Parchment- Sentential Model UN 2019 (Newsletter)

PARCHMENTAugust 2019 Photo credit: Harsh Pandey INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING SENTENTIA MODEL UNITED NATIONS AN INITIATIVE OF INTERNATIONAL PRESS

From the Chief of International Press, It was a privilege and an honour to work at the Sententia Model United Nations Conference 2019 organized by the Students of the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering and a few other Engineering Colleges at IARE campus, Dundigal. With a team of 21 International Press members who played roles of Reporters and Photojournalists, it was a learning extravaganza for the team and the executive board. Even though most of the team members are first timers, their work spoke of their calibre, commitment and interest towards International Press. Any gatherings and discussions of this kind, become a source of learning and understanding global politics. Organizing such a huge gathering is a real tough task but the team Sententia have taken charge to reflect and react, which in-deed made them stronger and loved by all. My work as the Chief of International Press was made easy with a cooperating team. Working as a Chief is tougher than working as a team player, as various things are expected of this position. The learning that took place in all areas by the end of the day. Memories are made, bonding was shared, learning took place; thus, Sententia Model UN 2019 stands as another successful conferences by hosting delegates, executive board, organizing committee, international press and secretariat.  Quality of the debate depends on the preparedness of the delegates, and it seems the delegates were well-researched in all the committees. The International Press conferences in all the committees paved a way for a different perception in the committee and helped the committees progress with more debate. My heartfelt thanks to the Organizing Committee for being there at any given point of time to take care of any kind of issue. Worth of a human life is to ‘be’ there, when the ‘being’ is missing, there is no point of life. I found the beingness in the organizing committee members and a few Secretariat members who surely will progress and shine bright in the near future. “In learning, if the facilitator gives 50% and the learner contributing another 50% makes the equation 50% only. There should be 100% from both ends, and only then the result will turn out to be 100%”. Lastly, this conference gave me one of the best International Press Teams and OC team I have ever seen or worked with in the past. Signing off,  Kalyan Srinivas Raygalla, Chief of International Press, Sententia Model United Nations 2019.

UNHRC Day 1 Protection of Rights of Minorities Asna Khan The sufferings of minorities and how the countries shadow them. A minority, as it is numerically inferior, does not Moving further into the session, the Delegate of get rights equal to rest of the population of a the Republic of the Union of Myanmar spoke about state, either through open discrimination and the International Covenant on Economic Social violence or one that’s wrapped up in layers of and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Myanmar has corruption. They are nationals of the state signed the treaty in July 2015 but has yet to ratify recognized, nationally or internationally, to it. An emphasis was laid on the rights of minorities hold a non-dominant position in the state. and indigenous people to take part in cultural life Minority rights aim to ensure that such groups according to Article 27. The delegate stated the do not undergo discrimination, assimilation, Article 27 saying, “Persons belonging to ethnic, prosecution, hostility or violence of any form. religious or linguistic minorities should not be They act to provide equal respect to all denied right in community with other members of communities. Be it ethnic, class, linguistic, the group to enjoy their own culture.” Beliefs of religious or gender and sexual minorities, each The United Nations Educational, Scientific and should be provided protection and be able to Cultural Organization have been mentioned by the freely express and preserve their identities so a Delegate. The Delegate has used previously used peaceful diversity can be maintained in the and formulated definitions to state the rights of state. minorities, taking neither  about the Rohingya conflict which has been going on for years against As the session proceeded, the Delegate of the minorities in that area, nor explaining why Republic of China put forward its high Myanmar’s military have been terrorizing ethnic population and named the minority groups in the minorities by sexual violence. country like Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uyghur, etc. It was mentioned that the country has been hosting the International Human Rights Law (IHRL) research program. Safeguarding public order and safety and national security has been well looked at, according to the Delegate. A statement was made saying, “Everyone is a minority.” This raises a question on the intent of the Delegate while saying so. Also, the Delegate has only spoken about the ways in which the country helps minorities and the conflict between the dominant ethnicity, Han Chinese, and the minorities in Xinjiang, Uyghurs, has been left completely untouched. No effort has been taken whatsoever by the government to resolve the issue and provide the minorities with their basic rights which are enjoyed by a predominant group, Hui, of the same religion. Two questions were proposed to the Delegate by the Delegate of the  Swiss Confederation, the first asking if the Republic of China recognizes Tibet as a minority. The second question enquired if the country has LGBTQ laws. The Delegate of the Republic of China affirmed to both the questions. 3

