Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table
of
Contents
1. Program
Schedule
..3
2. What
is
the
Model
United
Nations
(MUN)?
.4
3. Procedure
.7
3.1 How
to
Research?
3.2 Speeches
3.3 Caucuses
3.4 Position
Paper
3.5 MUN
Vocabulary
3.6 Resolution
4. Rules
and
Dos
&
Donts
.19
5. Dress
Code
.........20
6. Awards
..21
6.1 Awards
List
6.2 What
wins
you
an
Award?
7. Messages......22
7.1 Message
from
the
Secretary
General
7.2 Message
from
the
Deputy
Secretary
General
8. Committees.24
9. Press
Members
26
10. Delegation
..27
11. Logistics
..36
12. Pages
.36
13. Topic
Area
Summaries
...37
13.1 Security
Council
(SC)
.37
13.2 Syrian
Crisis
Committee
(SCC)
38
13.3 Human
Rights
Council
(HRC)
.........39
13.4 Historic
Security
Council
(HSC)
.41
13.5 Disarmament
and
International
Security
Committee
(DISEC)
.42
13.6 Economic
and
Financial
Committee
(ECOFIN)
44
13.7 Social,
Cultural
and
Humanitarian
Affairs
Committee
(SOCHUM)
.46
13.8 Legal
Committee
..........47
13.9 Commission
on
Science
and
Technology
for
Development
(CSTD)
.49
13.10 United
Nations
Environment
Programme
(UNEP)
....51
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 2
1.
Program
Schedule
Session in committees
After lunch- 3:00 PM 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM 4:00 PM- 6:30 PM 8:30 AM Till designated lunch time Lunch
After lunch- 3:00 PM 3:00 PM- 3:30 PM 3:30 PM- 4:15 PM 4:15 PM- 5:30 PM
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 3
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 4
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 5
The Chairs declare the opening and closing of each meeting, direct its discussions and announce decisions. They ensure the observance of the rules, give the right to speak an put questions to the vote. They rule on points of order and, subject to the rules, have complete control of the proceedings of the assembly and over the maintenance of order at formal meetings. They may propose limitations of debate time, a limitation on the number of times each delegate may speak on any question, and on the closure of debate. They may also propose the adjournment of the meeting or the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. They may also suspend the rules in consultation with the Advisors and the Secretary General or his/her Deputy in order to positively affect debate proceedings. The primary function of the Chair is to work actively with the delegates through sessions, but especially in to lobbying process, encouraging arid helping them to merge draft resolutions where there is a common intent and to compromise where there is a difference of view. Thus, when a resolution is eventually debated in a forum, the forum as a whole, at least a sizable majority of the delegates, can identify itself with the resolution. It is very important that the Chairs have ability to keep order and to enforce Parliamentary Procedure. Chairs play a crucial role in determining the success or failure of the negotiations and debate on the agenda items. They must be actively involved in the substance of the issues, both on the lobbying process and during formal debate. They should see their role a the intermediary during the lobbying process, bringing various interest groups into contact with one another in order to ensure more worthwhile debate. If the General Assembly does into session without the vital preliminary contacts between interest groups having been fosters by the Chair, much of that forums time will be taken up by questions about the terminology used in the resolutions, empty rhetoric and dramatic posturing in stating ideological positions and basic points of view. Ideally, these aspects of communication between members should have been completed during lobbying, ad hoc committee meetings and regional organization meetings. It is the Chairs job to facilitate this.
Moderators help the sessions with record keeping. They mediate chits that come to the Dais and contribute to the judging through detailed notes. They keep the Speakers List and take roll calls.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 6
3.
Procedure
3.1
How
to
Research?
Pre-conference preparation is a prerequisite for success. Preparation for the Model UN begins with gathering information. You have to be able to spend enough time before the conferences to not only find information but also to be able to analyze and put forward your arguments. An integral part of your research is to know the UN system. This will help clarify the whole MUN simulation process and ensure greater confidence on your part. Another important aspect of your research is knowing your country extensively from its history, culture, political structure to any political involvement in current world affairs. This can be done by making a country profile. It is also very important to know where your country stands. You need to find out who your allies and oppositions are, what bloc your country belongs to and what its viewpoints are on the main conference topic. In order to interact with other delegates it is recommended to be well aware of their countries stances as well. An effective resource to do this is the study guide. Read through each topic area to make sure you pick up all the details and subtleties of the issue. Lastly, you need to know all rules and procedures of the conference thoroughly to maintain a level playing field and a certain level of professionalism. Listed below are some additional sites and resources which can help you find legitimate UN documents for your research: unbisnet.un.org UNAUSA.org Un.org/news Icj-cij.org Yearbook of the United Nations United Nations chronicles UN document index
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
7
3.2 Speeches
Speakers
list
The
speakers
list
is
the
order
in
which
delegates
make
their
speeches
during
formal
debate.
It
is
important
to
get
on
the
speakers
list
right
from
the
start
and
as
frequently
as
possible.
This
will
maximize
your
speaking
opportunity
and
will
definitely
raise
the
quantity
and
quality
of
issues
coming
up.
Preparation
and
content
Planning
a
speech
doesnt
require
writing
it
out
word
for
word.
Deliberate
and
carefully
calculated
speeches
may
lack
spontaneity.
The
use
of
flash
cards
with
key
phrases
may
prove
to
be
useful
to
avoid
mediocre
and
monotonous
speeches.
You
have
to
be
flexible
with
what
you
are
going
to
say
as
with
new
issues
coming
up,
your
speech
may
no
longer
be
in
context.
You
can
introduce
new
ideas
in
a
speech
or
elaborate
on
old
ones.
You
can
support
and
defend
your
allies
positions,
attack
opposing
positions
and
take
stances
on
your
own.
The
content
of
the
speech
however
must
be
in
accordance
with
what
is
being
discussed
and
what
you
want
to
say.
Delivery
Public
speaking
is
one
of
the
most
important
skills
needed
to
be
a
successful
delegate
in
the
model
UN.
Confidence
gives
more
volume
to
the
ideas
that
you
are
presenting.
You
need
to
convey
a
message
of
certitude
and
strength
and
to
do
so
you
will
need
to
avoid
showing
any
signs
of
fear,
stress,
doubt,
anxiety,
or
nervousness.
It
all
depends
on
the
way
you
communicate
your
ideas.
You
want
to
get
your
point
across
and
if
you
are
well
prepared,
the
only
thing
you
need
to
worry
about
is
making
your
views
clearer.
Tips
to
enhance
your
public
speaking
Prepare.
Practice.
Consider
your
audience.
Eliminate
unnecessary
filler
words
like
umm,
well,
sort
of,
like,
so,you
know
etc.
Use
meaningful
pauses.
Breathe.
Pace
yourself.
Choose
a
powerful
posture.
Project
your
presence.
Gesture.
Connect
with
your
audience.
Get
to
the
point.
Be
constructive
and
try
to
come
up
with
solutions
rather
than
criticisms.
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
8
3.3 Caucuses
Caucuses
or
informal
debates,
is
an
important
part
of
the
model
UN
simulation
as
it
provides
opportunities
for
delegates
to
collaborate,
negotiate
and
formulate
draft
resolutions.
There
are
two
types
of
caucuses;
Moderated
caucuses
and
unmoderated
caucuses.
Moderated
caucuses
A
caucus
may
often
appear
to
be
disorganized
and
hectic.
With
the
help
of
the
moderator
however,
more
productive
and
efficient
caucuses
can
be
conducted.
Here,
delegates
for
and
against
a
particular
issue
are
divided
accordingly
and
are
then
given
chances
to
speak
alternatively
for
at
least
a
minute
each.
