Daulat Ram College
Model United Nations
Conference 2024
United Nations Security Council
Letter from The Executive board
Greetings,
We welcome you to the UNSC, in the capacity of the members of the executive board of the said
conference. Since this conference shall be a learning experience for all of you, it shall be for us as
well. Our only objective shall be to make you all speak and participate in the discussion, and we
pledge to give every effort for the same.
How to research for the agenda and beyond? There are several things to consider. This
background guide shall be different from the background guides you might have come across in
other MUNs and we will emphasize more on providing you sources where you find matter for
your research than providing you matter itself, because we do not believe in spoon-feeding you,
nor do we believe in leaving you to swim in a pond all by yourself. Therefore, we shall, at various
points in the background guide provide links to research articles that you are supposed to read.
However, we promise that if you read the entire document whose links are so provided, you shall
be able to cover 70% of your research for the conference. The remaining amount of research
depends on how willing are you to put in your efforts and understand those articles and/or
documents. So, in the purest of language we can say, it is important to read anything and
everything whose links are provided in the background guide.
What to speak in the committee and in what manner? The basic emphasis of the committee shall
not be on how many facts you read and present in the committee but how you explain them in
simple and decent language to us and your fellow members of the committee.
The entire conference aims at analyzing your understanding of the agenda and not how much you
have studied. So, kindly focus upon analysis and explanation, because we are interested in
knowing how much you know, and remember that you will know only if you have read and
worked.
We wish you all the very best and feel free to ask doubts if any.
Thank You and Regards.
Adarsh Kumar Singh (President -
UNSC)
[email protected] Important Points
1. Information contained in this research brief does not possess any evidentiary
value, nor does it qualify as proof of the occurrence/non-occurrence or
existence/ non- existence of any fact. The brief is meant only to provide the
participants with a modicum of information upon which further research can be
built and does not in any manner whatsoever reflect the views or political
leanings of the President, Vice-President or Rapporteur. They shall at all points
in time maintain neutrality and do not have any political affiliations.
2. There would be a Zero Plagiarism policy followed by the Executive Board for
all written communications (Chits, Documents, etc). Kindly note, however use
of citations would not qualify as plagiarism and would thus be permissible.
3. The Executive Board shall be open to only 5 types of documents for marking
purposes
(none of them are compulsory to submit) -
a. Working Papers
b. Plan of Actions
c. Press Release/Joint Statements
d. Draft Resolutions
4. Link to official UNAUSA Rules of Procedures -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/158xnrNSNpRbGzLFhPmxwO00xmqabRXl0/view?u
sp=sharing
About the Committee
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was established on 24th October 1945,
when the UN Charter came into effect. It is one of the six principle organs of the
United Nations, and the only one that has the authority to issue binding resolutions.
Its mandate includes working to ensure international peace and security, as well as
recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and
approving changes to the UN Charter. The UNSC is made up of fifteen member
states: the five permanent members, who have power of veto over all resolutions, and
ten other members which are elected for two year terms with five elected each year.
The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and
the United States of America. Since its establishment, the extent to which the UNSC
has been able to take measures in the name of ensuring peace and security has been
strongly influenced by the relations between the five permanent members.
During the Cold War efforts were often deadlocked by the rivalry between the Soviet
Union and the Western capitalist powers, with some notable exceptions such as the
resolution of June 1950 which called for assistance in repelling the invasion of
southern by northern Korea. The first UN peacekeeping force was also established
in this period, in response to the Suez Canal crisis in November 1956. The period
after the fall of the Berlin Wall saw a huge increase in activity by the UN Security
Council, as previously existing rivalries and power dynamics were destabilized. The
number of resolutions adopted increased two fold, however this period of activity was
not without controversy: the UN’s intervention in the former Yugoslavia was widely
criticized as ineffective in the face of its failure to prevent numerous atrocities from
taking place. Subsequently further controversy emerged after revelations of abuses by
UN peacekeepers on missions in countries such as the Central African Republic and
Haiti.
About the Agenda
In the context of this MUN, this document focuses on the UNGA committee,
specifically addressing the pressing issue of preventing nuclear proliferation in the
Middle East.
Currently, the world houses an estimated 14,500 nuclear weapons, with Israel
possessing a notable 80, having refrained from signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT). This refusal contradicts global efforts aimed at eradicating nuclear
warfare. The Middle East, already marked by conflicts and corruption rooted in
differing religious beliefs, witnesses enduring rivalry between Israel and Iran, posing
significant threats to nuclear proliferation. The historical struggles between these
nations, beginning in 1979, have been a cause for concern.
Further complicating the situation is the recent withdrawal of the United States from
the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Deal.
This decision has disrupted regional stability, exemplified by Saudi Arabia's pledge to
develop its nuclear capabilities if prompted by Iran. This scenario accentuates the
imminent threat of an arms race in the Middle East, as countries seek to defend
themselves from potential attacks.
