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UNISCA 2021: Bridging Timelines: Past Disputes, Present Struggles, Future Challenges
UNISCA 2021 has offered four committees in addition to the ICJ and Journalist Tracks. Within each committee, the delegates have debated three topics. An overview of these topics can be found in the following.
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
TOPIC 1: Preventing the Armament of Non-State Groups in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been struggling with the civil war between Muslim Séléka fighters and Christian anti-balaka since 2012. The bloody conflict of the two non-state armed groups expanded throughout the years, leading to new conflicts between factions within these groups and further complicating the situation. The CAR civil war resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe, with extreme rates of crime and the destruction of more than two-thirds of all health facilities in the country. It left 2.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and approximately 600.000 people internally displaced. In addition, the war is continued to be fueled by the interests and involvement of external actors such as France and Russia, making the situation of great international importance.
In January 2020, the UNSC approved a relaxation of the arms embargo on the CAR, as the conflict seemed to cool down. The new decision on the arms embargo was faced with criticism by France, while Russia had the support of China in asking for the embargo to be completely lifted. Following this, in December 2020, Russia sent 300 military instructors to the country to assist the current CAR leadership in preventing violence from non-state groups during elections. The Russian instructors were followed by 300 Rwandan peacekeepers hoping to stabilize the situation. The delegates will be required to delve into the ongoing conflict in CAR, assessing the involvement of non-state actors, their armament and threats posed to security in the region despite the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA. They will find solutions for the disarmament of the non-state groups in CAR that all sides would agree on.
In January 2020, the UNSC approved a relaxation of the arms embargo on the CAR, as the conflict seemed to cool down. The new decision on the arms embargo was faced with criticism by France, while Russia had the support of China in asking for the embargo to be completely lifted. Following this, in December 2020, Russia sent 300 military instructors to the country to assist the current CAR leadership in preventing violence from non-state groups during elections. The Russian instructors were followed by 300 Rwandan peacekeepers hoping to stabilize the situation. The delegates will be required to delve into the ongoing conflict in CAR, assessing the involvement of non-state actors, their armament and threats posed to security in the region despite the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA. They will find solutions for the disarmament of the non-state groups in CAR that all sides would agree on.
TOPIC 2: The Involvement of Mercenaries in the Conflict of Libya
As the aftermath of the 2011 ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya still remains a deadly conflict zone divided between two sides. With the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and the Libyan National Army (LNA) of Khalifa Haftar in the east, the Libyan conflict is often regarded as a second Syria case, a civil war in which many international actors have taken sides. The UN arms embargo signed in 2011 after the NATO bombing of Libya is still in place, however rarely adhered to by member states. Mercenaries, military personnel and soldiers from different states and nationalities have been actively fighting in the conflict in Libya, overriding international regulations.
Tensions rose even higher in Libya when Haftar started an operation in 2019 to seize several towns in the south and then headed to Tripoli. The result was once again a conflict with severe war crimes and human rights violations. In June 2020, the GNA regained control over Tripoli. However in July 2020, it was reported that Russia has sent mercenaries recruited from Assad’s regime in Syria, alongside other militants from Iran and Afghanistan, to assist Haftar in his operation. The mercenaries consist of around 400 soldiers, some of which are former members of terrorist organizations in the regions such as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries of 2001 strictly prohibits the use of paid soldiers in conflict zones. Therefore, the delegates will discuss the Libyan conflict and come up with solutions to prevent the use of mercenaries by the states involved
Tensions rose even higher in Libya when Haftar started an operation in 2019 to seize several towns in the south and then headed to Tripoli. The result was once again a conflict with severe war crimes and human rights violations. In June 2020, the GNA regained control over Tripoli. However in July 2020, it was reported that Russia has sent mercenaries recruited from Assad’s regime in Syria, alongside other militants from Iran and Afghanistan, to assist Haftar in his operation. The mercenaries consist of around 400 soldiers, some of which are former members of terrorist organizations in the regions such as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries of 2001 strictly prohibits the use of paid soldiers in conflict zones. Therefore, the delegates will discuss the Libyan conflict and come up with solutions to prevent the use of mercenaries by the states involved
TOPIC 3: Hybrid Warfare – Measures Against Autonomous Weapons in Modern Conflicts
In recent years, hybrid warfare has gained a large amount of attention around the world. Hybrid warfare intentionally blurs the distinction between peace and war by operating outside regular perceptions of war. Technologically advanced weapon systems are now accessible at relatively affordable prices, thus enabling states or non-state actors to engage in new forms of hybrid warfare. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones can be a powerful weapon in combat and violent conflict. For non-state actors, drones provide a unique and novel airborne capability. Drones equipped with explosives or weapons piloted by non-state actors create a new threat for armed forces, which have become used to having air superiority in the areas they fight.
