Child Pornography: Does it Include Computer-Generated Images?

Good morning delegates!

As you may know from the coverage it received in the press, there is a Japanese video game called "RapeLay". The objective of this game is to earn points by assaulting schoolgirl characters and even forcing them to have abortions.

According to Wikipedia... (NB: WE WILL NOT CONDONE RESEARCH FROM WIKIPEDIA IN OUR COMMITTEE. However I'm going to take their word on this JUST THIS ONCE and you will understand after reading the following quote why I do not want to research any more about this video game...):

The player can choose from a variety of sexual positions, and controls the action by making movements with the mouse or by scrolling the mouse wheel. It features a realistic sexual simulator which allows the player to grope and undress the characters on a crowded train....

(The whole quote summarizing this game was not posted due to it's inappropriate nature. Read at your own discretion. HSMUN 2011 and the UNICEF Dais are in no way endorsing this video game.)

Yes, this game actually exists. In fact, it belongs to an entire genre of Japanese media, called "hentai" by the West, that features various sexualities that are generally viewed as perversions, including depictions of child-like figures involved in sex acts.  Also included in this genre, and produced by the same company are other sexually violent video games called "Battle Raper" and "Artificial Girl". According to this article:

A spokesman for the company said: "We believe there is no problem with the software, which has cleared the domestic ratings of an ethics watchdog body."

.....
Ethics watchdog body??

Somehow, this game has slipped through Japanese laws and can be sold in the country. Not surprisingly, it cannot be sold anywhere else in the world. While Japanese law bans the production and sale of sexually expicit images of children under 18, it does not prohibit animated or computer-generated images. Has the rapid industrilization and economic development of countries like Japan allowed children to slip through the cracks?

According to this article from 2008, Japan and Russia were the only G8 countries that do not ban possession of child pornography. In addition, magazines and DVDs featuring small children in bikinis are available for sale. According to human rights activists, pedophiles use these obscene photographs to convince their underage victims that sexual exploitation is normal.


The flip side - How about in a developing country ravaged by natural disasters?
This article briefly outlines the way in which children are exploited during times of vulnerability.
According to this article:

...about 250 million children under age 5 in developing countries do not have a birth certificate and about 150 million in the world are engaged in child labor. Children without birth certificates "risk being trafficked, not getting access to health care, eventually not getting inheritance rights," Bissell said. They face "a massive series of potential protection violations because you don't have identities."

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The current UN Millennium Development Goals on reducing poverty do not cover violations of children's rights, and no country in the world is immune to issues of child exploitation. Delegates, we hope you can come up with some solutions to these problems.

Security is our First Name

Hello prospective Security Council delegates:

My name is Robert. We have been behind in our blogs. This is sad making.

So to give you guys some more info, the background papers should be going up soon. There are a couple of things I want you to take out of it:

Terrorism is part of the question, not the question. The background paper and later blog posts are going to have extensive explanations of terrorism, because I don't want its definition debated ad nauseum. I am going to be discussing terrorism at length with you so you don't have to.

Cross-border issues are the important aspect of the question. These are what the SC deals with all the time. Its mandate is global peace, and preventing international conflict. Keep that in mind. Also of note: its powers are not ultimate, and must still be tempered by respect for sovereign states.

I am a big fan of a couple things: reading, watching documentaries, and talking to people smarter than me. To that end, I want you all to be better statesmen with this first blog post.

• Machiavelli's The Prince (first chapter)
• STRATFOR is an excellent, impartial (though US focused) group, they have some nifty articles, browse their free material, it will blow your mind. Here's a starter, relevant article on terrorism.
• The Fog of War (find it at your local video store or online)
• Homework: Talk to your social teacher about the Security Council's foundation. Your librarian can also be a great source for a good book.

See you in February!

Robert
Chair

Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!

At this year's conference, delegates will need to be prepared for a vigorous discussion on the question of establishing a framework for cheaters in disarmament agreements.

Here is a little background knowledge on the UN's history with disarmament. It is a rather simple explanation but it is a good foundation to start your research, especially if incomprehension of the definition & history of disarmament is hampering your progress & crampin' your style.

Familiarity with terms such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and the Mine-Ban Convention Chemical Weapons Convention would be helpful; however, your research does not have to be limited to the aforementioned terms.

If you are kickin' it at the library, you could check out Chapter 8 of Elements of A Nuclear Disarmament Treaty. The book has led to the recent development of an online game, so if you would classify yourself as a gamer and not a reader, (and if you've already completed the campaigns on Halo Reach & Black Ops), you could try your hand at Cheater's Risk, a game which seeks to add to the debate about negotiated nuclear disarmament by exploring the dynamics of a world without nuclear weapons. HAWT!

