory General Assembly 15 Issue A: Blood Diamonds 16 Issue B: Endangered Species 18 Advanced General Assembly 20 Issue A: 2014: Drug Summit 21 Issue B: Nuclear Disarmament 23 Security Council 25 Crisis A: Unrest in the Korean Peninsula 27 Crisis B: Colombia 29 Crisis C: Egypt 30 Crisis D: Emergency 31 Economic and Social Council 32 Issue A: Debt Forgiveness 34 Issue B: Addressing Global Hunger 36 International Court of Justice 38 Guide for Judges 40 Guide for Lawyers 41 Spratly Islands 42 Looking Ahead 43
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Introduction
This handbook provides new participants with an overview of our program, and informs previous participants of changes in this year’s conference. Due to funding restrictions, we are not able to provide handbooks for every participant, so feel free to copy and distribute as needed or look to the copy available online at http://www.hope.edu/mun. Awards and Judging Students who demonstrate exceptional performance are given awards. The top three delegations, as determined by the directors and individual Hope student organ leaders, are recognized for their efforts. The judges' decisions are based on the delegates' representation of their respective countries and the quality of their participation. The criteria for the awards are quite specific and are used strictly by the judges in selecting award recipients. The delegates must demonstrate a high level of understanding of the topics in their organ. Not only is it essential that they understand their own country's positions, but they must also understand all sides of the issues. The best delegations have a general idea of how the rest of the global community would likely respond to the issues at hand. The delegates must also display a general knowledge of the country they represent, including information on its economy, allies, military status, etc. Another essential component of an exceptional delegation is its effectiveness in presenting the country's position. The quality of a delegation's arguments is more important than the quantity of statements. The judges are more interested in the relevance, clarity, and authenticity of a delegation than in the number of times a delegate speaks or the length of a statement.
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Research Methods
We recommend delegations do research in three main areas: First, delegations should have a basic knowledge of the history of their issue or crisis as well as an understanding of the multiple perspectives involved. Second, delegations need to be able to speak knowledgeably about their country’s government, populace, and general foreign policy. Third, delegations should have basic understanding of the countries with which they will be interacting and regional political geography. Information is only as good as its source. Avoid websites that do not cite their sources or that the general population can edit. Both the United Nations website and the International Relations and Security Network (www.isn.ch) are keys to your preparation and contain links to international organizations and cites throughout the world. Also, international news and government agencies can be helpful sources. Be sure to utilize resources at your school and local library. Reference librarians will be able to help you find print sources such as books and recent newspaper or magazine articles, as well as information from databases. Print sources can become outdated quickly, especially for developing issues, so be mindful of when your source was published. Check out the HCMUN website for additional useful tips and helpful
links. http://www.hope.edu/mun
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Conference Schedule
Thursday, March 6, 2014 03:30-05:30 pm: Check-in: Security Council, ECOSOC, and ICJ delegates Session rooms to be determined Early check in is encouraged 06:00-06:30 pm: Orientation to issues In respective session rooms 06:45-08:30 pm: Banquet for all Security Council, ECOSOC, and ICJ delegates* Haworth Conference and Learning Center 08:30-10:30 pm: Sessions: Security Council, ECOSOC, and ICJ; Optional Resolution Writing Training: IGA and AGA In respective session rooms 10:30pm– 12:00am: Thursday Night Activity Haworth Conference and Learning Center *Thursday's banquet is for all Security Council, ECOSOC, and ICJ delegates as well as advisors. Friday, March 7, 2014 Delegates and advisors have the option of purchasing breakfast and lunch in the college cafeteria. 6:30-8:30 am: Check-in: Introductory & Advanced General Assembly delegates
Session rooms to be determined
7:30 and 8:00 optional campus tours available
8:30 am: All sessions begin
2:30 and 3:00 pm optional campus tours available
3:30 pm: All sessions close 3:45 pm: Awards Ceremony
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-Afghanistan -Albania -Algeria -Andorra -Angola
-Antigua and Barbuda -Argentina -Armenia -Australia -Austria -Azerbaijan -Bahamas -Bahrain -Bangladesh -Barbados -Belarus -Belgium -Belize -Benin -Bhutan -Bolivia -Bosnia-Herzegovina -Botswana -Brazil -Brunei Darussalam -Bulgaria -Burkina Faso -Burundi -Cambodia -Cameroon -Canada -Cape Verde -Central African
Republic -Chad -Chile -China -Colombia -Comoros -Congo, Republic of -Costa Rica -Cote d'Ivoire -Croatia -Cuba -Cyprus -Czech Republic -Democratic People's
Republic of Korea -Democratic Republic of
Congo
-Denmark -Djibouti -Dominica -Dominican Republic -Ecuador -Egypt -El Salvador -Equatorial Guinea -Eritrea -Estonia -Ethiopia -Fiji -Finland -France -Gabon -Gambia -Georgia -Germany -Ghana -Greece -Grenada - Guatemala -Guinea -Guinea-Bissau -Guyana -Haiti -Honduras -Hungary -Iceland -India -Indonesia -Iran, Islamic Republic
of -Iraq -Ireland -Israel -Italy -Jamaica -Japan -Jordan -Kazakhstan -Kenya -Kiribati -Kuwait -Kyrgyzstan -Lao People's
Democratic Republic -Latvia -Lebanon -Lesotho
