Past Committees

Large Committees

DISEC

The First Committee of the General Assembly, Disarmament and Security (DISEC) deals with issues of international security. At CMUNC 2011, delegates in the DISEC committee will discuss security and disarmament situations that are currently taking place. The first topic relates to blood diamonds and conflicts in West Africa. The second topic is the development of a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East. If successful, setting up a NWFZ could ease a lot of tension within the middle east and allow for productive future peace negotiations on various matters. However, the challenge in setting this up is the pre-existing tensions and deficit of trust between nations of this region. The second topic is on the International Threat of Space Debris and multi- national cooperation in its safe removal. After years of private companies and governments launching satellites, Earth’ s orbit has become a dumping ground for space junk. There are countless dysfunctional or discontinued satellites which pose a threat to future space missions. Both China and the USA have demonstrated the capability of destroying satellites by ballistic missiles. But these moves have been interpreted a new arms race and heightened tension in the international community. Hence the rising problem of space debris also poses international security issues.

SPECPOL

The Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, Special, Political and Decolonization (SPECPOL) mainly deals with territorial disputes and problems pertaining to governments and other political systems. At this year’s CMUNC, we will be discussing a variety of topics focusing on politics and international territorial issues in several regions around the world. Our first topic will focus on the debate over the status of Puerto Rico, currently a part of the U.S. as a territory, and not a state. It will be up to the delegates of this committee to decide whether Puerto Rico should remain a territory, become a part of the U.S. as a state, or become an entirely independent Caribbean nation of its own. The second topic will be focusing on Palestinian refugees in and around the nation of Israel. As a result of conflicts in Israel in 1948 and 1967, many Palestinians were displaced from their homes. There are over 4 million refugees today, 1.4 million of which reside in refugee camps. Delegates will discuss how the United Nations Relief and Work Agency, together with other NGOs and governments, can improve the refugee situation. The third topic will be the problem of the Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa currently controlled by several different governments and groups including the Moroccan government, the Sahrawi National Liberation Movement, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Delegates will debate how the UN can help solve the conflict of governance in this region.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. In this committee we will be discussing three prevalent topics: humanitarian aid for Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic, the spread of Dengue fever in Latin America, and Preventing the Spread of HIV/AIDS. In the aftermath of 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010 that destroyed Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, many Haitians fled their home country seeking refuge and supplies in the neighboring Dominican Republic. The committee will seek to discuss if the refugees are finding the necessary aid they need, and what role the international community should/is playing in this ongoing crisis. Dengue fever is a life-threatening disease found in many areas of the world, but it is quickly becoming an endemic in many Latin American nations. WHO hopes to find a way to not only detain this illness, but to help bring relief to the millions currently suffering. The epidemic of HIV/AIDS worldwide has promoted global endeavors to seek both effective measures of prevention and adequate treatment. At this gathering, WHO will discuss what further steps can be taken to impede this continually growing pandemic.

Specialized Committees

European Union (EU)

The European Union is an organization comprised of states primarily from the continent of Europe. The committee deals with issues concerning politics, the economy, foreign policy, security, and domestic affairs. The first topic will discuss the Lisbon Treaty with a focus on the current financial crisis in Europe, and how the treaty will affect what decisions European nations will make in response to the crisis. The second topic will discuss the immigration policy of the EU, a relevant and important topic in the current political climate of the region. The third topic of discussion will focus on the regulation of membership in the EU, especially the possibility of Turkey becoming a member state.

Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States is a committee comprised of states on the North and South American continents. Its goal is to promote peace and security within the continents and to deal with political and economic problems that the member states may face. At this year’s CMUNC, the OAS will be focusing on political issues, especially in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean. The first topic will be “The War on Drugs”, a campaign begun by the U.S. in the 1970s to reduce the illegal drug trade, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean. Delegates will therefore be charged with coming to an agreement on what measures American nations can take to reduce violence associated with the illegal drug trade, both inside and outside their own borders. The second topic will be focusing on social inequality in the Americas. Nearly all American nations struggle with staggeringly high levels of economic and social inequality, and delegates will be asked to worked towards solutions that promote an even distribution of wealth and the reduction of social inequality. The third topic will be focusing on alleviating the negative aspects of tourism in Latin American and Caribbean nations. Tourism does funnel money into the economies of these nations, but it is also costly for them to set up infrastructure and amenities necessary for Western tourists, and heavy tourism can cause significant changes to the environment and culture of these regions.

African Union (AU)

The African Union is made up of 53 member states from the African continent. This committee deals with issues pertaining to the socio-economic situation and the promotion of peace and security in African countries. At this year’s CMUNC, the AU will be discussing issues related to economic development. We believe that many of the economic issues are tied into the social problems in the continent, and if we are able to help solve the social problems, the economy will be jumpstarted and work much better. The first issue we plan to discuss is the increasing poverty rate throughout the continent, and delegates will be charged with finding an effective way to combat poverty in Africa. Another major issue we would like to address is the HIV/AIDs epidemic, whose victims often get shunned by their communities,receive poor treatment in healthcare and educational settings, and develop psychological problems. Millions of children are orphaned because of this deadly disease. Delegates will discuss how we can try to slow down the virus from impacting so many people and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. The third issue we will discuss is the lack of education in African countries. Most children do not get an adequate education. Boys are pressured into dropping out of school to earn money for their families, while pregnancy is the main reason girls leave school. How can we encourage students to stay in school and have families not pressure their children into dropping out?

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environmental Programme is the UN body tasked with addressing global ecological concerns, garnering advocacy for environmental protection, and promoting knowledge of geological and biological matters of interest worldwide. It's function is not only to build international agreement in areas of environmental science that traditionally have been divisive or received less attention than necessary, but also to develop effective and plausible means of facing associated challenges. In pursuit of these aims, this committee will be examining three topics: oceanic resource extraction & marine ecological damage, peak oil depletion, and invasive species management & prevention. In light of the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill earlier this year, and recent technological developments allowing near-universal access to the ocean floor, this committee will discuss what measures might be taken to avoid future catastrophes when harvesting essential oceanic resources. Along the same vein, questions of oil extraction will be extended further and viewed in the context of Peak Oil theory, which posits that global oil stocks may be very near collapse. Discussing this possibility, the committee will determine the urgency of switching to alternative sources of oil, as well as consider how aggressively existing oil fields should be tapped, and how adventurously new ones should be sought. Lastly, the vast concern of invasive species which pertains to myriad cases worldwide will be considered collectively, and this committee will discuss what safeguards can be implemented on an international basis to prevent future outbreaks, as well as what methods exist to mitigate existing invasive species epidemics.

NGO Forum

This year CMUNC will offer for the first time an Non-Governmental Organization Committee. 10-12 delegates will represent actual NGOs and will participate in various committee rooms, adding an aspect of reality to the committees: the need to gain the support of NGOs.

International Labor Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the UN agency that brings together governments, employers, and workers of its member states in common action to promote international labor standards, tripartite dialog, social justice, and the alleviation of poverty. As globalization continues to change the nature of international labor issues, the ILO has continually seeks to evolve as an organization to better address the most pertinent issues facing the contemporary global community.

The ILO addresses issues surrounding multinational enterprises, the increasingly intimate connection between human rights protections and access to decent work, and transnational labor movements. A major component to globalization in the 21st century is the proliferation of multinational corporations. Companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nike, Pfizer, BMW, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Microsoft, and Airbus have operations across the world and employ people living in an array of different countries. What corporate social responsibilities do these multinational enterprises have to the local communities they hire people from? How can the ILO contribute to the implementation of positive corporate social responsibilities initiatives around the world?