This
way,
the
best
elements
of
formal
debate
and
caucus
are
combined
ensuring
both,
order
in
the
committee
and
a
spontaneous
flow
of
ideas.
Unmoderated
caucuses
An
unmoderated
caucus
is
a
state
of
committee
during
which
no
speaker
is
recognized
by
the
moderator.
Here,
no
debate
takes
place
yet
the
committee
is
abuzz
with
activity.
During
this
period
of
time
delegates
try
and
come
to
a
consensus,
organize
blocs
and
write
resolutions.
Delegates
can
also
use
this
time
to
check
on
their
co-delegates
outside
the
committee
room.
Moving
a
caucus
When
you
motion
for
a
caucus,
you
will
be
asked
the
duration
for
which
you
want
to
caucus
and
the
purpose
for
which
you
want
to
caucus.
Raise
a
caucus
if
only
you
feel
that
a
discussion
outside
formal
debate
amongst
delegates
is
necessary.
A
caucus
is
generally
called
either
to
review
ideas,
or
to
establish
a
consensus
or
to
contact
other
people.
Tips
for
effective
caucusing
Enter
the
caucus
only
with
a
plan
in
mind.
Find
delegates
in
your
bloc.
Offer
constructive
critiques
and
ideas
and
be
resourceful.
Negotiate.
Listen.
Record
ideas
in
form
of
official
paperwork.
Be
inclusive.
Use
time
effectively.
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
9
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 10
Committee: Country: Delegate: Topic: Introduction to the topic: In your countrys view, what are the main elements of the problem? What are the roots of these problems and give a brief history concerning the topic and committee? Current Situation: What are you national interests in the situation? Briefly explain the stance on the topic. What is your country doing to support or condemn the topic? What past resolutions or treaties have the country supported regarding the topic? Solution: What does your nation believe needs to be done to solve the problem? What would your country want to be included in the committees resolution?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 11
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Topic Area A: Nuclear Test Ban Country: The Republic of Sierra Leone School: High School Academy A. The nuclear test ban issue has been the first item on the agenda of the Conference on Disarmament since 1978 with good reason. In 1963, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the USSR entered into the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), which prohibited testing in the atmosphere and underwater. In 1974, the United States and the USSR entered into the Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT) which placed an upper limit of 150 kilotons on nuclear tests. The next logical step, a comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT), has been long overdue. Nuclear weapon testing allows the arms race to continue and even escalate. The implementation of a test ban would slow down the development of new nuclear weapons and thereby slow down the arms race. Furthermore, a CTBT would not, as some states have claimed, threaten the stability of the policy of nuclear deterrence, on which both superpowers rely. In fact, a CTBT would maintain stability by preventing innovations and developments which could potentially give one nuclear state a unilateral advantage. Moreover, the increasing use of super- computers has essentially eliminated the need for actual testing. B. The Republic of Sierra Leone believes disarmament to be crucial for the maintenance of worldwide security and considers a nuclear test ban to be an important step in the process of reaching that goal. Sierra Leone is not a nuclear power nor does it aid other countries in producing nuclear weapons. Our policy in the past has been to work diligently toward a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. We wish to accomplish this goal through negotiation in the Conference on Disarmament. In accordance with this policy, the Resolution 485 banning nuclear testing in Africa and Resolution 781 banning nuclear testing in Southeast Asia received wholehearted support from Sierra Leone. Furthermore, our government received glowing reports from the international press for our stance on the issue. The African Journal wrote that To maintain the fundamental principles of Africa, the UN needs more nations like Sierra Leone (Volume 48, 1993, pp. 12). C. The Republic of Sierra Leone supports the following proposals for a nuclear test ban treaty: The treaty must be a comprehensive and permanent one. Although Japans proposal to have a progressive lowering of the threshold limit until it reached zero is an interesting idea, not only does this legitimize nuclear weapon testing, it also delays a true resolution of the problem. In addition, it gives the nuclear states a greater opportunity to escape their obligations through inevitable loopholes in the treaty. Although peaceful nuclear explosions could potentially bring about beneficial results, the nearly insurmountable difficulty in differentiating between nuclear tests for weapons and nuclear tests for peaceful purposes makes such a distinction infeasible. The proposal that a state must provide the Secretary-General with all relevant data about the planned explosion is laudable, yet proper assurance of the peaceful nature of a test would require a degree of monitoring to which most nuclear states would not agree. States can rely not only on all national means of verification which are consistent with international law, but also an international verification system. Current seismic monitoring systems, such as the Norwegian Seismic Array (NORSAR), are sufficiently advanced to determine whether states are complying with a CTBT. In addition, the 1984 experiment involving the World Meteorological Organization/Global Telecommunications System (WMO/GTS) illustrates the viability of an international seismic network. As per the Ad Hoc Groups report, Sierra Leone is in favor of an international network of seismic monitoring stations which would send their data to International Data Centers (IDCs) for analysis. These IDCs would automatically give out type I data (basic information) with type II data (data subjected to more advanced analysis) available upon request. Of course, even after the conclusion of a CTBT, there should be further research into the development of even more sensitive and accurate seismic monitoring equipment and analysis techniques. If the test ban treaty involved the gradual reduction of the threshold limit, then that limit should reflect current seismic monitoring technology. In addition, on-site inspections should be allowed. Regarding compliance, a test ban treaty is of such paramount importance that violators should be punished. Yet the fact remains that embargoes would most likely have little if any effect on most nuclear states. Perhaps compliance measures will eventually rely on first convincing the superpowers, and any other nuclear states, to enter into a CTBT and then getting the superpowers themselves to ensure that their allies abide by the treaty.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 12
Committee: Participants are allocated in different committees, and discuss with others on topics related to the committee. Decorum: The order and respect for others that all delegates at a Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of a speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors. Delegation: The entire group of people representing a member state or country in all committees at a particular Model UN conference. Draft resolution: A document that seeks to fix the problems addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee, the draft resolution will become a resolution. Formal debate: The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order based on a speakers' list.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 13
Member state: A country that has ratified the Charter of the United Nations and whose application to join has been accepted by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are 193 member states. Motion: A request made by a delegate for the committee, as a whole, to do something. Some motions might go into a caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into voting bloc. On the floor: At a Model UN conference, when a working paper or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be discussed. Page: A member in a Model UN committee that has volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or from a delegate to the dais, or from one committee to another. Placard: A piece of cardstock with a country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak. Point: A request raised by a delegate for information or for an action relating to that delegate. Point of order: Point of order can be raised if a member of a committee feels the delegate speaking is making a offensive or derogatory remarks towards either the delegate of the country. If the chair agrees that the speaker is indeed not behaving appropriately, they will be asked to apologize, if not, debate continues as normal. Point of inquiry: This is a point to ask a question to the delegate or the chair, when a delegate is having difficulties understanding anything. The chair will answer in accordance to the rules of the procedure. Point of personal privilege: This is the only time when a delegate may interrupt a speaker. A point of personal privilege can be called out when a delegate is having personal difficulties: to be left from the room or if the delegate cannot hear or understand the speaker. Point of information: After a delegate has taken the floor, the chair will ask the speaker if the delegate is willing to undertake point of information. These are when delegates in the committee are able to question the policies and points made by the delegate on the floor.
