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! !!PAN-AMERICAN MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015

!General Assembly Administration and Militarization in the Arctic !

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Historical General AssemblyDear Delegates,

Welcome to the Pan-American School 2015 Model United Nations. My name is María Paula Calderón and I am very excited to be your chair for the General Assembly committee this year. Along with my co-chair, Ignacio Porras, we hope to make the best of this MUN experience and to have a wonderful debate. As your chair, I would like to tell you about my MUN experience. I participated in my first activity when I was in sixth grade, and since then, I have made my best to excel from the rest of the delegates in the room. My co-chair, is more than qualified to help me guide this debate due to his knowledge gained, and participation in past Model United Nations.

We are delighted to inform you that we will be exploring a global topic, that has influence in many of the countries, and to have a debate full of based arguments, disputes, and finally, resolutions. Therefore we expect that all of you as delegates, prepare for the debate, write your position papers on time, and have a general knowledge of the topics. We invite all of you to read the information package that we have prepared, so that all the delegates are on the same page and have the same background of the topics that will be discuss during the weekend. Those delegates with an outstanding presentation and excelling position paper will compete for a recognition at the end of the weekend.

This committee will be focused on the Arctic and of the Antarctic control. More specifically on the future plans to make these unexplored areas more profitable. We are sure that at the end of this debate, we will achieve resolutions to help the entire World! In order to have a more fluent debate, we suggest that all of the delegates have a wider judgement of the position of not only their country, but also all the countries present in the debate. Therefore we have a brief explanation of the country’s position in our information package.

Your co-chair Ignacio, and I, María Paula, hope that you have a wonderful weekend and feel free contacting us via mail for any inquiry. We know that this activity will develop skills that others won’t, and that after this weekend, everyone will become conscious of the reality of the disputes that affect thousand of individuals daily. If each delegate prepares for this debate, we promise to make the best out of it.

!Sincerely, !María Paula Calderón Ignacio Porras Chair Co-Chair mariapaulacalderon@panam.ed.cr ignacio.porras@panam.ed.cr !!!

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Introduction !The A rc t i c has a r ea l l y

significant impact on actual society. Unfortunately, not many people are really concerned by it due to present human conflicts and other global problems. However, the main factor that keeps from solving this problem is awareness; people are not informed about the present situation regarding the Arctic. This lack of awareness is because of the Arctic’s geographic position, resources, strategic territory, uncommon surveys, and bizarre events that hold certain power in the world’s balance that should not be under appreciated. But we expect that hopefully during this debate the countries involved can reach a consensus that would include solutions that all countries can agree on.

The North Pole is the most northern geographic point on Earth and the South Pole forms the southernmost geographic point on Earth; both of them are the coldest territories worldwide. Antarctica is covered in ice and is the coldest continent in the world. There is a lot of mystery remaining around those areas with its unusual wildlife, unexplored territories, uncommon resources, odd landscapes and rare habitats. They are also the most important ice masses globally. In the geographic frame, there are polar parts of the United States, Canada and other countries of America, as well as Europe and Asia continents, which all form the Arctic region.

The Arctic is relatively sensitive to climatic change. Additionally, it has a respective geographic position

which aids the outlook or control over the climate of the Earth. In turn, it may predict certain fore-tellings of the Earth’s fate and having it subdue under environmental study. The Earth is tilted, and this influences the North Pole’s inability to have any sunlight because of the rotation of the Earth. Simultaneously, the Antarctic is not exposed to sunlight as well. When the Earth rotates around the Sun, the Antarctic is overflowed by sunlight and the Arctic gets no light. This has immediate relevance since the conditions in which humans live in the Arctic are completely different than the people who live in urban areas, because of facilities and technology that makes so much easier the survivability around these areas compared to the Arctic. Lack of money, lack of technology, lack of social systems, lack of organization in a pol i t ical f rame, and lack of resources makes it really complicated living in the Arctic.

“We need to save the Arctic not because of the polar bears, and not because it is the most beautiful place in the world, but because our very survival depends upon it.” (Gordon L.). This quote holds the very def ini t ion of what is happening in the Arctic and the reasons why it needs immediate attention. Rephrasing from the previous quote, is not because of the natural l i fe, or because of i ts geographical attractiveness, but because of its importance regarding climate and the forecast of Earth’s future is in the Arctic’s behavior. Another important concept to consider is the fact that the Arctic is having a problem with the icebergs that are !3

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melting because of Earth’s climate change, and that is increasing the height of the ocean which can lead to floods or inundations in every country of the world and it is important to have ecological awareness since the environment is directly contributing to the climate change with a negative impact on our surface.