PROTECTION OF MINORITY RIGHTS Azana Mushtaq Adequate representation of minorities has been The Constitution of El Salvador clearly states that an issue that is increasingly being addressed in all people are equal before the law and prohibits the United Nations and other intergovernmental discrimination based on nationality, race, sex or organizations. It has been recognized that the religion. The Delegate has also mentioned that all protection of their rights is essential in order to of its residents allegedly enjoy equal pay for equal preserve the integrity of those who have work. There are also punishments devised for developed deep rooted practices and values those who do not respect the rights of the interwoven with the lives of other members of minorities. However, further research shows that their community, and that members of there have been persistent high levels of exclusion minorities make a significant and diverse and poverty amongst indigenous communities, contribution to the growth and richness of the majorly in rural areas, and despite the community and the country as a whole. It can constitutional amendment in 2014, the condition of also be agreed that a country which has taken minorities and their representation still remains fruitful measures to protect and recognize precarious. minority rights can be deemed stable, tolerant, and powerful in its own sphere. The Delegate of Islamic Republic of Pakistan had quite a few interesting perspectives to share with the committee. Although it recognizes Islam as its state religion, there have been inclusions of articles to protect freedom of religion. The Delegate of Germany then questioned the legitimacy of the teachings of their state religion by mentioning the killing of Baluchi minorities, an ethnic minority comprising 3.57 percent of the country; a question which has not been formally addressed or answered in the committee yet.  The Kashmir conflict had also been touched on briefly, wherein the Delegate had mentioned, “Pakistan has been trying to keep the Kashmir issue bilateral.” a statement which was debunked by the president of the committee on the grounds of factual inaccuracy as there is clear cut evidence that it was the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which signed a provincial border agreement with the People’s Republic of China, resulting in the ceding of the Shaksgam Valley to China in 1963; making it trilateral in nature. 4

UNHRC Day 2 Reporter: Is the State of Israel Delegate: “Palestine may cover in a position to call for the most parts of the world and now A call of lethe, crushing integration of minorities of the it’s not even giving good petals underneath. world when its own minorities support to the people living have been stripped off of their there,” said the Delegate when As we turn the leaves over to the second day of rights? asked about its minorities. the United Nations Human Rights Council, Reference has been made in the Asna Khan has a conversation with the Delegate: “Israel may not above statement to the Delegate of State of Israel on its views on the provide many rights to the refugees, according to the rights of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, but it does things Delegate, when used the word minorities in the State. which help minorities in the “people\". country. Israel also supports Reporter: What does many minorities in its The Delegate cannot question country. There are almost Palestine on its refugee policy reintegration of minorities mean ten different groups of as most parts of Palestine are minorities in Israel,” says under the Israeli occupation to the Delegate of Israel when the the Delegate. The Delegate and the Palestinians have been clearly agrees, in the deprived of their basic rights. Delegate wanted a moderate statement mentioned, that the minorities living in the The Delegate said that every caucus put into motion based on State are not being provided country has it’s own issues and with their rights and still that there was a reason behind this topic? says that it helps and the Israeli occupation of supports minorities. Palestine. When asked about Delegate: According to the the same, the Delegate chose Delegate of State of Israel, Reporter: What does the not to answer as the Delegate integration of minorities gives an Delegate of Israel have to was poorly informed of the insight about minorities of say about the minorities subject. The Delegate of State different countries and enables us living under Israel’s of Israel acts oblivious to the to help them by giving them occupation of Palestine? sufferings of the minorities special rights in the world and in under the State. their own countries. A discussion was made in yesterday’s unmoderated caucus where this issue was proposed by the Delegate. 5

