Daily Report: Day 1
SOHCUM
The U.K moved on a motion to set populism as the agenda for SOHCUM. Germany offered their fellow nations a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by populism, by recounting its history. The common sentiment behind the repudiation of populism was the fear that it posed an attack on the foundation of civil society and democracy. Cuba and Ecuador critiqued this sentiment. Cuba did this by portraying the discussion as an attack on the sovereignty of countries; Ecuador expanded on this by calling populism a result of democracy, and therefore the popular will. Meanwhile, countries like Turkey felt the focus on populism was misplaced and the energy of nations can be better focused on helping workers. China proposed restrictions on the internet to combat populism, while Canada argued that higher levels of immigration can serve as an effective cure to populism.
By: Paras Kapoor
SPECPOL
The moderated caucus voted to address “Protectionism and the Future of International Trade”. The resulting debate was polarizing, with one group of countries denouncing free trade, while another set of countries mounted a vigorous defence of free trade. This divergence was epitomized by South Africa implying free trade to be equivalent to imperialism; the Netherlands, on the other hand, cast free trade as a tool that can be used by developing nations to further their economic growth. Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia called for an end to economic exploitation by western powers. A consensus developed among developing nations for the need to develop their own trade conflict resolution body. There was also talk of developing a system of tariffs that will punish any country which violated the rules of trade. The diversity of opinions witnessed in the discussion and the sharp divergence in vision will make it tough if not impossible for a common consensus to emerge.
By: Paras Kapoor
WHO
Delegates discussed various healthcare issues as well as strategies to implement universal health coverage. The UK suggested greater NGO involvement in healthcare, however, some countries were concerned about the effectiveness of NGOs and the possibility of corruption. The UK and other nations returned to their proposal of NGO involvement with a focus on recruiting NGOs with proven positive track records. Many delegates of developing nations emphasized the importance of improving infrastructure and collecting more accurate data on mortality rates and measures of health, especially in rural regions which are often overlooked. Delegates of Canada, Sierra Leone, Cuba, India, and the Czech Republic proposed the establishment of a worldwide database on the healthcare needs of different countries as a way to facilitate international collaboration. Another topic of debate was the effectiveness of private and public health care systems. Some developing nations such as Israel discussed concerns about private health care overshadowing public care, and failing to serve those in poverty. In contrast, Brazil pointed out the dangers of focusing too much on public health care which may lead to poor quality of care. Delegates drafted working papers on their approaches to UHC to be submitted tomorrow.
By: Hannah Nie
ACHPR
In the first session, delegates discussed the possibility of forming an African justice system and establishing a military force to protect human rights across Africa. Some delegates expressed concerns about possible threats that a united military may pose to countries' sovereignty. In the second session, Angola proposed the creation of a monetary lending system within all African nations to aid struggling nations such as Sudan, while keeping countries accountable for the money loaned. This idea was supported by Sudan and Botswana as a way for wealthier African nations to lend a hand in stabilizing the situation in Sudan and rejuvenating its economy after years of political and economic turmoil. Somalia and Ghana questioned the viability of this solution, concerned about countries' reliability in returning the loans, considering the fact that many African countries are already deeply in debt. South Africa and Cameroon brought up the need for political solutions, rather than purely economical solutions.
By: Hannah Nie
Constituent Assembly of Russia
Members of the Assembly began the day with a discussion surrounding federalism and the powers of the state, as opposed to the regions, which is a theme that would prevail throughout the two sessions. A crisis update regarding famine in one of the regions forced the delegates to come up with a solution, with it being decided that the regions could handle the crisis independently. The controversial topic of economic federalism and private business in the Soviet Union was brought up but sadly little deliberated upon. The day came to a close with a debate regarding the school curriculum and the dangers of suppression of cultural narratives, if it is federalized, versus the merits of a common narrative for the unification of the country. This spilled into the controversial debate over whether to educate minority ethnic groups which predictably, ended with indecision.