-Liberia *Libyan Arab -Jamahiriya -Liechtenstein -Lithuania -Luxembourg -Madagascar -Malawi -Malaysia -Maldives -Mali -Malta -Marshall Islands -Mauritania -Mauritius -Mexico -Micronesia, Federated
States of -Moldova -Monaco -Mongolia -Montenegro -Morocco -Mozambique -Myanmar -Namibia -Nauru -Nepal -Netherlands -New Zealand -Nicaragua -Niger -Nigeria -Norway -Oman -Pakistan -Palau -Panama -Papua New Guinea -Paraguay -Peru -Philippines -Poland -Portugal -Qatar -Republic of Korea -Romania -Russian Federation -Rwanda -Saint Kitts & Nevis -Saint Lucia
-St. Vincent & The Grenadines
-Samoa -San Marino -Sao Tome & Principe -Saudi Arabia -Senegal -Serbia -Seychelles -Sierra Leone -Singapore -Slovakia -Slovenia -Solomon Islands -Somalia -South Africa -South Sudan -Spain -Sri Lanka -Sudan -Suriname -Swaziland -Sweden -Switzerland -Syrian Arab Republic -Tajikistan -Thailand -Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia
-Timor-Leste -Togo -Tonga -Trinidad & Tobago -Tunisia -Turkey -Turkmenistan -Tuvalu -Uganda -Ukraine -United Arab Emirates -United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
-United Republic of Tanzania
-United States of America
-Uruguay -Uzbekistan -Vanuatu
Member States
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-Venezuela -Viet Nam
-Yemen -Zambia
-Zimbabwe
Writing Resolutions
A resolution is a one-page proposal that calls for action to be taken by the United Nations. This action may be undertaken by the Secretariat, member states, or various UN organizations. Resolutions have three main elements: 1) The Heading tells where the proposal is being submitted, the subject of the Resolution and the primary sponsor. 2) The Preamble states the purpose of the Resolution, and explains why the operative clauses should be adopted. Each preamble clause should begin with a "Preamble Phrase" and should be followed by a comma. The final clause in the in the preamble should end with a colon. 3) The Operative Clauses state the action that the committee should take and should be the bulk of the resolution. The first word of the clause should be a verb, which indicates the action of the clause. Each clause should be followed by a semicolon, with the last clause ending with a period. Take a look at the sample resolution on the next page. The sections are labeled for you. You will not need to label the sections of your resolutions.
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Sample Resolution: Narco Terrorism
Recognizing the importance of Resolution 1373 by the Security Council and its significance in trying to eradicate Narco-terrorism, Deeply concerned by the connection of drug smuggling to the tragedy of September 11 and Madrid bombing in 2004, Deeply regretting the lack of effort by international community to halt the evident rise in crime supported through illicit drug exchange, Fully alarmed that this continuing trend may lead to the re-surfacing of Taliban and al-Qaeda as an unstoppable force, Convinced that increase in drug trade and illicit arm trade may lead to another tragedy such as September 11, 1. Encourages all nations to make stricter policies regarding arm trade and border control as weapons and military technologies are easily passed from one country to the other; 2. Condemns powerful nations for doing arms trade with countries in conflict which continues to cause problems not only in small scale arm conflict but also in large scale regional crisis; 3. Expresses its hope that powerful countries will put human interest and lives before self-interest and monetary benefit; 4. Draws the attention to armed conflicts all over the world and how rebels as well as oppositions acquire weapons so easily which not only elongates the crisis due to the equal power but also takes a greater amount of lives; 5. Stresses major powers should not readily provide military help or technology to their allies as this will further escalate regional conflicts and increase lack of cooperation in the international community.
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Affirming Alarmed by Approving Aware of Believing
Bearing in mind Confident
Contemplating Convinced Declaring
Deeply conscious Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting
Desiring Emphasizing
Expecting Expecting fully
Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction
Fulfilling Fully aware
Fully alarmed Fully believing
Further deploying Further recalling
Guided by Having adopted
Having considered Having considered further Having devoted attention
Having examined Having studied
Having heard Keeping in mind
Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction
Noting with deep concern Noting further
Noting with approval Observing Realizing
Reaffirming Recalling
Recognizing Referring Seeking
Taking into account Taking into consideration
Taking note Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming
Examples of Preamble Phrases
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Accepts Affirms
Approves Authorizes
Calls Calls upon Condemns
Congratulates Confirms Considers
Declares accordingly Deplores
Draws the attention Designates Emphasizes Encourages Endorses
Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope
Further affirms Further proclaims
Further reminds Further recommends
Further resolves Further requests
Notes Notes further
Proclaims Reaffirms
Recommends Reminds Regrets
Requests Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns Supports
Trusts Takes note of
Transmits Urges Yields
Examples of Operative Phrases
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-Albania -Andorra -Armenia -Austria
-Azerbaijan -Belarus -Belgium
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Bulgaria -Canada -Croatia
-Czech Republic -Denmark -Estonia -Finland
-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
-France -Georgia
-Germany -Greece
