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INDEX

1. South Asia and the Far EastAn Overview2. Crisis Affairs Press Release3. United Nations Security Council

3.1 Agenda 1: Situation in Afghanistan3.2 Agenda 2: Situation in Timor-Leste

4. United Nations General Assembly First Committee (DISEC)4.1 Agenda 1:Demilitarization of the South China Sea4.2 Agenda 2: International Security Concerns Related to the Swat

Valley

5. United Nations General Assembly Second Committee (ECOFIN)5.1 Agenda 1: Promoting Collective Actions of South Asian

Countries to Reduce Dependency for Energy Resources from the

Middle East5.2 Agenda 2: Establishment of a potential economic and financial

bloc to represent South Asia and the Far East.

6. United Nations General Assembly Third Committee (SOCHUM)6.1 Agenda 1: Comprehensive Measures to Protect Regional

Languages of Far Eastern Countries like Papua New Guinea from

Extinction.

6.2 Agenda 2: Food Security in Laos and Vietnam7. United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee (SPECPOL)

7.1 Agenda 1:The Status of Taiwan.7.2 Agenda 2: The Status of Spartly and Paracel Islands

8. United Nation Human Rights Commission (UNHRC)8.1 Agenda 1: Human Rights Violation in Myanmar.8.2 Agenda 2: Repatriation of Tibetan refugees in India

9. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)

9.1 Agenda 1: Discussing Important Educational Programs ToFurther Educate The Girl Child

9.2 Agenda 2: Steps for Establishment of a Socially CohesiveEnvironment in the Diverse Countries of the Far East10. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

10.1 Agenda 1: Co-operation between SAARC Member Nations toEradicate Poverty and Unemployment

10.2 Agenda 2: Collective Measures to be Taken to Resolve LongStanding Border Disputed Among SAARC Member Nations


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South Asia and the Far EastAn Overview

It has been said that the world's economic centre-of-gravity is moving back to Asia, after

being swung briefly into the West by the Industrial revolution. The sun has long set over the

British Empire, America is coming to terms with its overstretch and a young, dynamic Asia

seeks to rise. This rise is not preordained, but conditional to whether the governments can

take those necessary steps to put their name on the 21 st century.

Arguably the most important steps are socioeconomic. To harness the demographic dividend,

South Asia must lift its people from debilitating, unproductive poverty, and welcome intra-

regional trade and closer cooperation between nations. It remains to be seen if SAARC can

sink its political differences, resolve border disputes and create common security and trade

arrangements.

What further complicates matters is the number of issues to balance: A war-torn Afghanistan

whose future must be determined, a new-born Timor-Leste must be strengthened, and the

Spratlys and Paracels likes remain like sparks uncomfortably close to a bonfire. Insurgents

loom over the SWAT, waiting for their turn, Philippines and Taiwan look uncertainly to the

United States, as increasingly loud voices are heard across Japan, Korea and China.

Energy security, anticipation of multipolarity and securing national interests have all led to

the emergence of flexible coalitions, whose agreements on one issue are countered by sharp

disagreements over others. Hopefully security concerns will not impede evolution of Free-

Trade and other economic agreements, perhaps even a framework for a future economic

union can be laid down. Perhaps the culture of Asia, our common links and heritage, serve in

unifying us. May it be preserved and cherished, and not be forgotten as concerns deemed

more urgent take our attention.

The century is still in its infancy. The outcomes a few years hence are many. The

expectations of the people are rising. This regions conflicts, its turbulence, its peoples, its

economics, all of its promises and all of its threats are ours. This is our home. It will be the

Asian Century; it will be Our Century yet.

Soumitra Bhoyar

Secretary General


4/28

Crisis Affairs Press Release

Thecrisisof today is the joke of tomorrow.

- (H. G. Wells)

The true test of any delegate is in how he or she handles a crisis situation.

Being able to keep your calm in the face of panic, present a united front and

resolve issues is an important part of being a representative of a nation.

Of course, we have no interest in telling you what crises you may be facing,

but we are more than happy to give you an insight into these completely

plausible crises.

I. United Nations Security Council1. The Situation in Afghanistan: The Taliban has decided to elect a

new leader who has gone on record to state that Pakistan, as its

natural ally, must side with Afghanistan against the Western

infidels or suffer consequences. India has taken grave measures

including refusing to play cricket with Afghanistan. France calls

for a dope test, claiming that the new leader would win because

of election performance-enhancing drugs.

2. The Situation in Timor-Leste: A band of ex-guerrilla warriorsfrom Timors past attack UN convoys claiming that the UNintends to curtail its nationhood. Upcoming presidential

elections are put in jeopardy as several lemur testes are found

strewn in voting booths, in what seems to be the first

documented case of dyslexic terrorism.

II. United Nations General Assembly First Committee (DISEC)1. Demilitarization of the South China Sea: The situation in the

South China Sea escalates after the British frigate

HMS Devonshireenters into Chinese-held waters in the SouthChina Sea, where it is sunk. A Chinese J-7 fighter jet sent to

investigate the British presence is shot down and later

investigations reveal that the Devonshire's survivors were shot

with Chinese weaponry. The British have given a 48-hour

ultimatum to the Chinese, after several media reports have

identified this as Chinese aggression.