By the same token, lethal autonomous weapons systems, or “killer robots,” should also concern the international community. These technologies have become almost exclusively autonomous without the need of human intervention thus, making it extremely difficult to even attribute accountability. No one treaty addresses all concerns about armed UAVs; instead, a variety of treaties are called into play. The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) established in 1987 is an informal export control regime with 35 “partners” that seeks to restrain the sale of technologies that can be employed to deliver weapons of mass destruction. But experts agree that its regulatory scope does not cover the emerging small military UAVs that will play an essential role in future conflicts. Therefore, delegates must address this growing security challenge, defining and introducing measures against this security threat.
By the same token, lethal autonomous weapons systems, or “killer robots,” should also concern the international community. These technologies have become almost exclusively autonomous without the need of human intervention thus, making it extremely difficult to even attribute accountability. No one treaty addresses all concerns about armed UAVs; instead, a variety of treaties are called into play. The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) established in 1987 is an informal export control regime with 35 “partners” that seeks to restrain the sale of technologies that can be employed to deliver weapons of mass destruction. But experts agree that its regulatory scope does not cover the emerging small military UAVs that will play an essential role in future conflicts. Therefore, delegates must address this growing security challenge, defining and introducing measures against this security threat.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
TOPIC 1: Controlling the Polio Outbreak in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Poliomyelitis (Polio) is an infectious disease caused by the so-called poliovirus which can lead to flaccid paralysis and malformations of body parts. In 2020 it has been reported that only two countries in the world, Pakistan and Afghanistan, document active Polio cases. Even though the Polio vaccination has proven to be highly effective and substantive effort has come from Pakistani administrations to combat Polio, the number of infected people has risen for the third consecutive year in both countries. Due to the continous growth of Polio infections, the UN fears that the Poliovirus could expand to neighboring countries such as Iran and India.
Conspiracy theories relating to negative and harmful consequences of the Polio vaccination are wide-spread and thus impede a large-scale vaccination program and herd immunity. It has also been reported that in 2019 a health worker and two police guards were killed in a series of attacks on vaccinators around Pakistan.The controversies around the Polio vaccination have led to a politicized population partly not willing to vaccinate their children. With regard to the Polio outbreak in Pakistan and Afghanistan, ECOSOC has committed itself to find long lasting solutions to acute health problems. Tackling the Polio emergency means working towards two of the UN’s most relevant sustainable development goals, namely the eradication of poverty and the safeguarding of good health and well-being. Given that the disease is mainly affecting children’s health, their social mobility and economic opportunities Polio is targeting the most vulnerable population group whose future is at stake if the delegates do not find feasible solutions to the health emergency
Conspiracy theories relating to negative and harmful consequences of the Polio vaccination are wide-spread and thus impede a large-scale vaccination program and herd immunity. It has also been reported that in 2019 a health worker and two police guards were killed in a series of attacks on vaccinators around Pakistan.The controversies around the Polio vaccination have led to a politicized population partly not willing to vaccinate their children. With regard to the Polio outbreak in Pakistan and Afghanistan, ECOSOC has committed itself to find long lasting solutions to acute health problems. Tackling the Polio emergency means working towards two of the UN’s most relevant sustainable development goals, namely the eradication of poverty and the safeguarding of good health and well-being. Given that the disease is mainly affecting children’s health, their social mobility and economic opportunities Polio is targeting the most vulnerable population group whose future is at stake if the delegates do not find feasible solutions to the health emergency
TOPIC 2: Addressing Socioeconomic Circumstances of Indigenous Peoples in Brazil and Their Importance to the Amazonian Ecosystem
Studies have shown that indigenous peoples around the world are particularly affected by the consequences of climate change, yet are the ones least contributing to it. This disproportionate vulnerability to climate change goes accompanied by the economization and profitization of the land that has been traditionally used by them. The “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants” and “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” clearly specify the rights of indigenous peoples such as the right to use natural resources on land that they inhabit and the right to active and free political participation. Nevertheless, these rights have come under attack in various places all over the world and in particular in Brazil.
