Vancouver Youth Model United Nations

2016

Disarmament and International Security Committee

Background Guide

Director: Sherrisse Chu

Chair: Raha Masoudi

Assistant Director: Lauren Hung

Assistant Chair: Belle Xu

Vancouver Youth Model United Nations 2016

Dear Delegates, As director of the Disarmament and International Security Committee for VYMUN 2016, I would like to say I am looking

forward to meeting all of you in October. As some of you might be first time MUNers, the Dais have chosen topics that will hopefully be fun and engaging for all. Firstly, delegates will discuss the issue of the increasing presence of nuclear weapons in the world. We chose this topic because we feel it is a pertinent problem that we are facing. Nuclear weapons are, without a doubt, immensely dangerous when put in the wrong hands. These devices, that can be activated at the push of a button, are designed to wipe out millions of people. They might be used by accident, or even worse with intention. The UN is looking to deal with this issue very soon. Secondly, delegates will debate the ongoing crisis of border security in the Middle East. The crisis in the Middle East has been going on for much too long and with it, there have been many border disputes. With the rising Islamic State taking control from the governments over the borders, it only allows for the Islamic State to further continue on their path of destruction. I hope you will all enjoy your time in DISEC. If you have any questions at any point along your research or with writing your topic paper, please feel free to email me at disec@vymun.com. Good luck with your preparation; I’m excited to see you all at the conference, Sincerely, Sherrisse Chu Director of DISEC | VYMUN 2016

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Table of Contents: Topic 1

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Overview

3 Timeline

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Past UN/International Action

4 Current Situation

6 Possible Solutions

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Bloc Positions

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Questions to Consider

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Sources Cited

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Topic 2

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Overview

12 Timeline

12 Past UN/International Action

13 Current Situation

14 Possible Solutions

15 Bloc Positions

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Questions to Consider

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Sources Cited

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Topic 1: Nuclear Proliferation Overview:

Ever since World War II nuclear weapons have existed in many countries around the world. Even though the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty of 1968 outlines the ban of proliferation and establishes the five nuclear weapon states, a few countries that possess nuclear arsenals have not signed this treaty. This concerns DISEC because international safety is threatened if we do not monitor nuclear activity and find a rightful use for nuclear energy. Because nuclear technology has improved so much, an intentional nuclear attack can destroy cities, kill millions and endanger the lives of future generations because of the long term effects. We should be most concerned with the illegal smuggling of nuclear arms that fuel the secret nuclear programs of countries and terrorists. Timeline: 1942: The US sets up the Manhattan Project to try to create the world’s first nuclear weapon. 1945: The US conducts a test on its first nuclear bomb. Many believe this marks the beginning of the nuclear age. Three weeks later, the whole world was impacted when the US drops two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These incidents collectively resulted in killing or wounding over 300,000. 1

1949: The Soviet Union becomes the second country to develop and conduct a test on a nuclear weapon. 1952: The United Kingdom follows

1 http://asiasociety.org/education/brief-history-nuclear-weapons-states

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October 1962: After the US discovers Soviet missiles in Cuba, they form a blockade around Cuba which strained the US-USSR relations so much it was a belief that one of them would declare nuclear war. This is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. August 1963: The Partial Test Ban Treaty is signed by 135 parties. 1968: The Non-Proliferation Treaty is signed by 198 countries who agree to never acquire nuclear weapons, except for five nations who become nuclear weapon states. 1996: The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty signed by 183 countries including China, France, the UK, Russia and the US. India refuses to sign. 2003: North Korea withdraws from the NPT without the time notice. 2006: North Korea becomes the eighth country in the world to hold nuclear tests. Past UN/International Action:

The Commission - 1946 On January 24, 1946 the UN adopted its first resolution. It asked for complete

eradication of nuclear weapons. A commission was set up to deal with discoveries of atomic energy. The Commission could make proposals to control that the use of atomic energy was for peaceful purposes. In the resolution, it was decided that the Commission should be able to propose for “the elimination from national armaments of atomic weapons and of all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction” (1946 Resolution). 2

India - 1954 India’s prime minister was the first to propose to halt nuclear testing and for the

UN to create a comprehensive agreement to ban all nuclear weapons. He opened discussion on nuclear proliferation.

Conference on the Discontinuance of Nuclear Tests - 1958

2 http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/1(I) (document)

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The United States, Soviet Union and United Kingdom met to discuss an agreement on a controlled ban on nuclear tests. However, an agreement could not be made.

