General Assembly

Topic 1: Stop proliferation of small and light weapons (SALW)

Topic 2: The blockade of Yemen

Under-Secretary General: George Burelli

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Topic 1: Stop proliferation of small and light weapons (SALW)
The growth of small and light weapons from both authorized and illicit markets have severe consequences for economic and social development as well as for enjoyment of human rightson the part of those subjected to the threat of it. The illicit flow of SALW across borders means that countries that are not in conflict are affected too. Under the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) adopted in 2001, governments have agreed to strengthen national small arm laws, import/export controls, and stockpile management.
However, many countries have failed to implement the program and, authorized or not, the number of unaccounted weapons in the world are growing. How can the General Assembly make sure that countries follow their obligations to stop proliferation of SALW?
 

Topic 2: The blockade of Yemen
A military intervention in Yemen was initiated by Saudi Arabia in 2015 together with a coalition of 9 African and Middle Eastern countries, with an aim to influence the outcome of the Yemen civil war. Western involvement includes US and UK support with arms sales and technical intelligence to the coalition. The UN and different NGOs such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have reported war crimes and conduct on both sides in direct violation of international law as well as countless attacks on civilians and targets such as hospitals and schools.
As a result of the blockade and the recurring fighting, millions of people are starving and many are displaced in desperate need of help as food and relief assistance cannot get through. How can the General Assembly assure that relief assistance will get to the civilians in war-
ravaged Yemen?