Furthermore, recent literature on international labor standards has explored the interconnectedness between basic human rights protections and access to decent work. In many developing countries that have yet to develop modern labor laws, workers are forced to work exceedingly long hours for meager wages to the detriment of his or her health, safety, and overall wellbeing. What role does a UN body like the ILO have in protecting basic human rights as they relate to the workplace? Finally, labor activists have increasingly tried to facilitate transnational cooperation among labor unions as a way to modernize the labor movement and counteract the negative externalities of a globalized economy. How can the ILO facilitate this or contribute innovative alternate ideas of how to modernize the labor movement and meet the challenges of the contemporary global economy? The 100th Session of the International Labor Organization at CMUNC 2011 will explore corporate social responsibility in multinational corporations, how human rights violations are manifested in places of employment, and transnational cooperation among unions as a means to modernize the labor movement.

Organization of the Islamic Conference

The Organization of the Islamic Conference is the collective voice of the Muslim world, protecting its interests and promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world. This committee will focus on human rights issues, such as women's rights and the treatment of ethnic minorities under shari'ah law. One of the OIC's main goals is to promote economic development in Islamic countries. Islamic banking is a relatively new financial system that began in the 1970s and its basic principles follow Shari'a law and Islamic laws outlined in the Qur'an (the Islamic holy book). Although Islamic finance has grown internationally since its origins in the Middle East, the current economic climate of the underdeveloped and developed countries in the world pose a threat to the Islamic banking system. It is crucial to determine the viability of these banks in order to implement educational systems that will increase the knowledge-base about Islamic finance and ultimately further develop Islamic banking throughout the world. Additionally, the committee will work to promote peace and stability within the Middle East in regards to the rising development of nuclear programs. The United Nations has been pushing for a non-proliferation of nuclear weapon development, of which most members of the OIC are not part of. Internal disputes among the OIC members and the Israel-Arab relation have prevented progress in the issue of nuclear weapon, which continues to damage the Islamic image in the global community. Finally, the committee will look to address the needs of protecting women's rights in co-existance with shari'ah law. The international community has been pressing Islamic countries under shari'ah law to adopt the rights protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The OIC will look to collaborate with global society's standards while still protecting the beliefs of Islam.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ)

In this committee we will be debating three cases the International Court of Justice has had to adjudicate in the past and are still currently adjudicating. The first is the Application of the International Convention on the “Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Georgia v. Russian Fed.)” The second is “Aerial Herbicide Spraying Along the Border of Ecuador and Colombia (Ecuador v. Colombia)”. The last is “Accordance with International Law of the Unilarteral Declaration of Independence with Respects to Kosovo (For v. Against the Unilateral Declaration of Independence of Kosovo).” This court is highlighted by the diverse range of topics which encompass a contentious case meant to alleviate the racial discrimination in Georgia (accompanied by the forceful actions of the Russian Federation). The second is a contentious case that appeals to the effects of negative externalities associated with spraying herbicides along a nation’s border. The last topic is an advisory opinion to establish whether it is in accordance with international law that Kosovo declared independence. The ICJ does not take sides to whether the prosecutor or the defendant should win. Instead, we only hope that justice can be achieved and applied to these cases after careful consideration.

 

Crisis Committees

Crisis At Kashmir: Indian Cabinet

Ever since the partition of the sub-continent in 1947, when Britain dismantled its Indian empire, India and Pakistan have been arch rivals. The Kashmir stands as one of the world’s most conflict ridden regions. With India and Pakistan constantly fighting over the territory, tensions on the Indian subcontinent have risen has the conflict has raged on without an end in site. More recently, the region has seen increased civil unrest and particularly violent protests. Delegates are challenged to find a solution to this age-old conflict without pressing the region into war or otherwise, exacerbating the already tenuous relations between India and Pakistan.

Joint Crisis Committee: The Brink of War (1938)

Starting with Nazi Germany’s plans to annex Sudetenland and spanning the breadth of World War II, this committee will challenge delegates to assess the causes of World War Two and the conflicts and crises that lead up to the outbreak of war in September of 1939. Since the Sudeten crisis happened so close to the actual outbreak of war in September 1939, many are generally inclined to think the results would have turned out the same. This, however, neglects many important and subtle aspects of the positions and the policies of the nations involved in this conflict. Countries will forge alliances, deal with internal crises, and either stall or accelerate Europe’s march to total war.

