LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dear Delegates,

We are incredibly proud and honoured to serve as the Executive Board for the
United Nations Security Council and to welcome you to the Model United
Nations Conference held by Delhi Public School, Indore.

The main purpose of this document is to enhance your understanding and

research about the topic, broaden your horizons, and expand the scope of the
debate. The agenda requires both theoretical and logical attention, and we urge
you to carefully read the document so that all delegates have a shared
understanding. Furthermore, please do not use this guide as a source of citations
in the committee, as it contains a mix of arguments and facts designed to
facilitate understanding.

We ask you to consider various aspects of closely related terminology, as small

differences may alter the meanings of certain arguments. We understand that the
agenda might seem a bit challenging, so feel free to email us with any doubts or
questions.

Lastly, remember this: Excellent research and excellent logic go hand in hand.

Happy Researching!
 SENSITIVITY STATEMENT

Given the agenda of the committee, the delegates will come across topics which
may be triggering and disturbing, including racism, sexism, homophobia, drug
abuse, and sexual abuse.

We understand that there may be actions taken in the committee that could be
sensitive to some marginalised groups. We ask that you remain considerate and
aware of any possible insensitive behaviours or speech. Delhi Public School,
Indore does not and will not tolerate any form of hate speech, including racism,
sexism, and homophobia. Delegates found guilty of any of the aforementioned
may face disciplinary action, including expulsion from the conference.

If you have any issues with the topics being discussed, please contact the
Executive Board as soon as possible. We will address any questions or concerns
you may have and allocate you to another committee if needed.
 UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

‘Dialogue On Strengthening International Legal Frameworks with

Special Emphasis on Russia-Ukraine’

COMMITTEE BACKGROUND

The United Nations Security Council was established after the Second World
War on October 24, 1945. It is the highest decision-making body of the United
Nations and has the unique ability to impose binding agreements on member
states and utilise force to restore peace when peaceful resolutions fail.
According to Article 23, Chapter 5 of the UN Charter, the Security Council is
responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the exclusive
authority to use force in response to acts of aggression, making it the final
option for addressing violence in the international community. As outlined in
the UN Charter, the Security Council seeks to resolve international conflicts
through diplomacy before resorting to intervention. Chapter VII of the Charter
grants the Council the authority to determine how to address conflicts that pose
threats to peace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression.

The Security Council consists of 15 members, including 5 permanent member

states and 10 non-permanent member states. The permanent Security Council
members, known as the P5, are the United States of America, the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the French Republic, the
Russian Federation, and the People's Republic of China. These countries were
selected from the Allied forces after the end of World War II and are the only
nations permitted as Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS) under the terms of the
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The non-permanent
members are elected for two-year terms by a ⅔ approval from the General
Assembly. GA Resolution 1991 (1963) requires that the members be elected or
broken down as follows: African Group, three seats; the Asia-Pacific Group,
two; the Eastern European Group, one; the Latin American and Caribbean
Group, two; and the Western European and Others Groups, two.

The UN Security Council requires 9 votes in favour and no votes against the P5
members to pass resolutions. The inability of a resolution to pass with any
‘against’ votes of the P5 member states is referred to as the veto power of the
P5. This is following Chapter VII: Action for Threats to the Peace, Breaches of
the Peace, and Acts of Aggression under the UNSC.

The current members of the UNSC from the P5 member states are known as the
veto power of the P5. This structure aims to balance power in the Security
Council by allowing any P5 member to prevent the adoption of any draft
resolution. A P5 member's abstention or absence on a substantive vote does not
veto it. While the majority of Security Council resolutions pass, this has
sometimes prevented three UN executive actions that even had major
international support. Despite potential claims of undemocratic processes, any
procedural reform would require the support of the Security Council, a
consistency since the formation of the United Nations in 1945. In committee,
any resolution that receives a vote against a P5 delegate will fail to pass.

Due to this procedure, delegates will need to formulate resolutions that work
with P5 members. However, P5 members will not receive any preferential
treatment from the Dias. Participating in the committee as a P5 Member does
not guarantee any delegate an award.

INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA

The seeds of the Russia-Ukraine crisis were sown in the breakup of the Soviet
Union in 1991. Ukraine, a former Soviet republic with deep cultural and
historical ties to Russia, gained independence. However, Russia, particularly
under President Vladimir Putin, has long viewed Ukraine within its sphere of
influence. This perceived loss of control fueled tensions, especially regarding
Ukraine's potential integration with the West.

In 2014, those tensions erupted. Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor

Yanukovych, was ousted by a popular uprising known as the Euromaidan
revolution. Russia responded by annexing Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula with a
majority ethnic Russian population, and covertly backing separatists in eastern
Ukraine's Donbas region. This sparked a brutal war that claimed over 14,000
lives in the following eight years. Despite attempts at a ceasefire through the
Minsk agreements, sporadic fighting and political manoeuvring kept the conflict
simmering.

Further inflaming tensions was Ukraine's desire to join NATO, a military

alliance seen by Russia as a direct threat to its borders. Russia demanded
guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO and that the alliance would roll
back its presence in Eastern Europe. The West refused, and in February 2022,
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The initial Russian assault aimed for a swift victory, targeting major cities like
Kyiv. However, they underestimated Ukrainian resolve and military capability.
Fierce resistance, bolstered by Western military aid, forced Russia to abandon
its initial plans. The war transformed into a grinding stalemate focused on the
Donbas region. Ukraine launched a counter-offensive, but neither side has
achieved a decisive advantage.

The human cost of the war is devastating. Millions of Ukrainians have been
displaced, with the country facing a massive humanitarian crisis. The war has
also had significant global repercussions. Disruptions to food supplies from
Ukraine, a major agricultural exporter, have triggered a global food crisis. The
war has also contributed to rising energy prices and economic instability
worldwide.

Looking ahead, the future remains uncertain. The war shows no signs of
immediate resolution, raising fears of a prolonged conflict that could destabilise
the region and potentially escalate further. Peace talks have yielded little
progress, and the spectre of a wider war involving other countries continues to
loom large.
 KEY TERMS

a. UN Charter: Signed on June 26, 1945, the Charter of the United Nations
is the foundational treaty of the United Nations intergovernmental
organisation.

b. Veto Power: This is the defined authority of the P-5 to eliminate any
draft resolution on the floor of the UNSC with one vote against it.

c. Permanent Member: The five member states who have been given the
status of consistent membership within the UNSC.

d. Non-Permanent Member: According to Article 23 of the UN Charter,

ten of the 15 Council members are elected by the General Assembly for
two-year terms on the Security Council.

e. Sanctions: Sanctions are enforcement mechanisms utilised by the

Security Council to further their goals. They can take the form of
economic sanctions, arms embargoes, travel bans, etc.

f. Security Council: One of the principal organs of the UN, the Security
Council has primary responsibility under the UN Charter for the
maintenance of international peace and security.

g. Peacekeeping Missions: UN peacekeeping missions are mandated by the

Security Council to provide security and political and peacebuilding
support to countries in conflict or post-conflict situations. They are
guided by the principles of consent of the host country, impartiality, and
non-use of force except in self-defence, defence of the mandate or
protection of civilians if so authorised by the Council.

HISTORY OF THE AGENDA

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has celebrated 30 years of
independence from the control of the Soviet puppet government that was
established during the Soviet Union. Ukraine celebrates its independence day on
August 24th to celebrate the overwhelming decision by the Ukrainian
Parliament in which there was a vote to exit the Soviet Union, with 92% of the
vote going to leaving the Soviet Union.

Although Ukraine has remained relatively neutral as far as its involvement in

the European political scape, recent advances from the Russian Federation have
pushed the neutral country to request the ability to join the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO). By joining NATO western powers such as the
United States, The United Kingdom, and France would be bound by treaty to
militarily support the former Soviet country if a war or armed conflict were to
break out. The shared border between Russia and Ukraine has led to tensions
rising between the two nations, particularly since the first attempt by Ukraine to
join NATO in 1992, due to Ukrainian leadership's push to join NATO. In 2008
Ukraine requested to be granted a membership action plan after President
George W.