Various factors contribute to the complexity of limiting nuclear proliferation in the
Middle East. Israel's clandestine nuclear program, Iran's resistance to complying with
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, and the intricate nature of
regional conflicts, exacerbated by strained relations between neighboring countries,
make this task challenging. Moreover, the risk of terrorist groups stealing nuclear
materials from borders amplifies the global stakes, necessitating immediate solutions
to prevent the escalation into a full-fledged nuclear war.
Given the urgency of the situation and its alignment with the mandate of the
Disarmament and International Security committee, swift and effective resolutions are
imperative to address these challenges and prevent a potential crisis.
Definition of Key Terms
Arms race
An arms race is a competition between nations rivalling for dominance in the
development, accumulation, and deployment of weapons. An arm race usually results
in high tensions and strained political relations between countries and also undermines
military stability, most notably the Cold War (1947-91) between the United States and
the former Soviet Union. It is uncertain whether an arms race is either the symptom
or cause of war.
Nuclear Proliferation
Nuclear proliferation is a term used to describe the spreading of nuclear material,
nuclear technology or fissile material to states that do not previously own them. These
are generally the states that are not recognised as "Nuclear Weapon States" by the
Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT.)
Middle East
A transcontinental region from Libya E. to Afghanistan, usually including Egypt,
Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the other
countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
Nuclear Weapons
Weapons that source energy through fission or fusion of the atomic nuclei to create a
large explosion. They are extremely destructive in nature and have only been used
twice in warfare - in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (NWFZ)
A nuclear-weapon-free zone (NWFZ) is a specified region in which countries pledge
themselves not to manufacture, obtain, test, or possess nuclear weapons. Five such
zones exist today, with four of them traversing the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
According to the UNODA, the NPT is a landmark international treaty whose
objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to
promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of
achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. The Treaty
represents the only binding commitment in a multiparty treaty to the purpose of
disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. It opened for signature in 1968 but
entered into force in 1970. A total of 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the
five nuclear-weapon States. More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms
limitation and disarmament agreement, which is an indication of the treaty’s
significance.
IAEA safeguards
To further the objective of non-proliferation and as a confidence-building measure
between States parties, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) establishes a
safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). Safeguards are needed to verify compliance with the Treaty through
inspections led by the IAEA. They prevent the alteration of fissile material for
weapons use.
Nuclear Fuels
Radioactive materials used as fuel in nuclear reactors to sustain a nuclear chain
reaction. These fuels are fissile, and the most common nuclear fuels are the
radioactive metals uranium-235 and plutonium-239.
Background Information
Understanding the roots of animosity between Middle Eastern countries requires
delving into the historical context of the issue. In addition to Israel, at least six other
nations in the region have previously shown interest in developing nuclear weapons,
albeit unsuccessfully. Egypt, Iraq, and Libya cite security concerns and a surge in
nationalism as driving factors behind their attempts. Their apprehensions are
exacerbated by Israel, which currently holds a nuclear monopoly in the region.
Deteriorating Relations Between Neighboring Nations
Israeli-Iranian tensions have escalated, marked by a series of violent exchanges
involving airstrikes and missiles since January 2019. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu has asserted that Israel conducted numerous attacks in Syria in recent years
and intends to intensify its efforts following the planned U.S. troop withdrawal from
the region. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammed Javad Zarif, accused
Israel of "adventurism" through its bombing campaigns in Syria and did not rule out
the possibility of military conflict between the two nations.
US Withdrawal from the Iran Deal
The preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is vital for
maintaining peace in the Middle East, as emphasized by Iranian President Hassan
Rouhani. He stated that Iran reduced its compliance with the deal in response to the
U.S. withdrawal. The repercussions are immense, as Iran is no longer bound by the
deal's terms, including limitations on nuclear proliferation. Consequently, if Iran opts
to develop nuclear weapons, three Middle Eastern countries could attain the status of
'nuclear power,' heightening concerns for nations both within and beyond the region.
Non-Compliance with IAEA Safeguards in Countries like Iran
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a total of eight
significant cases of non-compliance, with Iran being arguably the most intricate. The
IAEA expanded its inspection program in Iran after discovering evidence suggesting
the country's pursuit of nuclear weapons, a violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty ratified in 1970. Although Iran suspended this aspect of its program in 2003,
international observers remain skeptical of its nuclear activities, despite the country's
continuous claims of compliance with international agreements.
Preventing Nuclear Materials from Falling into Wrong Hands
Various terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, Chechnya-based separatists, Lashkar-e-
Taiba, and Aum Shinrikyo, have demonstrated an interest in acquiring nuclear
weapons. Al-Qaeda, in particular, is known to illegally procure stolen nuclear materials
for bomb-making purposes. According to the 9/11 Commission of 2004, "Al Qaeda
has tried to acquire or make nuclear weapons for at least ten years... and continues to
pursue its strategic goal of obtaining a nuclear capability." Nuclear terrorism poses a
significant threat to global security and must be averted at all costs.
Relevant Treaties and Events
Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT): The NPT has undoubtedly played the
largest role in establishing peace in this region as it is ratified by every country in the
Middle East except for Israel. This means that a majority of the states are now making
peaceful use of nuclear material instead of using and producing nuclear weapons.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: It is aimed at the denuclearisation of the
world but is yet to be ratified by eight states which include Israel, Iran and Egypt.
