Committee Topics

1. Redefining the Requirements for the Recognition of New and Independent States

This year at MUIMUN, we will be discussing a topic that has mostly been at the helm of discussion for International Law Scholars. The topic is: Redefining the Requirements for the Recognition of New and Independent States. “Recognition” has been chosen out of various proposals discussed to be placed at this year’s MUIMUN’s Legal Committee’s agenda. It may seem as a simple topic which has been much discussed by the scholars themselves and has nothing new to offer. But, at the same time, it shall be acknowledged that there can never be any exhaustive guidelines with regards to according recognition. We may take a look at reasons and methods adopted by states before they accorded recognition for a better insight on how this concept has evolved through various stages. But, learning from legal literature will only be one aspect of the debate, we, during our committee proceedings, would also try to draw guidelines that have evolved after recent case studies such as that of South Sudan and Kosovo and couple them with already existing ones. Discussion will also focus on prospects for recognition of a Palestinian state. More prizing would be to enhance the set guidelines while protecting the principle of “equality for all states”. Hence, it will be a healthy debate if we will move step by step and not rush towards the resolution. Reading legal literature should help but you must also remember, that recognition is not just a matter of law but is deeply influenced by a state’s policy. Thus, knowing your country’s current policy and practices would serve as an important ingredient of debate.

2. The Legal Status, Involvement and International Recognition of NGOs within the United Nations System

The active role of global civil society is crucial nowadays that we see our “societies in transition” and we face “shifts in the balance of power”. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been active in the United Nations since its foundation and, in recent years, they have played a determinant role in setting the international agenda, influencing international rule-making and establishing international norms. During the last fifteen years, NGO branches within the UN system have been working closely with UN agencies on implementing UN resolutions, disseminating information and promoting the interests of the peoples through consultations with national governments[1]. The voices and views of NGOs are essential to forging a global agenda for peace, prosperity and justice. UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has appraised the work of NGOs before and has referred to the three main areas where their efforts are important: “First, sustainable development. The second area where NGOs can make a big difference is disarmament. We have seen encouraging progress in recent years, advanced in large measure by civil society and organizations such as yourselves. The third major opportunity: helping countries in transition”[2]. An important question that arises is the current status and recognition of NGOs within the UN system . NGOs currently attain a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Therefore, NGOs have no legal status and there is a clear distinction between democratically elected state governments and NGOs that lack legitimation. The consultative status of NGOs is based on Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations[3] and on ECOSOC resolution 1996/31 adopted in 1996[4]. It is argued whether NGOs have or should have an established legal status in International Law and how this affects the realization of their goals.

[1] http://www.un-ngls.org/orf/ngorelations.htm
[2] http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2011/10/ngo-views-and-voices-important-to-world-peace-says-ban/
[3] http://www.un-documents.net/ch-10.htm
[4]http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B8954/(httpAssets)/C7E95770B97058CEC1256F5D003D82C3/$file/Eres96-31.pdf

Muhammad Bilal Ramzan, Director

Living in the lively city of Lahore, Pakistan, Muhammad Bilal Ramzan is currently enrolled in Legum Baccalaureus honors program at University of the Punjab and will be graduating in June 2012. Since 2008, he has been actively participating in MUN conferences, both home and abroad including MUIMUN. Not only has he won outstanding diplomacy awards for his brilliant performances but has also served as Director at intra-PUMUN conference in 2010 and at MUIMUN in 2010 and 2011. Since 2010, he has been heading the Punjab University Model UN society and has worked hard to improve the standard of debates at his University. Besides studying and debating, he is also working as a research associate at Research Society of International Law, Pakistan. His work experience has further polished his knowledge of international law.

In general, he firmly believes that MUN provide a perfect environment for students to learn the art of diplomacy and more importantly, the spirit of being together as humans. In future, he aspires to serve as his Country’s Ambassador. He has wished luck to all the prospective delegates in General Assembly’s sixth committee and expects high quality debating at MUIMUN 2012.

Elena Konstantinidou, Vice Director

Elena Konstantinidou, 19 years, comes from Thessaloniki, Greece. She is an undergraduate law student at Democritus University of Thrace in Northeastern Greece. She has been taking part in UN simulations since high school and quickly became addicted to MUN conferences. She has taken part in seven MUNs both in Greece and abroad. Being a passionate and active delegate, she has been awarded twice. Amongst her favourite committees are the legal and the security-themed committees. She is passionate about her field of studies and is interested in being informed about world legal affairs. She plays volleyball and has taken part in several regional tournaments. She also enjoys swimming and volunteering. It is her first time as a Committee Director and is thrilled to chair the Legal Committee of MUIMUN 2012. She is looking forward to a fruitful and challenging debate.