TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ........................................................... 3

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY-GENERAL ................................... 4

LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE DIRECTOR......................................................... 4

INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC ................................................................................. 8

INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE .................................................................... 9

HISTORY OF THE TOPIC ............................................................................................ 10

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM............................................................................... 12

CURRENT SITUATION ................................................................................................ 14

PAST INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS ............................................................................ 16

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS............................................................................................. 17

BLOC POSITIONS ........................................................................................................ 18

QARMAS (QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION MUST ANSWER) .................................. 20

POSITION PAPER GUIDELINES ................................................................................ 21

BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................... 22

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 1. LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

It is an immense honor to welcome you to the third edition of the Pedro Ruiz Gallo Model United
Nations, PRGMUN 2025.
My name is Wiliam Puente, I am a second-year student in the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme, and I have the privilege of serving as your Secretary-General for this long-awaited
conference.

MUN is not just a school activity. For me, it has been a passion, a constant challenge, and a stage for
personal growth. I began this journey three years ago—nervous, with a card in my hand and the name
of a country I barely knew. But from that day on, I realized this was my place: a space where critical
thinking meets public speaking, where mistakes are not failures but stepping stones, and where one
can change the world… even if only for 60 seconds at a podium.

Over the years, MUN has given me the chance to reinvent myself. Just as I enjoy reading, acting,
singing, dancing, or playing LoL and Roblox, I’ve also come to love the art of respectful debate, deep
research, and speaking not just with a voice—but with purpose. If I had to choose one class that has
shaped the way I see the world, it would be History, because understanding the past is the first step
toward leading the future.

PRGMUN does not aim for delegates to merely collect awards or attend committees. Our true mission
is to form changemakers—students who can build bridges, dismantle prejudice, and lead with
empathy. That is why I invite you to live this edition with passion and commitment. May every word
spoken in committee carry the weight of truth, may every resolution reflect a genuine desire for
change, and may every mistake become a valuable lesson.

This is not just a Model United Nations—

It is the beginning of a global community of young people who believe, who think, and who act.

Welcome to PRGMUN 2025.

An unforgettable conference awaits us.

With all my respect and admiration,

Wiliam Puente
Secretary-General

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 2. LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY-
GENERAL
Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

Welcome to PRG MUN 2025! After months of planning sessions, late-night texts, and a few
crisis moments, it feels incredible to finally say: we're here. My name is Mathias Risco, and I’m
super proud to be serving as your Executive Secretary for this year’s edition.

When I first joined MUN, I truly had no idea how much it would shape the person I am today.
Looking back, I can honestly say that Model UN has been one of the most defining parts of my
high school experience. It’s taught me how to speak up and how to adapt when things don’t go
as planned. For you, I think that it gave something you didn’t know you needed: a voice, and
most importantly, the confidence to use it. It is a space where you can be bold, challenge
yourself, and feel like what you'd say actually matters.

However, it’s not just about conferences where we debate world issues, it’s about connection.
The energy in the room when you realize you’re not alone in caring about something bigger
than yourself. MUN is where ideas turn into action, where strangers become teammates, where
confidence is built one speech at a time. And more than anything, it’s a place where you become
part of something that stays with you long after the gavel drops when you pass a draft
resolution.

Whether this is your first or your tenth conference, I truly hope you dive in without hesitation.
Speak even when your hands are shaking. Ask the tough questions. Don’t be afraid to challenge
others and don’t be afraid to be challenged. Listen, not just to respond, but to understand. This
isn’t just your chance to grow as a delegate, it's your chance to grow as a global thinker, a
leader, and honestly, as a person. The best kind of growth doesn’t happen when you’re
comfortable, it happens when you try hard, and even when you fail.

So to all of you reading this; GO FOR IT. Embrace the chaos. Enjoy the pressure. Laugh at the
awkward silences, the crisis plot twists, the over dramatic speeches (you know the ones). Take
those risks. Say the thing you wrote down but weren’t sure you’d have the courage to say. Shake
hands with someone you debated all day. Make that one unexpected friendship that turns into a
memory. Because this is your moment and these are the experiences that stick with you.

On behalf of the entire PRG MUN 2025 team, thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you
for participating. Thank you for bringing your energy, your ideas, and your voice into this space.
This weekend, you are part of something real. And I can't wait to see how each of you leaves
your mark.

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Let’s make it count.