Roll call: The first order of business in a Model UN committee, during which the moderator reads aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called, he or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate responding "present and voting" may not abstain on a substantive vote. Signatory: A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some minimum number of sponsors and signatories for a draft resolution to be approved. Speakers' list: A list that determines the order in which delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate that he or she wishes to be added to the speakers' list by sending a note to the dais. Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree. Veto: The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 14
Vote: A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or do not support a proposed action for the committee. There are two types: procedural and substantive. Voting bloc: The period at the end of a committee session during which delegates vote on proposed amendments and draft resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room during voting bloc. Working paper: A document in which the ideas of some delegates, on how to resolve an issue, are proposed. Yielding: The movement that delegate A, who is standing at the front, make to pass the right of front speaking to delegate B who agrees with the idea offered previously by delegate A and will keep extend the idea to gain more votes from the floor. Chairs moderate it.
3.6 Resolution
Solutions
to
the
problems
that
the
committee
confronts
take
the
form
of
a
resolution.
Resolutions
represent
the
committees
final
attempt
to
draw
together
the
interests
of
many
competing
nations
into
a
comprehensive
solution
that
serves
the
interests
of
the
collective
world
community.
From
the
procedural
perspective,
the
resolution
is
the
formal
document
upon
which
the
committee
will
take
action
via
the
amendment
and
voting
processes.
A
resolution
is
a
complex
document
that
follows
a
strict
format
and
reflects
the
negotiation,
debate,
and
innovative
proposals
that
the
committee
has
produced.
Before
a
resolution
can
be
formally
introduced
into
a
committee,
it
must
receive
the
approval
of
the
dais.
The
Director
will
sign
a
resolution
if
it
demonstrates
an
adequate
understanding
of
the
issue,
answers
the
questions
posed
in
the
Study
Guide,
and
has
a
wide
base
of
support.
A
well-written
resolution
exhibits
relevant
background
information
and
previous
UN
actions
and
address
the
ideas
in
the
Questions
a
Resolution
Must
Answer
section
of
the
Study
Guide.
Format
of
a
Resolution
The
heading
of
a
resolution
should
include
the
committee
name,
the
list
of
signatories,
and
the
topic
addressed
by
the
resolution.
The
body
of
the
resolution
is
written
in
the
format
of
a
long
sentence.
1) The
resolution
begins
by
addressing
the
committee,
e.g.
The
General
Assembly,
for
all
GA
committees.
The
Specialized
Agencies
committees
use
their
own
names
as
the
introductory
line.
The
rest
of
the
resolution
consists
of
clauses,
with
the
first
word
of
each
clause
underlined.
2) The next section, consisting of Preambulatory Clauses, describes the problem being addressed, recalls past actions taken, explains the purpose of the resolution, and offers support for the operative clauses that follow. Each clause in the preamble begins with an underlined participle and ends with a comma. Some of the perambulatory phrases are given below.
3) Operative Clauses are numbered and state the action to be taken by the body. These clauses all begin with present tense, active verbs, which are generally stronger words than those used in the Preamble. Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon, except for the last one, which is followed by a period. Some of the operative phrases are given below. To be accepted by the dais, a resolution must be passed in its current form. This includes answering all of the Questions a Resolution Must Answer.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 15
Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Deploring Desiring Noting with approval Noting with deep concern Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Noting with zest Observing Realizing Reaffirming Recalling Recognizing Viewing with appreciation Welcoming
Operative Phrases Accepts Affirms Approves Authorizes Calls for Calls upon Condemns* Congratulates Confirms Considers Decides Declares accordingly Demands* Deplores Draws attention Designates Emphasizes
Encourages Endorses Expresses its appreciation Expresses its hope Further invites Further proclaims Further remind Further recommends Further requests Further resolves Has resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Reminds Regrets
Requests Resolves Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns* Supports Takes note of Trusts Urges
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 16
Amendments Approved draft resolutions are modified thorough amendments. An amendment is a written statement that deletes or revises an operative clause. Delegates may amend any draft resolution that has been introduced by adding to, deleting from, or revising parts of it. Only one amendment may be introduced at any given time. There are two types of amendments: A friendly amendment is a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the amendment is signed by all of the draft resolutions sponsors and approved by the committee, it will be incorporated into the resolution. An unfriendly amendment is a change that some or all draft resolutions sponsors do not support and must be voted upon by the committee. Ultimately, resolutions passed by a committee represent a great deal of debate and compromise. They are the tangible results of hours of MUN debate. As a result, it is important to become familiar with the resolution process and practice drafting resolution using the proper structure and wording.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 17
Sample Resolution
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
18
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 19
Suits
Tops
5.
Dress
Code
Females
A
suit
always
looks
professional.
Be
sure
to
keep
suits
clean
and
wrinkle
free.
No
t-shirts
or
see-through
tops.
A
blouse,
sweater,
or
button-down
shirt
of
any
kind
is
appropriate.
Dresses
are
also
appropriate
as
long
as
they
are
not
revealing
and
adequate
in
length
(follow
the
rules
below
for
skirt
length).
Participants
of
the
MUN
wearing
sarees
on
the
first
day
should
not
wear
see-through
blouses
No
jeans,
shorts
or
miniskirts.
Slacks
and
suit- pants
are
acceptable.
Skirts
must
be
worn
with
pantyhose/stockings
and
should
not
be
more
than
two
inches
above
the
knee.
Bottoms
should
have
a
subtle
pattern;
avoid
loud
designs.
No
sneakers
or
open-toe
sandals.
Remember:
high-heeled
shoes
may
look
pretty,
but
they
can
also
be
very
uncomfortable,
so
use
your
discretion.
Keep
hair
clean
and
out
of
your
face
for
a
professional
look.
Males
A
suit
always
looks
professional.
Be
sure
to
keep
suits
clean
and
wrinkle-free.
No
t-shirts.
A
collared/button- down
shirt
is
appropriate
and
do
not
forget
a
tie!
Bottoms
Shoes
No sneakers or open-toe sandals. Loafers or other types of dress shoes are preferable. Keep hair clean and out of your face a professional look.
Hair
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 20
6. Awards
1 1 1 1 1
Press Awards
1 1 1
6.2
What
wins
you
an
Award?
Judging
criteria
for
Best
Delegate
1. Pre-conference
participation
2. Knowledge
of
committee
topics
3. Knowledge
and
representation
of
the
nations
interests
and
policies
4. Ability
to
work
with
and
persuade
other
delegates
through
in-depth
explanations
and
convincing
arguments
5. Ability
to
develop
pragmatic
and
acceptable
solutions
6. Quality
of
position
paper
7. Quality
of
country
profile
8. Quality
and
clarity
of
opening
speech
9. Quality
of
answers
to
questions
and
adherence
to
time
limit
10. Contribution
to
moderated
caucuses
11. Resolution
writing,
lobbying,
and
involvement
12. Discipline
13. Attire
Judging
criteria
for
Best
Country
Profile
1. Meeting
Deadlines
2. Originality
3. Language
4. Research
and
Analysis
5. Layout
and
Design
6. Bibliography
and
Documentation
of
resources
Judging
criteria
for
Best
Reporter
1. Quality
of
writing
2. Meeting
Deadlines
3. Originality
4. Creativity
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 21
7.
Messages
7.1
Message
from
the
Secretary
General
Dear
Delegates,
MUNs
have
long
been
a
tradition
of
Rato
Bangala
School,
and
as
the
Secretary
General
of
this
years
conference,
it
is
my
pleasure
to
welcome
you
to
the
eighth
Rato
Bangala
Model
United
Nations,
RBSMUN
2013.
Over
350
delegates
are
participating
in
the
10
committees
being
simulated
this
year
and
issues
being
explored
are
highly
stimulating,
offering
you
a
profound
opportunity
to
make
a
difference.
In
the
course
of
three
days,
delegates
of
the
Syrian
Crisis
Committee
have
to
find
a
solution
to
the
Civil
war
that
has
dragged
on
for
far
too
long
and
claimed
far
too
many
lives.