2. International Security Concerns Related to the Swat Valley:Reuters reports reveal that a crack paramilitary unit is now

hiding in the Swat Valley, making attacks on internallydisplaced persons, picking them off at close range. They have


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revealed that they are in possession of a highly toxic

neurosuppressor known only as VX gas, which they will use on

the Swat Valley residents, unless their demands are met.

III.

United Nations General Assembly Second Committee (ECOFIN)1. Promoting Collective Actions of South Asian Countries to

Reduce Dependency for Energy Resources from the Middle East:

In a curious turn of events, several windmills in Abu Dhabi,

which were part of the largest wind-power generation plant,

have gained sentience and are marching on to the Gaza strip.

South Asian countries have decried this as an Arab move for

dominance in the Middle East. The Israelis are currently in talks

with Spain, to acquire the services of one Mr. Quixote and Mr.

Panza.

2. Establishment of a Potential Economic and Financial Bloc toRepresent South Asia and the Far East: The release of a movie

Rush Hour 4: Delhi Dojo becomes a major financial bone of

contention. The movie, backed heavily by Chinese and Indian

producers, tanks in the West. The consortium cries foul,

claiming that Western distributors were directed to not release

the movie in the phases that were planned, so that the movie

would lose money. Financial experts everywhere are baffled as

to how this was supposed to affect the economy.

IV. United Nations General Assembly Third Committee (SOCHUM)1. Comprehensive Measures to Protect Regional Languages of Far

Eastern Countries like Papua New Guinea from Extinction: A

group of gamers, who get stranded on Papua New Guinea on

their way back from a gaming convention, teach the locals

l33tsp3@k. Soon enough, the lingo catches on and slowly begins

to threaten the native tongue of Guinea Pigg.

2. Food Security in Cambodia and Laos: A peculiar form of rot thataffects rice, and spreads on physical contact, has ravaged the

fields of Cambodia. Crops have failed, farmer suicides have

increased, and prices for staple foods are rising.

V. United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee (SPECPOL)1. The Status of Taiwan: The issue of whether objects Made in

Taiwan are actually Made in China sparks the debate of the

question of Taiwan.

2. The Status of the Spratly and Paracel Islands: Tensionsescalate as Chinese fishermen are eaten by sharks with lasersfitted on them. The Chinese claim that these bionic sharks are


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weapons of the West and operated by Taiwan to gain superiority

in the South China Sea.

VI. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)1.

Human Rights Violations in Western Myanmar: The sorry plightof several women comes to light, who complain that despite

trademark and copyright violations, no recompense has been

given to their citizens to even be able to use Burma Shave. They

claim that the right to be presentable is grossly violated by this

atrocity committed by the Burma Shave Corporation.

2. Repatriation of Tibetan refugees in India: Tibetan refugeesapproach UN officials claiming that they have been attacked by

Yetis whenever they have engaged in attempts to return to Tibet.

India claims that these are rumors started by Tibet to foist these

persona non grata onto India.

VII. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)

1. Discussing Important Educational Programmes in South Asia toFurther Education of the Girl Child: Aliens approach our world.

These aliens however, seem to have a matriarchal system of

dominance and seem to lay great emphasis on education and

dignity of women. Their strict beliefs dictate that they must

destroy any other life forms that cannot maintain those

standards. The UN must present a more efficient and believable

plan for education and improvement of quality of life of the girl

child.

2. Steps for Establishment of a Socially Cohesive Environment inthe Diverse Countries of the Far East: Vietnam is bought by an

American Veterans group that turns it into a theme park and

entertainment package for the Far East. Several nations protest

the devaluation of the culture of the Vietnamese.

VIII. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)1. Co-operation between SAARC Member Nations to Eradicate

Poverty and Unemployment: Riots break out at unemployment

offices in India and Pakistan, as both their cricketing boards

take a collective decision that only people currently employed

may be allowed to watch cricket matches.

2. Collective Measures to be Taken to Resolve Long StandingBorder Disputed Among SAARC Member Nations: Tensions

erupt on the Indo-Pak border as firing resumes after some


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Pakistani soldiers are believed to have crossed the border, in

what is being captioned an invasion.

Please note: These are just representative crises, to give you no ideawhatsoever of the crises you are going to face at the conference. We hope

you enjoyed them though, as much as we think you will enjoy the actual

crises. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Harshad Rane

Under-Secretary-General, Crisis Affairs

Febin Mathew

Under-Secretary-General, Crisis Affairs


8/28

United Nations Security Council

AGENDA 1 : Situation in Afghanistan

The story of Afghanistan is in so many ways a very tragic one. Afghanistan is

one of the most impoverished nations of the world. It is one of the most war-torn, most ravaged, and most beleaguered of nations. It is a nation that has

been beset by invasion, external pressure and internal upheaval since before

the time of Alexander the Great. Its people are people who have endured

more than most of us can ever imagine. In fact, for many Afghans, all that

has changed in the last one thousand years are the weapons which have

been used against them.

The U.S. war in Afghanistan marks its twelfth anniversary, with abouthundred thousand U.S. troops deployed in a counterinsurgency role,

primarily in southern and eastern regions still fighting a war to liberateAfghanistan from the hands of the Taliban and make Afghanistan ademocratic country with a stable economy so that it can stand shoulder toshoulder to its powerful neighbors, who for years have exploited Afghanistanfor their own interests. According to several Afghans has been the corereason why Afghanistan never prospered as a nation is due to foreigninterests and exploitation. President Barack Obama however plans towithdraw all combat troops by 2014 while the ISAF mandate would end atthat time as well due to which Afghanistan would be fully vacated by foreignboots if all goes according to plan, but serious doubts remain about the

Afghan government's capacity to secure the country.

