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2014 Topics Manual
Model United Nations, a YMCA Civic
Engagement Program
2014 Topic Manual – Model United Nations, a YMCA Civic Engagement Program
2014 YMCA Model UN Committee Topics
African Union (AU)p. 2-10
Education Access
Women’s Rights
Political Corruption
Arab League (AL) p. 11-21
The Development and Application of Technology
Political Instability and Economic Stability
Diversifying Economic Policy
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) p. 22-29
The Illegal Arms Trade
ASEAN Economic Unification
Protection of Minority Groups
Council for Economic Advancement (CEA)
p. 30-35
Development of Infrastructure
Development of Green Technology
Environment and Technology (Enviro-Tech)
p. 36-45
Deforestation
Global Population
Nuclear Technology
European Union (EU) p. 46-57
Digital Agenda
Agriculture
Demographic Deficit
International Court of Justice (ICJ) p. 91100
Mexico v. United States
New Zealand v. France
Germany v. Italy
Bosnia v. Serbia
Legal Committee p. 101-110
Terrorism
Diplomatic Protection and Embassy Safety
Sites
Law of the Sea and Oceanic Disputes
Nation Building Committee (NBC)
p. 111-113
Arab Spring
Organization of American States (OAS)
p. 114-121
Environmental Protection
Illegal Trade
Health Education
Political and Security (Pol-Sec) p. 122-130
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Global Demilitarization
Oppressive Governments
Press Corps (Written & Video) p. 131-137
Censorship
Journalists’ Safety
Covering Regional Issues and Conflicts
General Assembly (GA) p. 58-70
Pandemic Disease
Prevention/Treatment/Response
Global Arms Trade and Regulation
Alternate/Renewable Energy
Security Council p. 138-146
Nuclear Disarmament
Militarization of Space
Cyber Warfare
Historical Security Committee (HSC)
p. 71-77
Persian Gulf War
End of Apartheid
Collapse of the USSR
Social Humanitarian and Cultural
Committee (Soc-Hum) p. 147-155
Minority Rights
Freedom of Expression
Education
International Criminal Court (ICC) p. 78-90
ICC v. Ismail Enver Pasha
ICC v. Min Aung Hlaing
ICC v. Joseph Stalin
ICC v. Richard Nixon
World Health Organization (WHO)
p. 156-162
Nutrition Disorders
Refugees & Healthcare in Crisis
Communicable Diseases
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African Union
Topic 1: Education Access
Addressing the issue of education has been a common goal of the
African Union for decades. Making both primary and secondary education
readily available for the African population is integral for the continent's
overall success. Currently, the United Nations estimates that about 46
million school-age children in Africa are not going to school. In Sub-Saharan
Africa, perhaps the most difficult part of the world in which to get an
education, 176 million adults are unable to read and write. Of the ten
countries with the lowest literacy rates, 9 are located in Africa. No significant
economic, infrastructure, or humanitarian improvements can be made with
an uneducated population. Many of Africa's primary education systems are
ineffective and expensive; impeding the progress needed to meet the United
Nations Millennium Development Goal of achieving universal primary
education. In order to become global competitors, the nations of the African
Union must make drastic improvements to their current education systems.
It is vital to make primary education affordable and available to each
child. The quality of public education systems varies throughout the
continent, but most struggling structures face the same problems. Without
adequate government funding, schools are forced to charge high tuition. One
hundred forty one million families in East Africa live on less than $2 US a
day. That amount is even smaller for many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Because access to education often depends on income, families unable to
pay are simply forced to take their children out of school. For instance, in
Ethiopia, 68.3% of the poorest part of the population lives without access to
education, compared to only 13.8% of the richest. Because people living in
the poorest areas can rarely afford to send their children to school, the poor
often remain poor and uneducated, with little hope of improvement.
Higher education in Africa is crucial to the continent's overall
development yet commonly overlooked. Funding for colleges and universities
has waned in recent years, as more and more money is being funneled into
primary and secondary education systems. The University of Ghana, for
example, was once regarded as one of the top universities in Africa.
However, when budgets were slashed after the structural adjustments made
by the World Bank, the university has become overcrowded and its teachers
underpaid. The African Union Commission (AUC) has recently come up with
a plan to strategically harmonize higher education in hopes to better supply
its member nations with educated, able-minded citizens. Hopefully, with
collaborative efforts like this one, African communities will value higher
education as a necessity and not just another commodity.
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Discussion Questions:
1. Why have African nations been challenged to make education a priority in
their budgets and overall political agendas? What can the African Union do to
better prioritize education as a societal necessity?
2. How can member nations better regulate and fund their education
systems at the primary, secondary, and university level?
3. How can the African Union ensure that children from all economic
backgrounds receive education?
Resources:
1. "Africa." UNESCO. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/worldwide/educationregions/africa/>.
This source contains many helpful links to recent articles.
2. "Africa: Key Issues on Education in Africa." All Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 29
Mar. 2013. <http://allafrica.com/stories/201209051197.html>.
This source examines the current problems with education in Africa.
3. "An African School Succeeds against the Odds." NBC News. N.p., n.d.
Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22171299/>.
This source highlights a successful school and explores the issues with many
African school systems.
4. "Africa's Education Crisis: In School but Not Learning." Brookings. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2013. < http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/upfront/posts/2012/09/17-africa-education-crisis-van-fleet>.
This source points out the low academic performance level of students who
are in school.
5. "The Challenge of Education in Africa." Africa Leadership Forum. N.p., n.d.
Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.africaleadership.org/rc/the%20challenge%20of%20educ
ation%20in%20africa.pdf>.
This source gives a detailed analysis of education at all levels.
6. "Education and Gender Equality." UNICEF. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.unicef.org/esaro/5481_education_gender.html>.
This source contains helpful links to various articles about education.
7. "Education in Sub-Saharan Africa." The World Bank. N.p., n.d. Web. 29
Mar. 2013.
<http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAE
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XT/EXTAFRREGTOPEDUCATION/0,,menuPK:444714~pagePK:3400417
5~piPK:34004435~theSitePK:444708,00.html>.
This source has tons of valuable information that can be searched for by
country.
8. This Ford, Liz, and Richard Kavuma. "Lack of Transparency Undermining
Primary Education in Africa." Guardian: n. pag.
source points out the lack of transparency in many school systems.
9. Hoosen, Sarah, Neil Butcher, and Beatrice Khamati Njenga.
"Harmonization of Higher Education Programmes: A Strategy for the
African Union." African Union. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.africaunion.org/root/ua/Newsletter/EA/Vol3%20No1/Hoosen_Butcher_Njeng
a.pdf>.
This source lays out the African Union's plan to address higher education.
10. "A New Model to Strengthen Higher Education." All Africa. N.p., n.d.
Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://allafrica.com/stories/201301041207.html>.
This source highlights a specific program that has been successful in
promoting and supplying higher education.
African Union
Topic 2: Women's Rights
When African societies are plagued with poverty and violence, women
are usually the most significantly affected. Traditionally, women stay in the
home and cook, clean, and take care of the children while the men work. In
recent years however, drought, violence, and displacement have led to
severe changes in the usual family dynamic. Often times, both women and
men are forced to search for work. Although women have been given more
responsibility, they rarely receive a comparable amount of respect. In many
African cultures, women are regarded as second class citizens and their
treatment in society reflects that popular opinion. Unfortunately, political
action to address these injustices infrequently results in meaningful change.
The African Union needs to compose a solution to both discourage and
prohibit the physical, mental, and emotional abuse of women.
As African women are given more economic responsibility within
communities and households, they also need to be supplied with the same
economic rights as their male counterparts. Although both men and women
are negatively affected by poverty, statistics show that women are much
more prone to economic struggle. Women are employed mainly in
agriculture and produce an estimated 70% of the food, yet their earnings
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account for only 10% of the continent's total income. With no laws ensuring
their basic rights, African women are commonly victims of discrimination in
the workplace. A company in Lesotho, for instance, was required to lay off
50% of its work force, and it laid off all of its female employees.
Unfortunately, when government funding runs low, jobs in education and
healthcare are most commonly cut; the two fields most dominated by
women.
Domestic violence and marital rape are common problems within
African countries. This issue is fueled by cultural influences and many
children are raised to believe that domestic violence is acceptable. In African
culture, much more often than in others, husbands are expected to discipline
their wives and wives are expected to submit. In Sub-Saharan Africa
particularly, arranged/forced marriages more commonly lead to violence.
Unfortunately, women are offered few resources because many governments
do not view domestic violence as a punishable crime. For example,
Cameroon, a country of 20 million people, contains no shelters for women to
escape to when a marriage turns violent. Even for nations with laws banning
domestic violence, law enforcement officers usually have little power to
prosecute within communities.
Perhaps one of the most striking cultural phenomenon is found in
Africa. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health
Organization as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the
external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for
non-medical reasons. FGM has been deemed by the international community
as a human rights violation. The procedures serve no medical purpose and
instead cause severe pain, bleeding and problems urinating, cysts,
infections, infertility, and complications in childbirth that increase the risk of
newborn deaths. An estimated 10l million girls in Africa ages 10 and above
have been subjected to FGM. Since 1997, the United Nations has made great
progress in advocating against the practice. Presently, 24 African countries
and several states in two other countries have legislation in place banning
FGM. The African Union needs to create a plan to further advocate for
women's sexual rights.
Women must be utilized and incorporated into African society if
individual nations intend to become global competitors. Currently,
discrimination techniques and cultural practices are impeding women's
progress throughout the continent. While some nations have taken steps in
the right direction, there is plenty more to be done.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is mistreatment of women in Africa so prevalent?
2. What can the African Union do to discourage harmful cultural and religious
practices without causing offense to individual groups?
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3. How can the African Union address inequities in rights and social practices
towards women?
Resources:
1. "Africa." Globalization 101. SUNY Levin Institute, n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.globalization101.org/africa-2/>.
This source contains an overview of some of the problems many women in
Africa encounter.
2. Colombant, Nico. "Africa's Domestic Violence, Rapes Extend Far Beyond
Congo." Voice of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.voanews.com/content/africas-domestic-violence-rapes-extendfar-beyond-congo-121740294/139352.html>.
This source discusses the high levels of domestic violence and rape in Africa.
3. "Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Legal Prohibitions Worldwide." Center
for Reproductive Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://reproductiverights.org/en/document/female-genitalmutilation-fgm-legal-prohibitions-worldwide>.
This source lists specific countries and the laws they have in place against
FGM.
4. "Female genital mutilation." World Health Organization. WHO, n.d. Web.
29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/>.
This source gives basic facts and statistics about FGM.
5. Ford, Tamasin. "Domestic violence is biggest threat to west Africa's
women, IRC says." The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/globaldevelopment/2012/may/22/domestic-violence-west-africa-irc>.
This source highlights the prevalence of domestic violence and abuse in
African communities.
6. LaFraniere, Sharon. "Women's Rights Laws and African Custom Clash."
New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/30/international/africa/30africa.ht
ml?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
This source describes the struggle between traditional practices and modern
advances.
7. "Overall status of women in Africa." United Nations Website. N.p., n.d.
Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
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<http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu37we/uu37we0t.htm
>.
This source is an archive from the United Nations website that gives
interesting insight on Women's issues in Africa in the recent past.
8. "Practical approaches to economic empowerment of women in Africa."
African Women's Economic Policy Network. AWEPON, n.d. Web. 29
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.awepon.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl
e&id=56:practical-approaches-to-economic-empowerment-of-womenin-africa-the-speech-by-alice-abok-aweponschairperson&catid=47:awepon-news&Itemid=29>.
This source offers possible solutions to help address the economic struggle
faced by many African women.
9. "Promoting sustainable human development rights for women in Africa."
Third World Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/africa-cn.htm>.
This source is a comprehensive overview of women's issues and it includes
specific events as well.
10. United Africans for Women & Children Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar.
2013. <http://africanwomenrights.org/>.
This source contains links to other pages that discuss various aspects of
women's empowerment/rights in Africa.
African Union
Topic 3: Political Corruption
Large scale political corruption is an obvious detriment to many African
societies. This kind of corruption can be defined as anything from major
unrecorded governmental transactions to the use of organized crime to
secure political support for undeserving candidates in "democratic" elections.
It is seen as a major contributing factor for the stunted development and
perpetual impoverishment of many African countries. According to a global
watchdog in governmental corruption, Transparency International, Africa
contains 6 of the 10 most corrupt governments in the world. Corruption in
Africa ranges from high stakes, million dollar ventures to small scale bribes
to police officers or other low ranking government officials. Both forms are
extremely detrimental to each nation's people. Corruption prevents funds
and other resources from benefitting the people through poverty alleviation
and other development initiatives, instead creating a weakened political
system which prevents easy access to public services and undermines a
population's trust in their government.
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No African country aside from South Africa has an economy in which
more than 60% of all governmental transactions are recorded in standard
GDP figures. A 2002 African Union research study estimated that the
continent loses $150 billion dollars a year as a result of corruption. Many
economists say that foreign aid contributes to this corruption, as it lessens
the need for a government to interact and face its people when making
decisions. Also, outside corporate agencies frequently exploit mineral
resources that are abundant in many African countries. Programs like
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which commits both
companies and governments to reporting the revenue they respectively earn
and receive from the exploitation of mineral resources, are integral to
promote transparency. High level corruption will take a lot of cooperation
and time to fully address, but the African Union must take steps to eradicate
it if its member nations are ever going to be free of corruption.
Political corruption on a lower scale is also a damaging problem. Petty
bribes made by local officials can be problematic in individual communities,
driving them to lose trust in their government. According to the East African
Bribery Index, compiled by Transparency International, the majority of East
Africans polled said that they paid bribes to access services whose funding
was already paid through citizen taxes. Disallowing law-abiding citizens from
benefiting from aid programs only fuels poverty. The African Union must find
a way to stop corruption during times of peace and to avoid conflict.
Without addressing corrupt governments, African nations will have little
room to develop and become functioning global contributors. The African
Union must promote transparency and develop ways to both monitor and
prosecute those who partake in politically corrupt acts. Although this
problem is complex, something needs to be done if the African continent
plans on becoming self sufficient and economically, socially, and politically
stable.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are all of the factors that contribute to political corruption on the
African continent and within each nation?
2. What can the African Union do to fight political corruption without causing
conflict within governments or between two governments?
3. How can the African Union work with outside agencies to monitor member
nations' progress in combating political corruption?
Resources:
1. "Africa: Scale of corruption and impact on poor." Anti-Corruption Resource
Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.u4.no/publications/africa-scale-of-corruption-andimpact-on-poor/>.
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This source contains an interactive pamphlet which outlines specific corrupt
practices in different African nations.
2. "Africa: Twelve Countries Rank in Top 75 on Anti-Corruption Index." All
Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://allafrica.com/stories/201212060924.html>.
This source ranks some of the most corrupt governments in the world.
3. Cockcroft, Laurence. "Africa: Corruption - a Global Problem or an African
Cancer?" All Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://allafrica.com/stories/201209090308.html>.
This source examines why the African continent is so prone to political and
economic corruption.
4. Country profile search. BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm>.
This source contains a search tool which allows visitors to look up facts on
specific nations.
5. Furphy, Claire. "Corruption in Africa: A Crime against Development."
Consultancy Africa Intelligence. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.consultancyafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&v
iew=article&id=605:corruption-in-africa-a-crime-againstdevelopment&catid=87:african-finance-a-economy&Itemid=294>.
This source examines how political corruption impedes development in
Africa.
6. Gunmede, William. "Why fighting corruption in Africa Fails." Pambazuka
News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/85443>.
This source explores the issues with anti-corruption programs.
7.. "Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa." Council on Foreign Relations. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013. <http://www.cfr.org/democracy-and-humanrights/corruption-sub-saharan-africa/p19984>.
This source outlines the issue of corruption in Africa. Hanson, Stephanie
8. "How deep is corruption in Africa?" BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar.
2013. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3819027.stm>.
This source contains statements about corruption made by representatives
from numerous country representatives.
9. Lewis, Phillippa. "Corruption in Africa: It Takes Two to Tango." Think
Africa Press. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
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<http://thinkafricapress.com/economy/causing-corruption-impactdeveloped-nations-corruption-africa>.
This source examines the role of developed nations in African corruption.
10. Vanhulle, Patrick. "Corrupt political elites block development in Africa."
Ed. Rob Mudge. DW. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.dw.de/corrupt-political-elites-block-development-inafrica/a-4643406>.
This source explains how political figures become corrupt in their fight for
wealth.
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Arab League
Topic 1: The Development and Application of Technology
The current status of technological development amongst membernations of the Arab League is fraught with disparity. One evident example of
this gap can be seen in the ability to access the internet. While membernations like Mauritania lack any basic internet accessing capabilities, others
like the UAE are already immensely developed in this field, and are currently
exploring new communication based technologies. This issue is not limited to
the governmental sector, as private citizens in many Arab nations face great
disparity in regards to accessibility of internet usage and other forms of
communication. It would be ill advised to address the expansion of
communication technology without also assessing how it would grow in
conjunction with other technologies. Such new technological capacities could
create new opportunities to cause as much damage as good, through the
forms of cyber terrorism and other illegal activities. Arabic leaders must
consider the implications of expanding technologic infrastructure across the
entire region, if its potential good outweighs the potential harm, and how to
regulate and control this newly improved medium.
When dealing with the impacts of improved communications
technology, it is essential to address its economic implications. By bettering
communications, a few more evident effects come to mind: improved
emergency response, more efficient government endeavors, etc. But, a
sector that is less addressed while still possessing immense implications
should the communications infrastructure be improved is that of the
economy. More communication through the internet leads to more spreading
of ideas, which leads to more economic innovation, which can improve the
economy. A more communicative government (to its own people and on the
international sphere) would serve to ease political tensions, and would
create a safer investment environment. The possibilities can be endless from
an economic sense should communication be improved. This also will raise
the question as to how far improved communications should be expanded,
and in which spheres of society. For some nations, improving it in the
private sector (corporations, government, etc.) does not serve to threaten
current social or political norms. For those more conservative nations in
which this would cause and issue, it becomes a weighed debate between the
use of censorship to protect cultural values, and to what extent each nation
wishes to better their respective technological infrastructure. It may provide
the dissatisfied masses an ability to express their negative views on the
political and social climate, and this merits consideration in the debate as to
what extent communications should be improved. Expanding its capacities
into everyday life of their respective citizens however could serve as a
potential threat to a currently tense situation.
From this, one should not infer that Arab League member-nations
want to limit technological expansion, but for revolution fraught nations and
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those who find it an essential of government, one practice will rise to the
forefront of debate: censorship. Should the Arab League choose to internally
improve its member-nations internet and communication capacities, the
question would arise as to what extent these new capacities could be
limited. Some more technologically progressive members would have to
question if it is worth the investment on behalf of the entire Arab League,
even if some member-nations would not apply the new technology in its
entirety. Three directions of action arise from this concern. Universal
application of the communication accessibility, national sovereignty to
determine the best course of action on an individual level, or if no consensus
can be determined the outlet can be disregarded and the more corporate
ventures can be given the focus of this topic.
To all the more technologically developed nations of the world, you
may be considering how an improved technological infrastructure overall
stands to benefit your nation’s standing. Consider the fact that improved
technology will evidently lead to a bettered economy of a nation. If the Arab
League can internally propagate its own technologic development, it can
leverage its new economically strong allies for better financial relations
overall. It makes logical sense in the facility that if your neighbor’s economy
is doing well, the odds of your nation’s economy doing well stands to benefit
from stable relations. Also, impoverished nations tend to be the more likely
ones to devolve into revolution and potentially dangerous activities. Both
from a moral and self-preservationist standpoint, improving the economies
of one’s neighboring nations could lead to an improved state of one’s own
economic standing. Of course, these improvements must be funded in one
manner or another, so it is a calculated risk that the more developed nations
of the Arab League must consider with great consideration.
The negative consequences of a broadened technological Arab world
are not to be discounted, and should factor heavily into the Arab League’s
decision on the issue. For a region in which terrorism is prevalent, it would
provide a whole new avenue for such individuals: Cyber-terrorism. With its
increasing frequency and powerfully destructive capacities, cyber-terrorism
is a serious threat to all the potential benefit that could result from an
improved technological infrastructure. The issue of regulation and prevention
against such threats would need to be addressed, and this carries over into
illegal activity. It is evident that with a new medium available, the illegal
business activates of groups and individuals will increase. The smuggling of
drugs, weapons, and other illicit activities would require an even more
vigilant watch, and this would come at a substantial cost to all member
nations. These potential hindrances must be accounted for if the benefits of
improved technology are ever to be felt across the region.
Regardless of the form in which this topic manifests itself, an improved
communication and technological infrastructure across the entire Arab
League will serve to better every member-nation. It can improve commerce,
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the standard of living, and many other facets of life simultaneously. While
implementation may be a controversial portion of this topic, it is possible to
achieve resolutions and to find common ground on the issue. If this can be
achieved, whether in the public or private sector, it can have powerful
impacts on all member-nations.
Discussion Questions:
1. Should the Arab League primarily focus on communication development in
the public or private sector; and what should it do to encourage growth in
either?
2. If communication accessibility and internet capacity is improved how
would your nation handle the growth and regulation of the technological
sector?
3. What economic, social, and political implications could a bettered
communication infrastructure provide to your nation?
4. How should the Arab League attempt to prevent cyber terrorism if it
becomes a threat to the newly developed technologic infrastructure?
Resources:
1."UAE Tops MidEast for Internet Infrastructure." Arabian Business. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-topsmideast-for-internet-infrastructure-419937.html>
Current status of Arabic nation’s technological infrastructure (compared to
the rest of the world) and its impact of economic growth
2. Robison, Gordon. "The Promise of New Technologies in the Arab World".
USC Center on Public Diplomacy – Middle East Media Project. USC
Center on Public Diplomacy, July 2oo5. USC Public Diplomacy. Web. 26
Mar 2013. <http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/pdfs/Robison__New_Technologies_July01.pdf>
Discusses the expansion of technology in the Middle East and its impacts
3 AFFI. Arab Financing Facilty for Infrastructure. AFFI, n.d. International
Finace Corporation. Web. 26 Mar 2013.
<.http://www1.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/d75c10804aee4412a0f3fa88
8d4159f8/AFFI+Brochure.pdf?MOD=AJPERES>
Ongoing efforts to improve Arabic infrastructure by the “Arab Financing
Facility for Infrastructure”
4. "Connect Arab Summit 2012." Connect Arab Summit 2012. N.p., n.d.
Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.itu.int/ITUD/connect/arabstates/WG1.asp>
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Goals and efforts of the “Connect Arab Summit 2012” which is working
towards technology development in the Arab world
5."Arabic Content Trails Internet's Technology Advances." - The National.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.thenational.ae/news/uaenews/technology/arabic-content-trails-internets-technology-advances
>
Discusses the growth of technology in the Middle East and the efforts to
provide a greater Middle Eastern influence in such technology
6. "Internet Censorship in the Middle East." Your Middle East. N.p., n.d.
Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/features/internet-censorship-in-themiddle-east_9864>
Touches upon some of the negative impacts of censorship in Middle Eastern
nations
7. "New Internet Censorship Rules Take Effect in Gaza." Www.JPost.com.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. <http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/New-Internet-censorship-rules-take-effect-in-Gaza>
Censorship applied to protect moral standards in the Gaza strip
8. "Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2008, Asian Successes vs.
Middle Eastern Failures: The Role of Technology Transfer in Economic
Development." Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2008, Asian
Successes vs. Middle Eastern Failures: The Role of Technology Transfer
in Economic Development. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.<
http://www.issues.org/24.3/pack.html>
Reveals the negative consequences of not developing technology and its
economic outcomes
9. "Inderscience Publishers." Inderscience Publishers. N.p., n.d. Web. 26
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.inderscience.com/info/ingeneral/cfp.php?id=771>
The potential for development of technology in Middles Eastern nations
10. "Computing in the Middle East & North Africa." Computing in the Middle
East & North Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Comp_Articles/Computing_10174.html
>
Analysis of Arabic nation’s technological capacities and areas of potential
growth
Arab League
Topic 2: Political Instability & Economic Stability
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From an international and nation by nation perspective, it is an
understatement to say that the Arabic region is politically unstable at the
present time. It is an issue that has gone too long underdressed, and due to
current shortcomings in the structure of the Arab League (most notably the
lack of consistent involvement by all member nations), will require a serious
and league wide endeavor to overcome. The current political instability has
been triggered in part by economic uncertainty, and has lead to numerous
human rights abuses and immoral actions across the region. As the
economic state and political stability of nations are integrally linked, it seems
that the most direct route to involving all member nations on the serious
issues facing their region and to create economic benefit simultaneously is to
create a unified economic power which can serve two essential purposes.
The first is restoring relative economic stability to all member nations, and
subsequently potentially reestablishing stability in the political sphere. The
second is to generate full league involvement in the pressing issues facing
the region, as they would now have an economic incentive for stability and
prosperity on the part of their neighbors. Bare in mind that unification is not
a simple process, and contains numerous opportunities for error and
misjudgment in its application; but should it be successful, it holds the
potential to create great returns.
The first major concern to address is how to deal with external issues.
If the Arab League unites as on international front (while maintaining
individual international sovereignty) it would create immense potential for all
involved nations. One could think of the newly united Arab League as a
union, exercising collective bargaining to exert economic and political
agenda. It would stand to benefit all member nations economically, as the
world’s oil markets would be regulated by the League’s decisions, along with
other economic incentives. Politically, the collective bargaining could provide
protection from external nation’s interference in Middle Eastern affairs.
However, it is imperative to note that political ties between Arab nations
may be harmed by such powerful decisions. It could also be used as a way
to safeguard cultural practices and norms against foreign influence. When
dealing with the international community, a united front may better serve
the interests of each Arab nation than independent diplomacy.
Another important aspect to consider is how a united front would
affect intra-league policy. A united front could provide an opportunity for
internal stability measures and self-regulation. Instead of allowing foreign
influence to dictate how internal issues are resolved, the united front could
stand ready to restore order (as deemed by the respective member nations)
in economically or politically troubling times. Of course, some nations would
find this measure intrusive, and so the other avenue exists to maintain the
norm of independent action and to focus the united front on more external
measures rather than internal. It remains a viable option to all membernations consideration.
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The potential negative outcomes of a unified Arabic coalition merit
consideration before rushing into a venture of such magnitude. It may leave
to much opportunity for the suppression of individual nation’s input, create
division amongst the league internally as to the direction the coalition should
go, and could backfire on its good intentions if improperly implemented. The
regulation of such a unified force would be mired in bureaucracy and would
require sustained active participation and cooperation on the part of all
member nations; a feat that the current Arab League even struggles to
ascertain. While a potentially honorable venture to undertake, the logistical
concerns and focus on cooperative action must be regulated and accounted
for if this is ever to succeed. In addition, more feasible short term ventures
(such as bettered communication, cooperation, and negotiation among Arab
League members) in Arab League activity could better the unstable climate
that continues to remain in the Middle East. At minimum, reform must occur
in the Arab League in some capacity to ensure that the major issues of
human rights abuses, economic uncertainty, and other hazards are dealt
with in a more effective manner. Economic unity is one route to solving
these pressing issues; but, when assessed from its current idealistic state,
requires serious logistical structuring and safeguards to be an effective tool
of the Arab League.
Discussion Questions:
1. Is economic and political unification the desirable route for the Arab
League to take? What unification reforms would your nation propose to
better suit its national agenda?
2. What stipulations would your nation have in considering economic and
political unification?
3. What factors (cultural, religious, political, etc.) exist in your national that
would make unification with other Arab League nations undesirable and how
could the Arab League take those factors into consideration when
considering economic and political unification policies?
Resources:
1. "A Question of Arab Unity - Question Of Arab Unity - Al Jazeera
English." Al Jazeera English. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/questionofarabunity/2008/0
2/20085251852858221.html>
History of Arab Unity and Reasoning in favor of it
2. "The Palestinian Conflict, Brought to You by the Arab League. by Richard
Molfese." The Palestinian Conflict, Brought to You by the Arab League.
by Richard Molfese. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nyu.edu/classes/keefer/joe/molfese.html>
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The difficulties of Arab unity and reasons negating it
3. "What is Arab Nationalism?" ProCon.org. N.p., 15 May 2008. Web. 27
Mar. 2013.
<http://israelipalestinian.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=00
0573>
History and explanation of Arab unity
4. "Nasser and Arab Unity." Nasser and Arab Unity. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar.
2013. <http://www.mrdowling.com/608-nasser.html>
An attempt at Arabic unity
5. "Global Research." The Return of Pan-Arabism Amidst Upheaval: An End
to Balkanization? N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-return-of-pan-arabism-amidstupheaval-an-end-to-balkanization/23542>
Potential benefits of pan-Arabic actions
6. "Arab Unification Is The Ultimate Goal On The Long March Of Arab
Revolutions | Review of Middle East Energy, Finance & Politics |
MEES.com." Arab Unification Is The Ultimate Goal On The Long March
Of Arab Revolutions | Review of Middle East Energy, Finance & Politics
| MEES.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.mees.com/en/articles/1057-arab-unification-is-theultimate-goal-on-the-long-march-of-arab-revolutions>
The correlation between the Arab Spring and Arab Unity
7. "The Resurrection of Pan-Arabism." - Opinion. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar.
2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/%202011/02/201121115
231647934.html>
A modern call for pan-Arabism
8. Lynch, Marc. "The Big Think Behind the Arab Spring." Foreign Policy. N.p.,
Dec. 2011.Web.27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/11/28/the_big_think>
A holistic approach to the Arab Spring and its ties to pan-Arabic activity
9. Hani, Abdulkarim. "Inspired by the roots of Arab unity." Al Jazeera. N.p.,
7 July 2008. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/arabunity/2008/03/2008525172897
13784.html>
A history of the ideal and methods of Arabic unity
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10. "Arab Unity: The end?" Al Jazeera. N.p., 20 June 2008. Web. 27 Mar.
2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/focus/arabunity/2008/03/2008615173198
72300.html>
The beginnings of Arab unity and its status in modern time
Arab League
Topic 3: Diversifying Economic Policy
Complacency will lead to the downfall of any great nation. With this
concept in mind, it is imperative to address the fact that many membernations of the Arab League still rely heavily on the export of one commodity:
oil. While being the world’s chief exporter in a certain item is not inherently
bad, it can lead to disastrous results when that item will eventually run out.
While oil controls the international economic market today, its future is quite
uncertain. It is out of necessity that member-nations must look to
alternative methods of economic stability, in to maintain international
economic strength. One route to future stability could come from internal
development of oil production to its maximum efficiency, then moving on
into new development. Other roads could lead into immediate development
of new economic fields. Three viable modes of economic diversification the
Arab League can explore are alternative energies, manufacturing, and
service based economic practices. The Arab League must act in the present
in order to preserve the future of economic power.
In reference to the first option of maximizing oil production efficiency,
it evidently will serve as an effective mean to a bettered Arab League in the
end. With current funds generated from oil revenue in member-nations, the
Arab League could look to maximize its gains from Arabic oil as a whole, by
developing the necessary infrastructure in nations which have oil, but no
means of accessing it. The potential benefit for those member nations who
would not wish to create competition stand as able incentive to aid their
neighbors at this time; long term investments in a proven commodity (as
this development would not be free), the understanding that the competition
would be temporary (as is oil), and getting a jump start on the conversion to
alternative energies with these funds. This infrastructure could be offered on
bonds, loans, through establishments such as the World Bank, or however
the League chooses to fund it. As all potential revenue is being gained from
oil, the Arab League could turn its attention to the imperative issue at hand:
economic diversification.
The alternative exists for member-nations who do not feel this to be
an economically wise direction; move directly into economic diversification.
While it would be done with less potential funding, it benefits the Arab
League by providing a better head start into the process than the first option
does. These are merely two options in regards to generating the revenue for
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such a feat as economic independence from oil, and other routes may be
explored as well.
Regardless of the methods taken to fund such a venture the goal
remains evident: adapt the way the Arab League garners profit to be a more
sustainable medium. Three suggested routes are into alternative energy,
manufacturing, and service based economic practices. Alternative energy
would serve as the logical continuation of being an oil superpower, as many
in the Arab League member-nations have grown accustomed to power the
world at a fair price. Should alternative energies conducive to each nation’s
climate be developed into fruition, it would serve as a more long term source
of revenue for all involved parties. Manufacturing is an economic venture
that is little applied in many Arabic nations, but has served to benefit much
of the rest of the developed world; so it stands to reason that should the
Arab League invest sufficiently in its implementation, it could effectively
leverage it as well. The last option listed is the most expensive and radical,
as converting into a more service based economy would provide more
stability in employment and revenue, but would come at a great immediate
financial and social cost for those member nations with little experience in
the feild.
There are many economic outlets which can be explored in this effort,
and the funding for them can come in many different ways. The only finite
thing left to remember is this; a transition to more stable economic practices
is necessary for future economic prowess. How the Arab League arrives at
this end result is determined by the decisions of each member nation, and
how it will act upon the whole committee in the end result.
Discussion Questions:
1. What economic venture would your nation support the implementation
of the most? (Not limited to the three listed above)
2. What stipulations would your nation require in regards to the
implementation of such potentially bold economic moves? What would
create greater confidence in such a plan on the part of your respective
nation’s perspective?
3. Other than in implementation, what other potential setback’s does
your nation foresee with the proposed plan of action described above
(or in economic development in general)?
Resources:
1. "After the Oil: The Future of the Middle East." · Sigma Scan. N.p., n.d.
Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.sigmascan.org/Live/Issue/ViewIssue/491/4/after-the-oilthe-future-of-the-middle-east/ >
The impacts on the Middle East when the oil runs out
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2. "Middle East's Renewable Energy Ambitions Finally Coming to Fruition |
Eco-Business.com."EcoBusiness Asias Cleantech Sustainable Business
Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.< http://www.ecobusiness.com/press-releases/middle-easts-renewable-energyambitions-finally-coming-to-fruition/>
Alternative energy production in the Middle East
3. Blog, The CSR. "Renewable Energy and the Middle East
Revolutions." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 27 Mar.
2013. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/csr/2011/02/22/renewableenergy-and-the-middle-east-revolutions/>
A connection between the Arab Spring and alternative energy
4. Washington Post. The Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2011. Web. 27 Mar.
2013. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2011/02/23/AR2011022303586.html >
The Arabic world’s need to better its overall economy
5. "Region 'should Encourage Manufacturing Sector'" Technical Review
Middle East. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.technicalreviewmiddleeast.com/manufacturing/engineeri
ng/region-should-encourage-manufacturing-sector>
Supporting an Arabic embrace of manufacturing
6. "Deloitte: UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt amongst World's Top 40 Most
Competitive Manufacturing Nations." Deloitte. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar.
2013. <http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_LB/ly/press/pressreleases/373ca35ef17db310VgnVCM3000003456f70aRCRD.htm>
The success of some Arabic nations with manufacturing and the benefits it
creates
7. Peter, Crail, and Jessica Lasky-Fink. "Middle Eastern States Seeking
Nuclear Power." Arms Control Association. N.p., May 2008. Web. 27
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2008_05/MiddleEastEnergy>
The potential harm of the Middle Eastern pursuit of nuclear power
8. "Marcon International, Inc. - Ship Brokers & Marine Consultants." Marcon
International, Inc. - Ship Brokers & Marine Consultants. N.p., n.d.
Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.marcon.com/marcon2c.cfm?sectionlistsid=93>
Fact sheet about Arabic oil exports
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9. "U.S. Oil Output to Overtake Saudi Arabia's by 2020." Bloomberg. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.< http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-1112/u-s-to-overtake-saudi-arabia-s-oil-production-by-2020-ieasays.html.>
How the Arab world is losing its world oil dominance
10. Pasternak, Judy. "Middle East Countries Race for Nuclear Power." AOL
News. N.p., 24 Sept. 2010. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.aolnews.com/2010/09/24/middle-east-countries-racefor-nuclear-power/>
Nuclear power in the Middle East
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ASEAN
Topic 1: The Illegal Arms Trade
The illegal black market for weapons, which are being sold to both
militant groups and governments seeking power, is a significant challenge to
the member nations of ASEAN. With so many in the region living in poor
conditions, it is an issue if governments are spending money on unnecessary
weaponry instead of using it to help their people. Militant groups, such as
the Mekong pirates and Jemaah Islamiyah, are also buying illegal weaponry,
and this could be used to attack citizens of these countries or to unsettle
governments in the region. This issue spreads throughout most, if not all,
ASEAN countries, as they serve as a source, transit area, or destination for
these weapons.
Since its creation, and especially in the last two decades, the UN has
worked endlessly for as much disarmament as possible. In many areas
where illegal weapons trade has been a major problem, the UN has been
given the power to enforce laws related to getting these weapons out of the
hands of militant groups. However, this has been largely unsuccessful,
especially in Asia, where groups of bandits, pirates, and terrorists can often
purchase large automatic weaponry, as well as rocket launchers and other
explosives, for very cheap prices. These weapons can be seen as a major
threat to the stability of the region, because many ASEAN nations have a
relatively weak military and may not be able to protect themselves. Even in
larger and more powerful nations, bandit groups are still a huge threat to
more rural towns, and terrorists are a threat in the larger cities.
The primary concern for all ASEAN nations should be the protection of
their citizens from militant groups, such as bandits, pirates, or terrorist cells.
As no clear solution has been found, and many past methods of snuffing out
these groups have failed, many wonder about the arming of the citizens.
Many citizens have taken it upon themselves to acquire weaponry, either
legally or not, and these weapons themselves may make up a portion of the
black market monetary gains. An outright ban on the buying, selling, and
creation of guns may put normally law abiding citizens at risk, because they
are not able to protect themselves or their families against bandit groups
using illegal weaponry.
The final possibility for black market gun trades is governments,
usually of smaller, less developed nations, purchasing weapons for their own
use. These weapons may be used to stomp out resistance, however it is up
to their discretion whether or not this resistance is from harmful militant
groups or from citizens trying to express their rights. This could lead to
major oppression of the people and a dictatorial government to rule. Even
when the governments are buying weapons for the purpose of protecting
their nation against enemy nations and militant groups, they are still using
massive amounts of money. In underdeveloped nations, this money is
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usually being taken from the people instead of using it to help the people
with direct aid or infrastructure buildings.
Discussion Questions:
1. What types of groups may be present in your countries that use/purchase
the illegal weapons?
2. Would it be more beneficial for protecting the citizens to arm them
against these groups?
3. Is your nation is a situation where they may need to significantly arm
themselves for protection?
Resources:
1. "Small Arms and Light Weapons." Australian Government: Department of
Foreign Affiars and Trade. Australian Government, n.d. Web.
<http://www.dfat.gov.au/security/small_arms.html>.
2. Chalk, Peter. "Light Arms Trade in SE Asia." Jane's Intelligence Review
(2001): n. pag. RAND Corporation.
RAND Corporation. Web.
<http://www.rand.org/commentary/2001/03/01/JIR.html>.
3. "Ending the Illegal Arms Trade- Securing an International Arms Trade
Treaty." Clarion Events. Clarion Events, n.d. Web.
<http://www.clarionevents.com/about-us/clarion-anddefencearmstradetreaty>.
4. Ortigas, Marga. "Phillipines Illegal Arms Trade Rampant." Aljazeera.
Aljazeera News, 4 July 2012. Web.
<http://blogs.aljazeera.com/blog/asia/philippines-illegal-arms-traderampant>.
5. Lansford, Tom. "South Asia and the International Arms Trade." Peace
News. N.p., Fall 2003. Web.
<http://peacenews.info/node/3974/south-asia-and-internationalarms-trade>.
6. Vermonte, Philips J. "ASEAN Needs to Address Illegal Trade in Small
Arms." Editorial. Jakarta Post n.d.: n. pag. CSIS. The Center for
International Studeies- Jakarta. Web.
<http://www.csis.or.id/Publications-OpinionsDetail.php?id=119>.
7. Sukma, Rizal. "ASEAN Must Solve Arms Trafficking." Editorial. Jakarta
Post n.d.: n. pag. The Jakarta Post. The Jakarta Post. Web.
<http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2001/05/19/asean-mustsolve-arms-trafficking.html>.
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8. Kramer, Katherine. "Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in
Southeast Asia." ISN ETH Zurich. International Relations and Security
Network, n.d. Web. <http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/DigitalLibrary/Publications/Detail/?ots591=cab359a3-9328-19cc-a1d28023e646b22c&lng=en&id=87858>.
9. Dursin, Kanis. "Worried Governments Target Small Arms Trade." Asia
Times Online. Asia Times, n.d. Web. <http://www.atimes.com/seasia/BE12Ae01.html>.
10. "Arms Treaty Issues." Arms Trade Treaty Negotiation Mapping Database.
N.p., n.d. Web. <http://armstreaty.org/state/asean/>.
11. Boot, William. "What's behind ASEAN's Arms Race?" Editorial. The
Irrawaddy n.d.: n. pag. The Irrawaddy. Feb. 2010. Web.
<http://www2.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=17689&page=1>.
ASEAN
Topic 2: ASEAN Economic Unification
If the countries of Southeast Asia came together as a single entity, it
would have the 10th largest economy in the world. This number is because of
the recent boom in the economy from these countries, and from surrounding
nations such as China, India, and South Korea. It is important for the
countries of ASEAN to protect their economic power and this can be done
through loans, building up industry, or increasing trade. The region is rich
with natural resources, and needs to develop an economy based on
increasing exports and efficiently using imports or home made products.
With other regions forming economic powers, such as the European Union,
Southeast Asia may want to consider a similar alliance, in order to help
stimulate their economies and become a larger player in world economics.
The Federation of ASEAN Economic Associations (FAEA) is a union of
economic societies and associations in Southeast Asia. The objective of FAEA
is to promote the study of economics, its applications and foster cooperation
in research and intellectual discourse among member countries.
Each year, a member country hosts an annual economic conference
focusing on contemporary issues for the ASEAN region. This Association,
which was formed about 35 years ago, can be seen as the corner stone to
the unity of ASEAN as an economic power, however the strength, scope, and
importance of the FAEA at this time is limited. Other partnerships currently
exist between small groups of nations, such as between the continental
original ASEAN members, the Trans-Pacific partnership, and others, all with
differing goals and methods. Although some ASEAN members currently
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share free trade partnerships, it may be extremely beneficial to each country
and the region as a whole for these to be expanded to other surrounding
Asian nations. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), is currently seeking
regional economic integration, with main goals such as: a single market and
production base, highly competitive economic region, region of equitable
economic development, region fully integrated into the global economy. The
countries in the region may want to look to expand this integration, and go
forward to a region of free trade, more capital, and skilled laborers.
The original 10 countries of ASEAN currently have a Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) of US$2.2 trillion. This number is huge compared to where
the region was only decades ago. However, the region has many resources
currently being untapped by the nations, either due to lack of infrastructure
or other inability. In order to increase the GDP of the region, and to stand as
competition to other large nations or unions, the nations of ASEAN must
invest in ways to better claim and utilize these resources. Nations in the
region that have found success recently have done so by increasing their
investments in infrastructure, a long term objective that increases the
industrial capabilities of a nation, as well as making resources more
available, trade within and outside the region easier and cheaper, and the
harvesting of different sources of energy a more realistic objective. This
infrastructure build up may be necessary to unite the different nations in
trade to improve the region. Other minor successes have been found in free
trade zones, where tariffs between the nations are eliminated in order to
encourage trade.
However, economic unification may not be the best path for the each
ASEAN nation, or the region as a whole. While originally seeming like a very
strong system, the European Union has recently been failing due to a
number of reasons. One of these reasons is the common currency, which
carries different value in different nations due to inflation. If the ASEAN
nations were to unite in an economic union, this matter would have to be
examined extensively. Another issue in the failure of the European Union,
which may be used as a model for ASEAN unification, is the difference in
economic status between the nations. The ASEAN committee holds some of
the fastest growing economies in the world, and their unification with much
smaller and more stagnant economies may be harmful to one or both of
them.
The ASEAN committee covers a large region, with member nations
from across Asia, except for the Middle East and Russia, and also including
Australia and Oceania. Any form of economic unification may be extremely
difficult when such a huge area is being covered, especially because many
nations are islands which are unconnected to other ASEAN nations except by
the sea. This may make infrastructure build up in these islands worthless to
the other member nations, and therefore unsupportable. ASEAN nations may
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also consider smaller unification and trade treaties, between significantly
smaller regions, or between only certain countries.
Some step forward needs to be taken in order to ensure economic
growth for the nations of ASEAN. As economic unification is a current global
trend, the member nations of ASEAN need to decide whether they will follow
this path to increase their economic standing, or will look to other pathways.
Discussion Questions:
1. What role is your nation currently playing in the regional economic
scheme?
2. What types of resources, infrastructure, industry, etc does your nation
have or have access to?
3. What type of resources does your nation not have access to and currently
goes without or receives only by imports?
4. Does your nation have strong economic unity ties with any of its
neighbors?
Resources:
1. Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN Economic Commuity.
ASEAN Economic Community. ASEAN, n.d. Web.
<http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-economic-community>.
2. Hiebert, Murray. "Southeast Asia’s Energy Investment Provides
Opportunity for U.S. Companies." Center for Strategic and
International Studies. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://cogitasia.com/southeast-asia%E2%80%99s-energyinvestment-provides- opportunity-for-u-s-companies/>.
3. Charumanee, Kuboon. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 and Its
Implication on APEC. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 27 July 2012. Web.
<http://ebookbrowse.com/ascc-paper-charumanee-docd372553220>.
4. "Knowledge@Wharton Leadership and Change Research Article."
Renewable Energy for Southeast Asia: A Market Ready for Takeoff.
N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=3086>.
5. "South East Asia." Countries - Export Markets. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://export.business.vic.gov.au/exportmarkets/countries/malaysia>.
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6. "M'sia Is Ready for Asean Economic Community." KiniBiz. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.kinibiz.com/story/economics/9798/m%E2%80%99sia-isready-for-asean-economic-community.html>.
7. "ASEAN Economic Bulletin." Project MUSE. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/ase/>.
8. "In Asia: Weekly Insight and Features from Asia." In Asia Progress on
Economy at ASEAN Talks But South China Sea Rocks the Boat
Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://asiafoundation.org/inasia/2012/11/28/progress-on-economy-at-asean-talks-butsouth-china-sea-rocks-the-boat/>.
9. "Energy Market Integration." South East Asia Infrastructure. N.p., n.d.
Web. <http://southeastasiainfra.com/energy-market-integration/>.
10. "Malaysian Economic Association." Malaysian Economic Association. N.p.,
n.d. Web. <http://www.pem.org.my/faea2.html>.
ASEAN
Topic 3: Protection of Minority Groups
Long standing racism exists in many countries in ASEAN, either
towards ethnic groups or religious minorities in the region. There are fears
that in some areas of the region that a possibility for genocide or mass
persecution exists due to the beliefs of the government being different than
that of the minority groups. It is the role of these governments to protect
the people, and when they cannot, ASEAN must step in to punish or aid
governments where persecution is happening.
Article 1 of Chapter 1 of the UN Charter states, “To achieve
international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic,
social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and
encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all
without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.” One of the basis
for the UN is to protect all people regardless of the differences they may
have with others. Asia has been notorious for denying equal rights of
minority groups by both the majority people and the governments of
nations. One of the largest causes for unfairness to minorities in these Asian
nations, besides any long-standing racism, is the constitution of these
nations. While it cannot be recommended that all nations rewrite their
constitution, amendments could be suggested by ASEAN that would
guarantee equal protection under the law of the citizens that are a part of
these groups, and rewards or penalties may incite the governments of
nations to do so. Education may also be important for aiding the average
citizens in conquering racism. Learning the similarities between themselves
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and those whom they persecute can be important for curing the issue of
racism, and prevents any chance of a future genocide.
Many minorities in the region do not have access to food, water, or
shelter because either they are barred by law from buying such things, or
because they do not have the money to purchase them. Businesses in some
nations will not offer jobs, or rightful job promotions, to people based on
their status as a minority. The freedoms of minorities in many ASEAN
nations are also lessened from majorities in the nation, such as the freedom
of speech. This problem also extends to other rights, such as the right to
education. Many Asian nations have schooling systems that will ask for race,
religion, or other discriminatory factors, and reject admission to those whom
they find unfit based solely on these factors. This puts the children at a
major disadvantage in the future, because their lack of education will
prohibit them from obtaining certain jobs or opportunities. Minorities may
also be excluded from having a driver’s license (in developed nations),
holding government positions, and in some nations it is a crime for
minorities to enter certain areas, such as major cities.
However, many ASEAN nations may find an increase in minority rights
may be harmful to their nation. Many nations have been built on a culture
that is specifically prejudice against certain groups of people, and to go back
on this would be strongly opposed by the people of the nation. In many
nations, violence may erupt due to changes in laws which the majority
groups are in favor of. In some cases, this may lead to violence,
persecution, or wars made against these certain groups. While it may be
possible for these governments to protect minority rights in the long term,
sudden change may cause more violence than if nothing was done. In some
nations, the economy is even helped by certain minority prohibiting laws. A
current trend in Oceanic nations is for Chinese merchants to come and start
competing with local businesses. These merchants are usually successful,
because they bring large amounts of funds from a much richer country.
These merchants then drive workers and business owners out of work, which
in turn forces them to work for the Chinese merchant. Some nations have
enacted laws prohibiting these merchants from setting up certain types of
businesses or trades which may harm the local economy.
The ASEAN nations may face challenges because of the long-standing
racism in many areas, as well as government support for the majority group
and the limited jurisdiction of the UN. They also may not want to change
policies, because their current procedures help the majority greatly at some
cost to the minority. However, it is still highly advisable to push for
constitutional amendments to protect all people of ASEAN, as well as full
recognition of them as citizens with all equal rights. Education programs may
be helpful in educating young people about racism and the dangers it brings.
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Discussion Questions:
1. What different minority groups are present in your nation, and how much
of the population do they make up?
2. What rights (if any) do these groups lack in your nation, as compared to
the majority?
3. What is the best way to combat governments oppressing minority groups?
Resources
1. "Charter, United Nations, Chapter I, Purposes and Principles." UN News
Center. UN, n.d. Web.
<http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter1.shtml>.
2. Kahn, Borhan U., and Muhammad M. Rahman. Protection of Minorities:
Regimes, Norms and Issues in South Asia. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.c-s-p.org/Flyers/978-1-4438-3992-1-sample.pdf>.
3. "World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples." Minority Rights
Group International: Asia and Oceania Overview: Overview of Asia and
Oceania. N.p., n.d. <http://www.minorityrights.org/?lid=499>.
4. "The Most Persecuted Group in Asia." The Economist. The Economist
Newspaper, n.d. Web.
<http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/06/myanmarsminorities>.
5. Shaikh, Murtaza. "Protection of Minority Rights in South Asia."
Acadamia.edu. N.p., n.d.
Web.<http://www.academia.edu/798842/3._Protection_of_Minority_Ri
ghts_in_South_Asia>.
6. "ETHNIC GROUPS ." People of South East Asia. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://berclo.net/page00/00en-sea-people.html>.
7. "World Directory of Minorities." Faqs.org. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.faqs.org/minorities/index.html>.
8. "ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights Welcomed by
MRG." Minority Rights Group International. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.minorityrights.org/?lid=8023>.
9. "Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact." Asia Indigenous People Pact. N.p., 29-31
Mar. 2012. Web. <http://www.aippnet.org/home/human-rights/763statement-of-indigenous-peoples-a-ethnic-minorities-ipaem-ofasean>.
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Council for Economic Advancement
Topic 1: Development of Infrastructure
In this modern day economy, developed nations have highway transit
systems, high speed railways, commercial airliners, and international cargo
freights that carry the lifeblood of the international economy: commerce.
However, there are also an abundance of nations that lack basic electric,
water, and sewage systems along with undeveloped roads, highways, and
canals. These obstacles impede domestic, regional, and international
economic growth. Thus the question of how can the United Nations clear this
economic barrier arises.
The first question that each nation much address in relation to the
development of infrastructure is that of regional development. For instance,
countries in the Middle East must first focus on the recovering nations
resulting from the Arab Spring. Revolting nations are effectively huge
roadblocks that businesses and international trade must traverse around. In
Africa for instance, it is almost impossible to find a network of roadways that
connect nations. In Asia, undeveloped roads impede the swift transportation
of goods and commodities between producers and consumers. The matter of
basic transportation in undeveloped regions must be addressed in order to
ensure the economic vitality of each region.
Basic utilities like clean flowing water, and electricity are also crucial to
the development of nations. These utilities are not readily available to
poverty stricken regions around the world. If these basic utilities are denied
to the citizens of a nation, then how can these nations become modernized
and form competitive economies that reflect the true potential of its people?
Water and electricity would be life changing tools that could transform
agrarian agricultural economies into comprehensive commercial economies,
and be a step towards improving a nation's economy. Resolutions drafted by
the delegates should express methods and ideas that also promote the
development of these essential commodities.
Improving infrastructure is not only in the interest of undeveloped
countries. Dr. Mohammed Tarique’s (in the sources) use of India as an
example in his paper illustrates how nations with a high growth rate and are
who are developing rapidly must be accompanied by an emphasis on
infrastructural development. Modern nations should always push new
innovations, highways, and methods of transportation to maximize their
financial opportunities.
The Council of Economic Advancement must form comprehensive
resolutions in order to promote the development of infrastructures.
Modernizing nations would create more fiscal and social opportunities that
would transform the regional, and by extension, and international economy.
Resolutions that can create incentives to the private sector, committees, and
regional promises to work together are among a few that can be explored.
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Questions:
1. How strong is your country’s infrastructure and what improvements can
be made?
2. How can your country contribute to regional improvements so that
commerce and transportation can be easily moved?
3. How does the United Nations encourage the development of
infrastructure.
Resources:
1."AICD-Canned Tables and Charts Model." Infrastructureafrica.afdb.org.
African Development Bank Group, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://infrastructureafrica.afdb.org/models/canned/>
A quick data report by the African Development Bank Group that quickly
shows which African nations have access to what utilities.
2. Bolgar, Catherine. "Coping With Asia's Infrastructure and Transport
Hurdles." Online.wsj.com. The Wall Street Journal, n.d. Web. 21 May
2013. <http://online.wsj.com/ad/article/execdigest-coping>
The Wall Street Journal’s article on how companies are “Coping with Asia’s
infrastructure and transport hurdles.”
3."The Challenge of Financing Infrastructure in Developing Countries." N.p.,
n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://siteresources.worldbank.org/GDFINT/Resources/gdf_chapter6.
pdf>
World Bank’s “The Challenge of Financing Infrastructure in Developing
Countries.”
4. Cook, Clive. "Third World Economic Development." Www.econlib.org.
N.p., 1992. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc1/ThirdWorldEconomicDevelopme
nt.html>
A history of Third World economic advancement.
5."The Importance of Infrastructure." Www.app.gobierno.pr. Puerto Rico,
Jan. 2011. Web. <http://www.app.gobierno.pr/wpcontent/uploads/2010/12/P3-The-Importance-of-InfrastrutureVolumen-1-FINAL.pdf>
An article by Puerto Rico tying the development of a strong infrastructure
with a strong economy.
6. "The Middle East Needs $100 Bn for Infrastructure Projects." The Middle
East Needs $100 Bn for Infrastructure Projects. Al Arabiya News, 28
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Jan. 2013. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/28/262912.html>
An article detailing the need for reconstruction of infrastructure and utilities
in the Middle East following the Arab Spring, showing how investing in better
roads and waterways will lead to a strong economy.
7.Paulo, Sao. "Infrastructure Deals to Bridge South America."
Www.hurriyetdailynews.com. Hurriyet Daily News, 26 Apr. 2012. Web.
21 May 2013. <http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/infrastructuredeals-to-bridge-south-america.aspx?pageID=238&nid=19243>
An example of how South American governments and companies are
investing in infrastructure.
8. Salaam, Dar Es. "A Road to Somewhere." Economist.com. The Economist,
21 July 2011. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.economist.com/node/18989203>
An article on The Economist raising questions on how to better improve
Africa’s infrastructure.
9. Tarique, Mohammad, Dr. "Rural Infrastructure and Economic
Development." RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT | Dr. Mohammad Tarique - Academia.edu. N.p., 21 Jan.
2008. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.academia.edu/198095/RURAL_INFRASTRUCTURE_AND_
ECONOMIC_DEVELOPMENT>
Dr. Mohammad Tarique’s paper on how a strong infrastructure equates to a
strong economy.
10. "Transforming Africa's Infrastructure." Worldbank.org. The World Bank,
12 Nov. 2009. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAE
XT/0,,contentMDK:22386904~pagePK:146736~piPK:146830~theSiteP
K:258644,00.html>
World Bank article detailing Africa’s infrastructural development.
Council of Economic Advancement
Topic 2: Development of Green Technology
Since the Industrial Revolution, the entire world has depended upon
nonrenewable resources for energy. Some of these crucial resources are oil,
coal, and most importantly, petroleum. Petroleum is most abundant in the
Middle East with a group of countries creating a group called OPECOrganization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. These countries provide a
majority of the world’s petroleum and are very important to developing
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countries. Some countries part of OPEC are: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi
Arabia, and Venezuela.
Recently, the Earth has been showing its decline in the number of
reserves of nonrenewable resources it has left. To look for a feasible
alternative, the UN should turn it attention to technology such as: wind,
water, and solar energy. In recent years, these technologies have proven
reliable in producing large amounts of the total world energy used. Solar
farms can be created on desolate desert locations, wind farms can be
erected in extremely windy areas that are not populated, and hydro plants
can be built in dams and rivers. All of these solutions are options that can be
explored.
Nuclear research has some key characteristics that make it seem very
desirable. One of the biggest benefits, is that a small amount of radioactive
material is needed to yield such a large amount of energy. Nuclear facilities
are already being used large, power consuming countries. However, it is
imperative to develop safety features and regulations to help decrease the
potential risk of a catastrophic meltdown. Nevertheless, nuclear power still is
one of the most efficient producers of energy, and should be taken into
consideration in talks of developing clean sources of energy.
Along with nuclear research, hydro-power is also extremely efficient.
Water, being Earth’s most abundant natural resource, has been used to
provide energy for hundreds of years. Currently, hydro-power plants are
being used all around the world in forms of dams and wave-harvesting
machines. However ,these technologies are not completely developed and
still need further research to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, this
technology can be a possible solution to the energy crisis we have today.
UN needs to realize that our climate, and our earth is deteriorating. To
solve this problem, all countries must work together as a whole striving for
one goal: a solution to solve our current energy problems and provide
reliable energy in the future. The Council of Economic Advancement part of
the United Nations must work to promote and install new technology in all
countries to help solve the energy crisis we have today.
Discussion Questions:
1. How should the UN work with other countries that would want to invest in
new technology but cannot afford it?
2. How would implementing technology to produce reliable energy affect
your country?
3.How should the UN control dangerous technologies such as nuclear
technology to be used for energy only instead of weapons of mass
destruction?
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Resources:
1.Swan, Katharine, and Niki Foster. WiseGeek. Conjecture, 17 Dec. 2012.
Web. 01 Apr. 2013. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-opec.htm>
Background on OPEC and what they specialize in.
2."Member Countries." OPEC :. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/about_us/25.htm>
Official OPEC site and list of countries in it. Also gives history of OPEC.
3."United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Home Page." United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web.
01 Apr. 2013. <http://www.unep.org/>
Environment program page with research and information about renewable
resources.
4."Solar Expected to Maintain Its Status as the World's Fastest-Growing
Energy Technology." Solar Expected to Maintain Its Status as the
World's Fastest-Growing Energy Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr.
2013. <http://www.socialfunds.com/news/article.cgi/2639.html>
How reliable solar energy is for the future and the impact it has.
5."United Nations Millennium Development Goals." UN News Center. UN,
n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. < http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>
UN’s goals to complete within the next couple of years.
6."Green Climate Fund." Green Climate Fund. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://unfccc.int/cooperation_and_support/financial_mechanism/gre
en_climate_fund/items/5869.php>
Background on a fund used to promote the implementation of green
technology.
7."INTER PRESS SERVICE." IPS – Civil Society Wants Bigger Role in Green
Climate Fund Planning. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/03/civil-society-wants-bigger-role-ingreen-climate-fund-planning/>
Importance of Green Climate Fund and the effects it can have.
8."Energy Resources: Nuclear Power." Energy Resources: Nuclear Power.
N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/nuclear.htm>
Advantages, disadvantages, and how nuclear power works.
9."U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and
Analysis."U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). N.p., n.d.
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Web. 01 Apr. 2013. <http://www.eia.gov/countries/regionstopics.cfm?fips=OPEC>
Revenues of OPEC nations showing just how much they’re able to export.
10."U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics
and Analysis."EIA's Energy in Brief: How Dependent Are We on Foreign
Oil? N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.eia.gov/energy_in_brief/article/foreign_oil_dependence.c
fm>
Dependency on foreign oil.
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Environment and Technology Committee
Topic 1: Deforestation
Up until the twenty-first century, trees was considered to be an
expendable and everlasting source of resources, habitation, and aid to the
environment. However, in recent years, environmentally dangerous practices
have seriously escalated deforestation rates. Such practices include clearcutting(all trees cut down uniformly) logging, forest fires, soil erosion, and
“slash-and-burn”(the burning of trees to create more space for agriculture)
As environmentalists are becoming more aware of the consequences,
deforestation and its devastating effects are becoming priorities around the
globe and it seems that the future of the environment rests on its reversal.
The consequences of deforestation are far reaching and affect almost
every organism on the globe. Trees can serve many purposes including
paper, wood, medicine, and food stuffs. Moreover, trees and forests are
home to millions of species and the destruction of these habitats may
endanger or eventually cause the extinction of certain organisms.
Deforestation also affects the water cycle as trees help propel the cycle and
fertilize the soil to keep the dirt moist and usable. Economically,
deforestation takes a major toll on the global economy. At a 2008
convention on Biological Diversity, economists concluded that deforestation
and other environmentally unsafe practices could lower living standards for
the world’s poorest populations by half and drop the global GDP by about 7
percent. But most scientists and environmentalists are concerned with the
effects of deforestation on the climate. Trees absorb greenhouse gases
which fuel global warming and as more trees are lost to deforestation, the
severity of global warming increases. Currently, tropical deforestation alone
counts for 20 percent of all greenhouse gases.
Although deforestation is a serious global issue, it is very reversible
and a solution is within reach through replenishment and conservation. In
2008, the United Nations launched a program Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in developing countries to
support national REDD+ programs. These programs are directed towards
local communities and indigenous people and focus on reducing emissions
from deforestation, which in turn involves enhancing existing forests and
increasing forest cover.
The solutions, however, are not the problem at hand but rather
enforcing the solutions is the global issue. Even though many countries have
taken initiatives to curb deforestation, most measures are not enforced
properly or are not followed. Moreover, an alarming number of countries
have yet to participate in preserving their nation’s tree supply or are unable
to apply or enforce new initiatives. Unfortunately, many of these countries
are nations with forest populations vital to the global population. For
instance, Ecuador is home to many rainforests and endangered species yet
the country has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. The
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Environment and Technology Committee must address this pressing issue to
ensure that the effects of deforestation will not become irreversible.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the different aspects of deforestation that need to be
addressed? How can harmful practices such as logging be further prevented?
2. What are alternative solutions to addressing deforestation that could be
more successful than initiatives of the past?
3. How can countries enact or better enforce laws to protect their forests
against deforestation and similar practices? (i.e. clear cutting, “slash and
burn”, logging, forest fires)
Resources:
1. "Deforestation." ThinkGlobalGreen. Thinkglobalgreen.org, n.d. Web. 26
Aug. 2013. <http://www.thinkglobalgreen.org/deforestation.html>
This source is an in depth overview of deforestation around the globe, the
benefits of replenishing the global population of trees, the effects of
deforestation, and deforestation statistics and news. Lists many countries
specifically such as Canada, Russia, African nations, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil,
China, Ecuador, and many others.
2. "United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Home Page." United
Nations Environment Programme. United Nations Environment
Programme, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. < http://www.unep.org/>
The United Nations’ official page regarding all environmental issue. NOTE:
At the bottom of the page the UNEP breaks down the subsections of the
website including a section titled “Forests” which will be the most helpful.
Also, the website also has information by region which is also at the bottom
(Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, etc.)
3. "Deforestation." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013. <http://worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation>
This source deals with deforestation as it effects the various wildlife around
the world and important habitats such as the Amazon rainforest. This
resource will be useful to countries with endangered species or significant
habitats. NOTE: At the bottom of the page, a menu of different species and
habitats will appear. Search here and see if an aspect of your country’s
environment appears.
4. "In the Field." Conservation International. Conservation International, n.d.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.conservation.org/where/Pages/in_the_field.aspx>
Conservation International is a great resource for studying a particular
region’s deforestation rates and the effects of such practices. The
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organization provides a general overview of each region, programs currently
in place, and specified locations within that region considered important to
preserve. NOTE: Good for all countries for preliminary research.
5. Jordan, Leilani. "Deforestation in South America." Gap Year. The Gapyear
Company Ltd, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.gapyear.com/articles/121053/deforestation-in-southamerica>
This article is an overview of deforestation in South America specifically. The
summary is general but is a good starting point for research.
6. "The Problems of Deforestation in Asia." Greenpeace East Asia.
Greenpeace, n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.<http://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/campaigns/forests/proble
ms/>
An overview of deforestation and the harmful effects of such practices, not
just in Asia but also globally. The article is general, although it does cite
some specific cities and countries, but it will mainly serve as preliminary
research.
7. "Forests." European Commission. European Commission, 02 July 2013.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/deforestation.htm>
This article describes the European Commission’s famous initiative to slow
the rates of deforestation and replenish the globe’s population of trees.
8. "Deforestation In Latin America Is Afflicting The World In Countless
Ways." The Green Home Effect. N.p., 28 Feb. 2009. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.
<http://www.thegreenhomeeffect.com/environment/deforestation/def
orestation-in-latin-america-is-afflicting-the-world-in-countless-ways>
This article analyzes deforestation in Latin America and the effects of
deforestation not just in Latin American countries, but also around the world.
9. " Africa and Madagascar." Conservation International. Conservation
International, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.conservation.org/where/africa_madagascar/Pages/overvi
ew.aspx>
The Conservation International page on Africa provides an overview of
Deforestation in Africa and also includes details on specific regions.
10. " North and Central America." Conservation International. Conservation
International, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
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<http://www.conservation.org/where/north_america/Pages/overview.
aspx>
The Conservation International page on Northern and Central America
provides a general overview of deforestation in the region and primarily
focuses on Costa Rica and Mexico.
Environment and Technology Committee
Topic 2: Global Population
As of 2013, 7,075,442,659 people inhabit the earth and this number
estimated to increase by 500 million every year at the current rate. Global
population is dramatically increasing and demographers categorize the
growing population as exponential, or never decreasing. Many scientists fear
that the globe and its resources will not be able to sustain the exponentially
growing human population and how to manage the Earth’s population is a
serious and controversial issue.
The effects of overpopulation are real and present dangers around the
globe. The toll of overpopulation on the environment is also a growing
concern of environmentalists everywhere. As the population increases, more
land and resources are needed to support the people of the area. In turn,
habitats are destroyed to populate the area, the land is exploited for
resources, illegal environmental activities occur (i.e. logging), and the the
climate is strained as more pollutants are released, increasing the amount of
greenhouse gases destroying the ozone layer. There are food shortages,
water shortages, oil/gas shortages, shortages of good topsoil for growing
crops, and shortages of other basic necessities, including clothing, shelter,
and education.
Overpopulation is an issue worldwide between developed and
developing countries. Developed nations are most concerned with the
availability of resources and how the growing population will affect their
nation’s economy, and can provide more access to contraceptives and
education to decrease the number of accidental pregnancies.
On the other hand, developing nations cannot control the rapidly
growing population and are struggling to provide basic necessities (i.e.
water, food, shelter, clothing), contraceptives, and education to their people.
As overpopulation becomes harder to control, many countries have already
installed and are considering, or may be forced to use, harsher measures
such as population control laws, forced sterilizations, and IUD insertions. In
1979, China adopted its current population and birth policy which is
considered to be the first major legislation to control population. Under the
policy, couples are limited to having one baby and conveying a second will
result in fines, harassment, and even sterilization. Since then, many other
countries have taken measures to reduce their national population. However,
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while most countries encourage and make available contraception and
education, other countries use more extreme measures.
The debate over whether such measures are in violation of human
rights is still a heated controversy around the globe, but the fact that
overpopulation is having a negative effect on the environment is nearly
indisputable. The rapidly growing population and the consequences are
issues that fall to Environment and Technology Committee to be addressed.
Discussion Questions:
1.What are the environmental risks of overpopulation and what are solutions
to help combat the effects of overpopulation on the environment?
2. Should other countries adopt similar policies already implemented such as
China’s population control laws? If not, what are some alternatives to control
policies?
3. How can countries who lack basic necessities due to overpopulation
become stabilized? What are current or new approaches to the most
overpopulated nations?
Resources:
1. "World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision." Department of
Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations, 13 June 2013. Web. 26
Aug. 2013. <http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/index.htm>.
This informative cluster of charts, data sheets, and projections complied by
the UN’s Population
Division has all types of population related information, estimates, and
projections for almost
every country.
2. Banerje, Alistair. "Population Growth and Environmental Issues."
InsiderGreen. N.p., 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.insidergreen.com/population-growth-environmentalissues/>.
This article examines the relationship between global population and the
environment and how
the state of one depends on the other.
3. Haub, Carl. "Fact Sheet: World Population Trends 2012." Population
Reference Bureau. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.prb.org/Publications/Datasheets/2012/world-populationdata-sheet/fact-sheet-world-population.aspx>.
The Population Reference Bureau provides information regarding
demographic trends around the
globe including the 2012 World Reference Data Sheet. The article provides
an overview of
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population by region and country categorization (i.e. developed or
developing). NOTE: On the
side, there is a menu that provides a more detailed overview of individual
countries
4. "Overpopulation." Life of Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://lifeofearth.org/environment/overpopulation>.
The Life of Earth organization’s page on overpopulations provides an
informative overview of
the causes of overpopulation, possible solutions, and the issue around the
world.
5. "Population." Global Issues. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/population/index.shtml>.
This article from the United Nations’ Global Issues index provides a history of
global population
initiatives and an overview of the situation worldwide.
6. "Population Division." Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United
Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/>.
The Population Division is a branch of the United Nations’ Department of
Economic and Social
Affairs that discusses and addresses all matters concerned with global
population. The division’s
home page provides the many different aspects of global population and
estimates and
projections.
7. "Population Division: Population Policy." Department of Economic and
Social Affairs. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/theme/policy/in
dex.shtml>.
From the Population Division, this article deals with the population policies
around the world.
NOTE: Publications at the bottom of the page will provide information for
individual countries.
8. "Population Figures for All Countries." Nations Online. Ed. Klaus Kästle.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/population-by-country.htm>.
