table of content - limun · united nations convention on the law of the sea released its award in...

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LONDON INTERNATIONAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2017

Table of Content

Economic and Social Council London International Model United Nations 18th Session | 2017

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Table of Contents

Introduction letters …………………………………………………………3

Introduction to the Committee……………………………………………. 4

Topic A……………………………………………………………………… 5

Topic B……………………………………………………………………… 20

Conference Information…………………………………………………… 34

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Introduction letters

Dear delegates,

Hi, I’m Sam and I’m excited to be the Director of ECOSOC at LIMUN 2017!

I’m a former student of the LSE and just about gained a degree in (you guessed

it) Economics. In terms on MUN, I’ve been around the bloc: having attended

conferences throughout the UK and as far away as South Korea. Although, this

will be my first LIMUN (if you don’t count me crashing the socials last year).

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Dear delegates,

My name is Aida and I will be the ECOSOC Assistant Director for this 18th

Session of LIMUN. I hold a BA in International Relations from the University

of Geneva in Switzerland and I am currently pursuing an LLB at IE University

in Madrid. Last year I was the Vice-President of the Executive Board at

Geneva International MUN and this year I decided to get more on-hands

experience and further expand my MUN training by chairing at LIMUN. This

is my first time at LIMUN of which I have only heard great things, I am sure

our committee will exceed my expectations. I am looking forward to meeting

all of you in February and making of this conference – together with Sam –

one you will never forget.

Committee email: [email protected]

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Introduction to the Committee The Economic and Social Council is one of the six principal organs of the

United Nations. The Council is responsible for coordinating the economic,

social related work of 15 UN specialised agencies, their functional

commissions and five regional commissions. Besides the Member States, a

consultative status has been granted to several non-governmental organisations

and they are allowed to participate in the work of the Council.

Some of the main areas which ECOSOC focuses on are the promotion of

sustainable development, and the transition from the Millennium Development

Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Further, the Council coordinates humanitarian action, addresses the financing

for sustainable development, provides coordination and oversight and builds

partnerships.

Some of the ECOSOC Functional Commissions include the Commissions on

Population and Development, on the Status of Women, on Narcotic Drugs, on

Science and Technology for Development.

The Council also works closely with regional commissions, standing

committees, expert bodies composed of governmental experts, expert bodies

composed of members serving in their personal capacity and other related

bodies.

You can find more information on the following link.

https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/

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http://nationalinterest.org/feature/south-china-sea-clashes-are-fracturing-asean-16699

Topic A: Reviewing Policies and

Procedures Concerning the South

China Sea

"Whosoever commands the sea commands trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world

commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself"

- Sir Walter Raleigh (c1610).

Introduction

International communication and transportation routes are of outmost importance in

the 21st century and play a key role in the world economy. Many of these

transportation routes are subject to disputes between different countries. The South

China Sea dispute puts the spotlight on a broad range of overlapping key notions of

international concern: delimitation of maritime boundaries, overlapping maritime

claims, freedom of navigation, right to innocent passage, definition of an island and

artificial islands, historic rights, exploitation of resources, and the many “grey areas”

that arise from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter

UNCLOS or the Convention)1. Access to International Transportation routes can

determine the economic and social future of entire societies and being denied access

to these routes is a reality faced by many countries. Indeed, transportation is often


http://nationalinterest.org/feature/south-china-sea-clashes-are-fracturing-asean-16699

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described as a crucial condition without which trade and globalization cannot

take place. With globalization and technological development, transportation routes

and transportation modes have been under increasing pressure due to a growing

demand in order to have larger volumes of merchandising being transported and

covering larger distances.

History of the Problem

Before we analyze the South China Sea conflict, it is important to consider a few key

historical and geographical elements. The South China Sea dispute has over the years

reached a few “key moments” or flash points of tension.

In 1974, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Vietnam clashed in the

surrounding waters of the Paracel Islands after a Chinese attack on Vietnamese

forces. With this attack, China successfully seized the Paracel Islands from the

Vietnamese, and established de facto control2 reaffirming again the “nine-dash line” –

demarcation line used by the government of China – as the basis for its territorial

claims in the South China Sea.

In 1988 the two countries clashed once more, this time in the surrounds of Fiery

Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. It was not until that year that China occupied one of

the islands of the Spratly chain, claiming sovereignty over the entire chain on the

basis of historical rights 3 . Not only did this incident reaffirm China’s naval

superiority in the region, it also fired its grit to impose and defend its sovereignty

over the Spratlys.

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Map representing the different claims. Source: RB Cribb/middlebury.edu, available at:

http://www.newmandala.org/vietnamese-fishermen-versus-china/

In early 2012, China and the Philippines exchanged accusations of intrusions in the

Scarborough Shoal, when a Filipino navy vessel discovered Chinese fishing boats

along the waters and claimed that these were illegally collecting corals, clams, and

live sharks. However, two Chinese maritime surveillance ships prevented the Filipino

navy from taking measures4. Later that same year, China obtained the de facto control

of the Shoal.

