Committees

We are pleased to announce the committees for april’s shawmun Victoria. Please see overviews and download background guides below.

• AD HOC

• JOINT CRISIS COMMITTEE (JCC)

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• Un convention on biological diversity (UNcbd)

• UN WOMEN STATUS OF WOMEN

• United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

• UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)

• House of Commons (HOC)

• UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)
  

Committee Overview:

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” ― Abraham Lincoln

The office of every government leader demands its holder to be perpetually ready to react to crisis. This is especially true for you, an official of the United States government. Not only tasked to secure and protect the welfare of the USA, you are also responsible for the survival of ideas as fundamental as democracy, freedom, and liberty.

Ad Hoc differs from conventional Model UN committees in that delegates will not be aware of the committee’s topic until the first committee session. For SHAWMUN 2019, Ad Hoc: US Government will evolve around an event that may take place in the past, present or future. Previous Model UN and Crisis experience is recommended, and although there are no position papers, delegates are expected to thoroughly review the background guide.

Topic : US Government

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

In 1999, with the creation of Nunavut in the 1999 Constitution act, as the third territory, the Senate seats were redistributed for the last time. The division of seats being: Ontario 24, Quebec 24, Nova Scotia 10, New Brunswick 10, Prince Edward Island 4, Manitoba 6, British Columbia 6, Saskatchewan 6, Alberta 6, Newfoundland and Labrador 6, Northwest Territories, 1, Yukon 1 and Nunavut 1.

May 1st, 2081, marks the independence day of our Kingdom, the Kingdom of Canada. After a growing division and tension within Canada, the tyranny of federal government and the disrespect of our Monarch, King William V. On our day of independence, the Canadian Senate was voting on to become a Republic. The eastern provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Nunavut Territory holding 79 of the 105 Senate seats, the provinces British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon and Northwest Territories senators walking out of the vote. This was the breaking point for many Canadians in the western half of the country. This was the casus belli for Western Canada to declare independence, and begin our strife for self determination. With our new cabinet convening, we have many problems and steps to take before we can maintain stability within our new republic. We must sway old allies to join our side in our struggle, or find new ones, gain international recognition, protect and reaffirm our new borders, establish a new constitution and decide on a new capital. The Cabinet of the Kingdom of Canada will be a fast pace committee the will require delegates to be experienced, and ready to fully engage with the topic. This committee being small in size will require all delegates to participate and to be able to solve the variety of complicated problems.

Topic: Cabinet of the Kingdom of Canada (Western Canada) 2081

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

With increased access to drugs, the world is rapidly increasing the risk of an addiction epidemic. Within developed countries, the opioid crisis is one which has resulted in thousands of deaths and sees a future which holds no clear halt to this issue. An article on increased availability of controlled drugs for medical purposes is one which was published by the UNODC in March of 2018, and projects ideas of creating a system in which people can access the medication which is needed for health purposes without being exposed to the risk of exploiting it. Looking at the present issue of the opioid crisis within developed countries such as Canada, The United States of America and Australia, it is questioned whether or not this will result in detrimental effects or a solution. The issue at hand is the ability to integrate the legalization of drugs into states which are presently suffering losses due to this crisis. 

Therefore, it is recognized that action must be taken in order to ensure effective installment within countries to prevent future crisis’ from arising. The UNODC is wanting to install programs and institutions which allow for countries to effectively integrate new policies surrounding the legalization of recreational and controlled drugs in order to ensure the utmost success for the global population.

Throughout the SHAWMUN 2019 conference, delegates will engage in discussions surrounding the issues of legalization. It is asked that delegates read the background guide with great attention to detail in order to ensure success throughout the conference and committee sessions. We look forward to accepting your position papers and seeing the propositions delegates bring to our conference and the issues surrounding the legalization of drugs.

Topic: Legalization of Drugs

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

With scientific breakthroughs occurring rapidly and ever increasing technological capabilities, the discovery of gene drives is another step in the ongoing process of human industrialization. These gene drives, specifically created DNA strands that can wipe out an entire species, can be inserted into a creature’s cells and be passed on from generation to generation almost 100% of the time. With the ability to virtually end malaria, one of the leading causes of death in the world, by simply destroying all possible carriers, the benefits of implementing gene drives cannot be stalled.  

However, there is also the possibility for major harm to come from these drives. With the chance of cross-species contamination, whole ecosystems could be devastated. Without proper regulation, the drives could have adverse effects. And, perhaps most importantly, if brought into the wrong hands, gene drives could be used as weapons that would exterminate thousands if not millions of humans.

Therefore, the implementation of a UN committee on this topic is of extreme value. The determination of the regulation, use, and legality of gene drives could change the outcome of the human populous for years to come.