(Click on the country’s name for additional background information!) This
organization complies the most recent censuses of every country around the
world on their website. The countries are also ranked from highest to lowest
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in population numbers. NOTE: The website’s information on each country is
based on the most recent census released by that particular nation.
9. United Nations Population Fund. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<https://www.unfpa.org/public/>.
The United Nations Population Fund offers possible solutions to halting the
rapid growth of the
world’s population such as contraception and education. The UNFPA is a
great resource for
researching alternatives to population control laws.
10. "World Population Clock: 7 Billion People (2013)." Worldometers. Ed. Sir
Thomasson. Dadax, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/>.
The world clock provides a real-time estimate of the world’s population,
births, deaths, and other
significant rates. The website also provides a general overview of world
population growth over
time, rates, and trends.
Environment and Technology Committee
Topic 3: Nuclear Technology
While possessing both positive and negative qualities, the use of
nuclear technology is on the decline. After the global financial crisis and
Fukushima disaster of 2011, the use of nuclear power and the production of
nuclear reactors have diminished due to a wariness regarding economic
stagnation and safety concerns. At this time, several countries, including
Germany, Switzerland and Taiwan, announced their withdrawal from nuclear
power, and, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2012,
nuclear power accounted for only 11% of worldwide electricity generation.
However, nuclear technology does possess positive qualities. Nuclear
energy, used to fuel technology, is generally divided into three categories:
nuclear power, nuclear medicine, and nuclear weapons.
Nuclear power, including radiation, can be used to enhance anything
from ionization smoke detectors to radio luminescence to food processing
and agriculture techniques. For example, radioisotopes and controlled
radiation are used to improve food crops, preserve food, determine
groundwater resources, X-ray pipelines, control industrial processes and
study environmental pollution.
Nuclear medicine involves the application of radioactive substances in
the diagnosis and treatment of macro diseases, including tumors and cancer,
through the use of methods such as PET/CT scans. The radiation from
nuclear reactions can be used to sterilize medical supplies and analyze
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hormones as well. These applications would be useful to developing nations
as well as developed nations.
Nuclear weapons, also known as “weapons of mass destruction,”
include both fission and fusion weapons, mainly the atomic bomb and the
hydrogen bomb. Possession of such weapons has been a focus of the UN
since the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, signed in
1968 and abided by a majority of countries (save India, Israel, North Korea,
Pakistan and South Sudan). Along with preventing the spread of nuclear
weapons and weapon technology, the Treaty recognizes five nuclear-weapon
states: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, China and France. It
is important for the Environment and Technology Committee to consider
solutions that unite the international community.
As there is a distinctive gap between countries that have access to
nuclear technology and countries that do not, one issue that needs to be
addressed is how to effectively aid nations who wish to expand nuclear
technology in a safe manner. Concern over nuclear technology, especially
the creation of nuclear weapons, is a technological issue with both positives
and negatives that the Environment and Technology Committee must
address. Therefore, it falls to the Environment and Technology Committee to
oversee the differing aspects that accompany nuclear technology.
Discussion Questions:
1. Considering both technology and environment, is a migration toward
nuclear power more beneficial or detrimental to developed and/or developing
countries?
2. What responsibility does a developed nation have to a developing nation
in regards to aiding the enhancement of nuclear technology?
3. How can nuclear technology affect international relations, specifically the
aspects of nuclear power and nuclear weapons?
Resources:
1. "The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2013." World Nuclear Industry
Status Report. N.p., 11 July 2013. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.worldnuclearreport.org/-2013-.html>.
The reports detail the successes and failures of the nuclear industry,
including economy,
management, safety, and competition.
2. General Assembly. "Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy for Economic and
Social Development." UN Documents. United Nations, 8 Dec. 1977.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.un-documents.net/a32r50.htm>.
The resolution touches upon the peaceful use of nuclear energy for economic
and social
development
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3. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. International Atomic
Energy Agency, 22 Apr. 1970. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Infcircs/Others/infcirc1
40.pdf>.
4. "Analysis of the Role of Nuclear Energy in Sustainable Development and
GHG Mitigation." Online Inventory of UN System Activities on Climate
Change. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/climatechange/projectsearch/proj_details.asp?pro
jID=290&ck=OgNT9MUOOKnJzfX>.
This website provides an analysis of the role of nuclear energy in sustainable
development.
5. "Atomic Energy." Global Issues. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/atomicenergy/index.shtml>.
There is a section listing multilateral and bilateral nuclear disarmament and
arms regulation
agreements from 1959 to 2006.
6. International Atomic Energy Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.iaea.org/>.
Created in 1957 as the world’s first “Atoms for Peace” organization, the IAEA
works worldwide
to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.
7. Lamm, C. G. "Applications of Isotopes and Radiation in Agriculture." IAEA
Bulletin - Vol 21,NO.2/3. International Atomic Energy Agency, n.d.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull212_3/212_
305482935.pdf>.
This adaptation from the IAEA publication Isotopes in Day to Day Life
includes the topics of
food and agriculture, plant nutrition, insect control, mutation, food
preservation and animal
production and health.
8. "Nuclear Energy." Energy. European Commision, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/euratom/euratom_en.htm>.
EURATOM helps to pool knowledge, infrastructure, and funding of nuclear
energy.
9. Nuclear Energy Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.nei.org>.
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Under Key Issues, there is research about the Fukushima response, new
nuclear energy facilities,
nuclear waste disposal, protecting the environment, reliable and affordable
energy, and safety
and security.
10. World Nuclear Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.world-nuclear.org/>.
There are “Country Profiles” under the Information Library section.
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European Union
Topic 1: Digital Agenda
The global society is making rapid strides in the fields of technology,
networking, and cyber security. It is both a national and international
imperative to remain involved in the online frontier. The European Union has
established a plethora of goals for the digital agenda, all of which present
challenges and some of which are extremely controversial. Every nation has
different priorities and while less affluent nations may be focused on
expanding internet access to rural areas, high grossing nations may ardently
support more anti-terrorism measures. Thus, balancing the needs of
individual nations as well as the collective European body is an aspect of the
digital agenda that are potentially problematic, but necessary to address.
There are 7 central concepts that the EU has established. These are
valuable issues to confront and create policies on.
Pillar I: Digital Single Market- Designed to remove the typical barriers
that inhibit trading, the Digital Single Market will promote buying and selling
services online between member states. Currently, only 6-7% of consumers
use the Internet to make cross-border purchases.” Anything from
downloading music to establishing a “single area for online payments” are
possible topics to examine. The solution most likely is centered around a
software or third-party forum developed by the EU that links multiple sites
together for easy, efficient, and safe purchasing. This will this be
economically beneficial, but also must address advertising between private
business, so no one company receives an unfair advantage or a monopolistic
control over internet product sales.
Pillar II: Interoperability and Standards- This would set specific
requirements for data sharing and applications so that different softwares
would be compatible. The EU website says “The internet is a great example
of interoperability – numerous devices and applications working together
anywhere in the world. Europe must ensure that new IT devices,
applications, data repositories and services interact seamlessly anywhere –
just like the internet”. Network compatibility is especially important in
government functions. Different areas operating on different electronic
systems could face challenges when trying to relay important data or
documents electronically. Government employees that work on-the-go, or at
home need access to secure and compatible government files. Private
citizens also should be aware of compatible products (i.e. the purchased
printer should be compatible with their at home-computer) and should be
clearly labeled on packaging.
Pillar III: Trust and Security- Fraud, hacking, malicious software and
piracy put consumers’ privacy and personal information (like social security
number and banking information) at risk. Many feel that the government
should intervene, prosecute, and regulate different aspects of the internet so
cyberspace does not become dominated by rampant crime. Countries often
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disagree to what extent the government can be involved and some proposed
ideas are “online safety for children” campaigns as well as setting up
national alert platforms and asking member states to carry out “cyber attack
simulations.” Similar to physical trade border, to ensure that the public and
the government is protected from these crimes, each country must be
responsible for the software that comes in and out of their nation. Recently,
Eastern European has had crime activity that involved hacking social media
sites like Facebook and twitter. These crimes are reportedly “sophisticated”
in nature, and the EU must respond accordingly for the safety of
confidentiality that all Europeans are entitled to. To develop a solution
relevant to a specific nation and promote general EU safety, examine what
are the most likely “targets” (or what has been targeted in the past), how
they are accessed, and from there, determine appropriate legislation that
can prevent the issue in the future. Remember that certain individuals are
vulnerable due to lack of understanding, and may open contaminated links
or accidentally download malicious software, enabling viruses to spread
across Europe.
Pillar IV: Fast and Ultra Fast Internet Access- Mostly self-explanatory,
one of the goals is to improve the speed of the internet to rival speeds in
Asia. This is a highly expensive endeavor and many wonder if it is, or is not,
an imperative to fund high-speed broadband which supports things like HD
television. Investing in this resource could make Europe more globally
competitive, but requires a solution that is either funding or incentivizing the
building of the infrastructure as well as maintenance, and frequent upgrades
to remain technologically advanced. This process could result in job creation
and economic stimulation, if outlined and executed effectively.
Pillar V: Research and Innovation- According to their website “EU
investment in ICT (information and communications technology) research is
still less than half US levels.” Choosing between allowing private companies
to drive these programs or funding them through resource pooling is a focal
point of this pillar. It may bring up issues with national sovereignty because
with Europe’s economic issues, expensive investments may put a strain on
an individual nation, but successful as a joint-mission. Identifying the most
needed technologies verses failing costly projects requires constantly
reviewed progress reports and evaluation. The EU needs to spend and invest
responsibly, but also not hinder progression through over-regulation or
burdensome “red tape” policies.
Pillar VI: Enhancing digital literacy- To be a competitive employee, or
to fully take advantage of wealth of information on the internet, people need
to be able to use software like word processing as well as basic internet uses
like efficient web searching and emailing. 30% of Europeans have never
used the internet. Older generations face the challenge of an increasingly
technological age, but a lack of knowledge to do so. Solutions involving both
the primary education system or public community classes/programs may be
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a step in the right direction.
Pillar VII: Enhancing ICT Enabled Benefits for EU Society- This goal is
both broad and vague so there are numerous avenues to approach it. The
EU claims that “Digital technologies have enormous potential to benefit our
everyday lives and tackle social challenges. The Digital Agenda focuses on
ICTs capability to reduce energy consumption, support aging citizens' lives,
revolutionizes health services and deliver better public services. ICTs can
also drive forward the of Europe's cultural heritage providing online access
for all.” Focus on specific changes your country would support based on their
current interests and cultural priorities.
Do not feel limited by the current EU agenda. Each nation has set
different priorities and may need all the EU member nations to back their
goals. Other issues to consider could be intellectual property rights (IP)which
continue to address piracy, but also counterfeiting, designs, trademarks, and
patents. Currently, many elements have to be registered local, national, or
international levels, but the process can be inefficient and costly which
deters small business from having the same opportunities has more affluent
corporations.
Additionally, the spread and manufacturing of child pornography
has been a particularly debated topic recently. Censorship as it related to
this, and in general, applies to the digital agenda. Perhaps establish what
methods will deter child pornography from reaching the consumers and
create policies that will crack down on offenders and hopefully eradicate this
gross violation of injustice.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can online identities and information be most effectively protected?
2. What types of Information and Communication Technologies are the best
investments in light of Europe’s economic situation?
3. What types of censorship are appropriate/inappropriate?
4. What specifically do individual nations need to be digitally empowered?
Sources:
1. "Progress By Country ." Digital Agenda for Europe. European Union , n.d.
Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/progress-country>.
2. Zink, Ron. " The Digital Single Market: A reality by 2020? > Microsoft
Europe ." Microsoft Europe . N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.microsoft.eu/digital-policy/posts/the-digital-singlemarket-a-reality-by-2020.aspx>.
3. " European Parliament votes on call for porn ban - Europe - World - The
Independent ." The Independent | News | UK and Worldwide News |
Newspaper . N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
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<http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/europeanparliament-votes-on-call-for-porn-ban-8527229.html>.
4. "Digital To Do List." 2013-2014 Priorities. Europa Press Releases, n.d.
Web. 21 Feb. 2013. <europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-121389_en.htm>.
5. "Intellectual Property." Your Europe. Europa.eu, n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2014.
<europa.eu/youreurope/business/competing-throughinnovation/protecting-intellectual-property/index_en.htm>.
6. "Score Board; Agenda Targets." European 2020 Initiative. European
Commission , n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. <ec.europa.eu/digitalagenda/en/scoreboard>.
7. "Less Digging = More Broadband. What Does This Mean for ..." EUROPA.
Europa Rapid, 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
8. Davenport, Claire. "Europe Seeks to Spur Building of Fast Broadband
Networks." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 26 Mar. 2013. Web. 31 Mar.
2013
9. Pfanner, Eric. "I.H.T. SPECIAL REPORT: TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION;
Guarding a 'Fundamental Right' of Privacy in Europe." The New York
Times. The New York Times, 21 Nov. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
10. Keen, Andrew, and The Opinions Expressed in This Commentary Are
Solely Those of Andrew Keen. "Why Life through Google Glass Should
Be for Our Eyes Only." CNN. Cable News Network, 26 Feb. 2013. Web.
31 Mar. 2013.
11. "Malware Attack on Apple Said to Come From Eastern Europe."
Bloomberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-19/apple-says-a-smallnumber-of-mac-computers-infected-by-malware.html>.
European Union
Topic 2: Agriculture
The Agriculture sector in Europe covers an extremely large number of
topics, and dominates the EU budget because nations who produce, and
nations who consume are both ultimately dependent upon food production,
processing, and policy. Health effects of pesticide use and cost-effective
organic farming are global issues. 27% of the world’s organic farmland is in
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Europe. The EU is additionally one of the largest importers of produce from
developing countries. Each nation varies slightly in climate and policy and
utilizing these differences could foster innovative solutions, or lead to
conflict.
Farming subsidies are perhaps the most controversial and extensive
farming policy that the European Union currently addresses. Subsidies are
funds given to farmers from the federal government for growing a certain
type of crop according to set standards. Financial Web uses this example:
“For example, let's say that the government decided to set the price at
$2.50 a bushel. If the price for corn on the open market is only going for
$2.00 bushel, the government would then give $.50 per bushel to the farms
that sold it at $2.00. Therefore, they guarantee that the farmer will receive
at least $2.50 per bushel no matter what happens in the market.”
Government subsidies skew the world market prices so farmers in
developing nations (primarily Asia and Africa) get a less than fair price. This
is extremely detrimental to third-world economies and poor farmers who
depend on the income from their crops. Recently, it has come to light that
the EU has been giving agriculture subsidies for things other than farming.
Large corporations like distilleries and candy manufacturers are receiving aid
while the domestic farmers are only getting the money that is supposedly
“trickling down” through the system. Land ownership is also a way
Europeans collect government money which sometimes can be beneficial for
family run harvesters, but the affluent can also take advantage. (Last year
“The queen of England qualified for £473,500, or $778,812, in total farm aid
in 2008 for Sandringham Farms in England, a 20,000-acre royal retreat that
has been a private home to four generations of British monarchs since 1862”
according to the NY Times). Some people suggest removing a great number
of subsidies, or restructuring them so they help small farmers. Removing
subsidies that encourage the growing of unhealthy processed food or food
surpluses is crucial for the health and economy of Europe. The EU is actively
negotiating ways to “wave goodbye to a system that distorts international
trade and harms developing countries,” according to Franz Fischler.
Food processing standards are burdensome to businesses due to “red
tape” that requires heavy paperwork and government oversight. These
regulations may cause small businesses throughout Europe to take financial
hits that large corporations can afford. However, Mad-Cow disease and
recent issues with horse meat sold at IKEA suggest that such regulations
may be necessary to protect European citizens from tainted products. Many
eastern nations still have unidentified issues with labeling which has lead to
toxic-baby formulas sold in Bulgaria and outbreaks of salmonella in other
parts of Europe. Also, consider farming technologies. More efficient
mechanisms and refining activities could reduce Europe’s environmental
footprint. Campaigns to discourage the purchase of beef (cows produce
harmful methane gas and eat large amounts of grain) or other
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environmentally unsustainable products. Some have suggested labeling
foods with a color scale ranging from shades of red to green to show how
environmentally friendly different products are. However, many developing
nations lack sophisticated machinery and some people feel updated systems
could be valuable investments and would reduce the European Union’s need
to import. Others disagree and feel that importing from developing nations
support struggling farmers in poor nations. Some countries may prioritize
organic farming methods, or which to protect traditional methods of
productions that are heavily tied to a culture (i.e. Italian pasta making or
French cheeses etc.).
Environmental issues also include irrigation techniques, deforestation,
greenhouse gases and land clearing which contribute to the European
Union’s environmental footprint. About half of Europe is farmland, which
sacrifices large areas of wildlife and living space. Techniques like crop
rotation or GMOs may help reduce space. GMOs (Genetically modified
organisms) have been criticized for having adverse health effects, but
developed carefully can result in larger produce, more nutrients, and a
resistance to insects (thus less pesticide use). For example, most bananas
sold in the “first world” are twice their natural size due to genetic
modification and types of rice in Eastern Asia are enhanced with proteins
which helps combat malnutrition in rural areas. These products must be
developed and invested which will have an economic factor to consider. Or,
incentivizing private farmers to do so is an option, but would alienate small
farmers who would then need to purchase seeds from large corporations
who can afford to research GMOs. Additionally, there are innovative ways to
irrigate that are being utilized throughout the world. India, for example,
utilizes above ground pipes, covered in solar panels which pump the water
as it is irrigated. Other issues include the withdraw rates from local
freshwater reserves that are killing marine life, especially in acrid or semiacrid climates (France and Germany, for example). Flood water irrigation is
the most wasteful of systems, and should be discouraged except when
absolutely necessary, according to the EU’s official stance. This goes against
many traditional harvest traditions, and may need to be addressed from a
cultural perspective (like distributing information about the environmental
impact or teaching rural farmers better techniques but also being sensitive
to age-old customs). Also making large farmers release annual or semiannual reports about the amount of pollution (air, water, etc.) they create
could help monitor situations. Companies could be penalized or rewarded
with fines or incentives respectively to go green.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are national and international priorities when it comes to the
environment?
2. What is the best way to reform farming subsidies?
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3. How can food processing standards not hurt businesses while still
ensuring that safe products are on the market?
Resources:
1. "Agriculture." Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. N.p., n.d. Web.
31 Mar. 2013.
2. "Efta - FAIR TRADE in EUROPE." Efta - FAIR TRADE in EUROPE. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://european-fair-tradeassociation.org/efta/impact.php>.
3. "Meeting EU Standards." FoodProductionDaily.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31
Mar. 2013. <http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/QualitySafety/Meeting-EU-standards>.
4. Castle, Doreen Carvajal And Stephen. "The E.U. Spends More Than Half
Its Budget on Farm Subsidies, but Farmers Don't Get a Lot of the
Money." The New York Times. The New York Times, 17 July 2009.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/business/global/17farms.html?
pagewanted=all>.
5. "Understanding Farm Subsidies." - Financial Web. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar.
2013. <http://www.finweb.com/taxes/understanding-farmsubsidies.html>.
6. "Country Reports and Country Information on Organic Farming in
Europe." Organic Europe - . N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.organic-europe.net/country-info-europe.html>.
7. Stewart, Heather. "Who's Creaming off EU Subsidies?" The Guardian.
Guardian News and Media, 20 May 2006. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/may/21/europeanunion.fo
od>.
8. "Global Policy Forum." Bitter Harvest:. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/220/47365.h
tml>.
9. "Global Policy Forum." Is the Common Agricultural Policy Sustainable?
N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.globalpolicy.org/socialand-economic-policy/international-trade-and-development-157/agricultural-subsidies/50003-is-the-common-agricultural-policysustainable.html?itemid=1057>.
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10. "Global Policy Forum." EU Farm Reforms Should Be More Ambitious.
N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.globalpolicy.org/socialand-economic-policy/international-trade-and-development-157/agricultural-subsidies/49642.html?itemid=49642>.
11. "How Agricultural Subsidies in Rich Countries Hurt Poor Nations WOLE
AKANDE, Columnist (Nigeria) / YellowTimes.org 19oct02." How
Agricultural Subsidies in Rich Countries Hurt Poor Nations WOLE
AKANDE, Columnist (Nigeria) / YellowTimes.org 19oct02. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mindfully.org/WTO/Subsidies-HurtPoor-Akande19oct02.htm>.
12. "Global Policy Forum." Agricultural Subsidies. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar.
2013. <http://www.globalpolicy.org/social-and-economicpolicy/international-trade-and-development-1-57/agriculturalsubsidies.html>.
13. Castle, Stephen, and Andrew Higgings. "Ikea Recalls Meatballs After
Detection of Horse Meat." NYtimes.com. NY Times, 25 Feb. 2013. Web.
28 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/world/europe/ikea-recalls-itsmeatballs-horse-meat-is-detected.html?pagewanted=2>.
14. "The Environmental Impact of Irrigation in the European Union." EC
Europa. European Agriculture Commission, n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013.
<http://ec.europa.eu/environment/agriculture/pdf/irrigation.pdf>.
European Union
Topic 3: Demographic Deficit
Though the 21st century is recognized as a “significant turning point in
the demographic makeup of the industrialized nations of Europe,” many do
not see the implications of the demographic deficit. Defined as the
“imbalance of the senior population to the working age group,” the burdens
of caring for an older and bigger baby-boomer generation rests on the
shoulders of the youth. Not only do social welfare programs become
destabilized (because there are not enough money collected through the
same tax rate to fund the institutions for such a large older group) but also
it presents an interesting challenge in this sense: the world is becoming over
populated. If we were to maintain the current rate, humans would reach 244
billion peoples by 2150, however, fertility rates are in a steady decline so
there is still a shortage of working class. In short, the population rate is
decreasing which hurts the current institutions, but there the rate is still so
high it poses a massive threat to the environment and sustainable living.
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The EU website regarding this matter says “If these trends continue, then no
country within the European Union will be able to produce enough children to
prevent rapid population aging or sustain its people over time.” There is not
been such a steady reduction of the European populous since the 14th
century during the Black Death epidemic. To solve the issues, experts
suggest raising the retirement age, encouraging immigration, or attempting
to replace human capital with financial capital (primarily giving government
money to private pensions). All of these solutions are fiercely debatable and
controversial in the EU, but much reform is needed to find a long-term
solution.
According to McKinley Global Institute “Over the next two decades,
demographic trends will create significant downward pressure on household
savings and financial wealth accumulation. The demographic transition is
occurring throughout the developed world, albeit with different timing and
severity across countries. Demographic pressures on wealth accumulation
can be counteracted through policy adjustments, but it will not be easy.”
They also assert that even the most austere saving policies won’t be
sufficient to support future programs in Europe, especially health programs.
Yet, perhaps eliminating deficits and debts would be prudent, depending on
the ideologies of specific nations. Some have suggested adopting something
opposite to the Chinese “One-Child Policy.” and actually encourage women
to have more children. Others label it too radical or unrealistic for Europe.
This brings up important social aspects in Europe such as working women
and gender roles in society, which are topics individual nations may have
ardent opinions on, so be sure to be aware of them while writing a research
paper. Two other areas to focus country research may be a way to lower the
costs of health care or retirement-income programs without destabilizing the
elderly or sick. Health-care spending is the largest public expenditure
program, and there will be upward pressure on health-care spending due to
an elderly population. “Reforms include use of information technologies,
programs to improve preventative care, and more emphasis on provision of
chronic care services in special institutions and patients’ homes rather than
the hospital system. Reforms should be made to the payment of doctors and
hospital services” in the words of investment journal, Financial Post.
The current job market, again, holds a paradoxical problem in the EU.
Currently, many youths are unemployed, Greece, France, and Italy Spain
have some of the worst youth unemployment rates in the world (reaching
40% in some places). As described in an article by The Economist, young
workers often do not receive enough training because hirees are expected to
fit, and companies cut cost by looking for those more experienced, creating
an impossible loop: young workers can’t get a job because they have no
experience, they have no experience because they can’t get a job. Breaking
this cycle is a key step in preparing for the demographic deficit. If the
younger generation is unprepared to become a part of the work force,
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specifically a disproportionate part of the work force, a high standard of
training needs to be established. Additionally, new, young employees, are
usually the first to be fired in most companies, which makes it even harder
for them to get another job after being let go from the first. The economic
situation is Europe is abysmal in many places, and if not fixed soon, could be
disastrous in the future. Further, there is a “mis-match” between skills
employees are looking for and skills new employees have. Skilled workers
can not be imported or exported, they need to be taught, trained, and
remain in Europe to fix the economy and the eventually, the deficit. The
education system in individual nations perhaps need to outline the best job
markets for students, as well as upper education systems need to be
affordable so students can receive the training they need to function in the
job market now and in the future. Some suggest establishing local, national,
or even international vocational schools that directly prepare young adults
for the professional world with a hybrid of training, internships, or
apprenticeships for a solid experience and knowledge base.
Both private and public savings and monetary policies need to be
examined, stabilized, and protected for the future. Bare in mind, this is an
issue of balance and compromise; there is no single fool-proof solution so
search for different possibilities that your nation will support. Long term
solutions are also a key thing to remember because neither fixing the
current situation nor patching up future finances will solve the entirety of the
problem. Be creative and explore new, innovative options.
The demographic deficit is complex and extensive. Do not attempt to
solve every issue, and instead focus on the topics that most closely pertain
to the priorities of your nation.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can the European Union best address an aging population?
2. How do welfare programs need to be reformed, in light of the
demographic deficit?
3. How does global over population and resource scarcity play a role?
4. What can be done to protect and stabilize private individual’s finances,
but also the government’s?
5. Should the current deficit be reduced through austerity or investment?
Resources:
1. "The McKinsey Quarterly." The Economic Impact of an Aging Europe.
McKinsey, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Economic_Studies/Productivity_P
erformance/The_economic_impact_of_an_aging_Europe_1613>.
2. "A Demographic Deficit?" Spiked. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.spiked-online.com/site/article/8725/>.
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3. "Opinion | Forced EU Austerity Seriously Undermines Social Welfare." The
Copenhagen Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://cphpost.dk/opinion/opinion-forced-eu-austerity-seriouslyundermines-social-welfare>.
4. Beardsley, Eleanor. "Can The European Welfare State Survive?" NPR.
NPR, 14 July 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128485416>
.
5. CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpopulation.over
view/index.html?npt=NP1>.
6. "How to Pay for the Golden Years." Population Europe. N.p., n.d. Web. 31
Mar. 2013. <http://www.populationeurope.eu/Library/PopDigest.aspx?id=0,3048,1>.
7. "Demographic deficit." Financial Post Opinion Demographic deficit
Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://opinion.financialpost.com/2012/02/06/demographic-deficit/>.
8. "Insights & Publications." The Coming Demographic Deficit: How Aging
Populations Will Reduce Global Savings. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/economic_studies/the_coming_d
emographic_deficit>.
9. "World Food Problems | GroundReport." GroundReport RSS. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.groundreport.com/Health_and_Science/World-foodproblems/2952367>.
10. CNN. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/09/25/overpopulation.over
view/index.html?npt=NP1>.
11. Beardsley, Eleanor. "Can The European Welfare State Survive?" NPR.
NPR, 14 July 2010. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128485416>
.
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12. Bennhold, Katrin. "Is Europe's Welfare System a Model for the 21st
Century?" NYtimes.com. NY Times, 27 Jan. 2009. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/business/worldbusiness/27ihtshift.4.19719958.html>.
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General Assembly
Topic 1: Pandemic Disease Prevention/Treatment/Response
In 2000, the United Nations created a set of eight major goals to help
end poverty in the new millennium. These goals are known as the
Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs. Of these eight, three related to the
issue of the right of every person to healthcare, and one specifically
pertained to ending the spread of major diseases. The 6th Millennium
Development Goal was created to work to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,
Malaria, and other diseases worldwide. While nations have made much
progress on this goal set in 2000, much work still remains when it comes to
preventing and eradicating these diseases. Even though many of these
diseases are either preventable or treatable, or both, the biggest issue when
it comes to resolving the problems of preventing these pandemic diseases is
in finding solutions that can work for all countries to fight well-known major
diseases as well as new and sudden outbreaks.
The first issue that the General Assembly needs to resolve is the
prevention and treatment of the major diseases, such as HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis, and malaria, each of which lead to the deaths of millions of
citizens. These are just three of the many diseases one can find in the world
today, but any one of these diseases can have devastating effects on any
regional population.Current and developing treatments are not available to
many impoverished countries, where many still lack enough knowledge and
awareness of the diseases while other simply do not have the resources or
financial ability to treat HIV/AIDS. There need to be steps taken in order to
provide these countries with the proper education, tools, and resources in
order to treat and prevent breakouts. However, each country is different and
its situation may be different and thus each course of action must be fit the
country’s condition.
Tuberculosis (TB) is another major killer and remains the second
leading cause of death due to disease, even though it can be treated. While
the rate of tuberculosis infections has finally begun to decrease, treatment of
the disease faces a bigger obstacle due to the advent of drug-resistant
strains of the disease as more and more TB patients are treated. Another
contagion that plagues millions is Malaria. Although increases in funding to
research centers and NGOs have delivered temporary solutions to malarial
infection, including the distribution of mosquito nets in areas of Africa, there
still remain an estimated 250 million cases of malaria. For these diseases,
short-term and long-term action plans for education in order to prevent or
decrease the number of future outbreaks and viable treatment methods to
save the lives of those infected need to be created so that countries can
crack down on these three major diseases that have plagued the world while
keeping in mind the situation at hand.
Furthermore, many pandemics originate through mutations of
previously known or unknown diseases. There are multiple recent examples
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of the potential for lethal outbreaks of diseases. One such example is
influenza, whose variants have caused a host of deaths in both ordinary and
panic years, examples of which include H5N1 (avian flu), H1N1 (swine flu),
and A(H1N1) as know as the Spanish Flu, all of which are genetically related
and have affected the world from a range of 1918-2009. Another possible
pandemic disease is that of coronavirus, a new type of pneumonia, which
caused panic with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak
from 2002 to 2003. And worst of all are antibiotic or drug-resistant strains of
diseases that are already well under control, such as TB, gonorrhea, staph
infection, and many others . Careful, quick, and preemptive action is
necessary to prevent future pandemics from spreading globally, both those
that have plagued the world for decades as well as those that are emerging.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are some ways the General Assembly can support education in all
countries in order to reduce the number of outbreaks of life threatening
diseases, both major and minor.
2. How can the UN provide proper treatment for substantial diseases such as
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in countries that cannot provide
appropriate treatment.
3. What are the most efficient and powerful ways to administer and provide
treatment and prevent future outbreaks globally of all magnitude of
diseases?
Resources:
1."MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS and Other Diseases" End Poverty 2015.
UNMC, 2013. Web. 4 April 2013.
<http://www.endpoverty2015.org/mdg-success-stories/mdg-6combat-hiv-aids/>
The objectives, the progress, and the challenges of the 6th Millennium Development
Goal
2. "AIDSinfo" UNAIDS. UNAIDS, n.d. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.unaids.org/en/dataanalysis/datatools/aidsinfo/>
Comprehensive and analytical data and maps, country by country, on HIV,
TB, and healthcare issues
3. "2011 Political Declaration: Targets and Elimination Commitments"
UNAIDS. UNAIDS, n.d. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.unaids.org/en/targetsandcommitments/>
Information on the ten new targets and commitments on disease
prevention/treatment from the 2011 UN political declaration to combat
diseases
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4. Jamison, Dean T. ed., et al. Disease Control Priorities in Developing
Countries, 2nd. Washington DC: World Bank, 2006. NCBI. Web. 8 April
2013 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11728/>
A comprehensive outlook on the prevention and treatment of diseases in
developing countries
5.The Millennium Goals Report 2012. New York: United Nations, 2012.
Millennium Development Goals. Web. 5 April 2013.
<http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Resources/Static/Products/Progress20
12/English2012.pdf#page=40>
A broad report from the UN on the progress and problems regarding the
fight against epidemic diseases, analyzed by both region and target (Pages
38-45)
6. "Millennium Development Goals: 2012 Progress Chart." UN.org. UN, n.d.
Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/2012_Progress_E.pdf>
General information from the UN by region on the progress of the Millennium
Development Goals
7.Naish, John"The Armageddon Virus: Why experts fear a disease that leaps
from animals to humans could devesate mankind in the next five
years." Dailymail. Associated Newspapers, 14 Oct 2012. Web. 28 Mar
2013. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2217774/TheArmageddon-virus-Why-experts-fear-disease-leaps-animals-humansdevastate-mankind-years.html
An article describing why epidemics and diseases need to be contained
8. TEDEducation. "How Pandemics Spread -Mark Honigsbaum." Online video
clip. Youtube. Youtube, 11 Mar 2012. Web. 28 Mar 2013.<
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG8YbNbdaco&feature=related>
The process of an epidemic and why epidemics are so dangerous, in a TED
talk
9. "Health topics" WHO. WHO, 2013. Web. 4 Apr 2013.
<http://www.who.int/topics/en/>
Resource from the World Health Organization that can be used to gather
information on an assortment of different pandemics
10. "Global Health Observatory" WHO. WHO, 2013. Web. 4 Apr 2013.
<http://www.who.int/gho/neglected_diseases/en/index.html>
Information from the World Health Organization on lesser-known and
neglected diseases
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Works Cited
"12-24532_(E)_MDG Report 2012_Front Matter.indd - English2012.pdf."
Mdgs.un.org. United Nations, 2012. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.
<http://mdgs.un.org/unsd/mdg/Resources/Static/Products/Progress20
12/English2012.pdf#page=40>.
"AIDSinfo." AIDSinfo. UNAIDS, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.unaids.org/en/dataanalysis/datatools/aidsinfo/>.
"End Poverty 2015." End Poverty 2015. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.endpoverty2015.org/mdg-success-stories/mdg-6combat-hiv-aids/>.
"HIV/AIDS." WHO. World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.who.int/gho/hiv/en/index.html>.
"Tuberculosis (TB)." WHO. World Health Organization, n.d. Web. 01 Apr.
2013. <http://www.who.int/gho/tb/en/index.html>.
General Assembly
Topic 2: Global Arms Trade and Regulation
When it comes to the welfare and safety of citizens worldwide, there
are few issues more important than the regulation of the use of weaponry in
all of its forms. There are three kinds of arms: Small Arms/Light Weapons,
Large Arms, and Weapons of Mass Destruction. All are used, as well as
trafficked, by either extra-legal groups like drug cartels, pirates, and crime
syndicates, or rogue nations. The mere presence of large amounts of
weapons can create instability, and their use only serves to further this
destabilization. These arms can also give nations the power to decimate
civilians at the push of a button; which highlights the global arms trade as
an issue that requires a global solution, as it the goal of the UN to ensure
that such widespread destruction never happens. Trade of these weapons,
generally, breaks down into three parts:
The first and most prevalent aspect, is small arms/light weapons
trafficking, which is the trade of everything between hand-held revolvers to
anti-tank guns, as per the UN office for Disarmament Affairs. The UN
Secretary General’s most recent report on small arms/light weapons
trafficking valued the trade at 7 billion USD globally, and the UN Small Arms
conference found that 25% of the global small arms/light weapons trade was
of an illicit nature, meaning that the arms had been sold by illegal groups,
produced illegally, smuggled, or stolen. Small arms/light weapons trafficking
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is, by the UN’s own admission, a very hard problem to tackle, as “Small
arms are cheap, light, and easy to handle, transport and conceal” (UN Office
for Disarmament Affairs), which makes them easy to smuggle. Today, the
majority of all conflicts are carried out using mostly small arms, and the
legal trade of small arms is a problem of great prevalence, as legally
purchased arms are often used to horrific ends. It is disturbingly common for
oppressive governments and armies to use legally acquired arms to commit
crimes against humanity and acts of war, but restricting the legal trade of
small arms/light weapons causes many economic problems. Many countries,
namely the United States, Russia, China and Germany benefit financially
from the legal arms trade, as such trade is valued over 50 billion USD per
year. Serious cuts to arms sales would lead to a drop in employment and
corporate profits in many nations, and these losses could create many
problems for countries who are in the midst of economic crises.
