Committee:The Disarmament and
International Security Committee (DISEC)
Agenda:Threats to International Peace
with Special Emphasis on the Middle East
and South Asia
Introduction to the committee:
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was created as the first
General Assembly at the signing of the UN Charter in 1945. DISEC was created in order
for there to be an international forum to discuss both issues of peace and security among
the international community. According to the UN Charter, the purpose of DISEC in the
General Assembly is to establish “general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of
international peace and security, including the principles governing disarmament and the
regulation of armaments.” Although DISEC cannot directly advise the Security Council’s
decision-making process, the fourth chapter of the UN charter explains that DISEC does
and can suggest specific topics for UNSC consideration. DISEC is also an institution of
the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), formally named in
January [Link] UNODA is concerned with disarmament at all levels—nuclear
weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and conventional weapons—and assists DISEC
through its work with the General Assembly to further disarmament initiatives. Often
referred to as the First Committee, DISEC deals with disarmament, global challenges,
and threats to peace that affect the international community, seeking out solutions to the
challenges in the international security regime. Presently, DISEC is focused most on
collective peace and security towards the main objective of disarmament internationally.
Landmark documents include Resolution 1, Resolution 1378, and special sessions on
disarmament where resolutions were adopted in 1978, 1982, and 1988.
Mandate and Powers of DISEC
DISEC's mandate spans several key areas:
a) Promoting Global Peace and Security: This involves addressing global security
threats, including interstate conflicts, terrorism, and cyber threats, thereby
contributing to the maintenance of international peace.
b) Developing Disarmament Protocols and Regulating Arms: DISEC plays a
crucial role in framing international disarmament norms, focusing on both nuclear
and conventional weapons. This includes efforts to curb the proliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and managing arms trade issues.
c) Addressing Threats to Peace and Finding Diplomatic Solutions: The
committee emphasizes diplomatic and political measures to prevent conflicts and
resolve existing ones, promoting peaceful solutions in accordance with
international law.
Despite its significant role, DISEC does not possess enforcement power. Its primary
function is advisory, offering recommendations to the UN General Assembly or the
Security Council, which then decide on actions to be taken.
Introduction to the Agenda: Threats to International Peace with Special Emphasis
on the Middle East and South Asia
The Middle East and South Asia represent a complex geopolitical landscape,
characterized by historical conflicts, political instability, and nuclear arms concerns.
These factors contribute to a precarious regional security environment, directly impacting
global peace.
Key Focus Areas
a)Territorial Disputes and Regional Conflicts: These include historical disputes
leading to protracted conflicts, affecting regional and global stability.
b)Nuclear and Conventional Arms Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons
and the escalation of conventional arms races in these regions raise significant
international security concerns.
c)Impact of Terrorism and Extremism: The rise of extremist ideologies and
terrorist activities in these regions poses a direct threat to international peace and
security.
d)Role of Major Powers in Regional Stability: The involvement of global powers,
their foreign policies, and alliances significantly influence the dynamics of
regional conflicts.
Current Relevant Wars and Conflicts
Syrian Civil War: This is an ongoing conflict that started in 2011 as part of the Arab
Spring, a wave of popular uprisings against authoritarian regimes in the region. The war
began when peaceful protests against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad were met with
violent repression by the security forces. The opposition soon took up arms and formed
various rebel groups, some of which were supported by foreign powers such as Turkey,
the United States, and some Arab states. Assad’s regime, on the other hand, received
military and financial assistance from Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite
militia. The war also attracted the involvement of extremist groups such as the Islamic
State (IS) and al-Qaeda, which sought to establish their own caliphates in parts of Syria
and Iraq. The war has been characterized by sectarian violence, human rights violations,
chemical weapons attacks, and humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations,
more than 500,000 people have been killed, 6.7 million have been internally displaced,
and 6.6 million have fled the country as refugees.
