Vancouver Youth Model United Nations 2017

Transcription

1 Vancouver Youth Model United Nations 2017 United Nations Security Council Background Guide Director: Vishnu Katyal Chair: Pierce Aquilini Assistant Director: Alicia Tai

2 Vancouver Youth Model United Nations 2016 Dear Delegates, My name is Vishnu Katyal and it is my pleasure to serve as your Director for the United Nations Security Council this year at the Vancouver Youth Model United Nations 2017 conference. I am in grade 11 at West Point Grey Academy and have participated in Model UN, both as a staff member and delegate. I entered the MUN world in Grade 8 and have had the time of my life since. Alongside myself on the Dias will be Pierce Aquilini as the Chair, and Alicia Tai as the Assistant Director. Our goal is to create an engaging and enjoyable experience at VYMUN This year, we will discuss two topics: Nuclear Power in North Korea and the Syrian Civil-War. The first topic we have selected is Nuclear Power in North Korea. We will examine an issue that breaches our world s security and jeopardizes our future. The topic will focus on the security of the Korean Peninsula and the future of Nuclear Power in the region. As a result of the expansion of their nuclear program, the United States and other members of the international community demand to take immediate action. Although this can be a complicated topic to discuss, it is one of utmost importance for global security and its future. The second topic, the Syrian Civil War, will probe an issue that has affected not only the Syrian population, but the Middle Eastern population as a whole for the past couple years. An act of rebellion by a teenager sparked what is now a global conflict which cannot be undermined as the future of the country and the lives of its citizens are at stake. By most estimates, more than 400,000 people have been killed, and the war in Syria rages on, as the Assad regime is only deteriorating the situation. Continuous warfare and hatred between groups has only made the conflict worse and it is imperative that a political solution be established. Surely, the ongoing tension raises many eyes, particularly in a committee room, where hard working delegates will work together to find peace in Syria. I cannot wait to meet and work with all of you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at unsc@vymun.com. Best Regards, Vishnu Katyal Director of UNSC VYMUN

3 Table of Contents: Topic 1 3 Questions to Consider 3 Overview 3 Timeline 5 Past UN/International Action 8 Current Situation 11 Possible Solutions 12 Bloc Positions 13 Sources Cited 14 Topic 2 16 Questions to Consider 16 Overview 16 Timeline 20 Past UN/International Action 22 Current Situation 24 Possible Solutions 25 Bloc Positions 26 Sources Cited 27 2

4 Topic 1: Nuclear Power in North Korea Questions To Consider: 1. Keeping in consideration UNSC s powers, how can this peace-keeping council establish clear restrictions regarding North Korea s future use of Nuclear Power. 2. How far away in the future does your country think the denuclearization of North Korea can practically occur? Why? 3. What can be done to previous resolutions so they are more effective? 4. Are the sanctions a feasible solution to the current conflict with North Korea? Why or why not? 5. What measures should the UNSC takes to ensure the safety of North Korean citizens in the midst of this controversy? Overview: Nuclear weapons are the most dangerous weapons on earth, with its ability to destroy a whole city, kill millions, and cause many life threatening long-term effects to future generations. Nuclear weapons have two major recorded uses in our history: the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in There are about 22,000 nuclear weapons in our world today and there have been over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted 1 to date. The United Nations and several leaders were 1 3

5 determined to secure this catastrophic power, before it was too late. As a result of this, a number of multilateral treaties have since been established with the purpose of preventing the misuse, harmful amounts of development and testing of such weapons, while still promoting nuclear disarmament. These included the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests In The Atmosphere, In Outer Space and Underwater, also known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT), and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has an active nuclear weapons program and tested nuclear explosive devices in 2006, 2009, 2013, and twice in North Korea has confidently ignored all actions restricting nuclear testing and have continued with five successful launches since Kim Jong-il, who took absolute control of North Korea when his father, Kim Il-Sung, died in 1994, also defied strong international criticism by continuing to test missiles. The 2006 launch was the regimes first, making North Korea the ninth country known to have nuclear weapons, following the United States, Russia, France, China, Britain, India, Pakistan and Israel. North Korea strategically continues to insist it's imperative need for nuclear technology to ward off US military threats and pressure. Not only is DPRK capable of nuclear testing, but also, enriching uranium and producing plutonium to be used in further development of nuclear weapons. North Korea has successfully deployed short and medium ranged ballistic missiles and successfully launched long-range rockets in 2012 and Additionally, North Korea is believed to possess biological and chemical weapons programs. North Korea s track record with the United Nations is not one of success, as they have severed ties with several treaties established in regard to nuclear power. Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, withdrew from the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in January 2003 and is not a party to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) nor a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Moreover, North Korea is not a part of the Six Party Talks despite the UN s constant requests telling them to re-enter. Launched in 2003, the Six Party Talks focus on ending North Korea s nuclear program through discussions with China, the United States, North and South Korea, Japan, and Russia. The process has been hindered over the years by North Korea s repeated missile tests, as well as when North Korea walked out of negotiations in

