EditorialFive Years Together... and a Volcano

Pag. 4 - C’MUN 2010: Under the Volcano Catalonia Model United Nations 2010

Pag. 8 - Sexual and Reproductive Rights Human Rights Council

Pag. 12 - The New World Information and Communication Order UNESCO

Pag. 16 - Five Years of Catalonia Model United Nations (2006-2010)

Pag. 18 - The Regulation of Elite Sports International Labour Organization

Pag. 21 - Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference 2010 Disarmament Committee

Pag. 24 - The Integration of Migrants Ad Hoc Committee on the Alliance of Civilizations

Pag. 29 - We Answered the Call C’MUN Press Team

C’MUN 2010 Magazine

Design, layout and coordinationBernat ComesRaül JiménezEirene Ramos

PhotosPablo Rodríguez-Aguilera

TranslationsUNA-Spain

C’MUN 2010 Magazine Contributors

Diana MartínezEric Espí

Printed by Masanas Gràfiques

c/ Moles, 31, bajos08010 Barcelona

Legal deposit B 32.843-92

The UNA Spain magazine’s editorial board does not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed by its collaborators.

The magazine’s editorial board reserves its right to alter the titles, highlights or texts according to its professional opinion.

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SPAIN

Honorary PresidentsFrancesc Casares Potau

Lluís Armet ComaMarina Bru Purón

President Eduard Sagarra i Trias

1st Vice-presidentXavier Pons Ràfols

2nd Vice-presidentLídia Santos i Arnau

SecretaryJoan Soler Martí

TreasurerAntoni Sabaté Boza

VocalsIldefons Valls i Torné

Rafael Jorba i CastellvíPablo Pareja Alcaraz

Albert Barbany i HurtadoXavier Fernández Pons

DirectorÀngels Mataró Pau

Assistant to DirectionXavier Guerrero Fernández

StaffAriadna Quintero Valderrama

Raül Jiménez JiménezTeresa Visa Pérez

Bernat Comes LloveraEirene Ramos Nuño

Pablo Rodríguez-Aguilera

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3Editorial

In 2005 at ANUE, we began our incursion into the Models United Nations world at the same time slightly timidly, but also with a lot of curiosity. And we have certainly been very suc-cessful in our decision: the step has been very important, we just need to have a look into the results. Results that, at that time, not even in our most optimistic dreams we could imagi-ne. Nowadays, we can proudly say that C’MUN is one of the “flagships” of the Association.

Including this year edition, we have cele-brated the fifth anniversary of the Catalonia Model United Nations. Five editions that have given us so much to tell. We have proposed very attractive, innovative and complex topics to discuss; expanding and deepening different knowledge and discussion areas. Taking this into consideration, we certainly believe that we are achieving our aim of approaching the United Nations to youth.

We have grown up and we have conso-lidated ourselves, obtaining explicit recog-nition at European level -being members of the European Model of United Nations Network (EMUNNET)-; and at international level, -being recognized by United Nations, through its Department of Public Information, as a guest European Model to participate at the Global Model United Nations-. And main-ly, we have achieved to meet many very special people, participants coming from all over the world; with them we have shared moments and indelible experiences.

Everybody is aware that this C’MUN 2010 has been marked by two very particular but clearly global circumstances. The first one, which has a long route and a difficult solu-tion, is the general financial situation that we are going through. Obviously, ANUE is

not stranger to this situation and has made significant efforts to, racking our brains and hardly working together, take forward its ac-tivities, including C’MUN this year’s edition. In this sense, we thank those who gave us their support, making possible this year’s edition.

The other, also well-known by all, has been the explosion of a volcano, for a long time drowsy, in Iceland, and the standstill of air traffic caused by the ashes emitted by such a natural phenomenon. The dates of C’ MUN coincided, dramatically, with the chosen ones by the Ice-landic colossus to wake up. ANUE was led to face a crossroads of complex resolution, given an uncertain reality that depended more on winds than on the international policy.

There were days of uncertainty, and there were moments close to anxiety. But all adver-sities were overcome, making this C’MUN not only a happy anniversary, but also a very spe-cial edition. C’MUN 2010 has been the best example of how goals are achieved by joining forces and adding wills. To the ANUE’s work and dedication, it has to be added the desire and the will of about 260 participants deci-ded to make C’MUN being a memorable ex-perience, no matter how much the obstacles could seem insurmountable. And together, we obtained it.

Thanks to all those who have made it pos-sible, thanks to your attitude an enthusiasm, C’MUN 2010 was a great success. Besides, thanks to those who, one way or another during these five years, have been part and have been together with us in this unique journey that is our simulation, so particular that even the biggest air collapse of history cannot stop it. Thank you for making C’ MUN your model.

Five Years Together... and a Volcano

4Catalonia Model United Nations 2010

C’MUN 2010: Under the VolcanoRaül Jiménez. C’MUN Director.

The fifth edition of the Catalonia Model United Nations was a very special one. It should have been a real highlighted event under normal circumstances, but the ashes of an unpronounceable volcano in Iceland challenged the ANUE to extremes never rai-sed previously.

These lines should be the chronicle of four days of work, but the true story of C’MUN 2010 began on Sunday, April 18. Half of the Association held an emergency meeting due to the magnitude of the air collapse result from the Eyjafjallakjokull ashes. That afternoon, Barcelona Airport was closed, and the overall prospects in Europe were discouraging.

At ANUE, we raised the pros and cons of moving forward, even without knowing how the situation might evolve -the clouds are whimsical-. By calculations, half of the participants of the model, from Catalan uni-versities and from the rest of Spain, as well as countries not affected such as Turkey and Greece, could come; so whether postponing or canceling the simulation was not accep-table in consideration to them.

Determined to continue, the people res-ponsible of C’MUN considered different possibilities not to undermine the simula-tion, announcing to participants that per-haps we would be forced to take drastic measures, while we were asking them for

On the top, a picture of the vol-cano. On the right, the opening ceremony of C’MUN 2010 in the Saló de Cent of the Barcelona City Hall.

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the latest information about their arrival in Barcelona. Since that Sunday, we could see that the human quality of the vast majori-ty of them would be above of any natural phenomenon, no matter its dimensions.

C’MUN against the volcano

Monday was a real mad day in the As-sociation. Making recounts and more re-counts of participants, trying to evaluate how the committees simulated were going to be affected, and thus make decisions on it -also in what regards to the logistics of the model, such as accommodation or food-. The expec-ted Eurocontrol meeting didn’t end up with our uncertainty, which led us to take the first serious determination: canceling the International Court of Justice of the bodies simulated due to the magnitude of the ca-sualties –four actors will not have a repre-sentative, including the United States and the Russian Federation, and we had serious doubts about the arrival of two of the three

judges–. For the person writing this, that was the hardest moment of the five years in charge of C’MUN.

