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THE DUNMUN
POST
The newsletter of the Dhaka University National Model United Nations 2014
22nd December, 2014 | Dhaka | 10 Pages
Volume 1 | Issue 2

International Press
Team
Nabadip Deb
International Press Chief
Sayantani Chaudhuri
Editor -In-Chief
Journalists :
Md. Asfaq Uddin
Purnota H annan Timi
Umme Tabassum Sarah
Ashiq Mahmud Sag ar
Md. Anow ar Jahid
Anjuman Tanh a
Photo graphers :
Rafsanul H oque
IN S I DE T H IS I SS UE :
Pag e 1: UNODC
Pag e 2: UNSC
Pag e 3: UNESCO
Pag e 4: SOCHUM
Pag e 5: Wo rld Bank
Pag e 6: UNDP
Pag e 7: UNHRC
Pag e 8: UNEP
Pag e 9: Ad-hoc committee
of Intellig ence Agencies
Pag e 10: Special Committee
on Banglad esh Affairs &
Internatio nal Press Pho to

Diplomats or Minions?!
~Umme Tabassum Sarah
The Executive Board of the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime began proceedings by
opening the General Speakers List with the agenda being set to Illicit Trade of Narcotic
Drugs. Out of the 54 nations having delegations to the UNODC, 45 were present for todays
session. This 9 included India and China, which was a bit of a shocker. The committee worked
in consensus as such with seven of the nine motions raised during the day being passed. The
motions ranged from raising awareness about drugs, proper rehabilitation system, stopping
production and trafficking of drugs.
As the committee resumed in the post lunch session, a Reuters report of five Bangladeshi
citizens being shot by BSF personnel at the Indo-Bangla border while trafficking drugs plunged
the committee into a crisis. The Chairperson proposed Delegates raise a motion regarding the
topic border policy and drug trafficking.
Discussions ensued and towards the days end three working papers were presented by the
three blocs formed as of now. The three working papers are to be discussed in the second
day of formal session.
Questions though were raised by the press team on the decorum being followed by the committee as there was abundant cross talking much to the dismay and surprising helplessness of
the Executive Board.
The Press Team can only hope that the Delegates stop behaving like unruly minions and start
behaving like diplomats!

Page 1 | UNODC

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A Day of Crisis at the UNSC

United Nations Security Council

~Ashfaq Chowdhury
The committee session of UNSC started with the motion being set to Settlement of Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea proposed by the Delegate of France. In that prospect, the Delegate of
China remarked that it is no more than Chinas right after occupying the space for 200 years now and
was duly supported by Chile.
In the various moderated and un-moderated caucuses
that followed the bottomline was the freedom of navigation of seas as was also pointed out by the Delegate of
India.
Commotion broke out as news came that there has been
a naval & air attack between Vietnam & China. Heated
discussions followed after which the UNSC gave a joint
statement :
The UNSC unanimously proposes that there should be an
immediate ceasefire motioned by temporary UN peace
keepers until the conflict is resolved, it should ensure that ceasefire is not broken under any circumstances, if done so, severe form of retribution will be taken in hand by UN and other neutral proper
investigation
should
be
conducted
by
UN
and
other
neutral
bodies.
As if this wasnt enough a second blow was dealt to world peace when China destroyed an Indian ship
which was engaged in the trading between India & Vietnam taking away 25 innocent lives. In this circumstance, the Delegate of China stated, The PRC condemns Vietnamese intervention and attempted
theft of resources and violation of PRCs territory and condemns Indian government for unjust cooperation to an ongoing violation of territorial integrity and also condemns suspension of the Chinese
Ambassador to India .
The other nations than ganged up and brought out a joint statement that followed as : The Ambassador is to be deported from India to ensure his security and China is to be held under severe surveillance
by the UNSC for its actions and the South China Sea is to be declared as conflict zone.
China though was seen bragging about its right to veto and it is this premise that will make day 2 of
the committee session interesting !

Walk the Talk with the Director, UNSC

~Ashfaq Chowdhury
Md. Ashfaq Uddin,Correspondent of International Press catches up with Rifath Zabeen Khan, Director of UNSC.
I.P. : What is your opinion about Chinas stand after the second crisis which took the life of 25 unarmed men?
R.Z.K. : I didnt appreciate Chianas movement on that issue.I think he should focus on the diplomatic relation between China & India which is on the verge of a break up.
I.P. : What would you like to say about Indias reaction to this?
R.Z.K. : As it is a sentimental issue,so may be the delegate of India is affected by that or may be she doesnt find
herself in that of a crucial spot in this crisis.
I.P. : What would you like to say about the Veto power of china?
R.Z.K. :Its going to be the game-changer.

