specpol_position_paper.pdf | |
File Size: | 673 kb |
File Type: |
GA Fourth Committee(SPECPOL)
Special Political and Decolonization Committee
Special Political and Decolonization Committee
welcome notes from Chair
Dear delegates,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Special Political and Decolonization Committee of NCKU Tainan Model United Nations 2014! My name is Mercy Luo ; I'm currently a freshman majoring in Foreign Language and Literature at National Cheng Kung University. I approached the arena of Model United Nations for the second year but the first platform. As the chairman of SPECPOL, I do hope you will have a memorable time during these sessions. There will be three persons serving as your chairs in SPECPOL, Aria Liu, Fish Yu, and me. We will spare no effort to show our utmost sincerity to be your dais team.
The United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee of the UN general assembly, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, consorts the world’s colonial issues. Delegates should have the awareness about an edict to oversee decolonization, and struggle to sustain these afflicted regions where territories are coercively taken over by non-governing entities and the political stability of the region is distressed. From my perspective, through this event, we can not only get an insight into world politics, but acquire the soft skills necessary for a successful future. We encourage delegates to do adequate research and build up full confidence. Enjoy the council and expect for the surprise from the inspiring debate.
This year, SPECPOL will focus on two topics, respectively "The Syrian civil war" and "The human rights issues in Palestine." The civil war in Syria is a catastrophe with no end in sight. Besides, the human rights issues in Palestine remains an uncertain question to be solved. The situation in the Middle East is still as turbulent as before. We hope all the delegates think from the point of view of humanitarians and take your feet in their shoes. Looking forward to your distinctive resolutions.
I will ensure that the experience at SPECPOL, for both first time and seasoned MUNers, will be one that you will cherish. We expect you to be energetic and enthusiastic both during formal and informal debate and to convince us of your outstanding performance. Questions are highly welcome; please feel free to contact me anytime.
Best regards,
Mercy Luo, Wan Yu Luo
Chair, SPECPOL
NCKU Tainan Model United Nations 2014
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to Special Political and Decolonization Committee of NCKU Tainan Model United Nations 2014! My name is Mercy Luo ; I'm currently a freshman majoring in Foreign Language and Literature at National Cheng Kung University. I approached the arena of Model United Nations for the second year but the first platform. As the chairman of SPECPOL, I do hope you will have a memorable time during these sessions. There will be three persons serving as your chairs in SPECPOL, Aria Liu, Fish Yu, and me. We will spare no effort to show our utmost sincerity to be your dais team.
The United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee of the UN general assembly, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, consorts the world’s colonial issues. Delegates should have the awareness about an edict to oversee decolonization, and struggle to sustain these afflicted regions where territories are coercively taken over by non-governing entities and the political stability of the region is distressed. From my perspective, through this event, we can not only get an insight into world politics, but acquire the soft skills necessary for a successful future. We encourage delegates to do adequate research and build up full confidence. Enjoy the council and expect for the surprise from the inspiring debate.
This year, SPECPOL will focus on two topics, respectively "The Syrian civil war" and "The human rights issues in Palestine." The civil war in Syria is a catastrophe with no end in sight. Besides, the human rights issues in Palestine remains an uncertain question to be solved. The situation in the Middle East is still as turbulent as before. We hope all the delegates think from the point of view of humanitarians and take your feet in their shoes. Looking forward to your distinctive resolutions.
I will ensure that the experience at SPECPOL, for both first time and seasoned MUNers, will be one that you will cherish. We expect you to be energetic and enthusiastic both during formal and informal debate and to convince us of your outstanding performance. Questions are highly welcome; please feel free to contact me anytime.
Best regards,
Mercy Luo, Wan Yu Luo
Chair, SPECPOL
NCKU Tainan Model United Nations 2014
Topic:A. Syria civil war.
B. The human rights in Palestine.
B. The human rights in Palestine.
Introduction of topic A:
The Syria civil war between the Ba'ath government and the rebellion group has been on for almost three years as part of the Arab Spring. Protesters demanded the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad, whose family has held the presidency in Syria since 1971, as well as the end of Ba'ath Party rule, which began in 1963.During the three years since 2011, demonstration has turned into armed rebellion. According to the United Nations, the death toll reached 120,000 by September 2013.Although the UN once attempted to cease the war by the Kofi Annan six-point peace plan for Syria in March 2012, both sides were reported to violate the agreement soon after it was established. The war has drawn global attention for several factors. Children are frequently among those killed during attacks on protests and the bombardments often take place in civilian area, injuring unarmed children and women. International organizations including the UN, have accused both government and opposition forces of severe human rights violations. Surrounding countries are also affected by the Syrian refugees who fled to neighboring nations such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Chemical weapons have been used in Syria on more than one occasion, triggering strong international reactions. Besides, the shelling in the civil war has caused significant damage to Syria's cultural heritage, including World Heritage Sites. The war has reached beyond the border of Syria and affected the Arab area. The previous UN meetings focused on publicly condemning and concerning the conditions of the war. However, the tension within the country has yet to come to an end. In the conference, we expect the delegates to have an insight into the country in every aspect and seek ways to help resolve the calamity for the people suffering from the civil conflict.