Dreams Passed On As legacies are formed every second, Asna Khan attempts to put a light over the issues of deprivation of rights of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities by clubbing the events of the concentration camps of China and the home demolitions carried out Israel. FEATURE STORY I stood behind the closed doors of my To you who has heard my cries, please do not house, peeping outside through the tell my little brother about my act of broken plank at the corner. I could see my cowardice when I allowed my parents to be mother there, her hands raised, my father taken. Do not tell him his brother was the being chained. I could see the tears in my reason he was born in imprisonment. mother’s eyes even through the hardness on her face. And I could see my father’s To you who has tears in your eyes, when you fears, even though he smiled. I wanted to get a chance to get out of here, do not look call them, shout their names, ask them back. Do not wait for me. When you get out, what was happening. I wanted to break live my freedom as well. Write those poems the promise I made when I told them I you wanted to. Get your books published. And wouldn’t follow. Would they stay if I if you want to do something for me; pleaded them to? If I did my homework better, if I helped my mother clean up? I miss the colours, paint me a setting sun.  Would they stay if I stopped asking them for toys? Would they stay if I told them I miss the fragrance of rain, dance in it for not to go? Or that I needed them? Would fun. my love be enough? I miss the touch of wind, smile at each that I was ten when my parents got captured. I blows.  was alone, scared of all the demons under my bed, for several moons, pondering over I miss the gushing waters, walk with each why they left me. Was I so bad, I that flows. wondered. I sat beside the doors of my house for days, without water and food, I miss the sound of happiness, laugh it for me. without peace and love. I miss the taste of freedom, live it for me. I was eleven when they captured me. A loud banging is what I remember followed Do not wish for me to be back. For the by a crash and a thud. The soldiers had physical and emotional hurt are bearable. But broken in. I wonder if they remembered something that hurts your spirit, one can the people they took from that house. I never get over it. I’ve had a dream of our wonder if they know that they’ve ruined child. His face stained with tears as we hide happy families. Memories were shattered from him the truth. As we do not tell him that when they burned the house. I saw it they would never view us the same as crumble down in front of me. Then, we themselves. As we sew for him lies over lies. were taken to a cave, me and many other As we tell him that it’ll be alright as we step kids that have been shoved into the cart out of that door, knowing we would never that day, and since then, discrimination come back. I could see my little son while I’m means something else. It’s something we being chained, mirroring the emotions I once feel now. felt when I peeped out of that hole. I could feel myself, a grown man, mirror the emotions I I am twenty-two as I write this, and if this once saw on my father’s face. And I smile. has reached you, help me out. I’m scared of that smile, Saera. I’m scared. To you who has read my words, do not tell my mother I got captured as well. Do not tell her I fell into the same pit that she willingly took just to protect me from it. To you who has felt my words, do not tell my father I am not the artist I wished to be. Do not tell him I had my dreams crushed just like he had, but to make mine come true. 6

Hypocritically Hungry As the second session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee commences, Azana Mushtaq sits down with the Delegate of Hungary to actively discuss their take on the protection of linguistic, cultural, and immigrant minorities in their land. Reporter: what exactly is your country’s stance on the rights of cultural and religious minorities? Delegate:   “according to Section 6 of Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018, by United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, the law gives equal treatment to all minorities.” Reporter: how would you address the country’s treatment towards immigrants? Delegate: “to be honest, Hungary has a huge xenophobia problem, with most of the ethnic Hungarians being rather keen on sticking to their own personal space and community. In fact, most Hungarian minorities (cultural and linguistic) themselves consider immigrants as a threat to the preservation of their originality and essence.” Reporter: so how exactly would you justify your xenophobic stance? Delegate: “I wouldn’t say that the country is xenophobic towards all minorities but they’ve certainly been targeting the immigrants quite a lot. The country has about 13 main indigenous communities which include the Roma, the  Ukrainians, the Czechs, the Slovenes, etc. The country has also signed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which defines the collective rights of Indigenous people.” Reporter: but that still does not justify your discriminatory treatment towards the immigrants. Delegate: “according to the country’s point of view, the people who have migrated to our land are not our problem. It’s different when we’re talking about residents who have migrated over 100 years back, but the most recent migations can be considered a direct threat. ”Reporter:  Do you have anything to say about the beliefs of your prime minister, Viktor Orban, who has claimed that Hungary’s goal was to gain an anti-immigration majority in the European Union? The Delegate failed to provide a logical explanation to the aforementioned question, from which it can be concluded that the delegate was either not in the position to defend the point raised by the reporter, or was poorly informed on the subject. 47

What About Us? Post adjournment of session three of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), reporter Azana Mushtaq submits a feature on how the committee has majorly focused on one side of the coin. “Everywhere I go Every legacy I witness Accepts me with open arms As long as I do not become A hindrance, An equal part of their business. Every inch of my un-belonging shows With every letter of my name they enunciate Which takes an extra breath Out of their lungs, With every time a ‘tashakor’ Instead of a ‘thank you’ Slips through my lips Rolls off my tongue. I ask my mother In order to secure appropriate solutions and a Why they look at us like that fruitful outcome, the committee as a whole As if we do not belong  needs to take a plunge into these dark and To the same soil, ugly aspects, and question the intent of each The same land, country on the occurrence of such major And all she has to offer violations of human, if not just minority Under a wave of consolations rights. Light can also be thrown on how these Is a smile that seems ingenuine should be justified without any And eyes that scream sad. contradictions, given to the peaceful and tolerant approaches they have adopted on I ask my mother paper and presented in session.  Why they disown us, Label us up, We need to ask ourselves important Slit our throats downright, questions like “what about them?” before And all she has to offer there are none of them left. Beneath a pile of false promises Is a soft, stifled, Inaudible cry. I ask and ask Until there is no breath left in me  Or maybe no one left To listen to my plea FEATURE STORY So I continue down the road Observing every ‘legacy’ I see Chaining me and thousands alike To raise themselves up, To set themselves free.” 8