Unfortunately, both the book & the game focus on only one side of the issue, so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with both sides of the issue, with greater emphasis falling on specific examples of your nation states'/ally states' treaties & points of importance that should be included in our discussion on the question of establishing a framework for cheaters in disarmament agreements.

Cheers,
The DISEC team.

Problems with One Laptop Per Child?

Greetings earthlings!

The debate about the globalization of the cultural industry continues as programs such as the One Laptop Per Child thrive to create educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children. Contenders on one side of this issue will argue that this American-made, non-profit organization has created a valuable open source experiment that has made this educational device an affordable commodity to marginalized children around the world. On the other side of the issue, some may argue that although millions of laptops have been distributed, these devices expose children from various developing countries to Western culture. For example, the laptops are wired to connect its user to the internet sources that don’t necessarily reflect comparable educational systems across the globe, but rather a fairly Western approach to learning.

Each laptop has been speculated to cost around $100 USD. The OLPC has stated that its mandate is to:
- Let the kids keep the laptops
- Focus on early education
- Ensure no one gets left out.
- Connection to the internet.
- Free to grow and adapt.

You can learn more about the OLPC program here:
http://www.laptop.org/en/vision/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Laptop_per_Child

With these facts in mind, which side do you think each delegation would be in favour of? Do you think this program is effective in terms of promoting education? Do you think money would be better invested elsewhere? How are programs like these effecting cultures across the globe?

Extreme Action News Team is a Go!

Greetings mighty denizens of the News Empire! We at the Extreme Action News Team bring you all the stories that are fit to be made up. Look out for us during the conference. We may be lurking in hallways or generally taking things that you say out of context to make them seem more ridiculous. Also please remember that poisoning journalists with radioactive isotopes is wrong (plus I built up an immunity during my time as the Dread Pirate Roberts). Now watch this promotional video I composed using computer animated (and slightly frightening) bears!

Real-World International Security Issues

Hello delegates! Recent weeks have seen some interesting developments with regards to international security. First off, tensions around everyone's favorite DMZ have been taking off recently following border clashes, with North Korea shelling a South Korean island and the South responding in kind. The North is flexing its muscles right now with Kim Jong-Il setting up his son Kim Jong-Un as his successor, so keep an eye on the situation.

We can also take a look at some developments in the post-Soviet world. The frozen conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, frequently the site of border skirmishes, has seen a greater buildup by Azerbaijani forces in recent months. Currently modernizing its military with oil revenue, Baku is more aggressively seeking a resolution to the status of the breakaway province - possibly one that involves retaking it by force.

Lastly, there is the issue of the Islamist insurgency in the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan. The obscure nation, on the northern border of Afghanistan, has seen conflict on an increasing scale this year, with the government providing little to no information about the insurgency aside from body counts. Former Soviet Central Asia has managed to avoid the influence of Islamic extremism to date, but any sort of uprising in the volatile region is never good news.

This is all just food for thought to consider the many different forms international security and disarmament can take. Have fun with your own research on it!

The DISEC team.

ECOFUN

Greetings delegates! For those of you on the ECOFIN committee and those of you who have any interest at all about global environmental or economic issues, this is the place to be.

One of the topics that will be discussed in the ECOFIN committee is the question of sustainable technological development. If you're wondering where to start your research, the International Institute on Sustainable Development is the place to go (www.iisd.org). They've got up-to-date information on most everything involving sustainability worldwide. Do remember, however, that we are discussing technological development, so focus your research there. A good topic to start would be sustainable energy technologies. The Delhi International Conference on Renewable Energy was held in late October (www.iisd.org/ymb/energy/direc2010/) and was the latest in an ongoing series of conferences to address future energy issues. As many of you are aware of, there are countless technological directions within sustainable energy. In general, the struggle at the moment is to convince nations reliant on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources that renewables will outweigh short-term economic losses with long-term economic potential. It's not about environment vs economy, rather it's about how we can integrate the two into a satisfying solution.

More to come.

NOTE: As of 9:30 AM on Friday November 19, the ECOFIN committee has brought a new word into the english language. This word *drumroll* is... GLOCAL. Fed up with having to choose between global issues or local ones? Glocal issues integrate all your concerns in one tight, albeit rather heavy, package.

Cheers! Hope you guys are all taking advantage of the snow to go ski/snowboard/sled/snowman-build/snowball fight/skate (might be too early if you don't feel like falling through the ice on that last one)

Some more UNICEF links

Cruising www.un.org for less than 5 minutes resulted in these 3 interesting links:

After the 2008 financial crisis, funding for social programs decreased dramatically as countries tried to save their own economies. In addition, unemployment increased and in poor countries, people's purchasing power deceased. Since those in developing countries were already spending the majority of their income on food, this is an issue. Read more *here*.