-Hungary -Iceland -Ireland
-Italy -Kazakhstan -Kyrgystan
-Latvia -Liechtenstein
-Lithuania -Luxembourg
-Malta -Moldova -Monaco
-Montenegro -Netherlands
-Norway -Palau -Poland
-Portugal
-Romania -Russian Federation
-San Marino -Serbia
-Slovakia -Slovenia -Spain
-Sweden -Switzerland -Tajikistan
-Turkmenistan -Ukraine
-United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland -United States
of America -Uzbekistan
General Assembly Region A
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-Algeria -Angola -Benin
-Botswana -Burkina Faso
-Burundi -Cameroon -Cape Verde
-Central African Republic -Chad
-Comoros -Republic of Congo
-Côte d'Ivoire -Democratic Republic
of Congo -Djibouti -Egypt
-Equatorial Guinea -Eritrea
-Ethiopia -Gabon -Gambia -Ghana -Guinea
-Guinea Bissau -Kenya -Kiribati -Lesotho -Liberia
-Libyan Arab Jamahiriya -Madagascar
-Malawi -Mali
-Mauritania -Mauritius -Morocco
-Mozambique -Nauru
-Namibia -Niger
-Nigeria -Rwanda
-Sao Tome & Principe -Senegal
-Seychelles -Sierra Leone
-Somalia -South Africa
-Sudan -Swaziland
-Tonga -Togo
-Tunisia -Uganda
-United Republic of Tanzania -Zambia
-Zimbabwe
General Assembly Region B
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-Afghanistan -Antigua and
Barbuda -Argentina -Australia -Bahamas -Bahrain
-Bangladesh -Barbados
-Belize -Bhutan -Bolivia -Brazil -Brunei
Darussalam -Cambodia
-Chile -China
-Colombia -Costa Rica
-Cuba -Cyprus
-Democratic People's Republic
of Korea -Dominica
-Dominican Republic -Ecuador
-El Salvador -Federated States
of Micronesia -Fiji
-Grenada -Guatemala
-Guyana -Haiti
-Honduras -India
-Indonesia -Iran, Islamic Republic of
-Iraq -Israel
-Jamaica -Japan -Jordan -Kuwait
-Lao People's Democratic
Republic -Lebanon -Malaysia -Maldives
-Marshall Islands -Mexico
-Mongolia -Myanmar
-Nepal -New Zealand
-Nicaragua -Oman
Pakistan -Panama
-Papua New Guinea
-Paraguay -Peru
-Philippines -Qatar
-Republic of Korea -St. Kitts and
Nevis -Samoa
-Saudi Arabia -Singapore
-Solomon Islands -Sri Lanka -St. Lucia
-St. Vincent and Grenadines -Suriname
-Syrian Arab Republic -Thailand
-Timor-Leste -Trinidad and
Tobago -Turkey -Tuvalu
-United Arab Emirates -Uruguay -Vanuatu
-Venezuela -Viet Nam -Yemen
General Assembly Region C
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Conference Participation
Delegates to the Introductory General Assembly have the option of participating in the opening ceremony and banquet which takes place on the evening of Thursday March 6, 2014. A small fee is required for those delegates who would like to attend. The banquet is followed by a required night activity for all overnight participants. Students choosing to attend the banquet and night activity will be housed for the night with a Hope Student. For those General Assembly delegates who choose not to attend the opening ceremony, check in will take place on the morning Friday, March 7, 2014. The session will open with each delegate giving a brief statement on their standing on the issues, a time of caucus for support of their amendments, and an opportunity to submit their amendments to the steering committee. After lunch, the Introductory General Assembly will hold a plenary session on each topic and discuss the selected amendments. All delegates are expected to accurately represent their countries in submitting and cosponsoring amendments, debating, and voting. In the caucusing portions of the morning, the time will be devoted to obtaining support from other countries, and composing amendments. There are two delegates per country, both should be equally qualified to support their amendments during the caucusing and debate.
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Introductory General Assembly
Director: Jake Rozema
The General Assembly program is the single largest organ of the Hope College Model United Nations conference. The General Assembly sessions serve to introduce students to the nature of the United Nations system and give them an awareness of some of the subsequent issues. Schools are encouraged to have delegations in each region. The Introductory General Assembly is for beginning students who want an introduction to the UN simulation. The Introductory General Assembly considers resolutions that have been drafted by Hope College students. The issues facing the Introductory General Assembly this year are Blood Diamonds and Endangered Species. These resolutions have been created especially for the Introductory General Assembly and are not actual UN resolutions. Students participating in the IGA are expected to research the topic and resolution to which they are designated and prepare amendments to be submitted to the General Assembly.
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Blood Diamonds
Blood Diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are diamonds
that have been collected through illegal means. This could mean the
diamonds were illegally obtained through the mining process, used in
financing military conflicts, and the extraction process could have
violated the basic human rights of the miners. They are primarily mined
in war stricken areas then used to continue the exploitation of people in
the area. Miners are said to earn less than a dollar a day.
There have been many attempts to rectify the problem. One main
idea was the Kimberly Process Certificate. The idea was to track the diamonds in order to make sure they were coming from legitimate
sources following the rules. Due to the large demand for diamonds and already exorbitant diamond prices, this has been largely unsuccessful.
Diamonds simply represent too high of an investment to be discarded, regardless of whether their purchaser is informed of their history.
Though the United Nations has passed multiple resolutions in regards to diamonds and recognizes them as a cause of major conflict
and instability, conflict diamonds continue to cause conflicts today.