In January 2013 the government of the Philippines officially submitted a claim to the

United Nations in order to establish an Arbitral Tribunal5 under the auspices of

UNCLOS challenging China’s claims on the South China Sea region. The claim was

rejected by China, who refused to take part to the proceedings. Both countries, being

parties to the Convention, are bound by the dispute settlement system set in part XV

of the UNCLOS regarding any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of

the convention (UNCLOS, art. 286 and 287). In 2006, China issued a declaration

pursuant to Article 298 rejecting the compulsory dispute procedure under UNCLOS

http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf

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for disputes concerning delimitation of territorial sea, exclusive economic

zones, and continental shelves6. However, under UNCLOS the arbitral tribunal is

permitted to hear the case without China and therefore a five-member Arbitral

tribunal was set up as provided by Annex VII (UNCLOS, Annex VII, art.9).

In May 2014, China introduced a drill rig in the waters surrounding the Paracel

Islands also claimed by Vietnam. This led to multiple clashes between ships from the

two nations and resulted in anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam, which led to an increase in

diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

In 2015, satellite images demonstrated that China was building an airstrip on the

Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. In fact, China had in the past asserted its

claims in the South China Sea by developing artificial islands, including airstrips for

military purposes.

On 12 July 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII to the 1982

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea released its Award in the Matter of

the South China Sea Arbitration (PCA Case n. 2013-19)

Statement of the Problem

For centuries, the South China Sea region has been subject to disputes over

territory and sovereignty between the People’s Republic of China (hereafter,

China) and other South East Asian countries. No other maritime dispute has

received as much attention as the dispute over the control of the islands and

waters of the South China Sea. Moreover, this dispute has opened a legal and

diplomatic conflict between the countries involved, namely China, Vietnam,

the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei Darussalam (hereafter, Brunei),

which has lasted over a decade starting around 1941. It has, in the meantime,

involved different countries and increased international interests. Yet today the

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conflict remains unresolved. The South China Sea dispute is of

particular relevance today due to its inherent complexities and the challenges it

poses regarding further development of the United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea, international transportation routes and the economic future of

the countries involved. In ECOSOC we will not touch upon the legal aspect of

the conflict, as it is not within our mandate. We will only focus on the two last

issues mentioned. The legal aspect is only relevant regarding the existing

definitions, as we will use those form the Convention. Definitions provided by

UNCLOS are not subject to be changed by this committee.

Definitions

International Transport Route: an international transport route carries

substantial international traffic and facilitates links between countries.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: the UNCLOS entered into

force on 16 November 1994, 12 months after the required 60 ratifications as

prescribed by its article 308(1).

Innocent Passage: the principle of innocent passage in the territorial sea is

codified under Section III of the UNCLOS. Article 19(1) states: “Passage is

innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of

the coastal State. Such passage shall take place in conformity with this

Convention and with other rules of international law.”

Transit Passage: the principle of transit passage is codified under Section II of

the UNCLOS. Article 38(2) defines transit passage as follows: “Transit

passage means the exercise in accordance with this Part of the freedom of

navigation and overflight solely for the purpose of continuous and expeditious

transit of the strait between one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic

zone and another part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone.

However, the requirement of continuous and expeditious transit does not

preclude passage through the strait for the purpose of entering, leaving or

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returning from a State bordering the strait, subject to the conditions of

entry to that State.”

Freedom of the High Seas: the principle of freedom of the high seas is codified

under article 87 of the Law of the Seas. This principle states that the high seas

are open to all states however there are certain rules and conditions.

Artificial Island: A man-made island or other structure surrounded by or

floating on water.

Territorial Sea: the territorial sea may not exceed 12 nautical miles from the

baselines and is considered as part of the land territory of the coastal state

(UNCLOS, art. 3)

Contiguous Zone: (hereafter, CZ) corresponds to the area extending up to 24 nautical

miles from the territorial sea baselines limit (UNCLOS, art. 33).

Exclusive Economic Zone: (hereafter, EEZ) which includes the CZ and can extend up

to 200 nautical miles starting from the baselines. In the EEZ, the coastal state enjoys

sovereign rights for the exploration, exploitation, conservation and management of

the natural living and non-living resources of the waters, as well as other economic

activities. Its jurisdiction is limited to the construction and use of artificial islands,

installations and structures, marine scientific research, and the protection and

preservation of the maritime environment (UNCLOS, art. 56 and 57).

