nd th The Hague International Model United Nations Qatar 2019| 22 –​ 25 of​ January 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ Forum: First General Assembly Issue: Prohibition of the development and manufacture of new types of weapons of mass destruction Student Officer: Salma Hassanain Position: Deputy Chair Introduction Whether it is through threats of terrorist organizations, enemy nations, or even national governments, our world has become one in which peace and security are no longer guaranteed. Since the tragic Ypres bombing of World War I where 1.3 million people were injured or killed, weapons of mass destruction have played large roles in warfare. Such weapons have the capability to wipe out entire villages, or in the case of nuclear weapons, entire cities - they may even render said cities uninhabitable for several years. Nuclear weapons are the most powerful types of weapons of mass destruction, and the use of one of these could cause a “Nuclear Winter”, followed by human extinction. The elimination of weapons of mass destruction was one of the founding principles of the United Nations; the first resolution adopted by the General Assembly pertained to this issue. Currently, there are countless stockpiles of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons of mass destruction sitting unused, waiting for a war to brew so they can see the light of day. Not only this, but some nations are just beginning to build WMD stockpiles of their own. With the ongoing and rapid technological advancements globally, there is no doubt that weapons of mass destruction can be made more and more powerful, resulting in potentially catastrophic outcomes. If immediate action is not taken to solve this issue, we may find ourselves quickly thrown into World War III. The United States, Russia, and North Korea are the nations which currently house the biggest WMD stockpiles. For example, North Korea is capable of holding a staggering 12,000 tons of chemical weapons. However, these nations have many differences, so reaching a mutual agreement cannot be foreseen in the near future. To take steps towards complete elimination of these weapons, and complete demilitarization, it is important to first halt the development and manufacture of weapons of mass destruction. This can be done in many ways, including tightened border control, increased observation of imports and exports, and increasing the price of WMD parts. After this, the current stocks of weaponry may be dealt with. Research Report | Page 1 of 18 ​ ​ nd th The Hague International Model United Nations Qatar 2019| 22 –​ 25 of​ January 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ Definition of Key Terms Weapon An instrument used for either harmful or destructive purposes. For example, a knife or a gun are the simplest forms. More complex types include nuclear weapons and military weapons such as tanks. In this matter, nuclear weapons can cause mass destruction, not only to lives but also to infrastructure. Mass destruction A large number of losses (death, injury or destruction of man-made structures), especially caused by biological, chemical or nuclear weapons. Weapon of mass destruction (WMD) WMDs are weapons that are capable of bringing large destruction to areas. When used, WMDs cause man-made structures to be destroyed, while also causing a large number of deaths and injuries. These weapons are usually biological, chemical, or nuclear. Biological weapon A biological weapon is a substance that produces diseases which can be used as a weapon against humans or animals. For example, viruses such as Ebola can be used as a biological weapon. Dual-Use These are products or technologies that can be utilized in a civilian environment, but can also be used as a weapon in military or warfare applications. One such example is riot control agents: although these are most frequently used for non-harmful purposes such as separating large crowds during protests, they are sometimes used in warfare as a chemical weapon of mass destruction. Nuclear Proliferation The spread of nuclear weapons to a country which does not possess them (i.e. a non-nuclear-weapon state, as defined by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear weapons). The NPT seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Page 2 of 18 | Research Report ​ nd th The Hague International Model United Nations Qatar 2019| 22 –​ 25 of​ January 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ Disarmament The decrease or eradication of weapons. Disarmament may pertain to a specific category of weaponry; for example, the term nuclear disarmament means decreasing or eradicating a country’s entire nuclear arsenal. Background Information Types of weapons of mass destruction Biological Weapons The first known use of biological weapons dates back to 300BC when dead animals were placed in wells to contaminate enemies’ drinking water, and in 400BC when Scythian archers infected their arrows by dipping them in decomposing bodies or manure in order to use against enemy forces. Over 2000 years later, there are now lethal microorganisms such as the Ebola or Smallpox viruses that can have devastating effects, primarily causing a large numbers of deaths, if used as weapons. An example of modern day use of biological weapons could be seen in 2001 when members of US congress and media outlets received letters laced with anthrax spores; 22 people were infected, and 5 of these died. It is thought that the use of biological weapons could eliminate up to a fifth of the world’s population if these weapons are able to spread lethal diseases like the Zika virus, Ebola or the Plague. There are four main types of biological weapons that can be used in warfare: bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins. Toxins are the most lethal form of biological weapons, and as such, tend to be used more often. There are several different ways to administer biological weapons. For the intention of causing mass casualties, the most common methods are through the air using aerosol sprays, usage in explosives, and contaminating food or water with the infectious substance. The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was the first multilateral treaty to ban the development, stockpiling and production of biological weapons. It was opened for signature in 1972, entered into force in 1975, and now has the support of 182 member states. To ensure that the BWC is effective in reaching its goal, several review conferences have been held, with the most recent one held in Geneva in 2011. Research Report | Page 3 of 18 ​ ​ nd th The Hague International Model United Nations Qatar 2019| 22 –​ 25 of​ January 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ Although there are many nations party to the BWC, several of these nations have been suspected of continuing their biological weapons programs, contrary to the rules of the treaty. One such example of this is in Russia; major elements of its biological weapons program include anti-crop biological weapons, new neurotoxin weapons, and genetically engineered viruses. Given the power of such weapons, it is important that they do not fall into the wrong hands. In 2004, US officials warned Russia that its biological materials were not being kept secure, and that they were at risk of being stolen and possibly used by terrorist organisations, especially given the difficulty of detecting and tracking biological weapons. In response to this, the Russian government tightened export and border control to ensure that there would be no illegal trafficking of biological weapons. In addition, several organizations and foreign governments have sought recruitment of Russian scientists in order to further their biological weapons programs; examples include Al-Qaeda and Iran. If it were successful, this would have a detrimental effect on Russia as there would be biological weapons proliferation, and the nation would suffer from brain drain. Since 1969 when President Nixon halted the US biological weapons program, the nation has been closely observing the programs of other nations (for example, Russia, as mentioned above). Recently, the Russian government has refused to provide evidence that it has discontinued any activities that go against the BWC, which has caused tensions to rise between Russia and the US. Similarly, although it has not been confirmed, North Korea has been reported to be in possession of several biological agents, such as anthrax and smallpox. A 2015 US report has shown that North Korea is willing to use biological weapons if needed, despite being a party to the BWC; this has also caused some tensions between North Korea and the US. In recent years, there have been rapid advances in synthetic biology, a field which aims to create new biological systems and machines, in order to further biological research and industry. One of two methods can be used: editing the DNA of existing cells, or creating new biological molecules. This new dual-use technology has great potential to be misused in warfare, as it gives scientists the opportunity to not only create new and powerful biological weapons of mass destruction, but to modify genes of dangerous diseases and make them untreatable. According to the US Intelligence Agency, such technology poses a great global threat not only due to its power, but also due to its low cost and ease of use. As such, it is vital that this threat is monitored and controlled by the UN. Page 4 of 18 | Research Report ​ nd th The Hague International Model United Nations Qatar 2019| 22 –​ 25 of​ January 2019 ​ ​ ​ ​ Chemical Weapons A chemical weapon is a toxic chemical used to kill or cause harm to humans, animals, and general living organisms. There are several different types of chemical agents that can be used in chemical weapons. The least severe form of these are riot control agents, which are used to temporarily harm people by causing irritation to their eyes or throat, mainly for domestic law enforcement purposes, yet are sometimes used as ammunition in wars and conflicts.