UNISCA 2022: Brave New Normal: Imagining Realities Beyond Conflict and Towards Sustainability
UNISCA 2022 offers four MUN committees in addition to the ICJ and Journalist Tracks. Within each committee, the delegates will debate three topics. An overview of these topics can be found in the following.
Security Council (UNSC)
TOPIC 1: Responding to the Situation in Afghanistan
Foreign military forces have been present in Afghanistan since US forces removed the Taliban from power following attacks on September 11, 2001. After twenty years of war, the US and the Taliban have drawn up a peace agreement, which prompted the withdrawal of all foreign military troops from the country in August 2021. This created a power vacuum for the Taliban to rapidly take over the country again, finally capturing the capital city, Kabul, on August 15, 2021. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the displacement of millions and the acceleration of humanitarian crises in all sectors. Currently, particular attention is paid to women’s rights and access to girl’s education as the Taliban claims to be keeping these in mind. However, in the past, gender-based discrimination has been a prevalent issue in Afghanistan.
With the Taliban’s takeover, basic human freedoms have been severely curtailed, and the international community needs to find a way to restore these in order to maintain international peace and security, as well as promote respect for human rights. Delegates must address the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and take concrete measures to ensure protection of human rights and freedoms.
With the Taliban’s takeover, basic human freedoms have been severely curtailed, and the international community needs to find a way to restore these in order to maintain international peace and security, as well as promote respect for human rights. Delegates must address the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and take concrete measures to ensure protection of human rights and freedoms.
TOPIC 2: Dealing with the Proxy War between Iran and Saudi Arabia
A proxy war is an armed conflict between two states or non-state actors which act on the instigation or on behalf of other parties that are not directly involved in the hostilities. This relationship usually takes the form of funding, military training, arms, or other forms of material assistance which support a belligerent party in sustaining its war effort. The Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict, sometimes also referred to as the Middle Eastern Cold War, is a prominent, ongoing struggle for influence in the Middle East. The conflict is waged on multiple domains over geopolitical, economic, and sectarian influence in pursuit of regional hegemony. The rivalry today is primarily a political and economic struggle exacerbated by religious differences, and sectarianism in the region is exploited by both countries for geopolitical purposes as part of a larger conflict.
With an emphasis on dealing with the humanitarian and refugee crisis caused by the proxy war, critical attention must also be paid to the apparent support of rebel and extremist groups in the region. In addition, aspects of trade, oil and nuclear programmes will undoubtedly have an influence in the debate. The key conflicts on the ground that the committee needs to focus on will be the Syrian Civil War, Yemeni Civil War and the situations in Iraq, Lebanon and Qatar. Delegates must discuss and comprehensively respond to the human security consequences of this Middle Eastern proxy war.
With an emphasis on dealing with the humanitarian and refugee crisis caused by the proxy war, critical attention must also be paid to the apparent support of rebel and extremist groups in the region. In addition, aspects of trade, oil and nuclear programmes will undoubtedly have an influence in the debate. The key conflicts on the ground that the committee needs to focus on will be the Syrian Civil War, Yemeni Civil War and the situations in Iraq, Lebanon and Qatar. Delegates must discuss and comprehensively respond to the human security consequences of this Middle Eastern proxy war.
TOPIC 3: Re-evaluating the Performance of UN Peacekeeping Operations
UN peacekeeping operations are a means through which nations are aided in the transition from conflict to peace. Peacekeepers have an integral role to play in protecting civilians, while keeping in line with basic principles such as impartiality as well as the non-use of violence except in cases of self-defence and the defence of the mandate. However, in the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse made against UN peacekeepers. Ensuring methods of institutional accountability is essential to prevent more of these allegations in the future, especially considering the power asymmetry between peacekeeping forces and civilians, the latter being particularly vulnerable due to the conflict setting.