Ready, Set, Shoot! After intensely observing the proceedings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for three days, and extracting information on and off record, reporters Asna Khan and Azana Mushtaq, alongside the rest of the International Press crew took over the committee to crack and wreck the minds and hearts that were already stranded in a storm. Minorities all over the world have often The Delegate of Pakistan was asked to justify the killings of the Balochi minorities, which found themselves subjected to serious was responded to by the fact that they were extremists. When asked as to why they have threats and discrimination on the grounds been characterized as so, the Delegate mentioned that they had bombed mosques. of race, religion and culture; all the while On being asked for proof as to whether all those who had been killed were extremists or still being completely excluded from any terrorists, the Delegate chose to answer via chit. The chit showcases inadequate form of participation or inclusivity in the information, mentioning only the countries which recognized the Balochistan Liberation social, economic and political aspects of Army as an extremist group, which has been attacking armed forces since 2017, resulting their country. In fact, most minorities are in the loss of 10,000 armed forces and an economic loss of up to $75,000. denied even the basic right to Freedom of The Delegate of India was asked to highlight speech as their voices continue to pass by, the intentions behind the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A that granted special unheard and unacknowledged. It is status of autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This move was made to provide important to note from the proceedings of development and employment, according to the Delegate. When questioned on the the UNHRC that although the committee reasoning behind the inaccessibility to all forms of media and connections in the region, has significantly highlighted the plight of the Delegate justified this by saying that it was done for security, to curb the spread of minority expression and recognition a few rumors and prevent any possible attacks by terrorists. Since the Delegate mentioned the too many times, most countries have not benefits that the abrogation of the Article would bring, a question about the protection borne full transparency in this regard. of their property rights was raised. The answer mentioned that as not all land in Many policies, acts and agreements were Kashmir is private, the Government shall offer Government land as Special Economic presented, showcasing adequate Zone (SEZ) to investors and if the need arises, private owners will be compensated in the representation and protection of form of cash or an exchange of their land with Government land from other places. But minorities in each region. However, this what happens to those who are not financially equipped at the moment to was just a scoop of the glossy surface, as purchase land in their home region? many continued to hide a rotten interior. The Delegate of Israel was inquired about the minorities living under Israel’s occupation of So the International Press decided to call Palestine, which was chosen to be replied to them out on it. via chit. The response showcased severe lack of knowledge on the Delegate’s part, and one On being asked for an elaboration on the of the sites mentioned was unauthorized. statement, “Everyone is a minority” the Delegate of China mentioned that There have been multiple attacks on the according to the United Nations, there is places of worship of Shi’a minorities in Saudi no internationally agreed definition as to Arabia, for example, four were killed and 18 which groups constitute minorities and it injured in an attack on a mosque in Al-Sham varies from country to country. in January, 2016 and another in Dammam. Henceforth, anyone and everyone can fall under that term. The Delegate also made 9 a remark saying, “Islam was not an indigenous religion, but was imposed by the Arab expansion. And the only way to rectify that is through re-education.” The term ‘re-education’ here, according to the reporters, was hinting at the concentration camps that have been set up in China to brainwash the Uyghurs, a minority in the region. When questioned on the happenings inside and the intention behind these, the Delegate refused to comment to protect the privacy of the country. However, as the issue had already been brought up in the committee, the Delegate was then inquired about the meaning of ‘re-education’. According to the Delegate, re-education meant inducing Chinese values in the youth, irrespective of their origin, as the youth is the future of the nation. The Delegate was well informed on the subject.

When the Press questioned the Delegate to provide a justification for the same, the response, again, was via chit. Hungary’s current Prime Minister, Viktor Orban has been immensely verbal on his anti- migration agenda, and most refugees sited in the region feel severely unwelcome from both governmental legislations and opinion polls. The Delegate had a few interesting things to state in this regard, which included that the country would fail to protect the already existent minorities rights if it accepts any more migrants. Does that make the country non- tolerant and borderline xenophobic? Or is it too particular about its internal boundaries? We shall never know. France’s very controversial Niqab ban in 2010 was a major violation of human rights and had taken the world by storm. On being asked to comment on the same, the Delegate of France showed appalling lack of information and appeared to be completely unaware of the issue. In conclusion, the knowledge and information of most Delegates was unfortunately very one-dimensional, as they refused to take a plunge into the dark side. 105