Finally, addressing problems from countries illegally exploiting the Arctic’s resources or territory to militarize or develop their economy, respectively. Canada, European countries and most of all Russia that is even building a naval base for naval patro ls , are among the countries that are having controversial strifes, which have been debating to see who gets control over that territory. Yet, this topic is still being strongly debated lately, due to its different positions. The countries must work together and find a resolution for the benefit of the Arctic.

History of the Committee !The General Assembly is the

main deliberative policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. It was created in 1945 and its first meeting was in January 10th, 1946 with 51 countries present. It’s located in New York City and currently, includes 193 countries

In the General Assembly, all countries are equal. This means that the veto power doesn’t exist and that no country is superior to any other. This committee looks for the best resolutions for al l the part ies, therefore they conduct research and take into consideration the opinion of

all present countries. However the General Assembly can’ t make decisions, only suggestions on world wide topics. They meet intensively from September through December, and thereafter as required.

According to the Character of the United Nations, the General Assembly committee may:

• Consider and approve theUn i ted Na t ions budge t and establish the financial assessments of Member States;

• Elect the non-permanentmembers of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General;

• C o n s i d e r a n d m a k erecommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament;

• D i s c u s s a n y q u e s t i o nrelating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it;

• Discuss, with the samee x c e p t i o n , a n d m a k e recommendations on any questions within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations;

• Initiate studies and makerecommendations to promote international political cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental f reedoms, and in te rnat iona l collaboration in the economic,

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Historical General Assemblysocial, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields;

• Make recommendations forthe peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among nations;

• Consider reports from theSecurity Council and other United Nations organs

Its main goal is to solve problems peacefully. Each delegate represen ts a coun t ry and i t s conformed by a president or a general secretary and a vice president. In this committee, the subjects discuss, are worldwide issues that affect the world. We could say that this committee is one of the most important organisms of the United Nations, since it takes into account a l l the members opinions. !History of the Problem !

It was after World War II that the Arctic became an area of significant importance due to the abundance of its supplies. This region complies with being, according to the AMAP (Arc t i c Mon i to r ing and Assessment Program), North of the Arctic Circle. The area includes countries such as: the United States, Canada, Denmark, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. These countries are pursuing the regional goods that this region can provide. Other countries such as Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom have found interest in the Arctic as well. Scientific purposes, geopolitical factors and even for commercial businesses the Arctic can impart national prestige. The Arctic has been a potential source of scientific inquisitiveness; because of this many

countries have tried to claim their rights that has lead to territorial dispute. The three main countries that have been more active for this territorial sovereignty have been USA, Canada and Russia. In the 20th century there has been no clear law or jurisdiction that can regulate boundaries for the Arctic region, this is due to the fact that there is no dire requirement for doing so. In 1925, the Sector Principle, or another version of the doctrine of contiguity, has established that Canada was the first country to ever expand its maritime boundaries up t o the North Pole. All countries accepted this doctrine since it also proposed that the northern coastlines of the countries bordering the Arctic circle highlighted the no r t he rn bounda r i es o f each respective sector in the Arctic Ocean. And the parallel lines that extended from East to western borders aligned these sectors to both of the other sides. Physical occupation was the only International law that implied the national claims of these lands. Two strong theories arose from this national vie: the first theory was known as ‘ ’res null ius’’ and it suggested that no nation could get full claims in the Arctic , while the second theory implied the following of the first t h e o r y, a l s o k n o w n a s “ r e s communes’’, which said that all nations shared the same jurisdiction and territorial rights over this region. International law defines sovereignty as a plagiarist version of government authority and disrepute of new territory. Therefore, the justifications of sovereignty regarding claims of the territory over some portions of the Arctic that were accounted for government exercise became more

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Historical General Assemblyreasonable. While those claims of territory that were supported by territorial justification like the Sector Pr inc ip le were denied cer ta in legitimate jurisdiction laws. North of this territory can be found rich natural resources, about 25% of Earth’s oil and gas reserves. Because of this, countries like Russia and Canada without the permission of the UN, international law or indigenous people that habit the area, are deploying military troops to sustain territory and get these resources. In 1996 the Arctic Council was founded to settle the territorial disputes that were occurring during that time. The Arctic council consists of the countries that border the Arctic Circle. This engendered an issue since several other countries like United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil and People's Republic of China, arguing that the Arctic belongs to everyone. However, the fact that there are 25% of oil and gas resources up the North of the Arctic region is just speculation, countries that border the territorial claims are planning to conduct scientific surveys to clarify this potential wealth. Consequently, not only were Russia and Canada deploying military, but the USA and Denmark as well. United States is starting to prepare with intensive training in the Arctic , new class vessels, icebreakers and even surveillance around the Arctic Ocean to monitor the area. Yet, the United States is not the only country preparing for future endeavors, Asian countries like China and South Korea are building (or buying) icebreakers to receive their territorial claims and their speculative rights of the natural

resources. This participation is generating global tension that has presaged the future of the Arctic to be in great jeopardy. UNCLOS (United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea) was the final treaty ratified in 1994. It is the most important international consensus that has been created and indicated the rights of each of the countries’ respective claims addressing the Arctic region. This treaty establishes 200 nautical miles to be used as economic areas t h a t i n p a r t c o u l d e x e r c i s e sovereignty. 158 countries have signed this treaty, with the spotlight exception being United States.