To restore peace and provide security for citizens, UN peacekeeping operations must have more reliable measures put in place to ensure peacekeepers maintain their responsibilities and the trust of civilians. For this, UNSC Resolution 2436 (2018) must be re-evaluated. Delegates must address the deviation from mission objectives by UN peacekeepers and create a system of checks and balances in order to prevent the possibility of further wrongs while simultaneously creating a safer environment in post-conflict nations. The committee must also review the effectiveness and scale of implementation of trainings concerning topics of sexual violence in conflict settings.
To restore peace and provide security for citizens, UN peacekeeping operations must have more reliable measures put in place to ensure peacekeepers maintain their responsibilities and the trust of civilians. For this, UNSC Resolution 2436 (2018) must be re-evaluated. Delegates must address the deviation from mission objectives by UN peacekeepers and create a system of checks and balances in order to prevent the possibility of further wrongs while simultaneously creating a safer environment in post-conflict nations. The committee must also review the effectiveness and scale of implementation of trainings concerning topics of sexual violence in conflict settings.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
TOPIC 1: Tackling the Global Water Crisis and Managing Water Resources
Water is at the core of sustainable development and is critical for socio-economic development, food production, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases, and for human survival itself. Recent estimates by the WHO/UNICEF suggest that 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and over half of the global population lack safely managed sanitation services. The milestone recognition was outlined by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, namely, the human right to water and sanitation. By securing freshwater resources, improving the level of infrastructure development that controls storage and expanding the institutional capacity to provide water services, the power of water can be witnessed in empowering families to escape the poverty cycle.
With freshwater scarcity threatening the emergence of new opportunities and severely impacting lives, it is imperative to recognize water’s true value and ensure that water-stressed regions (such as MENA and South-Asia) have a just system of supply, management and access. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, and its achievement is designed to contribute to progress across a range of other SDGs, most notably on health, education, gender equality, economics and the environment. Delegates must address the multidimensional aspects of this crisis and construct a global framework to implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate, with a particular focus on insecure regions.
With freshwater scarcity threatening the emergence of new opportunities and severely impacting lives, it is imperative to recognize water’s true value and ensure that water-stressed regions (such as MENA and South-Asia) have a just system of supply, management and access. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, and its achievement is designed to contribute to progress across a range of other SDGs, most notably on health, education, gender equality, economics and the environment. Delegates must address the multidimensional aspects of this crisis and construct a global framework to implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate, with a particular focus on insecure regions.
Topic 2: Addressing the humanitarian crisis in disaster-prone haiti
Over the past decade, Haiti has been devastated by a plethora of crises stemming from multiple different sources. The country has been and continues to be highly vulnerable to natural hazards, mainly hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. More than 96 percent of the population is exposed to these types of shocks. Additionally, past marginal gains in human development have been undone recently by the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of the President, Jovenel Moïse, and the August 2021 earthquake which resulted in the deaths of 2,248 people and the destruction of 53,815 houses, as well as 83,770 other buildings that were damaged, including schools, health facilities and public institutions. The deepening economic crisis and growing fuel and food shortages, along with the impact of natural disasters, has spiralled into a humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The most pressing concerns that require urgent addressal are improving food supply, rebuilding healthcare delivery systems and dealing with the mass population displacement.
Within this prerogative, it remains highly seminal to reflect on the possible failure of the previous UN response in 2010 towards Haiti and its role in the cholera outbreak. Hence, there is a particular emphasis on redeveloping standards of humanitarian aid to ensure a just, transparent and accountable system of assistance. Considering the social turmoil, increasing violence and political instability in the country, delegates must create a humanitarian aid plan while focusing on the lessons learnt from past responses by UN peacekeepers.
Within this prerogative, it remains highly seminal to reflect on the possible failure of the previous UN response in 2010 towards Haiti and its role in the cholera outbreak. Hence, there is a particular emphasis on redeveloping standards of humanitarian aid to ensure a just, transparent and accountable system of assistance. Considering the social turmoil, increasing violence and political instability in the country, delegates must create a humanitarian aid plan while focusing on the lessons learnt from past responses by UN peacekeepers.