Lok Sabha Day 1 P Harshini Navya Teja The 1st day's  session started with a brief Prime Minister Modi said that the people's explanation of the rules and procedures of the interest has always been his primary concern. house by the chair . After sometime the house was Mrs Nirmala Seetharaman also presented the divided into 2 groups that discussed their Agenda .  government 's opinion on the demand for Special Status for different states . After having lunch the delegates assembled in the house at 2:55 pm . Kanimozhi Karunanidhi started Mr . Owaisi said that the Indian Constitution was speaking against the abrogation of Article 370 . She adopted in the year 1935. How did we become a said that the Kashmiris suffered due to the curfew republic before independence ?? The delegate.  inposed by the government in Kashmir .  also said that the Prime Minister can spend 11 crore rupees for his party but can not spare 2 Some of the members including Gautam Gambhir crore rupees for Special Status. were not present at the time of attendance and during the committee session . Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP was misleading the other parties. Amit Shah joined the The chair called for discussion on Agenda 1. Agenda discussion by saying that Odisha was the first 1 was related to the demand for Special Category state to be created on linguistic grounds. He also Status of status to states like Bihar, Odisha and mentioned that Odisha also got a financial grant Andhra Pradesh . from the centre at that time . At this point Rahul Gandhi questioned the Centre's commitment to Geetha Koda initiated the discussion about the the empowerment of states . Special Status sought by the 3 states. She yielded her time to Mr. Shashi Tharoor and our honourable Modi responded to Rahul Gandhi's charge by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pointing out that the Congress had mislead the nation for 60 years. Midhun Reddy pointed out to Narendra Modi that he had promised to give Special Status to Andhra Mr Owaisi said that Prime Minister Modi only Pradesh. He also described the efforts of Jagan goes on foreign tours. Rahul Gandhi suddenly Mohan Reddy to secure Special Status for Andhra raised a point that India has gone through Green Pradesh. Last but not the least he said that revolution and the IT revolution during the Chandrababu Naidu did nothing for the Congress rule. Modi asked Rahul , \"when did the development of Andhra Pradesh. IT revolution take place? \" PM Modi and Smrithi Irani were heard speaking in Modi challenged that he would eradicate Telugu. How was that possible? Smrithi Irani joined unemployment. the discussion and said that Nagaland ,Manipur and Mizoram were given.    Special Status in 2014. The session ended at 5 pm. 11

Lok Sabha Day 2 The day two of the Lok Sabha had started very MAHABALI SINGH a Parliamentarian has raised energetically. The Sabha continued the Agenda 1 the motion of this agenda in favor of the third and discussed about the sub agenda of the the state, Bihar. The Motion couldn’t pass as the agenda 1 namely “Granting Special Category majority voted against the follow. This put a full Status to States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and stop on Bihar’s hope on being granted with the Orissa. special category status.  The starting speech was given KANIMOZHI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD has been a very active KARUNANIDHI, KASINENI SRINIVAS, Y.S. delegate opposing the grant of special category AVINASH REDDY and GALLA JAYADEV status. He raised a point , “ Why A.P doesn’t supporting the agenda. Later Honorable PM deserve Special status ?”. He couldn’t put this MODI and FAROOQ ABDULLAH were the first particular point in a more diplomatic way so, pair to start of with a formal debate. majority of the parliamentarians were against his statement.   The honorable Speaker passed on the debate to the pair of MIDHUN REDDY and Honorable PM UTTAM KUMAR REDDY has stated few points MODI. This debate gave an outcome of which is from nearly decades old Re-organization act not in the favor of Andhra Pradesh. The most “Andhra-Madras Separation/Re-organization”. strong weapon used by the BJP was the reports Geetha Koda has placed some statements in front of the Financial Commission in the year of 2015. of the opposition namely, First “The union is ready The report stated that Andhra Pradesh was not to provide special packages to the states “. qualified to be given Special Category status. Secondly, ”Why do you need Special category status, while the people are struggling  and you SUBRAMANYA JAISHANKAR proposed motion people are using their sentiment to fulfill your own to grant AP special category status. This motion needs” . failed to pass as the voting was in the favor of the delegates who are against the motion (20 KANUMOZHI KARUNANIDHI had given the Sabha were against and 19 for the motion). SHASI with the fact that special category status was THAROOR support the failing of this motion. He promised by the Former Prime Ministry also gave a statement to the opposition to stop MANMOHAN SINGH. He also criticized Honorable blaming the Union in the matter as it was a PM MODI for not considering the promise given by democratic way of implementing an agenda. the Former PM. SADANANDHA GOWDA put forth few points MIDHUN REDDY has put very valid points against against giving Orissa, special category status. the BJP. Firstly, “In 2014 BJP supported the INC for One if it being “Orissa is the No. 1 state in India providing AP with Special Category Status”. in the production of Iron and Steel, and the a Secondly, “The opposition BJP also pushed Domestic and International exporter of Iron and Congress to increase the time duration of Special Steel”. Parliamentarians’ such as HARISMRAT Category Status”. Thirdly, “It is not easy to provide KAUR, RAJNATH SINGH and NIRMALA salaries to the people of AP with the special SITHARAMAN objected on giving Orissa special packages”. Fourthly, “Special Category Status is category statue and backed SADNANDA must and it should be granted to AP”. GOWDA on his stand.  MANNE SRIVINAS has also put forth the past On the other hand ASADUDDIN OWAISI gave promises of The Union such as “Petroleum Project his stand that Orissa should be given special in Vishakhapatnam”.  The session has come to a category status as it is an Cyclone Effected Area stop with the brand stamp of RAVI SHANKAR and also is step behind in overall GDP.             PRASAD declaring that The Union will not be granting Special Category Status to any state at SMRITHI IRANI has slammed on the opposition any cost. that Orissa is not eligible to be given special category status. RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD on The second day of the Loksabha has be concluded the other hands has commented “ We will not in the favor of the opposition but the end of consider Orissa a part of AKHAND BHARAT , session has given much more information in but it is a different scenario in some parts of the detailed regarding the agenda. Northeast Provinces. SUDHAMSH.D 12

