UN Security CouncilThe Syrian Conflict

What can the UN do to eradicate the use of chemical weapons and barrel bombs against attacks on civilians in Aleppo, Syria?

History: Aleppo is a city located in Northwest Syria

near the Turkish border. Today it is the front line of the Syrian Civil War between Bashar al-Assad and various anti-government rebel factions.

Starting in 2011 with the Arab Spring protests, Syria has descended into a bloody civil war. Aleppo has been a major battleground for a number of different rebel factions. Since September 2015, Assad’s forces have been in a campaign to retake the city. Since Syria’s 2011 Arab Spring protests descended into a civil war, Aleppo has been a major base for a number of different rebel factions opposed to the Assad regime. In September 2015, Assad's forces began a concerted effort to retake the city. Russia and Iran shortly after increased support for Assad which allowed forces to make their major push toward the city.

The fight between the fractioned rebel groups and the Assad’s regime continue today. Citizens, if not already killed, have been left without food or shelter. Humanitarian efforts have been blocked by Assad’s forces which has made it worse.

The US has not made Aleppo a priority and has largely overlooked the city due to their focus on fight ISIS. This has changed as more people learn about the humanitarian violations that have took place. The Obama administration continues to condone the Assad regime but is hesitant on intervening do to a negative repercussions of increased tensions with Russia.

Closing Remarks:As the Security Council Committee it is your job to resolve the current conflict. Some questions that you should be able to answer are:

1. How can we end the fighting going on between the Assad regime and the anti-government rebel fractions (cease fire, giving aid)?

2. How can the UN provide humanitarian aid to the people in Aleppo with the Assad Regime blocking it?

3. How can the US and Russia compromise and come to a solution?

Suggestions:As members of the Security Council Committee it is your job to make peace in such a

hostile city. You will all have to work together in order to create a resolution. Make sure that you research your individual countries and learn about their allies. Pro-Russian countries would be looking to give Assad more aid so he can deal with the problem whereas allies with the US might be more interested in giving money to rebel groups. Remember there is not one correct answer and no matter what, there will be some negative consequences to any decision. We ask you to compromise with other delegation to minimize those consequences as much as possible.