!Current Situation

Recently, the Arctic has risen again as a vehemently vied point of i n te res t where i t s resources , geopolitical region, and geo-economic potential has magnified its importance to a very strategic area. Russia has played an important role in recent events regarding the Arctic , its military presence over the last couple of years has predicted a probable war over the wealth of the Arctic . August 2007, Moscow placed its first flag during a scientific expedition to the Lomonosov Ridge. This taunted the United States and other countries over the sovereignty of the Arctic . Russia is increasing its militarization in the Arctic , placing hazardous aircraft like the Tu-95, supersonic Tu-160, long-range anti- submarine warfare patrol aircraft, and increasing its patrol area exceeding established limits. United States has been really concerned over the behavior of Russia in the Arctic , claiming that this “territorial expansion” is going to trigger another Cold War. Having

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Historical General Assemblypenetrated the 12-mile radius of the ADIZ (Air defense identification zone) that surrounds Alaska, Russia is intensifying patrols around the area plus deploying troops in illegal areas. Then around 2008, Russia deployed warships and extends its Northern Fleet’s operational radius. Moscow is trying to provoke International law to a more administrative jurisdiction to Russia while militarizing the area to justify its claims with respect of the region. However, recent Russia on aggressiveness regarding territory in the Arctic has not only worried the United States but other countries as well, especially northern European countries. Norway, for example has been a prospective victim of Russia’s hostility. Around the Spitsbergen Archipelago Russia deployed an anti-submarine navy, and guided missile projectiles constructed in order to destroy aircraft carriers that would present a threat to Russia’s schemes. The Spitsbergen Archipelago has an economic zone that belongs to Norway and a 200 nautical mile rad ius o f accounted ter r i to ry. Nonetheless, Russia is ignoring Norway’s rights over the territory and started operating with aircraft missile operators and answer the illegal rights of Norway territory to be “fulfilled strictly in accordance with the international maritime law, including the UNCLOS.” (F. Szazdi 2010) NATO (National Arctic treaty organization) is s o c o n c e r n e d w i t h R u s s i a ’ s antagonism that it decided to aid other countries by strengthening their rightful territories’ military. They decide to resupply Greenland’s (Denmark) Thule Air Base for more security. In response to Russia’s dissension Canada is cooperating

together with United States to fortify NORAD.

!Bloc Positions

!Russia: Has a really forthright presence in the Arctic, yet it is still seen as a threat. The militarization of Russia in the Arctic has brought up NATO’s missile shield because of Russia’s aggressiveness with its territorial claims. From an international legal framework, Russia is trying to implement a security system and military training to promote a power discourse, which has also breached national interests.

!United States of America: The USA is shockingly the only country around the area that has not signed the UNCLOS treaty since there has been turmoil in the Senate. Alaska is the main portion of the USA that is part of the Arctic. There has been recent struggle from the US State Department to sign the treaty but u t t e r l y h a s n ’ t b e e n o f m u c h accomplishment. The resources, Arctic water body, and strategic position have been the main factors that contributed to the concern of the U S A i n l e t t i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l communities handle the Arctic, withstanding the fact that the Arctic is at jeopardy of causing a global disaster. The climate change of the region is placing United States in check, since this environmental issue is compromising the economic development of the USA.

!European Union: The EU is aiming for a policy that involves all its members to contribute to the problem

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Historical General Assemblyat stake, in a coordinated and cooperative manner. This policy will try to help 3 areas; the environmental security of the Arctic; maritime policy, that which can by legal jurisdiction avoid harsh mil i tarization; and energy security. The EU wants to play a key role in the Arctic issue, and assertively wants to be one of the important members that aids the Arctic. Additionally, this union raised two points: promoting cooperation with the population and avoiding the exploitation of the wealthy resources that can cause environmental impact. Another one of its goals is to regulate International law that can limit fishing, commercial interests, and energy resources. They have been denied the seat for the Arctic’s Council membership.

!Denmark: This country directs its attention to the climate change present that is affecting the globe, collaboration of the indigenous people, and self-sustaining growth. Denmark wants to avoid a future war and is trying to find a peaceful solution that can still protect its corresponding territorial claims; additionally it also wants the Arctic Five to recognize Denmark as a m e m b e r f r o m a w o r l d w i d e perspective.

