SCHS Model UN Page

Station Camp High School Model UN Page

PICTURES FROM OUR 2008 CONFERENCE IN COOL SPRINGS

DEADLINE: October 6, 2008 for all country research position papers, and resolutions.

Links:

Go to YMCA Youth in Government web site to download forms and get instructions.
Use The Economist magazine to help you research your given country. This is one of the world's best newsmagazines, and they have excellent articles on almost every country in the world. Username: james.dittes@sumnerschools.org; Password: modelun
The United Nations web site has a "Cyber School Bus" that provides resources for Model UN participants.

**Writing a Position Paper: a step-by-step guide.**
	Example	Links you can use
Section I: Topic Description	History Since before the Soviet Union began the “space race” with the launch of the Sputnik satellite, Outer Space has been the focus of both mankind’s hopes and fears. The hopes of scientific discovery and exploration have been tempered by fears that space might be misused and militarized. For this reason the United States and the Soviet Union negotiated the Outer Space Treaty (OST), which was ratified in October 1967 at the height of the Cold War between those two countries. The Kingdom of Spain ratified this treaty in November of 1968. Article IV of the OST demilitarizes outer space. It bans the deployment of any nuclear weapons of mass destruction in outer space, and it prohibits the construction of military bases in space or on the Moon (Treaty). Current Situation The George W. Bush Administration in the United States has sought for six years to proceed with the weaponization of outer space. Fearing nuclear missiles from Rogue States, the administration has sought to build a space-based weapons program that would seek to destroy missiles at some point of their trajectory through space (Molz). The Bush Administration has also shown a willingness to renege on past treaties with the Soviet Union. In 2002 they pulled out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty that had governed nuclear proliferation since 1972 (Molz). Key Issues The weaponization of space is a complicated one which balances a number of international interests, including The rights of nations like the United States and the Kingdom of Spain to use all available means to defend themselves from missile attack The recognition of the intent of the OST, which endures despite the fall of signing governments such as the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic (the former East Germany) Article IV of the OST is vague. It bans all WMD, nuclear or otherwise. Any space-based weapon, whether it be laser, chemical or explosive is a potential WMD because of the possibility of falling debris or radiation across the Earth. The understanding that defensive weapons can easily be converted to suit offensive means The understanding that nuclear accidents or space-based disasters would have environmental and physical consequences for an unknown number of countries and peoples on the planet below which they orbit Through its INTA Space Agency, the Kingdom of Spain is a major contributor to the satellite tracking for NATA and the European Space Agency. It has a keen interest in space-related issues.	Use the links below to research news for your Position Papers. Remember: keywords are important; along with the name of your country, use keywords like "united nations," "peacekeepers," "migration," "trading blocs." Economist magazine (If you don't have our club's login information, e-mail Mr. Dittes) CNN International BBC News Consider these other worldwide organizations: World Health Organization (for health or medical issues). Consider non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work worldwide like WorldVision, CARE, Doctors without Borders
Section II: Past UN Actions	In 1999 the UNISPACE III Conference was held in Vienna, Austria, to seek ways to use space to benefit people of all nations. Two general goals were identified: (1) using space to promote sustainable development; and (2) expanding access to space and scientific discovery to more nations around the world. UNISPACE III also recommended the use of space technology for (a) disaster management; (b) satellite communications for tele-education and telemedicine applications; (c) monitoring and protection of the environment, including the prevention of infectious diseases; (d) management of natural resources; and (e) education and research areas in basic space sciences. On December 14, 1992, the General Assembly passed resolution 47/68, Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, which governs the use of non-weaponized nuclear materials.	The United Nations web site is the obvious place to start here. Obviously, the more keywords you have, the more likely you will be to find information about your position. Also, keep in mind the UN bodies that govern economic development, children, refugees, and others.
Section III: Delegation Policy	The Kingdom of Spain recognizes the concerns of UN member states regarding defense against Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). As a member of NATO, Spain has used diplomatic resources to diminish such threats for over 40 years. However, the deployment of weapons systems to outer space will have affect more than one nation or one international alliance. The power that one, space-weaponized state would wield over others would be immense. Many treaties would need to be rewritten—not just the OST—to create checks and balances for such power. The environmental consequences of a nuclear or chemical explosion above our shared planet could be devastating. Therefore, It is the policy of the Kingdom of Spain that outer space and all nearby planets and moons remain weapons-free zones. The OST has successfully protected all nations of our shared planet for almost forty years. Its agreements, particularly Article IV, which bans weapons of mass destruction from outer space, must be followed by every UN member state.	You can't research this. Your delegation's policy should be based on the research you have completed for sections I and II. Be sure to have strong opinions!
Section IV: Sources	“Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.” U.S. State Department. Effective October 10, 1967. <http://www.state.gov/t/ac/trt/5181.htm> Molz, James K. “Space Security and Bush Administration Policy: Results of the First Term.” Center for Nonproliferation Studies. April 2004 <http://www.nti.org/e_research/e3_44a.html> General Assembly Endorses Action Plan to Promote Use of Space Technologies for Benefit of All, Following Review of 1999 Conference.” United Nations. 10/24/2004 <http://www.un.org/news/Press/docs/2004/ga10281.doc.htm> Report on the Committee of Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.” United Nations. 2001. <http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/gadocs/A_56_20E.pdf> Space Tracking Stationes” INTA. 2006 <http://www.inta.es/grandesInstalaciones/estacionesDeSeguimiento.asp>

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