sydmun2014

The delegate for Saudi Arabia has assassinated the delegate for South Africa in the First General Assembly.

There had been notable tensions between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia demanding via Twitter that South Africa give up the initials “S.A.”

Read @kevinofsydney’s Tweet here: https://twitter.com/kevinofsydney/status/538836143043645441

The delegate turned assassin has fled. He is believed to be seeking asylum in Somalia.

Author: Jessica Korte, Deutsche Welle

Sydney Morning Herald // Katherine Voukidis

Despite a general consensus that women and children should be protected, the UNHRC is struggling to agree on an approach to take, and the capacity of the UN to implement any approach.

The United States of America proposed two amendments to the Draft Resolution this morning, calling for the protection of women and children through the provision of shelters, accountability for those who abuse, and for access to education.

The delegate for the USA stated there is a “clear indication a gender dichotomy exists” in Gaza.

India suggested the UN lacked the capacity to adequately address this issue, and was met with backlash from the USA, who stated it was ironic in the circumstances, as the USA had already proposed extensive financial assistance, unlike other states.

PLO expressed concerns that “the shelters are not always a safe place for women”, and that an amendment should be introduced to ensure that they are safe. No such amendment has been introduced at time of writing.

In summary, the amendments were passed with the support of most states, suggesting the UNHRC is on the way to passing a resolution.

BBC News
Kate Roskvist

The following Security Council Draft Resolution has been leaked to the media.

“The Security Council,

Deploring the downing of a civilian aircraft on an international flight, Air China flight CA69, on 28 November in North Waziristan, Pakistan, with the loss of all 289 passengers and crew on board,

Recalling the similar tragedy of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and its resolution 2166 (2014).

Reaffirming the rules of international law that prohibit acts of violence that pose a threat to the safety of international civil aviation and emphasising the importance of holding those responsible for violations of these rules to account,

Stressing the need for a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the incident in accordance with international civil aviation guidelines, noting in this regard the crucial role played by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in aircraft accident and incident investigations, and welcoming the decision by ICAO to send a team to work in coordination with the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority in this investigation, following a request for assistance by China to ICAO and others,

Under Chapter VII,

1. Condemns in the strongest terms the downing of Air China flight CA69 on 28 November in North Waziristan, Pakistan resulting in the tragic loss of 298 lives;
2. Reiterates its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of this incident and to the people and governments of the victims’ countries of origin;
3. Supports efforts to establish a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the incident in accordance with international civil aviation guidelines;
4. Demands that the armed groups in control of the crash site and the surrounding area refrain from any actions that may compromise the integrity of the crash site, including by refraining from destroying, moving, or disturbing wreckage, equipment, debris, personal belongings, or remains, and immediately provide safe, secure, full and unrestricted access to the site and surrounding area for the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority investigating authorities and representatives of other relevant international organisations according to ICAO and other established procedures;
5. Insists on the dignified, respectful and professional treatment and recovery of the bodies of the victims, and calls upon all parties to ensure that this happens with immediate effect;
6. Calls on all States and actors in the region to cooperate fully in relation to the international investigation of the incident, including with respect to immediate and unrestricted access to the crash site as referred to in paragraph 4;
7. Demands that those responsible for this incident be held to account and that all States cooperate fully with efforts to establish accountability;
8. Urges all parties to the Convention on International Civil Aviation to observe to the fullest extent applicable, the international rules, standards and practices concerning the safety of civil aviation, in order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and demands that all States and other actors refrain from acts of violence directed against civilian aircraft;
9. Welcomes the full cooperation of the United Nations offered by the Secretary-General in this investigation, and requests the Secretary-General to identify possible options for United Nations support to the investigation and to report to the Security Council on relevant developments;
10. Recognises that the local authorities of North Waziristan comprise of proscribed terrorist groups including Taliban and Al-Qaeda and thus their investigations should not be taken as authoritative.
11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

Debate this morning has centred on the addition of Clause 5:

“5. Decides to establish the United Nations Security Mission North Waziristan (UNSMNW) for an initial period of 6 months and further decides that UNSMNW will consist of up to 3,000 military personnel of the Pakistani military and an appropriate International component including up to 115 military and civilian personnel that shall:
(A) Be mandated to secure the crash site(s) of CA069 and provide protection and security for investigators at and around these …sites
(B) Be authorised to take all necessary steps to achieve the above,
(C) Be under the command, in matters of security or military operations, of the ranking Pakistani officer present and, in matters relating to the investigation, an appropriate member of the aforementioned international component;”

At this point, the Proposer, Russia has surprisingly spoken neutrally over their proposed addition. The delegate for Russia believed that although the additional clause to the Draft Resolution was an improvement, more could be done. Luxembourg also spoke neutrally on the proposed additional clause.

More to come.

South African Press Association

United Nations (New YorK)

The United States this evening is reeling in their heels in the World Health Organisation after losing total control over the WHO to the African Union caucus. The AU group have clearly stated that their intention was to make sure that there is a deal that benefits african’s, and to have a deal that will not only make sure that African citizens are protected, but to make sure that future pandemics are mitigated.