Piracy: article 101 of the UNCLOS defines piracy as consisting of any of the

following acts:

“(a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for

private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and

directed:

(i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or

property on board such ship or aircraft;

(ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the

jurisdiction of any State;

(b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with

knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft;

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(c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in

subparagraph (a) or (b).

Brief outline of the Legal Implications of the dispute

All of the coastal states in the South China Sea have advanced claims for

sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area. This has led to countries having

overlapping claims over certain features, leading to disputes in regard to

maritime boundaries of the region. Claims from all of the States involved

remain ambiguous, which makes the search for a solution all the more

complicated. All of the South China Sea states are parties to UNCLOS,

meaning that any claim brought forth must be based on UNCLOS provisions in

order for it to be valid under international law.

Economic Implications of the dispute

The South China Sea dispute has many economic implications not only for the

countries in the region but for International trade generally speaking. Indeed

the “total annual trade through the South China Sea amounts to $5.3 trillion,

with U.S. trade accounting for $1.2 trillion”7 . This shows the tremendous

impact the region has on international trade as well as its importance place as

one of the main transportation routes of the world.

If an armed conflict arises in the region the disruption to international trade

would be fatal even for countries not directly involved in the conflict. The

region is a key transit passage especially for China, Japan and Korea, countries

that heavily rely on the export of natural resources such as fisheries, seabed

maritime resources, and oil and gas deposits. However other countries are also

involved mainly because the South China Sea is the most direct passage

between Asia and Europe. Going around the region would not only delay the

transportation times but also increase prices due to a bigger need for fuel8.

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A rise in hostilities from China is deeply feared by surrounding

countries. However, as the main country in the dispute China would be the one

to suffer the most. If this were to happen China could potentially face

economic sanction and as a result be confronted to a lesser amount of foreign

investment, which could affect China’s own economic development9. If China

were sanctioned even if only through political tools and economic

mechanisms, its economy would be less stable therefore this would reduce

foreign investment.

Piracy in the South China Sea

Approximately half of the incidents of piracy reported since the 1990s have

taken place in the South China Sea10. This makes sense in a certain way,

indeed the more shipping the more piracy opportunities and the more profitable

it is to exercise piracy. Indeed, “there is a growing concern among coastal

states and user states to ensure speedy and safe passage through the shipping

lanes of the South China Sea11”

Current Situation

Environmental Implications

After submitting its request to the Arbitral Tribunal, the Philippines called on it to

declare that China violated the provisions of the Convention concerning artificial

islands, installations, and structures12. In its Award of 12 July 2016, the Arbitral

Tribunal constituted under Annex VII to the 1982 United Nations Conventions on the

Law of the Sea, in regards to the Matter of the South China Sea Arbitration (PCA

case n. 2013-19), took a conservative approach to law and specifically to the

construction activities held by China in the region. In the event that the tribunal had

not condemned China’s actions and remained silent on the matter, it would have

implicitly allowed China to continue its activities, which would only encourage other

states to do the same. China’s construction activities have been held mainly in reefs

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that are part of the Spratlys Chain (namely, Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross Reef,

Gaven Reef, Hughes Reef and Johnson South Reef). This construction serves to

fortify Chinese claims over the island chain. After moving sediment from the sea to

the reefs in order to effectively transform the nature of features, the country focused

on building military and civilian facilities such as airstrips, ports, lighthouses, and

other support buildings, which reinforces its control and ability to operate in the

South China Sea. The other countries involved in the dispute have also engaged in

construction activities. Chinese officials have maintained that China’s construction

and maintenance work on the islands and reefs are based on peaceful intentions;

China has also stated that every construction project undertaken on islands and reefs

has gone through scientific assessments and rigorous environmental tests13.

Perspectives for a Joint Development Regime

The South China Sea has unexploited reserves of natural resources such as oil and

natural gas, which make the region and claiming sovereignty over it all the more

attractive for the bordering countries; most countries pursue its claims in order to

meet their growing need for new energy sources. A third of the world’s natural gas

resources go through the Malacca Strait and into the South China Sea14. On 12 July

2016, the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII to the 1982 United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea released its Award in the Matter of the South

China Sea Arbitration (PCA Case n. 2013-19), China never recognized the

jurisdiction of the Tribunal as it believed the issues the Tribunal was ruling on fell

outside of it’s mandate. After the tribunal’s decisions tensions continued to rise.

The suggestion of a joint resource management in the South China Sea has been put

forth as the best way of reducing tensions and the best overall solution to the dispute.

Unilateral exploitation activities often lead to conflict and an escalation of tensions in

the region. Boundaries delimitation disputes have left a vacuum in the exploitation of

resources and protection of the maritime ecosystem of the South China Sea.