On Tuesday, the airspace gave us a slight break and so we were able to perform a more accurate estimation of the volcano consequences for C’MUN. Between sixty to seventy people were going to miss the model. The committee that was proportionally more affected was the Security Council -with se-ven of the fifteen countries with no delega-tes, four of them with veto power-. Always with the intention of affecting the lesser number of people and of ensuring the qua-lity of the simulation, we announced the cancellation of this body too.

We offered the participants of the can-celed bodies several possibilities within the other committees. Almost all of them showed a great willingness to work, dili-gently taking the new options. We don’t want to miss the opportunity to express our

The presidential table (from left to right): Lluís Foix, journalist; Xavier Pons, UNA-Spain Vice-president; Katy Carreras, City Council Comissioner for Institu-tional Relations; Raül Jiménez, C’MUN Director; and Francesc Claret, Officer of the UN De-partment of Political Affairs.

The presidential table with the committee chairs of C’MUN 2010.

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gratitude for their understanding and desi-re to be part of C’MUN 2010, despite the obstacles.

On Wednesday, opening day of C’MUN, the registration of each one of the partici-pants was hailed as a small victory, and we started to know some stories and incredi-ble anecdotes of people who had done everything to get to Barcelona.

With several headaches going on -on the simulation itself and on logistical issues-, we reach the opening ceremony, which was held as its C’MUN tradition, in the Saló de Cent of the Barcelona City Hall. The Com-missioner of Civic and Institutional Relations, Katy Carreras, presided over the ceremony, which included the speeches of Francesc Claret, officer of the UN Department of Po-litical Affairs; Lluis Foix, journalist with an extensive experience in international issues; ANUE and C’MUN responsibles and the chairs of the various simulated committees. The vi-

sion of the room full of people after what we suffered was a unique relief. A feeling that we also had later, when talking with some of the delegates during the cocktail and we could verify their enthusiasm.

An exemplary simulation

On Thursday, in CosmoCaixa, commis-sions were set up and the MUN board was amazed by the proper functioning of the sessions, while, for our joy, some delegates landed at Barcelona willing to not miss the experience of C‘MUN. The great work of the committee chairs -some of them assigned at the last moment- was added to the coopera-tive spirit and the good overall atmosphere, which resulted in a rich and dynamic simu-lation. That night, we joined leisure with the United Nations, celebrating the second edition of C’MUN Quiz.

On Friday, some committees were making great strides in its work towards the final

UNA-Spain’s stand of roses and books, to celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day at C’MUN.

Closing ceremony of C’MUN 2010 in the Parliament of Cata-lonia. Eirene Ramos, C’MUN De-puty Secretary-General; Àngels Mataró, UNA-Spain Director Ge-neral; Ernest Benach, President of the Parliament of Catalonia; Raül Jiménez, C’MUN Secretary-General; and Juan Calleja, Editor of The Clarion.

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resolutions; others were confronted with greater difficulties in reaching agreements. But there was also space for guest speakers -Francesc Claret, who spoke to the Disarma-ment Commission and the Human Rights Council-; or to involve delegates in the tra-dition of Sant Jordi.

Finally on Saturday, after the last day of sessions in which delegates finished their work, we went to the Parliament of Cata-lonia, where the closing ceremony was held with the presence of its President Ernest Be-nach. We had the interventions of ANUE and C’MUN Board, the Clarion and the chairs of the committees, who summarized the work done by participants. Then, we held the deli-very of certificates, which led us towards the closing of the fifth edition of C’MUN.

The C’MUN 2010 spirit of overcoming

ANUE has an extensive experience of dea-ling with adversities. But I think that never before the “rival” had been a volcano. The challenge was huge, unexpected and cer-tainly acquired dramatic overtones at the beginning of the week. But the overcoming spirit was higher than ever, as it was -and this is the most important thing- motivated at all times by the attitude and willingness of the delegates, so the feeling of satisfac-tion and success with the results obtained is hardly comparable to anything lived before. No, I don’t believe that we will never learn to pronounce Eyjafjallajokull correctly; but the lesson learned is enormous. Now we know that with you at our side, not even a volcano can stop us!

On this page, two pictures of C’MUN 2010 participants. On the left, during the closing ceremony in the Parliament of Catalonia. On the bottom, a group photo in CosmoCaixa.

8Human Rights Council

Sexual and Reproductive RightsMarta Garbarino. Chair of the Human Rights Council in C’MUN 2010. University of Trieste.

On 10th December 1948, the General As-sembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Hu-man Rights; since that moment, the interna-tional community has experienced a growing interest for the defense and the recognition of human rights. This wave of consciousness re-garding the state responsibility for the protec-tion of human life was also deeply embraced by the whole world public opinion. As a matter of fact, a huge civil movement was born pre-cisely in order to denounce human rights vio-lations and to support both people awareness of their rights as well as the implementation of their standards of life. Within this framework, all the NGOs played a pivotal role. Since 2006, the Human Rights Council became the most important international forum for the discus-sion and the codification of the basic principles of human rights; the unique committee where the initiatives of member states can meet the instances of the civil society.

Within the 5th edition of C’MUN, the Human Rights Council had to face a challenging and controversial topic: reproductive and sexual rights. The concept of reproductive rights was firstly defined within the Program of Action of the United Nations International Conference on Population & Development, which took place in Cairo from 5th to 13th September 1994. Furthermore, chapter �, paragraph 2 of the Program of action states that:

“Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, in all matters relating to the reproductive system

and to its functions and processes. It the-refore implies the right of men and women to be infor-med and to have access to safe, effec-tive, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, as well as other methods of their choice for re-gulation of fertility

which are not against the law, and the right of access to appropriate health-care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth. Reproductive health includes sexual health, whith the aim of deve-loping life and personal relations”.

The previous definition assumes that repro-ductive rights are fundamental human rights, recognized to both sexes, with a special focus on the peculiarity of the female condition. Actually, the identification of what really is a reproductive right, it is still not clear enough to find a worldwide consensus upon the issue and, during the last years, the topic has been avoided by the international community; for this reason we could say that the delegates of the Human Rights Council had to deal with a kind of “taboo topic” within the UN.

As a matter of fact, this unclearness of de-finition of the topic under discussion deeply affected the debate during the first day of session; so, the entire Council experienced a variety of moderated caucus focused on different subtopics, such as: sexual education, gender equality at work, forced sterilizations, family planning, genital mutilation, abortion, forced marriages, the importance of the state culture or religious controversy.

However, during the second day of sessions, it was crystal clear that the main controversial issue was abortion. In fact, the Council was broken and it started to work in three sepa-rate ways towards a draft resolution: on one side, there were some Muslim countries, such

The Human Rights Council du-ring the first day of sessions.

