Disarmament and International Security - World Model United Nations

Arab League
All member states of the Organization of the Islamic
Conference are committed to responding to the
Iranian nuclear program by preaching ‘full respect for
equal and inalienable rights for all nations to explore
modern technologies including nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes.’ 209
European Union
Nuclear threats are a matter of special concern for
the European Union because of the high level of
nuclearization within the EU’s borders. Therefore, the
European Union is fully committed to fighting against
the proliferation of nuclear weapons as well as to
safeguarding its nuclear materials, which is practically
demonstrated by the active implementation of the
Strategy Against the Proliferation of WMD adopted
on 12 December 2003 by the European Council. 210 The
Strategy contains a number of measures to prevent, deter,
halt, and possibly eliminate proliferation programs that
cause concern at the global level. In particular, it stresses
that non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
can contribute significantly to the global fight against
terrorism by reducing the risk of non state actors gaining
access to weapons of mass destruction, radioactive
materials, and means of delivery. 211 As expressed in
the EU statement in support of the Global Initiative
to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, the European Union
and its Member States are committed to fulfilling their
obligations under international law and frameworks,
notably the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical
Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment,
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and
1540. 212
Relevant Partners
The International Atomic Energy Agency is probably the
most prominent international institution dealing with
issues such as nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and threat
reduction. The Agency’s programs seek to promote peaceful
uses of nuclear energy and to inhibit its application for
military purposes. The IAEA’s experience in the field and
its highly-developed system of safeguards and procedures
guarantee that the Agency’s advice would be helpful in
designing a comprehensive response to the issue of nuclear
terrorism.
International Crisis Group is an international nongovernmental
organization whose mission is to prevent
and resolve deadly conflicts around the world through
field-based analyses and high-level advocacy. 213 The ICG
can offer advice to the United Nations General Assembly
on the possible measures for safeguarding nuclear
materials, based on its field-based analyses. In the past,
the International Crisis Group has presented valuable
and detailed proposals for a way forward in looking for a
solution to the proliferation problems, and it is expected
to continue having a very significant direct impact on the
prevention and resolution of this problem.
Several other non-governmental organizations can
provide valuable inputs into the works of the Disarmament
and International Security Committee debating the
issue of safety of nuclear materials. Organizations like
the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, which was founded
for and noted for its opposition to nuclear weapons,
or the Global Policy Forum, which has offered some
new strategic thinking on the issue of Iran’s nuclear
program, can be valuable in regards to their aggressive
and unbiased advocacy of the common interest in global
safety. Other, more scientific NGOs can also be helpful
in providing some technical information on the safe
storage, transportation, and usage of nuclear materials.
Questions a Resolution Must Answer
How can member states strengthen cooperation and
collaboration to reduce the global concern over
nuclear materials?
What international standards should be adopted/
reformed by the United Nations to assist member
states in protecting their nuclear arsenals and
stockpiles of nuclear materials?
What can the United Nations and its agencies do to
secure HEU worldwide?
Should any international schemes be established
under the aegis of the United Nations to provide
member states with an opportunity to buy nuclear
fuel and to discourage individual enrichment
programs?
What additional measures can be adopted to secure
the world cargo shipping in regards to nuclear
safety?
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