6 The North Korea controversy has only deteriorated over the years. As developments and launches continue, it is imperative that the United Nations Security Council intervene and take strict measures against the regime. Timeline: December 12, 1985: North Korea accedes to the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) but does not complete a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). November 8, 1991: Both North and South Korea sign the South-North Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Under the declaration, both countries agree not to test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear 3 weapons. June 11, 1993: North Korea suspends its decision to pull out of the NPT just before the withdrawal would have become legally effective. North Korea also agrees to the full and impartial application of IAEA ( The International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards. October 1994: North Korea and the US sign an Agreed Framework under which Pyongyang commits to freezing its nuclear program in return for heavy fuel aid and two light-water nuclear reactors. August 4, 2001: During a meeting in Moscow with President Putin, Kim Jong Il reaffirms his pledge to maintain a moratorium on ballistic missile flight-tests until January 10, 2003: North Korea announces its withdrawal from the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), effective January 11. March 19, 2003: North Korea issues a statement that it has the sovereign right to have a peaceful missile program. In the statement North korea used their missile tests on 3 nuclearization.htm 5

7 February 24 and march 10 as an example to support their peaceful missile program. North Korea claims that they did not violate their agreement with President Putin because both tests involved short-range missiles. February 10, 2005: North Korea s Foreign Ministry announces that Pyongyang has produced nuclear weapons. Early April, 2005: The United States sends an urgent diplomatic message to its allies notifying them of their concerns that North Korea might conduct a nuclear missile test. October 9, 2006: The first ever nuclear missile test is conducted by North Korea. July 4-5, 2006: North Korea test-fires seven ballistic missiles, including its longest-range missile: the Taepo Dong-2. The other six tests include a combination of short and medium-range ballistic missiles. July 15, 2006: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopts Resolution 1695, condemning North Korea s missile launches and demands that the country suspend its ballistic-missile. North Korea s Foreign Ministry states the next day that Pyongyang will not be bound by the resolution. April 14, 2009: North Korea s Foreign Ministry indicates that they are withdrawing from the Six Party Talks and will no longer be bound by any of its agreements. North Korea also says it will fully reprocess the 8,000 spent (no longer usable) fuel rods in order to extract plutonium for nuclear weapons. May 25, 2009: North Korea conducts its second underground nuclear test a few kilometers away from its 2006 test site (near the village of P unggye). January 24, 2010: Pyongyang threatens war with South Korea in response to Seoul s statement that it would invade North Korea if any threat of a Nuclear launch. December 17, 2011: After holding power for 17 years, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies. He is succeeded by his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, who is believed to be about 28 years old. 6

8 October 2012: North Korea claims it has the capability of hitting the US mainland with its ballistic missile technology March 26, 2014: North Korea test-fires two medium-range Rodong, also known as No Dong, missiles into the Sea of Japan, violating UN sanctions. This is the first time in five years that North Korea has tested medium-range projectiles. December 21, 2015: North Korea tests another ballistic missile from a submarine. This test is reported as a success. This is the third ballistic missile tested in the past 30 days. January 2016 : The North Korean government announces its first test of a hydrogen bomb. April 26, 2017: The Trump Administration briefs Congress on its North Korea policy (a policy that imposes more sanctions on North Korea and requests the help from China to convince North Korea to put a stop to their nuclear weapons use). The team also realeses a statement that calls for increasing sanctions on North Korea and working with allies and regional partners on diplomacy. Past UN/International Action: Nuclear power and its unpredictable usage in North Korea is an issue affecting all. Thus, the UN and multiple governing bodies deemed it fit to intervene in this large problem. In 1951, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concluded that it was pointless to discuss the nuclear situation in Korea; in fact, the UN has always urged North Korea to consider the possibility of joining the United Nations. The UNSC has adopted five major resolutions since 2006 that imposed sanctions on North Korea for continuing to develop its nuclear weapons program. Moreover, the resolutions called on Pyongyang to permanently dismantle its nuclear program and to refrain from ballistic missile tests. All five resolutions were passed unanimously by the Security Council under Chapter VII, Article 41 of the United Nations Charter. Each of these distinct UN resolutions will be individually examined in the following paragraphs. 7