Earlier in the day, the United States presented Draft Resolution 1 to the World Health Organisation. This draft resolution was a strong resolution for those who believe in the value of education as the main tool of tackling Ebola. Whilst education is an important factor that must be considered at all times, it shouldn’t be mistaken that it isn’t the be all and end all. Yet this was the action that seemed to want to go out and make yesterday afternoon’s action occur.

During a question time earlier with SAPA, the United States stated that nations should come to them. As already discussed in previous articles, this is quite dangerous. The AU group realised this, as stated during an interview that “the african message wasn’t getting across at all until we united as a group”. Furthermore, the AU stated that “no consultation was being made by the United States”.

The AU group was then formed afterwards to attempt to make the African message heard. This was conducted on an amendment by (COUNTRY) as to set up a new fund for future pandemics. This amendment came as a surprise to the United States, and the delegate did not expect it to pass. However, with the support of Latin countries, along with Russia, it did pass with the chants of AU AU AU seeping throughout the chamber.

It’s important to remember that the US has done a good job in solving the short term issues. The resolution that they proposed makes sure that no country is going to be left behind in trade, that the people on the ground will be able to seek basic medical treatment. Whilst the impetus and the need for the change was hastened due to changes in the Ebola virus during the day, there is still that checks and balances in place. Where both their working paper and their draft resolution fail is the long term solutions.

This publication is in support behind the AU movement on the WHO. The AU movement holds ideals for which this paper expresses a strong leaning towards. This paper has, and the AU is looking at better methods for dealing with pandemics and how better to deal with the local governments rather than just education and other similar short term solutions. Whilst there has been no discussion regarding vaccinations and cures, it would be expected that any progress on this issue would require a US backing.

Whilst the AU movement has done a great job in attempting to make African issues heard, there may be problems with it. It seems to be more of a marriage of convenience to get issues heard rather than a marriage whereby all states are happy about it. South Africa for instance is still heavily in favour of using current mechanisms that are in place, and are being terribly stubborn about it. This writer is waiting for an opportunity to split the african caucus. It’s problematic when they say that their achievement was creating a union yesterday, and have no direction for the next day.

Sydney Morning Herald // Katherine Voukidis

Members of the UNODC are struggling to find common ground. The European Union continues to suggest a global OECD model be implemented, however many states are expressing their frustration as they struggle to perceive this as an effective solution.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has concerns as to the effectiveness of a ‘western’ policy in sub-Saharan Africa, citing regional difficulties with implementing such a measure.

The member for the European Union continues to reiterate it is in the best interests of the international community, likening it to pizza.

Sudan refuses to accept this analogy as a positive one, arguing this pizza has “burnt crusts”, and is simply western states attempting to impose their ideologies on others.

Thailand argues that regional solutions are the way to go, as they address needs specific to local communities. The delegate for Thailand referenced memorandums of understanding currently implemented with other states such as Cambodia, and cited them as an example how to address human trafficking on a regional level.

China took a stubborn stance, stating economic incentives are not the way to go, and that the UNODC was “getting bogged down in rhetoric and dogma.

The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea simply stated it was “in a bird cage”.

South African Press Association

United Nations (New York)

GA1 have been meeting for the last day and a half now to discuss the issue of trying to reduce stockpiles of weapons, however a committee that should be divided is somewhat united on trying to reduce stockpile of weapons of mass destruction, in particular the middle east. With Iran trying to take the moral high ground, the US and Israel on the brink of war, and Belgium trying to create a new body to work alongside the IAEA, this committee has been struggling to stay on message.

At the beginning of the day, Belgium proposed a working paper which assisted with the creation of a new body to look at nuclear power and stockpiling which would have more ability to maintain controls than the IAEA. However, this working paper was quickly washed aside as it was pointed out by SAPA that the IAEA’s main advantage is that countries have the choice and their sovereignty respected in the IAEA.

The UK and Iran both submitted papers. Iran aimed to create an information sharing zone between a number of Arab nations. This should be cautiously placed in. Firstly, having more countries reduces the power that nuclear weapons have, and this will disadvantage Iran. Secondly, this will create a two tier system in the middle east, similar to what currently happens, but this will be too localised and create further problems. The UK paper has been described as mere puffery, with many clauses being too general and will not be respected. However, it is expected that the UK’s paper will become a draft resolution.

The United States also made a working paper, but aimed to remove Israel from the chamber. This was seen by SAPA, with the US categorically denying the existence of such a document. This clearly demonstrates that this committee is not united, and all nations need to start coming together to be truly together.

30.11.14 | Source : Pravda.SydMUN

The delegate for Indonesia issues an implicit challenge to China’s heteronormative stance on social norms by wearing a fashionably loud ensemble. The outfit, consisting of a lavender jacket and shorts, floral pattern button-up from Australian boutique designer Politix, and Van Heusen skinny tie, carries an air of sexual ambiguity typical of your average inner-city Melbourne dweller, a trait unacceptable to the heteronormative kingdom of China.