SENTENTIA

4 MODEL UNITED NATIONS

INTERVIEW WITH THE ATOMIC BOMBING OF DELEGATE OF IRAQ HIROSHIMA The Delegate of Iraq was interviewed about the agenda of the A count of the bombing of Hiroshima by the USA in 1945, post- committee ‘discussing the security of nuclear weapons with special world war. This bombing disrupted people’s lives and destroyed emphasis on curbing nuclear terrorism’ as well as its proceedings. many others. On being asked whether the Delegate’s country Can you hear it? The screams of the terrified was happy with the chosen agenda and why, the people who have no idea what is going on. All Delegate answered that Iraq was happy as they remember is going about their daily lives although the country has issues related to the when all of a sudden there was a blinding light nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, the and a gush of hot wind hit their faces.  Delegate believes if there is no nuclear-weapon- free zone there could be sanctions imposed on The citizens of Hiroshima were injured and the usage of nuclear weapons.  confused. All they saw was fire and destruction, and people running over one another, desperate The Delegate was asked what their country’s to get out of what they felt to be hell.  stance in relation to the agenda was. The Delegate replied that Iraq supports the countries What did these innocent people do to deserve which are for curbing nuclear terrorism as the such pain of losing loved ones as well as their country feels that it would benefit all countries.  home and way of life? Why did a nuclear bomb have to be dropped on them without any warning The Delegate was then asked what their out of nowhere?  country’s stance was in relation to NPT. The Delegate replied that Iraq had signed the treaty. The destruction and pain these people went The Delegate was then asked why their country through cannot be imagined. Such destruction had signed the treaty. The Delegate simply was brought about by the use of a nuclear stated to ensure national security.  weapon.  The Delegate was finally asked to give their The countries of the world along with the support country’s input on the agenda. The Delegate of the United Nations should put a stop to such replied that Iraq feels there should be an violent use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear immediate action taken on the non-state actors. terrorism should be curbed. Kurakula Swara Kurakula Swara 15

UNODC Day 1 The World Awaits The future of the committee remains uncertain, and as we approach dawn, and day two lingers closer, As the first day comes to a close, Samarth Hari puts forward his one can only hope that the gathering of such doubts and opinions about the unimpressive trajectory that the magnitude does not go to waste, and as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC)is heading committee closes, the world will be a better, safer in. place. As the committee concluded day one, with the lack of a formal session, along with the vague nature of the agenda, all one could take away was that the trajectory of the committee is only downwards, and there has not even been a formal speech yet. As the Chairperson explained the workings of the UNODC, and the Rules of Procedure(ROP), one could sense the precious time slipping away from us. Although there was some glimmer of hope when the committee agreed to put aside their non- agenda related differences and work together in the committee, establishing that at the end of day one is a consolation at best. As the chairperson rightly said, “We cannot solve every single problem in the world in two days”. If we have each country trying to solve different problems at the same time, while not making any progress, we would just be wasting a precious opportunity to try and plant the integral seed and move towards a better world. As for the agenda, the Reporter assumes that action against violent extremism and curbing the illicit production and trade of drugs is (hopefully) on every country’s radar. Such a vague agenda is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, it can open up many avenues of debate without any restrictions, but the negative being the delegates ending up with non-specific and bland debate, helping nobody. Some of the problems that the International Press hopes will be discussed are the Opioid Crisis in the west, human trafficking in the middle east, and special emphasis on modern crimes such as cyber-attacks and money laundering using technology. These issues affect almost every region around the globe, and have recently been getting worse thanks to the indecisiveness and lack of newer, stricter reforms issued by the member countries. 16

