United Nations Security Council: Topic Annotations

Topic A: Countering the flow of foreign fighters to conflict zones

As the principle body tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has addressed the escalation of conflict and terrorism numerous times, particularly since the adoption of S/RES/1373 in 2001. In the intervening time, there has been a tremendous rise in the role of non-State actors in multiple conflict zones and their efforts to recruit internationally have been transformed by modern communications technology. S/RES/2178 sought to impose certain obligations on Member States to prevent the flow of foreign fighters, but the Security Council has noted that systemic issues still prevent the effective cessation of inter-State travel of such fighters. Within Member States, law enforcement and customs officials have struggled to cooperate effectively and combat the outward flow of fighters and, in some cases, identify them upon their return to their country of origin. The Security Council has begun efforts to prevent the financing of foreign fighters as well, but, as has been the case with much of their efforts to combat the flow of foreign fighters, there has been limited impact.

Topic B: Peace and security on the Korean Peninsula

Peace and security concerns on the Korean Peninsula date back to the 1940s and the establishment of two distinct Korean governments. Both claimed to be the only legitimate government, a sentiment that persists to this day. An invasion by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 1950 led to the Korean War, also known as the Fatherland Liberation War. Security Council involvement in the region began with S/RES/82, which was in response to the invasion. Modern Security Council actions and statements on Korea; however, reflect the complicated and tense relationship between the two peninsular countries and their allies. The withdrawal of the DPRK from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 2003 garnered a high level of international alarm and led to the Six Party Talks, which to date have made little progress. The UNSC has since adopted multiple resolutions aimed at combatting nuclearization and increased hostilities on the peninsula, including S/RES/2094 and S/RES/2270. The effects have been minimal and the outlook with regards to permanent peace seems bleak.

Topic C: Women, Peace, and Security

The role of women in peace and security has steadily grown as an area of discussion for the past two decades, especially since the adoption of S/RES/1325 in 2000. The international community and the Security Council have come to acknowledge that the nature of warfare has changed and that civilians, especially women, are increasingly victimized and targeted. Additionally, the increase of sexual violence related to conflict, has become a major international concern. The Security Council has been actively working to curtail this issue by adopting resolutions S/RES/1820 and S/RES/1888. The recognition by Security Council that women are historically left out of peace and security processes, has compelled the international community to increase the role of women in the resolution of conflicts, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.