Questions to Consider: In what ways are the sale of Blood Diamonds damaging to human rights? What processes can be put in place to ensure that conflict diamonds are identified? Web References: http://www.un.org/en/ga/62/plenary/diamonds/bkg.shtml
http://www.worldbank.org/afr/wps/wp13.pdf
http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/2003/unres0425.htm
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Sample Resolution: Subject to Change
SUBMITTED TO: General Assembly
SUBJECT: Blood Diamonds
1. SUPPORTS resources needed to stop the trade in conflict diamonds.
2. RECOGNIZES that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme can help to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions on the trade to conflict diamonds.
3. NOTE the commitments made at the Kimberley Process ministerial meetings to ensure that measures taken to implement the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for rough diamonds will be consistent with international trade rules.
4. COMMENDS the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and recognizes the need for improving the process until conflict diamonds are no longer traded.
5. WELCOMES the decision to collate and disseminate relevant statistical data on the production of, and international trade in, rough diamonds as a tool for effective implementation.
6. STRESSES that the widest possible participation in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is essential and should be encouraged and facilitated, and urges all Member States to participate actively in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
7. REQUESTS the Chair of the Kimberley Process to present to each General Assembly session a report on its implementation;
8. DECIDES to include in the provisional agenda of its future sessions the item entitled “The role of diamonds in fueling conflict.”
9. RECOGNIZES trade in conflict diamonds must be stopped and asks the International Criminal Court to establish guidelines to prosecute those who trade conflict diamonds.
10. RECOMMENDS a 1% tax on diamonds to be spent on stopping the trade in conflict diamonds.
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Endangered Species
An Endangered Species refers to any species of animal, plant, or insect
which is deemed to have an insufficient population to continue to re-
produce. These species are within danger of extinction. Though some species
naturally die out, today many are endangered due to pollution, hunting, and
human encroachment onto their habitats. Though any animal which is
nearing extinction can be classified as endangered, only animals which
appear on the IUCN Red List are considered officially endangered.
Currently, laws are in place in many affluent countries to protect
endangered species from continued decline. However, poaching and
pollution continue to cause extinctions in many underdeveloped and
developing countries. This is a major issue because without outside
involvement, species will continue to die out. This will cause major issues in
the food chain and disrupt entire ecosystems.
According to WWF there are currently 16 critically endangered species
and 33 endangered. There are also vulnerable and near threatened animals.
This situation needs to be addressed globally for there to be a solution. The
global community needs to set a standard and make sure everyone is
following it in order to preserve the animals in our world.
Questions to Consider:
How can the burden of environmental conservation be shared equally?
Why should the United Nations attempt to safeguard biodiversity and protect
endangered species?
In what areas are poachers and illegal hunting practices most problematic?
Web References:
http://research.un.org/en/docs/environment
http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/37/a37r007.htm https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/wildlife-and-forest-crime/
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Sample Resolution: Subject to Change
SUBMITTED TO: General Assembly SUBJECT: Endangered Species, Loss of Biodiversity ALARMED by the rising number of species at risk of extinction FURTHER ALARMED by the increasing lack of bio-diversity including but not limited to habitat loss/damage, climate change, and pollution RECOGNIZING that the actions taken by current generations can and will have lasting impact BELIEVING that it is a global responsibility to address the maintenance and care of the planet FURTHER BELIEVING that the environment and its animal inhabitants are important and worth preserving REQUESTS that the international community meet these goals: 1. Reduce the amount of annual deforestation happening globally by 50% by 2020 Funding for this will be provided by all member nations on the basis of natural resource consumption percentage. 2. Create a committee with an annual budget of twenty million dollars to increase protective measures for animal species considered to be endangered and work with Nation State governments to implement and enforce these measures. Funding shall be provided as a percentage of GDP. 3. Generate annual reports for the Assembly to review. Funding shall be decided as a percentage of each country’s GDP.
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Advanced General Assembly
Director: Rob Fountain
Advanced delegations will be made up of four participants-two for each committee or topic. There will be an optional Thursday night session for the Advanced General Assembly. For delegations choosing to attend, this session will give participants an opportunity to draft resolutions and submit the drafts to the steering committee. These resolutions will receive preference in Friday sessions and will be the first resolutions brought before the Assembly. For those delegations choosing not to attend, the expectation is that a completed resolution will be brought with them to the opening session on Friday morning. Failure to meet this expectation will be taken into account in the consideration for awards. The Friday sessions will include time for caucusing in support of resolutions and drafting additional resolutions if necessary. Committees will review and approve resolutions which will then be sent to the steering committee. The steering committee will then select resolutions and the Assembly will convene to vote. Votes must receive two-thirds approval of the General Assembly to be passed. Students choosing to participate in Thursday night session are invited to attend the opening banquet for a small fee. In addition there is a night activity required for all overnight guests. Housing will be available on the Hope College campus if desired.
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2014 Drug Summit
Drugs are a serious issue all over the world. It is not just the use of
drugs that are important for consideration, but also issues that follow
their use: violence, sex trafficking, support for rebellious groups, and
illegal money exchanges. Therefore, the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime is holding a summit in order to address the critical issues
related to drug use that are currently happening. They will need to
address issues mentioned above as well as what determines the legalized
use of a drug. This is an important step in order to end the “War on
Drugs.” The use and sale of illegal drugs has annual revenues of around
$320 billion dollars. The sales fund criminal organizations that have
enslaved millions of people each year. Drugs are considered a
destabilizing contraband which means that the sale, production, and
transportation of drugs have adverse effects on the quality of life in
involved countries.