The second major part of the global arms trade involves the trade and
trafficking of large arms. Large arms are generally defined as warships,
combat aircraft, attack helicopters, tanks, advanced weapons systems (e.g:
large caliber mortars), and any system needed to use the aforementioned
armaments. Countries are required to report all sales and acquisitions of
these types of arms to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, but since each
country defines “Large Arms” differently and is not required to record
domestic holdings, numbers are speculative and data is often unreliable. The
trade of large arms is a rather serious global issue as they can be used to
horrific ends against civilians, and allow for more destructive wars to be
waged with less effort on the part of the warring nations. In most situations
where large arms are used, massive amounts of collateral damage are
reported and staggering numbers of civilian casualties are inflicted. Large
arms are almost impossible to smuggle (with the exception of smaller
weapons systems like the Russian “Strela” shoulder mounted missile
launcher) but despite the difficulty factor in smuggling such weapons, the
presence of large arms remains a tremendous threat due to their inherently
destructive nature. While the majority of large arms are sold legally, they
are often used in illegal manners by governments and armies, as was the
case in the mid 20th century “imperialist era”, when heinous war crimes
were committed with large arms in regions spanning the globe.
The third, and currently most controversial part is the trade, use, and
stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The UN Office for
Disarmament Affairs defines WMDs as Nuclear*, Biological, and Chemical
weapons, as well as defining such weapons by their methods of delivery
(namely ballistic missiles). In terms of trafficking, the fully-assembled
weapons themselves are rarely ever smuggled, but the necessary
components, ranging from raw chemicals to radioactive materials, such as
“Yellowcake” uranium are the popular choice for WMD smugglers. These
weapons, while occasionally acting as a war deterrent, can create lasting, if
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not permanent problems, when used. If WMDs were to fall into the hands of
unstable and hostile groups or governments, millions of lives would be put at
risk. In addition to this, WMDs tend to lead to instability for countries that
possess them and strained relationships with other countries in the region.
The presence of WMDs often leads to military invasions by countries who
believe that they might be a target, in hopes that the country possessing
them cannot use them in a pre-emptive strike. In the past, the use,
movement and stockpiling of WMDs has caused international conflict, and
the pursuit of WMDs by some countries remains a hotly debated global
issue.
*Note: Nuclear Weapons do not include Radiological Dispersal Devices,
(RDDs) or “Dirty Bombs” as they are impromptu/”unsophisticated” devices,
and the UN defines nuclear weapons as “Weapons of Mass destruction
powered by nuclear reaction.”. RDDs do not involve fusion.
Discussion Questions:
1. What would your country's stance be on limiting global arms trade? Are
any of the aforementioned issues problematic in your country?
2. How does the global arms trade help your country's government?
Adversely, has your country been involved in conflicts where illicit arms have
been used?
3. What are the economic effects of limiting global arms trade for your
country?
4. What are some possible reactions that your neighboring countries would
have to your country's views on global arms trade? Is there potential for
conflict?
Resources:
1. An interactive world globe display of the global arms trade from 1992 to
2010 - a must-see if you have Google Chrome or a WebGL browser:
http://workshop.chromeexperiments.com/projects/armsglobe/
2."About The Arms Trade" UNODA. UNODA, n.d.. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<https://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/ArmsTrade/>
Information from the UNODA about the global arms trade
3. "The Arms Trade Treaty" UNODA. UNODA, n.d.. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<https://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/ArmsTradeTreaty/>
UNODA information on why a global arms trade regulation system is being
assessed
4. "Q&A: Global Arms Trade Treaty" BBC News. BBC, 2 Apr 2013. Web. 10
Apr 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22000943>
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BBC article: General overview on a UN global arms regulation treaty that
was ready for a vote in April 2013
5."Recent Trends in arms transfers" SIPRI. SIPRI, 2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/transfers/measuring/recenttrends-in-arms-transfers>
Maps, graphs, statistics and trends in the global arms trade from the
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
6. Arms trade database. SIPRI. SIPRI, 2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.
<http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php>
SIPRI Database of top suppliers and recipients of arms from countries
7. Blackmore, Emma. "Collateral damage- and no farewell to arms" IIED.
IIED, 17 Mar 2010. Web. 28 Mar 2013. <http://www.iied.org/collateraldamage-no-farewell-arms>
From the International Institute for Environment and Development: an
article on the economic and social effects of having an arms trade
8. Walt, Vivienne. "The Arms Trade Booms Amid Global Economic Woes."
Time. Time, 14 Oct 2008. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1849972-2,00.html>
An article from TIME World Edition explaining how the arms trade
accelerated during the global economic crisis
9. UNIDR. UNIDIR, 2013. Web. 28 Mar 2013. <http://www.unidir.org/en>
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
10. "Regional Disarmament Overview" UNODA. UNODA, n.d.. Web. 28 Mar
2013. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/disarmsec/about/>
The homepage for the UNODA’s three Regional Disarmament Branches,
which concern the three regions of Latin America, Asia/Pacific, and Africa, for
information on regional arms trade control by each region
11. UN General Assembly, 67th Session. "Arms Trade Treaty" 1 April 2013.
Official Record, New York. Web. UN.org. 4 Apr 2013.
<http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/67/L.58&Lan
g=E>
An actual draft GA resolution from the UN conference for a global arms
treaty (March 2013)
Works Cited
"Small Arms." United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. N.p.. Web. 28
Mar 2013. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/SALW/>.
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"Facts on Illegal Small Arms." United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.un.org/events/smallarms2006/pdf/factsheet_1.pdf>.
"Small Arms, Report of the Secretary General." United Nations, Security
Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2011/255>.
"The financial value of the global arms trade ." Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute. N.p.. Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments>.
"Aljazeera." UN set to pass historic arms trade treaty. N.p., 28 Mar 2013.
Web. 28 Mar 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/03/2013328782346
552.html>.
General Assembly
Topic 3: Alternate/Renewable Energy
Regardless of the socioeconomic status of a country, the maintenance
of a constant input of reliable sources of energy to satisfy a variety of
demands is priority. Most sources of energy that are used today, including
crude oil, coal, and natural gas are harvested and utilized due to
convenience, and the environmental or long term monetary impacts are
often overlooked. Meanwhile, implementing long term cost effective and
environmentally sound energy sources is not pragmatic for many countries,
especially for those that are impoverished. Because the push toward safer
and more reliable methods of energy requires large scale and coordinated
efforts, the reliance on non-renewable sources of energy remains a problem
that affects many countries- and the environmental impact of one country
constantly utilizing non-renewable energy can often have consequences to
another country with an entirely different energy policy. For this reason, it is
imperative that the United Nations works toward helping countries agree on
whether they should continue current consumption of non-renewable
energy, or if a push should be made toward implementing and popularizing
an alternate, renewable source of energy.
The non-renewable sources of energy, include coal, oil, and natural
gas, which account for around 90% of the world’s energy consumption
(Tverberg). Because these resources are finite, a continued reliance on these
sources of energy will not only harm the environment beyond repair but will
also eventually cause major problems as worldwide supplies dwindle.
A popular alternate energy source, and what is believed by many
environmental scientists to be the most effective current form of renewable
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energy, is hydroelectric power, which currently amounts to only 6.4% of the
world’s energy supply (Tverberg). While the movement toward a renewable
source of energy is beneficial toward the environment, the proliferation of
hydroelectric dams and plants has caused its fair share of harm, and the
movement toward renewable sources of energy is hardly moving with haste
(Tverberg). The damming of large amounts of water needed for the
generation of hydroelectric power has led to disputes between neighboring
countries over water rights, and the large dams have a tendency to interfere
with the balance of local species by disturbing fish migration, displacing
large populations and taking “huge amounts of arable land out of cultivation”
(Tverberg). Furthermore, the percentage of energy being created by
hydroelectric power has not grown much as of late due to most of the
possible areas for dam construction having already been built upon.
(Tverberg).
Another promising form of renewable energy is geothermal energy,
which is more accessible for most countries because it does not require
bodies of running water. Geothermal energy is very popular in South
American and Central American nations, where it accounted for nearly 40%
of installed capacity in 2011 (Hall). European nations have also made
extensive progress in reducing reliance on non-renewable forms of energy
by switching to geothermal power. Its downside, however, lies in the fact
that it can only be harvested in specific geographic areas with hot rocks
below the surface of the land, also producing large amounts of steam for an
extended period of time- an aesthetic and X problem. It is also not a viable
option for countries suffering from financial instability, considering the fact
that the installation of Geothermal Energy systems can be quite costly.
Nuclear energy, a recently developed technology, is the result of
power generated through enriched uranium intramolecularly breaking apart.
At a nuclear power plant, power is ultimately generated from harnessing the
process of atomic fission. The process of atomic fission, created when
uranium atoms split apart, generates steam which powers a generator that
produces immense amounts of energy- with the byproduct of the reason an
non-disposable and extremely toxic radioactive waste. The primary risks
involved with Nuclear Energy do not take massive tolls on the immediate
environment, but the radioactive nuclear waste that is generated from these
plants are stored indefinitely in the Earth, and the reactors themselves are
very volatile, notorious for running the possibility; albeit small, of melting
down and endangering the lives of everyone in the immediate area. Nuclear
reactors are the hallmark of a developed nation, but many nations that have
not yet established nuclear reactors find trouble when seeking to begin doing
so, as the technology to create nuclear weapons is very closely related
(NEIS).
Some less utilized, yet more promising forms of energy include but are
not limited to: photovoltaic energy (use of solar panels to harvest the sun’s
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energy) and wind power. The former uses “solar panels” to capture sunlight
in order to generate electricity, and the latter utilizes large “wind turbines”,
generating electricity through the movement of turbines from high wind
speeds. Although such forms of generating energy look promising, these
sources of renewable energy also have potentially negative impacts on their
own. Solar panels have been known to yield very little energy output in
small areas of land and in areas that do not benefit from much sunlight.
Furthermore, the initial cost of setting up solar panels is very high and while
this may not prove an obstacle for wealthy corporations; impoverished
countries and small families often find themselves unable to afford a solar
panel setup. Wind turbines have their own setbacks as well, as they have
been known to cause massive casualties in local bird and insect populations
through collisions with the fast moving turbines. While components of
geothermal, solar, and wind energy combined make only make up about
1.6% of the world’s energy supply, but there is still very large potential for
growth (Tverberg). African countries in the Great Rift Valley for example,
contain a 6,000km stretch of terrain that contains huge, untapped
geothermal potential. Additionally, a recent study has declared that by
successfully harnessing just 0.3 percent of the sunlight that shines on the
deserts of the Sahara and Middle East, all of Europe’s electricity demands
could be met (Mick). Many countries consider the movement toward
renewable energy to be costly and burdensome, but other countries have
found that a movement toward renewable energy sources has been
beneficial to an increasing demand for electricity in the presence of a
simultaneous decrease in supply of non-renewable sources of energy (World
Nuclear Association).
It is for this reason that many countries find cost to be the main
deciding factor in whether or not the payoff is worth the investment. While
many renewable sources of energy are self generating after being put into
place and require little energy input, the initial construction and installation
costs are very large. High-priced energy causes a broad spectrum of
problems in all countries from developed nations trying to find ways to
switch to alternative forms of energy to developing nations attempting to
become more economically independent with a limited amount of money. It
can raise the price of energy for the average citizen and increase the amount
of money the government gives out in subsidies and unemployment benefits
while decreasing the amount of tax money governments receive as
companies move to locations with cheaper energy (Tverberg). The United
Nations has provided some aid in funding in the form of organizations such
as the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REERP) that
provides financial aid to governments to grow public awareness of renewable
forms of energy (Hall), while many are quick to argue that the aid is either
not enough, or a waste of money altogether. The idea that the money is
being wasted arises from the fact that currently, nonrenewable sources of
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energy provide for the most financial and economic gain. However, being
nonrenewable, the financial advantage obtained from investing in such
sources of energy will slowly decline as these sources of energy are no
longer available. Because of the controversy regarding what strategy should
be taken; if such a strategy should be taken at all to further the
advancement of alternative or renewable sources of energy, it is the General
Assembly’s job to find a solution that satisfies the needs of as many
countries as possible.
Discussion Questions:
1. Is it more important for countries to make the shift toward alternative
sources of energy as soon as possible, or would it be more beneficial to
support developing nations whose economies rely heavily on non-alternative
energy sources?
2. Would the benefits of developing nonrenewable energy outweigh the
potential financial strain it could bring to your country’s economy? How could
these financial strains be combated?
3. Because of the rapid development of alternate/renewable energy
technology, would it be better for your country to begin investments in
alternative energy as soon as possible, or to postpone large scale
investments until technology is more advanced and accessible to the world
at large?
Resources:
1. <http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/climate-change/renewableenergy.shtml>
A very short and general description of renewable energy development
2. "Renewable Energy" EREC. EREC, 2013. Web. 30 Mar 2013
<http://www.erec.org/renewable-energy.html>
Several renewable energy sources and descriptions of them in Europe
3. Tverberg, Gail. "The Darker Side of Renewable Energy." OilPrice.com.
CNBC, 21 Mar 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
<http://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/TheDarker-Side-of-Renewable-Energy.html>
Some drawbacks/disadvantages with renewable energy sources
4. "Renewable Energy Statistics" Eurostat. European Commission, Sept
2012. Web 31 Mar 2013.
<http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/Ren
ewable_energy_statistics>
Renewable energy statistics for Europe
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5<http://www.eia.gov/cfapps/ipdbproject/docs/sources.cfm>
. List of a bunch of links for energy statistics for every country
6. Block, Ben"African Renewable Energy Gains Attention" World Watch
Institute. Worldwatch Institute, 2013. Web. 1 May 2013.
<http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5884>
Some energy developments in Africa
7. Hall, Carin "Renewable Energy Trends in South and Central America"
Energy Digital. WDM Group, 3 Feb 2013. Web. 31 Mar
2013.<http://www.energydigital.com/renewable_energy/-renewableenergy-trends-in-south-and-central-america>
Renewable energy trends in Central and South America
8. “IRENA Renewable Energy Country Profiles” International Renewable
Energy Agency. IRENA, 2013. Web. 31 Mar 2013.
<http://www.irena.org/menu/index.aspx?mnu=cat&PriMenuID=47&Ca
tID=99>
Renewable energy profiles for every country – very helpful, specific
information
9. Leone, Steve. "Renewable Rankings Galore: How G20 Nations Measure
Up." Renewableenergyworld.com. RewnewableEnergyWorld.com,
2013. Web. 1 May 2013.
<http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2012/06/re
newable-rankings-galore-how-g20-nations-measure-up>
Rankings of developed countries in renewable energy:
10. "Studies on Renewable Energy Potential" International Renewable
Energy Agency. IRENA, 2013. Web. 31 Mar 2013.
<http://www.irena.org/potential_studies/index.aspx>
Info for just about every country – International Renewable Energy Agency
11. Bergeron, Louis. "The World Can Be Powered by Alternative Energy,
Using Today's Technology, in 20-40 years, says Stanford Researcher
Mark Z. Jacobson." Stanford News. Stanford U, 26 Jan 2011. Web.
May 20 2013.
<http://news.stanford.edu/news/2011/january/jacobson-worldenergy-012611.html>
The potential of alternative energy in powering the world – a short article
Works Cited.
Block, Ben. "African Renewable Energy Gains Attention." Worldwatch
Institute. Worldwatch
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Institute, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
Hall, Carin. "Renewable Energy Trends in South and Central America."
Energy Digital.
WDM Group, 3 Feb. 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
Mick, Jason. "EU Officials: Just 0.3% Of Sahara's Sun Energy Could
Power Entire
EU."DailyTech. DailyTech LLC., 24 July 2008. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
"Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons." Nuclear Power & Nuclear Weapons.
NEIS, 31 Aug.
2004. Web.
"Renewable Energy and Electricity." World Nuclear Association. World
Nuclear Association,
Aug. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
Ritz, Erica. "Wind Turbines Kill 70 Golden Eagles Each Year at California’s
Altamont Pass."
The Blaze. TheBlaze Inc., 10 Mar. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
Tverberg, Gail. "The Darker Side of Renewable Energy." OilPrice.com.
OilPrice.com, 21
Mar. 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
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Historical Security Committee
Topic 1: Persian Gulf War
Mounting tensions between the nations of Iraq and Kuwait were
perpetuated by factors such as Iraq’s refusal to acknowledge Kuwait as an
independent nation, Kuwait’s refusal to pay war debts to Iraq for the
protection of the nation during the Iraq-Iran War by Iraq, and Iraq’s charges
against Kuwait stating that it had been invading Iraqi territory and stealing
of Iraqi oil. Seeing Kuwait as a potential source of wealth and oil, Iraq
leader, Saddam Hussein, ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait in
August 1990. Outraged, Arab nations called for Western intervention and
after Iraq openly defied United Nation demands to evacuate, the United
States took action with a massive offensive that started what is known to be
the Persian Gulf War. After several weeks of fighting, Iraq forces are
defeated and evacuated from the territory of Kuwait.
After what was deemed to be a decisive win against the nation of Iraq,
there were, however, a number of pressing issues that had needed attending
as consequence of the War. Some of these include the detrimental effects of
the multiple bombings on the environment of Iraqi land, mandatory weapons
inspections considered by the United Nations, and the issue of the economic
sanctions still upheld in Iraq by the United Kingdom and United States after
the War which were still affecting the people and economy of the nation.
Decisions to address these issues and the nature of the degree of actions
that should be taken against or supporting these issues as well as other
post-war situations will be taken by the Security Council of the UN.
The issue of what are deemed to be atrocities against the people of
Iraq and their government has provoked strong emotions among nations
and leaders of the United Nations. It is the job of the UN to address how
severe these events are and whether or not direct action should be taken
against them. As Nations see this international incident and in this post-war
period, decisions on the exploitation or conciliation of the situation are being
considered by many governments but the issue of how to bring countries
together in dealing with this post war environment will certainly be on the
agenda of the Security Council.
Discussion Questions:
1. After seeing how they were implemented in these instances, how will
economic sanctions work as a punishment in the future?
2. How can the Security Council peacefully conclude this conflict and prevent
future wars of the same nature?
3. In what ways can the Security Council discipline these nations and
regulate the use of weapons in the region?
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Resources:
1. "Persian Gulf War" History Channel. A&E Television Networks, 2013. Web
28 Mar 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/persian-gulf-war>.
2. "Iran-Iraq War" History Channel. A&E Television Networks, 2013. Web 28
Mar 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/iran-iraq-war>.
3. http://www.vfwpost6298.com/wwii-and-beyond/42-perian-gulf-war/66overview-of-persian-gulf-war-1991
4. Shah, Anup. "Effect of Iraq Sanctions" Global Issues. Anup Shah, 2 Oct
2005. Web 31 Mar 2013.
<http://www.globalissues.org/article/105/effects-of-sanctions>
5. "The Invasion of Kuwait" Rational Revolution. n.p., 20 Oct 2007. Web. 26
Aug 2013.
<http://www.rationalrevolution.net/war/invasion_of_kuwait.htm>.
6. "Saddam Hussien" Arabic Media. Arabic Media.com, n.d.. Web. 26 Aug
2013. <http://arabic-media.com/saddam.htm>.
7. http://daccess-ddsny.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/596/36/IMG/NR059636.pdf?
OpenElement
8. Iraq/Kuwait- UNIKOM- Background" UN.org. UN, 2003. Web 26 Aug 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/past/unikom/backgrou
nd.html>.
9. "The Gulf War" Military.com. Military Adavantage, 2013. Web. Aug 26
2013.
<http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=hi
story_gulfwar.htm>
10. "Chronology The Gulf War" PBS.org. WGBH educational foundation,
2013. Web 26 Aug 2013.
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/cron/>.
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Historical Security Committee
Topic 2: End of Apartheid
After decades of oppression and segregation in South Africa, Apartheid
was finally abolished in June of 1991. In 1950, the political leaders began
passing the fearsome laws that forced native South Africans into restricted
areas to live and work. Apartheid was opposed by the UN from its
conception, but was ineffective in eradicating it. With the end of Apartheid,
South Africa was given a new hope for the future, but there was still much to
be done.
Before the National Party, that represented the Afrikaners, was elected
into power, a racial discrimination existed but was not enforced by the
government. In 1950, the newly elected Party began passing unjust laws,
signaling the start of Apartheid in South Africa. Under these laws, people
were forced to register according to racial status, live in separate townships
depending on race, receive inferior education under the Bantu Education Act,
which enforced racially separated education facilities, and cruelly taught
them that natives were inherently unequal. The discrimination that had
previously been a part of the culture was now engrained into the law under
the new government rule.
In 1976 the Soweto student uprising/massacre began the chain
reaction leading to the abolition of Apartheid laws. The uprising was a
reaction to the unfair Bantu Education Act, and began as a peaceful protest.
When police opened fire, the students took to the streets and after three
days, students occupied city centers around the country. This was a time
when all liberation movements were banned, but police brutality and
massacre of hundreds was not enough to quell the protest. All across the
nation similar uprisings and movements took to the streets and made their
position heard. Various other civilians took similar stands in protest of
Apartheid during its existence, but the authoritative government easily
crushed their movements. The UN made many attempts to rid South Africa
of their oppressive system, but with no success. With many uprisings and
public opposition from people like Nelson Mandela and the students in
Soweto came international attention that eventually pressured South African
leaders into repealing and abolishing Apartheid laws. With Apartheid finally
done with, the UN can hopefully have a hand in aiding the liberated people.
With the end of the system of Apartheid, a restructuring of the South
African government is quite necessary. The corrupt government officials who
prolonged the suffering of the oppressed natives must also be addressed.
Social, political, and economic issues that the UN can help avoid come with
abolishing the system of Apartheid. The time of discrimination has come to
an end; it is the UN’s job to bring South Africa to a better tomorrow.
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Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways can the Security Council aid in the reconstruction of the
South African government? Should the UN help organize free elections?
Does the Security Council have the right to help structure a new
government?
2. What methods can be used to successfully and peacefully integrate the
once oppressed people into the community? Does the Security Council
have the ability to act in these areas?
3. What can the UN do to ensure that this type of oppression will not occur
in other areas? What should be done about the leaders who enforced
Apartheid in South Africa?
Resources:
1. History of Apartheid
"Apartheid." History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC, n.d. Web. 26
Aug. 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/apartheid>,
2. Details most prominent Apartheid laws
"Apartheid and Reactions to It." South African History Online. South
African History Online, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.sahistory.org.za/liberation-struggle-southafrica/apartheid-and-limits-non-violent-resistance-1948-1960>.
3. A History of Political Corruption in South Africa
Hyslop, Jonathan. "Political Corruption in South Africa: Before and
After Apartheid." Academia.edu. Academia, Dec. 2005. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.
<http://www.academia.edu/432025/Political_Corruption_in_South_Afr
ica_Before_and_After_Apartheid>.
4. Timeline of Apartheid
Husbands, Ajani. "Timeline of Apartheid." Global Perspectives on
Human Language: The South African Context. Stanford University, 19
Nov. 2004. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.stanford.edu/~jbaugh/saw/Ajani_Apartheid.html>.
5. The Soweto Uprising/Massacre
"The June 16 Soweto Youth Uprising." South African History Online.
South African History Online, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/june-16-soweto-youth-uprising>.
6. Protests Against Apartheid
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Kurtz, Lester. "The Anti-Apartheid Struggle in South Africa (19121992)." Nonviolent Conflict. International Center on Nonviolent
Conflict, June 2010. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.nonviolentconflict.org/index.php/movements-and-campaigns/movements-andcampaigns-summaries?sobi2Task=sobi2Details>.
7. Apartheid Defined as a War Crime
Ratner, Steven R. "Apartheid." Crimes of War. Crimes of War Project,
n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.crimesofwar.org/a-zguide/apartheid/>.
8. Understanding Apartheid
"Resources." Apartheid Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/resources>.
9. The End of Apartheid and the Birth of Democracy
"South Africa: Overcoming Apartheid." South Africa: Overcoming
Apartheid. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://overcomingapartheid.msu.edu/unit.php?id=14>.
10. UN Efforts Against Apartheid
"The United Nations: Partner in the Struggle against Apartheid." United
Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/apartheid.shtml>.
Historical Security Committee
Topic 3: Collapse of the USSR
The Cold War, which was the conflict between the competing
superpowers of the USA and USSR that began at the end of WWII, was
coming to a close and the presence of Communism was being withdrawn
from Western Europe. The Warsaw Pact, an alliance made in 1955 to create
a politically and militarily organized Russian front, included Bulgaria,
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Albania, and the Soviet Union.
Many of the nations in this pact were breaking free of the ties and becoming
autonomic states. While the USSR had its allies in the Warsaw Pact, it also
comprised of many other republics, which were also becoming restless. The
USSR’s satellite nations were becoming independent, leaving them with
hardly any financial help or political support from the nation they had been
connected to for years. 1991 was a time of independence and reformulation
of the structure of Eastern Europe.
In 1987, Estonia set off the chain reaction of discord by declaring
themselves independent. With this, movements were cropping up all over
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Eastern Europe. Nativist movements began in Georgia, the Ukraine,
Moldova, Belarus, and the Central Asian Republics, which made the USSR
even less stable than it already was. In the USSR, after an attempted coup
d’état in August of 1991, the country visibly began to fall into chaos.
Towards the end of the year, representatives from the eleven surviving
Soviet republics met in Kazakh city to announce their independence and
declare the establishment of a Commonwealth of Independent States.
The Security Council will investigate possible alternative routes to
settling post- Cold War conflicts in these Eastern European nations that had
recently been freed of their Communist ties to the USSR. Many new
governments will be formed, and smooth transitions of power may require
UN aid in some nations. Restitution was what the people sought out; they
wished to obtain the land that was once theirs. Land disputes and issues of
borders between nations are problems that must be dealt with by the
Security Council.
The UN’s presence in aiding these newly independent nations is one
that needs to be decided. While there may not be direct, physical conflict in
these areas, they will have problems to face. Effective leadership,
government representative of the people’s needs, and economic stability are
issues to be settled in each sovereign nation. With the collapse of the USSR,
reform of the economy of Eastern Europe is a major concern. Along with a
new economy and newly formed governments will come a new structure of
alliances that will change the face of global politics.
Discussion Questions:
1. With many new, autonomic nations in Eastern Europe, what measures
can be taken to ensure a peaceful transition for all parties involved?
2. Does the Security Council have the authority to regulate and aid the
economic and domestic difficulties these new nations may face?
3. How can the Security Council address the military presence and
Communist influence in the Warsaw Pact nations? Does the UN have the
right to interfere in these matters?
Resources:
1. "Fall of the Soviet Union" Cold War Museum. n.p. Web. 1 May 2013.
2. Von Geldern, James "Warsaw Pact Dissolves" Soviet History. MATRIX, the
Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online, 2013.
Web. 1 May 2013.
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3. "Land Reforms in Eastern Europe" Food and Agriculture Organization of
the UN. FAO, n.d. Web. 27 Mar 2013.
4. "Fall of the Soviet Union" History Channel. A&E Television Networks,
2013. Web 28 Mar 2013.
5. "Why did the USSR fall first?" Culture of Peace. David Adams, 30 Mar
2013. Web. 3 May 2013.
6. "Formation of NATO and Warsaw Pact" History Channel. A&E Television
Networks, 2013. Web 28 Mar 2013.
7. Siegelbaum, Lewis. "Baltic Independence" Soviet History. MATRIX, the
Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online, 2013.
Web. 1 May 2013.
8. Siegelbaum, Lewis. "The August Coup" Soviet History. MATRIX, the
Center for Humane Arts, Letters and Social Sciences Online, 2013.
Web. 1 May 2013.
9. "Soviet Union" National Cold War Exhibition. Trustees of the RAF
Museum, 2012. Web. 3 May 2013
10. "Collapse of the Soviet Union 1989-1991" Global Security.org.
Globalsecurity.org, 2000-2013. Web. 31 Mar 2013.
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International Criminal Court (ICC)
Topic 1: ICC vs. Ismail Enver Pasha
The following is to be accepted as the standard fact pattern of the case;
additional research is compulsory. These facts may not be challenged:
Ismail Enver Pasha was born on November 22, 1881 in Constantinople and
entered the Turkish army at a very young age. He went through most of his
training in Germany and implemented German military tactics in the Turkish
army as he went up the ranks.
Enver Pasha became heavily active in the “Young Turk” party due his role in
World War I causing him, Mehmed Talât, and Ahmed Djemal to create The
Central Committee of the Young Turk Party in 1915. This group targeted the
minority group in Turkey, the Armenians, because of their race and religion,
and instigated the Armenian Genocide. The Armenians were Christian and
they mainly lived in the predominantly Muslim Ottoman (Turkish) Empire at
this time. Though they were a minority, Armenians occupied most of the
high level job positions in Turkey and were pretty well off. The Turkish
people were primarily illiterate peasant farmers and small shop keepers. This
caused serious tension between the Turkish people and the Armenian people
of Turkey.
The Armenian genocide was carried out by the Teshkilati Mahsusa, which
was made up of violent criminals that were released from prison. They were
a part of The Central Committee of the Young Turk Party, however it is not
confirmed if the Young Turk Party exerted any control over the actions of the
Teshkilati Mahsusa in the Armenian Genocide. The goal of the Teshkilati
Mahsusa was to rid Turkey of Armenian people in order to give back their
jobs to the Muslim Turkish people who felt that these jobs were rightfully
theirs. The genocide seemed to occur in a series of steps starting with the
government. All of the Ottoman officials that did not comply with the
“extermination campaign” were removed from office and any Turk who was
found protecting Armenians was instantly killed. Then, all the Armenians in
the Ottoman army were “disarmed, placed into labor battalions, and then
killed” (Fact Sheet: Armenian Genocide). Next, the Young Turk government
gathered 300 Armenian leaders, writers, thinkers and professionals and shot
them to death on April 24, 1915.
After that, the remaining Armenian commoners were removed and relocated
from their homes. They were forced to march to concentration camps in the
desert between Jerablus and Deir ez-Zor. During these marches, they were
denied food and water, and many were killed by their “marauders.” Once/if
the Armenians reached the concentration camps, many became dehydrated
and starved to death underneath the burning sun. As a result, 1.5 million
out of the 2.5 million Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed.
The International Criminal Court is charging Ismail Enver Pasha with
two counts of Genocide and three counts of Crimes Against
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Humanity for his role in the violation of human rights in Turkey as
follows:
- Article 6(1)(a): Killing members of a group
- Article 6(1)(c): Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life
calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part
- Article 7(1)(a): Murder
- Article 7(1)(d): Deportation or forcible transfer of population
- Article 7(1)(h): Persecution against any identifiable group or
collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious,
gender as defined in paragraph 3, or other grounds that are
universally recognized as impermissible under international law, in
connection with any act referred to in this paragraph or any crime
within the jurisdiction of the Court
Discussion Questions:
1) Did Enver Pasha have control over the actions of the Teshkilati
Mahsusa? (Recall the other leaders of The Central Committee of the
Young Turk Party)
2) Who carried out the Armenian Genocide?
3) Is the reasoning for the “ethnic cleanse” of Armenians in Turkey
justifiable?
4) Was the purpose of the Armenian Genocide to promote prosperity of
the majority (the Turkish people) or was it for something else?
Resources:
1) Adalian, Rouben Paul. “Enver, Ismail.” Armenian Genocide. Armenian
National Institute,
n.d. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.armenian-genocide.org/enver.html
A brief biography of Enver Pasha.
2) “Fact Sheet: Armenian Genocide.” Knights of Vartan Armenian Research
Center. N.p., 1996.
Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.umd.umich.edu/dept/armenian/facts/genocide.html
A fact sheet of the Armenian Genocide.
3) “Genocide in the 20th Century.” The History Place. N.p., 2000. Web. 5
May 2013.
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/armenians.htm
A detailed account of the growing tensions between the Armenians and the
Turkish before the genocide.
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4) Sensoy, Nabi. “Turks and Armenians.” The New York Times. The New
York Times, 2006.
Web. 5 May 2013.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05E7D6103EF937A1575
6C0A9609C8B63&ref=armeniangenocide
A note from the Ambassador of Turkey claiming that the Armenian Genocide
cannot be legally defined as a genocide.
5) “Armenian Genocide.” History. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.history.com/topics/armenian-genocide
A tracking of Turkish actions before and during the Genocide.
6) “The Three Pashas.” More or Less. N.p., 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/pashas.html
A biography and timeline of the “three Pashas.”
7) “Young Turks and the Armenian Genocide.” Armenian Genocide.
Armenian National
Institute, n.d. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.armenian-genocide.org/young_turks.html
The Young Turks role in the Armenian Genocide.
8) “Armenian Genocide.” United Human Rights Council. N.p., n.d. Web. 5
May 2013.
http://www.unitedhumanrights.org/genocide/armenian_genocide.htm
A report of Armenians in Turkey before and the during the Armenian
Genocide.
9) “Armenia 1915.” Peace Pledge Union Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May
2013.
http://www.ppu.org.uk/genocide/g_armenia.html
Events before, during and after the Armenian Genocide.
10) “The Events of 1915 and the Turkish-Armenian Controversy over History: An
Overview.” Republic of
Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/the-events-of-1915-and-the-turkish-armeniancontroversy-over-history_-an-overview.en.mfa
Discussion of Turkish and Armenian relations.
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International Criminal Court (ICC)
Topic 2: ICC vs. Min Aung Hlaing
The following is to be accepted as the standard fact pattern of the case;
additional research is compulsory. These facts may not be challenged:
Min Aung Hlaing is currently Myanmar’s commander in chief of the
Tatmadaw, or the Myanmar armed forces, and has been since April of 2012.
Hlaing has been working his way through the varying ranks of general since
2008 until he was named Vice Senior President in April, 2012. Shortly after
this, Hlaing replaced the commander in chief of the army, Than Shwe, (the
current president of Myanmar,) as the highest ranking official of the
Tatmadaw.
Issues with the Tatmadaw began to arise as early as 1962, with the start of
the “Burmese way to Socialism” movement. The movement was sparked by
an economic treatise meant to stimulate economic development, reduce
foreign influence in Burma, and increase the role of the military. This was
enforced by the Tatmadaw in an extremely brutal manner, and thousands of
peaceful protesters were killed or injured. Hundreds of others were
wrongfully jailed. As the country’s political state grew more and more
unstable, the military’s power grew until they held almost complete control
over civilians in the country. It is estimated that since 1996 more than 3,700
villages have been destroyed or abandoned belonging to ethnic groups of
Myanmar, and tens of thousands have been displaced.
Many recent atrocities have occurred under Hlaing’s rule, particularly
Myanmar’s increasing use of child soldiers. It is estimated that there are
some 5,000 child soldiers in Burma currently, all of whom were forcibly
recruited. Burma is known as the world’s worst offender in terms of
recruiting child soldiers against their wills, and the United Nations has
confronted the Myanmar government multiple times with their concern about
issues concerning violations against Myanmar’s child soldiers, to little avail.
Some of the human rights violations that the United Nations has expressed
concern about include arbitrary detention, forced displacement, land
confiscations, rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and cruel,
inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as violations of international
humanitarian law.