Delegates
of
the
Historic
Security
Council
have
to
go
back
in
time
to
stop
one
of
the
most
deadly
military
confrontations
of
our
time,
the
Cuban
Missile
Crisis,
from
getting
out
of
hand.
Delegates
of
the
Security
Council
have
to
find
a
way
to
change
war-torn
Afghanistans
fate
and
help
it
get
back
on
its
feet.
Delegates
of
the
Commission
on
Science
and
Technology
for
development,
the
Human
Rights
Council
and
the
Environment
Program
have
to
answer
complex
questions
posed
by
stem
cell
research,
hydraulic
fracturing
and
international
electronic
surveillance,
and
delegates
of
the
General
Assemblies
have
to
find
ways
to
demilitarize
the
Arctic,
bring
governments
to
justice,
and
prevent
international
tax
evasion.
Dealing
with
problems
that
have
baffled
older,
wiser,
more
experienced
diplomats,
even
the
greatest
of
world
leaders
for
years
now
isnt
easy,
delegates.
But
as
part
of
the
largest
generation
of
young
people
the
world
has
ever
seen,
it
is
your
responsibility
to
turn
the
tide
of
history
and
create
a
world
where
the
system
isnt
entrenched
in
favour
of
the
powerful,
and
freedom,
justice,
and
equality
for
all
are
realized
dreams.
As
those
of
you
who
have
been
delegates
before
already
know,
the
benefits
you
get
from
participating
in
the
MUN
are
endless.
MUN
forces
you
to
think
carefully
about
things
you
may
have
dismissed
as
being
of
no
relevance
to
you.
It
helps
you
conquer
your
fear
of
public
speaking.
It
makes
you
sympathetic
to
different
worldviews.
It
makes
you
skilled
players
in
the
fine
art
of
diplomacy.
And
most
important
of
all,
it
makes
you
become
better,
more
compassionate
human
beings
who
are
also
capable
of
solving
problems
through
deliberation,
negotiation
and
compromise
instead
of
aggression
and
violence.
MUN
is
a
not
only
a
great
opportunity
for
intellectual
growth,
it
is
also
loads
of
fun!
By
the
end
of
the
conference,
delegates,
I
promise
you
that
you
will
have
formed
a
bond
with
all
your
committee
members
that
you
will
cherish
very
much.
I
hope
you
are
as
excited
about
the
MUN
as
I
am!
Abha
Lal
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 22
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 23
8.
Committees
8.1
Security
Council
(SC)
Chair:
Komal
Kunwar
Vice
Chair:
Ural
Mishra
Moderator:
Nischal
Shrestha
Topic:
The
Afghan
crisis
8.2
Syrian
Crisis
Committee
Chair:
Kamakshi
Kanojia
Vice
Chair:
Raghav
Poddar
Moderator:
Prerana
Adhikari
Topic:
The
Syrian
Civil
War
8.3
Human
Rights
Committee
(HRC)
Chair:
Arnav
Upadhyay
Vice
Chair:
Samip
Narayan
Shrestha
Moderator:
Swati
Pant
Topic
1:
The
ethics
of
international
electronic
surveillance
Topic
2:
Countering
terror
with
justice-
torture
and
accountability
8.4
Historic
Security
Council
(HSC)
Chair:
Kritika
Lama
Vice
Chair:
Biswash
Adhikari
Moderator:
Biraj
Koirala
Topic:
The
Cuban
missile
crisis
8.5
Disarmament
and
International
Security
Chair:
Anouska
Shrestha
Vice
Chair:
Sathank
Mani
Sharma
Moderator:
Priyanka
Sharma
Topic
1:
Demilitarization
of
the
Arctic
Topic
2:
Curbing
illicit
trafficking
of
small
arms
in
Latin
America
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 24
8.6 Economics and Financial Affairs Committee Chair: Hardik Subedi Vice Chair: Sulay Ranjit Moderator: Pratigya Tiwari Topic 1: Tax Havens: International tax avoidance and evasion Topic 2: Economic reform in the aftermath of the Arab Spring 8.7 Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs Committee (SOCHUM) Chair: Sashwat Aryal Vice Chair: Pratistha Rijal Moderator: Abhilasha Thapa, Prapti Sharma Topic 1: Conflict minerals Topic 2: Responding to modern migration flows: social and cultural rights of refugees 8.8 Legal Committee Chair: Pawan Acharya Vice Chair: Saurav Sharma Moderator: Smriti Pandey Topic 1: Bringing governments to justice Topic 2: Defining Legal Standards for International Intervention and Peacekeeping 8.9 Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) Chair: Roshan Chapagain Vice Chair: Romy Dangol Moderator: Mihir Nath Pyakurel Topic 1: Stem cell research Topic 2: Improving access to renewable energy as a means for achieving sustainable development 8.10 United Nations Environment Programme Chair: Pujyata Karmacharya Vice Chair: Ishan Ghimire Moderator: Ashruta Acharya, Utsah Pandey Topic 1: Environmental consequences of Hydraulic fracturing Topic 2: Genetically modified crops
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 25
9.
Press
Members
Editors
Shreeya
Sharma
Elvin
Shrestha
Layout
Anshu
Vaidya
Roving
Reporters
Divya
Agrawal
Neha Rajbhandary
1. Security Council (SC) Rajshree Upadhyay Rahul B. Shrestha 2. Syrian Crisis Committee Asmita Bhatta
Nirupan Karki
Devanshu Prasad
3. Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) Smriti Karki 4. Historic Security Council (HSC) Asmita Gautam
Shirish Khatri
Prashansha Shrestha
5. Disarmament and International Security (DISEC) Daya Shrestha Anuka Pokharel 6. Commission on Science and technology for Development (CSTD) Subhashish Lama Pallavi R Shrestha 7. Human Rights Council (HRC) Meghraj B Singh Simone Rawal
8. Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs Committee (SOCHUM) Siddhant Begani Mitesha Shree Shakya 9. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Subhekchya Shrestha 10. Legal Committee Jahanvi Nahata Cartoonists: Barad Ghimire Photographers - Dilasha Manandar - Aayush Chitrakar - Abhishek Nepal Shalin Chitrakar Sitashma Thapa Partha Baral
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 26
10. Delegation
Grade
A1
A1
A1
A2
A1
A2
9
A1
A2
A2
A2
A1
A1
A1
A1
Delegate
2
Samrat
Pandey
Suvasini
Sherchan
Devriti
Dhungel
Lumi
Shrestha
Saurabh
Shrestha
Shaleen
Shah
Abhaya
Gauchan
Pratik
Karki
Ritisha
Pokharel
Srivasa
Pradhan
Rassen
Acharya
Jai
Golcha
Roshan
Mallepati
Shrestha
Dorjee
Gurung
Arushi
Pradhan
Grade
A1
A1
A1
A2
A1
A2
9
A1
