UNGA: Combating Terrorism with Special Emphasis on State-Sponsored
Terrorism and Statelessness
1. Overview of the Committee's Purpose and Structure
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the largest deliberative body of the United
Nations, consisting of all 193 Member States. It plays a vital role in addressing global
challenges, including peace, security, and sustainable development. Though UNGA resolutions
are non-binding, they reflect the collective will of the international community and influence the
global discourse on critical issues.
In the context of combating terrorism, the UNGA works alongside specialized bodies such as the
UN Security Council, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), and the United Nations Office
of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). Its purpose is to foster international collaboration in defining
policies, ensuring compliance with international law, and promoting peace.
The structure of the UNGA includes plenary sessions and committee meetings. The plenary
sessions, where all Member States can speak, discuss broad topics related to international peace
and security. Thematic committees, such as the First Committee (Disarmament and International
Security) and the Sixth Committee (Legal), tackle specific aspects related to terrorism and state
sovereignty. Delegates are expected to participate actively in formal and informal sessions,
present position papers, draft resolutions, and engage in debate to build consensus.
2. Agenda Topics
a. Combating Terrorism with Special Emphasis on State-Sponsored Terrorism
State-sponsored terrorism is the practice of governments providing support—whether financial,
logistical, or intelligence-related—to non-state actors involved in terrorism. Such actions
undermine international peace and destabilize regions, often leading to protracted conflicts. In
this agenda, delegates will explore the complex relationship between state sponsorship and
terrorism, identify states accused of such practices, and discuss ways to counteract and hold these
governments accountable under international law.
Key issues to address include:
Defining state-sponsored terrorism and its implications for global security.
Examining case studies where governments have been implicated in sponsoring
terrorism.
Establishing mechanisms for international accountability, such as sanctions, legal
frameworks, or military interventions.
Enhancing international cooperation to combat the financing of terrorism.
b. Statelessness and its Link to Terrorism
Statelessness refers to the condition of individuals who are not recognized as citizens by any
state. Stateless populations often face severe human rights abuses, lack access to basic services,
and are vulnerable to exploitation. In conflict zones, terrorist groups have exploited stateless
populations for recruitment, further exacerbating instability. This agenda will focus on how
statelessness, particularly in conflict-prone areas, contributes to the rise of terrorism, and how the
international community can address the root causes of statelessness and provide protection for
these vulnerable groups.
Key issues to address include:
Understanding the relationship between terrorism and statelessness, particularly in
conflict zones.
Analyzing existing international legal frameworks to protect stateless populations.
Addressing the long-term impacts of statelessness on regional and global security.
Proposing international initiatives to prevent and reduce statelessness.
3. Guidelines on How to Conduct Research
Effective preparation for this agenda requires thorough research on various aspects of state-
sponsored terrorism and statelessness. Below are key research steps:
1. Understand the Role of the UNGA and its Mandate on Terrorism:
Begin by exploring the UNGA's historical resolutions and actions taken in response to
global terrorism. Review resolutions such as the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
(A/RES/60/288) and the UNGA’s role in the adoption of the International Convention for
the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
2. Examine Your Country’s Position:
Delegates should investigate their assigned country’s stance on terrorism, particularly
regarding accusations of state-sponsored terrorism or its involvement in combating
terrorism. Understand how your country approaches the issue of statelessness, especially
if it is affected by refugee crises or internal conflicts that may lead to stateless
populations.
3. Study the Legal Frameworks and Key Treaties:
Key documents to review include the International Convention against the Taking of
Hostages, the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, the 1961
Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, and UN Security Council Resolutions
related to counter-terrorism (e.g., UNSCR 1373 and 2178).
4. Explore Case Studies:
Look into specific instances of state-sponsored terrorism, such as the alleged role of
certain states in supporting terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, the Taliban, or groups
involved in Middle Eastern conflicts. Examine regions facing high levels of statelessness
due to conflict, such as the Rohingya in Myanmar, the Kurds, and stateless Palestinians.