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Joint development is defined in general terms: a provisional or definitive

agreement between two countries when faced with areas of overlapping maritime

claims in order to jointly exploit and develop the resources of the disputed area15. An

agreement regarding fisheries and hydrocarbon resources would be the best

provisional solution in the South China Sea for the meantime of the sovereignty

disputes unfolding. It is widely recognized that the South China Sea is, in accordance

with Part IX of the UNCLOS, a “semi enclosed sea”. Article 123 places a general

obligation upon states bordering a semi-enclosed sea to “coordinate the management,

conservation, exploration and exploitation of the living resources of the sea”,

meaning the mainland states involved have in fact a duty to cooperate in the

exploitation of resources in the region; this is only one of the many basis that can be

used for a joint development regime in the area.

A second instrument that serves as a basis for the establishment of a joint

development regime is the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South

China Sea, adopted by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and the People’s Republic of

China16. This document is of particular relevance, as the parties undertook several

commitments regarding the situation in the region and reaffirmed some of the

principles stated by UNCLOS and by the provisions mentioned above. Under

paragraph five of the Declaration, States agree not to engage in actions that could

jeopardize the reach of a solution or lead to an escalation in tensions. This paragraph

is of particular relevance as states undertake to “refrain from action of inhabiting on

the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features”, a practice

that has in the past been the main source of conflict between the coastal states. Under

paragraph six, they recognize the possibility to engage in cooperative activities in the

region. The Declaration, even if not referring to the management of natural resources

in the region or to the exploitation of the oil and gas resources, sets an important basis

for cooperation among states in the region. More than ten years after the Declaration,

tensions in the region are still on the rise, and calls for a “legally binding code of

conduct” as the next step have multiplied in the international community17 . The

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Declaration lacked binding measures and the legal power to monitor the

State’s compliance.

Bloc positions

United States

While not taking part on the disputes regarding sovereignty over the features,

the United States have an interest in the maintenance of peace and stability in

the region, freedom of navigation, respect of international law and securing

trade in the South China Sea18.

People’s Republic of China

Following the Award of July 12 2016, China issued a statement regarding the

award as null and deciding not to abide by the Tribunal’s decision. China

claims to have “undisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China

Sea and the adjacent waters” based on the Nine Dash Demarcation Line19

Philippines

The Philippines argue that the Nine Dash Line claimed by China is a flagrant

violation of UNCLOS. The Philippines requested the tribunal to declare that

China had violated several UNCLOS provisions. The Philippines mainly based

it’s reasoning on article 121 paired with other UNCLOS provisions.

Japan and Korea

Japan and South Korea believe that security in the region is one of the main

issues to be addressed. Both countries economic growth is mostly export-

orientated and as a consequence their GDP depends on the security of trade.

There has been a growing alliance between Japan and the United States that

has pushed Korea to align with the international community.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

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What type of regulations regarding international routes and navigation

should be implemented?

Measures to avoid the blocking of a communication route by a country?

How to protect the right of passage in the South China Sea?

How to ensure that the right to innocent passage is respected?

Measures to take if a foreign vessel enters national waters?

How to address the issue of piracy?

What about acts of piracy committed by States?

Sources

Monographs

Hong, Nong; Wu, Shicun; Valencia, Mark (2015). UN Convention on the Law of the

Sea and the South China Sea. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., p.1-2.

Articles and Book Chapters

Bonnet, François-Xavier. (2012). Geopolitics of Scarborough Shoal. Irasec’s

Discussion Papers, vol. 14. Available at:

http://www.irasec.com/documents/fichiers/40.pdf

Brams, Steven J., et al. (1997) Fair division: A new approach to the Spratly

Islands controversy. International Negotiation, vol. 2, no 2, p. 304-306.

Cossa, R. A. (1998, March). Security Implications of Conflict in the South

China Sea: Exploring Potential Triggers of Conflict. Pacific Forum, CSIS.

Gallagher, Michael G (1994). China's illusory threat to the South China Sea.

International Security, vol. 19, no 1, p. 171-172.

http://www.irasec.com/documents/fichiers/40.pdf

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Keyuan, Zou (2006). Joint development in the South China Sea: a new

approach. p. 83-109. The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law,

vol. 21, no 1.

McDevitt, M. (2014). The South China Sea: Assessing US Policy and Options for the

Future. CNA Occasional Paper. Arlington, VA: Center for Naval Analysis.

Rosenberg, D. (2009). The political economy of piracy in the South China Sea. Naval

War College Review, 62(3), 43.

Severino, Rodolfo C. (2014) Preventing Conflict in the South China Sea. In,

Chachavalpongpun, Pavin (ed.). Entering Uncharted Waters?: ASEAN and the South

China Sea, p 12. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

Thayer, C. A. (2013). ASEAN, China and the code of conduct in the South

China Sea. p. 75-84. SAIS Review of International Affairs, vol. 33, no 2.

International Treaties

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted on 10 December 1982 in

Montego Bay, entered into force on 16 November 1994.

