Nuclear Nonproliferation in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea

Gahr High School Model United Nations

April 2017- Advanced Committee Topic Synopsis
I. Background
Although there have only ever been two nuclear weapons used in warfare, approximately 2,000
nuclear tests have been performed and more than 22,000 weapons still remain in our world today.
North Korea has pushed its needs for a nuclear weapons program since the Korean War and has tested
nuclear explosive devices in 2006, 2009, 2013, and twice in 2016, drawing sharp international
condemnation and trade embargos from the UN. In 1991, North Korea signed and ratified the
International Atomic Energy Agency agreements, allowing for periodic inspections over its nuclear
facilities and materials. DPRK soon withdrew from the NPT and denied access to suspected nuclear
sites and facilities. China, the DPRKs only major ally, has also criticized and called for the refrain
from such provocative acts. For the past few decades, North Korea has continued to back out of failed
negotiations such as the Six-Party Talks for the goals of denuclearization and has violated many
resolutions like the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
II. UN Involvement
On December 12, 1985 in Pyongyang, the United Nations initiated their relationship with North
Koreas nuclear program by signing the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). North Koreas ratification of
the NPT bound them to ensure for stronger safeguards, permanently halting the spread of nuclear
weapons, and grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) permanent access to DPRKs
nuclear facilities. Due to North Koreas sporadic violations of the NPT, the United Nations Office for
Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) holds review and extension conferences to accommodate the treaty
with regards to recent conditions. At the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, the UN
bodies were unable to reach a consensus on a substantive proposal on North Koreas current
stance. The United Nations continues to debate the NPT and its relationship to the DPRK, ultimately
aiming to decrease the threat of nuclear weapons in the world.
III. Questions to Consider
1. Should the NPT be revised? What provisions should be made?
2. What is the difference between non-proliferation and disarmament?
3. Do people need weapons for self-defense? Would enforcing disarmament threaten national
sovereignty?
4. Should there be total disarmament? If so, is it possible?
5. What procedure would your country suggest to stop further missile test and NPT violations?
6. What blocs would your country stand with on the subject of weapons of mass destruction?

IV. Helpful Links

https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/npt/
http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/north-korea/nuclear/
https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/dc3551.doc.htm
http://www.un.org/en/sc/repertoire/2004-2007/Chapter%208/Thematic/04-07_8_47C_Non-
proliferation%20DPRK.pdf
 Situation in Nigeria
Gahr High School Model United Nations
April 2017 - Advanced Committee Topic Synopsis

I. Background
Since 2009, the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram has plagued Nigerias stability and
security, killing some 20,000 people in the region and displacing millions of others. However, though
Boko Haram still accounts for the highest number of attacks in the region, the average number of
casualties per attack has dropped notably. But, there has also been a recent resumption of armed
militant attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta. Despite the concern over Boko Haram, the
greatest threat to Nigerias internal security has shifted from extremism to the violence of nomadic
Fulani herdsmen. As of 2016, pastoral conflicts have killed more people than Boko Haram and Niger
Delta militancy combined. The Nigerian governments response, despite the relevancy of the issue, has
been arguably lackluster, as the Kaduna state government resorts to paying off violent herdsmen. These
three biggest security challenges for Nigeria can be attributed both to the countrys resource curse with
its oil production (a large focus on non-renewable exportation over economic self-improvement along
with major corruption concerns) and climate change, as rapid desertification of northern cattle-grazing
land pushes herdsmen south.

II. UN Involvement
The United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, guided by Security
Council resolutions 1373 and 1624, oversees the ability of UN member states to prevent both domestic
and international acts of terrorism. The United Nations has attempted to empower the African youth
and thus prevent extremism in Africa specifically through the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa
(OSAA). Guidelines for the UN Millennium Development Goals have also been emphasized,
regarding the elimination of extreme poverty and hunger, prevention of environmental deterioration,
and distribution of a universal primary education. The United Nations has also provided $13 million
from CERF to provide aid to those displaced in northeastern Nigeria. The UNHCR has begun using
drones to assess the needs of displaced populations as well the impact of this displacement on the
environment.

III. Questions to Consider

1. What factors led to the creation of Boko Haram?
2. What steps can be taken to prevent further land degradation in Nigeria?
3. How can the international community aid those displaced by the violence?
4. What can be done to mitigate the environmental damage done to Nigerian croplands?
5. Is there a way to settle the disputes between the Fulani herdsmen and Nigerian farmers?
6. What should be done about oil conflicts/attacks in the Niger Delta?
7. How will the safety of ordinary citizens be ensured considering the threats of pastoral conflicts
and Boko Haram?