Recently, Min Aung Hlaing has publically announced that he is taking steps
to reform the Myanmar government into a more democratic system, to end
conflict and bring lasting peace to his nation. The Myanmar government has
also expressed intent to cooperate with the United Nations regarding
resolutions that will improve the state of human rights and ethnic warfare in
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Myanmar, however there has been little tangible improvement made thus
far.
The International Criminal Court is charging Vice Senior President
and Commander in Chief Min Aung Hlaing with three counts of War
Crimes and three counts of Crimes Against Humanity for his role in
the violation of human rights in Myanmar as follows:
- Article 8(2)(b): (i) Willful killing;
- Article 8(2)(b): (ii) Torture or inhuman treatment, including biological
experiments;
- Article 8(2)(b): (xxvi) Conscripting or enlisting children under the age of
fifteen years into
the national armed forces or using them to participate actively in
hostilities.
-Article 7(1)(e): Imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty
in violation of
fundamental rules of international law;
-Article 7(1)(g): Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced
pregnancy, enforced
sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity;
- Article 7(1)(h), Persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on
political,
racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender as defined in paragraph 3,
or other grounds
that are universally recognized as impermissible under international law, in
connection with
any act referred to in this paragraph or any crime within the jurisdiction of
the Court.
Discussion Questions:
1) Who is ultimately responsible for these war crimes and crimes against
humanity- President Than Shwe or Vice Senior President Min Aung
Hlaing? Or neither?
2) Does the fact the Min Aung Hlaing claims to be attempting to improve
the state of democracy in Myanmar excuse his and his administration’s
previous actions?
3) Are the actions of Myanmar’s armed forces truly for the benefit of the
majority of the Myanmar population?
4) As commander in chief of the Tatmadaw, is Min Aung Hlaing
responsible for the recruitment of child soldiers within the Myanmar
armed forces and the cruel actions of his soldiers?
Resources:
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1) "Dead Men Walking." Human Rights Watch. n.p., n.d. Web. 5 May
2013.
http://www.hrw.org/node/100194/section/1
A scholarly article regarding convict porters on the front lines in Eastern
Myanmar.
2) "My Gun was as Tall as Me." Human Rights Watch. n.p., Oct. 2002.
Web. 5 May 2013
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/burma/
A comprehensive report about child soldiers and their use in Myanmar.
3) "Myanmar's Top General Promises Continued Role For Military." KCLU.
Neuman,
Scott. 27 Mar. 2013.Web. 5 May 2013.
http://kclu.callutheran.edu/npr/?id=175458206
A news article regarding Hlaing’s decision to use the military to enforce
governmental decisions and strengthen the growing democracy in Myanmar.
4) "Min Aung Hlaing Appointed Vice-Senior General.” The Irrawaddy.
Paquette, David.
3Apr. 2012. Web. 2 May 2013.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/archives/1890
A news article about Hlaing’s promotion to Vice-Senior General.
5) " UN urges Tatmadaw to speed up child soldier discharges." The
Myanmar Times. Lwin,
Ei Ei Toe. 25 Feb. 2013.Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/4203-un-urgestatmadaw-to-speed-up-child-soldier-discharges.html
A news article regarding the United Nation’s request to the Myanmar army to
discharge more child soldiers, following the initial release of 24 children.
6) "Myanmar." Child Soldiers International. n.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2013.
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http://www.child-soldiers.org/country_reader.php?id=4
A country profile of Myanmar as a nation that uses child soldiers.
7) "Myanmar: UN welcomes release of child soldiers by national armed
forces." Child
Soldiers International. UN. 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.child-soldiers.org/news_reader.php?id=634
A news article about 24 child soldiers being released from the Myanmar
armed forces.
8) "Army chief officially replaces Than Shwe." Democratic Voice of Burma.
Allchin,
Joseph. 30 Mar. 2011. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.dvb.no/news/army-chief-officially-replaces-than-shwe/15049
A news article about Hlaing replacing Shwe as the army chief.
9) "Than Shwe disciple to head Burma’s intelligence." Democratic Voice of
Burma. DVB. 6
Jul. 2011. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.dvb.no/news/than-shwe-disciple-to-head-burma%E2%80%99sintelligence/16460
A news article about Hlaing’s rise to power in Myanmar.
10)
"Myanmar: Human Rights Council resolution calls on Myanmar to
cooperate with UN on
child soldiers." Child Soldiers International. UN Human Rights
Council, UN Doc. 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 5 May 2013.
http://www.child-soldiers.org/news_reader.php?id=644
A resolution written by the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding
Child Soldiers in Myanmar.
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International Criminal Court (ICC)
Topic 3: ICC vs. Joseph Stalin
From 1932 to 1933, the Soviet Ukraine endured what the natives call
“Holodomor” or, the “death by hunger”. A result of the industrialized policies
and Russian ideology, this systematic famine decimated the Ukrainian
population. In 1921, the Ukrainian people gave a forced farewell to their
independence when Lenin’s Red Army defeated the majority of the White
Armed Forces, subsequently the rest of the forces, and took control of the
Ukraine.Joseph Stalin, the accused, came to power after Lenin’s death
bringing with him his infamous Five-Year Plan calling for a 250% increase in
industrial production and 150% in agricultural production.
In 1932, Stalin forced collectivization on the Ukraine as to prevent the
peasant farmers from prospering; Ukrainian farmers, having been
accustomed to owning and working their own property were not fond of
Stalin’s demands. Beginning with the process of “dekulakization,” a Soviet
effort to eliminate independent farm holdings and create collective units, the
wealthier farmers (“kulaks”) were portrayed as dangers to society. However,
peasant farmers were not fooled, many chose to side with the kulaks while
others reluctantly joined the collective farms; it was here that the systematic
starvation began.
Soviet Police seized the homes, livestock, wheat crops, and valuable
possessions of the Ukrainian farmers. High grain taxes were also imposed to
make the acquisition of sustenance especially difficult for Ukrainians and to
aid in certain death by starvation. Those who resisted, refused the demands
of the Soviets, or hid and/or stole food to survive were brutally murdered.
The Ukrainian people were left with nothing but their families and poor
excuses for shelter until the end of the 1933 harvest. Through a system of
internal passports; Ukrainians could not leave their villages and flee to
neighboring nations. The Holodomor, through execution, deportation, and
starvation, claimed the lives of seven to ten million Ukrainian people; this
brutal attempt to force a country to embrace Soviet-ism claimed nearly
25,000 Ukrainian lives each day.
Many nations, including the United States, offered aid when they received
word of the famine; Stalin denied the existence of the aforementioned food
shortage and blocked all aid. It wasn’t until Stalin believed his goals were
achieved that he allowed food back into the Ukraine; however persecution of
political enemies continued. The surviving Ukrainian people saw a glimmer of
relief when they were able to flee the Soviet Regime in 1941 when German
troops marched in. The Ukraine’s already declined population was now
scattered throughout surrounding nation’s in which they would take refuge.
The remaining Ukrainians that stayed in their country accepted
collectivization and began to restore the land. Peasants also migrated to
cities and began working in factories and though it had strong Russian
elements, the Ukrainian people were able to revive their culture. The Ukraine
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did not regain its independence until 1991 with the fall of the USSR. As for
Stalin, he was never arrested for his atrocities; in fact there are only 15
countries that recognize Stalin’s behavior as a genocide and 7 that recognize
it as a deliberate famine.
The International Criminal Court is charging Joseph Stalin with two
counts of Genocide and three counts of Crimes against Humanity for
his role in the brutalities and famine unleashed on the Ukrainian
people as follows:
- Article 6(1)(a): Killing members of the group
- Article 6(1)(b): Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of
the group
- Article 7(1)(a): Murder
- Article 7(1)(d): Deportation or forcible transfer of population
- Article 7(1)(k): Other inhumane acts of a similar character
intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to
mental or physical health
Questions:
1) How were and/or how weren’t Stalin’s atrocities justified under Soviet
Law?
2) Did foreign nations do enough to combat the Brutality?
3) Was the famine enforcement of law and order, or an abuse of power
toward the destruction of a people?
4) Who, if anyone, else is to blame?
References:
1) Duffy, Peter. "75 Years Later, Survivor Helps Commemorate Ukrainian
Famine." New
York Times 19 Dec. 2007: n. pag. New York Times. Web.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/nyregion/19ukraine.html?_r=0
2) Famine-Genocide in Ukraine 1932-1933. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.faminegenocide.com/resources/facts.html
3) "Holodomor-Genocide in Ukraine." Religious Information Service of
Ukraine. Ukrainian
Catholic University, n.d. Web.
http://risu.org.ua/en/index/monitoring/society_digest/39017/
4) Institute for Historical Review. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v06/v06p207_Moroz.html
5) "Joseph Stalin." History. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.history.com/topics/joseph-stalin>.
Kossakian, Talar. "Ukraine Famine" ["Ukraine Famine"]. United
Human Rights Council. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.unitedhumanrights.org/genocide/ukraine_famine.htm
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6) Krushelnycky, Askold. "Ukraine: Famine -- Survivors Recall the Horrors
of 1933 (Part
2)." Radio Free Europe Radio Liberly. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1103170.html
7) "Ukrainian Famine" ["Ukrainian Famine"]. Famine-Genocide in Ukraine
1932-1933.
N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.faminegenocide.com/resources/ukraine_famine.html
8) Margolis, Eric. "Remembering Ukraine's Unknown Holocaust." Toronto
Sun: n. pag. The
Wisdom Fund. Web.
http://www.twf.org/News/Y1998/19981213-UkraineHolocaust.html
9) Martin, Marlaina. "Ukrainian famine, 1932-1933." New York College of
Arts and
Sciences. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.ncas.rutgers.edu/center-study-genocide-conflict-resolution-andhuman-rights/ukrainian-famine
10) “Parliament recognises Ukrainian famine of 1930s as crime against
humanity." European
Parliament. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?language=en&type=IMPRESS&reference=20081022IPR40408
11) Serbyn, Roman, Prof. "Holodomor in the light of the UN Convention on
the Prevention
of Genocide (1948)." Famine Genocide. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May
2013.
http://www.faminegenocide.com/kuryliw/holod_and_un_convent
ion.htm>.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
Topic 4: ICC vs. Richard Nixon
In the years of America’s war on communism, President Richard Nixon dealt
with the issue in a similar fashion as past American leaders, by playing
global policeman. When the Chilean people elected Salvador Allendé, a
Marxist, as their president in 1970, President Nixon instantly feared a spread
of communism throughout Latin America. In reference to the election he
wrote, “I believed that a Communist regime in Cuba exporting violence,
terrorism, and revolution throughout Latin America was dangerous enough.”
The United States refused to recognize the democratically elected President
of Chile.
Along with his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, Nixon went to the
State Department hoping to use the CIA in Allendé’s destruction;
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he approved doing whatever it took to topple Allendé – Nixon’s order was for
Allende to be eliminated. Beginning with the training of agents to prevent
inauguration and ending in a coup to over through Allendé, Kissinger used
ten million dollars to funnel arms and money to factions opposed to Allendé.
On August 16, 1973, the CIA declared to agents that Allendé had to be
overthrown. On September 11, 1973, General Augusto Pinochet led a
military coup and overthrew Allendé, who committed suicide some time
during the attack.
After the coup and Allendé’s death, General Pinochet would assume
leadership of Chile and preside as the head of a military dictatorship that
significantly reduced freedom and democracy in Chile. While acknowledged
for his economic growth and inflation control, Pinochet is condemned for his
murderous, torturous, and repressive 17 year rule. Pinochet’s government
was particularly forceful when handling dissenters and other political
opposition in cases such as Operation Colombo and Operation Condor.
Operation Colombo,(Chile) undertaken by Pinochet’s secret police force
Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional or DINA, is responsible for the killing of
119 political opponents. Designed to maintain dictatorial power and expel
communism, Operation Condor(South America, Europe, and the United
States)-composed of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and
Uruguay killed the disputed number of people dead between 30 and 50
thousand; tens and hundreds of thousands of others were tortured,
incarcerated, or disappeared. Other operations under Pinochet’s regime
included operation Charly, Operation Gladio, Night of the pencils, Operation
Independence, Death flights, and the Ezeiza massacre. Pinochet’s reign was
one of terror and oppression whose foundation was constructed from
monetary interventions of the United States’ government.
Richard Nixon, being one of the most conservative presidents the United
States has seen, was adamant about the expulsion of communism
particularly in the Western hemisphere and preferred its extinction across
the globe. Although Allende was democratically elected, Nixon ironically
favored nationalism over democracy. Nixon has denied his affiliation with
coups to bring Pinochet to power but in fact,along with Henry
Kissinger,spearheaded the CIA operations to remove Allende and control the
expansion of communism.
The International Criminal Court is charging President Richard Nixon
with three counts of Crimes against Humanity for his role in and
funding of Augusto Pinochet’s reign of terror as follows:
- Article 7(1)(a): Murder
- Article 7(1)(f): Torture
- Article 7(1)(k): Other inhumane acts of a similar character
intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or to
mental or physical health
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Questions:
1) Was America’s support the prime resource for the overthrowing of
Allendé or would Pinochet’s coup have succeeded with lesser or no aid?
2) Did Pinochet’s opposition threaten his rule; were they treasonous
forcing him to react with force?
3) Did Nixon or his administration have the authority to stop Pinochet at
anytime?
4) Did Nixon’s administration’s involvement in Pinochet’s rise to power
provide the means for Pinochet’s reign of terror?
References:
1) "Augusto Pinochet." More or Less. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/pinochet.html
2) The Center for Justice and Accountability. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.cja.org/article.php?list=type&type=196
3) "CIA Activities in Chile." Central Intelligence Agency. N.p., n.d. Web.
https://www.cia.gov/library/reports/general-reports-1/chile/
4) "Covert Action in Chile 1963-1973." US Department of State. N.p., n.d.
Web.
http://foia.state.gov/reports/churchreport.asp
5) Farnsworth, Elizabeth. "KISSINGER ON CHILE, PINOCHET." PBS. N.p.,
n.d. Web.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/latin_america/chile/documents/kissinger_
02-06-01.html
6) Kornbluh, Peter. "NIXON ON CHILE INTERVENTION WHITE HOUSE
TAPE
ACKNOWLEDGES INSTRUCTIONS TO BLOCK SALVADOR
ALLENDE." National Security Archive. N.p., n.d. Web.
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB110/
7) "PINOCHET: A Declassified Documentary Obit." The National Security
Archive. N.p.,
n.d. Web.
8) Osario, Carlos, and Peter Kornbluh. "Operation Condor: Trial On Latin
American
Rendition And Assassination Program." Global Research. N.p.,
n.d. Web.
8) Reel, Monte, and J.Y Smith. "A Chilean Dictator's Dark Legacy."
Washington Post: n.
pag. The Washington Post. Web.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/12/10/AR2006121000302.html
9) Sengupta, Kim. "Victims of Pinochet's police prepare to reveal details
of rape and
torture." The Independent. N.p., n.d. Web.
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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/victims-of-pinochets-police-prepare-toreveal-details-of-rape-and-torture-1183793.html
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International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Case 1: Avena and the other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United
States)
Background:
On June 24, 1993, Jose Medellin, an 18-year old Mexican national born in
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, and other gang members murdered and raped
Jennifer Ertman(14) and Elizabeth Pena(16) in Houston, Texas. Medellin was
caught and arrested a few days later. He admitted to committing the crime
and he also confessed after he was given the Miranda warning, which is
required under United States law. The Miranda warning is a warning given
by the police to criminal suspects that are held in custody so the criminal. It
states that the criminal in custody does not have to speak or respond to
interrogation until held in court. The authorities failed to inform Medellin of
his ability contact the Mexican consulate. In 1997, Medellin was convicted of
murder and he was given the death sentence. Later, Medellin raised the
issue of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations during an appeal after
trial. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations is an internationally
recognized treaty which describes the country’s rights to a consul for
international relationships. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decided that
the issue concerning the Vienna Convention should have been brought up in
Court during trial, but did not reconsider the case. In addition to Medellin,
the United States also captured and put 54 Mexican nationals on trial for
crimes they had committed in the United States.
Issue:
Mexico appeals to the International Court of Justice for the United States’s
breach of the Vienna Convention, more specifically, Articles 5 and 36 of the
Vienna Convention, which declares that foreign citizens who are detained
have the right to contact their consulate. The Mexican nationals who were
detained were not told of their right to consular assistance. The United
States argues that if the Mexican nationals are granted freedom, this would
interfere with the sovereignty of the United States.
Questions:
Does the International Court of Justice have jurisdiction?
Are the men who were sentenced of Mexican nationality?
Do the actions of the United States breach Articles 5 and 36 of the Vienna
Convention?
What measures should be taken to deal with the punishments for the men
who committed the crimes?
Would these actions interfere with the sovereign rights of the United States
of America?
Reference:
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1. “Foreign Nationals and the Death Penalty in the US." Un.org. United
Nations, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/files/AvenaICJDecision.pdf>.
Article on death penalty of foreigners in the United States.
2.
"VCCR - Foreign Nationals." The International Justice Project. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/nationalsInstruments.cfm>.
Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, can be
referenced for this case.
3.
"I. Introduction." GlobaLex. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/vienna_convention_consular_relatio
ns.htm>.
Explains the vienna convention on consular relations.
4.
"The American Society of International Law ASIL Insights - World
Court Rules Against the United States in LaGrand Case Arising from a
Violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations." The American
Society of International Law ASIL Insights - World Court Rules Against the
United States in LaGrand Case Arising from a Violation of the Vienna
Convention on Consular Relations. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://www.asil.org/insigh75.cfm>.
Information on the LaGrand Case which is similar to this case.
5.
"LaGrand Case." LaGrand Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/LaGrand_case.ht
ml>.
This case is similar to the case of Avena and the other Mexican
nationalists.
6.
"Breard v. Greene, 523 U.S. 371 (1998)." Breard v. Greene, 523 U.S.
371 (1998). N.p., 14 Apr. 1998. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/97-8214.ZPC.html>.
This is a case similar to the Avena case, and can be used to look for
possible arguments.
7.
"Breard v. Greene Case Brief." Breard v. Greene Case Brief. N.p., n.d.
Web. 04 May 2013. <https://www.quimbee.com/cases/breard-v-greene>.
Another article on the Breard v. Greene case which is similar to the Avena
case.
8.
"Chapter III Privileges and Immunities, Diplomatic and Consular
Relations, Etc." Un.org. United Nations, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/pages/Treaties.aspx?id=3&subid=A&lang=en>.
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More information on immunities and consular relations that can be used in
this case.
9.
"Women and beyond." Un.org. United Nations, n.d. Web. 30 Mar.
2013. <http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/public/jun03e.pdf>.
Includes information on being a national and rights they have.
10. "Osvaldo Torres - Foreign Nationals - the International Justice Project."
Osvaldo Torres - Foreign Nationals. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/nationalsOTorres.cfm>.
Another case that is similar to this case.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Case 2: Nuclear Testing (New Zealand v. France)
Background:
The South Pacific region, around Australia and New Zealand, has been used
for nuclear testing since right after World War II. The consequences of
nuclear testing include radioactive contamination, which prevents the
inhabitation of many of South Pacific islands. Unlike the United States and
the United Kingdom, the French were testing their nuclear weapons in the
French Sahara, in modern day Algeria, rather than in the South Pacific. In
1963, Algeria won their independence and the French government moved to
do their atmospheric tests of nuclear devices in Mururoa Atoll, an area of
French Polynesia in the South Pacific. The French had sovereignty over
Mururoa Atoll and therefore there was no question as to whether or not the
French could test on the island. These atomic tests were part of the
development of a nuclear deterrent capability during the Cold War. France
moved the testing underground, which led to radio fall-out and caused
damage to the surrounding areas. Initially there was no protest from New
Zealand about the nuclear testing because the government of New Zealand
was not aware of the harmful effects of the fall-out from these tests, but
soon the people in New Zealand began to protest. In the early 1960s, the
protests of the people prompted the government to monitor the nuclear fallout. Monitoring the effects of the nuclear testing, New Zealand strongly
opposes the continuation of the testing. The countries in the South Pacific
region have come together in agreement that they oppose the testing of
nuclear arms due to the possible impact the fall-out could have on the
people on the surrounding islands. New Zealand’s neighbor, Australia also
has concerns for the nuclear testing in the area. Australia has also brought
the case against nuclear testing to the ICJ.
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Issue:
New Zealand, aware of the harm that the nuclear testing has done and of its
potential harm, appeals to the International Court of Justice to prevent the
French from testing in the South Pacific region. New Zealand argues that,
because the nuclear fall-out from the French nuclear testing on the island of
Mururoa Atoll has been leaving a negative impact on the people and
environment of New Zealand, the French must halt the testing. The French
claim that because they have sovereignty over Mururoa Atoll they have the
right to test nuclear arms on that island. Acknowledging French sovereignty
over Mururoa Atoll, New Zealand argues that because the testing is affecting
areas under the sovereignty of New Zealand, the French must discontinue
their testing if asked to do so by the government of New Zealand.
Questions:
Does the International Court of Justice have jurisdiction?
What constitutes a breach of sovereignty?
Did the actions of France breach the sovereignty of New Zealand?
Is a country responsible for domestic actions that have international effects?
Reference:
1. "Charter, United Nations, Chapter I, Purposes and Principles." UN
News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter1.shtml>.
Used to define the sovereignty of the nations and help establish the
boundaries in which testing may occur.
2.
"International Court of Justice." Basic Documents | . N.p., n.d. Web.
01 Apr. 2013. <http://www.icjcij.org/docket/?p1=3&p2=3&k=6b&case=59&code=nzf&p3=1>.
Contains information on the original case, questions and arguments may
help build a case.
3.
"Nuclear Tests in French Polynesia." Nuclear Tests in French Polynesia.
N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Booklets/mururoabook.html>.
This describes the testing in the area of French Polynesia.
4.
"South Pacific Handbook." Google Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May
2013. <http://books.google.com/books?id=w6zguqsU7x0C>.
Information on the islands that are involved in this case.
5.
Voigt, Kevin. "What Happens with an Underground Nuclear Test?"
CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/north-korea-undergroundexplosion-explainer>.
This article describes what happens during nuclear testing.
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6.
"Environmental Effects of French Nuclear Testing." Environmental
Effects of Nuclear Testing. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
<http://cyberplace.org.nz/peace/nukenviro.html>.
This article describes the effects of nuclear testing.
7.
"Nuclear Testing: New Zealand and France in." Fordham.edu. Fordham
University, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013.
<http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1483&context=ilj
>.
This is further explaination of New Zealand.
8.
“International Court of Justice." Cases | . Internaltional Court of
Justice, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://www.icjcij.org/docket/index.php?p1=3&p2=3&code=af&case=58&k=78&p3=0>.
More information on the case of Australia v. France.
9.
"UNHCR | Refworld | Nuclear Tests Case (Australia v. France)." UNHCR
| Refworld | Nuclear Tests Case (Australia v. France). N.p., n.d. Web. 22
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,ICJ,,AUS,,4023a57c7,0.html>.
THis describes the Australia and France case on nuclear testing.
10. "International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)." Mururoa And Fangataufa
Atolls. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. <http://wwwns.iaea.org/appraisals/mura-fang.asp>.
This is more information on policies of atomic energy in Mururoa.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Case 3: Jurisdictional Immunities of the State (Germany v. Italy)
Background:
This case concerns Germany bringing Italy to the ICJ over Germany’s
immunity. After World War II, Germany admitted that many war crimes had
been committed during the conflict. In 1963, an agreement between
Germany and Italy waived claims by Italian nationals in exchange for
compensation from Germany to Italy. In 2004 and up through the point
where this case was brought to court, Italy was allowing civilians to file
claims in Italian courts against Germany for crimes committed during World
War II. Italy made some effort to halt the trials already in progress, as well
as stop future trials, but they continued, allowing several cases to be tried
and some results in favor of the Italian nationals. Germany filed an
application with the ICJ on December 23, 2008 with the complaint that Italy
was allowing Italian nationals to file civil cases against Germany for violating
international humanitarian law during and after World War II in Italian
courts.
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Issue:
Germany argues that the International Court of Justice has jurisdiction over
this case because of the European Convention of the Peaceful Settlement of
Disputes. Germany also argues that Germany has immunity regarding the
cases against Luigi Ferrini, Max Josef Milde, and in the Distomo Massacre,
because the country of Germany is responsible internationally for the people
in question, and Italian nationals cannot try Germany as a country. Germany
asks that the Court find the cases brought against Germany in Italy do not
have any jurisdictional basis and order the proceedings dropped.
Italy argues that the court does not have jurisdiction because the events
occurred prior to the ratification of European Convention of the Peaceful
Settlement of Disputes. Italy also argues that Germany did not pay
adequate reparations when they made the original agreement, and does not
in fact have immunity from being tried by Italian nationals because of the
severity of the situations in question. Italy also asks that the Court require
Germany to comply with any judgment rendered in Italian courts.
Questions
1. Does the ICJ have jurisdiction to hear this dispute?
2. Do Italian nationals have the ability to file cases against Germany in a
civil court?
3. Did Germany aptly compensate Italy for crimes committed during World
War II?
4. Can Italy ask for more compensation?
5. Where the actions Italy took to halt the trials sufficient?
6. Does the fact that the European Convention of the Peaceful Settlement of
Disputes was written prior to the conflict affect the judgment?
7. Does Germany have immunity in this Issue?
8. Was that immunity violated?
9. What actions (if any) must be taken by both parties to resolve the
conflict?
Reference
1. "European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes." Council of
Europe - ETS No. 023 - European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement
of Disputes. The Council of Europe, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
<http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/Html/023.htm>
This treaty sets the standards of how European disputes are to be settled
and in what venues cases can be tried. This should help to determine if the
cases could be tried in Italian courts.
2.
"International Court of Justice." ICJ Rules of the Court. The
International Court of Justice, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.icj-
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cij.org/documents/index.php?p1=4>. Defines the ICJ’s jurisdiction and what
actions it can take.
3.
"International Court of Justice." Jurisdiction. The United Nations. Web.
26 Apr. 2013 <http://www.icj-cij.org/jurisdiction/index.php?p1=5>
Defines what the ICJ’s jurisdiction covers, in order to determine whether or
not the court can rule over any case.
4.
United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and
Their Property.United Nations Treaties. The United Nations, 2005. Web. 27
Apr. 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/4_1_200
4.pdf>.
This treaty defines the idea of immunities of states in the eyes of the U.N.
and can be used to help determine if Germany did indeed have immunity.
5.
Applications Instituting Proceedings for Jurisdictional Immunities of the
State (Germany v. Italy). The International Court of Justice. 23 Dec. 2008.
List of Cases Referred to the Court since 1946. Web. 25 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/143/14923.pdf>. Germany’s original
application to the ICJ.
6.
"Charter of the United Nations, Ch. 14." UN News Center. UN. Web. 04
May 2013. <http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter14.shtml>.
Used to define the sovereignty of the nations and help establish if Germany
did indeed have immunity, and also if Italy had the right to hold trials in it’s
own court.
7.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. United Nations Treaties.
The United Nations, 2005. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1_196
1.pdf>.
Defines how nations should settle disputes with each other. Can be used to
help determine whether or not Italy had the right to hold trials in its own
courts.
8.
The Corte di Cassazione cases The original cases that were tried in the
Italian courts that caused Germany to file a case against Italy.
9.
Trapp, Kimberley N., and Alex Mills. "Smooth Runs the Water Where
the Brook Is Deep: The Obscured Complexities of Germany v Italy."
Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law. Cambridge
University. Web. 4 May 2013. <www.cjicl.org.uk/journal/article/pdf/33>.
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Helps explain the case and describes the context of Italy’s decision to allow
the cases.
"Germany Brings Italy before ICJ over WWII Reparations." The Hague
Justice Portal. The Hague Justice Portal, 2011. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://www.haguejusticeportal.net/index.php?id=10138>.
Helps describe why Germany instituted proceedings against Italy and also
what the cases were about.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Case 4: Application of the Convention on the Prevention and
Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Bosnia v. Serbia)
Background: Throughout the early 1990s, the countries that had been part
of the Socialist Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia (SFRY) began to dissolve with the fall of communism. When
Bosnia tried to secede from the collapsing SFRY, the Serbians, under the
leadership of Slobodan Miloševic, invaded Bosnia. Starting in April 1992,
Serbia set out to “ethnically cleanse” Bosnian territory by systematically
removing all Bosnian Muslims, known as Bosniaks with the claim that they
were trying to “free” fellow Serbian Orthodox Christians living in Bosnia. The
Serbians began to attack Bosnian villages, killing many people, mostly
civilians. Villages continued to be attacked up until the point that the case
was brought to the ICJ.
Issue:
In 1993, a case was brought before the ICJ to determine if the
Serbians did in fact commit genocide in Bosnia. Serbia argues that ICJ does
not have jurisdiction of this case. Serbia also argues that their actions were
necessary to protect the Serbian Orthodox Christians in Bosnia, and that
they were within their rights to take whatever actions necessary for them to
protect their people. They claim that their actions could not be considered
Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
Genocide, which defines how to prevent and punish the persecution and
physical extermination of national, ethnic, racial and religious minorities,
because it was not committed during a time of peace.
Bosnia argues that the ICJ does have jurisdiction over this case
because it is a case of genocide and thus International law, giving the ICJ
total jurisdiction. It claims the actions committed by Serbia were genocide
under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Bosnia
points out that under this Convention, tensions in the countries (ex- war) is
not a factor into whether or not the crime is genocide. Bosnia asks that the
court find Serbia’s actions in Bosnia to be Genocide and that there be an
immediate stop in actions.
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Questions
1. Does the ICJ have jurisdiction to hear this case?
2. How does the ICJ define genocide?
3. Does Bosnia trying to secede in any way justify Serbia’s actions?
4. Did Serbians commit genocide in Bosnia under the Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of Genocide?
5. Can Serbia justify its actions by saying they were trying to protect Serbs?
6. Did the Serbs in Bosnia need protection?
7. If the court finds in favor of Bosnia, what reparations must Serbia make
to resolve the conflict?
8. Is there enough information to hold a case?
Resources
1. "Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide." Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide. The United Nations, 2005. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/cod/avl/ha/cppcg/cppcg.html>. Defines the
U.N.’s definition of genocide and how it should be punished under certain
circumstances.
2.
"International Court of Justice." ICJ Rules of the Court. The
International Court of Justice, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.icjcij.org/documents/index.php?p1=4>. Defines the ICJ’s jurisdiction and what
actions it can take.
3.
"International Court of Justice." Jurisdiction. The United Nations. Web.
26 Apr. 2013 <http://www.icj-cij.org/jurisdiction/index.php?p1=5>
http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/91/7199.pdf
Defines what the ICJ’s jurisdiction covers, in order to determine whether or
not the court can rule over any case.
4.
APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND
PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE. ICJ. 20 Mar. 1993. The
International Court of Justice- Cases. The United Nations, 2005. Web. 4 May
2013. <http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/91/7199.pdf>. Bosnia’s original
application to the ICJ.
5.
Charter of the United Nations, Ch. 14." UN News Center. UN. Web. 04
May 2013. <http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/chapter14.shtml>.
Used to define the sovereignty of the nations and help establish if the
problems going on in the conflicting countries has any influence on the
rulings.
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6.
Armed activities on the territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of
the Congo v. Uganda)http://www.haguejusticeportal.net/index.php?id=6201 A reference case that
involved a similar problem and can be used to set a precedent ruling for the
court to follow.
7.
"Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Racial Discrimination (Georgia v. Russia)." The Hague Justice
Portal. The Hague Justice Portal, 2011. Web. 04 May 2013.
<http://www.haguejusticeportal.net/index.php?id=9630>.
A reference case that involved a similar problem and can be used to set a
precedent ruling for the court to follow.
8.
“Two Bosnian Serbs Arrested on Wartime Massacre Charges."
Refworld. The United Nations Refugee Agency, 27 Aug. 2009. Web. 04 May
2013.
<http://www.refworld.org/country%2C%2C%2C%2CBIH%2C%2C4a9fcd8f1
a%2C0.html> An article written by the United Nations Refugee Agency
describing the setting of the conflict and some of the actions that took place
during the “genocide” in order to help determine if it was indeed a genocide.
9.
"Kosovo Conflict." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues &
Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 29 Dec. 2006. Web. 4 May
2013. <http://www.2facts.com/article/i0400460> An article that describes
the setting of the conflict and helps put into perspective the actions
committed by the Serbs and why they were committed.
10. "Genocide in Bosnia." Genocide in Bosnia. Holocaust Museum Huston.
Web. 03 May 2013. <http://www.hmh.org/la_Genocide_Bosnia.shtml>.
Gives an account of many of the actions and effects of the “genocide” to help
determine if it was indeed a genocide.
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Legal Committee:
Topic 1: Terrorism
There are multiple outlets for the definition of terrorism. The most
widely used, and known, is the violent action by an extremist militant group
against civilians to instill terror and cause a change. However there are
many other types of terrorism. The definition of terrorism is the general use
of violence or intimidation in order to achieve political goals. In that sense,
oppressive governments, violent governments, militant groups, or
governments supporting militant groups are all defined terrorist
organizations. Countries like the United States and France have spent over
$1 trillion on counterterrorism movements abroad and have set the
standards for which organizations are deemed terrorist organizations by
NATO. Many countries, though, especially in the Middle East, believe that
these NATO nations terrorize their countries, whether it is through drone
strikes on civilians or extended military occupations. The differing definitions
on terrorism have caused a prolonged international war of opinion.
The definition of terrorism is a widely disputed entity, as mentioned,
because many countries refuse to accept that their regimes are terroristic.
Although there are many international agreements regarding terrorism, the
advances in modern technology and weaponry have distanced any previous
definition with the modern terrorist. The existing concepts of terrorism are
mostly utilized by developed countries, while developing countries are
usually accused of terrorist activities. The harboring of terrorists has started
wars, as well as the questionable definition of terrorist regimes, wherein the
question lies- what should define a terrorist? The dissimilarity of
international definitions has become apparent, and it is the job of the United
Nations to provide a concrete, well-rounded international view of terror.
With a definition, though, there is still the question of how the
international community will respond. The UN opted to minimally intervene
during the American invasion of Iraq, the likes of which was justified based
on potential terrorist ties. The different views within the general UN allowed
the US to carry out its occupation against the wishes of some member
nations. A definition will simplify the severity of the approach, but there still
needs to be an international outlook on how relations with terrorists will
occur. It is the job of the United Nations to maintain general stability
throughout the world, so avoiding an escalating conflict will ensure safety.
For example, with rising tensions between the United States and North
Korea, the United Nations has been worried that the nations will go to war.
The US has defined North Korea as a terrorist group, while the North
Koreans have defined the US as imperialistic terrorists. The international
community has tried to decide how to approach the situation because, if war
ever occurred, other actors such as China could get involved, and an
international conflict could start. If the UN, firstly, defines terrorism and,
secondly, states the path that should be taken in response, nations such as
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the US and North Korea will be able to address their diplomatic tensions
within the confines of accepted international law.
Terrorism is a vital issue because it affects every nation in the world.
From oppressive governments to self-proclaimed terrorist groups, and from
international bodies to domestic revolutionaries, terrorist organizations affect
every nation. If not occupied, they can be harmful to any nation’s stability.
It is important for the international community to define what makes a
terrorist organization, not just name them, and to create sufficient action
plans for all states that are attacked by internationally defined terrorist
group.
Discussion Questions:
1. What actions or beliefs should internationally define Terrorism?
2. Why have pre-existing agreements and protocols not effectively ended
international terrorism?