By: Radmila Yarovaya
CPSU
Throughout the day, members of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union grappled with maintaining the communist regime as it stood in light of the reforms enacted by Gorbachev. The problem of alcoholism was widely debated with Yakovlev proposing to start a propaganda campaign equating alcoholism with Western hedonism, Gorbachev suggesting cutting military spending in order to deal with the epidemic, and Akhromeyev positing the solution of establishing a cultural taboo on the practice. Gorbachev and Akhromeyev engaged in a heated debate over the need for reform and need to maintain a hard communist stance, with Marshal Akhromeyev asking the assembly if they even believed in the Soviet Union, saying that if they were truly committed then they would not hesitate to use propaganda to make the state seem like the most glorious nation on earth. A directive repealing Glasnost and spreading the propaganda that alcoholism leads to infertility was soon passed. The day ended with the succession of Estonia and rebellions in Ukraine, with Ligachev suggesting that starvation would be a good way to deal with the problems in order to achieve a communist utopia.
By: Radmila Yarovaya
Chamber of Commerce
The entrepreneurs and oligarchs of the Chamber of Commerce began their day with a debate on which standard to use for the currency that they were trying to establish - the gold standard or the floating standard, with Boris Berezovsky suggesting tying the currency to the US dollar so that the US would think twice before interfering with their economy. A directive regarding the enactment of a floating currency, backed by a newly created banking system, was soon passed. The new Rusous currency was created shortly thereafter. The day ended with the passing of the public directive Let’s Close the GAAP, which promised transparency and independent auditors to research structural and corruptive issues within the economy.
By: Radmila Yarovaya
Yeltsin's Cabinet
The delegates have formed four different political parties based on different ideologies and priorities for Russia's future. Topics of discussion included economic mobilization, foreign trade, democratization, and the presence of the Russian monarchy. Konstantin Alekseyevich Titov was elected as prime minister, and a cabinet was formed. The cabinet voted to pass public directives to make tax reforms and release a statement on intended healthcare reforms. Lukyanov and Yakunin devised a new tax system with three brackets, constituting corporate, income, and sales taxes. The level of taxation was adjusted regionally depending on the region's GDP, population, and industries. Tax revenues will be used to invest in agriculture in Russia's rural regions.
By: Hannah Nie
The Coalition for Independent States
All countries in the committee echoed the desire to declare independence from Russia. The main question for these countries was whether that was feasible. All countries, with the exception of Ukraine, faced food shortages as well as the threat of armed conflict with Russia. Questions were also raised about what their future relationship to the Soviet Union should be. The committee averted a food crisis by an agreement, whereby Ukraine agreed to supply food to countries in exchange for weapons and natural resources. Ukraine successfully declared independence, but it remains in a tense standoff with the Russian army and in the Sea of Asimov. The resolution #Legalizeit passed resulting in cannabis being legalized for medicinal usage. The session ended with a crisis update: a mass mobilization of troops by Russia has taken place along the Estonian border, with Russia speculated to launch a full-scale attack. The committee will have to make a choice, let Estonia fall or stand up collectively to combat Russian aggression.
By: Paras Kapoor
Coalition for Revolutionary Reform
The revolutionary reform explored issues relating to consolidation and fighting the war. To consolidate, discussions led to propaganda as a viable solution. Further, a ceasefire occurred in the city of Veracruz, with regards to fighting the war. Discussions with regards to foreign support involved utilizing external actors for financing, commercial goods, & arms. A crisis update occurred whereby the French & the American had invaded Veracruz, with the port controlled by the Germans. A directive with regards to fighting the war was discussed, stating that Pacho Villa & Francisco Madero planned on visiting the leaders in Veracruz for further discussions, with a focused discussion on resources available to offer.
By: Mustafa Master
Conference for Law & Order
During the Conference for Law & Order, discussions were around revitalizing legitimacy in the people by focusing on tackling rebellious groups.