Antarctic Treaty - 1959 Nuclear explosions and disposal of radioactive wastes are banned in Antarctica.

Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) - 1963 Also known as the Limited Test Ban Treaty, this was signed and entered into force

in 1963. In the 50s, the US and the Soviet Union were conducting nuclear testing that had very high radioactive fallout into the atmosphere. The PTBT was created to ban nuclear testing that would release nuclear debris into outer space, underwater or the atmosphere. The PTBT was successful in reducing radioactive fallout, however there were still detonations continuing underground because this was not banned in this treaty. Not only that, there was an increased number of tests.

Treaty of Tlatelolco - 1967 Latin America becomes free of nuclear testing. Parties agree to not manufacture or

acquire nuclear weapons.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty - 1970 This treaty on the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons “aims to prevent the spread

of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament” (IAEA). It was adopted on June 12 1968 and it was entered into force in 1970. 190 states are signed to this treaty and it includes the five NWS and non nuclear weapon states (NNWS). Since there are 196 countries in the world, this is almost a universal treaty.

The treaty is composed of three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Under the treaty, NNWS agree not to acquire, build or import any nuclear weapons. NWS are allowed to possess nuclear weapons or explosives devices but are not allowed to transfer them to NNWS. The treaty includes the world’s singular obligation for NWS to reduce and eventually disarm their nuclear weapons. All of the states agreed to exchange equipment and research for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, like medical diagnoses and power production.

The countries that are not part of the NPT are South Sudan, India, Israel, and Pakistan (as well as North Korea, who withdrew in 2003). Because India, Israel and Pakistan do currently possess arsenals, they would not be able to be a part of the treaty

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until they become a NNWS. They can’t be considered a NWS either unless the country "manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967" (NPT). In order to become a NNWS, these states would have to dismantle their nuclear weapons and place their nuclear materials under close inspection. South Africa took these steps to become a part of the NPT in 1991.

A complete ban of nuclear weapons was discussed, however it was not agreed upon for this treaty.

Disarmament Rally in NYC - 1982 With one million people gathering in New York’s Central Park in support of

disarmament, this becomes the largest anti-war rally ever.

Nuclear Weapons Become Illegal - 1996 Under the International Court of Justice, possession or use of nuclear weapons is

to be considered as against international law.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) - 1996 In 1994, the UN had a conference on disarmament in Geneva which started the

negotiations for the CTBT. A consensus was reached quickly for prohibition of nuclear explosives and establishment of a verification regime.

After being signed in 1996, all states have not revoked it. India, Pakistan and North Korea are not part of the treaty and therefore have conducted tests.

The NWS that have signed this treaty are France, United States, and Russia.

The Verification Regime The verification regime is a method for the CTBT Organization (CTBTO) to

monitor that all the countries’ activities are compliant with the CTBT. The verification regime includes an International Monitoring System, an International Data Centre, Global Communications Infrastructure, consultation and clarification, On-Site Inspection, and confidence-building measures.

The International Monitoring System (IMS) is comprised of 321 monitoring stations and 16 laboratories in 89 countries. They monitor the earth for any nuclear explosions. The four types of stations are seismic (underground), hydroacoustic (large oceans), infrasound (atmosphere), and radionuclide (a combination of all).

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Current Situation: “The Soviet Union’s last nuclear test took place on 24 October 1990, the United Kingdom’s on 26 November 1991 and the United States… on 23 September 1992. France and China conducted their last tests in January and July 1996 respectively, before signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty … on 24 September 1996, together with the other three nuclear weapon States and 66 other countries. France closed and dismantled all its nuclear test sites in the 1990s – the only nuclear weapon State to date that has done so.” (CTBTO)

Illegal Distribution and Smuggling of Nuclear Weapons In 2013, China, a NWS, made a deal with Pakistan, a country that hasn’t signed

the NPT, to supply them with nuclear reactors. However the reactors did not meet IAEA regulations and under the NPT, NWS are not allowed to supply other countries with nuclear weapons. China is continually helping Pakistan’s nuclear program while Pakistan is assisting Beijing with containing militants in China’s western provinces. However, the extent of China’s involvement with Pakistan’s nuclear weapons is still under speculation and there has not been enough proof to create any sanctions or halt China from continuing this deal.