Topic : Gene Drive Intervention

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

In a time of political unrest worldwide, it is important to discuss the status of women and their role in society regarding being treated equally.  This committee will discuss the #metoo movement as well as the role the media plays in the spread of information. This committee will delve deeper into the struggles of impoverished, marginalized, and indigenous women in each country.  

This committee is a double delegation, making it a good committee for beginners or those who are not comfortable with public speaking.  Delegates will work with a partner while representing one country’s stance.

Topic : Gender Equality

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

As the Earth’s resource reserves become increasingly scarce the world is on edge over the remaining resources discovered in the Arctic circle. Since the founding of the Arctic Council in 1996, six Arctic countries (Canada; Denmark; Finland; Iceland; Norway; Russia; Sweden; United States) have been active on holding discussions on issues facing the untapped resources within the Arctic and the living standard of indigenous people living there. The recent effects of climate change have allowed the emergence of new points of contentions between world powers such as the United States, Russia, and even China. The region's economic viability and trading potential have inspired countries to compete for its now more readily accessible underwater resources. Delegates will be representing countries from all three blocs and tasked with resolving potential conflicts and coming with plausible solutions to compromise with or challenge each other's national interest. Nations that are not apart of NATO will also be affected as many nations such as Kazakhstan are strong Russian ally but is also part of the Chinese Belt and Road initiative. With many other countries receiving Chinese investment. All UNSC members will see their country’s interests tested and possibly have new opportunities to get a piece of the Arctic claims.

Topic: Trouble in the Arctic Emergency Meeting

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

With the global climate changing at a catastrophic rate, the ramifications have become increasingly imminent. Frequent natural disasters, suffocating droughts, and rapidly rising ocean levels have all contributed to the ever-increasing threat of climate change on modern civilizations. According the UNHCR, individuals have already started to face displacement due to climate change, forced to leave their homes and start anew. Oftentimes intense drought, a phenomenon which is becoming increasingly more common, not only restricts access to drinking water, but also limits other aspects of agriculture, namely food supply. Therefore, food security, or lack thereof, which is already a threat in many regions, will become even more of a pressing issue. With migration on the rise, and food security dwindling, conflicts will likely ensue. Thus encapsulates the ‘climate refugee crisis’. It will be the job of delegates in this committee to recognize the nuances of this crisis in a timely manner, and work towards a comprehensive solution which protects the rights of both the climate refugees, as well as mitigate the harms of mass-migration. Interestingly, this, unlike most refugee crisis, affects a variety of nations, ranging from economic and political superpowers, to small African nations; no one is immune from the catastrophic effects of climate change.

Topic: Climate Refugee Crisis

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -

Committee Overview:

ShawMUN is excited to announce that the Canadian House of Commons will be hosted on the floor of the British Columbia Legislature! This year’s Canadian House of Commons at ShawMUN 2019 will focus on carbon taxing in the hopes of limiting national greenhouse gas emissions for a brighter future. As one of the most highly debated recent issues in Canadian politics, this may just be the ultimate solution to solve Canadian industry’s contributions to global climate change. In October of 2018, the federal government announced a carbon tax on the provinces and territories that did not sign on to the pan-Canadian framework on climate change, forcing provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, alongside others, to pay to pay a tax of $20 per tonne of emissions. The tax will increase by $10 a year until it reaches a $50 per tonne high by 2022. Many agree that a carbon tax is the cheapest and most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but many believe that the tax plan is detrimental to Canadian free enterprise. Delegates acting as MP’s will have to use their political skills to come to an agreement as to what is best for both the economy and environment of our nation, and pass a singular bill pertaining to the future of Canada’s carbon pricing system. 

Topic: Carbon Tax

In lieu of position papers delegates will be writing Private Members’ Resolutions. (PMRs).
- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE AND PRIVATE MEMBERS' RESOLUTIONS (PMR) GUIDE -
- READ THE RULES OF PROCEDURE -

Committee Overview:

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” ― William Faulkner

Protests are valuable in all societies as they provide individuals and groups with an effective opportunity to have a say regarding public matters. In spite of this, examples worldwide show that leaders are not willing to give their citizens this right. President Koroma of Sierra Leone, for instance, banned all street protests in 2016 after youth of Freetown expressed their discontent over dwindling electricity and water supply. It is time states view protests as a legitimate and necessary part of democratic society and an exercise that ensures proper governance and accountability. When protesting does not violate state laws in any way, it is prejudicial and does not uphold one right to express their ideas. Delegates in this committee need to explore and innovate as to how protests can remain peaceful, without weaponry force. It is vital that both parties, those being the protesters and the governing body can acknowledge the approach and purpose of these ideas so a safer and more free environment can be created.

Topic: Rights of Protesters

- VIEW BACKGROUND GUIDE -