Put Yourself in Their Shoes As the committee paces like a snail, Samarth Hari puts forward a feature to emphasise the ripples that the decisions (or the lack thereof) that the countries in the United Nations Office on Drugs and crime (UNODC) make. Put yourself in Jamal’s shoes, as he lies weeping in a pool of blood, but surprisingly physically unharmed. As he slowly realises that at a tender age of eleven, his entire family was just mercilessly killed by extremists, who would’ve killed him too, had he not gone to go visit his uncle on his bicycle.  This, as the delegates representing their countries in the UNODC call terrorism a “global problem” for the fifteenth time today, is what is happening in the Middle East. Put yourself in little Ryan’s shoes, as he Put yourself in Mary’s shoes, as she wakes up looks in disbelief, at his parent’s lifeless every morning, hoping to see her husband bodies which are being taken away by the beside her, but alas, he was killed while on police, fully armed with guns and armour, duty in Afghanistan, serving for his country. while a child services agent tries to The flowers and money that the government comfort him, in vain. Ten years later, as sent offer no relief, and the fire in her heart he turns eighteen, he is told by his for revenge is unsure, not knowing where to grandparents that his parents were direct itself. Is it at her country, which sent caught in a drug cartel war, and were her husband into a death trap, or at the killed on a fateful night when he was extremists, who have no mercy- So she has eight. hate for both. This, as the delegates in the UNODC In the end, no matter what happens, as of reiterate that they want everyone to take now, we have the delegates talking about the action against drugs and drug trafficking, problems like a broken recorder, without any while reciting the history of one major real sympathy, or urgency. We have to ask- cartel they took down, while countless will Jamal, Ryan or Mary be given any relief other ones function without a hitch, is when they hear that their countries spent what happens when hundreds of their time stating how much they spent on thousands of people across the globe are the problem, while they have no real working dragged into the drug trade with no help solutions? No. Not in the slightest. from their countries. FEATURE STORY In fact, the only thing that can provide any relief to any of the thousands of such people in the world is action, followed by results, because no matter what, no amount of talking, no amount of money and no amount of sympathy will help any of them, and as a matter of fact, any of us. 17

UNODC Day 2 We May Never Know.... After an interview with the Delegate of The United States of America (USA) in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC), Samarth Hari presents some of the takeaways that can be gathered. As the International Press inquired whether the Delegate of USA thought Cuba and Mexico making the drug problem in their country worse, we got no reply. As we ask for a reply again, we are not given any information. Is it because they do not want to further worsen the relations with the countries, or is IFK because the Press is now “Fake News”, we may never know. We also still await a reply, as we wonder what the USA is doing to counter the rise of drugs, drug cartels, and the opioid crisis that is ravaging through their country. Do they simply not have any ref cob eorms to stop the massive problem, or are they just too busy deciding whether Marijuana is legal or not? We may never know. While we wait for a reply for many such questions, we are not given any information, which is worse than being without water in a desert, because we k,'now there is hope. How far is that hope? What are the chances that the government itself is corrupt? What are the chances that some of their leaders found terrorism? Is the USA capable of helping others are they claim? Well, the answer to these questions is all the same - We may never know. 18

UNODC Day 3 A day in the life of UNODC Samarth Hari puts forth the happenings on the last session of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) meet. The last session of the meet started with a few speeches from the General Speakers’ List (GSL), followed by the press conference conducted by the International Press. After a few countries clarified some of the questions, while others left the committee more confused than before, we ended the press conference. After a few more GSL speeches, which mostly Alongside these, we had the Delegates of France, contained some finances spent on the issues , a Australia and the United Kingdom state the exact few solutions, and some promises, the floor was steps they were taking to prevent the funding of open for motions. With a few motions being Narco-Terrorism, and others such as Nigeria and raised, the committee passed the motion Argentina reiterating what their plans were. proposed by the Delegate of Bahrain, which was to move into a moderated caucus with the topic- With no extention to the caucus, the committee “Discussing the solutions for the Agenda”. With now started working on a Press Release, which the Delegate of Bahrain speaking first, some of would be made by the committee as a whole, while the notable solutions proposed were- “Spending discussing some topics in detail in moderated more parts of GDP on education and health”- by caucuses. The press release will be a joint draft put Bahrain and “Strengthen border security and forth by the committee, which will conlude the proper law enforcement”- by The Republic of gathering of the UNODC. Korea. On the other hand, we had some negative comments, such as one from the Delegate of As the world awaits the completion of the Press Iceland, who simply called Bahrain’s solutions Release, the Delegates are racking their brains to “stupid”, while not coming up with any solutions come up with the most optimal solutions which can of their own.  be agreed upon by everyone. One of the more shocking speeches was from the Delegate of Germany, who called for the legalisation of drugs, while the Delegate of Bolivia came up with a simple solution-“Just stop the production of drugs”. With no other notable speeches, the moderated caucus came to a close. After a few speeches in the GSL again, another motion was passed by the committee, to move into a moderated caucus on the topic- “Funding to Narco-Terrorism”, proposed by the Delegate of South Africa, who decided to speak first. Some of the topics discussed in this caucus were 19 the “Supply and Demand” of drugs, which causes the organisations to launder more money, and how countries can keep track of large transactions and try to prevent money being sent to anti-state actors. The Delegate of South Africa even called for a proper structure for financial transactions, which would help the keep track of the money in the country efficiently.