The Advisors discussed a directive on utilizing foreign troops from France, America, and Germany to protect railroads. Further, the Veracruz port has been leased to Germany before passing the directive. Pacho Villa captured said railroads. A crisis update occurred whereby the domestically owned farming states were taken over by the Maderistas, and another province was taken over by the rebels. Discussions led to solving the popular legitimacy and issues from the rebellions.
By: Mustafa Master
Frankophone
President Mitterand’s advisory committee has just learned of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and are tasked with determining France’s response to this monumental global event. There is some disarray within the committee about the best way to engage with this new German state in a way that also benefits the French government. This tension is heightened by intelligence threats from the USSR, with French spies potentially being compromised abroad. They are also debating how to handle protests in Prague against the Czechoslovakian regime, and need to determine whether military intervention is needed. They certainly do not want the US military intervening here. There are also talks of establishing a European military force to detach themselves from NATO.
Le comité de Mitterand a appris de la chute du mur de Berlin et doivent déterminer une réponse approprie de France. Il y a confusion à propos de comment gérer cette situation colossale pour le bien du peuple français. Cette tension est exacerbée par les menaces liées aux renseignements en URSS, avec les espions français potentiellement en danger. La comite débat aussi quoi faire à propos des protestations en Prague contre le régime tchécoslovaque et si l’intervention militaire sera nécessaire. Ils ne veulent certainement pas l’intervention américaine. On discute aussi un possible établissement d’une force militaire européen pour se détacher de OTAN.
By: Sarika Navanathan
ICJ
The International Court of Justice commenced with opening statements from Australia and Japan, regarding the JARPA II program and its legality within the International Convention on Regulation of Whaling. The prime dispute the judges face - is it a scientific program or profit-driven commercialization? Australia’s demands were a declaration from Japan and an order to seize the implementation of JARPA II. Japan defended the purpose of the JARPA program and its legality under the convention and further promoted the scientific purpose of it. Succeeding stipulations and marking of evidence, Judges engaged in dialogue regarding the dispute by questioning and discussing the photographic & statistical evidence presented by Australia.
By: Mustafa Master
Ad Hoc
Who knows?
British House of Commons
The British House of Commons debates on trade deals with Norway and Canada regarding liquified natural gas, and the issues surrounding fracking and environmental pollution. Political parties are divided on whether to accept a deal from Canada on liquefied natural gas. The Democratic Unionist Party supports a deal with Canada, stating that it is part of the commonwealth and an ally. The Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and the Independent Group for Change are against a deal with Canada, stating they want cleaner, environmentally friendly solutions. The directive to enter into a free trade agreement with Canada does not pass. A crisis update entails that a stalemate in the House to reach a deal on natural gas has resulted in a twelve-hour blackout, looting, excess crime, and civilian protests. A directive to institute Marshall Law, proposed by the Conservative Party, is passed in response to the social unrest.
By: Ramsha Rehan
UNSC: South China Sea
The committee began the day dealing with the issue of an oil rig explosion in the South China Sea. Tensions between China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have resulted in an international standoff. There is an impending environmental crisis, and the U.S., U.K., Netherlands and Brunei have passed a preliminary resolution, titled "Save the Turtles.” A crisis update outlined that the U.S had a ploy to start using propaganda, which was then shut down by Chinese services, and they have made a press release accusing the US of sending propaganda. The press release states that seven American spies have been posing as students at Beijing University and have been arrested. Hardliner politicians have demanded execution by firing squad of the foreign spies. China has responded saying the individuals will not be harmed, the U.S. remains skeptical. The environmental issue remains unresolved, though a few countries proposed the directive titled, “Environmental Regulations in the South China Sea.” This states that the nations of Malaysia, Australia, France, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and the Netherlands will commit 0.3% of their GDP to NGOs to facilitate clean up of the oil spill.
By: Ramsha Rehan