Since Jair Bolsonaro was elected president of Brazil in 2018, the discourse surrounding indigenous peoples and policies affecting them have become more hostile. Under the Bolsonaro administration, the clearance of the Amazonian rainforest has increased dramatically and the illicit activities of gold minors operating on supposedly protected reserves are more likely to be legalized. Currently, Bolsonaro is leading a far-right coalition that perceives indigenous people as an obstacle impeding the advancement of economic interests rather than an indispensable part contributing to the preservation of biodiversity, fertile land, and the climate. Participants of this committee will mainly focus on the socioeconomic circumstances of indigenous peoples residing in the Amazonian region and how their autonomy and self-determination have been lessened over time. The connection between the eradication of indigenous voices and the irreversible harm done to the so-called lung of the world will be explored.
Since Jair Bolsonaro was elected president of Brazil in 2018, the discourse surrounding indigenous peoples and policies affecting them have become more hostile. Under the Bolsonaro administration, the clearance of the Amazonian rainforest has increased dramatically and the illicit activities of gold minors operating on supposedly protected reserves are more likely to be legalized. Currently, Bolsonaro is leading a far-right coalition that perceives indigenous people as an obstacle impeding the advancement of economic interests rather than an indispensable part contributing to the preservation of biodiversity, fertile land, and the climate. Participants of this committee will mainly focus on the socioeconomic circumstances of indigenous peoples residing in the Amazonian region and how their autonomy and self-determination have been lessened over time. The connection between the eradication of indigenous voices and the irreversible harm done to the so-called lung of the world will be explored.
TOPIC 3: Food Shortages and Hyperinflation in Venezuela
Even before the COVID-19 crisis reached the South American continent, Venezuela faced serious challenges . According to the UN, 90% of the population lives below the poverty line and is struggling to access food on a daily basis. Rapidly falling oil prices have forced the oil-dependent country to print more money to be able to pay back loans and debts. As a result, the national currency, the Venezuelan Bolívar, lost its value and the people were confronted with hyperinflation up to the point where basic items, such as food and toiletries, have become unaffordable.
As the Venezuelan economy continues to deteriorate, widespread humanitarian distress and large-scale outflows of refugees to neighboring countries continue. In fact, the domestic conditions have caused over 5 million Venezuelans to flee to countries like Colombia and Peru. In relation to ECOSOC’s mandate to raise awareness on socio-economic issues, and consequently, coordinate humanitarian intervention policies, delegates must consider how actors can be brought together in order to facilitate increased access to food so as to alleviate the current shortages and its impact on Venezuela. The issue at hand in Venezuela is multidimensional since its political and economic crises have led to a humanitarian disaster leaving millions of people longing for economic opportunities and food security. The worst part, however, is that Venezuela transformed from a relatively prosperous country to Latin America’s most troubled and disastrous one. Are these setbacks irreversible or is there a way out for Venezuelan people and its economy and if, how can it be achieved?