9 The United Nations condemned the act of multiple unauthorized launches by the DPRK; therefore, in response to the DPRK s nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, the UNSC adopted resolutions 1718 and 1874 acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Both resolutions contained strict sanctions on the DPRK with the objective of suspending the DPRK s weapon program, maximizing the effect of the sanctions without negatively affecting the DPRK s people and most importantly, securing time for a diplomatic solution. Furthermore, resolutions 1718 and 1874 demanded that all activities related to ballistic missiles programme and missile launching be suspended. The most important clause within these resolutions requires all Member States, in accordance with their national legal authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, to exercise vigilance and prevent missile and missile-related items, materials, goods and technology 4 being transferred to DPRK s missile or WMD programmes. These resolutions were recognized as the first major steps taken towards resolving the controversy in North Korea. The resolution in 2006 was the beginning of many to impose new sanctions and strengthen pre-existing ones. These sanctions did not seem to setback the regime, as North Korea continued developing their arsenal and conducted launches as well. DPRK conducted its third nuclear test in 2013 which prompted a significant number of debates regarding the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. In response, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2087 on January 22, 2013 after North Korea s third satellite launch. The launch, conducted on December 12, 2012, was a clear violation of previous resolutions which prohibited any further development of technology in North Korea. First, this new resolution strictly opposed any future nuclear tests and promised significant actions if it failed to comply. Second, it called for North Korea to rejoin the Six-Party talks. Additionally, new measures were put into place, clarifying one s right to seize and destroy material with its suspected use for weapon development. Finally, this new draft created travel bans on people suspicious of involvement with North Korea and its nuclear program. A few months later, the fourth resolution was passed after North Korea s nuclear test in February 2013, when the Council once again unanimously adopted Resolution The UN was not pleased as this was the fourth resolution put into place; however, North Korea was still failing to follow the UNSC policies as development and launches 4 8

10 continued. According to North Korea, the launch was a direct response to Resolution 2087 (the UNSC s third resolution passed) of January North Korea s latest test was a clear violation of the international norm against nuclear power. The nuclear test of January 6, 2016 and the launch on February 7, 2016, using ballistic missile technology, undermined Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006), (2009), 2087 (2013), and 2094 (2013). As a result, yet another resolution was created. Resolution 2270 is the fifth and most recent attempt to peacefully come to terms with the North Korean regime. The resolution was passed on March 2, 2016, after North Korea conducted a fourth nuclear test and launched a satellite for the second time. Furthermore, Resolution 2270 imposes an asset freeze on economic resources located outside of North Korea that are owned, either directly or indirectly, by the North Korean government. The resolution s main purpose is to halt further development on its nuclear programs by imposing new financial sanctions to stop the flow of cash and prohibit goods to be shipped out and into the country. Due to the failure of past resolutions, the council imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on 16 additional individuals, and 12 additional entities. North Korea has seriously undermined the importance of meeting the needs of the North Korean people, instead on the development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Finally, this new resolution proposed multiple 5 9

11 financial sanctions on North Korea in the hope that they will place limits on banking activities of North Korean entities abroad. With the resolution 1718 starting it all, the four resolutions after have all been revised drafts of the same. Most of these documents were proven to be ineffective, as the DPRK seemed not bothered by various condemnations and sanctions given by the United Nations. This is why it s important for the UNSC to get involved and start a discussion on the steps towards nullifying and securing nuclear warheads for the future. Most if not all of its members support the idea of ceasing North Korea s nuclear power, until fair guidelines are put into place and North Korea pledges to abide by them. Current Situation: North Korea's nuclear development activities have long been a source of international condemnation and nuclear war threats. There have been multiple launches amid pressure and ongoing sanctions from the United Nations/Six Party Talks. They have had five major launches in their history of Nuclear Weapons, with the last two conducted in the beginning of 2016 and one, just recently in North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear detonation on the 6th of January in 2016 at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. In September of 2016, just eight months later, the government of North Korea conducted a nuclear detonation, which marked the fifth since With the previous launch drawing multiple sanctions and condemnations, North Korea did not hold back despite China and Russia s advice to return to the Six Party Talks. As mentioned above, there has been an ongoing verbal dispute between the new presidential representation in the United Stated and North Korean leader: Kim Jong Un. President Donald Trump views North Korea as a problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. Kim Jong Un responded to this by vowing to wipe the United States off 6 the face of the earth. As a result, the US have taken multiple precautionary measures 6 China-Russia-South-Korea 10