● Yemen Conflict: This is another ongoing conflict that started in 2014, when a
rebel group called the Houthis, who belong to a branch of Shiite Islam, seized
control of the capital Sanaa and other parts of the country. The Houthis claimed
that they were fighting against corruption and marginalization by the government
of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who fled to Saudi Arabia. In 2015, a
coalition of Arab states led by Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention to
restore Hadi’s government and counter the influence of Iran, which was accused of
supporting the Houthis. The coalition has conducted airstrikes and imposed a
blockade on Yemen, while the Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Saudi
Arabia and its allies. The conflict has also been complicated by the presence of
other actors, such as al-Qaeda, IS, and separatist movements in the south and east
of Yemen. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than
377,000 people killed, 85,000 children dead from starvation, 4 million people
displaced, and 2.5 million cases of cholera. Several efforts to broker a peace deal
have been unsuccessful, and the war continues to rage on.
● Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: This is a long-standing conflict that dates back to the
late 19th century, when the Zionist movement emerged to create a Jewish
homeland in Palestine, then under Ottoman and later British rule. The conflict
intensified after the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, following the United
Nations Partition Plan that proposed to divide Palestine into two states, one Jewish
and one Arab. The Arab states rejected the plan and invaded Israel, triggering the
first of several wars between Israel and its neighbors. The wars resulted in the
displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who became refugees in
neighboring countries or in the territories occupied by Israel, namely the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip. The conflict also involved various Palestinian groups,
such as the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which sought to establish an
independent Palestinian state through armed struggle and diplomacy. In 1993, the
Oslo Accords were signed, which envisioned a two-state solution based on mutual
recognition and land-for-peace principles. However, the peace process stalled due
to disagreements over the final status issues, such as the status of Jerusalem, the
borders, the settlements, the security, the water rights, and the right of return of the
refugees. The conflict has also witnessed periods of violence, such as the intifadas,
the suicide bombings, the rocket attacks, and the military operations.
● India-Pakistan Tensions: This is a long-standing conflict that dates back to the
1947 partition of British India, which established a Muslim-majority Pakistan and
a Hindu-majority India. The two countries have fought four wars over the disputed
territory of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region in the Himalayas, which is divided
by a de facto border called the Line of Control (LOC). Both countries claim the
entire region and have deployed nuclear weapons to deter each other. The conflict
has also involved various militant groups, some of which are supported by
Pakistan, that seek to liberate Kashmir from Indian rule or to merge it with
Pakistan. The conflict has caused numerous casualties, human rights violations,
and humanitarian crises on both sides of the LOC. Several attempts to resolve the
conflict through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and third-party
mediation have failed, and the conflict remains unresolved.
● Afghanistan Post-U.S. Withdrawal: This is a complex and evolving situation
that emerged after the U.S. withdrew its last remaining troops from Afghanistan
on August 30, 2021, following a 20-year war against the Taliban, a radical Islamist
movement that ruled the country from 1996 to 2001. The withdrawal was based on
an agreement signed by the U.S. and the Taliban in February 2020, which
stipulated that the Taliban would not allow any terrorist groups to operate from
Afghanistan and would enter into peace talks with the Afghan government.