Websites

Wall Street Journal, July 14 2016, South China Sea Ruling Increases

Uncertainty for Shipping, Trade. Available at:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/south-china-sea-ruling-increases-uncertainty-for-

shipping-trade-1468487095

http://www.wsj.com/articles/south-china-sea-ruling-increases-uncertainty-for-shipping-trade-1468487095

http://www.wsj.com/articles/south-china-sea-ruling-increases-uncertainty-for-shipping-trade-1468487095

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National and International Documents

Award in the Matter of the South China Sea Arbitration, 12 July 2016, (PCA case n.

2013-19)

Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, 14 November 2002.

Available at: http://asean.org/?static_post=declaration-on-the-conduct-of-parties-in-

the- south-china-sea-2

Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the

United Nations to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, No. CML/17/2009 (7

May 2009). A vailable at:

http://www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/submissions_files/mysvnm33_09/chn_2009re_

mys _vnm_e.pdf)

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1 Hong, Nong; Wu, Shicun; Valencia, Mark. (2015) 2 Gallagher, Michael G. (1994) 3 Brams, Steven J., et al. (1997) 4 Bonnet, François-Xavier. (2012) 5 Thayer, C. A. (2013) 6 See China’s declaration of August 25, 2016 made after its ratification of UNCLOS 7 Wall Street Journal (2016) 8 Cossa (1998) 9 Idem. 10 Rosenberg (2009) 11 Idem. 12 See, Permanent Court of Arbitration Press Release, Arbitration between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of

China, 30 November 2015, p. 6-7. 13 See, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's

Regular Press Conference, April 9, 2015, and An Interview on China's Construction Activities on the Nansha Islands

and Reefs May 27, 2015 14 Supra note 7. 15 Keyuan, Zou.(2006) 16 See, Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, 14 November 2002 17 Severino (2014) 18 Mcdevitt (2014) 19 See, Note Verbale from the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations to the

Secretary-General of the United Nations, No. CML/17/2009 (7 May 2009).

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Source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CuFmrd4XEAA1q_F.jpg

Topic B: Ageism: Challenging negative

stereotypes and improving the life of the

elderly

There was an old man who lived with his son and grandson. His son considered him a

burden and son decided to rid himself of the problem. He took his old father in a

basket and set out for the jungle. His plan was to leave the old man there.

The grandson, observing his father said, “Father, please be sure to bring back the

basket.”

Why?” asked the father.

“Because I will need it when you grow old,” replied the grandson.

- Bangladesh Folk Tale

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Introduction

During the 20th century, the planet’s population has exploded from 1.65 billion to

almost 7 billion in the year 2000 (Ospina-Ortiz, E. and Roser, M., 2016). This rapid

population growth has been spurred by increased availability of food, advances in

healthcare and public sanitation and the elimination of numerous diseases. These

advances simultaneously reduced infant mortality and increased the life expectancy

of the elderly.

As a result, the growth in the population of over-60s has increased substantially: in

2015, the “elderly” made up 901m of the world’s population and this is projected to

grow substantially (United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs,

2015). Most significantly, the proportion of the population made up of over-60s will

increase from 12.5% to 20% by 2050 (Ibid.).

As a result, it has become increasingly urgent to deal with discrimination that over-

60s face, known as “ageism”. Ageism presents a challenge to governments, societies

and economies, who must ensure that individuals are not pushed out of the

communities and workplaces that they have both contributed to and were supported

by during their younger years.

History of the Problem

Demographics are destiny

The drivers of the massive expansion in population has been the rapid

industrialisation of nations in the West – and beyond – which has brought

unprecedented wealth and prosperity. This in turn, has supported the medical and

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nutritional advances which have underpinned falling infant mortality and rising life

expectancy.

However, the result of increased prosperity – combined with the rising female

workforce participation and better access to contraception – are plummeting birth

rates. The global average number of births per women has halved between 1960 and

2010, from 5 to less than 2.5 (World Bank, 2016). While fertility is higher in less

developed countries, it too has fallen substantially (Ospina-Ortiz, E. and Roser, M.,

2016).

As a result of these two trends – an increase in life expectancy and a falling birth rate

– the global population is ageing. In and of itself, this fact is cause for celebration:

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humans have never before been able to expect such a long and healthy life as they do

today.

However, a greying population presents a series of challenges that we must overcome

if mankind is to manage the most dramatic shift in demographics in its history.

A grey tsunami

An ageing population presents a number of social and economic challenges.

Firstly, an increase in the ratio of old to young means more demand for social

security and fewer people to pay for. This problem is beginning to bear out in highly

developed countries with generous state pensions and publicly funded healthcare

systems. As the population ages, the number of pensioners increases, drawing more

cash from public or private pension plans that are funded by the contributions of the

current workforce.