12 such as the development of THAAD security system in South Korea. Moreover, they sent U.S carriers, USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, and their eight escort ships to the region after a surge of tension on the Korean Peninsula. Despite the countless efforts to make peace, many leaders still fear the possibility that North Korea will conduct a sixth nuclear test, which would involve their ballistic missile capable of hitting major western nations. Overall, the United Nations and the Six Party Talks members have been working very hard to secure our nation's future; however, North Korea s continuous stubbornness challenges the UN s efforts. Possible Solutions: The United Nations Security Council has been given the power to force countries to follow its resolutions, both in general under international law, and by using economic sanctions or military action. The most precedented goal of the Security Council is to establish peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Most solutions to the North Korean problem have included sanctions from both the United Nations and individual countries. This controversy requires a peaceful solution; violence will only wage a war and promote North Korea s desire to develop their nuclear arsenal. Moreover, the safety of the civilians living in North Korea must be taken into account. The two most viable options proposed by the UNSC and the Six Party Talks participants include: 1. Implementing strict U.N. restrictions to prevent North Korea s procurement and proliferation of missile-related and WMD-related items and technology. 2. Establishing heavy sanctions against all foreign companies, financial institutions, and governments assisting North Korea s nuclear and missile programs. The situation in North Korea not only affects the people who live there, but also, the people of South Korea, Japan, China, and others in the region. A peaceful solution 11

13 will be hard to come by but needs to happen; otherwise, the millions of people of North Korea will continue to struggle and suffer. Bloc Positions United States: Roughly two-thirds of Americans (65%) are very concerned about North Korea having 7 nuclear weapons. All 65% saying that in the event of a serious conflict, the United States should use military force to defend its allies, such as Japan, South Korea or the Philippines, against the Pyongyang regime. A change of government in the United States has brought an interesting twist to this pressing issue. Despite wanting to settle this conflict with peace, President Trump has flexed his military power in several statements pointed to North Korea. The United States approaches to solving the North Korean problem are either asking China and other allies to pressure North Korea to stop its nuclear program or permitting the UNSC to handle it. Due to the threats from North Korea, the US is prepared to take military action, even if there is a risk on their own country. Japan: Japan has little to no influence over North Korea's actions. Its economic ties with North Korea are already deteriorating so there is not much damage it can uniquely impose through sanctions. Additionally, Japan s relation with Kim Jong Un has declined due to an abduction case that came to light and the regime s actions with nuclear weapons; however, as a member in the Six Party Talks, Japan has built close connections with South Korea and the United States and echoes the other countries sentiments about North Korea s nuclear power. Russia: Russia was once good allies with North Korea. Their alignment was first established on October 12, 1948 and continued during the Cold War. Russia has condemned all North 7 mid-nuclear-tensions/ 12

14 Korean actions, and has sent a strict message of the consequences if they are to continue; however, Russia has not yet made a formal military threat to North Korea. United Kingdom: North Korea has received more than 4 million in foreign aid from the UK in just six years despite the country s controversial ruler. The money from the UK mostly goes to humanitarian needs and teaching English to citizens. In the recent wake of North Korea s unprecedented launches, Theresa May has raised concerns on the possibility of future threats from North Korea, but says she will be prepared. The UK vows to back the United States in all that they do against the North Korean regime. China: China has consistently urged world powers not to push Pyongyang too hard, in fear of a regime collapse and sparking dangerous military action. Once a war really happens, the 8 result will be nothing but multiple losses. No one can become a winner, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, urging the United States and North Korea to show restraint. China is North Korea s most important ally, biggest trading partner and main source of food and energy. It has helped sustain Kim Jong-Un s regime, and has defended them from harsh international sanctions. With the most recent launch, North Korea has jeopardized their relationship with the Chinese government. Despite past contrary views on the DPRK, China and the United States seem to finally be on the same page. Both countries have joined together to achieve their goal of denuclearizing North Korea; however, China believes a peaceful solution is needed to solve this controversy and taking a violent approach will do no good. Sources Cited "2006 North Korean Missile Test." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 June Web. 25 June "Addressing Board, UN Atomic Energy Chief Takes up DPR Korea Safeguards Issue." UN News Center. United Nations, 12 June Web. 25 June

15 Agencies, Staff And. "North Korea Claims First Nuclear Test." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 09 Oct Web. 26 June "The China North Korea Relationship." Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 26 June Davenport, Kelsey. "Fact Sheets & Briefs." UN Security Council Resolutions on North Korea Arms Control Association. Arms Control, n.d. Web. 25 June Jazeera, Al. "North Korea's Nuclear Weapons: Here Is All We Know." News Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera, 30 May Web. 27 June Kim, Hyuk. "The Impact of United Nations Sanctions on North Korea (DPRK)." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. Macias, Amanda. "MAP: All 17,000 Of The World's Nukes." Business Insider. Business Insider, 02 July Web. 26 June "North Korea." Nuclear Threat Initiative - Ten Years of Building a Safer World. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 June "North Korea." Nuclear Threat Initiative - Ten Years of Building a Safer World. Nuclear Threat Initiative, n.d. Web. 27 June "North Korea Nuclear Timeline Fast Facts." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 May Web. 26 June "North Korea." Solutions 2016: Expert Analysis, Powerful Messages, Winning Policies. Heritage Foundation, n.d. Web. 27 June "North Korea's Nuclear Weapons: Future Strategy and Doctrine Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs." Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Harvard Kennedy School, n.d. Web. 25 June Roheirg, Terrence. "North Korea's Nuclear Weapons: Future Strategy and Doctrine Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs." Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Harvard, n.d. Web. 27 June Ryall, Julian. "North Korea Denies Its Nuclear Weapons Pose Threat to UK." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 22 July Web. 28 June