3. How should the UN respond to terrorist regimes or private militant
extremists?
Resources:
1. About: Terrorism. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://terrorism.about.com/od/whatisterroris1/tp/DefiningTerrorism.
htm>.
Definition of the 4 widely known types of Terrorism
2. Europa: Summaries of EU Legislation. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/fig
ht_against_terrorism/index_en.htm>.
Site for European countries that details the EU’s agreed upon strategy for
counter-acting terrorism
3. Global Terrorism Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.start.umd.edu/gtd/>.
An open-source database including information on terrorist events around
the world from 1970 through 2011
4. International Institute for Counter-Terrorism. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May
2013. <http://www.ict.org.il/>.
ICT is an independent think tank providing expertise in terrorism, counterterrorism, homeland security, threat vulnerability and risk assessment,
intelligence analysis and national security and defense policy. The site
contains helpful information on country specific terrorist activities.
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5. Library of Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/Nats_Hospitable.pdf>.
Document released by the US Library of Congress that details the countries
that are susceptible to terrorism and why they are
6. National Counter-Terrorism Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.nctc.gov/site/index.html>.
Though a US site, it provides an insight into many terrorist groups defined
by the Western World and gives information on different types of terrorism
7. United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/65/65_session.shtml>.
UN Legal Committee resolutions and discussions on terrorism; different
articles are located on different tabs
8. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Action Plan.
N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013. <http://www.un.org/terrorism/strategycounter-terrorism.shtml>.
9. United Nations Legal Committee. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sc8102.doc.htm>.
Security Council List of Suspected Terrorist groups as of 2004
10. United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<https://www.unodc.org/tldb/en/universal_instruments_list__NEW.ht
ml>. Collection of major recent UN resolutions on terrorism
11. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/doc/publication/UNTS/Volume%202445/v2445
.pdf>. Page 98, Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism
12. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?&src=TREATY&mtds
g_no=XVIII~15&chapter=18&Temp=mtdsg3&lang=en>. Specific
Country views on the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism
Legal Committee
Topic 2: Diplomatic Protection and Embassy Safety Sites
Diplomats, in an international view, are individuals or groups who are
sent internationally to represent their home country. Diplomatic protection
essentially describes the treatment and laws surrounding a diplomat;
diplomatic immunity is the most commonly addressed issue of diplomatic
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protection. Embassy Safety, though, addresses the physical safety of the
embassy or consulate where the diplomats being housed. There are
hundreds of embassies and consulates around the world, with hundreds of
diplomats working within them, so their safety is of vital importance to
international stability. Embassy safety draws upon the conflict in Benghazi,
where the American embassy was attacked by militant extremists, while
Diplomatic Protection draws upon the concept of the 1972 Munich Olympic
Games, where Israeli athletes were killed by extremists. Both caused
international backlashes that represent the topic.
Diplomats and their rights have been largely publicized through media
in modern times. When there is a journalist taken hostage, the home
country publicizes it, and when the diplomat of an aggressive nation visits an
enemy, the world watches. Historically, countries have refused to let
diplomats inside of their borders if they are from belligerent nations or
countries that are not allies, which is not a crime, but when nations allow
diplomats within their country, and they get hurt, both nations generally
have a conflict. It is important to address the role of the host nation in
diplomacy; there have been many international laws made on the topic, but
it is still important to ensure that there are no loopholes. Punishment, if
there should be any, should be decided beforehand so that nations know
what might happen if they do not provide extreme protection. The rights of
the diplomat, namely diplomatic immunity, are also an international issue.
Many citizens have traveled to another country and broken the law, but were
not able to be arrested because of their immunity to the law. The question
on that front is whether or not it is fair that someone can be sent back to
their home country for, what could be an unfair trial. For instance, if a
female European goes to a Middle Eastern, largely Islamic nation and does
not dress appropriately, they could be arrested or sent back home where
they would receive no punishment. Many nations argue the inequality of the
concept, while others believe it is only fair. It is up to the United Nations to
decide what is, and is not, a permissible offense for international travelers.
There are many different routes to the argument of diplomats; should they
be able to visit during wartime, should they have certain rights, should their
documents be accessible to the host government; many countries have
argued every possible angle.
Embassy Safety addresses both the implementation of security, the
blame for embassy attacks, and the response to violence. In many
countries, a large military protection of an embassy is seen as aggression,
while the embassy itself sees it as defense. It is necessary to address
whether or not large military presence should be allowed. Also, when an
embassy is attacked, as many have been, it is important to have a
predetermined plan on how to address the situation. Should the host
government be blamed for allowing it, should they help find the
perpetrators, should the countries go to war- all are questions that depend
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on the international policies of a specific country, leading to an unpredictable
game of politics. If the international community sets strict guidelines to the
response towards embassy attacks, specific to the severity of the attack,
spiraling international disputes can be averted. As the United Nations, it is
important to address and create laws that will assert blame for certain
attacks based off of guidelines, set a plan for the protection of embassies,
and set a plan for the response to host aggression .
Diplomatic Protection and Embassy safety are issues that parallel each
other greatly; one deals with the individual as the other deals with the
official location. It is impossible to address the person without the embassy
as well, nor the embassy without the person. All too often situations where a
diplomat is killed, or an embassy is attacked, spiral out of control. Though
the UN has addressed such topics before, the problem persists and attacks
are still prevalent. It is important to rigorously review these concepts so that
a large international conflict does not arise over a diplomatic crisis.
Discussion Questions
1. What is a fair way to create an international law towards diplomatic
immunity without infringing upon national sovereignty?
2. Should diplomats be allowed to have such leniency internationally?
3. What precautions and procedures should diplomats and embassies be
required to follow in order to avoid an international incident?
Resources:
1. About: Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://geography.about.com/od/politicalgeography/a/embassy.htm>
.
Purpose of an Embassy/Consulate
2. EDiplomat. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.ediplomat.com/nd/diplomatic_immunity.htm>. Rights of
Diplomats
3. Embassy World. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.embassyworld.com/>.
List of the Embassies and Consulates in the world
4. United Nations Legal Committee. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/previous_sessions.shtml>.
Sessions of the Legal Committee with resolutions and discussions of
diplomatic rights; different articles are in different sessions
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5. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/Special/1979%20Internat
ional%20Convention%20against%20the%20Taking%20of%20Hostage
s.pdf>.
Document from 1979 that has specific country views on the taking of
hostages and the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages
6. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/doc/source/events/2007/book_english.pdf>.
Page 49: participants of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment
of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic
Agents
7. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_1
_1961.pdf>.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
8. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/doc/db/Terrorism/english-18-5.pdf>.
International Convention against the Taking of Hostages
9. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/conventions/9_4
_1973.pdf>.
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against
Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents
10. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://treaties.un.org/untc//Pages//doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%2
0596/volume-596-I-8638-English.pdf>.
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
Legal Committee
Topic 3: Law of the Sea and Oceanic Disputes
A major aspect of international trade, the Law of Seas defines the
world view towards international waters and maritime law. The United
Nations has defined the Law of the Seas as the right and responsibility of
nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for
businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural
resources. The Law of the Seas, while addressing the preservation of the
environmental aspects of the ocean, more importantly focuses on the
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legality of trade practices in international waters. Within that trade aspect is
the idea of what international waters means for traders, the rights to certain
goods only found in the ocean, and the desire of expansion to national
claims. Resources found in the sea, like minerals or oil, the argument over
territorial claims, and the importance of the protection over the sea are all
concepts of the Law of the Sea.
The United Nations has addressed numerous aspects of the Law of the
Sea explicitly in the multiple Conventions on the Law of the Sea. Also known
as UNCLOS III, the Treaty on the Law of the Sea addresses the importance
of different zones of water (Internal, Territorial, Archipelagic, Contiguous,
Exclusive economic, Continental) and the rights that countries have to each
territory. The issues that follow the Law of the Seas, though, are both its
uncertain codification of customary international law and its implementation.
Though there are groups in place that monitor the Convention, there is still a
lack of enforcement in its statements. Many countries have changed their
national oceanic rights, some by 12 nautical miles, some by 200, but it is
still common to see dispute over territorial claims to the ocean. The major
dilemma in this situation would be how to create a unified territorial ideology
about the ocean that could provide sovereignty but also avoid conflicts.
Beyond territorial conflicts, there are other issues that arise from the
Law of the Sea, such as oil drilling, conservation, ocean use during wartime
(mine laying), maritime safety, pirating, and scientific studies. Many
countries have territorial disputes for the sole reason that they want
something outside of the jurisdiction of UNCLOS, such as drilling rights.
While UNCLOS does address territorial expansion for oceanic countries, it
does not fully address economic or political issues over the sea, nor does it
explicitly define how land-locked countries will be addressed. The weakness
in UNCLOS, besides its lack of enforcement, is its vagueness in those regions
of international law. It is vital for the UN to address offshore drilling and the
appropriate use of the ocean in order to avoid disputes over the mass that
makes up 70% of the planet.
Embodying the issues with the Law of the Sea, the Arctic Ocean has
been problematic to oceanic expansion. In 2007, Russia planted a titanium
flag 4 km from the North Pole, stating that its continental shelf gave it
claims to that area, and half of the Arctic Ocean, but several other countries,
such as Canada, Denmark, Greenland, and Norway, expressed an equal
interest, and claim, to the area. All of the countries placed a military
presence in the region to try and protect their claims to offshore drilling
sites, and the UN has had to monitor the area to ensure stability and peace.
The leaders of all of the countries involved with territorial claims in the Arctic
epitomize the international outlook on oceanic entitlements; each nation
believes its claims are valid over other nations.
Essentially, the largest aspects of the Law of Seas that must be
addressed by the UN are its lack of implementation and its silence on
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important modern issues. Many countries have signed the UNCLOS III and
have ratified it in their home countries, but the issue of oceanic disputes
over territory still prevails. The lack of explicit actions towards economic and
political claims over the ocean, as well as the rights of land-locked countries
leaves room for different interpretations and arising conflicts. The true
struggle within the Law of the Seas is its enforcement throughout the world
with respect to economic desires and the territorial acquisitions of certain
countries.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can the UN address the Law of the Seas while still respecting
national sovereignty?
2. How may land-locked countries be affected by resolutions towards oceanic
trade?
3. How can the UN ensure the most appropriate and efficient enforcement of
international oceanic agreements if not every country has ratified or signed
international agreements?
Resources:
1. Academia. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.academia.edu/870708/The_Law_of_the_Sea_and_Intern
ational_Conflict_Over_Undersea_Mining_Which_way_is_up>.
Journal with valid arguments and examples of recent conflicts and
escalations over offshore drilling
2. Britannica Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/530433/Law-of-theSea>.
General overview of the concept of the Law of the Sea
3. The International Seabed Authority. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.isa.org.jm/en/home>.
The International Seabed Authority is an “autonomous international
organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of
Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The
Authority is the organization through which States Parties to the Convention
shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and
subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area)
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established in Part XI and the Agreement, organize and control activities in
the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area”
4. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May
2013. <http://www.itlos.org/>.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is an independent judicial
body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to
adjudicate disputes arising out of the interpretation and application of the
Convention. The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members, elected
from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and
integrity and of recognized competence in the field of the law of the sea.
5. United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_ov
erview_convention.htm>.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982:
Overview and full text
6. United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/nippon/unnff_programme_home/fellow
s_pages/fellows_papers/mom_0506_cambodia.pdf>.
Pages 5 through 24 provide background information for the different types
of maritime zones and important topics addressed by UNCLOS
7. United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/LEGISLATIONANDTREATIES/PDFFILES/
table_summary_of_claims.pdf>.
Table of national maritime claims for each country that reported their
oceanic claims
8. United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://www.un.org/Depts/los/reference_files/chronological_lists_of_r
atifications.htm>.
Chronological lists of ratifications of, accessions and successions to the
Convention and the related Agreements as at
9. United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. N.p., n.d. Web.
20 May 2013. <http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/index.html>.
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law: Search for any
aspect of maritime law or the Law of the Sea to find documents, comments,
etc.
10. The United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty Information Center. N.p., n.d.
Web. 20 May 2013. <http://www.unlawoftheseatreaty.org/>.
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The United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty Information Center
11. United Nations Treaties. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2013.
<http://untreaty.un.org/cod/avl/ls/Scovazzi_LS.html>.
Lecture from Mr. Tullio Scovazzi, Professor of International Law at the
University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, on UNCLOS
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Nation Building Committee
The Arab Spring
The series of revolutions that erupted in the Middle East beginning in
2010 have been dubbed some of the most influential in world history. The
revolutiond began with the self-immolation of Tunisian fruit vendor
Mohamed Bouazazi, who set himself on fire in protest against the Tunisian
government when the goods from his fruit stand were confiscated by
government officials and never returned. Bouzazi died from his injuries and
his death inspired full scale revolt in Tunisia. Protesters took to the streets
and began demanding change in the government, to which they were
successful in overthrowing and implementing a transitional democratic
government. Word quickly spread, as surrounding countries began to follow
suit; between January and March of 2011, the countries of Tunisia, Algeria,
Jordan, Oman, Egypt, Yemen, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Bahrain,
Libya, Kuwait, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and
Palestine all experienced related protests. The Arab Spring was underway.
Of those countries, 12 had major protests and changes in government.
The most notable protests and government overthrows have occurred in
Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. Syria remains plunged in a
tumultuous civil war. Meanwhile, the others have experienced hardships
stemming from weak, strictly-transitional governments and international
responses to their reform. Transitional governments born from Arab Spring
often have difficulty making the move from their previous government
systems, many of which were dictatorships or otherwise corrupt, to fair,
democratic governments. During the transition period, there is a lack of
control and representation for the nation. These countries all have years of
work ahead to rebuild, and none are safe until the process is complete.
The Arab Spring has been characterised by its participants’ modernized
techniques and methods of accomplishing their goals. These techniques
range from utilizing social media to assemble demonstrators in (resulting in
some of the largest protests the world has ever seen) to civil disobedience of
newer laws and using recent technology to broadcast the protests and other
impactful happenings around the world and raise global awareness to the
issues at hand. This has resulted in violations of human rights set aside by
the United Nations, as governments have cracked down on these new ideas,
imposing laws prohibiting their usages and even, in some instances, shutting
down internet or electricity in large areas. This has also allowed
governments to conduct interrogations, tortures, and even executions away
from the public eye. Thus, many violations claimed to be imposed by the
government are unconfirmable, and any international intervention
unjustified to this point.
To that end, the Arab Spring has received varying degrees of attention
and support from the leading world superpowers of France, the United
States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The US, France, and the UK have
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all been in support of the reconstruction of countries who have overthrown
their governments, however reluctantly. A G8 summit of western powers
was held in May 2011 on the topic of the Arab Spring. The G8 or “Group of
Eight” is consists of leaders from the United States, France, the United
Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Russia, Germany, and Canada. The United States,
the United Kingdom, and France were all in support of providing large sums
of financial to post-Arab Spring “fledgling democracies” such as Egypt and
Tunisia to help these nations build their new democracies. Many western
superpowers also toyed with the idea of military involvement. Russia, on the
other hand, has been in disagreement with its fellow superpowers, especially
the United States. Russia has dismissed the idea of military or financial aid
for the Arab Spring and has condemned the United States for their
involvement.
It is the Nation Building Committee’s duty and responsibility to ensure
that the conflict is resolved as best as it can be. This includes ending the war
in Syria, easing the tensions around the world between greater powers
aiming to intervene, and ensuring that the countries that are or are not
protesting are provided the protection and security they need. Each country
involved has its own unique issues, and it is imperative that the NBC identify
each of these and respond accordingly. With the help of those countries
represented and their delegates, the conflict should see its end.
Discussion Questions:
1. What role should countries involved play in other countries’ conflicts
within the Arab Spring?
2. How should NBC feel obligated to respond, and what measures should be
taken?
3. Should there be international intervention? If so, in what form?
Resources:
1. Berkman, Fran. "Which Countries Actively Suppress Internet Freedom?"
Mashable. N.p., 27 Sept. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
2. “Arab Spring.” Time Magazine. Apr. 2013.
3. Ajami, Fouad. "The Arab Spring at One." Global. Foreign Affairs, Mar.-Apr.
2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
4. Blight, Garry, Sheila Pulham, and Paul Torpey. "Arab Spring: An
Interactive Timeline of Middle East Protests." The Guardian. Guardian
News and Media, 01 May 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
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5. Kassim, Saleem. "Twitter Revolution: How the Arab Spring Was Helped By
Social Media."PolicyMic. N.p., July 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2013
6. Gardner, Frank. “Tunisia one year on: Where the Arab Spring started.”
BBC News. BBC, 17 December 2011. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
7. Randall, Colin. “France joins US in urging G8 to back Arab Spring with
financial support.” The National. Abu Dhabi Media, 25 May 2011. Web.
29 March 2013.
8. "Members of the G8." Understanding the G8. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May
2013.
<http://www.g8.co.uk/members-of-the-g8/>.
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Organization of American States
Topic 1: Environmental Protection
The Organization of the American States is devoted to protecting the
environment to the best of its capability. Environmental protection is a goal
that is sometimes difficult for many nations of the OAS. Positive measures
taken by countries to prevent environmental catastrophes include trying to
conserve and filter water. Many nations have worked together with third
party companies to execute various water management projects such as
creating multi-country river basins and aquifers. Other steps that have
proven to help the environment are the issuances of mandates that have
worked to control the interaction between business and the environment.
Certain laws have limited transport of chemicals and other dangerous
substances to protect wildlife and plants.
However, even with these steps forward, OAS member nations have
regressed in their environmental preservation statuses by failing to fix or
even recognize issues that run rampant in their countries. One of the largest
problems that hinder environmental protection is deforestation. In poorer
countries, deforestation occurs mainly because of a lack of land. Farmers cut
down trees and wildlife in order to make room for agricultural development.
Larger, more prosperous countries hack away at the environment in order to
make room for large-scale industrial work. Countries such as Brazil that are
rich in forests and greenery need to consider that hundreds of thousands of
square kilometers of wildlife are removed annually. After the removal of
significant amounts of trees, many companies use hazardous chemicals,
which destroy the soil and leave it barren for years. These corporations
argue that efforts to combat deforestation limit the amount of jobs available.
Countries also assert that deforestation is a vital part of their economies.
Beyond Brazil, similar issues are prevalent such as increased illegal logging
in Panama as well as skyrocketing soil erosion rates in Guatemala.
Another environmental issue that the OAS faces is preserving
biodiversity. This topic stems from deforestation. Deforestation eliminates
the survival of fragile species. Prime examples of these organisms are the
species that are killed by the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. This is
limiting the growth of certain species. Andean countries, for example,
contain wildlands that are home to thousands of different species of animals,
birds, and plants. These wildlands are free of any human development but
may not stay that way for long without conservation efforts.
Discussion Questions:
1. What measures has your country already taken to help prevent
deforestation, protect biodiversity, and minimize threats to environmental
destruction?
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2. What steps does OAS need to take to improve efforts to limit chemical
dumping and other industrially-related harm to the environment?
3. How can cooperation between OAS countries improve wildlife
preservation, resource conservation, and overall environmental protection?
Resources:
1. "Deforestation in North America: Past, Present and Future.” N.p., n.d.
Web.
<http://www.eolss.net/Sample-Chapters/C16/E1-50-10-00.pdf information about deforestation specifically in north American
countries>
2. "Deforestation in South America." Gap Year, Backpacking & Travel
Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.gapyear.com/articles/121053/deforestation-in-south-america gives an overview about deforestation and the problems it causes>
3. "Deforestation in the Amazon." Deforestation in the Amazon. N.p., n.d.
Web. 29 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html - speaks
specifically about deforestation in the Amazon>
4. "Department of Sustainable Development." Department of Sustainable
Development. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.oas.org/dsd/Bio-Proj-Sum.htm - lists ongoing projects
and initiatives being taken by the OAS to help biodiversity>
5. "Latin American Laws and Regulations." N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.icphso.org/oldfiles/2007pdf/presentations/LatinAmericaL
awsRegs.pdf - lists laws and regulations that member nations of OAS
follow regarding chemical usage>
6. "OAS :: Environment." OAS :: Environment. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar.
2013.
<http://www.oas.org/en/topics/environment.asp - OAS website page
about environment and several subtopics relating to it>
7. “Pollution Issues." Ocean Dumping. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.pollutionissues.com/Na-Ph/Ocean-Dumping.html - gives
an overview of the negative effects of oceanic chemical dumping>
8. "South American Wildlands and Biodiversity." South American Wildlands
and Biodiversity. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
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<http://www.pacificbio.org/initiatives/wildlands_south_america.html discusses biodiversity in South America and growing problems related
to this topic>
9. "The Amazon: The World's Largest Rainforest." The Amazon Rainforest.
N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://rainforests.mongabay.com/amazon/ - info rmation about the
Amazon Rainforest which covers almost half of South America
9. "The Nature Conservancy. Protecting Nature. Preserving Life.™." Global
Conservation Regions. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/index.htm - gives a
regional and bycountry breakdown of current environmental conservation efforts)
Organization of American States
Topic 2: Illegal Trade
The Organization of the American States is dedicated to preventing the
trade of illegal goods and materials. Beyond human trafficking, the trading
of drugs and arms poses great difficulties for the OAS. The organization is
making strides on this issue by trying to limit supply and demand for drugs
and arms and developing anti-drug institutions in individual countries. That
which has been done so far to combat illegal trade is not enough.
The trade of illegal drugs and weapons has involved countries that are
developing and those that are already industrialized. Usually, industrialized
countries produce arms and demand illicit drugs while the opposite is true in
poorer nations. For example, in recent years, the United States has been
shown to be the largest consumer of cocaine worldwide at a demand rate of
40% of the world’s cocaine. Alarming percentages of these drugs are
supplied by OAS nations such as Mexico and Colombia. Even smaller nations
such as Suriname and Guyana have established key ports that are secretly
used to traffic drugs. Unsurprisingly, the trading of illegal drugs and arms
has becoming the largest sector of the black market. Member nations of the
OAS are creating organizations that try to control the flow of drugs by
reducing the supply in the market. However, controlling drug trade is
difficult for nations because a large percentage of traded contraband is
inaccessible.
Most OAS member nations face the challenge of overcoming drug
cartels. These cartels work to manufacture, transport, and distribute illegal
substances internationally. They function as a series of small enterprises
that come together to form the cartel itself. Pinpointing intermediate
businesses has been a problem for the nations of the OAS. Drug cartels are
therefore able to swiftly develop and advance their businesses. Black market
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trading of drugs yields billions of dollars of revenue worldwide and is illegal.
The OAS needs to focus on finding ways to stop these groups from carrying
out their business.
Additionally, the trade of illegal weapons has escalated. Since there
are hardly any controls placed on ownership of weapons, the proliferation of
arms has increased. This causes unnecessary violence and fuels the trade of
illicit arms. Thousands of innocent people die daily in countries where there
is virtually no gun control. International statistics show that deaths due to
gun-related homicides have tripled in number in Peru in the last ten years
alone. The nations of the OAS need to impose stricter regulations on
weaponry and develop ways to slow down the trade of illegal arms.
Paraguay, for example, has implemented some laws that control firearm and
ammunition exports. It is imperative that countries follow such notions.
Questions:
1. What factors influence illegal trade in your country? What are the biggest
illegal trade challenges facing your country and what steps have already
been taken in your country to try and address these challenges.
2. How can the OAS go about reducing the illegal drug and arms trade that
occurs within the region? What type of enforcement solutions would be
desirable?
1. How would you balance multinational solutions within the OAS against the
need to preserve national sovereignty for each individual member nation?
Resources:
1. "Cocaine Cartel's Home Page." Cocaine Cartel's Home Page. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://staff.esuhsd.org/balochie/studentprojects/drugsindicates/ provides a breakdown of how drug cartels work and how they
distribute their goods>
2. "Corruption, Drug Cartels and the Mexican Police." Cato Institute. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/corruption-drugcartels-mexican-police - article that illustrates the problems of corrupt
governments that are indifferent to trafficking>
3. "Guns, Cocaine: One Market out of Control." Guns, Cocaine: One Market
out of Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.samuellogan.com/articles/guns-cocaine-one-market-outof-control.html - discusses the nature of the drug market>
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4. "Guns in South America: Small Arms Policy, Firearm Injury and Gun Law."
N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/south-america - breaks
down gun control and related statistics by country>
5. "INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURING
OF AND TRAFFICKING INFIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES, AND
OTHER RELATED MATERIALS”N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.oas.org/juridico/english/treaties/a-63.html - example of
gun control international policy>
6. "OAS :: Drugs." OAS :: Drugs. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.oas.org/en/topics/drugs.asp - OAS committee page
about drugs and drug control>
7. "Struggle against Organized Crime, Corruption, Drug
TraffickingConnected; Too Big for Countries to Confront on Their Own,
Third Committee Told." UN News Center. UN, 10 June 2010. Web. 31
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/gashc3975.doc.htm press release by General Assembly regarding police corruption and
drug trade>
8. "The OAS Firearms Convention Is Incompatible with American Liberties."
The Heritage Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/the-oasfirearms-convention-is-incompatible-with-american-liberties - recent
plan to control firearms>
9. "United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime." Drug Trafficking. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013. <http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drugtrafficking/ - gives information about global drug trade>
10. "UNODA - Small Arms and Light Weapons." UN News Center. UN, n.d.
Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/SALW/ - overview of
illicit trade of arms>
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Organization of American States
Topic 3: Health Education
The nations of the Organization of the American States are dedicated
to improving the quality of life for their citizens. One way to facilitate this
goal is to improve health education for both youth and adult populations. In
many of the poorer OAS countries, HIV/AIDS rates are increasing rapidly. At
the end of 2009, it was estimated that over 1.4 million people living in Latin
American countries had AIDS or HIV. These numbers are increasing
significantly because of a lack of awareness. Unsafe sex and sharing of
needles are just two methods of transmission. Access to antiretroviral drugs
is limited. In countries such as Bolivia and Colombia, only 19% and 17% of
people, respectively, in need of HIV treatment are receiving it.
The lack of health education is challenging to expand because of the
conservatism that has been followed for generations in family life. This belief
makes it hard to talk about sex and health practices in schools.
Consequently, facts show that more than fifty percent of new HIV cases are
found in people ages 15 to 24. Teen pregnancy rates have also increased by
as much as 25% for some countries. These statistics are a direct result of
the lack of health education for the youth population.
Education about sanitation and hygiene is another example of
schooling that is important to the welfare of a nation. Physicians say that low
health literacy levels are attributed to the rapid spreading of diseases. Some
areas of health literacy that nations lack in are patient-physician
communication, health information publications and resources, and public
health training. This causes people to lead uninformed and unhealthy
lifestyles. Some nations already have practices in place to help advance
health and sanitation education. Ecuador’s Free the Children organization is
a governmentally-backed group that works with local schools to disseminate
health education to children, construct clean water taps, and create large
vegetable gardens to combat malnutrition. Unfortunately, many nations
avoid promoting health literacy because of its financial costs. The United
States alone spends $106 billion to $236 billion annually on this cause. If
any OAS nations wish to improve the welfare and health of their countries,
they need to direct their attention to creating ways to educate their citizens.
Questions:
1. What health education efforts currently exist within your country and how
might these efforts be expanded to other OAS member nations?
2. What are the biggest public health issues facing your country? What are
the impacts of these health challenges on your country and on the OAS as a
whole?
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3. How can the OAS more effectively share information and resources to
improve health education efforts for all OAS citizens?
Resources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, 09 July 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/wash_diseases.html - sanitation
and hygiene related diseases>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, 16 Aug. 2011. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/ - lists diseases
related to improper health>
3. "Comprehensive, Up-to-date Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment,
Prevention, and Policy from the University of California San Francisco."
North America. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.
<http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/global?page=cr07-00-00 - information
about HIV/AIDS in North America>
4. "Health Literacy - Clear Communication: A NIH Health Literacy Initiative National Institutes of Health (NIH)." U.S National Library of Medicine.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.nih.gov/clearcommunication/healthliteracy.htm explains how to improve health literacy>
5. "Healthcare, South America." : SAGE Knowledge. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar.
2013. <http://knowledge.sagepub.com/view/globalhealth/n549.xml discusses healthcare in South America>
6. "Home - Rural Poverty Portal." Rural Poverty Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 01
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/region/home/tags/americas poverty in North America>
7. “Latin America HIV & AIDS statistics.” N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013
<http://www.avert.org/southamerica.htm - gives information about
HIV and AIDS statistics>
8. "National Network of Libraries of Medicine." Health Literacy. N.p., n.d.
Web. 10 Mar. 2013. <http://nnlm.gov/outreach/consumer/hlthlit.html
- provides an overview of health literacy>
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9. "OAS :: Education." OAS :: Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.oas.org/en/topics/education.asp - OAS website on
education>
10. “Poverty in South America." Poverty in South America. N.p., n.d. Web.
01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mapsofworld.com/southamerica/information/poverty-in-south-america.html - explains poverty
situation in South America>
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Political and Security
Topic 1: Weapons of Mass Destruction
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) pose a serious threat to global
security. WMDs are defined as nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological
weapons. Nuclear weapons obviously pose a threat and their presence
helped plague the world with the Cold War throughout much of the 20th
century. Nuclear weapon research has destabilized the Far East and the
Middle East due to alleged nuclear programs in said regions. Nuclear arms
reduction has been a consistent goal of many nuclear states such as the
United States, United Kingdom, France, and Russia. Chemical weapons also
pose a threat to global security due to their presence in the politically
destabilized state of Syria. Radiological weapons are radiation dispersing
weapons that can be made by using nuclear waste and conventional
explosives. Their effects are not as deadly as those of nuclear and chemical
weapons but are arguably the easiest for an extremist organization to
obtain.
The successful test of a nuclear weapon is the culmination of a large
scale scientific undertaking in a nation and is largely about conflicts between
great powers and countries striving to be great powers. Radiological and
chemical weapons can be acquired more easily through smuggling,
trafficking, and other illicit means and pose a different threat that revolves
around an extremist or paramilitary organization engaging in a terrorist
attack.
Nuclear Weapons are held by the United States, United Kingdom,
France, Russia, China, Pakistan, and India. Israel and North Korea are
suspected to have nuclear weapons and Iran is suspected of having a
nuclear weapons development program. Most nations are signers of the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that says that no nation will test and
develop nuclear weapons and that the 5 permanent members of the Security
Council are the only countries permitted to have them. In addition to the
NPT, there are designated Nuclear Weapon free zones such as South/Central
America, Africa, and Oceania. The two largest nuclear weapon states, the
United States and Russian Federation, also have agreed to numerous
bilateral nuclear reduction treaties over the years. Through nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear reduction movements, the United Nations has
sought to minimize the presence of nuclear weapons.
Radiological Weapons are more commonly known as “dirty bombs,”
and use radioactive material such as nuclear waste and a powerful explosion
to emit radioactive material throughout a target area. While not as
devastating as a traditional nuclear weapon, a radiological weapon can be
more easily obtained due to the relative abundance of nuclear waste and
lower grades of enriched uranium and have a substantial environmental
impact due to the dispersal of radioactive material. Although the initial
effects of a radiological weapon are relatively small, the dispersal of
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radioactive material will destroy the local ecosystems and make the
surrounding area suffer Chernobyl-like conditions for generations. It has
been thought that a radiological weapon could be smuggled near or at a
major port city somewhere by a terrorist organization.
Chemical Weapons are another weapon that many believe could be
smuggled by an extremist organization. Extremist groups will seek to take
advantage of instability nations that possess nuclear weapons and either
purchase or steal chemical weapons and use for their own purposes. Once
the weapons are out of Syria nobody can be certain of the eventual owner
and target of the chemical weapons.
The United Nations will continue to seek to diminish the presence of
weapons of mass destruction through non-proliferation and disarmament.
Furthermore, the United Nations will try to secure radiological materials and
will seek to keep chemical weapons and radiological weapons out of the
hands of extremist organizations and governments trying to use them for
their own aggressive purposes.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can the United Nations encourage further nuclear, radiological,
biological, and chemical weapon disarmament?
2. How can the United Nations prevent nations from seeking their WMDs
without infringing on national sovereignty and prevent the technologies
from being uses for legitimate or humanitarian purposes?
3. How can the United Nations aid in securing chemical, biological, and
radiological materials and keep them out of the hands of extremist
organizations?
Resources:
1. Schneier, Bruce. "Schneier on Security." Definition of Weapons of Mass
Destruction. Bruce Schneier Collection, 6 Apr. 2009. Web. 01 Apr.
2013.
<http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2009/04/definition_of_w.ht
ml’>
This source defines what Weapons of Mass Destruction are.
2. "UN Security Council Resolution 1540." Diplomacy in Action. U.S.
Department of State, 2004. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.<
http://www.state.gov/t/isn/c18943.htm>
This source describes the U.N. resolution that obligates member states to
enforce measures against nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.
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3. Wilmshurst, Elizabeth, and Gabrie H. Oosthuizen. "Terrorism and
Weapons of Mass Destruction:United Nations Security Resolution
1540." Chatham House: Independent Thinking on International Affairs.
Chatham House, Sept. 2004. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/papers/view/107909>
This source details the objectives of the United Nations in their handlings of
Weapons of Mass Destruction.
4. "UNODA - Regional Disarmament Overview." UN News Center. UN, n.d.
Web. 01 Apr. 2013.<
http://www.un.org/disarmament/disarmsec/about/>
This source describes the current mission of the United Nations and how
they are trying achieve global disarmament.
5. Bajema, Natasha, and Cyrus Samii. "Weapons of Mass Destruction and
the United Nations: Diverse Threats and Collective Responses." IPI
Publications. International Peace Institute, 31 May 2004. Web. 01 Apr.
2013. <http://www.ipinst.org/publication/meeting-notes/detail/92weapons-of-mass-destruction-and-the-united-nations-diverse-threatsand-collective-responses.html>
This source details the security threats brought on by WMDs and the
increasing threat of terrorist possession of such weapons.
6. Fidler, David P. "Weapons of Mass Destruction and International Law."
American Society of International Law. ASIL Insights, Feb. 2003. Web.
1 Apr. 2013. <http://www.asil.org/insigh97.cfm>.
7. Promoting Greater Transparency for Effective Nuclear Security. Rep. N.p.:
Nuclear Security Governance, 2013. The Stanley Foundation. Web. 1
Apr. 2013.
<http://www.stanleyfoundation.org/resources.cfm?id=508>
This source talks about the importance of nuclear security.
8. Mathews, Jessica T. "Weapons of Mass Destruction and the United
Nations." JSTOR. JSTOR, 2004. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/27800527?uid=3739808&uid
=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101965290801>
This source illustrates how UN weapons inspections improve security.
9. "Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty." United Nations. General Assembly.
Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/conf/npt/2005/npttreaty.html>.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that was approved by the United
Nations.
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10. "UNODA - Measures to Prevent Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons of
Mass Destruction." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/SGReport_Terrorism/SG_Rep
ort.shtml>
This source illustrates how the United Nations is addressing key
security issues with WMDs specifically preventing them from falling
into the hands of terrorists.
Political and Security
Topic 2: Global Demilitarization
The world has rapidly increased the numbers of ways to destroy itself
over the last century. Tension between heavily militarized states led to
decades of tension. The world now collectively spends 1.7 Trillion USD per
year on defense expenditures. This sum is being spent while billions live in
poverty, suffer from curable diseases, and lack access to clean water. In an
effort to improve the living standards of citizens and to provide a more
peaceful global atmosphere, nations should seek to reduce the size,
firepower, and expenditures of their respective armed forces. Conventional
weapon reduction, naval disarmament, cutting military appropriations, and
other measures should be taken. Through multilateral agreements, nations
should seek to demilitarize while also maintaining security. A trade-off of
decreasing military spending is the fear of attack from other nations,
extremist organizations, or citizens of the demilitarizing nation.
