COMMITTEES & BRIEFINGS

Historical Committee: The Great Emu War

The “Emu War” of 1932 was a peculiar event in Australian history that explores the interconnectedness between agricultural efforts and government military interference. After World War I, farmers in the region were struggling with crop failures, further exacerbated by emu birds feeding on the crops during the season in which they would migrate from the middle of Australia to the outskirts, where most of the human population live. The government sought to fight off the emus with machine guns to reduce their population and ward them off. However, the emus were largely able to evade these attacks, proving the operation ineffective. Though often reflected on as a humorous event in Australian history, it brings up important notions such as the limits of government intervention, the balance between agriculture and wildlife, and the unexpected challenges that can arise when attempting to control nature. In this committee, delegates will be exploring strategies for managing human-wildlife conflicts, evaluating the ethical implications of using military force in environmental issues, and considering more sustainable solutions for balancing agricultural needs with wildlife preservation.

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Creative Committee: The Diddy Dilemma

For the past decade, the self-proclaimed “bad boy for life” has faced allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and sex trafficking. Following investigations in his Miami and Los Angeles homes in March, Diddy was charged with three counts, including sex trafficking by force. He pleaded guilty before he was denied bail. Combs remains in custody awaiting trial. Beyond criminal charges, Combs faces a profusion of civil lawsuits, with claims of victims as young as ten years old. Others include a settled case from ex-girlfriend Cassandra Ventura and accusations from designer Bryana Bongolan. In this committee, delegates will debate the complexity of celebrity power, sexual assault, use of illegal substances, accountability, and manipulation of the justice system. This committee tests diplomacy and ethics and scrutinizes the blurred lines of influence and abuse. Most importantly, this committee focuses on the applications of the Coogan Bill and the responsibility of social media platforms regarding this case. Due to the graphic nature of this topic, we recommend it for high school members. 

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Send questions or concerns to: either of the above

Comité de Puerto Rico: "Slay or Save" a Gato

En Puerto Rico, la sobrepoblación de perros y gatos callejeros, conocidos como "satos," se ha convertido en una crisis alarmante. Factores como el abandono, la falta de educación sobre tenencia responsable, y la insuficiencia de programas de esterilización agravan el problema. Miles de animales viven en las calles en condiciones precarias, lo que plantea retos humanitarios, sanitarios y ambientales. Es crucial implementar políticas públicas efectivas, promover la colaboración entre organizaciones y promover una cultura de adopción y cuidado responsable para abordar esta problemática. En este comité, se debatirán posibles soluciones, como el fortalecimiento de políticas públicas, la implementación de campañas masivas de esterilización y vacunación, la educación sobre el bienestar animal y la promoción de la adopción responsable.

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SOCHUM: El Salvador Gang Prisoners Debate

In the 2019 elections, Nayib Bukele was elected as president of El Salvador, pushing the country into a new era of government, and introducing strong anti-corruption and anti-gang policies. President Bukele gained international recognition for his efforts to minimize gang-associated crimes and corruption. While his policies have successfully brought down crime rates, they have sparked controversy for being harsh and considered to infringe on human rights.  El Salvador’s treatment of its criminals has caught the attention of nations and human rights organizations everywhere. A symbol of President Bukele’s ‘war against gangs’ (BBC News 2023) is Cecot, Center for the Control of Terrorism. The prison holds 68,000 people as of March 2022 and is known for strict routines and uncomfortable living conditions. In Cecot, the prisoners do not work, they reside in their cells for 23 hours and 30 minutes a day. They receive three meals a day and are brought out from their cells to the main hallways for group exercises or Bible readings for 30 minutes each day by heavily armed guards. The group holding cells hold up to 80 inmates, with rows of four-tiered bunk beds with no mattresses, pillows, or sheets; a cement basin, an open toilet, and a large jug for drinking water. This treatment has human rights organizations criticizing the Salvadoran government.  Therefore, the purpose of this committee is to provide the delegates with a space to explore the policies of the Salvadoran government, delve into human rights, and conclude whether or not the treatment of the inmates are human rights violations, and to what extent is the treatment of others acceptable in relation to their crimes.

Send position papers to: [email protected] & [email protected]

Send questions or concerns to: either of the above

Junior Committee: Valencia Floods

Valencia, Spain has been faced with immense devastation in recent weeks when more than 300 millimeters (12 inches) of water fell in torrential rains on October 29, 2024. This intense and unexpected rainfall caused deadly flash flooding throughout the entire province of Valencia. On October 30, 2024 the day after the floods, over 100 deaths had been reported, and now the total death toll has been counted at 224 including men, women, children and seniors. In the aftermath of the floods the people of Valencia took to the streets demanding the resignation of Carlos Mazón; the region's president, as it has been revealed that he did not arrive at the emergency response centre until 7:30 pm the evening of the day of the floods. Furthermore, the president's administration waited nearly 14 hours before sending an emergency alert to people's phones, despite the numerous weather warnings issued by the weather agency, Aemet, that morning and previous evening. Beyond the political unrest in the area, Valencia is facing emotional and financial hardship as the people mourn their losses and an estimated 10 billion dollars of damage to houses, companies and personal property as a result of the floods. Over a month after, the flood cleanup is still underway and the damage is still impacting citizens, with stagnant water surrounding buildings and streets, as well as billions of dollars in repairs. This committee will focus on crafting restoration and prevention strategies, as well as addressing the humanitarian and infrastructural impacts on the area.

Send position papers to: [email protected] & [email protected]

Send questions or concerns to: either of the above

Crisis Committee: Humanity Survival and Titan Threat

The year is 850, humanity is overrun by an infestation of giant humanoid and brainless Titans which roam the Earth. What is left of humanity lives in 3 concentric Walls: Wall Sina, Wall Rose, and Wall Maria, where they have formed a tight-knit society. The Walls are ruled by a monarchy system and lords. Humanity has 3 military units: one for interior affairs, one that protects the walls, and one unit that surveys the outside world. Eren Yeager is a boy who yearns for freedom—once his mother is killed by a Titan attack on his district, he joins the Survey Corps; the military unit which handles foreign expeditions. While protecting the Walls from an attack, Eren bites his thumb to protect himself and reveals his horrifying secret: that he can shift into a Titan. Captain Kittz Woermann, the commander of the Garrison—the unit which protects the walls—believes that Eren is a threat to human society. A military trial is to be held, deciding the fate of Eren Yeager and if he can truly continue to be a part of the Survey Corps protecting humanity. The crisis brings forth political, ethical and strategic dilemmas on whether Eren is an advantage or a threat to humanity—since he has been known to lose control in his Titan form. This also raises questions about who else inside the Walls could be hiding their Titan form and betray humanity. The committee begins during Eren’s trial in Attack on Titan Ep. 14. The delegates are responsible for deciding Eren’s fate and how to reinforce their security and walls to protect what is left of humanity. 

Send position papers to:  rania.marrer[email protected] & [email protected]

Send questions or concerns to: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]