16 "SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S MISSILE LAUNCHES, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1695 (2006) Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." United Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. 25 June "The Six Party Talks on North Korea's Nuclear Program." Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 26 June "United Nations Security Council Resolution 2270." Lawfare. Lawfare Institute, 07 Mar Web. 25 June Valle, Lauren Del. "UN Broadens Sanctions against North Korea." CNN. Cable News Network, 03 June Web. 25 June Wit, Joel. "The United States and North Korea Brookings Institution." Brookings. Brookings, 28 July Web. 27 June

17 Topic 2: Syrian Civil War Questions To Consider: 1. What can be done to prevent further human rights abuses and how can humanitarian access and protection be secured? 2. In your countries opinion, should and will the international community have a working strategy for post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding? 3. How can political processes take place in the Syrian Arab Republic in ensuring a democratic regime be in power in the state, and in the upholding of international law? 4. What steps can the UNSC take in order to better implement the Six-Point Plan with more effective results than those that have so far been observed? Overview: The conflict in Syria is a matter of concern for international peace and security. In 2011, anti-government uprisings in the Maghreb and the Middle East began, starting in Tunisia and reaching Syria in the same year. These uprisings were known as the Arab Spring. The Arab Uprisings reached Syria in March Violence broke out in Daraa, Syria after a group of children and teenagers were arrested for writing political graffiti. The main demands of the Syrian protestors were the release of political prisoners. The government s response through military force caused the peaceful protests to grow into 16

18 violent riots which lasted for days on end. The government answered the Syrians demands by releasing political prisoners and ending the state of emergency; however, this did not end the protests against Bashar al-assad. Syria has been under the rule of Bashar al-assad, who followed the path of his father, Hafez al-assad, the previous syrian dictator since It was hoped by many, especially because of the widespread amount of critics of the Ba ath party, that the new al-assad would inspire social change in the government. However, the new President did not bring about the change that was hoped for. In fact, the government of Syria had not improved at all from the former regime since Bashar al-assad took power. The last decade has been characterized with ethnic conflicts, political hostility, and repression of human rights. Bashar al-assad has not been the leader he promised after he took over his late father. After countless crackdowns on protestors and the rising fragmentation of militant groups, the protests for human rights and freedoms developed into a fully-fledged war that has attracted the attention of Syria s neighbours and the rest of the world. The Syrian government, led by Bashar al-assad, is adamant that the international community should not intervene in what they see as a domestic issue. However, the international community has documented evidence of war crimes, and crimes against humanity on the side of Assad s government. The conflict has also created the largest refugee crisis since World War 2, and humanitarian actors are struggling to meet the needs of the overflowing refugee and internally displaced (IDP) population. In 1963, the Syrian government implemented martial law, justifying its implementation by stating that the country was in a state of emergency. Its goal being to silence protests against the government and alienate government opponents. This measure was not lifted for another 48 years, part of Bashar al-assad s compromise with the Syrian people. The aforementioned pro-democratic uprisings of 1963 occurred in the 9 country, the first one allegedly leading to the death of over 20 demonstrators. The situation further devolved in June of 1963, leading the international community to respond to the situation. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) responded by drafting a peace plan meant to reduce the tensions within Syria