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9as Pakistan and Bahrain, which would never accept a formal recognition of abortion in the final resolution; on the very opposite side, the-re was a more “liberal” coalition of member states leaded by the Netherlands and Cuba, which was working for a formal recognition of the right of abortion; finally, there was ano-ther block of States, actively supported by Ar-gentina and Nigeria, which was working in or-der to strike a balance and find an acceptable compromise to the controversy. This second day of debate was marked by a huge effort of all member States to seek for consensus and to address in the best possible way all the as-pects of the topic under discussion.

The entire Council had the merit for the creation of such a tough and fruitful debate; furthermore, a crucial role has been played by all observes who attended the debate, that is to say the UNFPA, the European Union and the Holy See. Even if they were not able to pro-pose amendments or draft resolutions, they put an essential contribution to the debate in terms of concrete suggestions and critical analysis of other members states opinions and proposals.

During the last day of sessions, three draft resolutions were introduced and the entire Council had shown great commitment and dedication in proposing amendments and, at the same time, in trying to overcome the still remaining obstacles for the common agree-ment upon the document. The first of them that was put under voting procedure failed, since it was clearly condemning all form of

abortion. Then the two remaining draft re-solutions on the floor were merged together, thanks to the outstanding will of both their sponsors and the rest of the Council to come up with a proper resolution. In order to find the necessary consensus upon the document, the controversial aspect of abortion was lay aside and the Council came up with a final resolution composed by 20 operative clauses.

In my opinion, there are positive aspects of this resolution: it clearly recalls all the previous UN documents on the matter and it seeks for an implementation of the alrea-dy existing bodies and programs of action, it stresses the importance of education, it calls upon other UN agencies for a collaboration and it encourages putting into action of con-crete measures concerning the respect of hu-man dignity in all its forms.

Making a summary of an experience is always hard and in that case it is even harder for me because it means to recall to my mind a lot of good memories and amazing moments spent together with many special people. As Chair of the Human Rights Council, I would like to thank my fellow co-chair and friend Pinar Seniye Bilgic, for her support and for sharing with me this priceless experience. But above all, I would like to thank each and every delegate who took part in C’MUN 2010, for their commitment and passion; it has been a real pleasure and honor for me to work with all of them. Thanks for making each moment of this Model such an extraordinary memory to bring back home with me.

The delegates of the Human Rights Council.

10Catalonia Model United Nations HRC/2010

Reproductive and Sexual Rights

The Human Rights Council,

Bearing in mind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Council and contemplating also its gene-ral appliance to humanity in article 22 which states the person “is entitled to realization”,

Being aware of the fact that gender equality can be achieved also through education,

Affirming that education is essential to improve the respect to sexual and reproductive rights,

Recalling the article 4 of the Programme of Action of Cairo which considers the natural right of choice for women,

Welcoming the efforts made by the Africans countries within the framework of the African Declaration on Human Rights to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS,

Taking into consideration that educational systems, beliefs and traditions should be respected while promoting and protecting the human rights, specifically concerning sexual and reproductive rights,

Acknowledging the article 17 of Beijing Declaration which reaffirms “the right of all women to control aspects of their health, in particular their own fertility because of its basic to their empowerment”,

Bearing in mind that the implementation of family planning policies can help the economy of develo-ping countries as well as general life conditions,

1. Urges all member states to promote sexual education by implementing lessons on this subject in all the educational systems of the countries aiming to reach teenagers and young adults to better unders-tand their sexual and reproductive rights and by creating centers focused on sexual and reproductive rights as the first step to guarantee the sexual and reproductive rights and prevent the spread of STI and HIV/AIDS under the patronage of UNFPA with the goal of having accessible information for anyone who is interested;

2. Calls upon all nations to bear in mind Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when establishing national policies on the issue of abortion;

3. Strongly recommends all nations to raise awareness on the issues of female genital mutilation, discri-mination and any form of violence through media outlets and public awareness campaigns;

4. Further calls upon all nations to leave open the possibility to voluntary sterilization within the legal framework of each country after an extensive consultation with a trained professional and in case of developing countries and undeveloped countries being financed by funds of developed countries eco-nomically and technically;

5. Calls for the establishment of a commission of experts, 1/3 of them from ECOSOC, which will stu-dy the differences between states legislations related to sexual and reproductive rights and the impact of these policies on the states’ economy and which will publish a yearly report;

6. Invites the World Health Organization to analyze the physical and mental health, through statistical means, of the population and to publish a biannual report which shall be presented to the Council of Human Rights;

7. Accepts the right of every country to decide whether they want to implement a family planning po-licy in accordance with the outcome of Cairo’s conference (1994);

8. Calls for the universal access to family planning including sexual education, the universal access to contraception and safe childbirth;

9. Calls for universal access to education for boys and girls;

10. Urges to end wage disparity between women and men;

Human Rights Council Distr.: General24 April 2010

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1111. Calls for developed countries to financially support the developing countries in order to empower those governments to face the existing problems by providing improved water sources, universal acce-ss to family care and access to education;

12. Calls for the universal recognition of Genital Mutilation as a violation of Human Rights;

13. Hopes that the developed countries will bear in mind that despite the political mood after the recent financial crisis, the need for financial aid in developing countries is now more important than ever;

14. Seeks financial support by the ECOSOC to spread family planning throughout the world as it has proven to be the key element to leaving the vicious circle of the interconnected problems we are facing concerning sexual and reproductive rights;

15. Strongly urges member states to fully implement the guidelines of the International Labour Orga-nization, particularly concerning sexual rights in the workplace;

16. Recommends governments to provide shelters and counseling services for victims of domestic and sexual violence;

17. Urges national governments to draft legislations combating human trafficking;

18. Calls upon all nations to ensure the freedom of individuals to get married or not, without being forced to submit marriage by familiar or cultural traditions;

19. Promotes the right to marriage and choice of spouse as stated in the International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination adopted by the General Assembly in 1965;

20. Hopes that all the above mentioned measures will be considered and turned into action.

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“Knowledge is power. Information is li-berating. Education is the premise of pro-gress in every society, in every family.”

Kofi Annan–Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech

We were the Point of Order Committee, we have been called the Hippie Commit-tee, but the challenge we had to face, we did it with utmost seriousness, strictness and devotion to the principles that under-lie the United Nations Charter and under-pin the UNESCO objectives.

What could be the outcome of the team of thirty four delegates, mostly inexperien-ced but endowed with amazing diplomatic and debating skills? Aside the will to give their best while working on revising the thirty year old report on information and education – “One World, Many Voices”, also known as the MacBride report. We most definitely found out: a thoroughly elabora-ted resolution, strongly united alliances, fiercely defended positions, subtle diplo-macy games. All this happening in three days, in the astonishing atmosphere of C’MUN 2010.