Mathias Risco

Executive Secretary of PRG MUN

rizco.mgra@gmail.com

5
 3. LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE DIRECTOR

Dear Delegates,

My name is Francisco Martínez Escudero, and I will be your Director for this edition of the Pedro
Ruiz Gallo Model United Nations (PRGMUN) – 2025.

A little about me: I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Law from Universidad de Lima, and I currently
work at the Office of the National Authority for Consumer Protection (DPC) within the National
Institute for the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property (Indecopi). Throughout my
Model United Nations (MUN) journey, I have cultivated a deep passion for Public International
Law and International Relations — which is the main reason why I genuinely enjoy these kinds
of debates.

Speaking of my MUN journey, it all started right here, at this very school. From 2016 to 2017, I
represented this institution in my first MUN experiences. Now, nearly nine years later, I return
not as a student, but as a professional — eager to share what little I know about this amazing
extracurricular activity.

After graduating from high school in 2017, I joined the Peruvian Universities (PU) team in 2019.
With PU, I had the opportunity not only to participate in some of the world’s most prestigious
MUN conferences — such as those organized by Harvard University — but also to serve as Chief
Advisor. In 2024, after PU earned its fourth consecutive Best Delegation award at the Harvard
National Model United Nations – Latin America (HNMUNLA), I decided it was time to say
goodbye to what I like to call "the most beautiful sport."

Now, you might be wondering: “If you retired, Francisco, what are you doing here?”. Honestly,
I’m not so sure myself. All I know is that I love MUN, and I feel a strong desire to give back to
the school where it all began.

Now, enough about me. Let’s talk about the topic we will be discussing: "Responding to the
Effects of Maritime Piracy in International Waters" at the Disarmament and International
Security Committee (DISEC). In a world full of conflict, it is crucial not to overlook the threat
posed by insurgent groups and criminal organizations operating freely in both national and
international waters. As delegates, you will have the unique opportunity to propose meaningful
solutions to this global issue.

Finally, my best piece of advice is simple: have fun! A MUN weekend should be more than just
sitting at your desk — it should be about speaking up, challenging ideas, and enjoying the process.

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With me as your Chair, you’ll have every chance to participate actively and make your voice
heard.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at:

martinezescudero.francisco0210@gmail.com

Best regards,

Francisco Martínez Escudero

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 4. Introduction to the topic
From the high-seas adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean to the fantastical world of One Piece,
piracy has long captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Yet beyond the romanticized
image of treasure maps and swashbuckling captains lies a harsh and complex reality. In the 21st
century, maritime piracy is a very real and pressing threat that impacts major shipping routes,
endangers civilian lives, fuels regional instability, and challenges the international legal order.

Historically, piracy has plagued coastal regions for centuries — from the Caribbean to the Indian
Ocean. In recent decades, however, it has evolved significantly in both sophistication and scope.
Modern pirate networks operate with alarming coordination, exploiting legal loopholes and
thriving in areas marked by poverty, weak governance, and political turmoil. While international
efforts have intensified — through naval patrols, legal reforms, and regional cooperation — piracy
continues to adapt, leveraging new tactics and technologies.

This background guide aims to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the
historical foundations and contemporary challenges of maritime piracy. It will examine the root
causes driving this phenomenon, the effectiveness of current international responses, and the role
of multilateralism in achieving long-term solutions.

Ultimately, tackling maritime piracy is not just about protecting vessels — it's about addressing
inequality, promoting stability, and defending international peace. Through informed debate and
innovative policymaking, this committee has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to
securing the world’s oceans for future generations.

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 5. Introduction to the Committee
The First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, commonly known as the
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), deals exclusively with issues
related to disarmament and international peace and security. It was established alongside the
United Nations in 1945, following the devastation caused by the bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki and the end of World War II. Article 11 of the United Nations Charter defines one of the
main responsibilities of the General Assembly as promoting cooperation for the maintenance of
peace and security, including principles related to disarmament and the regulation of armaments.
Within this framework, the First Committee is empowered to make recommendations to Member
States or the Security Council on matters pertaining to these objectives (United Nations, n.d.).