19 There are over 1000 opposition groups fighting in Syria; however, the most 10 notable is a parent group called the Syrian National Council (SNC). This council is seen as the exile government or the people's voice to many gulf states and influential western powers, including the United States. The SNC abides by the following principles in order to maintain its overall goal of peace in Syria, an end to the conflict, and an end to the Assad regime: working to overthrow the regime using all legal means. Affirming national unity among all components of Syrian society (e.g. Arabs and Kurds, as well as ethnic, religious and sectarian groups) and rejecting all calls for ethnic strife. Safeguarding the non-violent character of the Syrian Revolution. Protecting national independence and sovereignty, and rejecting foreign military intervention. Since its conception, the SNC has published multiple news articles in order to spread the word about its cause; however, despite the work of the SNC, the revolution has descended into violence. Until recently, it appeared as though the SNC did little more than rejecting meetings with authorities and state officials. Terrorist groups have also been key actors in this conflict, two major groups being ISIL, and Al- Nusra Front ( Al-Qaeda's affiliate). ISIL is a group that split from Al-Nusra and asserts dominance over some cities in Syria, the most crucial one being Aleppo. The group s warped concept of an Islamic State and the idea of a caliphate have been globally disapproved by the United Nations, and various governments. Over 60 countries are directly or indirectly waged in war with this terrorist organization. The Al- Nusra Front, also known as Al-Qaeda in Syria, is a Sunni Islamist unit combating against Syrian government forces in the Syrian Civil War with the objective of forming an Islamist state in the country. These groups have been at the forefront of the conflict and pose a continuous

20 threat to the safety of the country and civilians due to their countless infringements of human right laws. These include executions, abductions with vulnerable groups such as women and children. Currently, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is 13.5 million, while 4.8 million people have fled the country and another 6.1 million have been 11 displaced. Aid for the conflict s victims is a priority, but lack of funding has been a critical issue, with only 41% of financial needs being met. Turkey is host to the largest number of refugees, and European leaders have struggled to develop strong policies addressing the humanitarian crisis, more than 1 million Syrians have applied for asylum in Europe. A further problem facing civilians is the involvement of the aforementioned terrorist groups. The UNSC has addressed the political and humanitarian aspects of the conflict, but uncertainty looms over the region as tensions rise and innocent people perish. The international community has been unsuccessful in assisting Syria in finding a political solution to the conflict, and the country and its people remain in turmoil and violent conflict. The Security Council will need to discuss the conflict in terms of its political, security and humanitarian factors. Extremist and terrorist groups in Syria are responsible for indiscriminate aerial bombardment and shelling which is resulting in the death, injury and displacement of civilians, as well as destruction of property and infrastructure. In Syria, all parties engaged in the conflict are guilty of violating international and humanitarian law. The Syrian civil war, beginning in 2011, has led to the gravest refugee crisis since the 2nd World War, creating more than 4.8 million refugees and 7.6 million internally 12 displaced people. Secretary-General Ban Ki stated that this crisis is a test of 13 everything the UN stands for and the UNSC must play its part in finding a solution

21 Timeline: June 2000: President Hafez al-assad dies and is succeeded by his second son, Bashar. November 2000 : The new president, Bashar al-assad, orders the release of 600 political prisoners. January 2004: President Assad visits Turkey (the first Syrian leader to do so). The trip marks the end of decades of frosty relations; however, ties sour again after the popular uprising in Turkey condemned Assad s actions and demanded him to stop using chemical weapons. May 2004 : US imposes economic sanctions on Syria due to the constant support for terrorism and failure of stopping militants entering Iraq. November 2006: Iraq and Syria restore diplomatic relations after nearly a quarter of a century. May 2010: US continues to impose sanctions against Syria, claiming that Syria is supporting terrorist groups, seeking weapons of mass destruction and providing Lebanon's Hezbollah with Scud missiles, all in violation of UN resolutions. August 2011: President Barack Obama calls on Assad to resign and orders Syrian government assets to be frozen. Summer 2012: Fighting spreads to Aleppo, Syria s largest city and its former commercial capital. March 2013: After advancing in the north, rebel forces seized Raqqa. This marks the first major population centre to be controlled by the opposition. August-September 2013: A chemical weapons attack in Damascus kills hundreds. 20

22 October 2013: Under international pressure, Syria destroys its chemical weapons production equipment. The number of Syrian refugees registered with the UN tops two million. May 2014: Rebels withdraw from the old quarter of Homs in a significant symbolic victory for the government. June 2014: Syrians in government areas vote in presidential elections. Assad, one of 14 three candidates, overwhelmingly wins with 88.7 per cent. July 2014: Isis takes control of Syria s largest oil field, al-omar. September 2014: US-led coalition begins airstrikes against Isis targets in Syria. January 2015: UN estimates Syria s conflict has killed at least 220,000 people and 15 uprooted nearly a third of the prewar population of 23 million from their homes. September 2015: Russia begins launching airstrikes in Syria in support of Assad s forces. December 2015: The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 2254, endorsing the Vienna road map. March 2016: Syrian government forces retake Palmyra from Islamic State with Russian air assistance, only to be driven out again in December. August 2016: Turkish troops cross into Syria to help rebel groups push back so-called Islamic State militants and Kurdish-led rebels from a section of the two countries' border html