For those who had not been yet infected by the MUN virus, this opportunity repre-sented the entrance door to a new world, a better one perhaps, where playing and

finding solutions for the pressing issues that our global community is facing are entwined. We are allowed to be children and adults at the same time… and that is the perfect combination.

Homo ludens we are, and in this spirit UNESCO started its sessions. Insecurity is a barrier for creativity; therefore we took off with a lovely mock session to introduce the delegates to the rules of procedure. Deba-ting about women or men paying on the first date proved fruitful to our goal; and, as appetite comes while eating, our dele-gates’ appetite for debate grew insatiably. They took every opportunity to twist and turn the subject of debate to their will, to shape it according to their country’s foreign policy, to push forward for daring clauses. And under the guidance of the chairper-sons, they started by splitting the topic in a number of subtopics, as they realized it was a broad subject and they wanted a comprising, detailed final outcome.

We will now confess… UNESCO delegates worked harder and longer than the delega-tes of other committees, they worked extra hours so to say. However, they enjoyed it. And, as a proof of it, after an exhausting first day, where the course of debate was thoroughly set; an extraordinary second

UNESCO

The New World Information and Communication Order Mariuca Badea. Co-chair of the UNESCO Committee in C’MUN 2010. Catholic University of Leuven.

The UNESCO Committee during the second day of sessions.

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On the top, an unmoderated caucus session of the UNESCO Committee. On the left, picture of its delegates.

day, where alliances were indeed forged and working paper af-ter working paper was presented enthusiasti-cally from both blocks; finally, after the last day, -frustrating, neverthe-less full of energy and clashes that sparked short-, pertinent and illuminating dialogues between our delega-tes; they still chose to spend an extra hour and a half in the semi-formal atmosphere of the committee room. Now, as friends of course, still keeping to the “Singapore, we did it. Our resolution passed!!!”, “France, USA, we want to state that...” or “Honorable Chairpersons, motion to move into Macarena caucus!”, they kept to their seats, still under the spell of C’MUN and the whole new dimension it represents as an MUN.

As closing remarks, also supported by my fellow co-chair, Roxana Calarasu; I would like to thank all of them, all these wonder-ful people that I have met and who offe-red me another invaluable opportunity to be part of a team that works for the good of humanity. We are just forming now, we have been doing it throughout C’MUN

2010, we are gaining knowledge and kee-ping ourselves connected to the world, but we will be tomorrow’s leaders as we are today’s hope. And this experience added value to this statement.

Until next year,

For the delegates who will read this arti-cle… Point of Order!

For everyone else… Join us and get in-fected by the MUN virus! We guarantee it is the most pleasant virus you have ever caught.

14Catalonia Model United Nations UNESCO/COM.SCP/2010

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE STUDY OF COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS

The General Conference,

Reaffirming the right to freedom of expression and information as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Bearing in mind the significance that the flow of information and communication has as it concerns education and culture,

Having studied the issues and problems indicated in the McBride Report published in 1980,

Concerned with the numerous threats of information on national security and social order,

Realizing the massive technological changes which took place since the publication of the McBride Report in 1980,

Fully aware of the unequal spread of information and communication in the world,

Emphasizing the monitoring of information as a responsibility and authority of the member states in order to achieving a balance in the communication and information flows,

Seeking to address and solve the issues emerging from the New World Information and Communica-tion Order Report,

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization,

Technology, Human Capital, and Infrastructure

1. Calls for the support of educational programs and projects for the effective access and use of infor-mation such as:

a. Books, newspaper, magazines, and related printing information;

b. Internet, computer, and other computer related items;

c. Television, radio, and other forms of telecommunications;

2. Strongly encourages government investment in the employment of training programs in the media such as:

a. Human resources on information management and journalist reporting;

b. Telecommunication devices for advance television and radio broadcasting;

c. Internet and cyberspace technology for more fluid information flow;

3. Recommends the further development in technological infrastructures for an easier and wider flow and access of communication and information such as:

a. Press facilities for the circulation of print information;

b. Satellite services for the improvement of television and radio broadcasting;

c. Computer installation for advanced Internet communication;

4. Requests the international community to contribute and support the knowledge technology through education and training programs among member states;

5. Suggests these programs of actions be facilitated by member states for civil purposes and be super-vised under the mandate of UNESCO;

UNESCO Distr.: General24 April 2010

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15Law and Rights

6. Instructs national governments to create national legislations that should encourage the further develop-ment of the media sector;

7. Recognizes the importance of media legislation specifying the rights and obligations to ensure the pro-tection or rights and security of journalists and media;

8. Supports the establishment and application of law in information and communication on the protection of minority, cultural identity and plurality, gender equality, national security, social order, and individual privacy and security;

9. Underlines the necessity to respect and protect the right to access information as a means to achieving education for the citizens of all member states;

The Public and Private Sector

10. Emphasizes the importance of enhancing internet and cyber space security through the cooperation of the public and private sector to tackle spam and hackers threatening and disrupting the flow of information and communication order;

11. Recommends the application of a code of conduct in media corporations to guarantee accountability and proper practices in the field of information gathering and reporting;

12. Further recommends the establishment of government policies and bodies with the purpose of oversee-ing the authenticity and fairness of information to prevent the abuse and centralization of news information by the media corporation;

13. Stresses the importance of media ownership by both the government and national corporations as a guarantee of cultural pluralism, balanced and impartial information flow, and sovereignty of all member states;

Cooperation and Integrity of the International Community

14. Strongly supports annual meetings of member states to address new issues and recommendations in the communication and information order;

15. Invites the civil society, such as the UNESCO-affiliated non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations, to play an active role as a mediator on the fairness of information and communication bet-ween the media sector and the government;

16. Urges the commitment, active dialogue and interactions among the United Nations bodies, member states, and the civil society to assist one another on matters regarding information and communication, such as technology, education, and labour training;

17. Greatly considers the further elaboration and updates to the McBride Report through the re-establishing of the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems;

18. Further considers the future creation of a United Nations Committee under the mandate of UNESCO, for the purpose of sharing information and communication-related technology;

19. Decides to remain actively seized on the matter.

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18International Labour Organization

The Regulation of Elite SportsAhmed Naguib El Garhy and Diana Martínez de Jesús. Chair and Co-Chair of the International Labour Organization in C’MUN 2010. 6th of October University of Egypt, and Autonomous University of Barcelona.

“Even the volcano itself can’t stop us”, by these words I started my opening speech in the Barcelona City Hall, and that was the moving force for the ILO Commission. It was a challenging experience to guide a committee that consisted of a vast majo-rity of beginners, yet it was a sweet one. Delegates showed a high level of commit-ment and elevated insistence to learn. In fact, they even showed it before coming to Barcelona, as the easier choice for most of them would have been canceling their trip due to the volcano ashes.