Because retirees are living longer and the workforce is shrinking, the gap between

what pension schemes have promised to pay and what they are currently able to in the

future is growing. Pension plans are already beginning to struggle: the US city of

Detroit defaulted in 2013 as a result of a massive pension funding gap, with some

seeing their income and health benefits cut (The Economist, 2016). At the same time,

workers are expected to save larger portions of their income towards retirement.

There are a number of solutions to this problem; none are particularly pleasant.

Governments and companies could make pensions less generous or increase the

contributions workers are expected to make. An alternative solution would be getting

people to work later into their lives. This would increase the size of the workforce

and reduce the proportion of the population receiving a pension, offsetting the

shrinkage caused by an ageing population. However, ageist attitudes (and pressure

from those approaching retirement) has prevented or delayed such measures being

taken.

Secondly, increases in life expectancy have brought mankind into contact with

increasingly complex chronic and degenerative diseases. “Age-related” diseases such

as Alzhemier’s, Type II Diabetes, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Heart Disease are

more treatable but also more prevalent than ever as the population ages (National

Institutes of Health, 2011).

Medical knowledge and technology are always advancing but, as most of the cost

incurred in treating age-related disease is incurred in the final year before death, there

are questions surrounding the cost-effectiveness of treating expensive chronic

illnesses in advanced-age patients.

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Finally, as more people reach advanced ages, the number of people reliant on part or

full time carers has increased significantly. Increasing numbers rely on a professional

carer or family member to support them in day-to-day activities. (The Guardian,

2014). This places pressure on social safety nets and familial networks to afford care

for more people, for longer, sometimes with acute chronic medical conditions.

Most concerning of all, however, is the recent exposure of abuses in the professional

care sector. For example, Age UK (a British charity supporting the elderly) reports

that there has been a rise in reports of physical and psychological abuse and neglect

in recent years, taking place both at home and in care homes (BBC News, 2013).

There are no reliable figures for developing nations but there is good reason to

believe that if such abuse occurs in wealthy, developed nations, it is also happening

across the world.

Statement of the Problem

“Ageism” was coined by the psychiatrist Robert Butler in 1969 to describe the

prejudice he witnessed against the elderly in Washington D.C. and specifically in the

opposition of local residents to the creation of public housing for the elderly

(Achenbaum, W.A., 2015).

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“People talk about aging gracefully, which is what they want to do of course. So,

naturally, they don’t want to look at people who may be palsied, can’t eat well . . .

who may sit on the curb and clutter up the neighborhood with canes,” (Ibid.)

Robert Butler – American psychologist who coined the term “ageist”

Since then ageism has become more widely recognised as a form of discrimination of

the same order to magnitude as sexism, racism and homophobia. A large body of

academic research has been built up, seeking to define, quantify and estimate the

extent of ageism.

In September 2016, a landmark study by the WHO confirmed that ageism was

pervasive throughout different societies and cultures. The survey, about attitudes

towards the elderly was completed by 83,000 respondents in 57 countries, and found

that 60% believed that older people were respected less due to their age (WHO,

2016).

In particular, there is increasing recognition that tackling ageism will be necessary to

overcome a number of social and economic problems associated with shifting

demographics. The challenges presented by an ageing population - the social security

burden, the healthcare costs and protecting the elderly from abuse– are all made more

difficult to tackle by ageism.

For instance, the key to addressing the pension time bomb is getting people to work

later into their lives. But this can be difficult when employers dislike keeping on

workers into their “golden” years. While many workers are eager to continue

working, whether to continue to save for their retirements or for the satisfaction of

being occupied, employers may hold negative attitudes and prejudices toward old

workers (The Economist, 2006).

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However, the belief that over-60s are “past it” and will require substantial support to

continue working belies the dramatic extension in life expectancy that has occurred

over the past century. As such, workers can remain productive later into their lives

but may be pressured or feel obliged to leave their job earlier than they would like.

When dealing with the rising healthcare burden of caring for the elderly, negative

attitudes towards the elderly could dramatically shift the outcome of the tricky ethical

debate on how much resources to allocate to treating chronic and degenerative

diseases.

Moreover, abuse in the care sector may be motivated by a disregard for the health and

wellbeing of the elderly. Furthermore, dealing with this abuse is made difficult by an

inability to recognise or an unwillingness to report abuse the relevant authorities.

Current Situation

As ageism has become more widely recognised, more countries and international

organisations, including the UN, have begun to search for ways to tackle the ageist

attitudes and ensure that the elderly continue to play an integral part in society.

Actions by States

A number of developed countries have been at the forefront of anti-ageism

legislation, designed to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s age.

In particular, some member states have made significant changes to employment laws

in order to enable or encourage older individuals to continue working later into their

lives.