To come up with a comprehensive exit strategy, the international communityfirst of all needs to understand the internal forces that shape Afghanistanand indeed the internal issues that need to be resolved in order to preservethe progress made by the international community in terms of physical andinstitutional infrastructure and indeed in terms of the economy of thecountry. Within Afghanistan there are over 40 major ethnicities who speakover 50 separate languages or dialects. Its citizens naturally identify withthose who speak their language and share their culture. Their loyalty is firstto their local leaders and their tribe. Identification with an abstract Afghan

nation has always been fragile.

Moneer KoshaniVice Chairperson,United Nations Security Council


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AGENDA 2: Situation in Timor-Leste

For a country that was under the tyranny of a more powerful country for so

long, independence, more often than not, is a word that entails and carries a

better and promising future. Timor-Leste (East Timor's official name) on the

other hand, is a country that has a different scenario.

Although the actual date of independence was around November of 1975,

East Timor was touted to be the first independent country of the 21st

century. But this fact didnt give them enough time to prepare for an

independent way of life. The reason behind this was over three hundred

years of influence and oppression of the Portuguese empire. It is no wonder

that even the culture and way of thinking of most of the Timorese is a lot

different compared to the time when they werent ruled by the Portuguese.

Then after exactly nine days of independence, East Timor was taken off

guard by the invasion of their neighboring country, Indonesia. Obviously,

this was an immediate problem that confronted the newly independent

country. In fact the invasion became such a great problem that they were

forced to seek help from their former invaders. Portugal then turned to the

UN and the Security Council to do something about the situation. In

response, the UN gave the Indonesian army a resolution condemning their

actions but they were hesitant to do anything else. It was only after twenty-

four years that the Timorese people gained back their complete

independence. The 24-year military occupation of the Indonesian troop was

a brutal experience for them. In September 1999, the world witnessed the

war between the Indonesian Army and the East Timorese militant after

voting for the Independence of the country. Even though more than a decade

has passed since their independence and more than five years since their

self-governance, it will take more than just mere decades to remove the

trauma, patterns of criminality and violence, injustice and isolation in the

people's system. This is one of the immediate problems that East Timor is

facing.


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Between the beginning of the external intervention in Timor-Leste in

September 1999 and the national crisis of 2006, the country was considered

one of the most successful cases of external promotion of democracy and

nation-state building. The conditions were about as ideal as they could be:there had been a general consensus over the future between external and

internal actors, an almost complete lack of spoilers, and a high degree of

international interest. Nonetheless, the result to date has been an imperfect

democracy, illustrated by a lack of socio-economic progress, a politicization

of the security forces, corruption, and a poorly functioning judiciary. While

some have blamed external actors for imposing their kingdom in Timor-

Leste, and see the main problems in the East Timor being political culture,some will argue that the situation is a more complex mix of internal and

external factors. Building a democratic nation-state is a challenging

exercise, even given the most ideal of circumstances.

Urvi Thakkar

Chairperson,

United Nations Security Council


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United Nations General Assembly First Committee (DISEC)

AGENDA 1 : Demilitarization of the South China Sea

Evolution is inevitable.

The nature of all things undergoes metamorphosis, and conflict is no

different. The most contested areas of the globe in the last century lay on

dry land in Europe, particularly in the flat expanse that rendered the

eastern and western borders of Germany artificial and exposed to the

inexorable march of armies. However, over the last few decades, the frame of

focus has shifted towards the east, and the dispute in the South China Sea

is occupying centre stage. Where once the might of armies tipped the scales,

the geography of East Asia indicates the arrival of a naval century, where

sea and air capability shall highlight the victor.

There are numerous considerations to be accounted for in the navigation

(pun intended) of this agenda, and a long list of paradoxes. The South China

Sea holds massive strategic significance, not only due to its role as one of

the worlds primary trade arteries and abundance of fish, but also because

of the potential oil and gas reserves.

Yet the South China Sea is a tangle of competing territorial demands. China,

Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei all assert

overlapping claims over land features and adjacent waters in the sea,

heightening diplomatic tensions and potentially laying the foundation for a

future military conflict. And while no country is blameless in this standoff,

China is clearly the most egregious aggressor. Moreover, most of the nations

involved must continuously perform a balancing act between their

diplomatic relations with Washington and Beijing.

With countries taking more aggressive stands, Chinas ambiguity and

increasing militarization, USAs vested interest and numerous allies, the

region has become a hotspot of naval activity, an escalating number of

skirmishes and declining diplomacy. Thus, the need to quell the situation isapparent and urgent. A consolidated framework for the peaceful and holistic

resolution of territorial disputes, maritime rights and decreased

militarization is sorely required.

All in all, this situation is a salad of tensions with a dressing of dilemma,

and we wish the delegates bon appetit.

