SECURITY

COUNCIL
Combating the Black Market in Arms and
Terrorist Groups
TOPICS

1. Letter from the Secretary General

2. Letter from the Director
3. Letter from the Assistant Director
4. History of the Committee
5. Introduction to the topic
6. Present situation
7. Threat of illicit arms trade
8. Root Problems
9. Recent Conflicts
10. Past Actions
11. Questions a Resolution Must Answer (QARMAs)
12. Position Paper Guidelines
13. References

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LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear delegates and Faculty Advisors,

It is with great pleasure and excitement, that I warmly welcome all of you to the second edition of the
Antonio Raimondi Model United Nations. I am Sofia Vargas, I’m in 4th Liceo Linguistico, the Head
Delegate of the Raimondi Team and now Secretary General of RAIMUN 2024. I am truly grateful for
this position and for being able to host such a large-scale conference. Our dedicated Secretariat and our
talented team of staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to bring you the best conference possible.

Growing up in a household with both lawyer parents, our family conversations naturally evolved into
lively debates, particularly during dinners when we gathered to discuss current political events. These
moments, filled with spirited dialogue, remain the fondest and most cherished memories that I have
with my family. It wasn't until 2019 that I had the opportunity to apply the skills honed during these
conversations.

At the age of 12, I enrolled in in my first Model United Nations (MUN) experience. Despite my initial
lack of familiarity with the intricacies of the MUN format, my enthusiasm and research helped me not
only navigate the conference successfully but also garner an award. But beyond the accolades, what
truly resonated was my growing ambition to further immerse myself in MUN, taking every opportunity
available to better my skills.

As Secretary-General, I aspire to provide each participant, regardless of their level of MUN experience,
with an enriching and transformative experience. My own journey in MUN has significantly shaped my
character and I take pride in discovering a space where my extroverted, witty, and dedicated personality
can be expressed. I also appreciate the opportunity to be surrounded by fellow future leaders and bright
minds.

I extend a warm invitation for each delegate to set a personal goal before the conference starts, whether
it be forging new friendships, refining their negotiation and speaking skills, or simply enjoying the
experience. Embrace the challenge and encourage both yourself and fellow delegates to overcome any
obstacles that may arise during committee sessions. We have diligently worked to ensure transparency
and fairness are present in every aspect of the conference. Should you have any inquiries or concerns,
do not hesitate to reach out to me through the channels provided in this Handbook.

Kind Regards,

Sofía Vargas Solari

Secretary General

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LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE DIRECTOR

Dear delegates,

My name is Vasco Roman-Flores and I have the great honor of being the committee director for the
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) committee in the Raimondi MUN 2024 alongside Lorenzo
Monsante. I am currently studying Political Science and Government at Pontificia Universidad Católica
del Perú (PUCP). I am passionate about my career, since I’m very interested in the understanding of
dynamics of power and human relations that shape and influence our world each and every day. Outside
MUN, I have other interests, such as music, cars, fashion and cinema. In my free time I like to write
poetry, watch F1, hit the gym, among other hobbies. I started MUN in 2018 at the young age of 12 years
old, and I discovered a wonderful world in which I felt I could practice my oratory and negotiation skills
and take them to the next level.

Due to the context of Model United Nations and specifically of the UNSC committee, I expect to see
strong debating, where you need to keep the debate flowing. The topic of combating the illegal market
in arms and terrorist groups is extremely important and relevant for the world, so there’s plenty of
discussion to be made. As delegates, I expect you to follow very strictly your countries position
regarding the topic and always be on-policy.

Winning is awesome, certainly, but remember that this experience is way more than just that. This is
about learning, improving your current skills, having fun and making new friends. Don’t be afraid to
approach us with any question regarding the topic or the committee, and we’ll try to answer you as soon
as possible.

Without further ado, welcome to the United Nations Security Council committee at RaiMUN 2024.

Best wishes,
Vasco Roman-Flores
Director

[email protected]
[email protected]

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LETTER FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Dear Delegates,

I am Lorenzo Monsante, and it is an honor to serve as the assistant director in the Security Council for
this year's Raimondi MUN. I have been part of the German School Alexander von Humboldt's
delegation from 2019 to 2023, so I understand firsthand that participating in an MUN conference is both
exciting and challenging. But it is precisely this mixture of feelings which make this a unique experience
that not only fosters critical skills like public speaking and negotiation, but that also shapes us in ways
we might not even notice at the beginning. Personally, I've realized how invaluable MUN has been in
preparing me for various aspects of my academic and personal life, from assuming roles like class
delegate to delivering the graduation speech. Likewise, I am sure that those skills will help me when I
move to Milan to study Economics and Finance at Bocconi University, since Model United Nations
gives you a view of the world and globalization that few activities do.