However, the peace talks stalled and the Taliban launched a swift and sweeping
offensive that toppled the Afghan government and captured Kabul, the capital, on
August 15, 2021. The U.S. and its allies evacuated thousands of their citizens and
Afghan allies, but many were left behind. The Taliban declared the establishment
of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and formed an interim government that
excluded any representation from the former government, the opposition, or
women. The Taliban have faced resistance from some anti-Taliban forces, such as
the National Resistance Front in the Panjshir Valley, as well as protests from some
segments of the Afghan population, especially women and ethnic minorities, who
fear the loss of their rights and freedoms under the Taliban rule. The Taliban have
also faced challenges from the emergence of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province
(ISKP), a local affiliate of the global terrorist group, which has claimed
responsibility for several deadly attacks, including a suicide bombing at the Kabul
airport on August 26, 2021, that killed 13 U.S. service members and more than
170 Afghans. The international community has adopted a wait-and-see approach
towards the Taliban, calling for them to respect human rights, form an inclusive
government, and prevent terrorism. The U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions
and frozen the assets of the Afghan central bank, creating a severe economic and
humanitarian crisis in the country. The UN and other humanitarian agencies have
appealed for urgent assistance to avert a famine and a collapse of the health
system. The future of Afghanistan remains uncertain and precarious, with
implications for regional and global security
India-China tensions
India and China are two Asian giants that have a long history of border disputes and
strategic rivalry. The tensions between them have escalated in recent years, especially
after a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of at least
24 soldiers from both sides. The clash was triggered by India’s construction of a road
near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border that separates the two
countries in the Himalayan region. China accused India of violating its territorial
sovereignty and deployed thousands of troops and heavy equipment to the area. India
accused China of changing the status quo and encroaching on its territory. The two
countries have tried to resolve the conflict through diplomatic and military talks, but the
progress has been slow and the situation remains volatile. The conflict has also affected
other aspects of their bilateral relations, such as trade, investment, technology, and
regional cooperation. India has taken several steps to counter China’s growing influence
and assertiveness, such as banning Chinese apps, blocking Chinese telecom companies,
strengthening its ties with the US and other allies, and enhancing its military capabilities.
China has also taken measures to pressure India, such as supporting Pakistan, Nepal, and
other neighboring countries, increasing its presence and activities in the Indian Ocean,
and expanding its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region .
The conflict between India and China has implications for the regional and global order,
as both countries are nuclear-armed powers with large populations and economies. The
conflict also poses challenges and opportunities for other countries, such as the US,
Russia, Japan, and Australia, which have interests and stakes in the stability and security
of Asia. The conflict also affects the prospects and dynamics of multilateral forums, such
as the BRICS, the G-20, and the SCO, where India and China are both members. The
conflict also raises questions about the future of the international system, such as the role
and responsibility of the UN, the norms and rules of international law, and the balance
and cooperation between the major powers .
Current Relevant Countries and Their Actions/Policies
● Current relevant countries and their actions and policies towards each war: There
are many countries that are directly or indirectly involved or affected by the wars
or conflicts mentioned above, either as parties, allies, mediators, donors, or hosts.
Some of the current actions and policies of these countries towards each war are:
a) The Syrian Civil War: The main parties are the Syrian government, backed by
Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, and the opposition forces, supported by Turkey, the
United States, and some Arab states. The war also involves other actors, such as
the Islamic State, the Kurdish forces, and various militias and factions. The main
actions and policies of these parties include military operations, diplomatic
negotiations, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction efforts. However, the
war remains unresolved and the humanitarian and environmental situation remains
dire.
b) The Yemen Conflict: The main parties are the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, and
the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The
conflict also involves other actors, such as al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and
separatist movements. The main actions and policies of these parties include
airstrikes, ground attacks, peace talks, humanitarian aid, and environmental
restoration. However, the conflict continues to rage on and the humanitarian and
environmental crisis worsens.
c) The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The main parties are Israel and the Palestinian
Authority, which represents the West Bank, and Hamas, which controls the Gaza
Strip. The conflict also involves other actors, such as the United States, the
European Union, the United Nations, and the Arab League. The main actions and
policies of these parties include security measures, settlement activities, rocket
attacks, peace initiatives, economic cooperation, and environmental projects.
However, the conflict remains unresolved and the environmental and human rights
situation remains challenging.
d) The Afghanistan Post-U.S. Withdrawal Situation: The main parties are the
Taliban, which has taken over the country, and the anti-Taliban forces, which resist
their rule. The situation also involves other actors, such as the United States,
China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, and the United Nations. The main actions and
policies of these actors include evacuation, recognition, engagement, pressure,
support, and mediation. However, the situation remains uncertain and precarious,
and the environmental and security implications are unknown.
