MODERN MODEL UNITED NATIONS

GA4 BACKGROUND GUIDE

2023-2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1, Letter from the Dias 3
2. Overview of the Committee 4
3. Introduction to Agenda 5
4. Key Terms 6
5. Key Issues 7
6. Major Parties Involved 8
7. Past Attempts to Solve the Issue 9
8. Possible Solutions 10
9. Questions A Resolution Must Address 11
(QARMA)
10. Bibliography & Links for Reading 12

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LETTER FROM THE DIAS

Greetings delegates,

We, Alicia Kunte, Aly Kotb, and Angelina Vinay, have the honour of welcoming you to the
United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee at GMAMUN 2023! Whether this is your
first or tenth conference, we hope that it is one that challenges you and that you walk away with
something new, whether it is meeting new people, acquiring new skills, or knowing the world
around you a little bit better.

We encourage you all to actively participate in the debates and discussions during the
conference, whether or not you feel like you have enough or too little information on the agenda.
Every point and every speech that will be brought up and presented in the committee will have
significant importance in developing the right path to help resolve the issue at hand.

This is the perfect opportunity to dive deep into discussing the importance of reversing and
improving the impacts of colonisation on those nations that have been victims of it. Our agenda
paves the perfect path for us to walk on to develop effective resolutions. We believe it is our
duty, as the next generation of leaders, to prepare ourselves to become more trustworthy beings.
In today's era, developing skills and resources to plunge us into the ever-expanding industries of
the future is a fundamental requirement; and we believe that this platform is an ideal first step
into the future.

We will be focusing on having fruitful debates to cover all aspects of the topic and come up with
feasible and comprehensible solutions. The topic at hand is:

Reparations for Post-Colonial Nations

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need any help. We are looking forward
to meeting you all and hope that you all have an unforgettable experience!

Sincerely,
Alicia Kunte, Aly Kotb, and Angelina Vinay.
Dais of GA4

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OVERVIEW OF THE COMMITTEE

The United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee, officially known as the Special
Political and Decolonization Committee, is a pivotal component of the United Nations (UN)
structure. It operates as one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly, each
focusing on distinct areas of international concern. The Fourth Committee, in particular, is
dedicated to addressing a range of critical issues, including decolonization efforts, special
political matters, and various political and security concerns.

The Fourth Committee's primary mandate centres on overseeing and advancing the process of
decolonization, with an emphasis on the right to self-determination for colonial and
non-self-governing territories. Beyond decolonization, it also delves into other complex political
matters that do not fall under the purview of the other main committees, such as disarmament,
economic development, and social and humanitarian affairs.

Comprised of representatives from all member states of the United Nations, the Fourth
Committee serves as an arena for discussion, debate, and decision-making on matters within its
jurisdiction. It is tasked with reviewing and adopting resolutions, as well as preparing reports
related to its areas of focus, which are then presented to the General Assembly for consideration.
These resolutions can encompass a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the situations in
specific colonial territories to broader global political issues.

Throughout its annual session, which typically takes place during the United Nations General
Assembly's main session from September to December, member states engage in discussions,
negotiations, and the formulation of policies aimed at advancing the principles of decolonization,
self-determination, and political stability in regions grappling with colonial legacies and
conflicts.

In summary, the United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee plays a vital role within
the UN system, contributing to the promotion of self-determination, the resolution of political
issues, and the decolonization process on a global scale. Its work reflects the UN's commitment
to addressing historical injustices and fostering peace, security, and cooperation among nations.

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INTRODUCTION TO AGENDA
Reparations for Post-Colonial Nations

Colonialism broadly refers to the political, social and economic domination of a people or area
by a foreign state or nation, most commonly European powers between the late 15th century and
the years after World War II. Although colonialism came to an end in most of the world almost
50 years ago, its mutilating impact is still felt in the racist attitudes against descendants of
colonised peoples. With more than two-thirds of the 193 UN Member States being former
colonial territories, the discussion of reparations for post-colonial states has emerged as a major
issue in the United Nations.