As the Venezuelan economy continues to deteriorate, widespread humanitarian distress and large-scale outflows of refugees to neighboring countries continue. In fact, the domestic conditions have caused over 5 million Venezuelans to flee to countries like Colombia and Peru. In relation to ECOSOC’s mandate to raise awareness on socio-economic issues, and consequently, coordinate humanitarian intervention policies, delegates must consider how actors can be brought together in order to facilitate increased access to food so as to alleviate the current shortages and its impact on Venezuela. The issue at hand in Venezuela is multidimensional since its political and economic crises have led to a humanitarian disaster leaving millions of people longing for economic opportunities and food security. The worst part, however, is that Venezuela transformed from a relatively prosperous country to Latin America’s most troubled and disastrous one. Are these setbacks irreversible or is there a way out for Venezuelan people and its economy and if, how can it be achieved?
Human Rights Council (HRC)
TOPIC 1: Measures for Combatting Arranged Child Marriage in South-East Asia
The practice of child marriage is still pervasive around the world, with at least 12 million girls being married under the age of 18 every year -some of them as young as nine years old. Arranged child marriage (ACM) often takes place in light of economic pressure, since marrying a young girl is a way to ensure the financial security of the bride’s family. There are numerous high risks associated with early marriage, such as early pregnancy, suffering domestic violence and limited access to education as well as future employment. Such consequences allow for future financial insecurity of women and mothers, and for the continuation of the cycle of poverty and forced marriage over numerous generations. Moreover, ACM infringes upon numerous fundamental human rights, such as their right to education, self-determination and body autonomy.
In a landmark resolution of 2015, the Human Rights Council recognized substantially for the first time that child and forced marriage are a human rights violation. Although developments in recent years towards the goal of eradication of such marriages have determined a gradual decrease in their number, the practice is still prevalent in South- East Asia, the region with the highest rates in the world. Almost half of all women (45%) aged 20-24 years have reported being married before the age of 18 and almost one in five girls (17%) are married before they reach the age of 15. The OHCHR’S Women’s Rights and Gender Section estimates that by 2030, the number of girls who are married before the age of 18 will reach 900 million, if endeavours are not sustained. Therefore, delegates shall address the root causes of this abusive practice to hinder the continuation of the cycle and look into measures for gradually limiting its prevalence.
In a landmark resolution of 2015, the Human Rights Council recognized substantially for the first time that child and forced marriage are a human rights violation. Although developments in recent years towards the goal of eradication of such marriages have determined a gradual decrease in their number, the practice is still prevalent in South- East Asia, the region with the highest rates in the world. Almost half of all women (45%) aged 20-24 years have reported being married before the age of 18 and almost one in five girls (17%) are married before they reach the age of 15. The OHCHR’S Women’s Rights and Gender Section estimates that by 2030, the number of girls who are married before the age of 18 will reach 900 million, if endeavours are not sustained. Therefore, delegates shall address the root causes of this abusive practice to hinder the continuation of the cycle and look into measures for gradually limiting its prevalence.
TOPIC 2: Addressing the Issue of Racial Discrimination in Law Enforcement Missions
Universal standards for ethical conduct and non-discrimination in arrest and detention are stipulated in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. However, in recent years the world has witnessed a rise in abuse of force by law enforcement organs and severe racial discrimination in the application of standards for use of force. In Eastern Europe, abuse against the Roma minority is a pervasive issue and was highly exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis: recent news show mass violent raids by special units on Romani neighborhoods, as well as serious injuries, even deaths, resulting from beatings in custody or during arrest. The issue is not limited to this region- numerous other Western states have shown a propensity towards targeting ethnic minority communities in the police enforcement of lockdowns. In the United States, statistics show that exacerbated violence by police organs disproportionately affects African American groups.
Such events show an increased need for the reinforcement of the universal guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of ethnic minorities. These acts amount to serious human rights violations, including the right to be free from discrimination, the right to liberty and security, and the right to equal protection under the law. In some cases, such incidents can lead to individuals’ deprivation of their right to life. Therefore, delegates will work together in order to reinforce the standards for ethical, non-discriminatory and non-abusive law enforcement, focusing on the issues of brutality against ethnic/racial minorities.