All 193 United Nations Member States are automatically members of the First Committee and
hold equal voting rights. Each delegation exercises an independent vote, and there is no hierarchy
among them. Member States without voting rights may also attend sessions as observers. The
responsibilities of the First Committee — as with the other five committees of the General
Assembly — include assisting the Security Council, participating in the selection of the Secretary-
General, and approving the UN budget. However, DISEC operates under two fundamental
limitations: it cannot directly intervene in the matters it addresses, since its resolutions are non-
binding, and it lacks the authority to issue sanctions (United Nations, n.d.).

The First Committee works in coordination with the other principal committees of the General
Assembly, particularly the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee).
It also plays a central role within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA),
an entity dedicated to advancing global disarmament efforts. UNODA supports the
implementation of disarmament agreements, facilitates dialogue among states, and provides
technical expertise. Its work covers key areas such as nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction (WMD), conventional arms control, and the regulation of small arms
and light weapons. Through international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives, UNODA
contributes to the collective goal of building a safer and more peaceful world (United Nations,
n.d.).

Since its establishment, the First Committee has convened on over 70 occasions to discuss issues
of great relevance to international peace and global stability, such as terrorism and violence in the
Middle East and Africa, the eradication of weapons of mass destruction, and illegal arms
trafficking, among others. Additionally, it has been responsible for issuing famous treaties such
as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons
Convention (CWC), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and the Arms Trade Treaty
(ATT).

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 6. History of the Topic
Ancient Piracy (≈ 1350 B.C.–5th Century A.D.)

Piracy has plagued maritime trade for millennia. The earliest known account dates to around
1350 B.C. in Egypt, where Mediterranean ships attacked coastal trading vessels. In Ancient
Greece, piracy was initially tolerated—even seen as a respectable livelihood—but by the Classical
era (510–323 B.C.), it had become socially condemned. In the Roman Mediterranean, piracy
flourished until Pompey’s decisive campaign in 67 B.C., which neutralized the threat—only for
piracy to resurge following Rome’s collapse in 476 A.D. In Ancient China, coastal raids persisted
from the Han dynasty (e.g., Zhang Bolu's rebellion in 109 A.D.) through to the Qing era,
highlighting the pervasiveness of piracy across cultures (Duman, 2020).

Early Modern Piracy – Golden Age (≈ 1400s–1730s)

The Age of Exploration and European colonization, particularly the Spanish extraction of New
World silver and gold, revived maritime crime. Under harsh urban conditions in Europe—
characterized by unemployment, forced naval recruitment, and abusive labor—many men found
piracy a viable alternative. Pirate vessels were structured democratically, offering voting rights,
leadership checks, improved pay, and welfare for injured crew members. These "Enlightenment-
in-practice" articles enticed skilled sailors to piracy. From the 1650s to the 1730s, the Golden
Age of Piracy roiled the Caribbean. Concurrently, Barbary corsairs operated in the
Mediterranean, capturing Europeans for ransoms and slavery, sanctioned by North African rulers
(Royal Museums Greenwich s.d.).

Barbary Piracy and Diplomatic Wars (16th–19th Century)

While Caribbean piracy waned, Barbary piracy persisted. State‑backed corsairs from North Africa
dominated naval operations in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, enslaving up to 1.25 million
Europeans between the 16th and 18th centuries. After diplomatic failures, the U.S. and European
powers waged the Barbary Wars (1801–1815), which, combined with bombardments by France,
Britain, and the Netherlands, dismantled this system by the early 19th century (Lasky, 2023).

Decline with Technological and Legal Advances (19th Century)

Piracy declined sharply due to a convergence of factors: the 1856 Paris Declaration abolished
privateering, new international legal frameworks condemned piracy, steam-powered naval vessels
outperformed traditional pirate ships, and global naval patrols became routine. Nevertheless, low-
level piracy persisted locally in Southeast Asia, the Atlantic, and Indian Oceans (International
Committee of the Red Cross, n.d.).

Modern Piracy Resurgence (Late 20th Century–Today)

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Despite its decline, maritime piracy resurged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially
in Somalia and Southeast Asia. In Somalia, the collapse of central governance post‑1991, coupled
with foreign overfishing and dumping in Somali waters, displaced traditional fishermen. With no
alternatives, many turned to hijacking vessels and ransom piracy—extremely lucrative operations.
In Southeast Asia, similar economic pressures and weak maritime governance led to small-boat
theft and occasional crew kidnappings (International Crisis Group, 2024).