Expressions

UNWHO Day 1 Pretty much just ROP Raghav Panjiray reporting on the dissatisfied series of the events of Day 1 of the UNWHO, Sententia MUN 2019 Why was the WHO formed? What was the agenda of the committee? These two questions define then premise of the committee UNWHO of the Sententia MUN 2019. The agenda being, “health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and Syrian Golan.” The question comes that is there a delegate of Palestine present in the committee. The question arises because the United Nations does not recognize the Palestine territory as a country or a member of the United Nations. However, due to the need for representation, the Executive Board decided there shall be a delegate of Palestine. Very unorthodox, but UNWHO does have a fancy Executive Board. In a committee where more than 88% of the diplomats were first timers and an agenda which required more than ample amount of research, moving towards the draft resolution seemed like a task for the executive board. Moreover a good part of the first day of the conference was extinguished in briefing the delegates about the Rules of Procedure to the bunch of first timers. The first day came to a conclusion allowing only six diplomats to put forth their views. However, with only six speeches a lot was uncovered. After the Executive Board had taken the motion to enter formal debate and committee voted in favor of the motion, and the Delegate of Japan stated that, \"Japan is one of the most disaster prone country, is part of the ‘ring of fire’ and even after disasters like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan has always overcome the catastrophes and thus has made its statement in the world\". While Delegate of Japan focused on gloating on its developments the Delegate of China was willing to extend a “helping hand” thus acknowledged problems of the country of Ghana and put forth that the residents of Ghana haven’t been able meet the basic health requirements since a good part of the previous decades, the children of Ghana have been facing mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD due to the tension between the neighboring territories. The delegate also added that the Ghana’s 90% of water was being wasted and not properly utilized for consumption and thus contributing in the depreciation of the health of the citizens of Ghana. 20

BEAT IN WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION By Lakshitha Today’s session in WHO was all about the discussion of the working paper. The first working  paper was of table one and table two, the authors were the Delegate of Israel and the Delegate of Austria. The Delegate of Israel was underestimating his own working paper by raising points of information in his own working paper.  The second working paper authors were the Delegates of Japan and Uruguay. The Executive Board raised  a point of information as the Delegate of Japan stated that the Red cross along with the WHO should help the people in occupied Palestinian Region, but whereas they are against the government. The Delegate of Japan simply answered  by saying that if they will be convinced if not they will encourage other NGOs to help them. The third working paper was by table eleven whose author was the Delegate of Tunisia. The Delegate of Israel raised a point of information regarding why do WHO needs to depend upon college students when it is an international organization itself. The Delegate of Tunisia chose to reply via chit. The fourth working paper was discussed thoroughly mad there were no points of information nor points of order. The authors for fourth working paper were the Delegates of  Palestine and Malaysia. Then the President explained the format of draft resolution. Interview Raghav Panjiary, the reporter of UNWHO in dialogue with the Delegate of Palestine on the agenda of health issues in country of Palestine. In stimulation between the international press and the delegate of Palestine via chit the following surfaced: Q. What is your status in terms of health in your state and what is you stance in this committee? A. Palestine government has been working towards its development, alongside its current status of health. The delegate of Palestine truly believes that health, as WHO defines it, improves with the increase in overall development of the state. The delegates also adds that the government has been trying its level best for health care facilities, but it seems as if that the Palestine’s MoH has been falling short and thus the country has approached the WHO for aid. Q. Your country has been facing these health issues since decades and Palestine has been trying to become a part of the UN for long time now. Is it that the country of Palestine has bad interpersonal relations with its allies and is thus looking for aid from the WHO?? A. As the conflict between Israel and Palestine the resources are being extinguished and thus the allies are persuading the state to resolve the issue rather that extending resources from their own countries. Thus concluding that are current inter personal relations are somewhat ambiguous. 21

Kalyan Srinivas Raygalla Chief of International Press Vaishnavi Deepak Editor-in-Chief Designer Akhila Obilisetty Photo Editor Kartik Joshi Reporting Bureau - Journalists Srujan and Samarth Hari (UNODC) | Swara (UNGA) | Sudhamsh and Harshini (LokSabha) Azana and Asna (UNHRC) | Raghav P and Lakshita (WHO) Photojournalists Dhruv | Srinidhi | Harsh Pandey | Sudhamsh | Sai Teja | Sai Kiran | Vikasini | Karthika Chiranjeevi | Yashwanth ROYAL ENFIELD PARCHMENT TEAM INTERNATIONAL PRESS Sententia Model United Nations 2019