A2
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
Argentina France Australia UK India Morocco Pakistan Colombia Republic of Korea Togo USA Iran Afghanistan Russia China
Grade
A1
9
A1
A1
A1
9
9
A1
A1
A1
9
A2
A1
A1
A1
A1
9
A1
9
A1
USA UK France China Russia Turkey Syrian Government Israel Iran Syrian National Coalition Lebanon Al Nushra Hezbollah Egypt Jordon Iraq Free Syrian Army UAE Quatar Saudi Arabia
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 27
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 28
Country
Delegate
2
Samsara
Wyonona
Upadhya
Raunak
Bhattarai
Pratikshya
Gurung
Anukriti
Shrestha
Simona
Bajgai
Priyanka
Dangol
Dilashma
Thapa
Yashashwi
Shrestha
Raissa
Shrestha
Sumin
Bajracharya
Bipul
B
Adhikari
Ojashwi
Sapkota
Prashamsa
Rimal
Sahitya
Thaman
Shreya
Regmi
Grade
A1
A2
A1
A1
A1
9
A2
A1
9
A1
A2
A2
A1
A1
A1
Cuba USSR Brazil East Germany Czechoslovak Socialist Republic USA Egypt Turkey Japan West Germany China Italy India UK France
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
29
Delegate
Gathashree
Dahal
Rabbi
Rai
Nagma
Dyola
Akanchhya
Giri
Tsering
S
Bista
Sabina
Adhikari
Ritesh
Gorkhali
Prachi
Adhikari
Yash
Poddar
Aryan
Maskay
Pranay
Chand
Aakash
Thapa
Jai
Agrawal
Anisha
Shrestha
Sonam
Sherchan
Sarthak
KC
Amrit
Rana
Suniva
Chitrakar
Muskan
Agrawal
Sneha
Malakar
Pranay
K
Shrestha
Raunak
Rauniyar
Shashwat
Hari
Adhikari
Sneha
Maharjan
Shivant
Shrestha
Pradyot
Basnet
Chettri
Franshika
Pandey
Bipasana
Siddhi
Bajracharya
Navashree
Singh
Shuvechha
Pant
Avi
Shrestha
Chimme
N
Sherpa
Sushant
KC
Bhavika
Dugar
Ayusha
Pradhan
Gaurav
Dev
Pant
Saudamini
Sigdel
Anupa
Rimal
Grade
8
A1
A1
9
9
A2
A1
9
8
9
9
A1
8
9
8
8
A1
9
8
8
9
A1
A1
9
A1
9
9
A1
A1
8
9
9
A1
A1
9
A1
9
9
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 30
Country
Grade
A2
A2
A2
A2
A2
A2
A1
9
A2
A2
A2
8
8
9
9
A2
8
9
9
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
8
8
A1
A1
8
8
A2
A2
Andorra Argentina Bahrain Brazil China Cyprus Egypt France India Ireland Japan Lebanon Libya Luxemborg Morocco Netherlands Panama Russia Saudi Arabia Sudan Switzerland Syria Tunisia UK USA Yemen Bermuda Seychelle The Republic of Vanuatu UAE Mexico Albania Togo Monaco Kuwait Quatar
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 31
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 32
Country
Afghanistan
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
China
Colombia
Egypt
France
Germany
India
Iran
Israel
Japan
Libya
North
Korea
Pakistan
Russia
South
Korea
The
Netherlands
Turkey
UK
USA
Iraq
Spain
South
Africa
Togo
Azebaijan
Guatemala
Morocco
Luxembourg
Rwanda
Maldives
Canada
Denmark
UAE
Mexico
Cyprus
Greece
Delegate
Suryaansh
K
Shrestha
Aafsha
Yadav
Roshan
Phaiju
Anushka
Bhandari
Priyansha
Kansakar
Apeksha
Rana
Ayusha
Pradhan
Sahaj
Shrestha
Ayush
Acharya
Ankan
Subedi
Aaradhya
Kunwar
Shambhav
Sharma
Cellina
Maharjan
Shriti
Satyal
Prarthana
Dixit
Anuraag
Shah
Amisha
Pant
Abhishek
Dhungel
Suzana
Sarkar
Nitish
Upadhyaya
Reina
Shahi
Ritambhara
Parajuli
Kanchan
Kasaju
Shubhanga
Satyal
Samata
Bajracharya
Swasti
Shrestha
Binam
Bajracharya
Arya
Rana
Shardul
Khanal
Bipul
Giri
Ayesha
Shrestha
Amin
Rajbanshi
Ayush
Mainali
Apoorba
B
Singh
Apeksha
Koirala
Sushank
B
Dhamala
Mendhala
Gurung
Sonam
Dechen
Gurung
Grade
8
A1
A1
A1
8
A1
9
A1
A1
9
A1
8
A1
A1
9
A2
A1
A1
9
A1
9
9
A1
8
9
A1
A2
A1
A1
A1
A1
8
8
9
A1
A1
A2
A2
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 33
Delegate
Binod
Shahi
Shristi
Yogi
Richa
Shrestha
Aabhas
Malla
Devansh
Agrawal
Urvi
Suwal
Nipun
Shrestha
Megha
Agrawal
Tushita
Shrestha
Prakriti
Kandel
Raunak
Pradhanang
Anushka
Lal
Sabir
Khagi
Pranit
Shrestha
Jasna
Budhathoki
Sasha
Malla
Siddhartha
P
Pradhan
Priya
Pradhan
Rushat
JB
Rana
Arushi
Sharma
Sheran
Singh
Lama
Haruna
Shrestha
Suvansu
Paudel
Ananjan
Rijal
Shrabish
Shrestha
Aagat
R
Sapkota
Ayur
Phuyal
Bishma
Tuladhar
Jay
B
Thapa
Sambhawi
Karki
Anurag
Karki
Sneha
Joshi
Samata
Bhattarai
Nishad
Chettri
Aavash
Upadhyaya
Kaustuv
Dawadi
Hrit
Kandel
Srasta
Koirala
Utkrist
S
Karki
Prachi
Pradhan
Astha
Sharma
Pratishtha
Shrestha
Rea
Singh
Mishra
Ranjan
Pudasaini
Tenzing
Lhamo
Sherpa
Grade
8
8
8
9
8
8
8
9
8
8
8
8
8
9
8
9
8
8
8
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
34
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
35
11. Logistics
Head
of
logistics:
Pratha
Adhikari
Head
of
Logistics:
Parisha
Rajbhandari
1. Aashaya
Upadhaya
2. Abhishek
Nepal
3. Akshya
Prasai
4. Alok
Koirala
5. Anisha
Dangol
6. Anuska
Shrestha
7. Astha
Joshi
8. Bibisha
Shakya
9. Bipul
B
Adhikari
10. Deepankar
Thapa
11. Dipankar
Shakya
12. Mohein
Ranjitkar
13. Nahli
Shrestha
14. Nivedita
K.C.
15. Shagun
Agrawal
16. Shataaxi
Joshi
17. Shradha
Devkota
18. Simran
Bhimsaria
19. Swasti
Uprety
20. Utkristha
Pandey
12. Pages
1. Abhilasha
Thapa
2. Aneesha
Ahmed
3. Bibhu
Bhatta
4. Brishlav
Kayastha
5. Dipson
Pradhan
6. Dhrishti
Shrestha
7. Hikari
Shrestha
8. Ishani
Singh
9. Kaustubh
Dhital
10. Kelsang
Shrestha
11. Meghna
Adhikari
12. Prasanna
D.
Karthak
13. Salvika
Rayamajhi
14. Satvika
Shah
15. Saugat
R.
Joshi
16. Shambhavi
Shah
17. Subhanshu
Prasad
18. Suyash
Basnyat
19. Utkarsh
R.
S.
Suwal
20. Utsavi
Joshi
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
36
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 37
9. How can religious freedom be ensured to the people of Afghanistan? 10. What can be done to uplift the state of women due to the effects of the Taliban rule? 11. How can internally displaced persons due to the conflict be guaranteed safety?
Points
for
consideration:
1. To
what
extent
should
the
international
community
be
involved
in
the
Syrian
conflict?
2. What
are
the
compromises
to
be
made
by
each
party
to
come
to
a
consensus
on
the
resolution
of
the
crisis?
3. How
will
the
humanitarian
situation
in
Syria
be
dealt
with?
4. What
will
happen
to
the
refugees?