Bush voiced support for Ukraine to be granted access and entry to NATO.
However, Ukraine was ultimately denied entry after France and Germany
eventually chose not to support the membership of Ukraine in NATO after
Russia voiced disdain for the invitation to NATO in 2008. Finally, the primary
reason that Russia has shown such severe opposition to Ukraine being granted
membership in NATO stems primarily from the fear of Western global
competitors being allowed to “set up shop” in a country that shares a border
with their own. This has led to a response from Western powers in recent times
to station NATO troops along the border of Poland to protect the border of the
closest neighbouring NATO member state.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

● Intensified Attacks: Russia launched a renewed assault on Kharkiv, a

major Ukrainian city, striking a crowded hardware store and killing at
least 16 civilians. This raises concerns about a potential escalation of
attacks on civilian targets.

● Stalemate on the Battlefield: Despite the renewed attack on Kharkiv, the

overall situation remains largely a stalemate. Both sides are entrenched
 with fortified positions, leading to a war of attrition with limited
territorial changes.

● Ukrainian Warnings: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

warned of a possible Russian offensive along Ukraine's northern border,
indicating the conflict could spread.

● Global Repercussions: The war continues to disrupt global food

supplies, with millions facing food insecurity. Additionally, the conflict
contributes to rising energy prices and economic instability worldwide.

● Donor Fatigue: While Ukraine has received significant military and

financial aid, there are concerns about "donor fatigue" as the war drags
on.

● Peace Talks Stalled: Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine haven't

yielded significant progress, making a swift resolution to the conflict
unlikely.

● Risk of Escalation: The ongoing stalemate and potential for wider

offensives raise the spectre of a wider war, potentially involving other
countries.

Shifting International Landscape:

● European Union: The EU is exploring ways to seize frozen Russian

assets and potentially use them to help Ukraine rebuild. This could strain
relations with Russia further.

● Finland and Sweden: Both countries are considering joining NATO,

which would significantly anger Russia and potentially alter the balance
of power in Europe.

● China: China's position remains ambiguous. While not openly supporting

Russia's invasion, they haven't condemned it either. China's stance could
significantly influence the long-term trajectory of the conflict.

Domestic Pressures:

● Russia: Sanctions and the war's human cost are causing economic strain
and social unrest within Russia. Putin's government is cracking down on
dissent, but the pressure might mount as the war drags on.
 ● Ukraine: The war has devastated Ukraine's infrastructure and economy.
The government is struggling to manage the humanitarian crisis and
maintain morale amongst the population.

Technological Advancements:

● Drones: Both sides are increasingly using drones for reconnaissance and
attacks. This could lead to a more high-tech war with unforeseen
consequences.

● Cyberwarfare: Cyberattacks continue to be a concern, with both sides

accusing each other of targeting critical infrastructure. The potential for a
wider cyberwarfare campaign remains a threat.

Unforeseen Events:

● Energy Crisis: The war has disrupted global energy supplies, leading to
rising prices. A further escalation or disruption could trigger a full-blown
energy crisis with cascading economic consequences.

● Accidents or Miscalculations: The risk of accidental military

confrontations or miscalculations leading to a wider war remains a
significant concern.

PAST UN SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION

The 2022 invasion of Ukraine is not the first instance of a military conflict
involving both Russia and Ukraine. In 2014, Russia began militarily backing a
pro-Russian separatist group in the Ukrainian region of Crimea. The annexation
of Crimea in 2014 led to heated tensions within the UN General Assembly itself
as well as in the Security Council due to the veto exercised by the Russian
Federation on the resolution that outlined the removal of Russian troops and
equipment from Crimea. Similarly, in 2022, an emergency meeting was held
upon the invasion of Ukraine on February 25, in which Russia once again
utilised its veto power to take action against a resolution with a very similar
goal to that of the 2014 vetoed resolution. The inability of the Security Council
to take action against the Russian Federation has called for the reevaluation of
the governance system set in place by the U.N Charter, and the mechanisms by
which the members of the Security Council are chosen.