TOPIC 3: Optimising the Developmental Impact of the Belt Road Initiative
Ever since being appointed President of the People’s Republic of China on March 14, 2013, Xi Jinping has adopted an unyielding stance on expanding Chinese foreign policy to establish the People’s Republic of China as a dominant player in international affairs to conform with its surging global status. To this end, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was implemented with the aim of investing across Southern Asia, the Middle East and Africa in order to promote economic development and connectivity. However, this is to the dismay of several non-participant states who believe the initiative is being used as a ploy to make China the cultural, political and economic centre of the world through the exploitation of poorer nations with debt traps, human rights violations, environmental degradation and increased inequality.
As the BRI continues to expand and increase its influence, the initiative must strive to maintain its own views on sustainable and durable development which are in line with the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals. As such, delegates must ensure the confluence between the BRI and sustainable development by producing global norms in which inclusive and durable development is paramount throughout the BRI’s investments, specifically in the African region.
As the BRI continues to expand and increase its influence, the initiative must strive to maintain its own views on sustainable and durable development which are in line with the UN’s 2030 sustainable development goals. As such, delegates must ensure the confluence between the BRI and sustainable development by producing global norms in which inclusive and durable development is paramount throughout the BRI’s investments, specifically in the African region.
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
TOPIC 1: Combating the Threat of Biological Weapons by Non-State Actors
At the 2016 World Economic Forum in Davos, biological weapons together with autonomous weapons and cyberwar were identified as the three technologies that will transform future warfare. With the advancement of biotechnology, there is an ongoing threat of non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that needs to be adequately addressed. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) effectively prohibits member-states from pursuing the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. Previously in Resolution 1540, unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council in 2004, legally binding obligations were placed upon member-states to refrain from providing any form of support to non-state actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use any WMD. Yet, these past interventions do not take into account autonomous agents and organisations that act without clear intent or explicit approval of states.
Delegates must assess new problems regarding changes in science and technology, politics and security as well as create an extended framework of the convention to address the emergence of private and non-state actors. Furthermore, the current scope of the provisions in the BWC must be reviewed and the nature of ‘peaceful purposes’, such as scientific research, and its role in creating threats (Article II) should be addressed. Lastly, the committee should consider the creation and coordination of defence programs for potential biological warfare threats.
Delegates must assess new problems regarding changes in science and technology, politics and security as well as create an extended framework of the convention to address the emergence of private and non-state actors. Furthermore, the current scope of the provisions in the BWC must be reviewed and the nature of ‘peaceful purposes’, such as scientific research, and its role in creating threats (Article II) should be addressed. Lastly, the committee should consider the creation and coordination of defence programs for potential biological warfare threats.
TOPIC 2: Measures Against the Militarization of Artificial Intelligence
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) are autonomous military systems based on pre-programmed algorithms, which can independently search for and engage targets. In 2017, within the scope of ‘The Effect of New Technologies on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament’, LAWS have become part of the mandate of the UN Disarmament and International Security Committee. Among the benefits of LAWS are their contribution to early-warning systems, improvement in command-and-control structures, and eradicating human error. However, autonomous weapons systems pose serious threats regarding their uncertainty of application and contain an ethical risk of negating human control over lethal functions. In 2019, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Stanley Centre and the Stimson Centre partnered in a workshop and series of papers to facilitate a multistakeholder discussion among experts from Member States, industry, academia, and research institutions, with the aim of building an understanding about the peace and security implications of AI. With recent developments in the trade of such weapon systems, such as Israel’s ‘IAI Harpy’, the need for comprehensive standards and definitions along with a regulatory approach is of paramount importance.
Delegates must construct a framework for the development, deployment, sale and regulatory conditions of LAWS. The committee must also consider the integration of AI systems in militaries to be responsible, equitable, reliable, traceable, and governable while also inviting a possible discussion around a global ban of lethal autonomous weapons.