For instance, reform has involved abolishing mandatory retirement, which compelled

workers to retire once reaching a certain age (The U.S. Equal Employment

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Opportunity Commission, 2008). In theory, this removed the main obstacle

preventing older workers continuing as members of the work force. But, in practice,

age discrimination remains at large when employers make hiring, firing, promotion

and pay decisions.

As such, anti-ageism legislation often goes beyond outlawing mandatory retirement

and prohibits employers from making an employment decisions based on the age of

the applicant or employee.

Such laws not only provide legal protection to an employee who faces ageist

discrimination but also helps raise awareness of the potential for ageist attitudes to

pervade the workplace. Indeed, after the introduction of the 2006 Employment

Equality (Age) Regulations in the UK, the number of cases submitted to employment

tribunals has grown steadily (Age Discrimination UK).

However, such legislation has also been criticised for having exactly the opposite

effect as intended. It is argued that these sort of regulations make labour markets

more rigid, which discourages firms from hiring older employees. In particular, the

fear of being brought to an employment tribunal for trying to fire an incompetent and

old employee may make employers pause before taking on an older worker (The

Economist, 2006).

Actions by the UN

The UN has held several summits and meetings on tackling ageism.

For the past quarter decade, the UN has marked the 1st of October as the UN

International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP). Events on and around that day are

designed to draw attention to the problem of ageism and the steps that may be taken

to remedy it:

UNIDOP continues to call on everyone to reject all forms of ageism and work to

enable older persons to realize their potential, strengthening efforts to build a life of

dignity and human rights for all. (UN, 2016)

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In 2010, the UN General Assembly established the Open-Ended Working Group on

Ageing, in order to, “consider the existing international framework of the human

rights of older persons and identify possible gaps” (UNDESA, 2016).

The group held its most recent session in December of 2016, producing a report

which details steps taken in ensuring the human rights of the elderly are maintained

and examines the progress of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

(signed in 2002 by 159 nations).

The report commends a larger focus on human rights and the appointment of the

Independent Expert (who produce the report itself) in helping to draw the attention of

the international community toward the issues facing the elderly (including ageism)

and encourage national government to implement measure to ensure that the legal,

social and economic rights of the elderly are maintained (UNHRC, 2016).

However, the report also expresses concern about the, “uneven” progress made

towards achieving the goals of the Madrid Action Plan and significant gaps between

public policy and its implementation (Ibid.)

Bloc Positions

United States

As a developed country with a long declining birth rate, the US has increasingly

faced difficulty in dealing with its ageing population. Specifically, several large

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public pension funds at a municipal or state level are increasingly at risk of

bankruptcy due to generous promises, more pensioners and smaller workforces.

The US was an early adopter of anti-ageism legislation, specifically the 1967 Age

Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination of older persons

based on their age (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).

Controversially, however, the legislation allows to favour workers over the age of 40,

even if this is to the detriment of young workers (Ibid.).

EU

Anti-ageism legislation is promoted by EU under the Directive on Employment

Equality. However, a report produced by the European Council notes that its member

states have adopted, “a number of different systems” for tackling ageism (European

Commission, 2011).

Japan

Japan is an excellent example of how difficult it is to overcome or adapt to

demographic changes. A steady decline in the birth rate combined with a falling

death rate have resulted in a quickly aging population. This demographic shift has

been so dramatic that Japan’s population shrunk between 2010 and 2015, according

to its national census (The Washington Post, 2016).

United Kingdom

The UK introduced extensive anti-ageism legislation, most recently, the Equality Act

2010, although only recently abolished mandatory retirement age, at which

employers could sack their employees once they reaches a certain age.

Being a developed country, the UK finds itself in a similar position to the US, where

pensions have increasingly come under pressure due to an ageing workforce. As such

it is imperative that the UK is able to encourage workers to put off retirement and

remain productive members of the workforce.

Developing East-Asian Nations

Nations such China and India have experienced rapid population growth over the past

50 years but are now beginning to experience falling birth rates and greater life

expectancy as a result of the increased wealth of its citizens. As such, its populations

are beginning to age.

Whilst there are many differences between developing nations in East Asia, some

common challenges have been identified, including little reliable government

provision of healthcare and pensions, uncertain support from family members, and

polluted environments exacerbating chronic health conditions (Age Concern, 2006).

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The above three factors all contribute to the greater propensity of the elderly to

languish in poverty. This itself is made more likely by ageism, which perpetuates a

cycle in which the elderly are not properly cared for, and therefore considered

redundant, so are not properly cared for (Age Concern, 2006).

Developing and underdeveloped African Nations

While there are significant differences between the standing of and attitudes towards

the elderly throughout Africa, there are several common trends that can be identified.