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Give me the money!

UNESCO

~Correspondent from the Office of the International Press Chief

The committee session of the UNESCO in the
third edition of DUNMUN started with the
Chairperson Siddhartha Routh taking an extensive to-do and not-to-do in the session he
will be presiding over in the next three days.
The agenda was set to Scientific Knowledge
for Sustainable Development proposed by
countries like Madagascar & Thailand. In the
general speakers list that opened, Malaysia
suggested that UN funds have to be increased
if they were even planning for proper usage
and implementation of sustainable development. Germany remarked that countries
should take a cue from them in setting up research facilities for sustainable development,
which they have set up to fulfill the European Unions Vision 2020.
However, the thematic discussion revolved around the problem of funding. One exception was though,
given by the Delegate of Uzbekistan who suggested that funds in itself cannot be enough, but instead a
proper framework is needed.
The Delegate of Madagascar made a well taken
point that the funds which countries receive from
the UN should be better utilized in education and
limiting school dropouts.
Indonesia pointed out the problems arising from
scarcity of food in Sub-Saharan and now even
non- Sub Saharan countries and maintained that
research should be carried on in the fields of biotechnology and science for better environment
friendly products.
The committee on its first day has worked on a
lot of suggestions and counter suggestions. The
press awaits to see what constructive measures
are taken on the ensuing committee days.

Catching Up with The Chairperson!

~Correspondent from the Office of the International Press Chief
The International Press catches up with Siddhartha Routh, the Chairperson of UNESCO.
I.P. : Tell us about how your committee fared in Day 1.
SS : Well, judging by the fact that most of them are first timers, I must say that they did well, very well in fact!
I.P. : Expectations in the next two days?
SS : That they come up with a very god if not two very good resolutions on the topics!
I.P. : Your trip to Bangladesh. How has it been?
SS : The food is tasty, the women are elegant and beautiful and the hospitality amazing!

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Equal Rights for All!

~Correspondent from the Office of the International Press Chief
SOCHUM was in for some turmoil as it decided to
adopt the agenda of Recognition of Third Gen-

der for discussion in this edition of DUNMUN

and that is exactly what happened with the Islamic countries allying up against the supporters
to the cause. Discussions ranged from the social
implications of the third gender recognition to
the efforts on making people aware about LGBT
rights through campaigns, rallies, and education.
Many countries, notably, Chile and Brazil remarked on how their countries have made efforts in felicitating the rights and recognition of
the third gender.
Discussions also veered on the increasing rates
of suicides/ suicide attempts by the community
in colleges. Measures to stop the same were discussed and it was decided that a management system has to be formulated to recognize the rights of the
community.
The Delegate of Nepal made well taken points on NGOs and
activists promoting the LGBT rights while the Islamic countries like Iran kept on pointing that such acts were forbidden
by their constitutions and any changes in the same might lead
to riots.

SOCHUM

Laughter ensued when USA, standing in the committee of

SOCHUM demanded for funds.Funds, which it said were
only to be used for funding other countries! The press thinks
USA is getting its power to its head to dangerous levels!
We await to see where this discussion head to tomorrow!

Vice Chairperson thinks its too philosophical!

~Correspondent from the Office of the International Press Chief
The International Press catches up with Siddharth Chauhan, the ViceChairperson of SOCHUM.
I.P. : Remarks on your committee?
SC : Some great Delegates, however, all of them are being way too philosophical!
I.P. : How has Bangladesh been like?
SC : Oh awesome! The hospitality is amazing and so is the organization!

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World Bank Takes it Slow!