5. What
will
happen
to
Bashar
al-Assad?
6. How
will
the
deteriorating
human
rights
in
Syria
be
addressed?
Should
the
International
Criminal
Court
be
involved?
DELEGATE
HANDBOOK
38
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 39
lawsuit challenges an illegal and unconstitutional program of dragnet electronic surveillance, especially that deal with the bulk acquisition, collection, storage and searching of telephone communication systems. Issues of privacy are on the move. Though many countries deny the usage of the PRISM and other online surveillance programs evidence has stated that they in fact do. To what extent are they allowed to keep a watch on us? Where is the line that we draw for private matters? Aren't our rights to privacy being evoked in the process? Points for consideration: 1. Specify whether the delegate's country is currently in usage of any such surveillance programs and report what the country has in mind for the future. 2. What sort of issues arises with this breach in privacy at an individual, national and international level? 3. What sort of intervention should the committee carry out? 4. How can the countries help in unfolding the specified intervention? 5. What the role of the delegate's country is and how it can specifically help solve the issue
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 40
impossible to prosecute. UN has been unable to follow up on the resolution that it has implemented. Promises made by countries of providing rights to suspects have not been monitored. Those nations involved in actions mentioned above must pledge themselves to the cause of human rights. International law to protect rights of detainees must be written. The CTED must be taken more seriously. The committee must find a way to ensure the rights have been delivered to suspects no matter of their crime. No one deserves torture or death even in the gravest of crimes. Points for consideration: 1. How human rights are violated on foreign travelers 2. Debate about ongoing detention camps: Location, access and release 3. What is curbing surveillance and data mining 4. How we can reducing innocent casualties in drone strikes 5. Review of laws prosecuting detainees 6. What sort of violation of clauses present in existing international human right laws on torture
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 41
On September 11th, the Telegraph Agency of the USSR responded to recurrent censures and rebukes by the USA, claiming that the armaments were positioned for purely defensive purposes. 9 days later, the American Senate passed a decisive bill, formally sanctioning the use of military force against The Cuban regime, declaring it a threat to American Safety. September 15th sees the first MRBMs deployed to the Cuban Island. Matters spiraled on October 14th morning when American U-2 aircrafts captured images of Medium Range Ballistic Missiles. The first occurrence of concrete evidence had its expected effect. The next morning, President Kennedy was notified. On Monday, October 22, and preparations are made for Kennedys 7:00 address to the nation. The State Department informs American allies around the world of Kennedys decision. U.S. Senate leaders are called to Washington for a briefing. They come out of the briefing surprised and doubting the effectiveness of quarantine many want an airstrike. About 300 Navy ships set sail, thus far not having received the orders for quarantine. Military vigilance was raised to DEFCON 3 and directions were given to be ready to launch missiles within minutes of Kennedys speech. 20 airplanes equipped with nuclear bombs were also in the air prepared to strike the Soviet Union. At 7:00 p.m., exactly as Kennedy is beginning his speech, fighter jets take off from bases in Florida and head towards Cuba. If Castro decided to react militarily, they would be prepared. In answer to Kennedys speech Castro marshals all of Cubas armed forces. Points for consideration: 1. What sort of diplomatic agreement can be made between Capitalism and Communism? 2. What is the role of UN in preventing a war between the USA and USSR? 3. How should the delicate balance of power between the two countries be maintained so that either one of the countries does not become powerful enough to invade the other? 4. What efforts can be made by both blocs to resolve the crisis? 5. Should any sanctions be imposed on the USSR for stockpiling without consulting the UN? 6. Should restrictions be placed over Joint Defense Treaties to prevent circumvention of International Law? 7. How can we ensure a control over nuclear warfare in the future? 8. To what extent should military treaties play a part in such conflicts? 9. If an international treaty is created, what should it entail? 10. If a war takes place, how should the countries near nuclear plants deal with the threat posed upon their citizens?
13.5
Disarmament
and
International
Security
Committee
(DISEC)
Topic
1:
Demilitarization
of
the
Arctic
Summary:
For
years,
the
Arctic
region
remained
sidelined
as
a
land
of
little
use
and
opportunity.
Covered
in
thick
layers
of
ice,
the
Arctic
was
inaccessible
for
much
of
modern
history.
However,
global
warming
has
now
melted
huge
areas
of
the
Arctic
glaciers
into
seas,
exposing
resources
worth
billions
of
dollars.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 42
Scientists have concluded that the Arctic is home to 20-30% of the worlds natural gas and oil deposits. They have also found highly valuable elements such as gold, tin and platinum on the seabed. As a result, a heated scramble to lay claim to Arctic territory has begun: countries surrounding the region are now in a race to extract riches from under the seas. The key players are five countries surrounding the region: USA, Canada, Denmark, Russia and Norway. Time and again, these countries have claimed sovereignty to parts of the Arctic. The problem, however, is that international law currently forbids any country to own the Arctic Ocean. These five countries are only entitled to a sea zone over which they can explore resources and generate energy from water and wind. This sea zone is known as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which stretches 200 nautical miles from the countrys coast. At the moment, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) manages territorial disputes and sovereignty issues. All five countries, except for the United States, have ratified this treaty. They have been given ten years from the date of ratification to lay claims to extended continental shelves. If they are allowed this claim, they have special rights to the resources in these areas. The melting of the Arctic, as well as the subsequent discovery of valuable resources on the seabed, has heated up a scramble among these five countries. However, this controversy does not seem to be limited only to these countries: other European and Asian member states are also increasingly involved, with countries having different positions on how to divide the Arctic. Military presence and threats are rapidly increasing in the Arctic region, and they are likely to worsen an already-heated conflict. We expect the committee to reach a conclusion as to how to divide the Arctic if at all. But more importantly, we expect delegates to agree on the ways of demilitarizing the Arctic region and make less likely the prospects of a military confrontation between the countries involved. Points for consideration: 1. What approaches are to be taken to solve territorial disputes among nations? Should bilateral efforts be encouraged or should a central mechanism be allowed to intervene? 2. Is it feasible to create a WMDFZ in the Arctic? If not, in what ways should countries position their military and guard their territories? 3. Is the UNCLOS effective enough? How will the United States cooperate with other countries on territorial issues if it has not ratified the UNCLOS treaty? 4. What approaches are to be taken to prevent military confrontations in the Arctic? 5. Should the Arctic be divided among nations for the purposes of exploration and extraction? How can extraction and exploitation be systematically organised? 6. Which countries, if at all, should be involved in rights to the Arctic? (Consider that China and the European Union, which do not have any jurisdictional claims, are also involving themselves.)