Widespread deployment of military technology and the export of
conventional weapons have caused weapons to fall into unintended hands.
Many small arms that are trafficked are weapons that were previously used
in regional conflicts. Weapons designed for short-term use in a regional
conflict such as a civil war are left behind and decrease the long-term
stability of the surrounding regions because local warlords have a supply of
weapons. The United Nations currently monitors arms exports and imports
through the UN office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). UNODA estimates
the total exports/imports of military equipment such as tanks, mines,
planes, and small arms of every nation on Earth and has recently reported
that there are at least 875 million small arms in circulation through the
global arms trade.
Most attempts at disarmament involve a global consensus for military
reduction rather than unilateral disarmament. The Conference on
Disarmament was established in 1979 and serves as an international forum
for disarmament and has representatives from over 60 nations and all
nuclear weapon states. Over the past 30 years the Conference on
Disarmament has led to international treaties such as the Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty. Disarmament treaties have also been proposed in the United Nations
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itself and range in topic from demilitarizing space to a comprehensive Arms
Trade Treaty.
Another important development regarding demilitarization is the
establishment of arms races throughout the globe. In the South China Sea
and the Persian Gulf, nations are rapidly increasing their military
expenditures in order to secure natural resources. Military expenditures in
many countries in these regions have risen by over 10% annually in recent
years. Areas such as Western Europe and the Pacific Isles have little reason
to pursue rapid military growth; however, countries in unstable regions may
be skeptical of the practicality of non-binding disarmament. An important
step to consider would be encouraging regional multilateral treaties to
resolve resource or border based conflict in a manner that prevents rapid
military build-ups.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can the United Nations balance the need for global demilitarization
and the need for national security within and between individual member
nations?
2. How can the United Nations encourage nations that collective
disarmament is in their best interest and help forge multilateral
disarmament agreements? What factors will determine your country’s
stance on proposed agreements?
3. In the event that a nation or groups of nations disrupt global peace and
security through military aggression, how should the United Nations
respond and what measures should be established to ensure a peaceful
outcome?
Resources:
1. Torode, Greg. "Southeast Asian countries stock up on arms as they face
off with China." South China Morning Post. N.p.. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1146155/southeast-asiancountries-stock-arms-they-face-china>.
Article on military buildup in the South China Sea.
2. "Small Arms." UNODA. UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. Web. 1 Apr
2013. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/SALW/>.
UNODA information on small arms and their affects.
3. "UNODA Fact Sheet." United Nations. United Nations Office for
Disarmament Affairs. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/factsheet/cab/ATT_Fact
_Sheet.pdf>.
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UNODA summary of reasons for an Arms Trade Treaty.
4. "Military Expenditure (% of GDP)." The World Bank. The World Bank.
Web. 28 March 2013.
<http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS/countries?
display=default>.
Table by the World Bank showing military spending as a percentage of GDP
for all nations.
5. Freeman, Andrew. "Special Report: Defense Spending." . Your Middle
East. Web. 1 Apr 2013. <http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/specialreports/article/middle-east-bucks-the-trend-on-militaryspending_12145>.
A report on increased military spending in the Middle East.
6. Patrick, Stewart. "Collateral Damage." Council on Foreign Relations.
Council on Foreign Relations. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://blogs.cfr.org/patrick/2013/01/29/collateral-damage-howlibyan-weapons-fueled-malis-violence/>.
An article on how weapons sent to Libya were trafficked around North Africa.
7."Top Recipients and Suppliers of Weapons." SIPRI. Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php>.
A SIPRI archive of the world’s top arms importers and exporters.
8. Muindi, Benjamin. "East Africa Arms Race." Daily Nation. N.p.. Web. 1 Apr
2013. <http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Arms-race-hots-up-in-EastAfrica-/-/1056/1383408/-/15rpcdpz/-/index.html>.
A report on increased militarization in East Africa.
9. Greenlees, Donald. "China and India lead Asian missile buildup." World
Security Network. N.p.. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://www.worldsecuritynetwork.com/India-Asia/GreenleesDonald/China-and-India-leading-Asian-missile-buildup>.
An article detailing the missile programs and missile buildups of Southeast
Asia.
10. Shanker, Thom. "U.S. Arms Sales Make Up Most of Global Market." The
New York Times. The New York Times. Web. 1 Apr 2013.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/27/world/middleeast/us-foreignarms-sales-reach-66-3-billion-in-2011.html?_r=0>.
A New York Times article about US arms exports.
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Political and Security
Topic 3: Oppressive Governments
Throughout the modern era, the United Nations has had to deal with
oppressive governments, defined as those that deny their citizens or deprive
of them of their basic human rights. Oftentimes, the United Nations is
criticized for inaction or failure to prevent further rights abuses from
occurring. The Rwandan genocide and the Kosovo conflict being among the
most referenced examples. But despite these criticisms, it is the policy of the
UN, as stated in their charter, to ensure and safeguard human rights to
whatever means it deems necessary, and as such, it also becomes the
stated goal of its member nations.
Recent political discord in the Arab world has shown the prevalence of
oppressive governments in our world today and the conflicts that arise from
their existence. These conflicts come in various forms. Some governments
may limit citizens from political participation, controlling the central
government and preventing representation or other political liberties. Others
are more threatening and limit citizens’ rights to food, water, shelter, or
basic necessities. Worse than this, are those who infringe on the right to life,
killing their own citizens in waves of mass execution and ruling through fear.
With the wide range of ways in which a government can be deemed
oppressive the United Nations is presented with a multifaceted problem. It is
forced to focus on governments that commit the gravest abuses of human
rights. Countries such as North Korea, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Iran, Libya,
Egypt, and Somalia are listed as some of the worst oppressive nations by
the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Oppressive governments are not just a threat to their own citizens but
also to neighboring countries and the world. Prior to the September 11th
Attacks in 2001, the government of Afghanistan, ruled by the oppressive
Taliban regime, promoted terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda to live there.
They supplied them with protection from western governments and
weapons. Through the support of the Afghani government, Al Qaeda was
able to launch several successful terrorist attacks, one that claimed the lives
of nearly 3,000 American citizens. Currently in Somalia, the oppressive
unorganized government there allows numerous terrorist cells to thrive and
use Somalia as a base for their operations. This presents a security conflict
for many nations who struggle with the problem of international terrorism.
Today, prioritizing the worst from the best is the only way the United
Nations is able to deal with government oppression. Smaller internal political
limitations are left at that, meant to be the domestic concern of a nation as
opposed to a world problem. The United Nations Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) deals with all human rights abuses occurring across the globe. Its
broad focus, though allowing it to bring attention to multiple issues of
concern, prevents it from taking any strong action or establishing many
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precedents. Thus, the United Nations has yet to adopt a formidable policy to
deal with government oppression.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can the United Nations respond to human rights violations resulting
from oppressive governments, their policies, and their actions?
2. How can United Nations member states respect national sovereignty and
established governments while ensuring the protection of individual human
rights?
3. How can the United Nations effectively assist in the transition from
oppressive to non-oppressive governments when regime change occurs in
order to ensure stability and prevent another oppressive government from
forming?
Resources:
1. Stoylarov, G. "How to Measure Government Oppression." Article
Collection. Yahoo, 3 Oct. 2008. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://voices.yahoo.com/how-measure-government-oppression2013098.html>
This source is an article defining what makes an oppressive government and
how to compare oppressive to non-oppressive governments.
2. "Human Rights. United Nations Peacekeeping." UN News Center. UN, n.d.
Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/issues/humanrights.shtml>
This source provides the United Nation’s current goals and aims when
dealing with oppressive governments.
3. "Charter, United Nations." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/>
This source provides the basis for the United Nation’s mission when dealing
with oppressive governments.
4. "UN: Rights Body Acts Decisively on Iran, Cote D'Ivoire | Human Rights
Watch." UN: Rights Body Acts Decisively on Iran, Cote D'Ivoire |
Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, 25 Mar. 2011. Web. 01
Apr. 2013. <http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/03/25/un-rights-bodyacts-decisively-iran-cote-d-ivoire>
This source discusses a current struggle taken by the United Nations in
combating oppressive governments in Africa and the Middle East.
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5. Lebovic, J. H. "Uniting for Peace?: Democracies and United Nations Peace
Operations after the Cold War." Journal of Conflict Resolution 48.6
(2004): 910-36.
Print.<http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4149800?uid=3739864
&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=211021604473
61>
This source provides background on the United Nations peace operations and
how effectively they act against oppressive governments.
6. "List of Issues." United Nations Human Rights Council. UN, n.d. Web. 01
Apr.
2013.<http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Pages/ListofIssues.aspx>
This source details a list of present human rights issues that the UN is
combating in oppressive nations.
7. Macfarquhar, Neil. "UN Comissioner Urges Action on Syria." The New York
Times. The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2013. Web. 01 Apr.
2013.<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/19/world/middleeast/united
-nations-commissioner-urges-action-on-syria.html?_r=0>
This source discusses the most recent action taken by the United Nations in
terms of modern oppressive governments and provides a basis for present
handlings with them.
8. Erlanger, Steven. "U.N. Panel to Investigate Human Rights Abuses in
North Korea." The New York Times. The New York Times, 22 Mar.
2013. Web. 01 Apr.
2013.<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/22/world/europe/un-panelto-investigate-human-rights-abuses-in-north-korea.html>
This source discusses the human rights abuses and violations that the UN
believes are present in the modern oppressive state.
9. "Universal Declaration of Human Rights Campaign: What Are Human
Rights?" UHR Campaign. United for Human Rights, n.d. Web. 01 Apr.
2013<http://www.humanrights.com/#/what-are-human-rights>
This source describes human rights, what they are, how some governments
choose to not grant their citizens them, and why they are necessary.
10. "Country Reports." HumanRights.gov. U.S. State Department, 2013.
Web. 01 Apr. 2013. <http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/>
This source is a list of all nations the U.S. State Department deems
oppressive because of their human rights violations.
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Press Corps
Topic 1: Censorship
Censorship is the suppression of expression such as speech or other
forms of communication. Every country has some form of censorship. They
do it for the public good, but the extent to which this is necessary is unclear.
Censorship stifles the media and countries must find a balance between
these interests.
Even the countries that promise the freedom of speech limit and
censor journalists’ freedom, claiming they only want to preserve public order
and tranquility. This could mean banning certain culturally offensive symbols
such as Germany’s ban on Nazi paraphernalia, or a government that
prohibits the public display of obscene material, and designates times when
adult content can be shown. However, the line where such censorship should
end is unclear. Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian television host, was arrested
for a comment he made on his show, el-Bernameg. The Prosecutor-general,
a position similar to an attorney general, accused him of "insulting and
mocking President Morsi on his program,” spreading false information and
disturbing the public order. This arrest was made under a law in Egypt that
prohibits the criticism of government institutions and political leaders. The
law may be intended to protect the public and government institutions, but
international community has criticized the law for suppressing criticism of
public figures and entities.
Most countries limit speech with the intentions of harming an
individual, company, or group with false accusations and slander. Called libel
or defamation laws, Companies often use such laws to protect their interests
and protect their brand. They may sue people or groups that do damage to
their reputation and good name. These suits can also be used to stop
journalist and common citizens from reporting on activities such groups
would not like to be public. Such suits are called SLAPPs, strategic lawsuits
against public participation. For example, Minoru Tanaka was sued for 67
million yen (about 680 thousand dollars) for the publication of an article
describing the relationship between politicians and key figures in the nuclear
industry in Japan.
Many countries also limit speech to fight terrorism and extremism. As
part of their counterterrorism policy, countries will often try to censor
material associated or believed to encourage terroristic acts. In 2010,
YouTube removed the videos of Anwar Al-Awaki after pressure from the
American and other government. They accused Al-Awaki of encouraging
terrorism and extremism. However, the definition of terrorism is unclear and
such laws can also be used against citizens and reporters. In Ethiopia, a
counterterrorism law was passed in 2009 that allowed the government to
arrest anyone “supporting terrorist groups”. Without a clear definition of
supporting or terrorist groups, the law was used to arrest and intimidate
journalists reporting on opposition groups.
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Governments will often argue that their censorship is necessary to
protect the public good. However, the definition of “public good” is not
always clear and critics suggest that it is merely a tool to justify unnecessary
censorship.
Discussion Questions
1. How does censorship effect reporting in your country?
2. How does your country’s government react to criticism?
3. How does your country censor media, and why does it do so?
Resources:
1. Article 19. Article 19, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.article19.org/>.
Organization founded to support article 19 of Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. They do legal analysis and report on censorship.
2. "Censorship." Mashable. Mashable, 2005-2013. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://mashable.com/category/censorship/>.
Mashable's news on digital censorship.
3. Committee to Protect Journalists. Committee to Protect Journalists, n.d.
Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.cpj.org/>.
An advocacy of group for journalists, they report on censorship of journalist
and attacks against them.
4. Freedom of Info. Matrix Group International, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.freedominfo.org/>.
Tracks freedom of information laws in various countries and compiles data
on how open governments are with information.
5. "Media Freedom." Freedom House. Freedom House, n.d. Web. 21 May
2013. <http://www.freedomhouse.org/issues/media-freedom>.
Reports on media freedom in the world.
The reports include an interactive map with descriptions of each country.
6. OpenNet Initiative. Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs at U of
Toronto, the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard, and
the SecDev Group, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<https://opennet.net/research>.
Reports on internet freedom. The internet is a common avenue for citizen
journalists, therefore a common target for censorship.
7. Reporters Without Borders. Reporters sans Frontières, n.d. Web. 21 May
2013. <http://en.rsf.org/>.
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A French NGO dedicated to helping reporters around the world. They report
on censorship attempts by governments and the dangers journalists face.
8. RTI Rating. Access Info and the Center for Law and Democracy, n.d. Web.
21 May 2013. <http://rti-rating.org/home.php>.
Reports on and ratings of right to information laws (aka freedom of
information laws). Such laws are an important part of transparency in
government.
9. "Trends by Right to Freedom of Expression." Human Rights House
Network. Human Rights House, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://humanrightshouse.org/Trends/index.html?right=Freedom%20
of%20expression>.
Reports on human rights abuses in nations they operate in.
10. We Fight Censorship. Reporters Without Borders, n.d. Web. 21 May
2013. <https://www.wefightcensorship.org/>.
A project by Reporters Without Borders that aims to combat censorship and
promote the flow of news and information.
Press Corps
Topic 2: Journalist Security
"It appears more journalists have been subjected to harassment,
physical threat, kidnapping and direct violence than in previous years. I call
on government authorities everywhere to ensure that crimes against
journalists do not go unpunished. And I call on citizens everywhere to make
such impunity unacceptable.”, Koichiro Matsuura told the audience in a
speech to the World Press Freedom Day 2003. Organizations such as
Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, who
campaign to improve protections for journalists, cite poor enforcement of
and poor safety standards as contributing to the risk to journalists.
Reporters, doing everything they can to get the best and most
accurate story, are often times caught in the crossfire of dangerous war
zones. According to Reporters Without Borders, 2012 was the deadliest year
for journalists in Somalia, as dozens were killed in shootings and bombings
by the various fractions in Somalia. The local government is generally unable
or unwilling to stop this violence and aggression towards journalists, and
have even been found to partake in the action when they want to silence
reporters. According to Reporters Without Borders, the war between the
Taliban and the Pakistan government has created a “minefield of the Media”
for reporters in the country.
Government crackdowns have also proved more bloody than not. In
many undemocratic countries, the government has turned to violence, fear,
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and brute force to suppress reporting. The civil war in Syria was one of the
bloodiest for journalists, as it left 23 dead, and another 58 citizen-journalists
dead. Regarding the death of Ayham Mostafa Ghazzoul, the SecretaryGeneral of Reporters Without Borders stated that “It is important that light
be shed on the circumstances of this tragic incident and that all parties to
the conflict taking place in Syria respect the civilian status of all journalists
and their right to freedom of expression”. Since 2011, the Secretary-General
has condemned the killing of over 45 journalists and reporters, including
Ghazzoul. Such violence is not limited to Syria. Many murders of journalist
across the world have been at the hands of their own governments.
Attacks by criminal organizations and various other groups can also
plague journalists. The lack of government protection against these acts,
such as murder and assault, can lead to impunity for such crimes, and can
increase their likelihood. Drug cartels run rampant in the Americas, targeting
journalists reporting on drug trafficking, corruption, and organized crime.
More than six journalists have been killed in Mexico for their work and
publications on the drug war. Corruption within the government often leads
to them overlooking these crimes. Cartels use threats and bribes to get the
government to play along.
Discussion Questions
1. What risks do journalists face when reporting in your country?
2. What kind of protections does your country’s government provide for
journalists?
3. What is your countries record on journalist safety?
Resources:
1. Committee to Protect Journalists. Committee to Protect Journalists, n.d.
Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.cpj.org/>.
An advocacy of group for journalists. They report on censorship of journalist
and attacks against them.
2. Horsley, Willam. OSCE Safety of Journalists Guidebook. Ed. JeanChristophe Peuch and Mike Stone. Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe. Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe, 1995-2013. Web. 21 May 2013.
<http://www.osce.org/fom/85777>.
OSCE's guidebook on journalist's safety. Talks about the problem for the
perspective of governments.
3. International Federation of Journalists. International Federation of
Journalists, n.d. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.ifj.org/en>.
An international trade union for journalists, they advocate for journalists’
rights across the world
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4. International News Safety Insitute. International News Safety Institute,
2013. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.newssafety.org/>.
The International News Safety Institute provides information on the dangers
journalist may face in when reporting in their respective country. They have
an interactive map that describes the safety situation across the world.
5."Journalists' Safety." International Journalists' Network. nternational
Center for Journalists, n.d. Web. 22 May 2013.
<http://ijnet.org/topics/journalists-safety>.
IJNet's resources and article on journalists' safety.
6. "Mission Reports." Reporters Without Borders. Reporters Without Borders,
n.d. Web. 22 May 2013. <https://en.rsf.org/rapports-demission,19.html>.
RWB's reports on conditions in various countries.
Press Corps
Topic 3: Coverage Regional Issues and Conflicts
Where a news services is from can affect how its journalists report.
Reporting is often influenced by the social and cultural attitudes of the
journalists and audience. The presses of various nation view conflicts
between countries with different lenses. Such variety in the type of coverage
can affect how the cover world affairs.
From either nationalistic fervor or organized efforts by governments,
news is delivered from the perspective of the news service’s nation. News
services natural what to create material that appeals to their audience. By
questioning or undermining the idea of their country’s greatness, news
services can alienate their audiences. During the Iraq invasion, American
and Middle Eastern news services would report day-to-day fighting in
different manners. For example, coverage of a battle in December 2003
varied between American outlets such as the New York Times and Middle
Eastern outlets such as Al Jazeera. The New York Times call the dead
insurgents while Al Jazeera called them civilians as well while the New York
Times accepted the American commanders claim that they were ambushed,
Al Jazeera question the claim. The American media naturally side with their
countrymen while sources such as Al Jazeera tended to be more distrusting.
While in this case it is people trusting what is local to them over what is
foreign, sometimes bias is forced systematically by the government. In the
case of North Korea State media, the ultimate goal of their news coverage is
to deride their enemies and puff up their own country. The media will often
insult opposing nations while praising the North Korean leadership and
institutions, such as the infamous news story that declared the North Korean
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soccer team was so good they won the world cup early after they lost in the
first round.
Bias can also come in the form of viewpoint bias, limiting the
viewpoints shown in a debate. People are naturally able to understand their
countrymen better than they can understand foreigners. This leads news
services to favor experts and guests of their own nation over those of
another. Such as in the case of NHK, during their coverage of the American
debt ceiling debate they brought on an economist to explain the debate to
the audience. NHK, being a Japanese broadcasting service, chose a member
of Japanese intelligentsia. Such actions, while meant to make it easier for
the audience to understand, also inherently bias the conversation. The
actions of NHK were rather benign as the bias would be minute, if any.
However, there are cases of more severe bias, such as only having generals
debate going to war or limiting scientific debates to politicians.
Bias is not always intentional but naturally arises. Even news services
that attempt to be objective will succumb to bias. Recognizing the bias and
seeing things from multiple lenses can help create a more complete
worldview.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does your new service cover international affairs?
2. How biased is your news service’s coverage?
3. What factors create your news service’s bias?
Resources:
1. Al Jazeera English. Al Jazeera, 2013. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/>.
A trusted Middle Eastern news service with the stated goal of giving the
lesser heard side of the story. Something to which you can compare your
news service.
2. BBC News. BBC, 2013. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.bbc.com/news/>.
British news service trusted across the world. A good service to compare you
news service to.
3. Gentzkow, Matthew, and Jesse Shapiro. Media Bias and Reputation.
Cambridge: NBER, 2005. National Bureau of Economic research. Web.
23 May 2013. <http://www.nber.org/papers/w11664>.
A report discussing bias and its affect on the reputation of news sources.
4. Global Media Wars. Columbia School of Journalism, 2013. Web. 23 May
2013. <http://globalmediawars.com/>.
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A project by students at Columbia School of Journalism, the website rates
and compares RT, France 24, Al Jazeera, CC-TV, and Press TV.
5. "The Harvard International Journal of Press/Politics, Vol 4." Project MUSE.
John Hopkins UP, n.d. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/harvard_international_journal_of_pres
s_politics/toc/prp4.3.html>.
Old issue of the Harvard Journal of International Press/Politics. The studies
look at bias in the press and how the press affects politics.
6. "Listening Post." Al Jazeera English. Al Jazeera, 2013. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/>.
A weekly news analysis show. The look a media across the world.
7. Mullainathan, Sendhil, and Andrei Shleifer. Media Bias. Cambridge: NBER,
200. National Bureau of Economic research. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.nber.org/papers/w9295>.
A report discussing bias and its possible causes.
8. News Bias Explored. U of Michigan, n.d. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.umich.edu/~newsbias/index.html>.
This website talks about different kinds of media bias.
9. Reuters. Thomson Reuters, n.d. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.reuters.com/>.
Reuters is a news wire service. News wire services give other news services
stories for them to publish. This can be used as something to compare your
news services to.
10. Rosen, Nir. "Western Media Fraud in the Middle East." Editorial. Al
Jazeera English. Al Jazeera, 18 May 2011. Web. 23 May 2013.
<http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/05/2011518829296
82601.html>
An op-ed talking about the problems with the western media's coverage of
the Middle East. While the op-ed focuses on the Middle East, the basic ideas
behind it can be applied to any region.
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Security Council
Topic 1: Nuclear Disarmament
Ever since that fateful day in Los Alamos in 1945, nuclear weapons
have become a serious threat to international stability. For example, during
the Cold War, the world watched in fear as the United States and the Soviet
Union used nuclear weapons as bargaining tools in a larger struggle for
international supremacy. These fears culminated during the Cuban Missile
Crisis, in which the fear of a nuclear holocaust almost became a reality as
the two most powerful nations in the world inched closer to a war that would
certainly be devastating to all of humanity. The global community recognized
that nuclear weapons represented the single greatest threat to international
peace and security, and in 1968, signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty. This treaty was the biggest milestone in the fight to curb the threat
that nuclear weapons posed to the world. Although this Treaty, and many
other disarmament treaties that followed in the next few decades, stabilized
relations between international nuclear powers, both the US and Russia still
retain vast arsenals of nuclear arms. Furthermore, many other nations have
emerged as nuclear powers, and the UN Security Council, in the eyes of
many, have failed to combat this issue.
Currently eight nations, the USA, Russia, the UK, France, China, India,
Pakistan, and North Korea are confirmed nuclear powers, while several other
nations are believed to have manufactured nuclear weapons, such as Israel.
Many in the international community worry about the political stability of the
listed nuclear powers, for if a terroristic or extremist faction should seize
control of their governments, and in turn, their weapons, the results would
be catastrophic, as it is highly unlikely that those extremist governments
would adhere to international laws and treaties. Additionally, there is a great
amount of criticism towards the several nuclear powers who are not
signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which means that they
have little restrictions on their nuclear armament. Finally, the power of
nuclear weapons does not only exist with the nations mentioned above.
Nuclear sharing, a program initiated by NATO, grants certain member states
nuclear protection if it is deemed necessary. Thus, nuclear tensions do not
only exist with the nations that manufactured them, but with their allies as
well. Because nuclear weapons are the most deadly weapons currently
known to mankind, it is extremely important that the issue be addressed in
some way by the Security Council.
Certain nations believe that the threat of nuclear war looms over the
heads of the citizens of Earth, and should be restricted immediately and
severely by the United Nations. However, other nations maintain that the UN
has no business with the development of a sovereign nation’s weapons,
especially nuclear ones. While there is great debate between member
nations, all have agreed that nuclear weapons are a grave threat to national
and international safety. Therefore it is reasonable to assert that the
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Security Council should take action to reach a consensus on the issue of
nuclear disarmament before nuclear weapons are used in an international
conflict- for the effects of said conflict would be incomprehensible.
Discussion Questions:
1. Does the Security Council have the authority to mandate nuclear
disarmament?
2. To what extent should the Security Council mandate the disarmament of
nuclear weapons? If the Security Council does not have the authority to
make such a mandate, how should the issue of nuclear weapons be
addressed?
3. How would the Security Council enforce its decision, as to not infringe
upon state sovereignty?
4. How should the Security Council address the issue of suspected nuclear
powers?
5. How should the Security Council prevent new nations from acquiring
nuclear weapons?
Resources:
1. "50 Facts About U.S. Nuclear Weapons." The Brookings Institution.
Brookings Institution. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/archive/nucweapons/50>.
2. "American Experience." Www.pbs.org. Public Broadcasting Corporation.
31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bomb/peopleevents/pandeAMEX63.
html>.
3. "How Nuclear Bombs Work." HowStuffWorks. How Stuff Works. 31 Mar.
2013 <http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-bomb.htm>.
4. "International Day of Peace, 21 September." UN News Center. UN. 31
Mar. 2013
<http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/2009/100reasons.shtml>.
5. "The Next Step on Nuclear Arms Reduction." The Brookings Institution. 31
Mar. 2013 <http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2013/02/14nuclear-arms-reductions-pifer>.
6. "Nuclear Weapons: Who Has What at a Glance." Arms Control Association.
Arms Control Association. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://armscontrol.org/factsheets/Nuclearweaponswhohaswhat>.
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7. "UNODA - Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty." UN News Center. UN.
31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/CTBT.shtml>.
8. "UNODA - Nuclear Weapons Home." UN News Center. UN. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/>.
9. "UNODA - Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones." UN News Center. UN. 31 Mar.
2013 <http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/NWFZ.shtml>.
10. "UNODA - Secretary-General's five point proposal on nuclear
disarmament." UN News Center. UN. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/WMD/Nuclear/sg5point.shtml>.
11. "UNODA - The UN Disarmament Commission." UN News Center. UN. 31
Mar. 2013
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/DisarmamentCommissio
n/UNDiscom.shtml>.
Security Council
Topic 2: Militarization of Space
At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union launched a small
satellite into space called Sputnik. Since that time nations have sought to
use the vast area of space to further protect themselves from their
adversaries. For example, there are currently 130 military satellites orbiting
earth. Their purposes range from missile defense, to imaging, to
communications satellites, but all are used by various nations in the name of
self-defense. In 2011, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution titled
“Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space”, however because the United
States abstained from voting, the resolution effectively become toothless.
In conjunction with this, the US has recently published guidelines for the use
of force in outer space. In October 2012, the US Department of Defense
was quoted as saying that its space related activities were designed “to
maintain and enhance the national security advantages afforded by the use
of outer space”. The same Department of Defense report went on to say
that it is US policy to “seek opportunities to cooperate with allies”…in
developing space architectures and in designing, acquiring and operating
military space systems”. However, many critics are apprehensive of
America’s special militarization program, and believe it merely another
attempt of the US to assert its military dominance.
Since no nation holds claim to outer space, the issue of national
sovereignty arises, especially with spy satellites, which are used by one
nation on another to intercept communications and take photographs. In the
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near future, space technology will not only be used to spy on other nations,
but to develop long-range weapons. As history has shown us, once one
nation takes a step down the path of acquiring new and unique weapons
systems, other nations are soon to follow prompting the next arms race.
Furthermore, the idea of weapons in space is not a new concept, as ballistic
missiles use space as a medium to transport nuclear warheads quickly and
efficiently to their designated targets. In addition from 1937-1976, the
Soviet Union created 3 Almaz space stations which were armed with 23mm
Nudelman cannons, to defend the station from any threats. This represented
a massive leap from a conceptual theory to a frightening reality because for
the first time weapons were placed in orbit around Earth.
Some nations currently do not have the economic, military, or
technological ability to create space- based weaponry. However, these
nations should be included in international discussion regarding this topic, as
they are the most susceptible victims to such weaponry. Many nations that
urge for international peace and cooperation, through diplomacy, rather than
military armament, may feel great fear and apprehension as the powers of
the world begin creating weapons orbiting the Earth. It is essential, for both
their national security, and the international security of the Earth, that these
nations counterbalance the aggressive military expansionism of a new arms
race.
When China dramatically shot down its own satellite in 2007, the issue
of space militarization was thrust back into the spotlight, as fears of a space
arms race began to emerge. Because of the threat that weapons placed in
space pose to state sovereignty, national security, and international peace,
the UN Security Council must come to a consensus on what the appropriate
course of action is regarding space based weapons platforms.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is a space based weapon?
2. How should the Security Council deal with space technology that is used
to spy on other nations?
3. How can the Security Council prevent a space based arms race?
4. What can the Security Council do to ensure compliance with any Security
Council Resolutions?
5. How shall the Security Council regulate space based weapons platforms?
6. How can smaller nations be protected from global powers that are
creating a military-industrial complex in space?
Resources:
1. "The Almaz program." The Almaz program. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.russianspaceweb.com/almaz.html>.
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2. "Did the US Air Force try to nuke the moon?" Examiner.com. Examiner.
31 Mar. 2013 <http://www.examiner.com/article/did-the-us-air-forcetry-to-nuke-the-moon>.
3. "Washington Free Beacon." Washington Free Beacon Chinese ASAT Missile
Test Looms Comments. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://freebeacon.com/chinese-asat-missile-test-looms/>.
4. "Did the US Air Force try to nuke the moon?" Examiner.com. 31 Mar.
2013 <http://www.examiner.com/article/did-the-us-air-force-try-tonuke-the-moon>.
5. "Paths Toward Space Weaponization." Paths Toward Space
Weaponization. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://isanet.ccit.arizona.edu/noarchive/hays.html>.
6. "Rods From God." Nytimes.com. 10 Dec. 2006. New York Times. 31 Mar.
2013 <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/magazine/10section3a.t9.html>.
7. "Space militarization: Coming to a galaxy near you - RT Russian politics."
Space militarization: Coming to a galaxy near you - RT Russian
politics. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://rt.com/politics/space-militarization-us-russia-699/>.
8. "U.N. Weighs a Ban on Weapons in Space, but U.S. Still Objects."
Www.nytimes.com. 13 Feb. 2008. New York Times. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/world/europe/13arms.html?_r
=1&>.
9. "United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs." United Nations Office for
Outer Space Affairs. 31 Mar. 2013 <http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/>.
10. "UNITED NATIONS TREATIES AND PRINCIPLES ON OUTER SPACE."
Www.unoosa.org. United Nations. 31 Mar. 2013
<http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/publications/STSPACE11E.pdf>.
10. "Weaponization of Space." Is the Weaponization of Space Inevitable. 31
Mar. 2013
<http://isanet.ccit.arizona.edu/noarchive/mueller.html>.
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Security Council
Topic 3: Cyber Warfare
Cyber warfare is an act of aggression that involves hacking, disrupting,
or otherwise manipulating computers to inflict damage to one’s enemies, or
to collect intelligence. Over the past few decades, with the amount of
internet users skyrocketing from 0% in 1990 to 74% today, cyber warfare
has become extremely relevant in modern-day international relations, as
cyber-attacks influence an extremely large amount of people. Many
governments around the World rely on computers and the internet for
navigation, communication, and defense systems. Thus, the use of cyber
warfare can prove just as devastating, if not more so, than conventional
warfare, as they can disrupt a nation’s technological resources on a far
greater scale.
Cyber warfare has been an outlet for the implementation of political
agendas over the past few years. Perhaps the most infamous example was
the internet worm Stuxnet, which targeted the centrifuges of the Natanz
nuclear facility in Iran. The worm was detected in 2010, by which time it had
spread beyond its intended target, into PCs in Indonesia, India, and the
United States. This reflects the “fallout” effects of cyber warfare, as these
attacks can often cause damage beyond the scope of their intended targets.
When it came to responsibility for the crime, the blame was placed squarely
on the shoulders of the US and Isreal, both of whom held heavy animosity
towards the Iranian nuclear program. In fact, according the New York Times,
the United States has continuously bombarded Iranian nuclear facilities with
a barrage of cyber-attacks, in an effort to hinder their development.
However, even though the culprit of these attacks has been identified, the
United Nations has failed to administer consequences via the ICJ. This brings
to light the debate over the validity of international law and punishment
pertaining to cybercrimes.
Furthermore, debate has been raised about the ability of the
international community to investigate cyber warfare, in order to trace the
origins of worms, viruses, and other agents of cyber-attacks. For example,
earlier this year, an American security firm, Madiant, alleged that a
clandestine unit of the Chinese military, Unit 91398, was responsible for
multiple cyber-attacks on businesses and governments around the World.
However, the Chinese government denies these claims. If the UN had been
able to investigate, they would have been able to find out whether the
Chinese were indeed guilty. However, many nations would see a UN
investigation as an infringement on national sovereignty.
Many nations who chose not to engage in cyber-attacks instead chose
to create “cyber-defense” programs, which aim to provide preemptive
support mechanisms in case of a cyber-attack. Many experts in the field of
information warfare argue that cyber defense should be a collective effort of
many nations, and may even be facilitated by the UN. For example, NATO
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has shifted much of its funds and attention towards funding the Computer
Incident Response Capability (CIRC), which is utilized to prepare for cyberattacks. Additionally, the UN has expressed interest in international
cooperation of cyber-defense, as the United Nations Institute for
Disarmament Research (UNDIR) has shifted much of its focus to preventing
cyber-warfare, and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also expressed
grave concern in dealing with cyber warfare. The Economic and Social
Council has also begun to debate resolutions dealing with the ramifications
of cyber-crimes, and how they affect the global economy, and international
stability. However, many nations do not wish for the UN to become involved
in this issue, as they believe UN regulation of cyberspace is an infringement
of national sovereignty.
One final aspect of Cyber warfare that should be noted its
indiscernibility, as it is extremely difficult to trace, define, and protect
against. In addition to individual nations utilizing cyber-attacks against their
rivals, private companies also partake in these attacks. Thus, the Security
Council must dictate how to differentiate between attacks launched by
sovereign nations, and attacks launched by individuals and other
organizations. Also, as there are no borders in cyberspace, so it is difficult to
identify who the belligerent nations are, which leads to a lack of international
intervention. Therefore, it is reasonable to assert that the Security Council
should help to define borders in cyberspace.
Discussion Questions:
1. Should the UN implement transnational cyber-defense strategies? If so,
what would these strategies be consisted of, and how will they be funded? If
not, what is the best way for nations to be secure from cyber-attacks?
2. What is the UN’s role in investigating cyber-attacks? How should the UN
define what constitutes as a cyber-attack?