23 December 2016: Government troops, backed by Russian air power and Iranian-sponsored militias, recaptures Aleppo, the country's largest city, depriving the rebels of their last major urban stronghold. January 2017: Russia, Iran and Turkey agree to enforce a ceasefire between the government and non-islamist rebels after talks between the two sides in Kazakhstan. February 2017: Indirect peace talks between the Syrian government and opposition in Geneva collapse after a few days. February 2017: The US and Russia announce a partial ceasefire in Syria will start on the 27th of February. April 2017: US President Donald Trump orders a missile attack on an airbase from which Syrian government planes allegedly staged a chemical weapons attack. May 2017: US decides to arm the YPG Kurdish Popular Protection Units who fight alongside Syrian Democratic Forces, the main opposition, and captures the important Tabqa dam from Islamic State. Past UN/International Action: The United Nations has been at the forefront of the international debates about who to support in the Syrian Civil War since its start in At the support for Bashar al-assad were Russia and China, who both had personal interests in seeing Assad stay in power. On the other hand, France, Great Britain, and the United States were dedicated to helping opposition forces. They met at the U.N. to discuss resolutions and sanctions to impose on Syria, but they were never successful due to the conflicting views of several nations. However, in the few resolutions that have been passed, every action was dedicated to helping the opposition, and agreement is becoming more feasible as Syrian forces are becoming more desperate. Several UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly, and the Security Council, responded to the escalating crisis in Syria. In August 2011, the 22

24 Human Rights Council created the Commission of Inquiry on Syria to monitor gross violations of Human Rights. In the past few months, the Security Council has also become increasingly engaged with the situation in Syria. The Arab League has come out in overwhelming support of the opposition forces since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War. Their condemnation of Bashar al-assad's actions have shown that the Middle East is not in support of governments that mistreat their citizens. This idea reflects a growing trend in Arab mentalities since the Arab Spring started in December In October 2011, China and Russia vetoed a draft resolution in the Security Council that had strongly condemned Syrian authorities for their violent crackdown against pro-democracy protesters that year and called for an immediate end to human rights abuses. A month later, in March 2012, UN envoy, Kofi Annan, drafted a non-binding peace plan that was endorsed by the Security Council. China and Russia agreed to endorse the peace plan after it was amended into a weaker version; however, no formal resolution was passed by the Security Council. On April , the Council authorized 30 unarmed observers to report on the implementation of Resolution 2042 which, in its most important clause, calls upon all parties in Syria, including the opposition, immediately to cease all armed violence in all 16 its forms. Also, on April 21, 2012, the UN Supervision Mission in Syria was established under Resolution This resolutions decides to establish, for an initial 17 period of 90 days, a United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS). Furthermore, the Security Council has offered its support to the Six-Point Plan which was, until recently, considered the best opportunity to resolve the conflict. The Six-Point Plan was a draft of six possible resolutions drafted by the U.N and other member states in order to bring peace to the nation. The United Nations and the Security Council, in particular, must move beyond a mere condemnation of the level of violence in Syria. In order to end suffering in Syria, the Security Council must consider new options. In addition, Russia and China must stop obstructing the Security Council. The two powers have twice vetoed Security Council resolutions that, in condemning President Assad's crackdown on dissent, could have led to sanctions against the Syrian government. It is

25 important to note that as the United Nations' involvement in Syria grows, it is essential that the Security Council be attentive to the gender dimensions of the crisis. Current Situation Violence continues to escalate through the spring. The UN released a report stating 18 that more than 7,500 people have died. While violence escalates on both sides, the Syrian government has attracted international condemnation for its use of heavy weaponry and militias to kill its opponents. In protest, many countries, such as France, the UK, Germany, Spain, Canada and Australia, are expelling Syrian diplomats. A UNHCR report, published in early 2017, shows the number of refugees who have fled Syria for neighbouring countries has topped five million people, for the first time since the beginning of the civil war. This war has now lasted longer than the second world war, now affecting half of Syria s 22 million people. The same reports showed 6.3 million people are internally displaced in war-zones inside their country borders, with no 19 place to go. Instability in the region has only worsened in the past few months, with a deadly chemical attack conducted in the month of April. One of the worst chemical bombings in Syria turned a northern rebel-held area into a toxic kill zone. The international community was outraged over the ever-increasing government impunity shown in the country s six-year war. The toxic substance rapidly spread after warplanes dropped bombs in the early morning hours. Dozens of people, including children, died, some writhing, choking or gasping, after breathing in poison containing banned chemicals. The government of Mr. Assad, who renounced chemical weapons nearly four years ago, completely denied that his military had been responsible. This was not a surprising response for the public as he has done the same thing every time chemical munitions have been used in Syria