Firstly, while populations are not aging overall, the number of elderly persons is

rising. For instance, in East Africa the population of those aged over 60 is projected

to grow from 11m in 2000 to 56m by 2050 (Age Concern, 2006).

However, at the same time the, “level of mistreatment, neglect and abandonment of

older people are growing to quite alarming levels”.19 Age discrimination in African

nations includes the elderly being barred from acquiring property or being stripped of

their holdings or jobs advertising for certain age groups.

Questions A Resolution Must Answer

How should the UN seek to define ageism? Should this definition also include

prejudice against young people?

Are mandatory retirement ages ever acceptable?

How can we measure the extent and impact of ageism in social and economic

contexts?

How does the work of ECOSOC in combatting ageism overlap with the work

of UNHRC?

Does anti-ageism legislation promote the fight against ageism or do its

unintended consequences make it worse?

What role should the UN and ECOSOC play in promoting anti-ageism

measures?

How can ECOSOC coordinate the efforts of UN specialised agencies

concerned with the elderly and ageism?

Resources

Facts of Aging Quiz – a test devised to test a person’s ageist instincts

http://aging.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Facts-on-Aging-Quiz.pdf

EU Member states – list of age related legislation and regulations (p.73 onwards.

Note: a few years out of date)

http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/files/age_and_employment_en.pdf

http://aging.umkc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Facts-on-Aging-Quiz.pdf


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References

Achenbaum, W.A., 2015, A History of Ageism Since 1969,

http://www.asaging.org/blog/history-ageism-1969

Age Discrimination UK, Age Discrimination Cases,

http://www.agediscrimination.info/cases/Pages/keycases.aspx

BBC News, 2013, 'Disturbing rise' in elderly abuse reports, Age UK warns,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24399139

The Economist, 2016, Fade to grey,

http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21707560-it-costs-lot-more-fund-modern-

retirement-employers-workers-and-governments-are-not

The Economist, 2006, How to manage an ageing workforce,

http://www.economist.com/node/5522182

European Commission, 2011, Age and Employment,


The Guardian, 2014, Numbers of elderly needing care will soon outstrip relatives

able to help, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/24/elderly-care-outstrip-

relatives-ippr-2030

National Institutes of Health, 2011, Global Health and Aging,

http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/global_health.pdf

Ospina-Ortiz, E. and Roser, M., 2016, World Population Growth,

https://ourworldindata.org/world-population-growth/

UN, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2015, World Population Ageing

2015,

http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/ageing/WPA201

5_Report.pdf

UN, 2016, UN urges world to reject ageism at older persons event,

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/10/un-urges-world-to-reject-

ageism-at-older-persons-event/

UNDESA, 2016, Open-ended Working Group on Ageing for the purpose of

strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons,

http://social.un.org/ageing-working-group/

UNHRC, 2016, Report of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human

rights by older persons,

http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/33/44

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2008, Facts About Age

Discrimination, https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/age.html

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age Discrimination,

https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/age.cfm

The Washington Post, 2016, It’s official: Japan’s population is dramatically

shrinking, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/26/its-

official-japans-population-is-drastically-shrinking/

WHO, 2016, Discrimination and negative attitudes about ageing are bad for your

health, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/discrimination-ageing-

youth/en/

http://www.asaging.org/blog/history-ageism-1969

http://www.agediscrimination.info/cases/Pages/keycases.aspx

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24399139

http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21707560-it-costs-lot-more-fund-modern-retirement-employers-workers-and-governments-are-not

http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21707560-it-costs-lot-more-fund-modern-retirement-employers-workers-and-governments-are-not

http://www.economist.com/node/5522182


https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/24/elderly-care-outstrip-relatives-ippr-2030

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/24/elderly-care-outstrip-relatives-ippr-2030

http://www.who.int/ageing/publications/global_health.pdf

https://ourworldindata.org/world-population-growth/

http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/ageing/WPA2015_Report.pdf

http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/ageing/WPA2015_Report.pdf

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/10/un-urges-world-to-reject-ageism-at-older-persons-event/

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/10/un-urges-world-to-reject-ageism-at-older-persons-event/

http://social.un.org/ageing-working-group/

http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/33/44

https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/age.html

https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/age.cfm

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/26/its-official-japans-population-is-drastically-shrinking/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/02/26/its-official-japans-population-is-drastically-shrinking/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/discrimination-ageing-youth/en/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/discrimination-ageing-youth/en/

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World Bank, 2016,

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?end=2014&start=1960&view

=chart

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?end=2014&start=1960&view=chart

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?end=2014&start=1960&view=chart

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Conference Information

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Agenda & Rules of Procedure

The agenda for the 2017 conference is available online at

www.limun.org.uk/agenda

Since its 17th session last year, LIMUN has introduced changes to its Rules of

Procedure. The revised Rules can be accessed here: http://limun.org.uk/rules

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