This summit is designed to come up with solutions for the issues
related to the use and sale of drugs.
The General Assembly has been urged to carefully assess the
situation of how drugs and the selling of drugs are affecting people all
around the world. It has been already established that there is a large
economic sector relying on sales which make resolving the situation more
difficult.
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Drug Summit (continued)
Web References: http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/articles/articles.shtml http://www.un.org/depts/dpa/
http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding/
http://www.sipri.org/ http://www.sipri.org/databases/first http://www.isn.ethz.ch/ http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Services/Newsletters Questions to Consider:
How are drugs and instability linked? Which boarders prove problematic for the movement of drugs? Whose responsibility is it to police international drug cartels?
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Nuclear Disarmament
Nuclear disarmament refers to both the act of reducing or eliminating
nuclear weapons and the act of movement toward the goal of a nuclear-
weapon-free world. Nuclear disarmament movements began in Japan in
1954. Japanese opposition to nuclear weapon tests was widespread and an
estimated 35 million signatures were collected on petitions calling for bans
on nuclear weapons. Many countries have begun starting arms reductions
treaties. The most recent treaty is the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
(START) Treaty which reduces deployed nuclear warheads by about half and
will remain in effect until at least 2021.
While the vast majority of states have adhered to the stipulations of the
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, a few states have either refused to sign the
treaty or have pursued nuclear weapons programs while not being members
of the treaty. The pursuit of nuclear weapons by these states is viewed by
many as a threat to non-proliferation and world peace. Members of the
Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty are currently seeking policies that
discourage the spread of nuclear weapons to these states. States that
currently are seeking or have nuclear weapons and are not part of the
Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty include: India, Pakistan, North Korea, and
Iran. These nations are sometimes referred to as rogue nations.
It is the responsibility of the General Assembly to come up with
solutions that can help, solve the issue of the nuclear disarmament and
create expectations for the next two years.
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Nuclear Disarmament (continued)
Questions to Consider:
What current actions can be taken to continue Disbarment trends?
What actions can be taken to ensure that nuclear weapons and materials are not traded on the black market?
What incentives can be made to encourage states not to develop nuclear weapons programs?
Web references:
http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/sg5point.shtml
http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/
http://www.globalissues.org/issue/67/nuclear-weapons
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Security Council
Directors: Kai Channdy and Derek Warner
The role of the Security Council within the United Nations is to sustain international peace and security. The Council ascertains the existence of any danger to international peace, creates recommendations, uses appropriate enforcement procedures to resolve problems, and organizes the peacekeeping forces of the United Nations. The Security Council has fifteen members: five permanent members appointed by the United Nations Charter and ten non-permanent members designated by informal regional caucuses and elected for two-year terms on a rotating basis. In order for a vote to be approved by the Council it must receive nine votes and include the support of the five permanent members. A veto or an opposing vote by any permanent member results in an automatic defeat of the proposal. The resolutions pertaining to the Security Council are binding to all United Nations member states. Participating delegations in this organ are made up of two students. Each topic will have two sections, one for beginning students and the other for more advanced participants. In addition to the topics listed in this handbook, there will be an Emergency Crisis situation. Delegations participating in this crisis will not be given any information about this crisis until the conference. These students will be expected to have a working knowledge of their countries and their policies in order to adapt and accurately research this crisis during the conference. Delegations participating in the Security Council are required to attend Thursday night introductions and opening sessions. These sessions will consist of a brief explanation of the topic by Hope College session leaders and opening statements by each delegation. For the Emergency Crisis, the topic will be revealed at this opening session and each delegation will be given the opportunity to begin research during this time. As part of these Thursday sessions, delegations will also be invited to attend the opening banquet and ceremony followed by a night activity required for all overnight students. Students who wish to stay the night will be able to stay in housing on the Hope College campus. Friday will consist of three sessions of caucusing and debate. All delegations are required to attend all three sessions in order to be considered for awards.
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Permanent Members
China France Russian Federation United Kingdom United States of America
Security Council Members
2012
Colombia
Germany
India
Portugal
South Africa
2013
Azerbaijan
Guatemala
Morocco
Pakistan
Togo
Countries are listed in accordance to the end of their membership cycle. For the purposes of Model United Nations, countries due to end their membership in 2013 will continue to remain part of the simulation in order to meet requests to streamline and expedite the country assignment process.
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Unrest in the Korean Peninsula
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, known as North Korea, is officially a
secluded totalitarian state. Formed in 1945, North Korea is still in a dispute with South Korea
over the ownership of the Korean Peninsula. Often referred to as the “Hermit Kingdom,” North
Korea’s state-run infrastructure often fails to provide its people with healthcare education,
medicine, and proper food production.
North Korea is a nuclear-armed state and considers itself at war with the United States
and South Korea. It also hosts the estimated largest standing military, in terms of personnel
per capita. Though tensions between the Global Community and North Korea are currently not
high, there have been multiple incidents in the last few years involving arms tests, which have
ratcheted up international tensions.