- Deyvaansh Misra.Chairperson, UNGA DISEC


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AGENDA 2: International Security Concerns Related to the Swat Valley

The Swat Valley has been a region unsettled by violence and turmoil for

many years. The residents of this peaceful land had hoped, when the

Pakistan military launched severe operations to take back control of the

valley from the oppressive Taliban led by Maulana Falullah in 2009, the

bloodshed would finally come to an end. However, all those hopes were in

vain. The Swat valley continues to be a hotbed of terrorist activity due to

Taliban members constantly sneaking back into the valley from nearby Dir

district or the Kunar province of neighbouring Afghanistan.

The Swat valley region grew in notoriety a few months ago when Mala

Yousafzai, a 15 year old activist for educational and womens rights, was

targeted and shot in the head in the main city of Mingora. The incident drew

attention to the fact that the region was at peace only in name. Despite thenumerous check posts set up by Pakistani military, it is known that the

Taliban presence in the region is just as strong, only less visible. Anyone

who dares speak out against the Taliban or its methods becomes the next

target and, unfortunately, attacks like the one on Malala are nothing new to

the Swati people.

As recently as Jan 10 of this year, an explosion in the basement of a

religious seminary killed 22 people and injured more than 70 others. This

attack on Swat took place on the same day as numerous suicide bombings

and blasts in the city of Quetta, aimed to target the Shiite Muslim minority.

Due to the numerous alleged cross border attacks, Pakistan has complained

to the NATO and Afghan forces, asking them to take action against the

Taliban who have taken refuge there but the NATO has firmly rebutted these

claims and officials in Kabul continue to deny Taliban presence on Afghan

soil. In turn, NATO and US forces accuse Pakistan of harbouring terrorist

networks that carry out attacks on NATO and ISAF forces, causing

displacement of thousands of people. With the NATO set to leave in a years

time, Taliban attacks on both sides of the border have intensified with noend in sight and the Swat valley bears the brunt of this violence.

With measures taken by the Pakistani government having failed, it now falls

to the UNGA DISEC to come to a consensus and secure the region against

any further threats to the security of its members and stop the violence that

has cast a shadow on so many lives.

Praveena Rajasekar

Chairperson, UNGA DISEC


13/28

United Nations General Assembly Second Committee (ECOFIN)

AGENDA 1: Promoting Collective Actions of South Asian Countries to

Reduce Dependency for Energy Resources from the Middle East

With the growth spurt in India post the dot com crash, South Asia has been

steadily looked upon as one of the great investing havens across the world.

With a large workforce that is steadily metamorphosing into largely skilled

workforce, nations such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are

gaining greater access to markets across the world. With the spotlight firmly

on them, these economies have a grave responsibility to maintain concrete

fundamentals which will allow them to remain relevant in times of boom or

bust.

One such fundamental is Balance of Payments, or more specifically thecurrent account, which is greatly skewed by the dependence on energy

imports.

Escalating oil prices in a global scenario that has a number of developed

nations recuperating or reeling from recession is a recipe for disaster.

Delegates of the ECOFIN Council will have to focus their efforts on providing

South Asian economies with relevant solutions to their overdependence on

the Middle East for energy imports.

The South Asian economies will seek to come together and work in theirrelevant economic blocs to forge a plan that diversifies their energy portfolio

in order to remain immune to adverse shocks from the Middle East. But the

nature of this diversification and consensus towards the same will be of

main importance as committee deliberates over the days of the Conference.

All delegates are expected to be well versed with the different fundamentals

of all South Asian economies in order to come up with a cohesive plan of

action for the entire region. Current account deficits, energy import

distribution and exchange rates are some of the facts that all delegates must

be aware of as they enter committee to forge a joint plan for the South Asian

region as a whole.

All delegates must be aware of their own countrys energy portfolio in order

to provide the economies in question an idea on how to better diversify their

own energy imports.

The ECOFIN hopes to be a highly technical committee that debates largely

on fact and then further on principle. The Second Committee has a mandate

to deliberate on all matters pertaining to global finance and economics and

with a certain amount of monopoly power exercised by the Middle East over


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the South Asian countries viz a viz energy resources, there are contentious

underlying issues that need to be cleared out.

We hope to see many sessions of endless debate, controversy and diplomacy

in Mumbai MUN and we wish all the delegates the greatest luck for the

same.

Ashwin Chandrashekhar

Chairperson, ECOFIN


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Agenda 2: Establishment of a potential economic and financial bloc torepresent South Asia and the Far East.

The General Assembly-2 (ECOFIN) is one of the most important councils of

the UN as it addresses problems related to the economies of different

countries and finds plausible solutions in order to maintain economic

stability in a country. Economic stability is not only important for a

government but also its people.

The formation of an economic and financial bloc could be a major solution tothe economic crisis in the Far East. The East Asian economic crisis isprobably the most important economic event in the region of the past fewdecades and for the next few decades. The great debate on causes is whetherthe blame should be allocated to domestic policies and practices or to theintrinsic and volatile nature of the global financial system. The threecountries (Thailand, Indonesia & Republic of Korea) under the IMF's direct

tutelage have slid into deep recession. Partly due to spill over effects, othercountries such as Malaysia and Hong Kong have also suffered negativegrowth in the year's first quarter. Even Singapore is tottering on the brink ofminus growth. The three affected countries had faced initial problemsresulting from currency depreciation and stock market decline, such as debtrepayment and a great financial weakening of the corporate and bankingsectors. But then came a second set of problems resulting from the highinterest rates and tight monetary and fiscal policies that the IMF imposed oradvised. The most important factor of this economic crisis is thedepreciation of currencies in this region. Hence, the increase in import offunds will result in increase of debt. The formation of an economic andfinancial bloc might result in self sufficiency, comparatively stableeconomies and to a certain extent increase in the GDP of a country.