WORLD BANK

~Correspondent from the Office of the Editor-In-Chief of International Press

The day 1 at World Bank began on a lethargic
mood despite the Presidents futile attempts
to liven up the council with motions raised
even to switch on the AC. Seeing the fact that
over 80% delegates were not clearly versed
with the ROPs , he decided to invest the first
committee session to conduct a workshop.
Post the tea break, World Bank took off.
Some lobbying and a few speeches later, the
agenda was set to be Balancing funds for
sustainable development. The delegates of
Bangladesh and India really stood out in establishing their stands on the agenda. While
USA claimed to BE the World Bank, the delegate the Israel established that Israel was the peacekeeper of the world. The moderated caucus proposed by the delegate of Bangladesh raised the topic of Green Economy.
While Nepal spoke about the agriculture and tourism, the delegate of Iran demanded help from the
World Bank in preserving its fossil fuels. The delegate of Ecuador brought up the topic of carbon tax,
while the delegate of Switzerland almost admitted to having nuclear weapons.
The next moderated caucus was again proposed by the delegate of Bangladesh on Implementation of
projects for infrastructure. The council went into a third moderated caucus on the topic proposed by
the delegate of Lithuania on Renewable resources.
So, as World Bank wrapped up for the day and headed for the socials, all I can hope is that Day 2 will be
more fruitful as I can expect working papers to be tabled. Let us see if the World Bank gains speed and
passes a resolution.

The Man of the Hour!

~Correspondent from the Office of the Editor-In-Chief of the International Press
The International Press catches up with Soumya Basu, the President of
World Bank.
I.P. : How has your committee been like?
SB : Not very well researched, however they learn very fast and can be very
good delegates if guided properly!
I.P. : How has Bangladesh been like?
SC : I am in love with this country. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable what it
has achieved in recent times!
IP: Views on DUNMUN.
SB: One of the most well organized MUNs I have been to!

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United Nations Development Programme

The Best Chairperson?! Well, lets fight poverty first!

~Correspondent from the Office of the Editor-In-Chief of International Press

The United Nations Development Programme adopted

the agenda of Poverty in the SDG Framework in the
morning session today and spent the day discussing on
various motions adopted on the subtopics of poverty reduction. Stress was laid on world cooperation, fighting
child labour. Towards the end of the day, two blocs were
formed which presented two separate working papers.
The Delegates though seemed to be more interested in
talking about the Chairperson and his efficiency when
asked to tell us about the progress about their committee.

From the land of the Proteas!

~Correspondent from the Office of the Editor-In-Chief of the International Press
The correspondent caught up with the delegate of South Africa, Ms. Devadatta Guha Thakurta for a chat
as soon as the council session wrapped up.
IP: So, is this your first MUN? How has the experience been?
DGT: It is so thrilling. I love the debate in my council and the EB is best with first timers.
IP: How is Dhaka treating you?
DGT: The city so homely and the hospitality is excellent.
Especially the food here is so tasty it makes me want to
stay back.
IP: Your thoughts on the agendas? Given the discretion
would you have debated upon this agenda? Why?
DGT: This agenda is a recent one and it is such that it
needs to be debated on. Though I had prepared for the
first agenda and it was kind of a surprise when the majority voted for the second one but I could relate nicely
and that credit goes to my fellow delegates.
IP: A lot of delegates are abstaining from voting during
procedural voting, do you think that is causing some
hindrance in the council?
DGT: Majority of us are first timers, it will take some time for all to get acquainted to the process but the
dais is very efficient in managing the committee and giving everyone a direction.
IP: IP being a completely new concept here at DUNMUN, what are your thoughts on the IP?
DGT: IP is a very important and significant part of any MUN. It is a very common concept around the
globe. This is the first time DUNMUN is having an IP and this is already its third edition, It had to start
someday and I guess it has kick start with the best IPC and EIC from India.

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Clueless UNHRC

United Nations Human Rights Council

~Anjuman Tanha

Although it took twenty minutes for the 57 delegates to set the agenda, the committee lost its pace
as soon as the debate heated up. Youth in post
conflict societies was voted as the first agenda
however, delegates seemed more interested on
discussing war issues and blaming each other,
rather than discussing the agenda itself.
Israel is a peace-loving country stated delegate of
Israel, which instigated a number of countries to
question the reliability of the statement and this
debate continued for a long period. In addition to
the Israel-Palestine war, Pakistan: the headquarter
of Taliban was the comment by UAE which generated a lot arguments during the committee.
After beating around the bush for the first 3 hours of the committee session the delegates got back in
track when few delegates and EB pointed out that the committee is deviating from the agenda.
Soon the delegates got their grip, they pointed out the causes of the conflict and how youth is affected
from their countrys perspective and attempted to sort out solutions to the problems raised.
The thing which seemed interesting is that none of the delegates focused on the situation of the youth
who are suffering currently due to te conflict e.g. the youth in Africa suffering due to Ebola crisis and the
youth in Pakistan and Afghanistan suffering due to the Taliban attacks. Nevertheless, the developed
countries appeared to manipulate the recently victim and sufferer countries and figured out solutions to
problems that are prevailing all over the world.
We do not want to focus solely on the crisis youth in Africa is facing, since it will be injustice to the other
suffering countries asserted delegate of UAE. Like many other developed countries, Germany too
showed its interest on working on the crisis that do not cover the recent tragedies the youths are facing.
Such acts by the dominant nations can make us ponder whether they are disguising themselves from giving financial assistance to the suffering countries or if they are considering the common good.