Delegates must construct a framework for the development, deployment, sale and regulatory conditions of LAWS. The committee must also consider the integration of AI systems in militaries to be responsible, equitable, reliable, traceable, and governable while also inviting a possible discussion around a global ban of lethal autonomous weapons.
TOPIC 3: International Guideline for Former Child Soldiers
Every year, thousands of child soldiers are recruited and used by armed forces across the world. Currently, it is estimated that there are approximately 250,000 child soldiers active globally in around 20 countries, with 40% being girls. These children are used in different capacities, from fighting and cooking to being victims of sexual exploitation. Regardless of how these children are recruited, this way of living can severely affect their psychological well-being, as well as their relationships with their families and communities. In 2000, The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was introduced by the UN General Assembly. Since then, 171 countries have ratified this protocol. This is a commitment for states to prevent the recruitment of children under the age of 18, as well as aid children with social reintegration should they have been used in such hostilities.
However, there are still a number of states that have not signed this protocol. In the Middle East, for example, most sides of the ongoing conflicts have been accused of using child soldiers. As this is still a common issue, it is essential to aid these children as part of UNODA’s regional disarmament mandate to provide substantive expertise regarding disarmament and confidence-building measures in the conflict-prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts of the UN system, including supporting the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures. This will include psychological assistance, reintegration and reunification with family, as well as extracting children from conflict zones in the first-place utilising agencies such as UNICEF. Therefore, delegates must create a framework for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for former child soldiers in conflict-stricken regions within the Middle East. Thereby, reframing the approach towards the topic from humanitarian action to disarmament and peacebuilding.
However, there are still a number of states that have not signed this protocol. In the Middle East, for example, most sides of the ongoing conflicts have been accused of using child soldiers. As this is still a common issue, it is essential to aid these children as part of UNODA’s regional disarmament mandate to provide substantive expertise regarding disarmament and confidence-building measures in the conflict-prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts of the UN system, including supporting the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures. This will include psychological assistance, reintegration and reunification with family, as well as extracting children from conflict zones in the first-place utilising agencies such as UNICEF. Therefore, delegates must create a framework for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) for former child soldiers in conflict-stricken regions within the Middle East. Thereby, reframing the approach towards the topic from humanitarian action to disarmament and peacebuilding.
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
TOPIC 1: Preventing Human Trafficking during Immigration
The trafficking of human beings can be viewed as a process rather than a single offence. According to the "Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children" adopted in 2003, trafficking is characterized by three core elements: an act (recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of people), specific means (threats or use of force, deception, fraud, abuse of power, or abusing someone's vulnerable condition) and a purpose (sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or organ removal). It is the subsequent exploitation, and not the crossing of international borders, that defines trafficking of human beings. However, human trafficking often occurs within the context of migration. Due to their irregular status and desperate circumstances, migrants become most vulnerable to being exploited. Cooperation between source, transit and destination countries is the key component to be addressed in order to combat human trafficking during immigration.
The UNODC assists countries and implements the UN Protocol for Human Trafficking in Persons. The Committee works by delivering expertise, investing in people, building networks and providing the tools to improve research and policy reforms. In addition, it deals with the coordinated crime act of migrant smuggling, which is inextricably linked to trafficking. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 relates to reducing inequalities within and among countries by specifically facilitating “orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies” under SDG 10.7. Additionally, SDG 8.7 aims to eradicate modern slavery, trafficking, forced labour and the worst forms of child labour. Delegates must address the issue of increased vulnerability of migrants to succumb to human trafficking by focusing on improving cooperation and partnerships notably between law enforcement officials within and across jurisdictions; information exchange, raising awareness and providing protection assistance to trafficked victims.
The UNODC assists countries and implements the UN Protocol for Human Trafficking in Persons. The Committee works by delivering expertise, investing in people, building networks and providing the tools to improve research and policy reforms. In addition, it deals with the coordinated crime act of migrant smuggling, which is inextricably linked to trafficking. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 relates to reducing inequalities within and among countries by specifically facilitating “orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies” under SDG 10.7. Additionally, SDG 8.7 aims to eradicate modern slavery, trafficking, forced labour and the worst forms of child labour. Delegates must address the issue of increased vulnerability of migrants to succumb to human trafficking by focusing on improving cooperation and partnerships notably between law enforcement officials within and across jurisdictions; information exchange, raising awareness and providing protection assistance to trafficked victims.