Such events show an increased need for the reinforcement of the universal guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of ethnic minorities. These acts amount to serious human rights violations, including the right to be free from discrimination, the right to liberty and security, and the right to equal protection under the law. In some cases, such incidents can lead to individuals’ deprivation of their right to life. Therefore, delegates will work together in order to reinforce the standards for ethical, non-discriminatory and non-abusive law enforcement, focusing on the issues of brutality against ethnic/racial minorities.
TOPIC 3: The Question of a Universal Guideline for Protection of Refugees During Health Emergencies
In a normal state of events, national asylum systems are in place to assist asylum-seekers and determine who qualifies for international protection. When governments are unable or unwilling to ensure their citizens’ safety (such as cases of civil wars) and people are forced to flee their country and seek protection elsewhere, other states have to become involved and ensure that their basic human rights are respected. Despite the high number of refugee centers across the globe, during mass movements of refugees, it is not always possible to conduct individual interviews with every asylum seeker who crosses the border. Thus, this gives the possibility for an unfair chance to some of these individuals.
This process has been burdened significantly by the current situation of the Covid-19 crisis, as states have resorted to exceptional measures in managing their borders, thus the passage of asylum-seeking people is seriously affected. Such individuals depend on the resources of the host countries in order to gain access to shelter, basic goods and education and under the new circumstances many of them can no longer benefit from the same treatment prior to the crisis. Numerous states have used the virus as a justification to bar asylum seekers from entering their countries or automatically deporting people who enter, without granting them access to the lawful proceedings. Throughout the session, delegates will focus on preventing the counter-productive impact brought by health emergencies on the asylum-seeking process. They will debate on a universal guideline to protect refugees during the exceptional conditions of a health emergency, specifically ensuring the efficiency of the process.
This process has been burdened significantly by the current situation of the Covid-19 crisis, as states have resorted to exceptional measures in managing their borders, thus the passage of asylum-seeking people is seriously affected. Such individuals depend on the resources of the host countries in order to gain access to shelter, basic goods and education and under the new circumstances many of them can no longer benefit from the same treatment prior to the crisis. Numerous states have used the virus as a justification to bar asylum seekers from entering their countries or automatically deporting people who enter, without granting them access to the lawful proceedings. Throughout the session, delegates will focus on preventing the counter-productive impact brought by health emergencies on the asylum-seeking process. They will debate on a universal guideline to protect refugees during the exceptional conditions of a health emergency, specifically ensuring the efficiency of the process.
Historical Security Council (HUNSC)
TOPIC 1: The Question of the Kashmir Region (1990)
The Jammu and Kashmir region located in the north of the neighboring countries India and Pakistan has been responsible for rising tensions and numerous conflicts between the two states since 1947. The 1990s were a key period in the escalation of this dispute over Kashmir, especially with the start of the Kashmir insurgency against Indian rule in 1988. The Kashmir insurgency that threatened India’s internal security at the time was supported and trained by Pakistan which was in favor of the secession of the area.
In the year 1990, in which the Indian Army violently responded to demonstrators and resulted in the death of 100, the Kashmir insurgency became more active than ever by operating attacks against Hindu populations. This resulted in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of India in September 1990, allowing the armed forces to attack the insurgents without warrants. There were threats of “thousand-year wars” and brutal conflict by both Pakistan and India. Caught between the attacks of the non-state armed actors supported by Pakistan and the violent response of India, the population in the region suffered from severe human rights abuses and war crimes. This agenda item requires the delegates to go back to the year of 1990 and seek solutions to the dispute on the Jammu and Kashmir region. By discussing the possibilities of economic and military sanctions, arms embargoes and interventions, the delegates will go back in time and present solutions that the Security Council was unable to come up with back in the day.
In the year 1990, in which the Indian Army violently responded to demonstrators and resulted in the death of 100, the Kashmir insurgency became more active than ever by operating attacks against Hindu populations. This resulted in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of India in September 1990, allowing the armed forces to attack the insurgents without warrants. There were threats of “thousand-year wars” and brutal conflict by both Pakistan and India. Caught between the attacks of the non-state armed actors supported by Pakistan and the violent response of India, the population in the region suffered from severe human rights abuses and war crimes. This agenda item requires the delegates to go back to the year of 1990 and seek solutions to the dispute on the Jammu and Kashmir region. By discussing the possibilities of economic and military sanctions, arms embargoes and interventions, the delegates will go back in time and present solutions that the Security Council was unable to come up with back in the day.
TOPIC 2: Addressing the Systematic Violence Against the Tutsis in Rwanda (1994)
The Rwandan Genocide was the result of increased tensions between the ethnic groups of the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority. Due to the Belgian prioritization of Tutsis in Rwanda during colonial times, resentment among the Hutus gradually built up, leading to riots in 1959. As a result, more than 20,000 Tutsis were killed, and many more fled to neighboring countries. Tutsis that fled to Uganda formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), aiming to overthrow Habyarimana, the Rwandan president. When Habyarimana's plane was shot down in the beginning of April 1994, the initial accusation was pointed to the Tutsis. The presidential guard immediately initiated a campaign of retribution and almost immediately, the slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus began. The Rwandans were largely left alone by the international community. Most of the UN troops withdrew after the murder of 10 soldiers. The skepticism and distrust towards the UN still persist in the genocide survivors.
In this committee, the delegates will be given the opportunity to look back to the gruesome events of 1994 in Rwanda and come up with the solutions that were missing back in the time. Having just received the news of increasing violence and ethnic cleansing in the region, the delegates of the Security Council will decide on how to approach the situation and de-escalate the one-sided violence, getting a second chance to try to prevent the genocide which resulted in the death of approximately 800,000 Rwandans.
In this committee, the delegates will be given the opportunity to look back to the gruesome events of 1994 in Rwanda and come up with the solutions that were missing back in the time. Having just received the news of increasing violence and ethnic cleansing in the region, the delegates of the Security Council will decide on how to approach the situation and de-escalate the one-sided violence, getting a second chance to try to prevent the genocide which resulted in the death of approximately 800,000 Rwandans.
TOPIC 3: Protecting Civilians from Crimes Against Humanity in the Bosnian War (1995)
The dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in Eastern Europe was a brutal period of war, starting with the secession of Slovenia from the federation and Croatia shortly after. The movement was followed by Bosnia, leading to a bloody conflict between the three largest ethnic groups of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Muslim Bosnians, Orthodox Serbs and Catholic Croats. The Yugoslav army, renamed the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS), carried out violent attacks ridden with war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity in the Serb-dominated territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bosnian War reached to a boiling point with the Srebrenica massacre, where more than 8.000 Bosnian Muslim boys and men were killed by the VRS. In retrospect, peacemaking efforts of the UN, such as the UNPROFOR composed of Dutch soldiers, have shown to be ineffective and the war eventually ended with moderately successful peace negotiations and NATO airstrikes on the Serbian army, leaving behind suffering civilians and severe human rights abuses.
For this agenda item, the delegates will go back to the year of 1995 before the Bosnian War has ended. The Srebrenica massacre in 1995 highlighted the faults and weaknesses of the existing UN system, as the UN failed to protect the civilians of the region which it had previously declared “safe area”. Aside from leading to the death of approximately 100.000 people, the displacement of 2.2 million, and the suffering and torture of many more, the Bosnian War also spread a feeling of disappointment in the UN system to the whole world. As the members of the Security Council, the delegates will get a second chance to protect the civilians from such atrocities.
For this agenda item, the delegates will go back to the year of 1995 before the Bosnian War has ended. The Srebrenica massacre in 1995 highlighted the faults and weaknesses of the existing UN system, as the UN failed to protect the civilians of the region which it had previously declared “safe area”. Aside from leading to the death of approximately 100.000 people, the displacement of 2.2 million, and the suffering and torture of many more, the Bosnian War also spread a feeling of disappointment in the UN system to the whole world. As the members of the Security Council, the delegates will get a second chance to protect the civilians from such atrocities.