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 43
weapons have proven to be deadly for human rights and development. Small arms and gun violence poses an enormous threat to public safety in Latin America which is also the leading cause of death among the age group of 15 to 44 in the region. As a result of corruption and lack of national regulation on small arms trade, small arms have been able to fall into the wrong hands and have fuelled civil wars and narcotics-related crimes putting thousands of lives into risk. Even though a small volume of trade is legal between Latin American countries and European and USA, the line between legal and illegal trade is often blurred making it more difficult to monitor the overall trade. Moreover, Illegal arms trade flourishes in the region because a large volume of small arms are lost or stolen from government stockpiles. Moreover, the arms trade problem is more magnified due to the availability of Cold War-era arm stockpiles in Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. Even after the demise of cold war, millions of small arms were poured into the region during the Central American civil war, which posed a regional threat to the stability and security of the region. Columbias drug trade not only attracts illegal firearms but also increase flow of illicit guns to neighbouring countries, Central America and Caribbean. Research on Jamaica has shown that criminals commonly smuggle weapons from South and Central American Countries including Columbia, Honduras and Venezuela. Moreover, it was found that drug-trafficking transactions were also done through payment in arms in exchange of cocaine. In 2012, the Latin America continued to be ranked as one of the most violent regions, where armed violence and crime related to illegal arms plagued the sustainability of socio-economic development of many of the states in the region. More importantly, the committee has to agree on the ways of controlling illegal arms trafficking and make less likely the prospect of flow of small arms into the region in order to promote international peace and security in the region. Points for consideration: 1. How can the existing trade regulations be effectively improved in a cost-efficient manner in order to address the issue of illicit small arms trade in Latin America? 2. To what extent will lack of effective accountability and transparency of arms traffickingpose threat to transnational security and what measures need to be taken to improve transparency in arms trade? 3. How can the issue of porous border be effectively tackled? 4. What measures need to taken to prevent terrorist and paramilitary group from acquiring small arms? 5. How can the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) properly implemented by the nations in accordance to their national law? 6. What measures need to be taken for the stockpile management and misuse of these arms in Latin American countries? 7. What sort of demand and supply side approaches must be taken in order to counter problem of proliferation of small arms?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 44
conduct such policies in order to benefit them. With time, the taxes that the jurisdictions charge are changing or let us say decreasing. According to many sources, a tax haven is the state, country or any territory that uses a system or policy that exempts people/companies from tax or taxes are imposed at a very low level. Tax avoidance is carried either by creating a subsidiary in an offshore jurisdictions or by moving their tax residence in a tax haven, such as Monaco, or by becoming a perpetual. They may also reduce their tax by moving to a country with lower tax rates. By using the means that are within the law or by simply using the tax system to their own advantage, that too legally, is how tax is avoided. This is where they take advantage of tax havens, where they reside and show most of their earning in such territory so that less tax has to be paid and profit can be easily maximized. Most countries impose taxes on income earned or gains realized within that country regardless of the country of residence of the person or firm. However, now, there are countries that tax their citizens on their worldwide income regardless of where they reside. An estimated 1 trillion in public money is lost due to tax fraud and tax avoidance every year in the EU. In the US, the public loose almost $150 every year due to unexpected tax avoidance. Whatever be the reason, multinationals have been the main target of investigations when it comes to tax evasion and tax avoidance. There have also been issues whether the OECD or the UN should handle cases related to tax haven, to find a remedy to stop tax frauds, but to no vain. This means that many countries (jurisdictions) are already working on to enact laws to solve the potential problems created by tax havens, but, again, the attempts are not so successful in solving this issue because the countries are still blunt in enactment of laws.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 45
tourists and the entire business has dried up. Add to this the high cost of disruptions, strikes, civil war in Libya and the exodus of the foreign workers and the flight of inward investments. The economy in general stagnates and normal economic life ceases to function. The people are demonstrating against high food prices, high unemployment and corruption, which in turn impede economic development. The young people are particularly badly hit by lack of job prospects and economic progress. Unemployment in the region among the young is very high.
Topic
2:
Responding
to
Modern
Migration
Flows:
Social
And
Cultural
Rights
of
Refugees
Summary:
A
refugee
is
a
person
who
is
away
from
his
or
her
country
of
habitat
because
they
have
suffered
persecution
on
base
of
race,
nationality,
religion,
political
opinion,
or
because
they
are
linked
to
a
persecuted
'social
group'
or
because
they
are
fleeing
from
conflict.
The
delegates
of
the
committee
are
expected
to
research
on
the
current
context
of
the
topic
and
come
together
to
a
consensus
as
diplomats
and
write
a
viable
resolution
to
solve
or
at
the
least
minimize
the
refugee
problem.
The
Geneva
Convention
gives
refugees
a
number
of
social
and
cultural
rights.
These
rights
are
granted
to
refugees
with
the
intent
of
making
them
equal
to
the
citizens
of
the
host
nation.
The
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 46
original text of the Convention comprise of rights like- equality before law, freedom of religion and expression of religion, freedom of movement and privacy, access to the Courts of the State, freedom of speech, right to education and labour market and so on. One of the most important rights is the principle of non-refoulement, which protects refugees from being taken back to places where their freedom and lives could be in danger. Unfortunately, all nations have not been able to grant refugees with all of these rights. Points for consideration: 1. What are the practical solutions to the problems faced by the refugees? 2. What are the problems faced by the host country because of the refugees? 3. Is there a way to permanently solve the refugee problem? 4. What exactly can be done for the protection and rehabilitation of the refugees? 5. Is there a way possible to mediate the process of sending refugees back to their own native land?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 47
8. Who will run the nation until the elections are held or the government is overthrown?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 48
Points for consideration: 1. What are the current standards of international intervention? 2. What legal standards should be put in place to assess the necessity and applicability of outside intervention in internal affairs? 3. What rubric can be used to consider national sovereignty against regional stability and humanitarian interests? 4. What standards should be used to calculate the severity of humanitarian violations? Which benchmarks should be employed to prescribe the form and manner of the intervention? 5. What should the UNs role be in facilitating such intervention? What standards should regulate the deployment and use of United Nations Peacekeepers?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 49
therapy as well. As with any form of medical care, not every person who needs it will receive stem cell treatments. However, domestic production from beginning to end will significantly reduce the cost of these treatments. Points for consideration: 1. How can we regulate stem cell research on an international scale in order to offer better guidelines than the existing United Nations Declaration on Human Cloning? Will still allow sufficient flexibility within each country? 2. Considering implications for democracy, sovereignty, and cultural respect, should we aid research efforts that face backlash from conservative parties? If so, how? 3. How can we streamline the process from laboratory experiment to commercially available treatment? 4. How can we ensure that stem cell therapies become affordable and available to the largest demographic possible? 5. How can we regulate stem cell tourism?
Topic
2:
Improving
Access
to
Renewable
Energy
as
Means
for
Achieving
Sustainable
Development
Summary:
Explosive
oil
prices,
the
increasing
energy
demand
and
environmental
change
issues
are
shaping
the
global
energy
debate
today.
Renewable
energy
has
turned
out
to
be
a
viable
option
for
enhancing
easy
access
to
energy
at
maximum
locations
either
off
grid
electrification,
or
in
urban
and
rural
areas
and
in
promoting
productive
uses
and
industrial
applications
of
energy
in
intensive
industrial
sectors
The
potential
advantages
of
renewable
energy
have
only
been
currently
discovered.
In
the
past
after
the
development
of
steam
engines
the
world
had
been
heavily
dependent
upon
coals
and
oil.
But
now
as
these
energy
sources
are
depleting,
causing
the
oil
prices
to
skyrocket,
estimates
are
that
oil
sources
will
completely
run
out
by
the
end
of
2050.
Even
now
oil
prices
have
elevated
to
such
levels
that
the
poor
population
seems
to
be
forced
in
a
tight
corner
and
with
their
current
situation
many
may
have
to
reconsider
burning
firewood
as
in
a
few
years
time
they
wouldnt
even
be
able
to
even
afford
oils
for
their
stoves.
Renewable
energy
carries
the
prospect
of
answering
all
the
debated
energy
issues
but
the
birth
of
a
new
prospect
gives
birth
to
new
associated
problems.
Easier
said
than
done,
countries
have
encountered
many
problems
while
promoting
the
use
of
renewable
energy
and
making
it
accessible
to
the
common
population.
Points
for
consideration:
1. How
do
you
initiate
reliable
access
to
renewable
energy
for
people
in
less
developed
countries?
2. What
measures
can
be
taken
to
develop
a
variety
of
sustainable
technologies
and
energy
solutions
specifically
implemented
to
improve
reliable
renewable
energy?