The United Nations has the potential to play a huge role in the debate on whether formal colonial
powers should issue reparations to post-colonial states. Despite this, the UN has struggled to
definitively establish whether there is a legal basis for reparations that is binding on all of its
member states. As a result, the UN has resorted to simply drawing global attention to the issue in
order to encourage dialogue between member states with the hopes of eventually reaching an
agreement on whether or not reparations should be issued to post-colonial states.

The General Assembly has been considerably active in addressing the question of post colonial
states. Efforts have included passing a number of resolutions in favour of reparations for victims
of human rights crimes under colonialism. However, these resolutions are only considered
recommendations which have allowed states that should have been held responsible to simply
ignore them. Moreover, many former colonial powers have brought into question the legality of
post-colonial reparations in particular as they argue that actions taken under colonial rule were
not explicitly illegal at the time they were committed and therefore cannot be judged by today’s
legal standards.

Many have argued that aid alone cannot be considered a form of reparations, but can be a part of
reparatory justice for post-colonial states. Generally, reparations consist of formal apologies and
financial compensation made by the perpetrators to the victims. Due to growing pressure in
recent years, most recently Indian MP Shashi Tharoor’s viral powerful case for reparations,
various countries have given in to these demands. In 2021, for instance, Germany committed
$1.35 billion in aid to Namibia alongside a formal acknowledgment of Germany’s colonial-era
genocide there. Yet this appears to be one of a few rare examples of countries seemingly owning
up to the consequences of their colonial days.

While progress has been made, the issue of whether reparations should be given to post-colonial
states remains unclear. Therefore, it is crucial that the international community continues to work
towards reaching a decisive conclusion that ensures the best for all parties involved.

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KEY TERMS

1. Reparation: Financial, material, or symbolic compensation provided to individuals or

states as a form of redress for historical wrongs or injustices.

2. Colonisation: The domination of a people or area by a foreign state or nation.

3. De-colonisation: The political process by which countries gain independence from

colonial powers to become self-ruling states.

4. Nation-State: A sovereign territory with one group of individuals who share a common
history.

5. Sovereignty: It is defined as the principle wherein each state is free to pursue its internal
affairs without outside interference.

6. Restorative Justice: It is an approach to justice that seeks to repair harm for victims of
crimes and injustices rather than employing punitive measures.

7. Transitional Justice: This covers processes and mechanisms associated with a society’s
attempt to come to terms with a legacy of large-scale past conflict, repression, violations
and abuses, in order to ensure accountability, serve justice and achieve reconciliation

8. Restitution: It is the act of returning or restoring something that was wrongfully taken or
confiscated. It is frequently used in reference to land, resources, or cultural artefacts.

9. Truth Commissions: This is an entity created to look into human rights abuses carried
out by the military, government, or other armed forces during an earlier administration or
a civil war.

10. Cultural Reparations: Financial assistance or other forms of payment intended to

preserve and restore the post-colonial states' rich cultural heritage.

11. Resource Exploitation: The extraction of natural resources from colonised areas without
adequate payment, which may call for reparations.

12. Colonial Education: The process by which a colonising power perpetuates its way of
thinking and seeing the world through its educational system.

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KEY ISSUES

Reparations for post-colonial nations are complex and contentious, involving a range of key
issues and challenges. These issues are central to the debate surrounding reparations for
historical injustices resulting from colonialism. Here are some of the key issues:

1. Historical Injustices: The primary issue addresses the historical injustices suffered by
colonised nations, including slavery, forced labour, land dispossession, cultural
destruction, and violence. Reparations aim to rectify these past wrongs and acknowledge
the enduring impacts they have had on post-colonial societies.
2. Legal and Moral Responsibility: Determining which entities or nations bear legal and
moral responsibility for the injustices is a significant challenge. This can involve former
colonial powers, companies that profited from colonial exploitation, and international
institutions that enabled or sanctioned colonialism.
3. Quantification of Reparations: Calculating the monetary value of reparations is
challenging. It involves estimating the economic, social, and cultural losses suffered by
post-colonial nations over time. Assigning a precise value is often subjective and subject
to dispute.
4. Implementation and Distribution: Deciding how reparations are implemented and
distributed within post-colonial nations is a complex issue. Ensuring that reparations
reach the intended beneficiaries, such as marginalised communities and individuals, is
challenging and may require careful planning and oversight.
5. Resistance from Former Colonial Powers: Former colonial powers often resist calls for
reparations, citing factors such as the passage of time, changes in leadership, and the
potential financial burden. This resistance can hinder progress in addressing historical
injustices.
6. Global Political Dynamics: The issue of reparations is intertwined with global politics
and international relations. It can strain diplomatic relationships and provoke debates
within international organisations, making it difficult to achieve consensus on a way
forward.
7. Reparations as a Catalyst for Development: Some argue that reparations should be
seen as a means to foster long-term development in post-colonial nations, addressing not
only historical injustices but also contemporary issues like poverty, inequality, and
infrastructure deficiencies.
8. International Collaboration: Collaboration among post-colonial nations and the
international community is essential to address reparations effectively. Building alliances
and coalitions can strengthen the collective bargaining power of affected nations.

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MAJOR PARTIES INVOLVED

1. Former Colonial Powers: Countries such as the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain,
Portugal, Belgium, and others were historically colonial powers, giving them a huge
stake in the agenda at hand. Their level of willingness to accept past wrongs and make
amends varies, and they might hold different opinions about the kind and scope of
reparations.

2. Post-Colonial Nations: Territories that have previously been colonised and are seeking
compensation for the harm done while under colonial rule. They are the primary
beneficiaries of any potential reparations. This category includes a wide range of nations
from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. Examples might include India, South
Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Haiti, and many more.

3. Global South Alliances: Groups of post-colonial states and regional blocs, such as the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) or the G77, may work together to advocate for their
collective interests in reparations.

4. International Financial Institutions: When discussing the financial aspects of

reparations and possible funding or organisational structures, institutions like the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are crucial. They play a key role in
economic development and act as receiving mechanisms for funds or trusts.

5. Developed Nations: Countries that were not directly involved in colonisation but are
economically and politically influential on the global stage can play an important role in
discussions of the potential financial burden of reparations. Examples include countries
like Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland.

6. NGOs: Organisations and advocacy groups working to address post-colonial issues, like
reparations, are also key stakeholders in the issue. For example, the Pan-African
Reparations Coalition (PARCO), the Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC), and
others. These organisations were crucial in the formation of civil societies that would
bridge the gap between the state and society.

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PAST ATTEMPTS TO SOLVE THE AGENDA

Reparations for post-colonial nations have been a contentious and ongoing issue for many years.
Various countries and international organisations have made attempts, although often inadequate,
to address the historical injustices and economic disparities resulting from colonialism. Here are
some notable past attempts at reparations for post-colonial nations:

1. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (1960): This resolution, also
known as the "Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and
Peoples," called for the immediate cessation of colonialism and the provision of
assistance to colonial nations in their transition to independence. While it set the stage for
decolonization, it did not specify reparations or compensation for past injustices.

2. Lome Convention (1975-2000): The Lome Convention was a series of agreements

between the European Economic Community (EEC) and African, Caribbean, and Pacific
(ACP) countries. It included financial aid, trade preferences, and development assistance,
aiming to reduce economic disparities resulting from colonialism. However, criticisms
arose regarding the terms and effectiveness of these agreements.

3. South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996-2003): Although focused

primarily on apartheid-era injustices, this commission provided a form of reparations to
victims and aimed to reconcile South Africa after decades of racial oppression.

4. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission: In 2013, CARICOM

established a Reparations Commission to seek reparations from former colonial powers
for the lasting effects of slavery and native genocide in the Caribbean. It has been
advocating for reparations and public acknowledgement of historical wrongs.

5. France's Reparations to Haiti: In 1825, France demanded indemnity from Haiti in

exchange for recognizing its independence, which severely hampered Haiti's economic
development. While not a modern attempt, this historical example underscores the issue
of reparations and restitution for colonial exploitation.

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POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Reparations for post-colonial nations are a complex and contentious issue, but there are several
possible solutions and strategies that can be considered to address historical injustices and help
rectify the enduring impacts of colonialism. These solutions should ideally involve a
combination of legal, financial, and symbolic measures, as well as international collaboration.
Here are some possible solutions:

1. Financial Compensation: Providing direct financial compensation to affected

post-colonial nations can be a tangible way to address the economic disparities resulting
from colonial exploitation. These funds can be used for development projects, poverty
reduction, education, and healthcare.

2. Debt Relief: Forgiving or restructuring the debt owed by post-colonial nations to

international financial institutions and former colonial powers can free up resources for
economic development and poverty alleviation.

3. Development Aid: Increasing development assistance and foreign aid to post-colonial

nations can support their economic growth and social development. Aid programs should
be designed in collaboration with recipient countries to ensure they meet specific needs.

4. Cultural Restitution: Repatriating cultural artefacts, manuscripts, and sacred objects

stolen during colonial periods can help restore cultural heritage and identity to affected
nations. Museums and institutions in former colonial powers should work with
post-colonial nations to facilitate this process.

5. Land Reforms: Implementing land reforms that address historical land dispossession and
promote land ownership and rights for indigenous and marginalised communities can be
a vital aspect of reparations.

6. Legal Actions: Post-colonial nations may consider pursuing legal actions, including
lawsuits against former colonial powers and corporations, to seek reparations for specific
historical injustices. International courts and tribunals could be involved in some cases.

7. Global Solidarity: Building alliances and coalitions among post-colonial nations and
sympathetic governments can strengthen the collective voice advocating for reparations
on the international stage.

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QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION MUST ADDRESS (QARMA)

Being an extremely broad and complex topic, an effective resolution must address an array of
questions, including but not limited to:

1. Whether reparations should be given to victims of human rights crimes under

colonialism?

2. How can reparations for post-colonial states be enforced without fail?

3. Is there a universally accepted legal basis for reparations for post-colonial states, and if
not, how can these legal challenges be addressed?

4. How should actions taken under colonial rule be judged in relation to today's legal
standards?

5. How can the amount of reparations each post-colonial state is entitled to be calculated
and who is to calculate this?

6. Should reparations take the form of financial compensation, infrastructure development,

education initiatives, or other types of support?

7. Should reparations be a one-time settlement or a longer, more continuous process?

8. What is the distinction between reparations and foreign aid, and why is it important to
differentiate between the two when discussing postcolonial justice?

9. Should reparations focus on restitution, returning what was taken during colonialism, or
should they primarily provide compensation for the damages caused?

10. Should cultural artefacts and heritage that were taken during colonialism be returned as
part of reparations, and if so, how can this be implemented effectively?

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BIBLIOGRAPHY & LINKS FOR READING

● https://ww1.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/mun/2017/ib-2017-fourth-reparations-final.
pdf
● https://ww1.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/mun/docs/4th-reparations.pdf
● https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/nov/27/en
ough-of-aid-lets-talk-reparations
● https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/27/world/americas/colonial-reparations.html
● https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2019/10/un-human-rights-expert-calls-states-ma
ke-reparations-colonialism-and-slavery
● https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/19/un-report-urges-countries-to-consider-fi
nancial-reparations-for-transatlantic-slavery
● https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/30/un-rights-body-should-lead-tackling-colonial-lega
cies-root-causes-systemic-racism

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