BLOC POSITIONS

Western Bloc (United States, United Kingdom, France)

The Western Bloc, mainly consisting of NATO members, opposes the ongoing
conflict in Ukraine. Because of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's
commitment to defend any member state from an attack, the Western Bloc is
worried about Russia advancing beyond Ukraine into the NATO member state
of Poland. On the global stage, Western countries, especially those in the P5,
have taken strong opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Eastern Bloc (India and China)

The Eastern Bloc, which comprises India and China, has taken a neutral stance
on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both countries have engaged in
diplomatic talks with the Kremlin and have maintained a neutral position. They
have abstained from voting on resolutions in Security Council meetings related
to the conflict.

African Bloc

While some African nations, such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, have
expressed their condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, most African
countries have largely remained silent and neutral. In fact, over 23 African
nations abstained from the vote to remove Russia from the UN Human Rights
Council, with nine other nations outrightly voting against it. This can be traced
to African countries’ strong relationship with Moscow, as the former USSR
came to the aid of many African nations during the Cold War. Countries in this
bloc have to consider their history with Russia, but also their relation to Western
nations before taking a stance on the conflict.

Arab League
Arab regions’ stance on the conflict has been inconsistent: Starting by failing to
condemn Russia’s actions and even signalling a pro-Russia stance in the early
days of the invasion, there was a shift from certain Arab nations - Namely, the
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt - by taking part in the General
Assembly’s condemnation of Russia. Countries in the Arab League have strong
ties to Western countries but heavily rely on food supplies from Russia. Though
nations in the Arab League have mostly remained neutral in hopes of reaching a
swift conclusion, countries in this bloc need to be wary of Arab nations’ strong
ties and partnerships with Western countries.

Russian Federation

With the Russian Federation being a nation that is granted the right to utilise a
veto due to its membership of the Permanent 5, as well as being a member state
involved in the conflict at hand, the Russian Federation has taken a strong
stance against those who seek to interfere in what Russia views as a subject that
should not involve the UN. Due to the strong stance being adopted by the
Russian Federation, it is critical that diplomatic solutions be worked towards
rather than utilising the veto power.

STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Strengthening the international legal framework is imperative in fostering global

cooperation, ensuring accountability, and promoting peace and justice on a
worldwide scale. At its core, this framework provides a set of rules and norms
that govern the conduct of states and individuals in the international arena.
However, with the increasing complexities of modern challenges such as
climate change, terrorism, and cyber warfare, there is a growing recognition of
the need to enhance and adapt these legal mechanisms to effectively address
emerging threats.

One crucial aspect of strengthening the international legal framework involves

bolstering institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the
International Criminal Court (ICC). These institutions serve as pillars of justice
by adjudicating disputes between states and prosecuting individuals responsible
for grave international crimes, respectively. By providing avenues for peaceful
resolution and accountability, these institutions contribute to the maintenance of
international peace and security.

Moreover, enhancing cooperation among states through treaties and agreements

is essential for addressing transnational issues effectively. Multilateral
agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty exemplify the potential of international cooperation in
tackling shared challenges. By fostering mutual obligations and commitments,
these treaties create a framework for collective action, promoting stability and
sustainability on a global scale.

Furthermore, investing in mechanisms for compliance monitoring and

enforcement is vital for ensuring the effectiveness of international laws and
agreements. Strengthening the capacity of international organizations and
enhancing mechanisms for monitoring and reporting violations can deter
non-compliance and reinforce the rule of law. Additionally, promoting
education and awareness about international law can empower individuals and
communities to uphold their rights and hold governments accountable, further
reinforcing the foundations of a robust international legal framework.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What are effective ways that the UN Security Council can utilise funds
and resources to provide aid to those whose basic human rights are being
violated?

2. Are economic sanctions effective or are they inadvertently financially

crippling to innocent civilians within Russia who may not support the
conflict?
3. How can the UN Security Council work with pre-existing international
bodies, such as NATO, to take a holistic approach to the conflict between
Russia and Ukraine?

4. Should the UN Security Council advise that neighbouring nations as well

as the global west not intervene militarily in the conflict?

5. Should the UN Security Council consider doing away with the Permanent
Five members and the Veto Power?

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