IV. Helpful Links

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/boko-haram-massacre-nigeria_us_56bbb8d8e4b0b40245c5446a
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13809501
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54333#.WJxCzm8rKM8
https://qz.com/886949/fulani-herdsmen-are-now-a-bigger-security-threat-for-nigeria-than-boko-haram/
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/oil-in-nigeria-a-cure-or-curse/
 The Situation in Yemen
Gahr High School Model United Nations
April 2017- Advanced Committee Topic Synopsis

I. Background
Since the unification of Northern and Southern Yemen in 1990, Yemen has been embroiled in
violence and discord. At this juncture, the country is in a state of civil war in which the Sunni
government led by President Abdrabbuh Hadi is at odds with the Shia led Houthi rebel group. This
quagmire is extremely sophisticated and the situation has led to foreign intervention, such as the
involvement of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Saudi Arabia supports President Hadis regime and
has led airstrikes upon Houthi strongholds. On the other hand, a plethora of countries have vehemently
alleged that Iran, which is predominantly Shiite, has been funding the Houthis through both monetary
and military means. In addition, the presence of Al Qaeda in major regions within Yemen further
exacerbates the situation. Currently, the Houthis control significant parts of Northern Yemen including
the capital Sanaa, while the government controls the southern part of the country, most notably Aden.
Yemen is imperative to the international stability of global oil markets as it borders the Bab el-Mandeb
Strait through which most of the worlds oil passes. It is important to note that most civilians in Yemen
want peace, safety, and stability, while a catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolds.

II. UN Involvement
The conflict in Yemen and human rights violations warrant increased dedication, commitment,
and attention from the United Nations and other world bodies. Since the uprisings in Yemen which
began in 2011, the United Nations has been working tirelessly to restore peace and order in this broken
state, attempting to assist the country in a smooth political transfer of power. The UN has passed many
resolutions from the UN Security Council Resolution 2204, which renews Yemen sanctions panel for
13 months to promote political transition, to the UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which
imposes arms embargo on Yemen rebels and demands all parties resume UN-backed talks in order to
alleviate the preposterous effects of turmoil and devastation. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-
General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed also led peace talks regarding the situation in
Switzerland in 2015. Although positive results have been seen in 2016, the death rate of innocent
civilians continues to soar.

III. Questions to Consider

1. Does your country support President Hadis government?
2. How does the situation in Yemen reflect upon the policies of your country?
3. How does a volatile future of Yemen impact global oil markets?
4. Does Saudi Arabias involvement in Yemen violate international humanitarian laws?
5. What role has your country played regarding this topic?
6. What compromise, if any, should be made between the Houthis and the Yemeni Government in
order to relieve the situation in Yemen?
7. Could a similar sectarian war between Sunni and Shia Muslims proliferate across the Middle
East and reduce the potential for peace in Yemen?

IV. Helpful Links

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2015/03/26/why-does-yemen-matter-to-the-worlds-oil-market-the-short-
answer/
https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sc11859.doc.htm
http://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/yemen.html
 The Situation in Ukraine
Gahr High School Model United Nations
April 2017- Advanced Committee Topic Synopsis

I. Background
On November 21, 2013 the country of Ukraine plunged into a deep crisis that continues to
plague them today. At the time, President Viktor Yanukovych, paused the efforts to implement an
association agreement with the European Union. The agreement would have locked Ukraine into
economic, judicial, and financial reforms turning its policies and legislation towards that of the
European Unions. Following Yanukovychs decision, mass protests began with citizens gathering in
Independence Square in Kiev, demanding more significant European integration. This Euromaidan
movement was peaceful at first, but violent clashes with government forces erupted after Yanukovych
established a treaty with Russia more firmly binding them and moving Ukraine away from Europe.
Despite negotiations with the opposition, conflict would continue forcing Yanukovych to flee Ukraine
for Russia, while the Ukraine government took measures to remove him from power. Following the
Yanukovych removal, significant unrest developed in those southern and eastern regions more closely
tied to Russia, eventually leading to Russian intervention in and annexation of Crimea. Continuing
conflict ensued between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian rebels supported by Russia.
Tensions continue to remain high with ongoing clashes between government forces and pro-Russian
rebels. Many believe that both the Ukraine and Russian governments are escalating this crisis to detract
from economic and political instability that exists in both countries.

II. UN Involvement
On February 28, 2014, the first Security Council meeting was held in order to discuss the
situation in Ukraine; emphasizing the sovereignty of the country, the countrys independence, and
territorial integrity. Conversation continued to until the 27th of March when the first resolution on this
issue was adopted by the General Assembly, which focused mainly on the territorial integrity of
Ukraine. In February of 2015, the Council adopted further measures to end violence in eastern parts of
Ukraine. After the downing of a civilian jet, flight MH17, on July 29, 2015, the Security Council failed
to adopt a resolution that would have created a tribunal for the purpose of investigating and
prosecuting those connected to the attack. With continued violence in Ukraine and concern over the
humanitarian situation, the Council has continued to call for peace and strict adherence to earlier
agreements. The United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has
communicated concern over the impact of continued violence on civilian life.

III. Questions to Consider

1. What measures will be taken in order to prevent the annexation of Ukraine by Russia?
2. What role does your country play in this crisis?
3. How can the most recent resolution regarding the Malaysian crash be altered and approved by
the Council?
4. What can your country in order to alleviate the tension between the Ukranian government and
the border of Russia?
5. Which solutions has your country signed since the first Security Council meeting?

IV. Helpful Links

http://research.un.org/en/ukraine
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33985325
https://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11302.doc.htm