The Security Council, as one of the principal organs of the United Nations, tries to maintain
international peace, security and cooperation. It is responsible for identifying threats to peace,
recommending actions, and implementing measures to resolve conflicts. In the context of the Raimondi
MUN conference, the Security Council will serve as a platform to engage in a rigorous debate and
negotiation. You will represent different countries and will work together to address such an important
topic for society's development, such as dealing with the Black Market in Arms and Terrorist Groups.
Your Committee Director and Assistant Director both hope that you have a pleasant experience and are
able to address the issue with diplomacy and strategic thinking.

If you were to have any doubts regarding the committee, the topic, or the position papers, do not hesitate
to contact us. Good luck to all of you!

Lorenzo Monsante
Assistant Director

[email protected]
[email protected]

4.
HISTORY OF THE COMMITTEE

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the muscle of the UN, tasked with the critical mission
of maintaining international peace and security. It is also the powerhouse of the UN: unlike other UN
organs, the UNSC can make binding decisions that all member states must follow. This makes it the
most powerful body within the United Nations system. The UNSC has 15 members, 5 Permanent
Members (P5) that are The People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation,
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America, which
hold veto power, meaning that they can single-handedly block any resolution. The other 10 members
are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly of the United Nations in which all the members
vote, intending to represent the broader UN membership and bringing diverse perspectives.

The main goal of this committee is maintaining peace, in which the UNSC investigates threats
to this accorded peace, in many cases authorizing peacekeeping missions, and in few cases approving
the use of force as a last resort. Its second principal goal is to address conflict, working to resolve
conflicts peacefully through mediation, negotiation, and sanctions. It also works to promote
cooperation, encouraging member states to collaborate on security issues and arms control. The
decision-making has protocols that work through resolutions that require a minimum of nine "yes"
votes, with no veto from any of the P5 members.

Nevertheless, the United Nations Security Council also has some limitations, which often lead
to veto power being the factor that determines the organ’s actions. Regional interests can sometimes
clash with global goals, which is why as a state member of the Security Council must take into more
consideration points like national interests versus a global responsibility. They must also think about
how countries balance their own security concerns with the everyday need for global peace, as well as
building consensus between allies. Finding effective solutions beyond a traditional military response is
the main objective, and this committee faces different challenges that belong to a complex world, such
as regional conflicts, cyber threats, weapons proliferation, all of which demand strong global solutions.
The United Nations Security Council has a very rich history filled with triumphs and struggles,
reflecting the constant evolution of the landscape of global politics.

The United Nations Security Council itself does not report directly to any other agencies in the
traditional manner, but in other ways, various UN entities and bodies support the UNSC in fulfilling its
mandate. Here are some key players:

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 - UN Secretariat: Provides the security council with logistical support, preparing reports that
facilitate communication between member states.

- Department of Peacekeeping Operations: This might be the nearest to a subscribed agency to

the UNSC. It is in charge of planning all UN peacekeeping missions authorized by the UNSC.

- Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs: It focuses on prevention, conflict resolution,

and later peacebuilding efforts.

- United Nations Disarmament Commission: Commission that focuses on the disarmament and
avoiding issues of proliferation. It discusses and makes recommendations but doesn't have
enforcement power, making it deliberative. Unlike the UNSC, it doesn't involve voting on
resolutions. This might be a very important actor during the development of the conference.

- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Even though it's not fully related to the Security
Council, the UNODC's work on battling against transnational organized crime and terrorism
contributes to the discussions of these threats to security.

- International Court of Justice: The United Nation's principal judicial tool. ICJ can settle a legal
dispute between the member states of the Security Council.

Depending on the issue concerning the committee, the Security Council might also need to
collaborate with other United Nations agencies, regional organizations, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), or even third-party actors with relevant power of action depending on the issue.

INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC

Terrorist and criminal groups, fueled by a constant delivery of weapons from the global black market,
are each and every day more empowered to carry out attacks against civilian populations. From
bombings or assassinations to financing their activities through narcotraffic or human trafficking, the
methods employed by these criminal networks to take advantage of legal voids in international
regulations include manipulating corrupt officials or even having infiltrators in the government to push
laws in their favor. Fragile regions or failed states with low or even nonexistent institutionalization that

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are already battling poverty and social unrest are breeding grounds for radical ideologies and
movements, as these weapons are available due to corruption and lack of security in developing
territories.

This problem exceeds national borders, as terrorist organizations with access to more advanced
weaponry represent a direct menace to international peace. Understanding the long connection between
the black market and terrorism might only be the first step to find the roots of the issue. Limitations of
existing arms controls need to be prioritized urgently due to the role of enhanced border security and
intelligence gathering, giving the necessary importance of crippling terrorist financing networks. At
last, the potential solutions need to go beyond the traditional security measures, considering the need to
address the root causes of terrorism and fostering international cooperation to dismantle it.

Looking at the consequences of the black market of arms and terrorist groups can be a key
towards finding solutions, as well as analyzing the international strategies employed to disrupt this
deadly trade. From the bustling black markets to clandestine routes, a deadly business empowers
extreme violence that is harmful to the world, destabilizing regions, endangering innocents and their
human rights, and threatening global security.

PRESENT SITUATION

The estimations suggest that the illicit arms trade is flourishing at a rapid pace. This market is
empowered by weak border security, alongside massive corruption. All the illicit trades, exacerbated
violence, and the everyday stronger criminal groups create conflicts, despite peacekeeping efforts.
Kidnappings, drug trafficking, and other crimes are part of the web created by organized crime that
manages the arms trafficking, which is the principal fuel of violence.

The Middle East consistently ranks as a global hub for the illicit arms trade. The current conflicts in
Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan provide a very attractive market for stolen weapons. Sub-saharian
Africa is also an affected area, with weak government structure and porous borders in the remaining
hotspots. Europol estimated that “there were almost half a million lost or stolen firearms in the EU”
(Europol, 2014). Balkans are serving with other regions in Europe as a source for weapons not only in
the continent, but also for Africa and the Middle East.

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Every nonrelated governmental actor, specifically rebel groups and terrorist organizations, are key
players in the illicit arms trade, forging alliances through corruption and utilizing many channels in the
search for access to brand new weaponry. Corruption and the internet's role in facilitating transactions
make it difficult to track and disrupt trafficking networks, despite efforts such as the Arms Trade Treaty,
also known as the ATT, which is intended to regulate the conventional arms trade and prevent weapons
from falling into the wrong hands. And yet, the Arms Trade Treaty effectiveness is hampered by the
limited number of signatories and challenges in its enforcement.

The illicit arms trade remains a significant threat to global security, and the undersea of its evolving
nature, key actors, and the devastating consequences it unleashes is crucial for formulating effective
countermeasures. Strengthening international cooperation, through the improvement of border controls
and the handling of corruption, are essential steps. Tackling the root causes of conflict and promoting
good power structures are critical to address the underlying demand for illicit weapons, and current
situations show us that a multi-pronged approach is the only way that we can find security and foster a
safer world.

If the situation does not change today, the following issues may become greater in the near future:
- The presence of new technologies, such as 3D-printed weapons on the illicit arms landscape,
which are extremely dangerous and difficult to manage, since border controls are the main
method for dealing with arm trafficking.
- The role of armed militias and private militaries, like the Wagner group, in the illicit arms trade.
- The effectiveness of regional and national initiatives to combat the illicit arms trade.
- Advanced AI powered weapons like drones, which are used for a multitude of objectives and
operations.

THREAT OF ILLICIT ARMS TRADE

For many decades at this point, the trade of weaponry has been a topic of discussion in many
international conferences. It represents an obstacle to social development and human well-being.
Terrorist and criminal blocks take advantage of their weaponry to generate chaos and implant fear on
the population. This, of course, has many consequences on the life of innocent people and on the
stability of governments. Living in a place where the access to weapons is not properly regulated
means that every time a person gets out of his residence, they are potentially exposed to risks and
dangers. Izumi Nakamitsu, a United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs,

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stated in 2023 that illicit and unregulated arms transfers can instigate, fuel and prolong conflict, armed
violence, terrorism and crime.

Furthermore, the conflicts generated by the violent factions cause physical damage on a city's
infrastructure, destroying hospitals, houses and bringing people into precarious situations, having to
deal not only with the violence occasioned by the terrorist groups but also with day-to-day problems
that no developed country should have.

