Historical Security Council, 1991

Dear Delegates,

Vipul Shekhawat

When must a nation’s right to sovereignty be disregarded to protect civilian populations? When is an unwelcome United Nations intervention justified? What should be the nature of such interventions? These questions, among many others, will be some of the keystone decisions you make in this year’s Historical Security Council.

Born in Jodhpur, India, I moved to Australia at two and to America when I was three. Though I have moved many times within the United States, my most recent shift was to Dublin, Ohio in 2010. I joined Model UN in 11^th Grade, and decided to continue my involvement in college as an Assistant Director for last year’s Historical Security Council. I am currently a sophomore at Harvard. Besides Model UN, I write and report for the Crimson and WHRB, Harvard’s student newspaper and radio station. Outside of school, I enjoy trying ethnic foods, discovering new music, and exploring all the nooks and crannies Cambridge and Boston have to offer.

In terms of international relations, I am specifically interested with the issues of human rights and humanitarian intervention. I will bring this passion to this year’s Historical Security Council, hopefully leaving you with insights about intervention that you will carry with you thenceforth. The two topic areas I have constructed allow you to the face dilemmas confronting the United Nations Security Council in 1991. In the first case, an authoritarian regime ends with the ousting of its dictator. In the second, a militant force exiles a democratically elected leader. It is up to you which situation deserves the UNSC’s scrutiny, and what level of intervention is justified.

The study guide I have written for your preparation examines these topics at greater depth. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting all of you at the conference, and directing a Historical Security Council for you that will be substantively engaging, action-packed, and truly memorable.

Sincerely,

Vipul Shekhawat
Director, Historical Security Council
Harvard National Model United Nations 2012

Topic Area A: Somali Rebellion

In 1991, Siad Barre, the Third President of Somalia, has been in control of the Somali government for almost two decades. His rule was marked by a forced introduction of socialism initially supported by the U.S.S.R. and later by the United States. This support allowed Barre to build up the largest army in Africa. Somalis became increasingly disillusioned with Barre’s dictatorial control, and started launching protests in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu.

The UNSC will have to deal with a mounting rebellion in an increasingly volatile nation, as Barre and his military oppose the Somali rebels, who seek to overthrow Barre and restore safety and rule of law in Somalia. The UNSC must maintain close scrutiny of the conflict, mediating and intervening if necessary. How will the twin goals of maintaining Somali sovereignty and protecting civilian populations be realized? Will your discussions lead to action or gridlock in this pivotal stage of Somalian history?

Topic Area B: Haitian Political Instability

In Haiti, the end of hereditary dictatorship by the Duvalier family in 1986 led to the creation of a new Constitution in 1987. A 1988 coup d’état led to a military regime until 1990. In December 1990, a former priest named Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected President in the Haitian general election. Aristide attempted to implement numerous governmental reforms, most of which were vehemently opposed by the military and business establishment of Haiti.

In 1991, Aristide has achieved tentative security as President of Haiti. However, the powerful, preexisting institutions of the military and business world disapprove of what they see as Aristide’s meddling in national affairs. Historically, the military staged a coup d’état in 1991 that ended Aristide’s democratic rule. Will the UNSC be able to prevent the historic deposition? What is the UN’s role when rule of law disintegrates in a nation?