At Mumbai MUN 2013, I look forward to seeing some of the brightest youngminds throughout their nations, debate about economic and financialproblems and come up with solutions in relation to them.

Regards,Jai Goradia.Chairperson, ECOFIN.


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United Nations General Assembly Third Committee (SOCHUM)

Agenda 1: Comprehensive Measures to Protect Regional Languages of

Far Eastern Countries like Papua New Guinea from Extinction.

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee is the third of six maincommittees of the United Nations Organizations General Assembly. Created

at the first session of the General Assembly in 1946, it consists of

representatives from all 193 UN member nations, with each country

receiving one vote on all procedural and substantive matters.

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is one of the

most important and contentious bodies within the United Nations

Organisations. One of the founding missions of the United Nations

Organisations is the universal protection of human rights, and SOCHUM is

the committee of the General Assembly where discussions of human rights

issues take place. SOCHUMs mandate also covers a number of other social,

humanitarian, and cultural topics from discrimination to drug control.

At first, the fate of endangered languages in eastern countries may appear to

be a less pressing and critical issue than many of the others that the United

Nations Organisations faces today. With the threat of a nuclear war hanging

over the daily negotiations of the worlds leaders and countless families

living in destitution, why would the United Nations Organisations take the

time to discuss an issue of such seemingly little importance? Upon furtheranalysis, however, language endangerment is about more than just the

future of linguistic diversity. The problem of language endangerment is

intrinsically connected to debates over intangible cultural heritage,

individual and communal identity, economic opportunity, and minority

rights, which are all subjects deemed important by the international

community.

Given the numerous causes for language endangerment outlined above, it is

not surprising that more languages are nearing extinction than ever before.

The prevalence of dominant languages and the small number of indigenous

languages explain the magnitude of the problem of language endangerment

today. It is with these broader issues in mind that we consider the fate of

endangered languages in eastern countries as a question for the

international community to solve.

Aaditya A. Damani

Chairperson, SOCHUM


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Agenda 2: Food Security in Laos and Vietnam

The General Assembly allocates to its Social, Humanitarian and CulturalAffairs Committee, commonly referred to as the "Third Committee", agenda

items relating to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rightsissues that affect people all over the world. The Committee also discussesthe advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues,the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms throughthe elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination

Food security is a comparatively recent term which refers to the sustainedsupply of appropriate food to everyone in a society to enable their healthydevelopment, without serious disruption to the environment, theirlivelihoods and their culture. Consideration of current food securitycircumstances in Cambodia and Lao PDR needs to be put into the context ofthe countrys socio-economic and political development. In terms ofeconomic development the country has been, and still is, underdeveloped incomparison with many Asian countries.

In the 1960s Cambodia was a significant food exporting country,particularly of rice. In the 1970s there were considerable shortfalls in foodavailability for the Cambodian population. Since 1981 national foodavailability has been gradually increasing, and in the late 1980s appears tohave approached self sufficiency. This is not to say that every year the food

supply has been adequate. Periodically, severe flooding and/or droughtshave led to shortfalls in national and local food availability. One crucialaspect of Cambodian national food security since 1993 has been the twopoor harvests of 1993/94 and 1994/95, and with many Cambodiansreturning from abroad, the national food production deficits have beenestimated at the equivalent of between 200,000 and 300,000 tons of rice.This constitutes about 12.5-19 per cent of estimated annual requirementsor 1.5-2.3 months consumption. The 1995/96 main rice harvest was thebest of the decade to date, however, resulting in an estimated nationalsurplus of milled rice of almost 140,000 tons (FAO/WFP, 1996). Thuscurrently, in a normal year the country can be almost self-sufficient in food

supplies, but in some years agro-ecological difficulties can cause significantshortfalls in food availability of as much as one third.

Establishing the comparative importance of different factors that currentlycontribute to food insecurity in Cambodia is difficult, partly because it is sohard to quantify with any reliability most of these factors. The majorconstraints in rural household food security appear to be: agro-ecologicalfluctuations; insecurity; inadequate land holdings and poorer quality land ofmost food insecure families; availability of and access to water for irrigation,or, conversely, risk of flooding; lack of animal draught power; lack of

agricultural equipment; lack of male labor in some women-headedhouseholds; lack of alternative employment opportunities; exploitation by


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richer families in the village and lack of social support; illness andinadequate hygiene and living conditions for adequate health, causingfurther illness and weakening the income-earning potential; some householdindebtedness; weak asset bases; weak market provision, linked with lowpurchasing power; and nutritional ignorance

The dramatic changes in ideology and rgime, as well as the current powersharing arrangements and the influx of international agencies, have resultedin a diverse, and sometimes contradictory, array of policy and programmeapproaches towards food security. While some favor rapid liberalization,others promote state-led interventions or targeting of vulnerable groups.Yet the poor knowledge base concerning the functioning of food markets,livelihood systems and local vulnerability may render such approachesineffective in dealing with food insecurity. Therefore there is a need forforeign intervention or is there?

Come; contemplate the issue with us at MUMBAI MUN 2013. Be there or Besquare.

Thank youFor GA-iii SOCHUMSuraj Peri- Chairperson.


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United Nations General Assembly Fourth Committee (SPECPOL)

AGENDA 1: The Status of Taiwan.

Hello Delegates,

The 4th Committee of the General Assembly, the SPECPOL (Special Political

and Decolonization) is dealing with two of the most interesting agendas that

are challenging the geopolitics of the eastern hemisphere, however deeply

involving international influence from all theatres.

So let me address the Issue regarding the question of the Legality of Taiwan

(aka Formosa, aka Republic of China (ROC)) as a State.

While past sessions of the General Assembly, have addressed the question,

the reality of the status quo clearly demonstrates the insufficiency oferstwhile resolutions. Cross-strait tension rises repeatedly regarding

Taiwans de jure independence.

The One China doctrine is inherently ambiguous and its instability will

inevitably intensify under substantial scrutiny on the international stage.

Thus its discussion is vital to the stability of the region. China is

unequivocally a rising global power and its increasing military expenditure

signals an attempt to annul Western influence in the region. Ignoring this

question thus risks intensifying the political gulf between China and several

other nations, inflating the chances of armed conflict. Delegates will bepushed to consider the entirety of this extremely complex question, thinking

about the full range of forces that shape the positions of important

stakeholders. They will be shouldered with significant responsibility. Any

resolutions passed in this committee will have far-reaching consequences for

the long-term stability in East Asiathe fastest-growing commercial hub in

the world.

This topic will push delegates to consider the larger political forces and

motives that drive international discourse on sensitive topics. Importantly,

every stakeholder will need to balance the big picture stability of the region

against the nominal right to national sovereignty. Many factors will play into

this analysis, and delegates will need to think along historical, political and

pragmatic lines. Above all, delegates should be prepared to craft nuanced

resolutions and engage in vigorous debate. Delegates, I am looking forward

to seeing you all geared up well researched for this committee.

Shouryadipta Sarkar

Chair, GA-IV SPECPOL, Mumbai MUN


20/28

AGENDA 2: The Status of Spartly and Paracel Islands

Territorial spats over the waters and islands of the South China Sea have

roiled relations between China and countries like Philippines, Vietnam,

Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei in recent years. The region is home to a

wealth of natural resources, fisheries, trade routes, and military bases,

these are the immediate source of conflict in the region. China's blanket

claims to sovereignty across the region and its strong resistance to handling

disputes in an international arena have mired attempts at resolving the

crises and intensified nationalist postures in all countries involved,

particularly Vietnam and the Philippines.

According to the World Bank, the South China Sea holds proven oil

reserves of at least seven billion barrels and an estimated 900 trillion cubic

feet of natural gas, which offer tremendous economic opportunity for smallernations like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and energy security for

China's large, growing economy.

Smaller-scale fishing incidents have instead become the hub of maritime

confrontation as declining fish stocks have driven fishermen farther into

disputed areas to search for supply, as well as highly profitable illegal

species.

As much as 50 percent of global oil tanker shipments pass through the

South China Sea, which sees three times more tanker traffic than the SuezCanal and over five times that of the Panama Canal, making the waters one

of the world's busiest international sea lanes. More than half of the world's

top ten shipping ports are also located in and around the South China Sea,

according to the International Association of Ports and Harbors.

As of 2012, all of the Paracel Islands are under Chinese control. Eight of

the Spratly Islands are under Chinese control; Vietnamese troops have

seized the greatest number of Spratly islands, 29. Eight islands are

controlled by the Philippines, five by Malaysia, two by Brunei and one by

Taiwan.

- Abbas Hyder

Vice-Chairperson, SPECPOL

SPECPOL


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United Nation Human Rights Commission (UNHRC)

AGENDA 1: Human Rights Violation in Myanmar

Human rights violation due to the recent ethnic conflict and displacement in

Myanmar is a global issue today. Violence between Buddhists and Muslims

has spread across the western part of the state, resulting in the destruction

of thousands of homes and the deaths of hundreds of people.

The Burmese military force has violated the International Humanitarian Law

by using landmines, physical torture, beatings, illegal take way of

individuals property and sexual violence against women and girls. And the

most unfortunate thing for the global community is that, defaulters are

rarely brought to justice. Apart from these the Burmese military force

continues to actively recruit and use child soldiers, even as the governmentcooperates with the International Labor Organization on demobilizing child

soldiers. Thus activities of the Burmese government regarding the Rohingya

issue to much extent are contradictory with the regulations of different

international organizations. Approximately 500,000 people were internally

displaced and more than 180,000 refugees were in camps in Bangladesh

and Thailand. Many of the Rohingya refugees were caught by these

countries government forces while they were trying to mix with the local

communities in the border areas. This caused cultural assault and human

rights violation in these countries too.

Since 2006, right from the very beginning UNHRC has worked keenly on

refugee issues and violation of rights. As this council has already been

successful in resolving various global issues I sincerely hope UNHRC would

again be successful in answering the questions raised on Myanmar and

come up with a consensus.

Anika Binte Kasem,

Chairperson, UNHRC


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AGENDA 2: Repatriation of Tibetan refugees in India

The picturesque, calming terrains of the Tibetan region belie the numerous

instances of denial of basic privileges set out in the Universal declaration of

Human Rights. What is alarming is the accelerated growth in the number of

such incidents; in particular, cases of self immolation, and the refusal of the

People's Republic of China to allow most forms of support from the global

community. While the politico-religious nature of the issue makes any

discussion most sensitive in nature, it would be a farce to expect inaction

over the (alleged) instances of deprivation of life, disappearances, torture,

poor prison conditions, arbitrary arrest and detention, denial of fair public

trial, denial of freedom of speech and of press and Internet freedoms,

political and religious repression, forced abortions, sterilisation, and even

infanticide. While the Dalai Lama has been the most notable representative

of the Tibetan struggle, the political nature of his leadership in addition tothe religious, plays a significant role in the response of the Chinese

government. Thus, the challenge which awaits the assembled at the UNHRC

is to address these issues sufficiently, and win justice for the deserving

people of Tibet. All this, while placating the Government of China about no

infringement on their sovereign claim over their territory. In this endeavour,

we wish them the best.

Shreyas Pai

Vice Chairperson, UNHRC


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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

(UNESCO)

AGENDA 1: Discussing Important Educational Programs To Further Educate

The Girl Child

All countries in South Asia are making serious efforts to work towards gender

parity, equality and equity within the framework of the Millennium Development

Goals and the Education for All targets. These efforts can help ensure that girls can

realize their rights to education through improved access, and within education

though quality teaching and enhanced learning outcomes.

There is a growing sense of momentum around education in South Asia.

Governments are engaged and a lot has been done. The Millennium Development

Goals have added an additional spur to action, as indeed have greater awareness

on gender disparity and the need for educated workers. There is though a long way

to go if the rights of all children are to be realized.

The current situation is as such that in parts of South Asia, only one girl in four

attends primary school. Not all children finish and fewer than half learn effectively.

Girls enrolments generally remain low and lower than boys.

There are countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan where

enrolment of girls has remained problematic, indicating a clear disparity between

girls and boys in terms of access to basic education.

Afghanistan is one of those countries with educational issues and the major

reason for this is the war and the Taliban that is persistent!

The other major problem in most south Asian countries is poverty It is an issue of

utmost importance and must be discussed. Various cultural beliefs and in a way

even the government of a particular state plays a vital cog in the whole issue

Strategically crafted initiatives and social mobilization programs are deemed

necessary, particularly to tackle the deep-rooted socialcultural barriers.

Opportunities should be provided to practice critical pedagogy through

participation in literacy and non-formal education programs for non-literate adults.

There is a need for state nations of the region to address the issues of fear andinsecurity that girls are forced to face on a day-to-day basis, be they due to the

culturally unfavorable perception against girls and women or due to war and

conflict. Alternative forms of education, for example setting up satellite campuses

and feeder schools, and recruitment of local female teachers could address the

issue. Quality of education, however, must not be compromised. So a lot can be

discussed over 3 days , delegates can come up with better options and much

better programs, this just gives you a brief on the whole agenda.

Hussain M Unjhawala

Chairperson, UNESCO


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AGENDA 2: Steps for Establishment of a Socially Cohesive Environment

in the Diverse Countries of the Far East

In the West, Asia is primarily seen as an arena of economic change. After all,for decades the continent has been one of the fastest growing economies

worldwide. Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan are among theeconomically most developed societies in the world. Furthermore, over thepast 15 years India has emerged as a new economic power. However,alongside the image of prospering Asia with its growth markets there isanother perception of Asian developments. For many societies in the regionare shaped by the outbreak of violent domestic conflicts. SpecificallySoutheast Asia, home to about a fifth of the worlds 1.2 billionMuslims, has gained a reputation as being a seedbed of religious violence.

Some observers even discern an Asian zone of religious extremism, from

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Xinjiang via Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri

Lanka and Bangladesh through to Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesiaand the South Philippines. There are good reasons for both views, for there

are great political and economic differences between the individual countries

in Asia. Democracies in some contrast with autocratic systems of ruler ship

in others, and some of the worlds poorest developing countries exist

alongside some of the worlds fastest growing economies. The region

includes the worlds two largest countries in terms of population as well as

various small countries that often feel threatened by their neighbours.

Culturally speaking, the region is also decidedly heterogeneous. Hindu,

Buddhist and Islamic factors have shaped South Asia both historically andculturally. In Southeast Asia, the cultural and historical influences of both

regions mingle, with Continental Southeast Asia being more strongly defined

by Buddhism whereas maritime Southeast Asia is more strongly melded by

Islam and Catholicism (Philippines). Indeed, within the individual countries,

different cultural and religious influences come to bear. Ethnically

homogeneous countries such as Japan and Korea contrast with the

linguistic and religious heterogeneity of South and Southeast Asian

societies. Cultural conflicts are domestic, interstate or transnational political

conflicts in which the actors involved focus in the conflict on issues relatingto religion, language and/or historicity. The focus on cultural conflicts

does not imply assumption of a simplifying perspective on conflict theory

that understands culture or cultural phenomena such as religion, language

or historical experience as the triggers or causes of conflicts within society

or between societies. Four out of the ten Southeast Asian nations have the

highest rate of violent cultural conflicts. Given the number of countries and

the size of their populations, Southeast Asia is indeed encumbered to an

above---average extent by cultural conflicts: 4 of 13 Asian regional

nonviolent conflicts of identity and seven of the 33 medium---intensity

cultural conflicts take place in Southeast Asia, with 29 of the 68 militant


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cultural conflicts were fought in Southeast Asia. The adjective cultural

does not refer here to the actors motives in a conflict, but to the issue of the

conflict. When defining a conflict as cultural it is not relevant why there

is a dispute, but what is in dispute.

Shagun Shah,

Chairperson, UNESCO


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South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

AGENDA 1: Co-operation between SAARC Member Nations to Eradicate

Poverty and Unemployment

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (hereinafter referredto as SAARC) comprises of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives,

Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAARC is a manifestation of the

determination of the peoples of South Asia to work together towards finding

solutions to their common problems in a spirit of friendship, trust and

understanding and to create an order based on mutual respect, equity and

shared benefits. The main goal of the Association is to accelerate the process

of economic and social development in member states, through joint action

in the agreed areas of cooperation. Emanating from the objective to

accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in theSAARC region (hereinafter referred to as the region), the topic ofalleviation

of poverty in the region gained the highest priority in the Sixth SAARC

Summit, 1991.

An accord for the establishment of an Independent South Asian Commission

on Poverty Alleviation (hereinafter referred to as ISACPA), consisting of

eminent persons from member states to conduct an in-depth study of the

diverse experiences of member states and report their recommendations on

the alleviation of poverty to the Seventh Summit, was signed at the Sixth

SAARC Summit.

In furtherance to the above a consensus on poverty eradication was adopted

at the Seventh SAARC Summit held in 1993. The Summit welcomed the

ISACPA report and expressed its commitment to eradicate poverty from

South Asia preferably by the Year 2002 through an agenda of action which

would, inter-alia, include a strategy of social mobilization, policy of

decentralised agricultural development and small-scale labour-intensive

industrialisation and human development thus concentrating on eradicating

unemployment by generating more employment opportunities for the peopleof the region.

The Meeting of the second-tier, i.e. Finance and Planning Secretaries,endorsed the recommendation of the first-tier and emphasised that povertyeradication should be viewed in the overall context of accelerating economicgrowth resulting in resulting in employment generation in an environment ofmacro-economic stability with emphasis on overall human resourcedevelopment. The meeting also put special emphasis on the need toimproving the implementation of poverty eradication programmes throughdevolution of power and decentralisation.


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SAARC Member States moving ahead in the direction to eradicate poverty

came with the idea of having Decade on Poverty Alleviation from 2006 to

2015.

The First Meeting of the Secretaries dealing with Poverty Alleviation held in

2006, underscored the need for policy prioritization for better utilization of

the budgetary resources so as to have the desired impact on poverty

reduction.

The Second Meeting of Secretaries dealing with Poverty Alleviation held in

2008 agreed that there should be a Mid-Term Review on the attainment of

the SAARC Development Goals by an inter-governmental mechanism in

2009.

Third Meeting of Secretaries on Poverty Alleviation was held 2009. The

Meeting recognized that the Member States have made significant progress

despite facing formidable challenges posed by poverty, underdevelopment,

unemployment, illiteracy, population growth, environmental degradation

compounded by fluctuation in the fuel price and recent financial crisis.

The Fourth Meeting of Secretaries of Poverty Alleviation was held in 2011.

The Meeting discussed the progress made so far in SAARC Member States in

implementing the SAARC Poverty Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation and

exchanged information on poverty reduction programmes, policies and

strategies adopted by the Member States to improve the lot of the poor.

The Meetings so far has touched the topic of poverty and its ancillary topic

of unemployment. However, with so many collateral meetings and

discussions, the steps taking by the Member States have not been very

fruitful in eradicating poverty and unemployment to the fullest,

nevertheless, these actions have helped in mitigating this menace.

Arzin Ansari,

Chairperson, SAARC


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AGENDA 2: Collective Measures to be Taken to Resolve Long StandingBorder Disputed Among SAARC Member Nations

One of the greatest hurdles for the SAARC has been recurring inter-stateconflicts between member states, which have posed significant challenges.

Inter-state conflict have had a debilitating effect on regional co-operation,thus alienating the region from several benefits of regional co-operation likegreater economic integration, frequent and easier people-to-people contact,sustainable peace and development at the regional level.Despite its stated intentions of establishing peace and stability in the region,SAARC as a regional body has for years grappled with inter-state, intra-stateand regional conflicts without making any substantial headway on theaforementioned issues. The lack of trust among member states has oftenmanifested itself in the ineffective administration of several of the initiativestaken by the SAARC. A prime example is that of the SAFTA.

Constant rise in military expenditures has cultivated an unhealthyenvironment for human development and also for the peaceful interstaterelationships

It has now become critical for SAARC to rise above bilateral conflicts and tofoster closer relationships with other regional and internationalorganizations, in order to evolve into an effective regional organization.

While moving swiftly in 2005 to set up the SAARC Arbitration Council inPakistan to resolve commercial disputes, its record on conflict resolutionhas been shoddy.

The goodwill generated from tremendous progress in economic cooperationand social cohesion must be channelled into evolving a sustainable andconsensual resolution to the border dispute plaguing the region.

Nisarg Kamdar,Vice Chairperson, SAARC

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