South Asia
● India: Prioritizes border security, counters Pakistan and China’s influence, and
navigates Afghanistan’s instability.
● Pakistan: Seeks strategic depth in Afghanistan, balances relations with China and
the U.S., and addresses India's regional policies.
Guide to Research and Preparation
Research Strategy
Understand the Background: Study the history and current status of conflicts in the
Middle East and South Asia.
Analyze Country Policies: Research the foreign policies of key countries within
these regions, focusing on their involvement in conflicts.
International Relations Theories: Apply theories like realism, liberalism, or
constructivism to understand state behaviors.
Role of International Organizations: Examine the influence of the UN, NATO, and
other relevant organizations.
Key Areas to Research
● Historical Context: Delve into the root causes of ongoing conflicts.
● Recent Developments: Stay updated with current events and diplomatic efforts.
● Country Profiles: Understand the internal and external policies of countries
involved in these conflicts.
● UN Resolutions and International Law: Study relevant UN resolutions and
international laws governing conflict and security.
Resources
● Academic journals focusing on international relations and security studies.
● Official UN documents and reports.
● News outlets with international coverage.
● Books on regional politics and conflict analysis.
Preparation Tips
● Develop a clear understanding of your assigned country's position and policies.
● Practice diplomatic language and resolution drafting.
● Engage in simulations and debates to hone negotiation skills.
Sample Position Paper
Committee: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Country: Dominion of Canada
Agenda: Fragility and Instability in Africa and the Middle East Affecting the Security of the
Alliance.
Canada has been one of the founding member NATO and has remained one since [Link] is
unwavering in its commitment to the NATO Alliance, to the defense of Euro-Atlantic security,
and to the rules-based international order. To combat the agenda at hand, Canada has been
taking several steps which include increased defense spending and making significant
contributions to NATO's missions in the Middle East. Canada is also providing humanitarian
assistance and development aid to Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Additionally, Canada is
assisting NATO's efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden, where Canada has assisted this
effort with naval support through HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Fredericton. At a national level
Canada has taken initiatives like providing gender-responsive humanitarian assistance to the
most vulnerable conflict-affected populations in Syria,Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon and committing
over $1.5 billion over six years (2016-2022) to these projects. Also Canada’s Middle East
engagement strategy includes promoting security and stabilization which involves working with
experienced partners on the ground including non-governmental organizations, the International
Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and UN agencies.
The Middle East and African region grapples with multifaceted challenges that significantly
impact regional stability and global security. Canada identifies the following key elements
contributing to the instability which are protracted conflicts that are fuelled by ethnic, religious
and political divides, terrorism and extremism which poses severe threats to peace and security
in the region and beyond, socio-economic inequalities, governance and political instability which
is caused by the weak governance structure, corruption and political volatility, and lastly scarcity
and competition of resources like oil, minerals and water. All these have led to the rise of
terrorism, making the MENA region a fertile ground for the rise of terrorist groups such as ISIS
and al-Qaeda. Also By the end of 2022, the Middle East and North Africa hosted 2.4 million
refugees, 12.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 251,800 asylum seekers and 370,300
stateless persons which has increases the scale of migration crisis that puts a strain on NATO
member states and has created new security challenges, which is followed by increased spread of
weapons of mass destruction.
Canada's national interests in the Middle East and Africa are to promote stability, humanitarian
value, counterterrorism and extremism mitigation, and sustained diplomatic efforts. In short,
Canada seeks to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region through a combination of
humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, and diplomatic [Link] Canada
proposes the following solutions.
1) Develop strategies and frameworks for continued diplomatic engagement, including
regional dialogue platforms, to address political grievances and foster long-lasting
stability.
2) Initiate initiatives to ensure transparent resource governance and robust dispute
resolution mechanisms which are crucial in preventing conflicts driven by resource
disputes.