5. Consult Reports from International Bodies:
Utilize reports from organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for data on statelessness
and its intersection with terrorism.
6. Monitor Recent Developments:
Stay updated with recent news regarding terrorism, state sponsorship, and global efforts
to combat statelessness. Understanding current events will enhance your argumentation
during debates.
4. Sample Position Paper or Resolution
Sample Position Paper:
As the delegate of [Country Name], we recognize the need for international cooperation to
combat terrorism, particularly in cases of state-sponsored terrorism. [Country Name] supports
enhancing global intelligence-sharing mechanisms and economic sanctions against states that
support terrorist activities. Furthermore, we call for a comprehensive global framework to
address statelessness, including the creation of more robust mechanisms for stateless individuals
to acquire citizenship in host countries. As a nation affected by [mention any relevant stateless
groups or security threats], [Country Name] remains committed to collaborating with
international partners to combat these challenges.
Sample Resolution (Excerpt):
Resolution A/RES/2024 on Combating State-Sponsored Terrorism and Addressing Statelessness
The General Assembly,
1. Calls upon all Member States to strengthen national legislation to prevent financial and
logistical support to terrorist organizations.
2. Urges the establishment of an international task force to investigate and monitor state-
sponsored terrorism globally.
3. Encourages countries to ratify and implement the 1954 and 1961 Conventions on
Statelessness to protect the rights of stateless persons.
4. Recommends the adoption of a global action plan to reintegrate stateless populations,
with specific focus on refugee camps and conflict zones.
5. Rules and Procedures for the Committee Conference
The Model United Nations (MUN) follows formalized rules and procedures that mirror those of
the UNGA:
1. Roll Call: At the beginning of each session, the chair will call upon countries to declare
their presence as either “present” or “present and voting.” This declaration is important as
it affects voting procedures.
2. Setting the Agenda: Delegates will engage in debate to prioritize the order of agenda
topics. Once agreed, debate on the chosen agenda will begin.
3. Formal Debate: Delegates deliver speeches, raise points, and engage in structured
debate. Each delegate is allotted a specific speaking time, which can be extended or
shortened through motions.
4. Moderated Caucus: A moderated caucus allows for a more focused debate on a
particular issue. Delegates speak in turn, with time controlled by the chair, and
discussions tend to be more interactive.
5. Unmoderated Caucus: In this informal session, delegates break into smaller groups to
negotiate, form alliances, and draft resolutions. Unmoderated caucuses are crucial for
building consensus.
6. Drafting and Amending Resolutions: Delegates collaborate to draft resolutions that
reflect their positions on the agenda topics. These drafts can be amended during debate
and must be co-sponsored by a certain number of countries before being voted upon.
7. Voting: After debate concludes, delegates vote on resolutions and amendments. Voting
can be procedural (simple majority) or substantive (two-thirds majority, depending on the
rules of the MUN).
6. Tips for Effective Participation and Debate Strategies
Thorough Research: Be well-versed in your country’s policies, alliances, and historical
stance on the issues of terrorism and statelessness. Familiarity with relevant UN
resolutions and global events will enhance your ability to debate.
Build Alliances Early: During unmoderated caucuses, seek to build alliances with other
nations that share similar positions. Effective diplomacy and collaboration are key to
getting your resolutions passed.
Speak Confidently and Clearly: When presenting your position or engaging in debate,
articulate your points clearly and provide logical, well-supported arguments. Citing real-
world examples will strengthen your stance.
Propose Solutions, Not Just Problems: Focus on offering practical solutions in your
speeches and position papers. Propose initiatives that reflect your country’s values but are
also feasible within the international framework.
Engage Actively in Resolution Drafting: Collaborating on draft resolutions is a crucial
part of MUN. Ensure your country’s interests are represented in the final draft while also
making compromises to gain wider support.
Prepare for Negotiation: During unmoderated caucuses, be ready to negotiate and
compromise with other delegations to build consensus. Success in MUN often depends
on your ability to work diplomatically with other nations.