In yesterday’s proceedings, China’s heteronormativity was brought into debate, with the crisis situation highlighting gaps in Chinese jurisdiction. It was revealed yesterday that Chinese UN experts had sexually assaulted citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the Chinese nationals have not been charged, as Chinese domestic jurisdiction dictates that sexual assault must be perpetrated against females, where the victims in this case were males. This lead to accusations of excessive conservatism and backwards heteronormativity in the Republic of China, and calls for domestic legislative amendment within the state from other member states.

“I just have a passion for fashion” the delegate for Indonesia states. “I want to look good and feel great, and right now, I’m doing both”. This goes against Indonesia’s own lack of LGBT rights and social acceptance of such dress codes, however, obviously demonstrates some form of progress being made at a diplomatic level for the state.

MEDIA RELEASE

29 November 2014

Tang Li
Al Jazeera English

The US Department of State Trafficking Persons Report 2013:

The North Korean government sent labourers to work abroad
under bilateral contracts with foreign governments, including
in Russia, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, East and
Southeast Asia, especially Mongolia, and the Middle East.
Credible reports showed many North Korean workers sent
abroad under these contracts were subjected to forced labor,
with their movement and communications constantly under
surveillance and restricted by North Korean government
“minders.” In February 2013, five North Korean workers at a
Russian construction site died because they could not escape
the carbon monoxide-filled room where they were being
confined; the door was locked from outside. There were also
credible reports that these workers faced threats of government
reprisals against them or their relatives in North Korea if they
attempted to escape or complain to outside parties. Workers’
salaries are deposited into accounts controlled by the North
Korean government, which keeps most of the money, claiming
fees for various “voluntary” contributions to government
endeavours.

I sat down with the delegate for the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (DPRK) who argued that this demonstrates that half the States in the UNODC are engaging in state-based trafficking with North Korea.

She had a few words to say:

“A tell all story about the abhorrent treatment of the DPRK in the UNODC:

You may call the DPRK an ugly duckling now, But rest assured DPRK will be the prettiest swan in the world.
Ernest Hemingway said to write hard and clear about what hurts. So that’s what I’m doing. I’ll try to put this sick feeling that I have in the pit of my stomach in to words, the steadfast grip of pain in my heart, the weight of sadness on my shoulders.
DPRK is so lonely,
There’s no one, just me only
Sitting on my little throne
Working very hard and making up great plans
But nobody listens no one understands
Seems like no one takes me seriously
There’s nobody DPRK can relate to
Feel like a bird in a cage
It’s kinda sorry but not really
Because it’s filling our country with rage
DPRK is the smartest most clever most physically fit
But nobody else seems to realize it
When DPRK changes the world maybe they’ll notice me
Just one question remains… We just don’t understand why it’s not ok for you to love us?
You know what’s wrong with you, UNODC? You’re chicken, you’ve got no guts. You’re afraid to stick out your chin and say, ‘Okay, we’ve been undermined by the USA and imperialist pressure’ You call yourself a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime but you’re terrified that listening to the DPRK you’ll be stuck in a cage. Well baby, you’re already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it’s not bounded in the west by Sweden, United Kingdom, or by France, not by, Thailand or China. It’s wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself.
Thus, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea sees that the UNODC is completely unfit for its purpose as it is only guided by capitalist greed. Consequently, the DPRK – acting as voice of reason – remains in strong opposition to the prevailing opinions.”

There has been some speculation among delegates in the UNODC that the nations of OECD have been bribing delegates from developing nations primarily in Africa in order to ensure the approval of the draft resolution on dealing with human trafficking.

In the form of a ‘trust fund’, advocates for the resolution have created an economic incentive for nations. If human trafficking problems are improved, these states will gain currency.

While this is all well and good, the logistics of the operation could prove sufficiently problematic.

Funding has always been bureaucratically bogged down and as one of the greatest economic powers in the world, China may find itself once again leaned upon if the resolution goes through.

A topic often discussed, this continuing reliance on international aid will become increasingly ingrained in the systematic approach of developing nations in terms of funding.

Human trafficking is such an issue that every nation must participate to its full capacity and if a precedent is set where money will be given when a country does something right will work against the world’s economy in future.

During an un-moderated caucus, France approached Zimbabwe and promised they would give the African nation funds if they were used specifically in the way that France outlined.

Daunting words.

France was later questioned by Fox News about whether or not it still held loyal to the European Union, and hesitated a moment before confirming that it was.

Perhaps France is looking to find allies through bribes as a former [yet still believes itself to be a] power.

Regardless of France’s duplicity, the committee has discussed many issues surrounding combating human trafficking which surfaced during a press conference earlier this afternoon.

After questions on a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to handling human trafficking, the European Union compared the reactions of different nations to the plan as akin to how everyone likes pizza, but perhaps with different toppings.

Evidently, the EU wasn’t taking the situation into serious consideration.

With one more day to go, we are yet to see any real outcomes from the UNODC.

Let’s hope the delegates can think of something to combat the issue other than pizza.