3) Address and assess the root causes of instability in the MENA region such as weak
governance, resources scarcity and economic inequality and collaborate with the
international community to work to ensure a long-term commitment for conflict
resolutions.
4) Support the regional partners in their efforts to address the security challenges posed by
instability and fragility in the MENA region. This could include providing military
assistance, training, and intelligence sharing.
5) NATO should work further to develop initiatives like the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative,
after assessing the benefits of this current initiative to include more regional partners in
this initiative, to work together to ensure peace and stability in the MENA region.
References:
1) [Link]
nales/mena-moan/[Link]?lang=eng [Canada's Middle East engagement
strategy]
2) NATO - Topic: Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) [Istanbul Cooperation Initiative]
3) [Link]
nales/nato-otan/[Link]?lang=eng [Canada and Nato]
Sample Draft Resolution
Draft Resolution 1.1
Committee:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Sponsor: Dominion of Canada, The United States of America, The United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
Signatories: Federative Republic of Brazil, Republic of Panama, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Republic of Costa Rica, The Argentine Republic, The Republic of Chile, The Republic of
Ecuador, Jamaica, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Oriental Republic of Uruguay,
Belize, The Commonwealth of Australia, The Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic
Republic, Republic of India, The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, The Republic of
Singapore, The Republic of Indonesia,
The General Assembly,
Guided by the United Nations Charter,
Expressing concern about the links between illicit drug trafficking and other forms of
organized crime, such as money-laundering, corruption, terrorism, and human trafficking,
as well as their negative impact on security, development, human rights, and the rule of
law,
Welcoming the initiatives of some Member States to conduct research and analysis on the
impacts of legalizing or decriminalizing drugs on public health, safety, justice , and
human rights, as well as on the drug market dynamics and the activities of organized
criminal groups,
Emphasizing the need for further dialogue and cooperation among Member States to
exchange best practices, lessons learned, and challenges faced in implementing different
drug policy models, with a view to enhancing their effectiveness and coherence,
Expressing profound apprehension regarding the imperative of implementing a
comprehensive array of measures encompassing social, educational dimensions to
safeguard minors and adolescents from the unlawful utilization of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances,
Reiterating the importance of closely examining successful case studies based on
evidence regarding the legalization and decriminalization of drugs to extract valuable
insights and lessons learnt that can inform global strategies in addressing the impact of
drug policy changes on organized crimes,
Deeply concerned with the human rights violation, discrimination that takes place against
women due to illicit drug trade and recognises the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women to reduce the discrimination against women
while receiving medical assistance or treatments related to drug addiction,
Reaffirming the commitment to international conventions and treaties aimed at
combating transnational organized crimes and trafficking , while also exploring
innovative approaches that align with the evolving landscape of drug policy and criminal
activities,
Reaffirming the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances,
1) Suggests willing member states to engage in rigorous and comprehensive
research to assess the potential impact of drug legalization and decriminalization
on both transnational and national crimes within their respective jurisdictions in
accordance to guidelines below:
a) member states should adopt a holistic approach in their research, covering a wide
range of crimes that are but no limited to, transnational crimes, national crimes
like organized crimes and interdependencies and linkages between transnational
organized crimes,
b) nations should collaborate closely with all relevant international organizations,
research institutions and experts specialized in criminology, law enforcement,
drug policy reform and other relevant actors during their research endeavor,
c) the research team for this research should include researchers that will specialize
and bring their training in fields of statistics, legal studies, anthropology,history,
psychology, political science who will work together for purpose of researching,
conducting statistical analysis and developing summaries;
2)Requests member states to submit report summary every 6 month interval on their
research findings regarding the impact of drug decriminalization on transnational and
national crimes to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC);
3)Further requests UNODC to compile and disseminate a comprehensive report on the
best practises, challenges, lessons learned from member states’ research efforts in this
domain in order to assist countries obtaining relevant resources they may require to make
necessary decisions;