It is important to note that countries that have ratified it are adhering to its ban on
nuclear testing.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): This treaty serves as another
exemplar of how to limit nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. Its objective was
to ensure that Iran cut down on its uranium stockpile by lengthening the time taken
for Iran to gain access to any nuclear material. However, with the US withdrawal
from what is known as the Iran deal – the country has now declared that they will
restart their previous nuclear activities which were stopped under the framework of
the nuclear deal.
Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): The TPNW outlaws
the deployment of fissionable missiles on land. Although the treaty is not yet in
force, it is a step taken in the right direction.
Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle
East: This resolution reaffirms the previous resolutions while further exploring the
ways and means of establishing a NWFZ in the Middle East.
The risk of Nuclear Proliferation the Middle East: The most recent
resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 5th December, 2018 that urges all
parties directly concerned to take the necessary and urgent steps towards nuclear
non-proliferation.
Previous Attempts to solve the Issues
The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle-East has existed since the late-20th
century.
Thus, over the years, manifold attempts have been made to resolve this pertinent
issue. The success of these efforts can be seen by the majority of states that have
publicly acknowledged the need for nuclear non-proliferation.
In the last few years, the formation of the NPT has proven to be the most significant
approach to solve the problem at hand. It currently has the largest number of
members of any arms control agreement and it is the only nuclear non-proliferation
treaty that is globally accepted. However, within the Middle East itself, apart from the
obvious exception of Israel, there is evidence of countries neglecting the terms of the
treaty. Iran, for example, is still believed to possess nuclear arsenal almost thirteen
years after being called out internationally by the UNSC for its non-compliance with
its NPT Safeguards Agreement obligations.
Another example of an approach taken to limit nuclear proliferation in this region is
the urging of Israel to ratify the NPT by the UN. However, expecting Israel to suddenly
change its policy of ambiguity and turn over a new leaf is extremely unrealistic because
this solution fails to tackle the main issue at hand; the incentives provided for other
Middle Eastern states to build a nuclear weapon. Secure and peaceful relationships
between these neighbouring states built on mutual trust is crucial for limiting nuclear
proliferation in the Middle East.
Possible Solutions
The first step towards resolving this predicament is to encourage non-NPT states to
participate more willingly in the non-proliferation regime. This can be done by
supporting regional efforts for confidence building via regional bodies in relations to
nuclear demilitarization.
Transparency also needs to be increased to mitigate any corruption that is prevalent
in the Middle Eastern countries by ensuring that there is a security presence on site
during removal and decontamination of remaining materials after the abandonment
of a nuclear facility. Better utilization of technology, such as tracking systems, will help
protect nuclear material from being stolen by criminal groups – especially while it is
being transported.
By offering incentives, Iran can also be encouraged to be more cooperative during
IAEA inspections. Furthermore, attempts must be made to uphold the JCPOA by
either supporting the EU in their efforts to create a resolution to tackle the Iran
Nuclear Deal Framework or by encouraging all states to consider the removal of
embargoes previously placed on Iran.
Lastly, another important aspect to consider is anti-nuclear campaigns as there should
be increased awareness in the Middle Eastern states that are in possession of uranium
enrichment facilities to change their practice towards peaceful reasons, promoting the
usage of clean nuclear energy which can be used for water desalinating in developing
nations.
LINKS TO RESEARCH
1.
“ArmsControlToday.”IranThreatenstoBreachNuclearDeal|ArmsControl Association,
www.armscontrol.org/act/2019-06/news/iran-threatens-breach-nuclear-deal.
2.
“MIDDLEEASTNUCLEARPROLIFERATION,TERRORISTACQUISITIONOF
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AMONG ISSUES ADDRESSED, AS
FIRST COMMITTEE APPROVES 12 TEXTS | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.”
United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/press/en/2006/gadis3333.doc.htm.
3.
Beaumont,Peter.“IsraeliMilitaryStrikesIranianTargetsinsideSyria.”TheGuard ian, Guardian
News and Media, 21 Jan. 2019,
www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/21/israeli-military-strikes-iranian-targ ets-inside- syria.
4.
“ReducingtheGreatestRisksofNuclearTheft&Terrorism.”AmericanAcademy ofArts &
Sciences, www.amacad.org/publication/reducing-greatest-risks-nuclear-theft-terroris m.
5.
“IrantoRestartSomeNuclearActivityinResponsetoU.S....”Reuters,Thomson
Reuters, 6 May 2019,
www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-actions/iran-to-restart-some-
nuclear-activity-in-response-to-us-withdrawal-from-nuclear-deal-idUSKCN1 SC1FP .
6.
“ComprehensiveNuclear-Test-BanTreaty(CTBT)–UNODA.”UnitedNations, United
Nations, www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/ctbt/.
7. “World Nuclear Weapon Stockpile.” Ploughshares Fund, 29 Apr. 2019,
www.ploughshares.org/world-nuclear-stockpile-report.
