The United Nations Security Council serves as the principal global body tasked with maintaining international peace and security. To enforce these principles, the Security Council has the authority to pass binding resolutions that all members are obliged to comply with; this includes imposing economic sanctions and deploying peacekeeping troops. This year, the Security Council will function by using a perceptual moderated caucus, where delegates can constantly propose directives in response to the crisis, and the dais will update that situation accordingly. There will still be 5 permanent UN members and 10 non-permanent nations elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term. Note: The permanent 5 countries will NOT be wielding any veto power within the Security Council at HSMUN. 

After gaining independence from the British empire in 1948, things drastically changed in the history of Southeast Asia and specifically with Myanmar. The 1970s marks the beginning of a major political event that will last for years to come. Operation Dragon King, launched by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military), forced thousands of Rohingya across the border to Bangladesh, with reports of mass violence and persecution widespread. While most of the refugees were repatriated back to Myanmar through an agreement with Bangladesh, the suppression of Rohingya rights continued back home. The Rohingya, being a Muslim minority group in Myanmar, were not treated the same as other citizens and were subject to discriminatory citizenship laws, labeling them as “stateless. To this day, they are continuing to advocate for full rights as a citizen of Myanmar, but efforts have been futile. 

International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Doctors without Borders, are actively working to provide care and important life necessities for the refugees, and it seemed like the situation wouldn’t escalate. 

However, the world spoke too soon and in 2016, the Arakan Rohingya Army attacked several Tatmadaw military posts, resulting in many casualties and triggering the start of the Rohingya Refugee Crisis. Violence against the Rohingya people increased significantly as they became caught in the cross-fire, being accused of conspiring with militia groups to overthrow the government. As such, some sources and nations even suspect the Myanmar government is deliberately committing acts of genocide against the Rohingya. The Western Alliance, mainly the US, Canada, and European Union, have sanctioned Myanmar government officials for their alleged role in the crisis and increased humanitarian assistance. However, on the other hand, nations like China, India, and Russia have resisted putting pressure on Myanmar and even increased diplomatic, military, and political ties with the country, citing reasons that Myanmar is trying to restore stability. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2021, the crisis continued to spiral out of control as refugees were turned away from neighbouring countries due to lockdowns and tougher border controls. Facing further restriction of movement and work opportunities, the Rohingya people are forced to make impossible choices that offer little to no future prosperity. During this time, the democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in a coup d'état and multiple armed groups also intensified operations, resulting in the start of the Myanmar Civil War and exacerbating the refugee crisis. 

Known as the “most persecuted ethnic minority in the world”, the Rohingya people are desperately calling for help to gain citizenship and return to their homeland with peace. As the world watches closely, all eyes are on the UN to prevent the Myanmar conflict from spiraling out of control, as there are reports of foreign intervention also emerging from the country.

1. What policies should be brought up for discussion in order to maximize Myanmar’s prosperity and protection of civilians?

2. What actions can be taken to bring to justice the perpetrators responsible for violence against civilians? 

3. To what extent should foreign intervention or UN peacekeeping missions play a role in establishing peace in Myanmar?

4. How can nations collaborate to support refugees attempting to flee the hostilities?

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