In 2006, North Korea claimed to have tested a nuclear weapon. This spread alarm and
a diplomatic campaign, aimed at reining in North Koreas’ nuclear ambitions. Tensions
continued to escalate as North Korea continued to conduct nuclear tests, first in 2009 and
then again in 2013. North Korea has ignored recent UN sanctions and has threatened war with
both the United States and South Korea.
For a simulated crisis, North Korea has demanded that all Foreign (Non-Korean) troops
be removed from the Peninsula within one year and that the Koreas be unified within two
years. If this is not done in time North Korea has threatened to act against foreign troops in
South Korea and seek partner nations as needed.
Questions to Consider:
Whose job is it to police the actions of North Korea?
How can North Korea be persuaded to favor peace and economic growth over war?
Is there a basis for settlement of this crisis?
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Unrest in Korean Peninsula (continued)
Sources and Additional Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15256929 http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/ countriesandterritories/northkorea/index.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/world/asia/north-korea-
human-rights-kirby/
http://www.korea-dpr.com/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/17/us-korea-north-crimes-idUSBRE98G0B920130917
http://www.reuters.com/places/north-korea
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/world/europe/un-panel-
urges-action-on-north-korean-rights-abuses.html?_r=0
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Since around 1965, there has been an on-going conflict in Colombia that has included drug cartels which violates and interrupts peace. The Colombian government has taken actions to try to put an end to this unrest. However, these
have been unsuccessful against other groups competing for power. The rebels are financing their warfare with the selling of illegal drugs. Colombia has been assisted by the United States’ recommended policy changes, military help, and monetary compensation. It does not seem to be enough.
The main rebels in this conflict are the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). They believe that they need to continue using military force in order to cause social change in the country. Our crisis notes FARC in Colombia has been changing tactics. There have been many allegations that major members of the rebel group are hiding in remote regions, some of which are within the
Venezuelan boarders, in order to avoid punishment and continue their planned anarchy. The drugs from this situation are being sold in places like the United States and other nations. However, as fatalities continue to rise and the political unrest does not
cease, the need for a solution becomes more pressing. In the meantime the Colombian Insurgent leaders are hiding in boarder regions of Venezuela. It has been reported that they have approval from the Venezuelan Government but the question of more refugees crossing the border
should be addressed.
Questions To Consider:
What destabilizing factors are present in Colombia?
How legitimate is FARC’s ideology?
What are the impacts of Colombia's internal conflicts on other states? Additional Information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12616533 http://www.undrugcontrol.info/en/un-drug-control/unodc/item/4918-analysis-colombias-fight-against-the-coca-trade http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1212827.stm http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/cron/
Colombia
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Following 2011 “Arab Spring” protests, which unseated President Mubarak, the
Egyptian Military took control of the country and established an interim
government. After holding general elections, Mohamed Morsi was elected
president on June 24, 2012. Morsi was supported by the Muslim Brotherhood,
an extremist Islamic institution. He was ousted from office following protests
from liberal and secular groups, by a military coup.
For our crisis, unrest in Egypt is moving towards a civil war between the
government and the Muslim Brotherhood. Israel is reported to have covertly
infiltrated the Sinai Peninsula to keep order in that region. Human rights
violations are reported to be increasing throughout the country. The Secretary
General has asked the Security Council to consider sending peacekeeping
troops to Egypt with funding provided by developed Countries and energy
exporting nations.
Questions to Consider:
To what extent should the UN become involved in a regional conflict such as this? In what way can the UN intervene without acting in favor of the interests of one nation state and against the interests of another? What implications could this have for other Middle Eastern nations?
Web Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/08/world/middleeast/egypt-violence.html http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/06/egypt-cairo-morsi-yom-kippur
Egyptian Civil War
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Emergency Crisis
Delegates who register for the Emergency
Crisis will not be provided details about the Crisis
until the initial session of the Model United
Nations Conference.
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Economic and Social Council
Director: Zoë Caltrider
The Economic and Social Council was established to discuss and coordinate efforts toward development and inequality. The Council is made up of fifty-four voting members elected for three year terms on a rotating basis by the General Assembly. Several bodies operate within the bounds of the Council, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Ultimately, the goal is to identify, report, and address issues within the context of economic and social development and practice. In Model United Nations, the Economic and Social Council is divided into two committees: the Economic Committee and the Social Committee. Each delegation participating in ECOSOC must have two participants-one for each committee. All delegates are required to attend the opening session held on Thursday. During this session the committees will be split into subcommittees and each group will be given approximately two hours to draft a resolution on their given topic. On Friday morning committees will gather together, one Economic and one Social, to discuss the two drafted resolutions and select one to be presented to the Council at large. Friday afternoon will be devoted to formal debate and voting on each resolution. Participating students are invited to the opening banquet, ceremony, and night activity. Attendance is required at this activity for all overnight students. If needed housing will be provided on the Hope College campus.
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Economic and Social Council Members
2013
2012
Argentina Bahamas
Bangladesh Belgium Canada Chile
Comoros Egypt Ghana
Iraq Italy
Mongolia Philippines
Rwanda Slovakia Ukraine
United States of America
Zambia
2013
Australia Cameroon
China Ecuador Finland Gabon
Hungary Latvia Malawi Mexico
Nicaragua Norway Pakistan
Qatar Republic of
Korea Russian
Federation Senegal United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland
2014
Belarus Brazil
Burkina Faso Cuba
Dominican Republic
El Salvador Ethiopia France
Germany India
Indonesia Ireland Japan
Lesotho Libya
Nigeria Spain Turkey
Countries are listed in accordance to the end of their membership cycle. For the purposes of
Model United Nations, countries due to end their membership in 2012 will continue to remain part
of the simulation in order to streamline and expedite the country assignment process.
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Debt Forgiveness
Many developing countries around the world today have incurred
massive amounts of debt to foreign creditors. These developing nations are
unable to pay off these debts, which become more of a burden on the nation’s
developing economy. Debt forgiveness is the voluntary forgiveness of debt by
creditors, giving that nation more of an opportunity to improve conditions for
its people. Debt forgiveness is done through the World Bank, specifically
through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the
Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. When a country has met the eligibility
requirements for debt relief, organizations such as World Bank, Paris Club,
and others begin to relieve debt after clear objectives and goals have been
established. When receiving debt relief, the money a country saves from not
paying debt is used to relieve poverty within that nation.
There are currently thirty-five countries that have reached the
completion point – or the point where creditors cannot back out of debt relief.
There are currently three countries (Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea) that are in
the process of becoming eligible for debt relief. The importance of debt relief is
that it gives developing nations a chance to develop, to improve the situation
of its people. When a nation is relieved from debt, it uses the money it saves
to help improve sanitation; access to clean water; education, and healthcare,
so that people in that nation have a better chance of survival and improved
living conditions.
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Debt Forgiveness (continued)
Questions to Consider:
Should these Debts be forgiven to help stimulate
economic growth?
Who stands to lose money from these debts being
forgiven?
What are the requirements for debt forgiveness and are
they stringent enough?
Additional Resources:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,cont
entMDK:20040942~menuPK:34480~pagePK:34370~theSitePK:4
607,00.html
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTDEBTDEPT/ProgressRe
ports/23395262/HIPCStatisticalUpdate2013.pdf
http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/hipc.htm
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/2008highlevel/pdf/MDG
%20Gap%20release%20FINAL.pdf
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Food Crisis
Food crises are nothing new to the U.N. Numerous factors trigger
increases in the global food prices. Conditions include natural disasters, failed
crops, war, unfair global trading, surging demands from bigger countries and
rising costs of bio-fuels. This crisis continues to worsen for countries already
struggling with rising costs of everyday living, as well as producing food to
export and feed their own country. Although this is a global crisis developing
countries are feeling the severity of this situation deeper than wealthier nations
who are able to adjust. Recent developments in today’s food crisis have been
an ongoing since the 1970s. Solutions are known, but are not necessarily
pursued because this crisis tends to burn out then quickly re-stabilize. To help
correct this, governments and international institutions are putting food
security as a priority. They support agricultural development and food
production in smaller developing countries. Countries are researching ways to
go about global trading and using food reserves to minimize the impact of
shortages. These small scale agriculture programs will prove to benefit the
smaller developing countries that seem to get the “short end of the stick”
whenever food crises strike. Wealthier nations need to support these reforms
rather than just export their surplus food. This will do more to improve food
security for underdeveloped nations that are affected by the global food crisis.
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Questions to Consider: What realistic steps can be taken to alleviate this crisis? Which western nations experience food surpluses? Can this expertise help other countries become self-sufficient?
Food Crisis (continued)
Additional Resources:
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2012/oct/14/un-global-food-crisis-
warning
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/04/zimbabwe-looming-food-crisis-un
http://www.worldbank.org/foodcrisis/
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/10/16/1024581/un-warns-of-food-crisis-in-
2013-if-extreme-weather-persists/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/15/us-un-drought-
idUSBRE92E0O020130315
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International Court of Justice
Director: Josh Cooper
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial body of the United Nations. Headquartered at The Hague in the Netherlands, this organ acts as a world court. By referring to international law, the Court settles disputes between States and gives advisory opinions on legal issues presented to it by other UN organs and agencies. The General Assembly and Security Council, voting separately, elect fifteen judges who serve terms of nine years (five justices selected every three years) and may be reelected. No two judges may be nationals of the same state, and the Court must represent the main forms of legal systems and societies of the world. The Hope College Model UN International Court of Justice considers one case per year. Each country has one justice who will hear the case. Each country who is a party must have two lawyers. All participants are required to attend the opening session held on Thursday. During this session, time will be allocated for lawyer teams to meet and for judges to conduct any necessary research. Throughout Friday morning and afternoon, the hearing will take place and final rulings will be administered. Participating students are invited to the opening banquet, ceremony, and night activity. Attendance is required at this activity for all overnight students. Housing will be provided on the Hope College campus, if needed.