We had basically three main topics to discuss, the tax systems that are applied on sportspeople, specially the foreign ones; the citizenship issues related to sportspeople and finally the money laun-dering within elite sports.

They were 3 days of fruitful debates between governments’ representa-tives, workers unions and employers of the present countries; this is the par-ticular tripartite structure of the working sessions at the International Labour Organization. Due to the different points of view and different interests of dif-ferent groups, the debates were hard, sometimes even

aggressive, but most of the time they were very enjoyable.

While some parties were in favour of increasing taxes on athletes others were against it, so, it was quite difficult to come with an agreement; thus, the topic was postponed, moving to the second issue befo-re getting to an accord. The same happened with the regulations for acquiring a nationa-lity; basically, employers and some govern-ments, that are the ones deciding directly on the issue, wanted to reduce and simplify it; while on the other hand, actors who did not benefit from that decision were against it. There was a deep debate about the per-centage of time required to get a nationa-lity. Delegations from Brazil and Monaco, together with some others, opted for the 40%. Later, Bahrain delegation asked for its

On this page, two pictures of the International Labour Orga-nization Committee during the first day of sessions.

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19reduction to the 30%, and even if the Rus-sian delegation wanted to reduce it a bit more, finally the majority opted for a 30%.

Being my first experience as a chairman, I think it was very successful mainly because of 2 reasons: firstly, because the resolution successfully passed at the end of the deba-tes; second, and most important -and by consensus-, because our council was the happiest council ever, thanks to the fun that we had during our sessions, based on the solid background of delegates, who understood exactly what they were doing and asked many questions, which were answered when it was required.

Between the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony, the delegates learned how to act in a diplomatic decorum and the rules and procedures that should be followed. In addition to that, they also learned how to introduce a draft resolu-tion, amend it, vote on it and finally pass it. From the Chairing position, we tried our best to help delegates basing our assistance in our experience acquired in several MUN simulations. Delegates were very smart and helpful, and learned all concepts required for a MUN simulation very quickly.

Inside the Committee, we had our own special international cultural event “in pa-rallel” with the official debates. The Serbian delegates representing Brazil performed a Serbian traditional wonderful dance; while

the Ukrainian delegation, that represented Russia, showed us an amazing documentary about Ukraine. The Mexican girl, represen-ting the Greek basketball league, did not miss the chance to show us a documentary about her work with Mexican children; even the Chair himself showed a documen-tary about ancient Cairo. Also, the Turkish delegate representing Greece wrote a song for the council that was sang during the fa-rewell dinner.

The ILO sessions ended up with a lesson of Catalan language to give the closing speech in the Parliament. With the idea of doing something different, I asked to Catalonian delegates to give me a quick private lesson to write down my speech and they reviewed my pronunciation. It was very successful, above all because the translator was able to understand it, provoking the comment made by the President of the Parliament, Mr. Ernest Benach about the speech –I can be very proud of it-, so I would like to thank my Catalonian teachers.

Finally, I would like to thank some peo-ple who helped directly to make this story a success, starting by Raül and Eirene, for their trust and support; passing by Roxana, Marta, Mariuca, Francesco and Martina, for their unlimited support; and ending with my lovely incredible delegates, I love you all. And of course, my parents, without their support and courage I wouldn’t have ever made it by any means.

The delegates of the International Labour Organization Committee.

20Catalonia Model United Nations ILO/R1/2010

The regulation of elite sports

The General Conference,

Deeply convinced that protecting the worker’s right worldwide is ILO´s primary goal,

Being fully aware of the obvious lack of regulation in elite sports sector,

Acknowledging the current discrimination of the workers´ ability to access citizenship,

Keeping in mind the state’s sovereignty on its citizenship laws,

Expressing its full intention to eliminate this discrimination,

Taking into account the problem of money laundering in the sports sector and its global dimension,

Bearing in mind that certain governments have introduced changes in their tax systems favouring their national competitions in recruiting foreign players,

The General Conference of the International Labour Organisation,

1. Believes that a foreign player should be recognized as a sportsman, who does not have the right to represent a country on international tournaments, if that sportsman has previously represented another national team;

2. Strongly urges all nations to ensure that the period of time required for obtaining an accelerated acquisition of citizenship for workers shall not be lower than 30% of the period of time required for the regular acquisition of citizenship;

3. Approves that it is of state’s competence to establish the process of accelerated acquisition of citizenship;

4. Proposes that FATF (Financial Action Task Force) should create a sub-body dedicated to the regulation of financial affairs in sports sectors providing each member state with technical support, and specifically calls upon:

a) Issuing a certificate to actors (sponsors, clubs, etc) based on banks, institutional bodies’ reports and records of monetary transaction as well as involving international audits;

b) Each country to have a delegate in this body, who will be an independent expert in this field;

5. Encourages existing national and international agencies concerned, to cooperate with FATF to comply with FATF standards;

6. Strongly affirms that the tax regulation shall fall within each state’s competence;

7. Recommends the income taxation level shall be applied equally to domestic and foreign athletes.

International Labour Organization Distr.: General24 April 2010

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21Disarmament Committee

Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference 2010Ambiorix R. Féliz Brito. Chair of the Disarmament Committee in C’MUN 2010. Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI).

Nuclear weapons are high power ex-plosive artefacts that need nuclear ener-gy to work. It is impossible to forget how, throughout the humankind history, these weapons have had devastating effects on natural resources, have created tensions on international relations and, above all, have caused sorrow and horror amongst the people who have suffered their terrible consequences.

These armaments are considered the most powerful massive destruction tools; what could happen if they would be finally used by terrorists? How the access to materials inside these arms could be control? Which guarantees future generations have that no further disasters as Chernobyl or a new “Cold War” could occur?

In 1968, under the framework of the uni-versality of United Nations, an agreement was approved to abolish investigations and tests using nuclear weapons as a tool. Thus, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was born. And, since 2010, it counts with 188 States Parties; five of them are known as nuclear-armed (the permanent members of Security Council). NPT rests on

three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Disarmament Committee in the frame of C’MUN 2010 worked as the Revision Con-ference of the NPT, which takes place every 5 years since it came into effect in 19�0. A special feature of this kind of Conference is that the Final Declaration needs to be taken by general consent of all its States Parties (as it happened in 19�5, 1985 and 2000); a situation that made much more difficult to take decisions during the Committee nego-tiations. For that reason, and I am writing this on behalf of the Co-Chair, of all the de-legates, and on my own; this mission can be considered as a titanic one. The reason for stating this is that the topics discussions of this magnitude bring out the rough edges to take radical positions.

The main discrepancies on the working sessions were about three principle aspects.

First of all, the feasibility of the conditions demanded to new States that can be part of the Treaty; a special difficult situation taking into account that the four countries which are not part of the NPT have altogether a

The Disarmament Committee during the first day of sessions.