The introduction of social programs can play a huge role in preventing and controlling malnutrition. These links highlight two contrasting examples: *this article* features an innovative program that is actively decreasing malnutrition in Iraq. Conversely, *this article* highlights how ignoring current problems regarding hunger will lead to chronic hunger deficits in the future.

Be sure to also check out the United Nations World Food Program website for more information on preventing and controlling malnutrition.

Traditional Medicine in Canada

Hello delegates! As I'm sure you already know, those of you in the WHO will be discussing the issue of traditional medicine. As you research the topic, it's important to keep in mind that since you will be writing resolutions, you must start thinking of what your country would like to include in one.

To help you do this, you might want to check out the National Aboriginal Health Organization's paper on Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Contexts. The relationship of culture to traditional medicine seems particularly relevant. It is long, but looking at the table of contents can help you identify the pertinent parts. Although in the WHO you won't be focusing on Aboriginal traditional medicine in Canada, it might help you learn about the practical issues involved, as well give you ideas for resolutions.

Hunger? Unacceptable!

When we think of poverty and hunger, we often think of drought-stricken African nations or the slums of East Asia.

What most people don't realize is that this issue also exists a little closer to home...

This article shows us that even developed countries have this problem. According to the article, "between 500,000 and 1 million of the people affected in the homes were children."

Remember, hunger exists all over the world.

WHO gives a better insite?

Hello WHO Delegates!!!

So time to do some research!!!!
Make sure to get a grasp on what this organization does and what it is responsible for and narrow it down by seeing where your country fits in the big picture.
This Link will take you to a list of countries...
http://www.who.int/countries/en/

This video is to give a better insite on the role of WHO, and how it responded to the recent pandemic.


This is a pretty cool video of what we are capable of doing when the world comes together.

... WHAT WAS THAT?

While researching the internet and newspapers are an excellent way to keep up to date with current events, there are plenty of other supplementary sources that are sometimes less tedious. For example, the weekly show Saturday Night Live has a 'Weekend Update' segment, which showcases (in a comedic context) a number of important international events that can give you a good starting point to direct additional research. And occasionally, you get gems like this.

Enjoy,

The DISEC team.

Issue 1 of the Daily Delegate!

Daily Delegate Issue 6, Sixth Edition

Suit Up!

Salutations!
Welcome to HSMUN 2011. In the future, please refer to posts that are tagged as DISEC, as they are the most important ones.. Encourage your other HSMUN pals to read our posts, because the issues will also be relevant to them in terms of foreign policy. Throughout the course of the year, we will be providing you a (somewhat) regular overview of important goings-on in the world. Our postings will relate to our two topics of focus:
- The question of militarization of borders
- The question of establishing a framework for cheaters in disarmament agreements
Please refer to the background papers when they are posted for an initial overview.

Committee Heads:
Steven Graham - enjoys long walks on the beach
Rebecca Thomas - enjoys short walks on the beach
Neil Hauer - enjoys passing out on the beach

Welcome to HSMUN 2010!

The Economics and Finance Committee would like to welcome you to the 2010 High School Model United Nations!

My name is Jennifer, and this is my first year being a part of the U of A's annual HSMUN conference. I am a third year science student, and I enjoy hip hop dancing and mexican food.

My name is Alan and this is my fourth year with HSMUN and second as staff. I am a second year Earth Sciences student, and my last near-death experience involved almost falling into a glacier.

Hi, my name is Michael Ceroici, and this is my first year volunteering with HSMUN, and I am the Intervention Attache for the ECOFIN committee. I enjoy traveling and learning new languages.

The Economic and Finance topics for this year's conference will be:
1) The issue of sustainable technological development
2) The issues regarding the globalization of the cultural industry

Saving children is cool... So is UNICEF!!

Hello UNICEF delegates!
Welcome to another year of HSMUN! We hope you find our UNICEF posts both informative and entertaining! Check out the posts tagged UNICEF for posts relating to this committee!

My nAme is Natalie Pon and I am the ChaiR for UNICEF this year. I'm in my second year at the University of Alberta. This is my second delightful year as dais (last year I was Director for WHO), and my third with HSMUN. I enJoy playing Madden, rib-eye steaks, StarbUcks coffee (hiNt hint), the MIami DolphinS, and generAlly just being aWesome. In addition, I am an executivE with CampuS UNICEF at the U of A. I lOve everything about UNICEF, so if you have any questions, I will be More than willing to hElp you out and share my passion for this organization! I also love coffee. Did I mention that? So if you're looking for a way to impress me, there is a Starbucks in Cameron Library. Bernard Callebaut chocolate will do as well (hint hint).

What Up Beautiful Delegates!

My name is Muhammed Patel and I am the Director of UNICEF this year. I am in my second awesome year of Science and my 4th year with HSMUN (3 years as a delegate) and I love it more then i love donairs, and i love donairs more then I love soccer, football, and hockey and best of all UFC. I am in a long term relationship with my XBOX (gamertags?). I am also an executive with Campus UNICEF because Natalie is almost as awesome as she claims (I'm way more awesome). I just started drinking coffee and i don't drink Starbucks because i am cheap, so Tim Hortons always wins (hint hint?). We're going to make this year more awesome than this kid:

My name is Elzbieta Tymon, and I am your Intervention Attache this year. I'm currently in my second year of Business at the University of Alberta, and have been involved with HSMUN for the past 3 years: as a delegate in 2008 and 2009, and as News Staff last year.

The two resolutions in our amazing commitee this year are:

1. The question of coordinating international efforts against child pornography on the internet; and
2. The question of preventing and controlling child malnutrition.

For now, we will leave you with some words of wisdom:

In the words of Randy Moss, "[Delegates], I salute you! I'm out!"

"HIGH SIX!" - Barney Stinson

Welcome to UNODC!

Hey, this is your Dias and Intervention staff for UNODC HSMUN 2011. We're super excited to see all of you in February and we just wanted to introduce ourselves a bit before the conference (we don't' bite).

Dias Staff:
Lauren (Dias Chair) - Hi! I'm a second year Pharmacology student in the Faculty of Science. I had the pleasure of participating in HSMUN as a delegate while I was in high school and I hope to help all of you have as great of an experience as I had!
P.S.- I like long walks on the beach and dancing in the rain.

Zohaib (Dias Director) - My name is Zohaib. I am a second year Neuroscience student and as such, I have no knowledge of anything to do with politics. This is my 4th year of failing at HSMUN, and I enjoy long walks on the beach with my cat Tickles.

Intervention:
Katarina (Intervention Attache) - Hey! I'm in my second year in Political Science and French. I started HSMUN in grade 12 and have been addicted ever since. I will basically be critiquing all of your foreign policies, so don't mess up (I lied about not biting). JUST KIDDING! we're all going to work together to make your time with HSMUN as pleasant as possible.
P.S. - I prefer short strolls on the beach . . .

disclaimer: Zohaib wasn't actually here today so his evil twin is responsible for his introduction :)

Welcome to the World Health Organization

Hello,

My name is Salwa Nsier and I am the dias director for the World Health Organization. I am a first year student currently in the Faculty of Science, and still undecided. I was a delegate during my high school years and had an amazing time. My favourite food is Subway and I spend my free time watching Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and Hellcats.
Can't wait to meet all of you!!!

Yo!
Your dias chair for this year will be Kristi Meier, me! I am a third year student at the University and am currently studying economics, however I am still undetermined what career I want to pursue. This is my second year volunteering as a staff member for HSMUN and I also participated as a delegate during high school for 2 years. My favorite food is anything spicy, and I spend my free time listening to BBC Radio 1 sets, watching documentary films, and going to wine tastings. Looking forward to this year's HSMUN!

Hi! I'm Elana, your intervention attache. I'm a second year student, studying math and philosophy. I was a delegate for two years and this is my second year volunteering. I am passionate about chocolate, and I spend my free time unicycling and reading books.

Some helpful links are the following:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/
http://www.who.int/en/
http://www.who.int/topics/disasters/en/

Feel secure with Security Council

Hey everyone! My name is Josh and I will be the director for Security Council at HSMUN 2011. I am a second year political science student who, despite my objections, is related to Brian Mulroney... Bad times... Anyways, I know how it feels to be a delegate, having participated in HSMUN 2008 and 2009. Get ready, it will be amazing!

Hey people! My name is Aaron and I will be your Intervention Attache for the conference! Like Josh, I am a second year politcal science major who participated in HSMUN 2009. For the summer, I chose not to travel like most students, I worked for the Canadian embassy on the Death Star. In all seriousness, I am a volunteer for the NDP...not much better. See you guys in February!

Late addition, my name is Robert, I will be your chair for the Security Council! I am a third year Microbiology Honours student. I was a delegate in 2008, and chair at both 2009 and 2010. As such, I'm super excited for the promotion to Security Council, and I'm excited to see you save the world from certain doom and destruction.