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China is in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). It is a group made up of countries part of the NPT that “seek to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.” Even though China claims to have already established a deal with Pakistan before its NSG membership starting in 2004, they have clearly chosen to override the NSG regulations, as well as the NPT.

Terrorism Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims.

All terrorist acts are driven by two main things: Social and political injustice, and the belief that violence and/or its threat will be the most effective, and usher in change in the world. People may choose terrorism if they are trying to right what they perceive is a political or social wrong. In addition, terrorists may often choose violence as they feel as if they have no choice. It is hard for certain people to accept the fact that things cannot be corrected all the time. Change is the only permanent thing in this universe and many things have been changing overtime. Not all people are fond of these transitions. Many people may want to create what may seem like the perfect future in their vision by eradicating the present for their own destination or ideal dream come true. Terrorism has a very real and direct impact on human rights. It destabilizes governments, undermines civil society, and jeopardizes peace and security.

Secret Nuclear Programs After North Korea withdrew from the NPT in 2003, they have conducted a few

nuclear test, including a few fairly recently. With the most recent test having the most powerful results, it shows that they have improved their nuclear weapons. Kim Jong-un’s motives for nuclear weapons are very unclear. The US and the UN have threatened North Korea with more sanctions but to no avail. The tensions are still high in the Korean peninsula but countries everywhere are growing anxious. In news broadcasts , the DPRK 3

has announced that they will not use the nuclear weapons, nor transfer the technology to any other country.

Iran, Libya, and Syria are suspected of conducting secret nuclear activities that violate the treaty.

Israel, who is not in the NPT, has not conducted a known nuclear test, and they do not admit nor deny having any nuclear possessions. They announced that they will not be

3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjt29MuBF0E

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the first country to introduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East. However, they are believed to possess nuclear arms, but it is unclear as to how many. India and Pakistan, who are also not part of the NPT, each have their own nuclear programs. After India’s first test in 1974, Pakistan was given an incentive to work on its own program. They had a small round of “tit-for-tat” nuclear tests in 1998. Possible Solutions:

An obvious solution would be renewing the NPT. While this will fortify regulations, some countries could choose to opt out and not sign, creating the potential for them to acquire nuclear weapons. Related to this solution is the other obvious solution: disarmament. However would the NWS agree to give up all of their nuclear weapons and weapons testing? Plus, it’s been tried before and countries have still come up with secret nuclear programs. Bloc Positions:

Japan The only country to have been attacked by nuclear weapons. Therefore there is an

anti-nuclear sentiment.

The United States The only country to have attacked another country with nuclear weapons. There is

much debate over the justification of the bombing of Japan in order to end WWII.

North Korea North Korea is the country with the most recent nuclear explosives tests at this

time. North Korea’s intentions with its weapons program have always been unclear. Their continuation of nuclear tests shows they are making progress in making a functional warhead.

China A NWS that participates in illegal distribution of nuclear weapons.

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Questions to Consider:

1. What should we do about the countries that have nuclear weapons but are not part of NPT which would state them as NWS?

2. What would happen if they do join the NPT? 3. What is the best strategy for member states to achieve cooperation on a policy to

address the situation? 4. What are primary issues and how should they be addressed? 5. What is your country’s stance on the use of nuclear weapons? 6. What are the main goals of those countries that hold nuclear weapons?

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Sources Cited: ANI. "China’s Supply of Nuclear Weapons to Pakistan Pose Threat to US, India, Obama Administration Warned." The Indian Express. The Indian Express Ltd., 25 May 2016. Web. 6 Sept. 2016. "The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) at a Glance." Arms Control Association. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 29 July 2016. "A Brief History of Nuclear Weapons States." Asia Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2016. Canada. Global Affairs Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 July 2016. <http://www.international.gc.ca/arms-armes/nuclear-nucleaire/npt-tnp.aspx?lang=eng>. "History: Summary." CTBTO Preparatory Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2016. "1945-54: Early Efforts to Restrain Nuclear Testing." CTBTO Preparatory Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 July 2016. "PAGE 6: NUCLEAR TESTING: 1945-2009." CTBTO Preparatory Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 July 2016. "Overview of the Verification Regime." : CTBTO Preparatory Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2016. "Nuclear Weapons Timeline." International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2016. "Treaty Banning Nuclear Tests In The Atmosphere, In Outer Space and in Underwater (Partial Test Ban Treaty) (PTBT)." NTI. Nuclear Threat Initiative, 26 Oct. 2011. Web. 25 July 2016. Parashar, Sachin. "China Contradicts NPT Consensus by Supplying Nuclear Reactors to Pakistan: Report - Times of India." The Times of India. Indiatimes, 31 July 2016. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. Snyder, Susi. "Nuclear Weapons Are Scary — But We Can Do Something About Them." The Huffington Post . The World Post, 13 May 2016. Web. 15 July 2016. "United Nations, Main Body, Main Organs, General Assembly." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 25 July 2016. <http://www.un.org/en/ga/first/>. "Nuclear Weapons – UNODA." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 27 July 2016.