3. Need
of
special
focus
on
research
in
fields
such
as
solar,
hydro,
wind
and
geothermal
energy
solutions
but
how,
keeping
in
mind
the
consideration
towards
more
cost-efficient
technology
for
under-developed
and
developing
nations.
4. How
to
address
the
issue
of
facilitating
renewable
energy
access
on
the
local
level?
5. Since
existing
frameworks
and
agreements
have
brought
about
no
desired
results,
what
can
be
an
improvement
of
these
domestic
and
multilateral
plans
of
action?
6. How
a
suitable
infrastructure
can
be
established
for
an
easy
access
to
renewable
energy
for
sustainable
development
be
prepared?
7. Who
will
finance
and
fund
for
new
initiatives
and
sustainable
energy
projects
aiming
at
improving
access
to
renewable
energy
and
clean
fuels?
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 50
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hydraulic fracturing is a process to encourage a natural gas, oil, or geothermal energy well to take full advantage of the removal. The broader process, however, is defined by EPA as including the attainment of source water, well construction, well stimulation, and waste disposal. While the main industrial use of hydraulic fracturing is in arousing production from oil and gas wells, hydraulic fracturing is also applied: To arouse groundwater wells To condition or induce rock to cave in mining As a means of enhancing waste remediation procedures, usually hydrocarbon waste or spill To remove of waste by injection into deep rock formations As a method to extent the stress in the Earth For heat mining to produce electricity in improved geothermal systems To proliferate injection rates for geologic sequestration of CO2
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 51
Points for consideration: a. Technical considerations Fracking should be avoided in areas of water scarcity, in close proximity to densely populated areas, and/or in areas where it can impact on agricultural production. Sites deep below the water table are safer (IEA, 2012). Rigorous training and strict oversight can prevent (or contain) surface spills and leaks from wells and ensure that any waste fluids and solids are disposed off properly (IEA, 2012). To minimize climate impacts, developers should be encouraged to implement a zero- venting and minimal flaring policy. This is technically feasible by separating gas during the drilling process (IEA, 2012). b. Policy considerations: Solutions to some of the issues that UG extraction presents are not only based on using better drilling techniques, but are also related to improving environmental governance such as setting rules for environmental, climate and health protection. Such regulations could include: Mandating full disclosure of products used in the fracking process and banning substances known to be harmful Implementing monitoring and enforcement procedures. Robust regulations and adherence to industry best practices should be followed, particularly in the areas of well design and cementing, in order to completely isolate the well from other strata, and especially from freshwater aquifers. Governments should also ensure that companies secure enough funds for restoration of land and mitigate any potential impacts on land and water, in order to avoid so-called extract and run practices (a company declares bankruptcy after large accidents or simply after the end of UG extraction to save on restoration costs). Finally, if UG is used during a transition phase from carbon-based energy sources, governments should design a plan to achieve this transition. Laws, taxes or other incentives would need to be in place to assure that a certain level of UG-related profits are re-invested in research and development on alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, tidal, and on energy-saving CO2 can react with materials used to construct a well. For example, it is known to reduce cements strength and increase its permeability. CO2 can also corrode steel, and thus injection wells should be designed to minimize this risk (Nygaard, 2010).
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 52
first genetically modified crop approved for sale in the U.S. was the `FlavrSavr tomato, which had a longer shelf life in comparison to others. GM crops are also known for their nutritional enhancement. They also tolerate non-biological stresses like drought, frost, soil salinity and nitrogen starvation. The crops have been modified to be resistant to multiple herbicides too, so that the farmers can use a mixture of two, three or four herbicides at a time to get rid of the weeds. Viral pathogens and insects are also weak against the GM crops. These crops have helped to reduce the costs of herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals that were essential for the natural crops to grow well. However, with such great relief comes their adversary that makes us and the researchers question the viability of genetic engineering in crops. They have the potential to cause a range of health problems and environmental impacts. They may produce new allergens and toxins, spread harmful traits to weeds and non-GM crops, or harm animals that consume them. Particularly, overuse of herbicide-tolerant GE crops has spurred an increase in herbicide use and an epidemic of herbicide- resistant "superweeds", which will lead to even more herbicide use. This eventually leads to harmful effects to terrestrial and aquatic lives around the regions and thus, the ecosystem as a whole. Also, GM crops are a threat to the non-GM crops, whose identity will be hard to maintain with GEs growing use. Humans are likewise affected by the consumption of GM crops: they cause allergens and are even suspected to interfere with mammals hormones. The prices of GM crops are considerably low because of the increase in yields, cost savings, labor savings and the avoidance of the use of chemicals; causing the non-GM crops producers in the domestic markets of the nations to bear loses in their operation due to shift in demands. Points for Consideration: a. Food Security Global plantings of GM crops jumped by 20 per cent in 2004. For the first time, the hectarage growth in GM crop areas was higher in developing countries than in developed ones. Increasing crop resistance to insects and diseases and reducing weeds could help reduce crop losses and reduce dependence on costly fertilizers and herbicides, resulting in valuable savings for poor-resource farmers. However, as the BrundtlandReport cautioned as early as 1987, the challenge of improving food security is more than just increasing food production. Due to GM licensing agreements and production systems, farmers are pushed to monoculture and thus reduce the variety of crops planted for house hold consumption. From 2002, GM crops have been offered as food aid. Examples of approaches to GM foods and food aid in Africa include: ANGOLA Banned imports of all GMO produce, except for food aid provided it was milled. WFP reported that the additional cost of milling discourages some food donors. SWAZILAND Has no restrictions on GMO imports. ZAMBIA Banned import of all GMOs, citing concerns over environmental impact and effect on human health. In response, it is alleged that the World Food Programme moved some non- GM food aid stocks out of the country. Africa has more than 2 000 native grains, roots, fruits and other food plants (National Research Council 1996). Development of GMOs should aim to tap the special qualities of Africas native flora and fauna in the efforts to improve food security and make genetic engineering beneficial to Africas environment and development. b. Biodiversity
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 53
According to Food and Agriculture Organization and WHO, the introduction of a transgene into a recipient organism is not a precisely controlled process and can result in a variety of outcomes with regard to integration, expression and stability of the transgene in the host. Several concerns can be identified, such as: GM technology could result in the contamination of crops through gene transfer and the development of super weeds; transgenic crops may have a negative effect on non-target species that are harmless or beneficial; GMOs could impact on genetic diversity; and pest resistance can occur. There are counter claims to these concerns: the use of herbicide-resistant and pest-resistant crops is believed to have positive implications for biodiversity. The value of existing agricultural approaches and non-transgenic approaches for Africa need to be considered. The value and productivity of traditional agriculture in development and its genetic diversity should not be underestimated. c. Human health concerns Increased use of herbicide-tolerant GM crops may pose new risks for environmental and human health. For example, Glyphosate is a major formulation of Roundup ready crops and is now the worlds best-selling total herbicide. Due to the introduction of GMO-Roundup Ready crops, human and environmental exposure to the herbicide is expected to increase. However, there is strong evidence that glyphosate-containing products are acutely toxic to animals and humans. New medical risks from GM technologies, for example, gene therapy involves the use of a virus to carry a modified DNA segment and the virus is potentially pathogenic. The risks of these treatments are largely unknown. There are concerns that medical applications involving genetic engineering may produce cancer-causing genes from normal human genes. Increased antibiotic resistance may result. For example, Novartis Bt-maize contains a marker gene, which codes for antibiotic resistance in E.coli. There is a risk that if animals or humans consume Bt-maize-based products such as cattle feed or starch, some antibiotics would be rendered useless.
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 54
DELEGATE HANDBOOK 55