The Syria civil war between the Ba'ath government and the rebellion group has been on for almost three years as part of the Arab Spring. Protesters demanded the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad, whose family has held the presidency in Syria since 1971, as well as the end of Ba'ath Party rule, which began in 1963.During the three years since 2011, demonstration has turned into armed rebellion. According to the United Nations, the death toll reached 120,000 by September 2013.Although the UN once attempted to cease the war by the Kofi Annan six-point peace plan for Syria in March 2012, both sides were reported to violate the agreement soon after it was established. The war has drawn global attention for several factors. Children are frequently among those killed during attacks on protests and the bombardments often take place in civilian area, injuring unarmed children and women. International organizations including the UN, have accused both government and opposition forces of severe human rights violations. Surrounding countries are also affected by the Syrian refugees who fled to neighboring nations such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Chemical weapons have been used in Syria on more than one occasion, triggering strong international reactions. Besides, the shelling in the civil war has caused significant damage to Syria's cultural heritage, including World Heritage Sites. The war has reached beyond the border of Syria and affected the Arab area. The previous UN meetings focused on publicly condemning and concerning the conditions of the war. However, the tension within the country has yet to come to an end. In the conference, we expect the delegates to have an insight into the country in every aspect and seek ways to help resolve the calamity for the people suffering from the civil conflict.
Introduction of topic B:
The current status of Palestine is currently in dispute. Israel's occupation is extremely oppressive and, again, violates international laws regarding military occupations. Palestinians have minimal control over their lives. Israeli forces control who may or may not enter and leave these territories and controls movement within these territories themselves, frequently placing entire towns under military curfews. Palestinians are regularly prevented from going to neighboring towns and villages to work, attend school, go to a hospital, worship, visit relatives, etc. Israeli forces invade these areas frequently, injure many, occasionally kill some, and regularly imprison men, women, and children with minimal, if any, legal procedures. This situation has led to Palestinian resistance activities over the decades by diverse groups – some armed, most unarmed – and periodic widespread popular uprisings.
This year SPECPOL shall focus on the Middle East. While discussion regarding the Middle East seems to be cliched at the surface, SPECPOL seeks to examine the dynamics of the region with the unconventional objective of establishing a framework, defining measures to establish and maintain peace in the region from a long term perspective. The declining international influence in the Middle East is a recent development that shall change the game of power play in the region with significant impact on the political, economic, military, religious and humanitarian spheres. Volatility in the region is on an explosive rise. The macro-impact of these micro-variables of change adds to the gravity of the situation. In order to even understand the scope and implications of the situation in the Middle East, you must focus on acquiring an understanding of changes within the region and the nature and extent of international interest in the region. Impressive rhetoric shall not suffice; foresight, innovative thinking and shrewd diplomacy shall be your essentials. In Rumi’s words, “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Looking forward to a stimulating conference and wishing you all the best.
The current status of Palestine is currently in dispute. Israel's occupation is extremely oppressive and, again, violates international laws regarding military occupations. Palestinians have minimal control over their lives. Israeli forces control who may or may not enter and leave these territories and controls movement within these territories themselves, frequently placing entire towns under military curfews. Palestinians are regularly prevented from going to neighboring towns and villages to work, attend school, go to a hospital, worship, visit relatives, etc. Israeli forces invade these areas frequently, injure many, occasionally kill some, and regularly imprison men, women, and children with minimal, if any, legal procedures. This situation has led to Palestinian resistance activities over the decades by diverse groups – some armed, most unarmed – and periodic widespread popular uprisings.
This year SPECPOL shall focus on the Middle East. While discussion regarding the Middle East seems to be cliched at the surface, SPECPOL seeks to examine the dynamics of the region with the unconventional objective of establishing a framework, defining measures to establish and maintain peace in the region from a long term perspective. The declining international influence in the Middle East is a recent development that shall change the game of power play in the region with significant impact on the political, economic, military, religious and humanitarian spheres. Volatility in the region is on an explosive rise. The macro-impact of these micro-variables of change adds to the gravity of the situation. In order to even understand the scope and implications of the situation in the Middle East, you must focus on acquiring an understanding of changes within the region and the nature and extent of international interest in the region. Impressive rhetoric shall not suffice; foresight, innovative thinking and shrewd diplomacy shall be your essentials. In Rumi’s words, “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Looking forward to a stimulating conference and wishing you all the best.