3. How should cyber warfare correlate to international law? Should the
international community legally punish those who commit cyber warfare, or
other cybercrimes?
Resources:
1. New York Times n.d., n. pag. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/cybe
rwarfare/index.html>.
This site provides information of the latest current events that pertain to
cyber warfare.
2. Nils, Melzer. "Cyberwarfare and International Law." UNDIR. N.p., n.d.
Web. 31 Mar 2013.
<2.http://www.unidir.org/files/publications/pdfs/cyberwarfare-andinternational-law-382.pdf>.
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This is an in-depth report on how cyber warfare pertains to international law.
It is a bit lengthy, but it provides a thorough understanding of the topic.
3. T.P., . "Hello, Unit 61398." Economist. 10 Feb 2013: n. page. Web. 31
Mar. 2013.
<http://www.economist.com/blogs/analects/2013/02/chinese-cyberattacks>.
A report on the clandestine Chinese unit that allegedly used cyber-attacks on
targets around the World.
4. Finkle, Jim. "Researchers Say Stuxnet was deployed against Iran in
2007." Reuters. 26 Feb 2013: n. page. Web.
<http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/26/us-cyberwar-stuxnetidUSBRE91P0PP20130226>.
This is a report on the Stuxnet internet virus
5. Gjelten, Tom. "Extending the Law of War to Cyberspace." npr. 22 Sep
2010: n. page. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130023318>
.
Here is an article describing the nuances of integrating cybercrimes into the
international legal world.
6. United Natoins. 5.Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute .
Cyberwarfare. Print.
<http://www.unicri.it/special_topics/cyber_threats/cyber_crime/expla
nations/cyberwarfare/>.
Here is a link to the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research
Institute, and its views on cybercrimes.
7. This is simply a search of the key words “cyber warfare” on the UN
website. All resolutions, speeches, and other official documents related to
cyber warfare will appear here.
http://search.un.org/search?ie=utf8&site=un_org&output=xml_no_dtd&clie
nt=UN_Website_en&num=10&lr=lang_en&proxystylesheet=UN_Website_en
&oe=utf8&q=cyber+warfare&Submit=Go
8. NATO. NATO and cyber defense. 2013. Print.
<http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_78170.htm>.
A link to NATO’s policies on cyber defense.
9. Sanger, David. "Obama Ordered Wave of Cyberattacks Against Iran." New
York Times. 1 Jun 2012: n. page. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
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ordered-wave-of-cyberattacks-againstiran.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&>.
This article describes how the US government inflicted cyber-attacks on Iran
in order to sabotage their nuclear program.
10. Hall, Kevin. "The 7 worst cyberattacks in history (that we know about)."
DVICE. (2010): n. page. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.dvice.com/archives/2010/09/7-of-the-most-d.php>.
List of some of the worst cyber-attacks in history.
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Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic 1: Minority Rights
The term minority rights embodies two separate concepts: first,
normal individual rights as applied to members of racial,
ethnic, class, religious, linguistic, or sexual minorities, and second, collective
rights accorded to minority groups. The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly that addresses the term “minority rights” as applied to all
countries of the world. The Declaration represents the first global Expression
of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled. Although a basic
doctrine for basic human rights exists today, these rights are frequently not
recognized in countries all over the world.
Meeting the aspirations of national, ethnic, religious and linguistic
groups and ensuring the rights of persons belonging to minorities
acknowledges the dignity and equality of all individuals, furthers
participatory development, and thus contributes to the lessening of tensions
among groups and individuals. To protect minority rights, many countries
have specific laws and/or commissions or ombudsman (an official who
represents public opinion) institutions. Minorities in all regions of the world
continue to face serious threats, discrimination and racism, and are
frequently excluded from taking part fully in the economic, political and
social life of their countries. Today, minority communities face new
challenges, including legislation, policies and practices that may unjustly
impede or even violate minority rights.
Such an injustice can be seen in the country of Bulgaria, or more
specifically as seen by the treatment of the Roma people within the country.
For centuries, the Roma have been subjected to ill treatment, rejection,
exclusion and discrimination in various forms. Racial discrimination faced by
Roma in many ways symbolizes some of the most common contemporary
forms of racial discrimination experienced by other minority groups in the
world. It is hoped that successful attempts to address the issue of
discrimination against Roma will benefit other minority groups. However,
although no country has a perfect record on minority rights, a country like
Finland, for example, has been continually working to implement legislation
to promote good ethnic relations among its population.
Minority rights are vital to the world’s prosperity and are gradually
being addressed from country to country. In 1992, when the Declaration on
The Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and
Linguistic Minorities was created, granting different minorities their right was
of priority. However, respect for these rights has become more difficult to
enforce since that time. Measures should be taken by the UN in addressing
the growing importance of minority rights as well as raising awareness of the
disparities that occur through out each nation, in regards to these rights.
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Discussion Questions:
1. What challenges exist within your country on the topic of minority rights?
What laws exist within your country, if any, to protect the rights of
minorities? What cultural or historical practices and beliefs exist in your
country that influences the protection (or lack of protection) of minority
rights?
2. How do the challenges of minority rights in your country influence
relationships with other countries, political, economically, and culturally?
3. What consequences need to be put in place by the United Nations for
countries that violate existing or future international laws on this topic? How
can the United Nations effectively monitor these situations? How does a
nation’s sovereignty influence the creation of these consequences and
monitoring procedures?
Resources:
1.
Izsák, Rita. United Nations. Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights. Independent Expert on Minority Issues. Web.
<http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/IExpert/Pages/IEminorityis
suesIndex.asp&xgt;.
This is an article that is written in the perspective of an independent expert
on minorities. This article give a new light to the problems of minority rights,
and helps clarify exactly what minority rights are.
2. United Nations. Department of Political Affairs.Promoting Peaceful,
Political Solutions to Conflict. Web.
<http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/undpa/>.
This website consists of the Department of Political Affairs which works with
the United Nations to reform national governments to achieve a equal
democracy. This website can be useful in determining what is plausible for a
national government to reform as far as minority rights.
3. Jones, Peter, "Group Rights", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Winter 2008 Edition, Web.
<http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2008/entries/rights-group/>.
This is a website that offers useful information about minority rights in
different countries. This website can also be useful in fully understanding the
concept of how minority rights are different within every nation.
4. United Nations. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights. Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section. Web.
<http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/Pages/MinoritiesIndex.as
p&xgt;.
This is a website that defines minority rights with respect to the global view
of humanity.
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5. Preece, Jennifer . "NATIONAL MINORITY RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IN
EUROPE: A DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT." International Journal of
Peace Studies. 3.2 n. page. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.gmu.edu/programs/icar/ijps/vol3_2/cover3_2.htm>.
This article is about the national minority rights enforcement within
European countries.
6. United Nations. World Conference Against Racism.Multi-ethnic States and
the Protection of Minority Rights. Web. <http://www.un.org/WCAR/ekit/minority.htm>.
This is an article that addresses how different minorities should be protected
within a variety of countries.
7. "Protection of Minority Rights." International Online Training Program On
Intractable Conflict. Conflict Research Consortium. Web.
<http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/minority.htm>.
This is a relatively short article, but it can be very useful just when you start
looking at what minority rights are and how they apply to your
country.
8. . World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous People. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.minorityrights.org/directory>.
This website has a quick search option that allows you to narrow down your
search for the minority rights and groups within your country with a
few easy steps.
9. Buchanan, Jeffrey. "Fishing for community solutions in the world’s
deltas." Oxfam Working Together to End Poverty and Injustice. Oxfam,
19 Aug 2013. Web.
<http://politicsofpoverty.oxfamamerica.org/category/issues/indigenou
s-minority-rights/>.
This website provides an archive for the indigenous and minority rights
within different countries. Take the time to explore this site in detail because
each page has something unique to offer with respect to minorities of all
sorts.
10. Falahi, Mumtaz. "Violation of minorities’ human rights increasing fast in
India." Zakat Foundation of India. TwoCircles, 24 Feb 2009. Web.
<http://twocircles.net/2009feb24/violation_minorities_human_rights_i
ncreasing_fast_india.html>.
This is an article that focuses particularly on India and the disparity of
minority rights within that country. However, this can be a useful website for
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neighboring countries to find any similarities they might have with the
politics of this country.
Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic 2: Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression is the political right to communicate one's
opinions and ideas. The degree to which the right is upheld in practice varies
greatly from one nation to another. The right to Freedom of Expression is
not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations.
For example, blasphemy laws violate the fundamental Freedom of
Expression, as they are by definition intended to protect religious institutions
and religious doctrine– i.e., abstract ideas and concepts – from insult or
offence. In countries such as Pakistan and Malaysia, such laws lead to overt
governmental censorship and individuals are both prosecuted and subject to
severe criminal penalties including lengthy jail sentences.
Conversely however, there are nations where the right of Freedom of
Expression is protected to an extent. For example, the majority of African
constitutions provide legal protection for Freedom of Expression. Likewise,
several Asian countries provide formal legal guarantees of freedom of speech
to their citizens. The foremost of legal guarantees can be seen in countries
much like the United States, and many nations in Europe, where Freedom of
Expression is fully recognized and is a protected right of the people. The
difference between a limited protection of an individual’s rights opposed to
the individual’s upmost legal guarantee of their rights is ultimately the
difference between a free and a restricted society.
Freedom of Expression is widely acknowledged as a basic human right
that should be available to all, playing a crucial role in a fair and open
society. That being said, another form of Freedom of Expression that is
curtailed in many countries is through the press. This can bee seen by the
ongoing political turmoil that produced uneven conditions for press freedom
in the Middle East, in the year of 2012. The region as a whole experienced a
net decline for the year, in which the percentage of people world-wide who
enjoy a free media environment fell to its lowest point in more than a
decade.
Freedom of Expression is covered in article 19 of the United Nation’s
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom
of opinion and Expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions
without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Negotiating the fine line
between limitations that can be justified under international law and laws
that excessively impede an individual’s rights is increasingly difficult, but
nonetheless, the United Nations must work in culmination to do so.
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Discussion Questions:
1. What laws exist within your country that govern Freedom of Expression,
both to determine what is protected and what is limited? How do cultural or
historical factors from your country impact Freedom of Expression?
2. Does any tension or conflict exist in your country over Freedom of
Expression? If so, how does this tension or conflict influence your country’s
policies as well as its relationships to other UN nations?
3. What consequences need to be put in place by the United Nations for
countries that violate existing or future international laws on this topic? How
can the United Nations effectively monitor these situations? How does a
nation’s sovereignty influence the creation of these consequences and
monitoring procedures?
Resources:
1. . Article 19. N.p.. Web. <http://www.article19.org/index.php?lang=en>.
This is a great website for you to find specific information on current
Freedom of Expression issues within different countries. This website also
gives you a background of different organizations and committees that are
currently trying to expand Freedom of Expression to all individuals.
2. Smith, David, and Luc Torrest. "Timeline: a history of free
speech." Guardian. 04 Feb 2006: n. page. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/feb/05/religion.news>.
This website provides you with useful information on the history of free
Expression through a global perspective. The timeline enclosed in this
website specifies major free Expression limitations and reforms that have
taken place in the past up until 2006.
3. . IFEX Defending And Promoting Free Expression. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.ifex.org/free_expression_and_the_law/>.
This website is much like resource 1 in that it provides you with useful
information on the current free Expression limitations that are occurring in
different regions around the world.
4. . Index The Voice on Free Expression. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.indexoncensorship.org/>.
This is a website that can provide you with useful information about
censorship within different nations. This website also provides you with
background information about a countries past limitations with free
Expression.
5. Sengupta, Somini. "Free Speech in the Age of YouTube." New York Times.
22 Sep 2012: n. page. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
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<http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/sunday-review/free-speech-inthe-age-of-youtube.html?_r=2&>.
This is an article about free speech in the age of YouTube. This article sheds
a new light as far as Freedom of Expression limitations by using the
commonality that many individuals throughout the world share, YouTube.
6. Prud’homme, Jo-anne. "The Impact of Blasphemy Laws on Human
Rights." Freedom House. (2010): 1-94. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/Policing_Belief_Full.
pdf>.
This website is an overview of blasphemy laws within certain nations. An
overview of these laws can be helpful in determining how they are relevant
to your specific country.
7. "Freedom of Expression." Human Rights Education Association. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=408>.
This is a website that gives a general overview of what Freedom of
Expression is, and how it is exercised globally.
8. Mendel, Toby. "Restricting Freedom of Expression: Standards and
Principles." Center for Law and Democracy. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.law-democracy.org/wpcontent/uploads/2010/07/10.03.Paper-on-Restrictions-on-FOE.pdf>.
Although some online documents can be long and overwhelming to read,
there are portions of this pdf document that has very useful information on
Freedom of Expression.
9. . Freedom of Expression Africa Liberals in Action. N.p.. Web.
<http://advocacy.africaliberalnetwork.org/>.
This is a campaign in Southern Africa that is trying to solve the problems of
Freedom of Expression within the region. This is a useful website not
because of the campaign, but rather because of the useful information that
is provided in the context of the campaign.
10. . Freedom of Expression. FordFoundation. Web.
<http://www.fordfoundation.org/issues/freedom-of-expression>.
This is a foundation that works to grant the Freedom of Expression to all
people of the world. What is useful about this website is that there is a tab
that says “Region” which allows you to look up different parts of the world
and how the Freedom of Expression is implemented in that area.
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Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic 3: Education
Education is defined as a form of learning in which habits, skills, and
knowledge are transferred from one generation to the next through
teaching, research, or training. Education exists in many different forms for
many different purposes through many different institutions. Examples
include early childhood education and kindergarten to 12th grade. Other
examples include two and four year colleges or universities, graduate and
professional education, adult education, and job training.
The second goal of the UN Millennium Goals is to “ensure that, by
2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a
full course of primary schooling.” It is reaching its goal gradually; more
children are attending school, and gender gaps in literacy are narrowing.
Often times it is seen that as education and literacy rates increase, rates of
women trapped within the human trafficking system, rates of sexually
communicable diseases, and rates of mortality decrease. However, a large
mass or youth has difficulty accessing schools and other education facilities.
The UN reports: “in 2010, 61 million children of primary school age were out
of school. More than half of them (33 million) were in sub-Saharan Africa
and a further one fifth (13 million) in Southern Asia.”
Education is often assumed to mean only primary and secondary
schooling. However, schools can also be used to teach things such as health
and sexual education. The United States, for example, has mandatory health
education. However, one should be wary of the effects of religions (and their
respective views on health education) on education. Certain countries have
prevalent or national religions that hold certain stigmas against sexual
education. Schools can also teach job education, or specialized vocationaltechnical school education to help adults further themselves in the
workforce.
It is not, in most instances, a question of whether or not education is
important. The difficulties lay in the execution of providing education, as well
as the policy around education. Education sometimes takes away time that
could be used to work for the family, and sometimes education is not
available. Effective policy would not only address the importance of
education, but new, efficient measures of providing education.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the current status of your country’s educational efforts for
children and adults? Where is your country successful and where is it
struggling?
2. What education topics should be universally covered in all countries? How
does the sovereignty of individual countries influence any responsibilities of
the United Nations in ensuring that basic educational standards are met
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globally? How does your country’s culture and history influence its
educational system and who has access to it?
3. What strategies can be taken to meet the UN Millennium Goal on
education? What successful programs exist across the global that could act
as examples for other countries to follow or for the UN to support on a broad
scale?
Resources
1. . World Education: Engage, Educate, Inspire. N.p.. Web.
<http://www.worlded.org/WEIInternet/index.cfm>.
An organization promoting world education with a large database of links
and references
2. Education n.pag. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Web.
<http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/ReportFolders/ReportFolders.asp&
xgt;.
A UNESCO database of facts and statistics regarding education
3. United Nations. Millennium Goals. Web.
<http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/education.shtml>.
A UN site with a list of goals and information about world education
4. The Right to Education." HAKI ZETU. Amnesty International, n.d. Web.
<http://www.right-toeducation.org/sites/r2e.gn.apc.org/files/the_right_to_education_light_
Haki Zetu_2012.pdf>.
An extensive research paper written by the members of the right to
education organization
5. Time for School Series. Public Broadcasting Service, 2009. Film.
<http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/time-for-schoolseries/introduction/4340/>.
A PBS documentary following children across the world attending school
6. n.pag. MDG Monitor . Web.
<http://www.mdgmonitor.org/map.cfm?goal=&indicator=&cd=>.
A world database of education and poverty rates
7. United Nations. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Web. <http://www.fao.org/sd/erp/ERPFAQs_en.htm>.
A UN site with information on education of individuals in rural communities
8. n.pag. Schools and Health. Web.
<http://www.schoolsandhealth.org/pages/resourcelinks.asp&xgt;.
An organization true to its namesake, with a large reference database
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9. . HEALTH BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. ORLD HEALTH
ORGANIZATION. Web. <http://www.hbsc.org/>.
A UN subgroup committed to the social issues seen in schools
10. United Nations. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
International Institute for Educational Planning, Web.
<http://planipolis.iiep.unesco.org/basic_search.php>.
Another large UNESCO group with a specific purpose, this being educational
policies
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World Health Organization
Topic 1: Nutrition Disorders
Nutrition disorders can be caused by insufficient intake of food or
certain nutrients, by an inability of the body to absorb and use nutrients, or
by over consumption of foods. Obesity (overconsumption) not long ago
singularly associated with only high income countries is now also prevalent
in middle- to low income nations (particularly in urban settings). On the
opposite end of the spectrum, malnutrition continues to trouble many
nations in the developing world as well as poverty stricken regions in the
developed world; for instance 1 out of 8 American children go hungry every
day. In both instances nutrition disorders are prevalent within most nations.
Of the 4 million people who will die annually of starvation 54% are deaths
before age five. Malnourishment also makes children more susceptible to
disease, weakening their immune system and it can also lead to growth and
development related deformities. Routine nourishment is extremely vital to
people’s health allowing humans to secure the energy their bodies need to
support vital organ functions, cell development, and tissue maintenance.
Obesity is a serious health issue because it is linked to an array of
critical health disorders including diabetes, increased risk of heart disease
and stroke, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties (sleep apnea, asthma,
etc.), and cancer. Globally, approximately 1.4 billion adults are considered
overweight and 65 percent of the world’s population live in a country where
obesity kills more people than it does underfed people. A major contribution
to the escalating epidemic is unsupportive environments in which healthier
diet options and physical activity centers or programs are not widely
available, affordable, or encouraged.
Under Article 25 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it is
stated that “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the
health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food…” Another
epidemic facing the global population is the prevalence of malnutrition and
lack of access to food sources which is exacerbated by rising food prices.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, 870 million people
live with chronic undernourishment. When the body does not receive the
proper nourishment and exhausts its energy reserves acute malnutrition
occurs: the body begins to consume its own tissues in search of the
nutrients and energy it needs to survive, targeting muscle and body fat first.
The body’s metabolism begins to slow, thermal regulation is disrupted,
kidney function is impaired, and the immune system’s capacity is
diminished. The longer this wreaks havoc on the body and the greater the
loss of muscle and other tissue, the less likely the chances of survival.
Malnourishment often starts at a young age, even directly following a
child’s birth, having detrimental effects on development. The mother’s breast
milk plays a central role in infants’ nutrition and their growth and
development and when undernourished mothers are unable to produce the
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proper breast milk the child suffers. Whether or not children are wellnourished during their first years of life can have a profound effect on their
health status, as well as their ability to learn, communicate, think
analytically, socialize effectively and adapt to new environments and people.
Good nutrition is also the first line of defense against numerous childhood
diseases; malnourishment weakens children’s immune systems increasing
their susceptibility to communicable diseases. As a result, besides untimely
death, malnutrition can lead to Anemia (iron-deficiency), goiter (severe
swelling of the thyroid glands in the neck), and Marasumus (distension of
the abdomen) in both children and adults. It can also impede behavioral and
cognitive development, educability, and reproductive health. Consequently,
proper nourishment is a necessary component to receive a proper education.
Child malnutrition is a major aspect of undernourishment accounting for
more than a third of the mortality of children under the age of five, and
malnutrition during pregnancy for more than 20 percent of maternal
mortality.
As obesity becomes an increasingly large global issue and malnutrition
continues to persist, nutrition in general carries on as a major pandemic
facing the world. Each end of the spectrum is easily preventable simply by
eating a balanced diet. However, each is deeply rooted at an early age and
can harm the development process during a person’s younger years. Both
obesity and malnourishment also causes an array of other health issues that
contribute to and increase the epidemics’ seriousness when being addressed.
Overall, WHO is mainly concerned with the massive outreach of each issue
and implementing preventative measures as well as providing universal
access to the proper treatment associated with any disease or illness the
nutrition disorder caused. When dealing with malnutrition, it also
encompasses the fight against world hunger and poverty since poverty
contributes to the hunger crisis; it is a vicious cycle.
Discussion Questions:
1. Obesity can kill due to health related issues from an unhealthy diet and
lack of exercise such as diabetes and cancer. How can WHO promote
physical activity and ensure care is accessible for related diseases?
2. How are nutrition disorders diverse and reach from one extreme to the
other? Does your country have both extremes and how are they dealt with?
3. “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health
and well-being of himself and of his family, including food…” Keeping this in
mind and looking at the extremes to which nutrition disorders can extend,
how should WHO go about aiding nations economically? Medically?
4. The Millennium Development Program says it will eradicate extreme
poverty and hunger by 2015. As of now, do you think this is a reasonable
goal? How could WHO potentially expedite this process?
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References:
1. Popkin, Barry M., Linda S. Adair, and Shu Wen Ng. "NOW AND THEN: The
Global Nutrition Transition: The Pandemic of Obesity in Developing
Countries." PMC. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257829/>
presents causes of the obesity epidemic, obesity’s resulting diseases and
illnesses, as well as how it affects a plethora of nations and countries and
people of various socioeconomic backgrounds
2. The Millenium Development Goals Report 2012. N.p.: United Nations,
2012. United Nations. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/pdf/MDG%20Report%202012.p
df#page=12>
look under the subtitle “Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger”
presents facts and statistics about the problem
3. Nishida, C., et al. "Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Hypertension and
Cardiovascular Diseases." Public Health Nutrition 7 (2004): 167-86.
World Health Organization. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/obesity/PHNvol7no1afeb20
04/en/index.html>
click on the appropriate sub-link—information on diet, nutrition and the
prevention of disease
4. "Nutrition." World Health Organization. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.
<http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/severe_malnutrition/en/index.ht
ml>
defines severe malnutrition and describes the health hazards associated as
well as possible approaches to treatment
5. "Global Malnutrition." Action Against Hunger. ACF International, n.d. Web.
26 Aug. 2013.<http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/hunger/globalmalnutrition>
-provides general information an statistics about world hunger and under the
“Countries” tab you can find country specific information in regards to
malnutrition
6. "2013 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics." World Hunger
Notes. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20fact
s%202002.htm>
-offers facts and statistics on world hunger and poverty
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7. "Malnutrition Globally." Sustain. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.sustaintech.org/world/index.htm>
provides an overview of global malnutrition and includes the subheadings,
“Micronutrient deficiencies," "Impact on development,” and
“Technology solutions.”
8. "About Malnutrition." GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition). N.p.,
n.d. Web. 26 Aug.<http://www.gainhealth.org/about-malnutrition>
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
9. "10 Facts on Obesity." World Health Organization. United Nations, Mar.
2013. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/obesity/en/index.html>
click “Read the fact file on obesity,” provides 10 basic facts on the global
epidemic
10. "Nutritional Disorders." The Merck Manual. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.
<http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional_disorders.ht
ml>
links that give detailed overviews of malnutrition and obesity
11. "Food Crisis." World Bank. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.worldbank.org/foodcrisis/>
12. Be the Change: Save a Life. Be the Change: Save a Life. ABC News, n.d.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://saveone.net/#Global-MalnutritionChristiane-Amanpour-reports-on-a-promising>
check out the video, it gives real life examples of the effects of
malnourishment
World Health Organization
Topic 2: Refugees & Health Care in Crisis
The issue of refugees encompasses health action in crises as well as
humanitarian health action. Many countries, especially developing nations,
have experienced or continue to experience crises such as war (civil or
between nations), violent dictatorships, political collapse, famine or
economic strife in which many citizens are displaced or flee as a result.
Popularly called, “complex emergencies,” which represent the pathway of
nation-state disruption, they are often bound by intense political
considerations. Complex emergencies are best recognized for their severe
health disruptions, and for the migration of civilians as either refugees or
internally displaced populations. In these emergencies the health system is
the first to be disrupted or destroyed and the last to be rehabilitated, leaving
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many civilians without health care even before fleeing their country. These
refugees often occupy refugee camps located in neighboring countries, which
usually are entirely supported by UN Agencies, International Committee of
the Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs); all of
which may have difficulty reaching the regions/camps to provide
humanitarian aid due to the proximity to violent conditions. Making the
provision of proper health care aid even more imminent, refugee camps
support unsanitary conditions that allow a plethora of diseases and illnesses
to thrive. Keep in mind, refugees can also refer to those affected by national
disasters in which their local community has been destroyed and medical
assistance needs to be provided under emergency circumstances.
Refugee camps are anomalies. In effect, they are large dense
groupings of people, usually at the end of a long and arduous escape, with
few possessions and no provision for shelter, food, water, sanitation or fuel.
Camp environments allow epidemics to easily proliferate due to nonexistent
public health protections and overcrowded conditions. Refugee emergencies
can include: malnutrition, measles, diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, various
infections, and location specific conditions such as malaria. There is usually a
lack of licensed doctors and medical assistants in these camps to deal with
these emergencies, and even if doctors are available, obtaining proper
medications, administering that medicine, and the ability to perform
procedures proves trying and difficult. These clinical skills are critical, but in
refugee settings public health and preventive medicine skills are just as
important. As a result, the health care provided in refugee camps should
emphasize culturally appropriate health care, rapid assessment followed by
surveillance, public health/preventative medicine programs, and focus on
hydration and nourishment for those primarily affected.
Many problems arise that must be addressed when it comes to
refugees. Firstly, the inability to receive proper treatment and care in
refugee camps hiders the resettlement process as many diseases fermented
in camps are considered “excludable conditions”. Language barriers as well
as a lack of information and education compound this issue creating
obstacles even after a refugee is resettled; some refugees are not even
aware of the services available to them. Additionally, mental health care
plays a pivotal role in refugees’ full recovery because of their likelihood to
have experienced traumatizing events. Acute stress disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder, depression, psychosomatic and anxiety disorders are
common diagnoses made in refugee camp populations that require longterm, sensitive treatment.
Additionally, when addressing this topic there is a contrast between
nations that are the cause for displaced persons, compared to those that
donate aid and are a critical component in the resettlement process. A major
issue surrounding refugees and their assistance is they are often bound by
intense political considerations and, as a result, it is a touchy subject that
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requires health care assistance to tread carefully. Many nations will not want
to appear to be involved in a disagreement between quarreling countries or
groups by supplying assistance or aid. All people have the right to accessible
health care which often times is neglected in a state of emergency when
health care does not seem to be the most prominent issue facing a nation.
As a result, WHO must focus on creating a reliable system that not only
provides prompt response, but also establishes more universal access to
health care facilities and treatment for refugees.
Discussion Questions:
1. Natural disasters can result in displaced persons without access to proper
health care and emergency treatment. Should WHO support international aid
for national disasters? If yes how can help be more efficient and effective?
2. In emergency situations and refugee camps where even basic health care
is not always available or reliable, how much focus should be placed on
treating mental health? How should mental health support be provided?
3. Refugee camps provide the perfect environment for the rapid proliferation
and housing of diseases; how can WHO address these issues and how can
those solutions be implemented without raising political tensions and strife?
4. Is it other countries’ job to receive refugee immigrants and if so how
should they communicate to refugees the access to health care?
References:
1. United Nations. High Commisioner of Refugees. Handbook for
Emergencies. N.p.: n.p., n.d. United Nations. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <
http://ocw.jhsph.edu/courses/RefugeeHealthCare/PDFs/UNHandbook
forEmergencies.pdf>
check out section 3 which covers the vital sectors and problem areas in
refugee emergencies, including health, food, sanitation and water, as well as
key field activities underpinning the operations such as logistics, community
services and registration
2. Carlsten, Chris. "Refugee and Immigrant Health Care." Ethnomed. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://ethnomed.org/clinical/refugeehealth/carlsten.pdf>
provides an analysis of obstacles facing refugee health care specifically in
the resettlement process
3. Burkle, Frederick M., and Julian G. Lis. "Refugee Health Care." MedicCom.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013.<http://mediccom.org/public/tadmat/training/NDMS/Refugee_Ar
ticle.pdf>
explains how refugee health care should be approached
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4. "The Sphere Handbook." The Sphere Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013. <http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/>
-the video describes refugees basic rights as well as standards and principles
to providing aid
5. Allden, Kathleen. "Humanitarian Crises: The Medical and Public Health
Response." Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease: n. pag. The
Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://journals.lww.com/jonmd/Fulltext/2001/02000/Humanitarian_
Crises__the_Medical_and_Public_Health.19.aspx#>
6. Gordon, James, and Andrew Harper. "Amid Syria's Crisis, Mental Health
Care for Refugees." NPR (National Public Radio). N.p., n.d. Web. 26
Aug. 2013. <http://www.npr.org/2013/03/25/175277339/amidsyrias-crisis-mental-health-care-for-refugees>
although this is specific to Syria the interview provides insight to a program
providing mental health care to refugees
7. "Fact Sheets on Reproductive Health in Displaced Settings." RHRC
(Reproductive Health in Response to Crises) Consitorium. N.p., n.d.
Web. 26 Aug. 2013. <http://www.rhrc.org/rhr_basics/factsheet.html>
Reproductive Health Response in Crises Consortium Fact Sheets
8. "Mental Health of Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Other
Populations Affected by Conflict." World Health Organization. United
Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/pht/mental_health_refugees/e
n/>
9. "Crises." World Health Organization. United Nations, n.d. Web. 26 Aug.
2013. <http://www.who.int/hac/crises/en/>
-links that provide information about crises that have occurred recently
10. "Handbook on War and Public Health." The Center for International
Studies. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Aug. 2013.
<http://cis.uchicago.edu/outreach/summerinstitute/2011/documents/
sti2011-schaaf-handbook_on_war_and_public_health.pdf>
check out page 11, details how a health objective can be formulated
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Topic 3: Communicable Diseases
Communicable Diseases, otherwise known as infectious diseases, (diseases such as
HIV/AIDS, polio, malaria, tuberculosis, etc.) are defined as diseases that are spread from person
to person, usually transmitted via airborne bacteria or blood and bodily fluids. Throughout the
world, mortality rates are rising due to the amplified distribution of communicable diseases, and
these rates are increasing due to risk factors such as, poor sanitation and unsuitable healthcare
treatment and facilities. It is estimated that within the next decade communicable disease will
account for 13% to 18% of worldwide death totals, approximately 5 million people will die of a
communicable disease, and 300 million people will contract some form of a communicable
disease.
One of the most prevalent communicable diseases is HIV/AIDS. HIV is known as the
human immunodeficiency virus, which is a retrovirus that infects cells of the immune system,
destroying or impairing their function. The most advanced stage of the HIV infection is referred
to as AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which can initially shut down an HIV
positive immune system. HIV/AIDS is spread through unprotected sexual intercourse,
transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing contaminated needles, and between a mother and her
infant during pregnancy. This ongoing epidemic has infected more than 34 million people
worldwide and has yet to be cured. HIV/AIDS accounts for more than 1.7 million deaths each
year worldwide. However, many people living with HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases
do not have access to treatment, vaccinations, or to adequate medical facilities.
Within WHO, the Global Infection Prevention and Control Network (GIPCN) was
devised. This program was made with the hopes to obtain enough volunteers from around the
globe to help enhance infectious disease prevention, control and promote safe treatments, and to
decrease the number of communicable disease outbreaks. However, low to middle income
countries cannot afford to establish and maintain adequate medical facilities, and, as a result,
millions die each year due to lack of treatment. Economically, communicable diseases are
becoming a global burden because of the costliness of the treatments and vaccinations. As a
result WHO’s focus should be on the creation of treatment programs and vaccinations that are
sustainable and affordable and to ensure that people affected by communicable diseases can seek
adequate medical facilities and treatment, especially in third world countries where sanitation
and hygiene are poor.
Communicable diseases are rapidly spreading, making it the primary worldwide
epidemic. With mortality rates rising, actions must be taken to ensure the wellbeing of those
diagnosed with a communicable disease. As the global economic burden rises, it is harder to take
action and fulfill an action plan that can guarantee adequate and affordable healthcare for deadly
communicable diseases. In order to prevent future outbreaks and provide health care access for
those diagnosed during a global economic downturn, WHO must establish new ways to improve
the future of Communicable diseases.
Questions:
1. How would WHO be able to make communicable disease treatment more affordable for
middle to low income countries?
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2. How can WHO avert the driving forces of communicable diseases (improper sanitation,
inadequate medical facilities) and insure that these types of diseases aren’t expanding as rapidly
as they have been in recent years?
3. How can WHO work to ensure that every person has access to an emergency medical facility?
(Whether a hospital, Emergency Medical Office (EMO) etc.)
4. How can WHO prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS? Will education on disease prevention and
sexual intercourse need to be implemented in medical facilities and clinics?
References:
1. "The Impact of Economic Crises on Communicable Disease Transmission and Control:
A Systematic Review of the Evidence." PLOS ONE:. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr.
2013
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0020724
2. "WHO | World Health Organization." WHO | World Health Organization. N.p., n.d.
Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
http://www.who.int/gho/en/
~ Once on the WHO cite, click onto Country statistics and select your country. When on
your country’s Global Health Observatory page, under Country Profiles, Click on the link
for “Health Statistics Summarized for Major Health Topics”. Once Redirected, find
General, and click on the “General Health Statistics Profile” Here you will find Statistics
and Facts about communicable diseases within your country.
3. Infoplease. Common Infectious Diseases Worldwide, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0903696.html
4. "Infectious Diseases." WHO. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013.
http://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/
~Please visit the numerous links, they will help you a lot when learning
about your countries point of view and the extent to which communicable
diseases are spreading
5. "Communicable Diseases and Health Externalities." The World Bank: Knowledge For
Change. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013
http://econ.worldbank.org/external/default/main?theSitePK=491543&contentMD
K=20687347&menuPK=1796062&pagePK=64168182&piPK=64168060
6. "SECRETARY-GENERAL PROPOSES GLOBAL FUND FOR FIGHT AGAINST
HIV/AIDS AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES AT AFRICAN LEADERS
SUMMIT." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2001/SGSM7779R1.doc.htm
~ Has to deal with infectious disease prevention not only on a regional
level
but on a global level as well. Talks about steps to take for prevention and
control, as well as HIV/AIDS.
7. "Infectious Diseases: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National
Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 04 May 2013.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infectiousdiseases.html
8. "Communicable Disease Control." Healthlines RSS News. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May
2013.
http://ask.healthline.com/galecontent/communicable-diseasecontrol?o=2800&qsrc=999#1
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9. “GlobalHealth.gov Your Health, Our World." Communicable Diseases. N.p., n.d. Web. 04
May 2013.
http://www.globalhealth.gov/global-health-topics/communicable-diseases/index.html
~Gives you info on not only Communicable Diseases (Specific to HIV/ AIDS) but
it gives you links to Refugee Health as well.
10. "Infectious Diseases: Causes, Types, Prevention, Treatment and Facts on
MedicineNet.com." Infectious Diseases: Causes, Types, Prevention, Treatment and
Facts on MedicineNet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2013.
http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_disease/focus.htm
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