Topic 2: Countering Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children
The internet has provided an environment that facilitates the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, including the production, copying, distribution, possession and accessing of pornographic material. Child sexual exploitation and abuse may occur on both the clearnet and darknet forums, and increasingly includes self-created imagery via extortion, known as ‘sextortion’. A study by UNODC on the ‘Effect of New Information Technologies on the Abuse and Exploitation of Children’ (2015) shows that jurisdictions apply lacking and non-uniform definitions concerning online child exploitation, particularly regarding the cases of simulation, grooming and solicitation. Moreover, harassment offences such as cyberstalking and online bullying are yet to have specific legal responses.
In order to conform to Article 19 and Article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, global uniform definitions and responses concerning the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children must be provided. The UNODC answers to the foregoing issues by promoting long-term and sustainable capacity building in the fight against cybercrime through supporting national (legal) structures and (legal) action. Other UNODC responses include prevention, awareness raising, international cooperation, data collection, research and analysis surrounding cybercrime. Delegates must utilise these mechanisms to coordinate Member State responses through direct legal provisions, private sector regulations regarding the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Moreover, the committee must use the specific UNODC instrument of raising awareness to coordinate Member State responses through civil society advocacy.
In order to conform to Article 19 and Article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, global uniform definitions and responses concerning the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children must be provided. The UNODC answers to the foregoing issues by promoting long-term and sustainable capacity building in the fight against cybercrime through supporting national (legal) structures and (legal) action. Other UNODC responses include prevention, awareness raising, international cooperation, data collection, research and analysis surrounding cybercrime. Delegates must utilise these mechanisms to coordinate Member State responses through direct legal provisions, private sector regulations regarding the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Moreover, the committee must use the specific UNODC instrument of raising awareness to coordinate Member State responses through civil society advocacy.
TOPIC 3: Guidelines for Providing HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services in Prisons
Globally, prisons are characterised by a relatively high prevalence of HIV, as well as elevated risks of contracting such communicable diseases and limited access to health services. In some settings, the HIV burden among people living in prisons may be up to 50 times higher than in the general population. HIV transmission in prison often occurs through the multi-use of equipment among people who inject drugs, consensual or coerced unsafe sexual practices, unsafe skin piercing and tattooing practices, multi-use of shaving razors, blood brotherhood rituals and the improper sterilization or reuse of medical or dental instruments. HIV in prison may also be transmitted from mothers living with HIV to their infants during pregnancy or delivery. Amongst the nearly 11 million people currently held in prisons or other closed settings, it is estimated that around 4.8% of them are living with HIV. In 2013, the UNODC as part of a collaborative policy brief, recommended 15 key comprehensive interventions to support member-states in mounting an effective response.
Based on current assessment, several of these interventions have not been implemented by a significant number of countries. To exacerbate the predicament, the ongoing pandemic has brought a halt to many of these provisions. Hence, it is incumbent to assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the availability and accessibility of HIV prevention, treatment and care services, and further develop contingency plans for continued access to those services. This issue is of paramount importance, especially in its relation to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to ‘provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’. Delegates must come up with solutions to improve the framework for a more humane and accountable system within the criminal justice system with regards to HIV services, especially keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on current assessment, several of these interventions have not been implemented by a significant number of countries. To exacerbate the predicament, the ongoing pandemic has brought a halt to many of these provisions. Hence, it is incumbent to assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the availability and accessibility of HIV prevention, treatment and care services, and further develop contingency plans for continued access to those services. This issue is of paramount importance, especially in its relation to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to ‘provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’. Delegates must come up with solutions to improve the framework for a more humane and accountable system within the criminal justice system with regards to HIV services, especially keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic.