United Nations Security Council Agenda for January 18th

Syria

Background Information Anti-government demonstrations began in March of 2011, as part of the Arab Spring.  The Syrian conflict has created the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Half the country’s pre-war population — more than 11 million people — have been killed or forced to flee their homes. ISIS is present but has mostly been eradicated.

Resources Overview of events starting in 2011 - http://www.bbc.com/news/world- middle-east-26116868 Quick Facts - https://www.mercycorps.org/articles/iraq-jordan-lebanon-syria- turkey/quick-facts-what-you-need-know-about-syria-crisis ISIS in Syria - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27838034

Congo

Background Information The political uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be a serious concern. President Joseph Kabila, whose second and last term in office ended in December 2016, remains in power. According to an agreement reached between Kabila and the opposition on 31 December 2016, elections were to be held by the end of 2017. Before the deadline, the DRC Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and government officials had said that elections would not be possible by the end of the year, citing logistical difficulties with voter registration and violence in several regions in the country. The opposition is of the view that Kabila is purposely stalling elections to remain in power.

Resources Congo returning to violence of 90s? -  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/30/congo-violence-fuels-fears- of-return-to-90s-bloodbath 2016 events explained - https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country- chapters/democratic-republic-congo Violence in Kasai (region in Congo) -  http://www.msf.org/en/article/democratic-republic-congo-crisis-update- october-2017 Recent News Articles - https://www.theguardian.com/world/congo

Myanmar

Background Information Since the late 1970s, nearly one million Rohingya have fled Myanmar due to widespread persecution. Officially, Myanmar does not recognize Rohingya as an ethnic group. According to the most recently available data from the United Nations in May, more than 168,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since 2012. Following violence that broke out last year, more than 87,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from October 2016 to July 2017, according to the International Organization for Migration. 

Resources Overview - http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/08/rohingya- muslims-170831065142812.html Recent News Articles - https://www.theguardian.com/world/rohingya Explanation - https://www.politico.eu/article/desperate-rohingya-myanmar- need-european-friends/ Explanation and resources -  http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/rohingya-crisis-month-misery- myanmar-rakhine-170925035409435.html

Security Council Powers to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression; to take military action against an aggressor; * recommend humanitarian aid to address needs in conflict zone * recommend diplomatic talks and goals for particular countries

North Korea

Background Information

Resources Overview (via US) - https://www.cfr.org/interactives/global-conflict- tracker#!/conflict/north-korea-crisis Korean Conflict History - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_conflict