Say Whaaat?!
~Anjuman Tanha
One cannot simply think of MUN as a serious thing. Besides negotiating, debating and being formal, Fun
in MUN is a major element too. DUNMUN is not exceptional. In the committee of UNHRC the delegates
willingly and unwillingly gave were source of entertainment for the committee.
One of the fun elements was when of delegate Israel was encountered forming bloc and having intimate
conversation with the delegate of Israel. It was a absolutely fun to watch them together. When delegate
of Israel was asked to clarify this motive, the delegate looked uncomfortable and avoided the question.
The other fun element observed in UNHRC today, was when Delegate of Czech Republic accused Delegate of USA of sponsoring the Taliban. The Delegate of USA who appeared scared and uncomfortable
upon being vigorously interrogated by the fellow delegates about the Taliban issue, agreed the fact that
the they used to sponsor the Taliban but now they are learning from their mistakes!

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United Nations Environment Programme

Lets save the trees!

~Purnota Hannan Timi

UNEP has over the years played a significant role in

developing international environmental conventions,
promoting environmental science and information and
illustrating the way those can be implemented in conjunction with policy, working on the development and
implementation of policy with national governments,
regional institutions in conjunction with environmental
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). UNEP has
aided in the formulation of guidelines and treaties on
issues such as the international trade in potentially
harmful chemicals, transboundary air pollution, and
contamination of international waterways.
Of the fifteen odd motions proposed only five were passed and the general discussion harped on Global
Sustainable Development, funding, usage of CFCs. The countries got together in deciding to fight environmental pollution and talked on problems of deforestation and making efficient steps towards carbon
footprints removal.
In the post lunch session, two blocs were seen to be formed, one led by the USA, and the other clearly
Anti-USA. This led to two working papers which were presented on the floor and after much debate the
Anti-US bloc came away with more votes much to their glee!
Remains to be seen how the UNEP progresses in terms of debate in the following two days.

UNEP through the lens!

~Rafsanul Hoque

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Usethem Brains!

Ad-Hoc Committe on Intelligence Agencies

~Anwoar Jahid
Considering the increasing importance of these
Intelligence Agencies, the special committee of
Ad-Hoc committee on Intelligence Agencies was
included in this edition of DUNMUN, so that we
can easily cope up with their activities ensuring
our common rights. so that we can easily cope up
with their activities ensuring our common rights.
The committee set the agenda to International
Co-operation between intelligence agencies.
without the presence of its Chairperson. A motion for opening GSL for 20 minutes was raised by
Ministry of State Security(MSS), China. The agencies were strongly confident to prevent international
terrorism though some agencies differed. Negotiation followed and important sub-topics were raised
and
discussed
through
the
moderated
caucuses.
Though the committee could not pass a resolution on the first agenda they came together to prepare a
working paper on International Cooperation of Intelligence Agencies.

ACIA through the lens!

~Rafsanul Hoque

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Bangladesh First!
~Correspondent from the Office of the Editor-In-Chief of International Press

The Special Committee for Bangladesh Affairs is a committee conceived solely for discussing important matters
pertaining problems which Bangladesh as a nation face.
Structural Decentralization for Sustainable Development
in Bangladesh was the first agenda which was taken up
by the council.
The three sessions of Day 1 comprised of three moderated caucuses. While the first moderated caucus discussed the topic raised by the delegate of South Africa as
to why sustainable development is not happening in
Bangladesh. Session two witnessed a serious debate on
the topic raised by the delegate of Australia on Static
Development and the steps for removing the economic barrier. The third session dealt with the structural decentralization of the government proposed by the delegate of Sri Lanka and passed by a majority of 17 votes.
Sri Lanka, USA, South Africa and Indonesia emerged as the front runners of council making valid points
towards the sustainable development of nation of Bangladesh. The fact that every delegate spoke in
their national language aided in making the discussion a more intense and crisp. Day 2 is about to witness much more intense debate and deliberation.

SCBA & IP!

The First International Press Team of

Bangladesh