Another devastating consequence of the illicit arms trade is the corruption that it institutes in the
government. If the rebel factions have the same amount of weaponry as the authorities, they get the
chance to compete with them as equals, inciting illegal agreements between the parties. This all
hinders a country’s, a city’s or a town’s development.

ROOT PROBLEMS

Before considering ways in which the international community can solve the long-standing problem
that terrorist groups and the illicit trade of weapons represent, one must first identify the reasons why
this began.

One of the root issues is the constant presence of armed conflicts in specific regions of our
world, such as the Middle East or Sub-Saharan Africa, in which many terrorist groups are formed. These
disputes usually occur because of ethnic and cultural tensions between two or more groups living in the
same territory. We cannot leave their religious differences aside, given that many extremist factions
justify their violence and actions through their beliefs.

The Chinese diplomat Zhang Jun has stated that, in order to stem the problem of weapons
proliferation, it is essential for states to avoid interacting with guerrilla groups and not transfer them
any sort of armament under any circumstances. For him, it is in this process that the problem grows
exponentially and reaches maximum levels. Nonetheless, this clashes with many countries’ actions, as
some fund and support insurgent groups that combat other organizations going against the government.
It is even worse when the state is not only funding a terrorist group, but when they themselves are one.
In this case, they are able to modify the law as they please, they are able to get away with thousands of
murders and they get access to abundant funding.

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 Another core problem lies in the lack of education that some nations provide, since young men
or women in underdeveloped countries are often easily seduced to join terrorist groups and told to kill
hundreds of citizens with the excuse of a “greater cause”. Additionally, a poor education hinders any
kind of economic progress, resulting in some groups’ resentment against others creating fertile ground
for major conflicts to exploit.

RECENT CONFLICTS

Having already established the relationship between armed conflicts and the illicit trade of weapons, it
is of utmost importance to take a quick look at the major conflicts that have struck the world in recent
decades and their relationship with the topic.

During the Afghan-Soviet War the United States and other western countries provided the
Afghan mujahideen with weapons in their battle against Soviet forces. Specifically, the CIA coordinated
the Cyclone Operation, in which weapons like Stinger missiles were provided. Likewise, Saudi Arabia
gave billions of dollars in funding to the mujahideen to combat their Communist counterpart. After the
conflict ended, this armament was the base for the creation of terrorist groups in the region, such as Al-
Qaeda. Another set of events that is important to recall are the Balkan conflicts that occurred during the
90s with various paramilitary groups and criminal organizations that traded artillery and facilitated the
proliferation of approximately 100,000 tons of weaponry that still haunt the zone nowadays. This led
to government instability in former Yugoslavia because, after the breakup of the country, those criminal
factions were formed. A time when ethnic battles took place was the Rwandan genocide, when the
extremist Hutu groups received weapons from different sources, allowing for this terrorist organization
to carry out genocide in the country. On the other hand, the Rwandan Patriotic Front also acquired
armament through clandestine channels, resulting in an escalation of the conflict. It must also be stated
that there were international arms embargoes imposed that were, however, completely ineffective as
the trade and flow of weapons continued in the country.

When thinking of terrorist conflicts in the 21st century, it is impossible not to think of the
consequences that the infamous Arab Spring had for the region. It generated instability that allowed for
arms trafficking, not only by non-state actors but also by the state itself. For instance, Libya’s former
leader, Muammar Gaddafi, had in his possession one of the largest supplies of weapons in the region
and, during the civil war, these were looted by terrorists and traded between borders. This chaos
facilitated the rise of ISIS and its expansion to other countries like Syria and Iraq. However, this would

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not be the last major conflict in the region. In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, increasing the
illicit trade of artillery, strengthening terrorist groups and making citizens fear that the abandoned
weapons by the Government could end in the wrong hands. After the takeover, they had in their
possession a vast amount of America-supplied artillery that had been provided to the Afghan
government. It is also rumored that part of the new-owned weapons by the Taliban were illicitly sold to
other countries or organizations. Even though these are some of the main events related to the discussed
subject, there are still dozens of other armed conflicts in which terrorist factions and weaponry trade
were protagonists.

PAST ACTIONS

For decades now, nations have been coming together to discuss solutions to this serious problem.
Thanks to the strong and efficient cooperation of state delegates, several agreements have been signed
and numerous programs have been implemented to address the issue.