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Topic B: Border Security in the Middle East

Overview:

Conflicts in the Middle East have lasted well over a decade. With this, country borders in the Middle East have become destabilized and dangerous with terrorist groups taking control of these borders. Governments like Iran and Pakistan have been losing control over their borders, unable to fend off terrorists who can come in and out of the country. These terrorists can commit murderous attacks on citizens. Foreign country involvement has been discussed but is it really a good idea to get involved when it is not [your] fight? As for sovereignty, with the powerful states in the Middle East all competing with their different ideologies, it raises the issue of radical foreign policy that could include elimination of state boundaries or the escalation of conflict. With the rising situation regarding refugees, it is even more necessary that we do something about securing these borders. However, should we allow refugees become illegal immigrants somewhere or have them stopped from leaving? Borders are also considered as “mere artificial constructs” by some and might not even be the solution to controlling the situation in the Middle East.

Timeline: 1973 - The Yom Kippur War - On the holiest day in Judaism, Egypt and Syria take Israel by surprise when they attack in hopes of regaining land. However Israel retaliates and troops enter Syria before the UN can call for a ceasefire. In the aftermath of the war, even though Israel won, the victory came with many casualties. Border security was compromised during this event as the troops entered the borders without much trouble. 1985 - Israeli troops have to be withdrawn from Lebanon since they invaded in 1982. However they remain in a border “security zone”. The security zone was controlled by Israel Defence Forces and the South Lebanese Army (which is a militia group controlled and paid for by Israel). This was believed to be the best option to protect the Jewish settlements in northern Israel. The supporters of this zone hoped that “an Israeli presence

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on the ground … would deny terrorist groups access to the border and would reduce the threat of artillery fire against targets in Israel” (Luft). This zone was in effect for fifteen years and during that time, only two terrorist guerilla groups had gotten through the border into Israel. 2006 - This is one of the many examples when border posts were ambushed in the Middle East. Hamas terrorists from Gaza and Hezbollah operatives invade Israel and ambush border posts and patrol. They collectively killed 10 soldiers and kidnapped three. June 2014 - The Islamic State breaches the Iraq-Syria border. This is an example of a jihadist advance that further allows the IS to enter and take control of Iraq from Syria. Furthermore, this ensures that these two countries will be fighting the same war as conflicts have merged. December 2014 - The Islamic State destroys at least six Jordanian border posts. They started “on the Iraqi side of the Jordanian border in June” (Banco) and moved into border posts in Jordan. May 2016 - Libya imposes a blockade on the Libya-Tunisia border. This blocks the cross-border trade that Tunisia’s economy is reliant on.

Past UN/International Action:

Peacekeepers - 1957 When Egypt refuses to make peace with Israel, the UN sends peacekeepers to the

border along the Egypt-Israel border.

The Madrid Conference - 1991 This treaty, co-sponsored by the US and the Soviet Union, was for Arab countries

“to sign their own agreements with Israel” (BBC). The countries present were Jordan, Libya, Syria, Egypt and Israel. Eventually Jordan and Israel successfully made a peace treaty in 1994. In that settlement, Israel gives land in gets water rights in the region.

Camp David - 2000

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Compared to the Oslo Agreement in 1993, the issues of Palestinian border security, Jerusalem and refugees are discussed. The talks were between the Israeli prime minister and Palestine Liberation Organisation chair. While the negotiations were much more detailed, there was no agreement at the end. The failure only led to the Palestinian uprising starting again.

Current Situation:

Migrants Millions of people leave their native countries to find a better life elsewhere.

They’re determined to get to another country that would provide better resources and a more successful life. With the borders insecure and dangerous, these refugees face new problems trying to get to another country. However, when governments cannot regulate the borders, migrants can move freely through the borders but without a clear number of how many people need resources. Because of this, many people would end up in worse shape because other countries wouldn’t be prepared.