22high nuclear power (in the case of India and Israel), at the same time that a high mistrust on the “pacific utilization” they could apply to the use of nuclear energy (in the case of Pakistan and North Korea).

Secondly, the Treaty establishes a safe-guards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Safeguards are used to verify com-pliance with the Treaty through inspections conducted by the IAEA, and these makes it a division factor because there are States that think there is a direct influence of develo-ped countries, therefore seek to interfere with the sovereignty of others, limiting their access to nuclear resources.

Lastly, the devastating effects caused on natural resources and the processing of the decontamination of nuclear wastes. This topic provoked, surprisingly, an important discussion about the financial and technical viability of carrying the process out.

In an atmosphere of heated discussions, the delegates of the Committee presen-ted interesting initiatives by the last day of work. Up to three draft resolutions were submitted, ultimately merged into two texts; and, even if they did not fully satisfied the expectations, it was the culmination of the discussion groups that were emerging.

In the final stage of voting, and having po-sitions virtually very incompatible, the roll call vote started, and then each draft resolution was voted separately. As it was previously

mentioned, a total consensus of those pre-sents and with voting right is needed for the approval of the initiative, and this was not achieved. The first project received 10 votes in favour, 11 against and � abstentions; while the second got 1� votes in favour, 9 against and 2 abstentions. In this situation, a chair statement was announced, reaffirming the principles of the NPT and ensuring the subse-quent examination of the issues discussed for the next Review Conference.

So, none of the resolutions was finally accepted. I personally believe that, excep-ting the issue of last minute changes due to cancellations provoked by the volcanic ashes, the delegates could have done a bigger effort for the sake of arriving to a consensus. However, nearly all participants assumed correctly the foreign policy of the State they represented, which printed more strength and realism to the academic exer-cise performed. Most of the students had a good knowledge of the subject, but not of the peculiarities of the body. In short, the final result is precisely what could be ex-pected for the Review Conference, which should culminate next 28th May 2010. Per-sonally, I heartily congratulate those who demonstrated their knowledge and skills.

Undoubtedly, every experience is enriching; I am very grateful to the organizers for the opportunity they gave us to enjoy this ex-perience, to the honourable NPT Co-Chair and to all the delegates that made possi-ble to build together the most memorable simulation.

The delegates of the Disarma-ment Committee.

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23Catalonia Model United Nations NPT//2010

2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

21-24 April 2010

Chairman’s Statement

The Chairman of the Disarmament Committee

Gravely concerned about the threat of nuclear terrorism, and recognizing the need for all States to take effective measures to prevent nuclear material or technical assistance becoming availa-ble to terrorists,

Having considered, the fact that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995, with further review Conferences every five years,

Noting with deep concern, the lack of consensus during the adoption of the Final Declaration in the 2010 Review Conference at C´MUN,

Emphasizing, the need of all UN members to sign or ratify the NPT, including the question of adding key countries, considered as potential Nuclear Weapon States,

Having studied, the role of international organisms in such topic, including the duties given by the United Nations and the NPT of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in assuring the saveguards system,

Deeply disturbed, by the impact of the possible mistreatment given to the materials resulting of the dismantling of nuclear arsenals,

Recalling the need for all Member States to resolve peacefully in accordance with the Charter any problems in that context threatening or disrupting the maintenance of regional and global stability,

Reaffirming that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery, cons-titutes a threat to international peace and security,

Reaffirming the UNSC resolutions 825 (1993), 1695 (2006), 1696 (2006), 1718 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1835 (2008) and 1874 (2009); as well as all other relevant non-prolifera-tion resolutions adopted,

1. Strongly affirms the principles of international cooperation and respect as tools to strengthen universal peace;

2. Has resolved, remind sized of the matter and consider the subsequent examination of the topics discussed during this session, as the start point for the next Review Conference.

Disarmament Committee Distr.: General24 April 2010

24Ad Hoc Committee on the Alliance of Civilizations

The Integration of MigrantsGuillermo Serra. Chair of the Ad Hoc Committtee on the Alliance of Civilizations in C’MUN 2010. University of Essex.

In this year edition of C’MUN, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Alliance of Civilizations proposed a quite attractive and vibrant to-pic: The Integration of Migrants. With such a theme, the committee was responsible of addressing the question and gathering con-sensus to make the necessary adjustments to include migrants in the society. As it was challenging for the delegates (for most of them was their first time in a Model Uni-ted Nations), it was also challenging for the chair, as I had no experience chairing a si-mulation. Yet, I foresaw an enriching expe-rience coming ahead.

The first resolution was an outcome of separate and small groups who were not looking for a consensus. The block led by the Holy See and the United States wan-ted to draw attention to the rights of mi-grants regarding edu-cation at home and at school. Another block, led by Israel, wanted to address education under a broader resolu-tion including other to-pics such as housing and a health system change. The debate on this first resolution was good and efficient; yet, dele-gations couldn’t manage to work together, which led to a number of un-friendly amendments on

the table. Most of them passed with great majority, nevertheless, an amendment pre-sented by the delegation of the Russian Fe-deration caused controversy, and some states criticized and voted against it. The amend-ment slightly passed with a minimum majo-rity; as a consequence, some discontent was kept. The resolution passed only with sixteen votes in favour.

The delegates came back straight to the discussion of a new paper, but once again, small unorganized groups were created, and they couldn’t reach an agreement on how to address the problem. In the meantime, the interest of the delegations of Poland, Spain, and Switzerland to put their voice on the ta-ble grow. Up to that moment, the delegatio-ns were far from reaching a consensus; and

On this page, two pictures of the Alliance of Civilizations Committee during the first day of sessions.

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25the delegation of Qatar announced that it was working on a resolution; finally, it was only a draft. At last, two delegations saved the remaining minutes with an enhanced working paper. The delegation of Mexico and Chile handed a copy to the chair, and the committee adjourned the debate.

Next day, the first thing in the agenda was working on the paper proposed the day be-fore. An unmoderated caucus of fifteen mi-nutes came proposed by Mexico to integrate states into the clause-making process. Af-terwards, the working paper was reviewed from most of the delegations, and later they gathered in a consensus: the paper became a draft resolution. With no motions, we pro-ceed to voting, and the resolution passed with an striking majority of twenty votes in favour, three abstentions, and only one against from the delegation of Saudi Ara-bia, because the resolution differed with its state’s policies.

With only one session left, the delega-tion of Qatar presented the third and last resolution of the Alliance of Civilizations Committee. A working paper, in which Qa-tar worked intensively since the start of the second day; it was presented to the rest of the delegates, and soon joined by the de-legation of Morocco and the delegation of Indonesia. Because the committee was short in time, and the voting procedure for the other two position papers was left, the delegates used the unmoderated caucus

widely to create three different groups to edit the resolution presented by Qatar, and later signed by Brazil. But, as they felt short in time, all delegations rushed to give their points-and-adds to the paper.