!Canada: Accounting for 40% of the landmass present in the Arctic, Canada is an important country with territorial justification rights. This country is trying to adjust a foreign policy that works through the Arctic Council. Canada’s main aim in the Arctic is to protect the population and environment, which is at a culminating crisis. It is the country’s job to develop

and sustain its citizens that live around this area. !!Relevant Actions by the United Nations - U N C L O S ( U n i t e d N a t i o n s

Convention on the law of the Sea) d e f i n e s t h e r i g h t s a n d t h e responsibilities when using the oceans. In the three conferences m a d e , t h e y d i s c u s s e d t h e distribution of the territories in the poles.

- One of the main worries is climate change. If the climate continues to be as it is; the poles will continue melting, causing many problems for the world.

- The United Nations is aware of the biodiversity of the region. They have been taking action to protect it and to take care of it.

- In the Antarctic, there were some treaties established like the Treaty of the Antarctic; where the laws about the place were defined.

- The United Nations’ Security Council started considering the possibility to open new projects for the development of the Northern Sea Route.

- These organizat ions have a lso c o n s i d e r e d i n c r e a s i n g t h e investment in infrastructure of the Arctic.

- A considerable amount of countries have accepted the terms to take care of the situations in the Arctic and the Antarctic. !! !!!!

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Historical General AssemblyPossible Solutions !There are many possible solutions to the stated problem, several are presented below: 1. Determine the borders between

the territories that belong to different countries in the poles. In this way, many conflicts and international problems will be avoided.

2. These limits could be established by the General Assembly.

3. Design and make the countries sign a declaration where they promise to avoid any activity that could damage the area in any way. For example, damaging the biodiversity.

4. To assure this, the United Nationsshould get involved and shouldsupervise the activities during thewhole year.

5. The World Powers should appointeconomic aid to help the UnitedNations bui ld an ecologicalprogram to help the ozone layer.

6. Make sure that all researchconducted in the poles, is donew i t h m e t h o d s t h a t a r eenvironmentally friendly.!

Questions our Council Must Answer !

• How will the council finda consensus that can stop Russia’s hostility?

• How can each countrydetermine its territorial rights?

• How can we cooperateinternationally to avoid the melting of the Arctic ?

• How can we distributethe Arctic resources? !

Suggestion for further Research !As your chairs for the General Assembly of the 2015 Model United Nations, we suggest you to check all the treaties made about the protection and the distribution of territories in the poles. This will provide you useful information to debate on during the weekend and you will also gain knowledge about the laws and decisions previously taken. However, the most important aspect i s tha t you de legates c lear ly understand the position of your country and not only defend it, but also maintain it throughout the weekend. If any of you delegates need further help, please contact us (Chair and Co-chair) via email to see how can we help you.

!Closing Remarks

!During this committee the delegates will take the role of their respective countries following the present conflict occurring in the Arctic. The resources that represent 25% of the Earth’s oil and gas reserves are one of the main focus that should be discussed in this debate since these resources aren’t common and could be really helpful to global society but it can also start a war. Many countries are fighting for territory sovereignty around the Arctic but they all have different ways to justify their presence in this region, while bordering countries around this area state that only countries that have geographical rights may claim territory around the Arctic. Yet, countries like China and South Korea also want territory in the Arctic. The most recent conflict that has risen in the

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committee, and please remember to submit your position paper so that together with being one of the most outstanding participants you can be regarded with honorary mentions or the best delegate award.

!!List of countries present: !1. Russia2. United States3. Denmark4. Norway5. China6. Argentina7. Canada8. Greenland9. Australia10. Chile11. UK12. Costa Rica13. Japan14. France15. Italy16. Switzerland17. Brazil18. North Korea19. Israel20. Turkey21. Germany22. Finland23. Spain24. South Korea25. South Africa26. Singapore27. India28. Mexico29. Netherlands30. Portugal!

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References !- http://www.ufrgs.br/ufrgsmun/2013/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/The-Militarization-

of-the-Arctic-Political-Economic-and-Climate-Changes.pdf

- https://d3aencwbm6zmht.cloudfront.net/asset/145193/MilitarizationOfTheArctic.pdf

- "The Polar Regions: Witnesses to the Future." The Polar Regions: Witnesses

to the Future. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 July. 2015.!

- Steven, Stewart. The Poles. New York: Macmillan, 1982. Print.

Taylor, Barbara, and Geoff Brightling. Arctic & Antarctic. New York: Knopf,

1995. Print.

- Ley, Willy. The Poles. New York: Time-Life, 1968. Print

- Nuttall, Mark. Encyclopedia of the Arctic. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print.!

- Hook, Cheryl. The Antarctic. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House, 2002. Print.

- "Geography of Earth's Polar Regions." Geography of Polar Regions. N.p., n.d.

Web. 18 July. 2015.

- BBC News. BBC, 23 Sept. 2010. Web. 18 July. 2015.

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