4) Suggests member states to establish a local comprehensive mechanisms for
collecting data to assess and evaluate the impact of decriminalizing recreational drugs
locally on transnational and national organized crime, this system should include
quantitative indicators such as crime rates, drug-related arrests, and seizures of illicit
substances, as well as qualitative analysis of changes in law enforcement focus and
criminal modus operandi;
5)Further suggests member states for formation of national advisory committee
specializing in illicit drugs and organized crimes, a body composed of relevant
government officials, ministries , prosecutors and law representatives from the law
enforcement community which will be created with aim to identify issues and have
responsibilities that are but not limited to:
a) identifying issues and policy priorities related to the problem of organized
crime, with special emphasis upon impact of decriminalization of certain,
specific drugs on the organized and transnational crime groups in their
country and the illicit drug market,
b) monitoring the impacts of the decriminalization drugs throughout the
country and make policy recommendations based on the
resources,statistics, data available and provide information to help in
developing policies and refining operations to enhance intervention,
suppression and prevention efforts to combat transnational and organized
crimes dependent on the illicit drug market,
c) advising the relevant ministries on development, coordination and
implementation of policies, legislation and programs aimed at combating
organized crimes and other unknown unpredictable factors that might be
induced with the effect of decriminalizing drugs,
d) submitting regular reports to the relevant ministry under which the
advisory committee is formed , which will include updates on the
condition of the organized crime groups and its overall impact on the
criminal landscape,
e) determining the most prevalent transnational crime in that country and
assess whether legalization or decriminalization of drugs will effectively
weaken the linkage of criminal activity in their country, which are but
limited to human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking et cetera,
f) the function, mandate and power of this advisory body will be set
according to the legislation, jurisdiction of each specific country forming
it and their ministries;
6)Calls upon nations to arrange various awareness and education programs to
spread awareness about the usage of drugs in their country with special emphasis
to target the young people, parents, students from various educational institutions
and other vulnerable group who are in risk to get addicted to drugs and take
actions which can be but not limited to:
a) strengthening education and awareness programs by promoting and
hosting both online and physical factual balanced campaigns that will
focus on spreading the positive aspects of drug-free living, such as
improved health, academic achievement, and relationships and then
promote them through official government websites, new channels,
television and other social media websites,
b) collaborating and seeking assistance from World Health Organisation
(WHO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to arrange
these campaigns about spreading awareness about drugs usage, ways to
overcome drug addiction,how to seek help for drug dosage and other
related problems that may occur due to the decriminalization of drugs in
their country;
7)Requests the World Health Organisation, the international community, and
Non-governmental Organizations to work for ensuring proper access to health
care, and as well as solidify and enhance community efforts to rehabilitate and
assist the people affected by substance use disorder which can be done by means
including, but not limited to:
a) governments putting up further efforts to ensure a free and safe
environment for the people affected by substance use disorder in hospitals
that would be dedicated to treating the psychological conditions and
addiction,
b) governments taking and imposing strong and strict actions against medical
officers who are reported on discriminating people affected by substance
use disorder,
c) government taking actions to create a safe environment in medical sectors,
so that the patients can seek help effortlessly, without being afraid of the
legal consequences;
8)Urges governments to collaborate with the World Health Organisation ,United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to develop harm
reduction strategies that can help to reduce the negative consequences of drug use
and plan to provide treatment and rehabilitation services to the people affected by
substance use disorder by taking following actions which are but not limited to,
a) developing strategies that can include needle exchange programs, safe
injection sites, and overdose prevention education and make them
accessible to people of all age,race and gender,
b) provide access to treatment and rehabilitation services to people who are
struggling with drug addiction and have access to treatment and
rehabilitation services, furthermore these services should be confidential if
the patient desires, and affordable, and they should be tailored to the
individual's needs,
c) collaborating with The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
Empowerment of Women(UNW) to develop strategies and mechanisms to
help women who also require medical attention to overcome problems
related to drugs.