With only four minutes left of unmodera-ted caucus, the delegation of Qatar handed the working paper to the chair, as all dele-gates avidly went back to their seats. The paper dealt with the economic section of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, and its possible solutions to migrant communities, which as stated by the delegation of Switzerland, “They are the most vulnerable”. The working paper rapidly became a draft resolution, and we entered to voting procedure. The three re-solutions passed, just in time, and with the joy of the delegates. So, the question was addressed in different aspects.

I find my experience as a chair exciting and rewarding. The progress made by the dele-gates was impressive and easily noticeable, with the remarkable participation of all de-legations at the end of the simulation. The goals set as a chair were successfully com-pleted, giving me the profound satisfaction of a good and honest moderation. Hoping that all delegates would remember this ex-perience, I would like to hereby thank all participants for their hard work and dedi-cation, their dialogue and diplomacy, and their eagerness to positive change. See you at the United Nations!

The delegates of the Alliance of Civilizations Committee.

26Catalonia Model United Nations A/C. Ad Hoc/1/2010

THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

The Integration of Migrants

Resolution 1.1

The General Assembly,

Acknowledging Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which entitles that rights and freedoms should be applied without distinction,

Having examined Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, education should be directed to strengthen the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Convinced that efforts in education are crucial in preparing immigrants and their families to achieve success, and participate actively in the society,

Deeply conscious on the importance of integrating immigrant children with local children in schools at a young age, hereby preventing isolated schools and communities,

Acknowledging the efforts of immigration centres in receiving and guiding new immigrants,

1. Approves maintenance of the immigrant’s native language, customs and traditions at home and public places, as long as they are in accordance with the Convention of Human Rights, and the host country laws or public order;

2.Urges the implementation of extra language and cultural history classes for the immigrant children in school in order to integrate them in their host country and to facilitate equal job opportunities and obtaining citizenship;

3. Proposes informative campaign programs are set up to stimulate the importance of education in facilitating integration, in which the following methods are used, but not limited to:

- social workers to collaborate in highly dense immigrant areas;- posters and flyers distributed on the streets, in doctor’s offices and other public institutions;- television commercials;4. Calls for schools to offer tutors to immigrant children who are behind in the study program of regular subjects;

5.Suggests the creation of a networking platform in schools that allows parents to interact and so-cialize with each other;

6. Further recommends offering language and cultural history classes in the evening to all immigrant adults;

7. Calls upon teachers to receive training in successfully practicing their jobs in a culturally diverse environment;

8. Proposes to establish a system of multilateral cooperation to ensure the return of students and workers to their home country through stricter immigration controls;

9. Suggests the creation of special cultural centres within the host country, responsible for the com-munication and cooperation between the host culture and immigrants’ culture, in order to help the integration of immigrants and prepare the population of the host country for the social acceptance of the immigrants.

General Assembly Distr.: General24 April 2010

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2�Catalonia Model United Nations A/C. Ad Hoc/2/2010

THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

The Integration of Migrants

Resolution 1.2

The General Assembly,

Recalling all its previous resolutions on the protection of migrants, including resolution A RES 64 166 of 19 of March 2010, and recalling also the Human Rights Council resolution 126 of 1 October 2009,

Acknowledging the principles of Universal Declaration of Human Rights which proclaims that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, without distinction of any kind such as race, color or national origin,

Bearing in mind that everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state, according to the internal law of the states, and to leave any State including his or her own and return to his or her country,

Reaffirming the commitment of all members of the United Nations and this alliance to promote and pro-tect fundamental freedoms for all migrants and their families regardless of their migratory condition,

Recalling the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic and Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,

Recognizing that international migration is a global issue which needs local and coherent approach based on mutual responsibility,

Stressing that the global dimension of migration calls for dialogue and cooperation in order to improve the understandings of the migration phenomenon and ways and means to maximize its benefits and mi-nimize its negative impacts,

Acknowledging that migration has brought great benefits to migrants and their families in the receiving countries and the countries of origin,

Recognizing the cultural contribution made by the migrants to receiving countries and countries of origin;

Noting that mutual commitment for respect, tolerance and recognition facilitates the effective integration of migrants, fighting against discrimination, violence and xenophobia and also noting that it promotes respect, solidarity and tolerance in the host countries,

Welcoming the initiative of member states to create regional and multilateral frameworks of cooperation and collaboration in the field of migration,

1. Calls upon states to ensure that laws and policies in the area of counter-terrorism, transnational organi-zed crimes, such as smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons, fully respect the basic human rights of migrants;

2. Encourages states to protect and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants and their families, regardless of their migration status;

3. Urges all states to implement measures for preventing and punishing any form of illegal deprivation of liberty of migrants by individuals or groups;

4. Further invites all relevant bodies, funds, and programs of the United Nations system, and all other inter-governmental regional organizations to continue providing funds for researching different aspects of migration and the future trends of these issues;

5. Expresses its concern over the impact of the current economic crisis towards migration and migrants, and therefore encourages governments to tackle unfair and discriminatory treatment of migrant workers.

General Assembly Distr.: General24 April 2010

28Catalonia Model United Nations A/C. Ad Hoc/3/2010

THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

The Integration of Migrants

Resolution 1.3

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the solemn commitment of all states to fulfil their obligations to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of, all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other instruments relating to internatio-nal law and human rights, and reaffirming also the universal nature of these rights and freedoms,

Acknowledging the diversity of the world and that all cultures and civilizations contribute to the enrichment of humankind, as well as recognizing the importance of respect and understanding for religious and cultural diversity throughout the world, and encouraging tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples,

Noting with deep concern the problems emerged from the international financial crisis and the devastating consequences for the international economy and the whole world population,

Taking into consideration that the global financial crisis has put at risk the jobs and livelihoods of people across the globe with more than fifty million working people expected to lose their jobs,

Pointing out that the global financial crisis will push 200 million more workers into extreme poverty, forcing a total of 1,4 billion of the world’s citizens to live on less than 2US $ a day and jeopardising the poverty reduction targets of the Millennium Development Goals,

Taking note that the impact of the financial crisis affects immigrants earlier and harder than the local population,

Seeking for cooperation and collaboration between nations in order to tackle this global issue,

Acknowledging the important role of the policies regarding migration of countries of destination as well as countries of origin,

1. Encourages immigrants to attend workshops or training facilities, provided by the host state, to equip them with the relevant skills in order for them to work in specific professions and sectors based on the economic needs of the host country;

2. Further reminds countries of origin to formulate education and training policies in order to strengthen the returning immigrants’ skills to increase employment opportunities;

3. Further invites to guarantee the social rights of immigrant workers acquired at host countries to persist when they are forced to leave due to the loss of their job;

4. Proposes economic stimulus packages to be put in place by countries of destination that equally and without discrimination benefit regular migrant workers;

5. Urges countries of destination to pay particular attention to the integration of immigrant workers and their families;

6. Calls for strict observation of international human rights laws, such as religious, cultural and social rights and to continue the efforts to curb irregular migration;

7. Requests countries of origin to implement effective policies for the reinsertion of returning migrant workers in their labour markets;

8. Asks to improve labour migration policy in order to elaborate special measures to be adopted in times of crisis with the help of countries of destination;

9. Approves financial resources to be transferred to countries whose economies have been hit by the drop in worker’s remittances;

10. Further invites countries to cooperate in case of financial crisis by publishing an annual report on the real needs of the country regarding job opportunities in order to channel the migratory flow efficiently.