The Arab League Summit at Cairo (1970)

It is the end of September of 1970 and the Middle East is up in arms after the events of “Black September.” Thousands of Palestinians have been killed and Jordan seems to be at the brink of civil war. It is under the dark cloud of this raging conflict that the Arab League Emergency Summit convenes. Delegates from Jordan, the PLO and many other Arab nations will come to the table to negotiate the end of violence in Jordan and hopefully reach a ceasefire without causing further crisis.

Russo-Japanese War: Japanese Cabinet

In the early twentieth century, there was nothing a nation could possess that was more important than its territorial assets and a strong military. Essentially a conflict over control of the Korean peninsula, Manchuria, and the valuable resources found there, the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) shocked the world as it saw a major European power challenged by an upstart Asian nation. Delegates in this committee will engage in an intense weekend of military strategy and war time policy all with the aim of victory in this little known, but significant conflict.

Emergency Session of the Chinese Politburo

This committee is designed for advanced debate regarding issues facing the highest levels of Chinese bureaucracy. As such, only a short background guide will be provided with suggestions on sources to read in advance, rather than the detailed information normally provided in guides. Positions and topic(s) will be announced immediately before the conference.

President Obama's National Security Council

The National Security Council is the President of the United States’ main forum for domestic security and foreign policy. Chaired by the President of the United States, the National Security Council will challenge delegates to act as some of today’s most influential national and international policy makers. Delegates will take on issues of both international and domestic importance, all while grappling with the policies of their own departments and the paradigm of uncertainty all statesmen encounter when dealing with other nations and non-state actors.

Large Committees

Fourth Committee: Special Political and Decolonization

The Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, Special, Political and Decolonization (SPECPOL) mainly deals with territorial disputes and problems pertaining to governments and other political systems.

Topic 1: The Responsibility to Protect: Intervention and State Sovereignty

Topic 2: The Political Stabilization of Georgia

Sixth Committee: Legal

The Legal committee of the United Nations' General Assembly is developed for the purpose of discussing mechanisms of justice and developing international standards to address conflicts. As a large committee with 75 delegates, this group will surely have a variety of opinions from different areas of representation that will result in differing views as to how the committee should go about applying an international justice structure. In particular, we will focus on the international justice system and its application in conflict contexts.

Topic 1: Sea Piracy

Topic 2: Cyber Warfare

United Nations Department of Political Affairs

New to CMUNC this year as a larger committee, the UN Department of Political Affairs (UNDPA) will host debate on several contemporary and contentious international issues pertinent the diplomatic health of all of its member states. Delegates are sure to be excitedly engaged in discussion of the following topics:

Topic 1: The Stability and Security of Afghanistan

Topic 2: Interference of Humanitarian Aid

Specialized Committees

Association of Southeast Nations

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geopolitical and economic organization of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia. Formed on August 8, 1967, the member states of ASEAN seek the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its members. While normal ASEAN summits consists of its 10 core members and the “Plus Three” East Asian nations, the special regional forum scheduled to take place in April will include 28 total members representing interests in the Asia-Pacific region. In this committee, core ASEAN members will have to seek to represent their needs to the international community through dialogue and constructive debate, while balancing other interests represented in the committee, in the context of highly charged political and economic issues.

Topic 1: ASEAN Economic Initiatives and the Economy of Myanmar

Topic 2: The Political Climate of Myanmar

Topic 3: The Elections of 2010 and the Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

Cold War Historical Simulation

This committee will simulate the United Nations Security Council through the decades of the 1940’s through the 1970’s. Each day of the conference will encapsulate a given decade. The purpose of this committee will be to allow delegates to solve the individual crises free of the burden of following the historical chain of events. Delegates should come prepared with a creative mind, and a thorough understanding of the historical period. Delegates should also keep in mind the goal of preserving international peace, but also consider the goal of furthering their country’s interests.

Day 1: 06/25/50 -- The Korean War

Day 2: 10/22/73 -- The 1973 Arab Israeli War / Yom Kippur War

Day 3: 04/17/85 -- The Soviet War in Afghanistan

International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC), is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. It is a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The court came into being on July 1st, 2002 and may only prosecute crimes committed on or after that date. The official seat of the court is in The Hague, Netherlands, but its proceedings may take place anywhere, for instance, Ithaca, New York.

This year at CMUNC, the ICC will consist of 2 separate chambers that will each prosecute 2 cases. Students will form teams of 4 consisting of 2 attorneys and 2 witnesses and will be assigned to either the prosecution or defense of a case. In addition, while a team is not trying a case, they take on the role of judge in one of the chambers.

Cases to be Debated:

Case The Prosecutor v. Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir

Case The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen

Case The Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanda Dyilo

Case The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo

International Labor Organization

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919 and later became a specialized United Nations agency in 1946. Its role is to address labor relations and work as an integral part of society. The ILO is unique in that it comprises of member states and employer and worker representatives from such states to ensure a tripartite discussion of topics.

Topic 1: Migrant Workers and Labor Migration

Topic 2: Workplace Discrimination

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Formed with the goal of increasing the absolute security of all by eliminating the scourge of chemical weapons forever, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the chartered implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The main legislative and executive organ of the OPCW is the executive council, which consists of 41 members elected to two-year terms, with equitable geographic representation in mind. Members of the council, also known as state parties, try to achieve the disarmament and nonproliferative aims of the Convention, ensure that this implementation is carried out peacefully, as well as provide an international forum for consultation and cooperation.

Topic 1: Demilitarization -- The Threat of Non-Signatory States

Topic 2: Nonproliferation -- Chemical Terrorism and Weapons Trade

United Nations Development Fund for Women

The United Nations Development Fund for Women is an international organization focused on advancing women’s rights around the globe. It provides support and financial assistance to programs and strategies that aim to achieve gender equality, and works with countries to implement policies that eliminate gender discrimination. At this year’s CMUNC, UNIFEM will address the effects and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, and the advancement of women’s economic security and rights.

Topic 1: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict

Topic 2: Microfinance for Women

World Bank

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Conceived during World War II as part of the Bretton Woods system, the World Bank initially helped rebuild Europe after the war. Today, the World Bank focuses on global poverty reduction as its overarching mission. Although it is based on Washington D.C, the World Bank incorporates a diverse staff of economists, public policy experts and social scientists. The World Bank is has four unique sub-institutions, 1) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), 2) the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 3) the International Development Association (IDA), and 4) the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). As a whole, the World Bank provides low-interest loans and grants to developing countries for a wide array of purposes, including investments in education, health, public administration, infrastructure, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and financial and private sector development.

Topic 1: Access to and Effective Use of Water Resources

Topic 2: Fragile & Conflict Affected Countries

Crisis Committees

Ad-Hoc Committee to the Secretary-General

There has been a great deal of international concern over Pakistani border security. The frontier regions of Northwestern Pakistan are a breeding ground for Al Qaeda and the Taliban, and the lack of security along its Afghanistan border have caused havoc for the United States and NATO operations there. Internal security in Pakistan, as well as instability in its government, have also lead to concerns in India over border security there. Though the conflict between India and Pakistan’s governments has subsided in the last few years, increases in terrorist attacks on both Pakistani government targets and Indian military targets have made the situation in India’s Jammu and Kashmir province particularly dangerous. India’s shaky relationship with China would also be threatened by an increase in conflict with Pakistan, as India’s northeastern provinces have also become increasingly dangerous in recent years. A severe shock to Pakistan’s already unstable government could result in a great degree of civilian unrest there, and a rise in the power of militant groups. The security of Pakistan’s many borders is a very prevalent issue today, and both the UN and sovereign states have a vested interest in the region’s stability. As there are so many nations with international military presence in the region, many nations have a civilian population that is somewhat tuned into the situation, a possibility that could cause unrest.

Historical Security Council: The Rwandan Genocide

Rwanda. April 5th, 1994. Tension is mounting amongst Tutsis and Hutus. The country is on the brink of its decent into hell. The ensuing genocide resulted in 100 of the bloodiest days in recent history, and the reaction of the international community in general, and the UN Security Council in particular, has ever since been heavily questioned. This year's historic simulation of the Security Council will be an exciting opportunity to change the course of history: it will be in delegates' hands to react to the emerging crisis. In determining the role of the UN in this conflict, delegates will have to decide what is the best way to stave off the potentially brutal genocide.

Joint-Crisis Committee: The July Crisis

The July Crisis committees offer delegates a unique chance to modify history. Delegates will play the role of an important minister or military official in Austria-Hungary or Germany at the outbreak of World War I. Although the committees will be based during the tumultuous summer of 1914, events will not necessarily unfold as they actually did. Delegates should use discretion in making decisions, and come to committee prepared to respond to a revisionist history. Will war break out? Here’s your chance to find out!

Middle East Peace Summit

President Barack Obama, in response to yet-to-be determined event(s) in the Middle East, has called together a summit meant to encourage peace a long-term stability in the region. Various nations have decided to send representatives in hopes of addressing various concerns. Disputes over territory such as Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank will be addressed in addition to human rights concerns resulting from violence on both sides. Further, the summit recognizes the importance of addressing concerns of relative power and influence, potentially bringing to light concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Every issue is on the table and delegates will have the opportunity to carefully select what areas they think progress can be made.

Union of South American Nations

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) is an intergovernmental union of twelve member states modeled after the European Union. Formally established on May 23, 2008, UNASUR fundamentally aims to achieve regional integration by unifying to address economic and defense policies. Though not fully developed, UNASUR has been increasingly active in dealing with current problems in the area, such as the United States military bases in Colombia. While addressing issues that are presently relevant, UNASUR also has end-goals: a single market, infrastructure development, and regional security. In a crisis committee structure, this model of UNASUR will discuss important, substantial security and economic issues, including both pressingly current and significantly persistent problems in the region.

Topic 1: Arms Smuggling and Drug Trafficking in Latin America

Topic 2: Implications of the Bank of the South and Increased Integration

Zimbabwe: Human Rights Under Mugabe

Incumbent President Mugabe was declared the winner of the highly contested 2008 Zimbabwe presidential election. Due to a loss of legitimacy on Mugabe’s part and pressure on his ZANU-PF party, Mugabe brokered a power sharing agreement with his opponent and likely winner of the election, Morgan Tsvangirai, of the MDC-T party. Still in the infancy of this power sharing agreement, the Zimbabwean Cabinet, with representatives from each political party including ministers, advisers and heads of agencies of the Zimbabwean government, will collectively decide their nation's future.

Large Committees

Disarmament and International Security (DISEC)

A returning favorite, DISEC is a crash course in managing the eternal “security dilemma” and balancing core concerns of power and sovereignty in order to maintain peace in the increasingly fractured international system of the 21st Century. This year, DISEC will address the reduction of illicit trading in small arms and light weapons, blood diamonds and conflicts in West Africa, and a futuristic topic on the Russian retaliation to a completed US/EU joint missile defense system in Poland.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is a programme of the UN General Assembly, and is the UN’s global development network. As an organization which advocates for change and connecting countries to knowledge, UNDP’s experience and resources help people build a better life. Topics discussed by UNDP at CMUNC 2009 will include infrastructure rebuilding in nations affected by natural disasters, global efforts for sustainable development, and strategies for empowering workers.

Specialized Committees

Organization of American States (OAS)

The Organization of American States is an international organization whose members include the thirty-five independent states of the Americas. Focused on hemispheric issues and international politics, OAS is the region's principal multilateral forum for strengthening democracy, promoting human rights, and confronting shared problems. Topics discussed this year at CMUNC include the proliferation of the drug trade, free trade in the Americas, and the effects of kidnapping and terror techniques used by both legitimate and illegal groups.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa)

In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a court-like body created after the abolishment of apartheid. During the TRC's operations, high profile South Africans, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, investigated human rights abuses, worked to restore victim's dignity, formulated proposals to assist with rehabilitation, and considered applications for amnesty. The TRC represents a crucial component of South Africa's transition to a full and free democracy. This year's simulation of the TRC at CMUNC will be an exciting, unique committee, whose topics will include the trial of Winnie Mandela, the Sharpeville Massacre, and the Church Street Bombings.

United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The UNHRC is a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, and was established in March 2006 to replace the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR). THe UNHRC is made up of 47 states, which are responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Topics debated by CMUNC 2009's UNHRC will include the rights of indigenous peoples, HIV/AIDS and human rights, and human trafficking and contemporary slavery.

Crisis Committees

Iraq 2003: Post‐Mission Accomplished

This crisis committee will take an in‐depth look at the conditions within Iraq following the invasion of the United States and coalition forces in 2003. Run by a dais of experts on the region, it is sure to be an enlightening committee which will also discuss the issues currently faced in Iraq. Topics discussed will include Iraqi national security, political structure, economy, and foreign relations. Intertwined with all these topics, the issues of sectarian divide, the prominence of certain (primarily Islamist) groups, and the differing visions for Iraq between US and Iraqi officials will feature prominently.

Peloponnesian War

Fought between 431–404 BC, the Peloponnesian War is a historical conflict of unarguably epic proportion. In this historical crisis committee, delegates will represent the military and diplomatic leaders of major city‐states in the warring Grecian Leagues. Starting well into the fray, delegates will have to address the ongoing conflict as well as threats from innumerable other forces in the ancient world. Delegates should have some familiarity with ancient history.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The most visible committee of the United Nations organization is often its most dramatic. At the Security Council, delegates are required to take rapid, decisive action within the boundaries of their national policy. Its flexible structure is designed to handle urgent and demanding crises simultaneously, and delegates must remain conscious of overarching goals while immersed in immediate crisis relief. As representatives of the most powerful international governing body, delegates’ decisions reflect on the efficacy and viability of not only the Security Council, but of the UN as a whole in its ability to address interwoven issues. Topics which will begin discussion include the interaction between the UNSC and regional organizations, the legality of the independence of Kosovo, and women in conflict, with an emphasis on the Democratic Republic of the Congo!

World Health Organization (WHO)

Rather than presenting WHO as a traditional committee, this year CMUNC will continue its tradition of running WHO as a crisis committee focused on coordinating international public health concerns. One of the faces of a shrinking world is the rate at which international health crises can spread and impose incredibly humbling human tolls and economic costs on developed and developing nations alike. The recent bovine spongiform, SARS, and avian flu crises expose how disease respects no borders and the vulnerability of the international system. The WHO committee combines the imperatives of crisis management with the science and politics of international health. Delegates will have the opportunity to discus bioterrorism, TB drug resistance, and the environment and human health, as well as reacting to the world health crises which are sure to ensue over the course of the weekend. Delegates should have some science background and exposure to basic issues of disease.

World War I: Alliance and World War I: Entente

In the context of contemporary debates about European cohesiveness and nationalism, it is particularly fascinating to revisit the debates, divisions, and discussions in the inner decision‐making circles of the Alliance and Entente coalitions of World War I. Run by two separate daises, delegates in each of these joint committees will have to work to react to the events following the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914. Individual and national representatives will have the opportunity to change alliances, negotiate agreements, mobilize troops, and prevent or replicate the conditions which ultimately led to the destruction and devastation of the Great War.