SPECIAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE (SPECPOL)

Interschool Conference

  • SPECPOL Special Political Committee

Meet the Chairs

  • Evelyn Keno

    • Age: 16, 2nd grader at 1st High School of Kifisia

    • Previous Experience: Participated in MUN conferences as a delegate; chairing for the second time this year

    • Message: Encourages research on political/social issues and openness to questions

    • Contact: evelynkeno2007@gmail.com

  • Martha Eleni Gioti (Melina)

    • Age: 15, student at 1st Model High School of Athens

    • Role: Chair for SPECPOL in 2025 IRCMUN

    • Message: Focuses on creating a fun, interactive environment; highlights learning from mistakes

    • Purpose: To make the MUN experience enjoyable and memorable for delegates

  • Maria Christodoulaki

    • Age: 16, student at 1st Model High School of Athens

    • Experience: Participated in three MUNs as a delegate, chairing second time

    • Encouragement: Urges delegates to engage in debates on controversial topics to enhance skills while having fun

Topic: TQO - The Rise of the Extreme Right in Western Europe

  • Key Terms:

    • Euroscepticism: Critique of the European Union, ranging from opposition to EU membership to policy reform efforts.

      • Soft Euroscepticism: Support for some EU structures while disagreeing with specific policies.

      • Hard Euroscepticism: Strong opposition to the EU's existence, promoting withdrawal.

    • Far Right Politics: Extreme conservatism, ultra-nationalism, and authoritarianism; associated with historically oppressive movements.

    • Right Wing Nationalism: Emphasis on national identity and culture, resistant to immigration.

    • Right-Wing Populism: Combines right-wing views with popular rhetoric, often anti-immigration.

    • The Extreme Right: Advocates strong nationalism, opposition to multiculturalism, and has authoritarian tendencies.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1965: Establishment of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ)

  • 1972: National Front (FN) founded in France

  • 2009: Formation of the ECR party aiming to reform the EU

  • 2013: AFD established in Germany, opposing Muslim immigration

  • 2013: VOX founded in Spain with a strong anti-immigration stance

  • 2017: FN secures second round in French elections

  • 2019-2024: AFD rises in German elections, becoming increasingly influential

Countries of Major Involvement

  • France: FN emerging as significant political force; strong stands on immigration and French identity under Marine Le Pen.

  • Germany: AFD, initially liberal, turned extremist with strong anti-immigration policies.

  • Spain: Vox positions itself as a far-right alternative focusing on anti-immigration and national Catholicism.

  • Portugal: Chega advocates tougher immigration policies and strict penalties for immigrants and criminals.

  • Netherlands: Freedom Party under Geert Wilders aims to halt immigration and is gaining electoral ground.

  • Belgium: Vlaams Belang seeks independence for Flanders, espousing Euroscepticism and nationalism.

  • Austria: FPÖ has a historical and ongoing radical right presence, affecting governance.

Background Information

  • Historical Context: The far right has roots in the French Revolution; resurgence from key mid-20th century events like WWII.

  • Current Dynamics: Populist rhetoric has made far-right ideologies appealing, correlating with increasing support in EU elections and nationalism.

Previous Decisions on Extremism

  • Council of Europe's Plan: Focuses on preventing radicalization leading to terrorism.

  • European Commission Guidance: Recommendations to enhance social cohesion and prevent extremism.

  • European Parliament Resolution: Stresses the need for monitoring far-right activity.

Topic: TQO - Addressing Statelessness

  • Key Terms:

    • Commuting: Regular travel that crosses community boundaries.

    • Human Rights: Standards for human behavior under international law.

    • Stateless Person: Lacks national affiliation; some are also refugees.

    • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Agency focused on aiding stateless individuals.

Historical Perspective

  • Statelessness Trends: Crisis post WWI and WWII led to major populations without nationality.

  • Legal Foundations: 1961 Convention aimed at preventing statelessness, emphasizing child nationality.

Recent Developments in Statelessness

  • Ten actions to address statelessness outlined, focusing on prevention, identification, reduction, and protection.

Conclusions on Statelessness

  • Specific Case Studies:

    • Pakistan: High statelessness due to historical partitions.

    • Myanmar: Rohingya crisis shows extreme statelessness with high risks.

    • Estonia/Latvia: Many residents classified as stateless post-independence.

    • Côte d'Ivoire: Colonial legacy resulting in ongoing issues of statelessness.

    • Bangladesh: Significant number of Rohingya stateless; struggles with unclear citizenship laws.

    • United States: Estimated 218,000 potentially stateless individuals facing legal hardships.

Campaigns and Protections

  • #IBelong Campaign: Aims to enhance inclusivity in education and improve statelessness outcomes.

  • UN Actions: Emphasizing identification, prevention, reduction, and protection strategies for stateless individuals.

While the provided context does not specifically mention Denmark, the issues of rising extremism, right-wing nationalism, and statelessness discussed are relevant to broader European trends in which Denmark is involved. In Denmark, the political landscape has seen debates over immigration and national identity, particularly with the rise of right-wing parties that may echo sentiments found across Europe. Additionally, Denmark has faced challenges with Euroscepticism, similar to those experienced in countries like France and Germany.

Furthermore, issues related to statelessness can also impact Denmark, particularly in terms of its policies regarding refugees and migrants, as the country works to balance humanitarian obligations with national interests. Overall, while Denmark may not have been directly highlighted, the social and political dynamics outlined are applicable to the Danish context as well.

While the provided context does not specifically mention Denmark, the issues of rising extremism, right-wing nationalism, and statelessness discussed are relevant to broader European trends in which Denmark is involved. In Denmark, the political landscape has seen debates over immigration and national identity, particularly with the rise of right-wing parties that may echo sentiments found across Europe. Additionally, Denmark has faced challenges with Euroscepticism, similar to those experienced in countries like France and Germany.

Furthermore, issues related to statelessness can also impact Denmark, particularly in terms of its policies regarding refugees and migrants, as the country works to balance humanitarian obligations with national interests. Overall, while Denmark may not have been directly highlighted, the social and political dynamics outlined are applicable to the Danish context as well.