General Assembly Distr.: General24 April 2010

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29

Over the five editions of the Catalonia Mo-del United Nations, many people have asked us why the C’MUN newspaper is called The Clarion if that is mostly the name of a musi-cal instrument: the cornet. Apart from the le-gends created when something gets a name for the first time, The Clarion really means the call, the sound of the cornet that co-mes into the rooms where, every year, com-mittees meet and where we, the journa-lists, must go to report what is going on, until the day when official decisions are made. This is my first year as editor in chief of The Clarion and I can affirm that the press team worked 100% at the service of that sound, turning it into words every day: information, discussion, translation, edition, design and layout are the words

that summarize the task of transforming this sound into information.

2010 edition had the Icelandic volcano Ejyafjallajokull as one of its main protago-nists. So, in the first issue of the newspa-per, on Thursday 22 April, we showed how almost half of C’MUN delegates would be unable to attend because the volcano ashes had paralyzed the air space of the half pla-net. Those who had managed to arrive on time brought their suitcases full of multico-loured stories about their trip; stories that demonstrated the interest of university students worldwide to participate in the Spanish model UN, which has been already celebrated in the city of Barcelona for five years. Fortunately, this setback was quic-

Press Team

We Answered the CallJuan Calleja. Editor of The Clarion in C’MUN 2010. Babylon Magazine Director.

The press room of C’MUN 2010.

30

kly resolved by the organization and, after hesitating whether to proceed with C’MUN or not, on Wednesday afternoon most partici-pants were able to arrive to the Barcelona City Hall and be present at the opening ceremony of the model. One of the variations of this year was the reduction to five committees due to the people who were not able to attend: the Security Council and the International Court of Justice would not take place in this edition. Despite these absences of great im-portance, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the five rooms in CosmoCaixa were already full, proposals and debate were already ser-ved: the simulation started!

As in previous years, coffee breaks were the first peak that the press team had to look for meaty statements, the most confidential

information and pictures showing the alliances and discussions among the various delegations. Then, lunch time came and the distance between the press team, the chairs and the dif-ferent member delegations was shor-ter, which favoured casual interviews and new friendships. In the afternoon, a step was taken towards tension regarding the newspaper closing, which in most cases would not end at CosmoCaixa, but later on C’MUN headquarters. Nevertheless, it did not matter, because there was a great in-terest in doing a good newspaper: as Saturday was approaching, the pres-sure we had the first day on how to be able to do a good newspaper and deliver it on time was, little by little, diluted because a mechanical work was established and the good atmos-

phere among journalists made everything flow quickly.

But everything comes to an end, and that end was the farewell party on Satur-day night. Discussions to reach a consensus had given way to dances and toasts. As a journalist, despite being in a party atmos-phere and having drunk a couple of glasses of wine, I could not stop remembering the words said in the C’MUN opening ceremony by one of the Spanish workers at the UN, Francesc Claret; words that I noted down on a napkin in order to write them one day and that perfectly summarizes what C’MUN is: “This model helps us to understand how the UN works, and I know that the UN is not a perfect organization but it is absolutely necessary.”

On the top, a reporter of The Clarion making an interview for the paper. On the right, the press team of C’MUN 2010.

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SPAIN

C/ Fontanella, 14, 1º 1ª08010 BarcelonaTel. 93 301 31 98Fax: 93 31� 5� 68

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We also are at:

OFFICE IN MADRIDC/ Hermosilla, 114,

bajos. 28009 Madride-mail: info@anue.org

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50018 ZaragozaTel. 638 04 18 92/893

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Information Points

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Avda. Joselín, �, puerta 3 5o. 36300 Baiona. Coruña. Tel. 986/35� 23 38

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THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SPAIN

The United Nations Association of Spain (UNA Spain), founded in 1962 with its headquarters in Barcelona, is an NGO in consultative status to the UN ECOSOC and has been declared organisation of public use. We are re-cognized by the United Nations as its main connection to civil society. As such, we act as a focal point of the regional Center of Information of the United Nations in Brussels (UNRIC).

Our fundamental aims are:

- To spread the principles and goals of the United Nations and their spe-cialized agencies.

- To proclaim, to promote and to defend human rights and the fundamen-tal freedoms.

- To guard over the fulfillment of the commitments governments made in the framework of the United Nations towards the achievement of peace, justice and development.

ACTIVITIES

UNA Spain is engaged in the following activities:

- To organize educational and sensibility campaigns about humans rights as well as trainings, seminars, conferences, etc.

- To publish books about international relations, conflicts, human rights as well as didactic material for schools, magazines, yearbooks, etc.

- To give the voice to the young people through the Catalonia Model Uni-ted Nations (C’MUN); a simulation of the General Assembly and the main bodies of the United Nations where they can practice the skills of dialog and mediation among young people from all around the world.

- To promote social responsibility; both of the private sector towards socie-ty and of the public sector and the NGO’s.

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UNA Spain was admitted to the World Federation of United Nations Asso-ciations (WFUNA) in 1963 and is currently a member of its Executive Com-mittee. The WFUNA is the only international NGO committed to support the principles and goals of the United Nations Charter, as well as to promote the activities of the organization and its specialized agencies.

UNA Spain is a member of the Federation of Associations for the Defence and the Promotion of Human Rights on a national level.

UNA Spain is part of four Federations in Catalonia: the Catalan Federation of NGO’s for Human Rights, the Catalan Federation of NGO’s for Develop-ment, the Catalan Federation of NGO’s for Peace, and the Catalan Federa-tion of Social Volunteering.

UNA Spain is part of the Council of Social Welfare of the Barcelona City Council.

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PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATES

Laboratoris Dr. Esteve, I.E.S. Joan d’Àustria, Biblioteca de Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya, Ideograma, Col·legi Casp, Partit dels Socialis-tes de Catalunya, Partit dels Comunistes de Catalunya, Fundació Pau i Solidaritat.