Illegal Activities When the borders aren’t secure, other illegal activities might also be taking place.

It makes for the perfect place for illegal arms smuggling and drug trafficking. Arms trafficking is extremely common in political turmoil areas and regions where the social, political and military instability allow for more movement.

The Islamic State Since the rise of the Islamic State, they have already captured much of the land

from northern Syria to central Iraq. Their main motive is establishing a caliphate, or their own government, made of only Sunni people. They want to achieve this by erasing borders from the Middle East and also targeting Shiite people for slaughter. The IS is a Sunni jihadist and extremist group that has already spread its ideology to those who become willing to fight with them against those that do not have the same beliefs. With the IS gaining more control over the Middle East, soon they will be able to take over many more borders. By then, it is unknown what they will do with so much land and so many people under their rule. When borders don’t matter to the IS, they are allowed to deploy men anywhere as they would enter freely. In addition, this means more equipment and more land, all of which are strategic advances for war.

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Possible Solutions

A possible solution would be to create or re-draw new borders. However, this would not solve the problem as a whole because the mere locations of borders are not the root cause for conflict. The UN could send peacekeepers to patrol the borders but countries believe that it is better to not get involved. We could, instead, urge the governments to train their military personnel to take care of the situation themselves. A more effective solution would be to have the countries with the strong military forces sign agreements to keep the peace. The main problem with this is how we could make it happen.

Bloc Positions:

Iran “Nearly 60% of the other side of [Iran’s] border is not controlled by the

neighboring country, and the border is in the control of terrorist elements” (as cited in Karami). The government is definitely concerned and wants to take back the control but is so far not doing anything for the borders. They are afraid of terrorist groups who have committed attacks which have killed Iranian civilians. There has been more action taken within the country, like preventing people from joining terrorist groups. They are also fighting in Syria for their religion, Islam.

US The US holds an interventionist stance, along with countries such as France, UK,

and other governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). They believe that regional instability only escalate unless the international community put military forces to step in and enforce the borders. The US had a long history of intervention and have sent countless troops to Middle Eastern countries.

Russia Russia carried out its first airstrikes on Syria in September of 2015. They have

been involved in trying to make peace in the Middle East, but not as much as the US.

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Pakistan Compared to the US, Pakistan hopes for a more peaceful solution to this problem.

Intervention is always a fuel for propaganda and it will complicate certain matters that countries needs to deal by themselves. Even greater chaos or disagreement among parties and governments can be caused if there was external intervention. Countries who have signed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) support this stance in order to ensure “the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries" (NAM)

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the best strategy for member states to achieve cooperation on a policy to address the situation?

2. What actions should country take first in order to make the borders more secure? 3. What are the primary issues? 4. How can countries monitor the borders? What can they do about the activities that

are taking place there?

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Sources Cited: AFP. "Tunisia-Libya Border Trade Will Resume 'very Soon': Tunisia." Middle East Eye. Middle East Eye, 5 May 2016. Web. 02 Aug. 2016. Banco, Erin. "ISIS Destroys At Least Six Border Control Stations On Jordan-Iraq Border." International Business Times. IBT Media Inc., 16 Dec. 2014. Web. 05 Aug. 2016. Black, Ian. "Isis Breach of Iraq-Syria Border Merges Two Wars into One 'nightmarish Reality'" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 18 June 2014. Web. 06 Aug. 2016. Brown, Derek. "Middle East Timeline: 2000." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 20 Sept. 2001. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. Hanson, Victor Davis. "Why Borders Matter — and a Borderless World Is a Fantasy." Los Angeles Times. N.p., 31 July 2016. Web. 5 Aug. 2016. Karami, Arash. "Iran Struggles with Border Security." Al-Monitor. Al-Monitor, 18 Feb. 2016. Web. 04 Aug. 2016. Luft, Gal. "Israel's Security Zone in Lebanon." Middle East Forum. The Middle East Forum, Sept. 2000. Web. 07 Aug. 2016. "Timeline of the Middle East Conflict." CIJA. CIJA, 14 Aug. 2015. Web. 4 Aug. 2016. Weaver, Frances. "Everything You Need to Know about ISIS." The Week. N.p., 5 July 2016. Web. 7 Aug. 2016. "Yom Kippur War." History. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 6 Aug. 2016.

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