26 The most tangible tensions exist between the United States and Russia. The United States does not support the Assad regime in Syria, and has been bombing ISIL targets and Syrian Army forces, an action Russia condemns. Russia has backed the Assad government and has vetoed UNSC draft resolutions that may be unfavorable to the Syrian military. The United States and Russia have further worked towards implementing ceasefires, but these attempts have failed which has only deteriorated the condition of Syrian civilians. In addition, Turkey-Russia relations have been difficult as of June of 2012 when Syria shot down a Turkish plane, and Turkey shot down a Syrian plane in October of that same year. These were justified as defensive actions to keep their airspaces safe. Keeping in mind Russia is closely aligned with Syria, this lead to the hampering of relations between Turkey and Russia. However, the relationship between both countries has improved as Turkey apologized for a downed Russian plane, which was shot in November Issues in the relationship still remain due to both groups support for opposing sides in the Syrian conflict, but the recent restoring of exchanges between both nations may lead to a focus on a peaceful resolution, rather than an extension of the conflict. Possible Solutions The UNSC can play a significant role in this, especially when considering that it includes many of the conflict s key actors. The diplomats of the United States, Russia, France, and others should identify issue areas where their interests align. For the increasing military involvement of the international community in fighting ISIL, the focus should be placed on integrating the parallel efforts of the various alliances and coalitions. ISIL currently holds extensive areas in eastern Syria and western Iraq, including certain key cities, which is a substantial hurdle for any agreement to be put into play. The UNSC needs to continue promoting the humanitarian and refugee efforts aimed at helping civilians in Syria and in the surrounding regions. The conflict risks creating a lost generation of Syrians as over half of the refugees are children. As the conflict continues to evolve, all the involved actors need to collaborate and create a clear strategy that will bring stability to Syria, and ultimately lead to the reconstruction of the country. Some proposed ideas that we could see implemented on a broader scale include: 25

27 1. Cutting any and all oil routes passing through Syrian territory; the major source of income of ISIL and many other terrorist groups in the region has been oil. 2. Taking control of the country as a mandate territory. 3. Signing a peace accord that implements a new government system that benefits all legitimate parties involved in the long run. 4. Implementing humanitarian crisis help, whether it be from United Nations or foreign countries support units. Balancing the humanitarian, diplomatic, and military efforts in Syria will be a demanding challenge for the UNSC. This is going to be a long process; however, the United Nations and international community will need to have extreme commitment, and patience to help build Syria to become a functional country again. Bloc Positions Russia: Russia is one of Syrian President Bashar al-assad's most important international backers and the survival of the regime is critical to maintaining Russian interests in the country. Russia is concerned that a U.N. resolution could be used as a pretext to bring down the Syrian regime. Its naval base in Syria and its key role as weapon supplier to Damascus explains Russia s reluctance to drag the regime down. As a consequence, Russia is vetoing all the resolutions in favour of sanctions and allowing supply to help insurgents. President Vladimir Putin has said that only a political solution can end the conflict. China: Adopting the same strategy as that of Russia, Beijing is firmly opposed to any kind of military intervention in Syria. Protecting its interests in the region, China has vetoed all the UN resolutions that could lead to a collapse of the regime. France: France s military efforts against ISIS have developed gradually over the course of the last 15 months spreading from limited sorties in Iraq to include missions over Syria and the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf. France wants to help as much as 26

28 possible, and is open to supply any resources needed to defeat ISIS, and create a peaceful solution for the people in Syria. United States: The US has accused President Assad for atrocities and believe he must leave in order for the the process of rehabilitation in Syria to start. The US supports Syria's main opposition alliance, the National Coalition, while also trying to get rid of IS. Since 2014, the US has been conducting airstrikes on IS and other groups in Syria as part of an international coalition. A programme was implemented by the US to train and arm 5,000 Syrian rebels to take the fight against IS on the ground has been somewhat successful, while not 20 reaching its maximum capability due to hindrances caused by the terrorists groups. Sources Cited: Andrew Buncombe New York. "Trump 'ends Programme to Arm Anti-Assad Rebels' in Move Sought by Russia." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 19 July Web. 26 July "Crisis in Syria: Civil War, Global Threat Secretary-General." United Nations. United Nations, n.d. Web. 01 July Graham, David A. "What Is France Doing in Syria?" The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 15 Nov Web. 30 June Humanitarian+crisis+syria - Google Search. Google, n.d. Web. 29 June "International Involvement - The Syrian Civil War." Google Sites. Google, n.d. Web. 01 July Kako, Hivin. "This Is How to Stop the Conflict in Syria." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 10 Dec Web. 30 June "Resolution 2042 (2012) Adopted by the Security Council at Its 6751st Meeting, on 14 April 2012." N.p., n.d. Web anti-assad-fighters-a html 27