39
International Court of Justice
Countries of Members 2013
Japan
Slovakia
India
Uganda
Italy
France
Malaysia (ad hoc)
Brunei (ad hoc)
Vietnam (ad hoc)
Philippines (ad hoc)
New Zealand
Mexico
Morocco
Russian Federation
Brazil
Somalia
United Kingdom
China
United States of America
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Guide for Judges
A judge in the ICJ has a great deal of responsibility, and must act accordingly. Judges have an opportunity to present themselves in two ways. The first way is to act as an impartial judge and the second is to act on behalf of their countries best interests. If one chooses to act as an impartial judge, they must put aside all personal feelings toward the case at hand, and they must ignore any particular interests their respective country may have on the topic. They must then utilize all relevant international law, along with the lawyer’s testimony, to arrive at their verdict. One must be cautious if they choose to act on behalf of their country. Acting in this way does not mean that one’s verdict is already determined before the case is heard. Instead, this means one will have some biases in court decisions, should they impact your country. While this conflicts with the judge’s role, it provides for a more realistic aspect in the courtroom. One must be careful, however, if this is the mindset that will be adopted, because others cannot know your agenda. This year, there will be two students representing each ICJ judge delegation. This decision will allow more students the opportunity to participate in this organ. Furthermore, a greater number of participants will facilitate increased discussion; this will provide a wide array of opinions and approaches.
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Guide for Lawyers
Lawyers in the ICJ must always act in the best interests of their country. Lawyers are to present their case with passion and conviction, while still being educated on the topic and having credible references. Lawyers should anticipate and be prepared for arguments other parties may present. Students filling this role are encouraged to be creative; they should not be afraid to utilize the list of member countries to formulate possible ways to present their case so that the argument will be weighed in their favor. Lawyers must be completely prepared and use of visual aids or other devices which may energize and clarify their presentation are allowed. Hope College has audio/visual resources that can be used to aid countries during the proceedings. In the past, characteristics of good lawyers have included thorough preparation and clear presentation. Lawyers will be judged on several different levels. Participants must show strong understanding and knowledge not only on the topic but also on the varying perspectives of affected and member countries. In addition, creative arguments and use of technology will be taken into account during judging. If you have questions or concerns regarding the access to various forms of technology or media equipment please contact the Secretary Generals at [email protected] no less than two weeks before the conference.
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The Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of islands located in
the South China Sea. There is a territorial dispute among
Brunei, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and
Vietnam. There are no indigenous people on the islands.
However, they are occupied with different military bases.
The islands are valuable because of the natural resources
located on the islands including oil, gas, fishing, and
coastal shipping convenience. Malaysia, China and the
Philippines claim the entirety of the islands regardless of
which country’s military occupies them.
Malaysia has recently finished construction on a new
naval base on Erica Reef. Though Malaysia has occupied
the island since 1979 it is also under claim by the
Philippines. The Philippines are bringing the case of who
has claim to the Islands to the ICJ since it would like to
exercise its sovereignty and purchase the base. Vietnam,
Brunei, China and Taiwan have also asked that their
claims be considered.
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Looking Ahead
October
Registration Opens
Receive Handbook
November
Begin researching general topics
Country Assignments will begin to be distributed
December
Country Assignments will be distributed as schools register
Continue researching with assigned countries in mind
Early Country Registration Ends: 12.07.13
January
Housing and Meal information will be sent
Registration Cards will be sent
Continue to prepare for conference
February
Last Day for Registration: 02.15.14
Housing and meal sign up finalization
March
Final reminders
Last Day to Make Changes: 03.01.14
CONFERENCE: March 6-7, 2014!
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October 2013
Delegates, First off, we would like to welcome you to the 2014 MUN season. We would also like to acknowledge that this program wouldn’t be possible without all of the hard work from the advisers and students. We are looking forward to making your experience with our program the best yet. We intend to promote a love for international politics and proceedings. We would also like to improve your skills to be knowledgeable and informed citizens in an increasingly interconnected global society. Congratulations on making the decision to become a more global citizen by participating in Model United Nations. Programs like this help to introduce us to global issues by looking at them from a different understanding, which promotes greater international harmony. Learning to appreciate one another, working together to solve problems and celebrating together in our successes is vital to becoming more globally aware citizens, which is essential to our future. Some of you may follow the path we took and continue to pursue your interest in international law and politics, some may not; no matter what your path, may we encourage you to dream big and take advantage of the opportunities put in front of you. We hope that you all have an excellent time preparing for and attending this conference and are looking forward to seeing you all in March. In peace, Ashley Fraley and James Teaford Secretaries General Hope College Model United Nations 2014
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Ashley Fraley Secretary General
Ashley Fraley is a senior from Wellston, Michigan. She is majoring in Political Science and Communications. Ashley
is a member of Model UN, Student Congress, Pi Sigma Alpha and the Pre-Law Society.
James Teaford Secretary General
James Teaford is a senior from San Luis Obispo, California. He is majoring in Political Science and Communication.
James is the Treasurer of the Hope College Rugby team and is a student Liaison for Relay for Life.
William DeBoer High School Coordinator
Will DeBoer is a Senior from Indiana and a Political Science and Communion major. Last year Will was on the Washington
Honor’s semester and interned with the Center for American Progress.
Model UN Sources
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute http://www.sipri.org http://www.sipri.org/databases/first International Security Network (Switzerland) http://www.isn.ethz.ch/ http://www.isn.ch/Services/Newsletters United Nations http://www.un.org Note: These are sources with links to other sources. You must work with them to get what you need.
Delegates are encouraged to check other sources as well.
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Hope College Political Science Department
126 E. 10th Street ~ Holland, MI 49423
Phone: (616) 395-7545 Fax: (616) 395-7935
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hope.edu/mun