Committees
Country MatrixDISEC
Illicit Firearms Trafficking
Illicit weapon trafficking represents one of the most pressing challenges to global peace and security, perpetuating cycles of violence, destabilizing nations, and enabling transnational organized crime and terrorism. This covert trade encompasses the illegal production, sale, and distribution of small arms, light weapons, and, in some cases, more sophisticated military equipment, often bypassing national regulatory frameworks and international legal instruments. The proliferation of these weapons heightens armed conflicts, undermines state sovereignty, and deepens humanitarian crises, particularly in regions already grappling with fragility and instability. The transnational nature of the illicit arms trade, facilitated by weak borders, corrupt officials, and intricate supply chains, renders it a complex and multifaceted issue that demands a coordinated global response.
This is a great committee for delegates in their first few conferences. Delegates will have multiple opportunities to speak if they so wish and explore the world of Model UN in a safe and friendly environment. If there is enough interest, we are able to add more delegates to DISEC beyond what is there right now to a max of 60 delegates.
Contact Director: paul.holland@smus.ca
UNHRC
Combating Human Trafficking and Slavery within Global Mining Operations
Across the world, from Peru to Indonesia, hundreds of thousands of people, many of them children, are whisked away from their families and homes and forced to work in mines. Many of the materials extracted from this forced labour, such as gold, nickel, silicon, and cobalt, are highly prized and coveted substances, causing the world to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed in order to produce these metals. In this MUN conference, the UNHRC will discuss how to combat human trafficking and slavery within global mining operations; an issue which has been ignored by the international community for far too long, and at the expense of countless lives.
This is a great committee for delegates who have had a couple MUN experiences or are brand new to MUN. The topic is quite heavy, so be prepared for controversial points of view that you may not agree with, but are willing to hear or research unbiased.
Contact Director: kieran.mackay@smus.ca
US Senate
Dispute in the South China Sea
While the South China Sea has always been an issue in the back of America’s mind, in the more recent years, the US has realized its changing role in the situation. And while many important Americans have expressed their opinions, the US Congress and specifically the Senate are tasked with resolving this conflict once and for all, without violence or trade warring. The issue of the South China Sea is very unique in the US, as most senators agree that China’s Nine Dash Line is a ridiculous claim, and that the US should support our allies in the region, protecting them from any unprompted Chinese threats, whether they are military or economic. The divide between policies really appears in the way that they do so.
Delegates in this committee will get the unique opportunity to represent senators of the US Senate on a relevant political issue and understand the perspectives of politicians South of the border. If you are selecting this committee, be prepared for lively debate and different Rules of Procedure. Delegates registering for this committee should have a good understanding of Model UN and have been to several conferences.
Contact Director: aasprey2@shawnigan.ca
HCC
The Siege of Caffa
The year is 1345, and the Mongolian Empire’s western forces under the name, "The Golden Horde," pose a great threat to the European way of life. Jani Beg's army has completely surrounded the Genoese colony of Caffa in Crimea. Suddenly, a mysterious illness plagues the horde. With an utterly ill and completely demoralized army, the Mongols have no choice but to retreat, but not without making the Genoese pay. The order is given to load all corpses onto catapults, and toss them over the city's walls. Although the Europeans try their best to move the bodies, it is too late. The people of Caffa, whether they know it or not, are now infected with the deadly plague. As the Genoese begin to evacuate the city, they are unaware of what they bring with them.
Delegates in this committee will have the unique opportunity to play the roles of European and Asian states, with the common goal of preserving the interests and wellbeing of the people. Will you work with others to prevent the apocalypse, or will you use it to your advantage, and rise to create a new world order? How will you protect your citizens? How will you protect your faith, and how will you preserve your culture in this everchanging world?
If delegates are interested in HCC, they should have significant MUN experience and be prepared for a challenge. There are different Rules of Procedure and typically no resolution paper, just a lot of directives. We will have a short introduction to the ROP in the first committee session, but we highly recommend studying it thoroughly beforehand if not familiar with crisis committees.
Contact Director: eli.alexander@smus.ca