In the year 2014, an agreement called the Arms Trade Treaty entered into force. In the document,
numerous types of weapons are detailed and described to better understand which armament will be
covered in the Treaty. The main objectives of the ATT are to reduce the suffering of the people, to
promote transparency when handling weapons, and to contribute to international peace and security. It
established common international standards that every country must follow. It specifies how arms
should be imported, exported, and transferred, as well as specifications on how to avoid illicit weapons
trafficking. Likewise, it stated that governments are required to create national control systems,
including the issuance of export licenses and the tracking of arms shipments.

Furthermore, a key component of the global effort to combat terrorism is the United Nations Counter-
Terrorism Committee. The CTC is tasked with monitoring and facilitating the implementation of
measures by member states to prevent and combat terrorism. One or the main tasks of the Committee
is to supervise and ensure the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373, which obliges all
UN member states to take specific actions to combat terrorism, including criminalizing terrorist
activities, freezing terrorist assets, and strengthening international cooperation. It also provided
countries with technical assistance and information to tackle the illicit trade issue. Moreover, it
facilitates dialogue and cooperation. Every report made by the CTC is reported to the Security Council
of the United Nations, underscoring the importance of this Committee.

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Additionally, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) plays an important role in
the international community, serving as the main pillar within the UN for disarmament efforts. It also
supports that other Treaties such as the Arms Trade Treaty are respected by member states. Another
key function of the UNODA is to provide the educational activities that aim to raise awareness and
attempt to prevent illicit arms trading, especially in underdeveloped countries. This office is also very
relevant at the moment because it advocates for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, creating
documents such as the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION MUST ANSWER (QARMAs)

1. What measures can be taken to protect civilians from the consequences of the illicit arms
trade?
2. What actions are needed to address these underlying issues and prevent future illicit
trafficking?
3. Is it necessary to increase information sharing along with strengthening national border
controls?
4. What sanctions should be imposed to those states that are involved in arms trafficking and
financing foreign terrorist organizations?
5. What methods can be taken to avoid the accessibility to armament by criminal or terrorist
organizations?

POSITION PAPER GUIDELINES

A Position Paper is a policy statement document in which delegates analyze and present their
country’s view on the issue being discussed, also focusing on past national and international actions in
order to propose innovative and viable solutions. It must include a heading with the title "Position
Paper", your country's formal name, your committee's full name, the topic being discussed (as stated
in your background guide), your personal name and the name of your delegation. Also, your paper
should be divided into three sections, each in a separate paragraph, as follows:

Your first paragraph should include a brief introduction to the topic, always connecting it to your
country. Try to include data, catchy phrases and statistics that may apply. Remember to explain
your country's situation and policy (past efforts it carried out to address the matter, as well as
current ones). Always take into consideration that you should be focusing on answering the
question, "Why is the issue relevant to my country?".

● Your second paragraph should include a brief summary of past UN actions (documents,
programs, protocols, campaigns, among others) related to the issue being discussed, always
expressing the opinion of your country in relation to the measures you are mentioning. Try to
focus on which specific actions have had an impact on your country, as well as the ones that
failed, and explain how you believe that these measures can be expanded or improved in order for
them to work properly again in an international manner.

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● Your third paragraph should focus on proposing solutions that your nation would like the UN to
consider, always respecting your country's policy and considering the QARMAs at hand. Be
creative and propose original and viable ideas that will help other delegates and your dais to
remember your contribution to the debate. These must differentiate from the initiatives that
already exist, or improve those that have failed in the past instead. Lastly, do not forget to write a
strong closing sentence.

The format must be as follows:

● Paper size: Letter
● Font name: Times New Roman
● Font size: 11
● Spacing between lines: 1.15
● Maximum of pages: 1 (you may use an additional page for sources)

Please, make sure to cite every source that you use in your Position Paper, if not, it will be considered
plagiarism. Each delegation must submit a Position Paper to [email protected] by Sunday
2nd of June, 11:59 PM.

REFERENCES

1. https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15252.doc.htm#:~:text=Briefing-
,IZUMI%20NAKAMITSU%2C%20Under-Secretary-
General%20and%20High%20Representative%20for,abuses%3B%20and%20lead%20to%20v
iolations

2. https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/

3. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/es/firearms-protocol/monitoring-illicit-arms-flows-
initiative.html

4. https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/middle-east-illicit-arms-trafficking-ocindex/

5. https://thearmstradetreaty.org

6. https://disarmament.unoda.org

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