These contemporary pirate operations inflicted harm on global trade: rerouting ships, increasing
insurance and fuel costs, and endangering civilian crews. In response, the UN, regional states, and
naval coalitions launched coordinated anti-piracy initiatives: UN Security Council resolutions
against Somali piracy, multinational naval patrols, and regional partnerships in Southeast Asia
(United Nations, 2021).

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 7. Statement of the Problem
Piracy — defined as criminal acts at sea such as hijacking, cargo theft, and the kidnapping of crew
members — has existed across cultures and centuries, threatening maritime commerce and human
security. Even some of the most powerful ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans,
and Chinese, were unable to escape its impacts. Piracy tended to emerge in cycles, often
flourishing during periods of instability and decline, where trade routes were left vulnerable and
security forces were insufficient.

In the early modern era, piracy surged again following the European colonization of the Americas.
As ships laden with silver, gold, and other resources crossed the Atlantic, pirates — many of
whom were of European origin and economically marginalized — saw a lucrative opportunity.
These individuals, often lacking economic prospects in urban centers, turned to piracy as a means
of survival and enrichment. This period, known as the Golden Age of Piracy (1650s–1730s),
particularly in the Caribbean, witnessed notorious pirate activity and significant disruption to
transatlantic trade. Meanwhile, the Barbary pirates of North Africa operated for a longer period,
focusing on kidnapping, ransoming, and the slave trade in the Mediterranean (Royal Museums
Greenwich, n.d.).

Although piracy declined with the strengthening of naval powers and legal frameworks in the
19th and early 20th centuries, it resurged toward the end of the 20th century, particularly in
Somalia and Southeast Asia. In both cases, the reemergence of piracy was closely tied to economic
desperation, political instability, and the collapse of state authority.

In Somalia, the outbreak of civil war in 1991 led to a breakdown of maritime governance. The
absence of effective state control allowed foreign vessels to exploit Somali waters, overfishing
and polluting them. Traditional Somali fishermen, now unemployed and facing poverty, began
turning to piracy as a survival mechanism. Over time, Somali piracy became highly organized
and profitable, with ship hijackings and ransoms sometimes amounting to millions of dollars per
incident (International Crisis Group, 2024).

In Southeast Asia, a similar pattern unfolded. Overfishing, economic marginalization, and

regional maritime insecurity pushed some coastal communities toward acts of piracy. Although
operations in this region tended to involve smaller-scale theft and less frequent kidnappings, the
cumulative impact on international shipping lanes remained significant.

The global consequences of modern piracy are substantial. Commercial vessels face increased
costs from rerouting, delays, fuel consumption, higher insurance premiums, and the need for
onboard security. These disruptions affect global trade efficiency, raise consumer prices, and
endanger seafarers’ lives.

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In response, the United Nations, along with regional and multilateral organizations, launched a
series of coordinated initiatives. The UN Security Council adopted multiple resolutions on Somali
piracy, authorizing international naval forces to patrol affected waters. Similarly, countries in
Southeast Asia strengthened regional cooperation through joint patrols and legal harmonization
to combat piracy in the Malacca Strait and surrounding areas (United Nations, 2021).

While piracy in both regions has decreased in recent years due to these efforts, the root causes
remain. Poverty, lack of opportunity, political instability, and weak maritime governance continue
to create environments where piracy can reemerge. As such, the challenge is not merely military
or legal — it is also developmental and structural.

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 8. Current Situation
Global Resurgence of Piracy

After a sharp decline in the 19th century due to coordinated naval efforts, piracy has resurged
globally since the late 20th century. Though its methods have evolved, modern piracy still poses
a significant threat to international trade and seafarers’ safety. Today’s pirates hijack vessels,
abduct crew for ransom, and steal cargo to sell on illicit markets—sometimes with links to terrorist
networks—causing severe disruptions to global commerce. Considering that roughly the vast
majority of international goods are transported by sea, the stakes are high for the world economy.

Somali Piracy

The rise of Somali piracy is closely tied to the country’s prolonged instability and economic
hardship. Following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in the early 1990s, the country
was left without effective maritime oversight. This vacuum allowed foreign vessels to exploit
Somali waters, depleting fish stocks and devastating local livelihoods. In response, some Somali
fishermen—once dependent on these waters for their survival—began organizing themselves to
intercept and confront these foreign ships.

What began as a form of self-defense soon escalated into a highly organized and profitable
criminal operation. Pirates established bases along the coast and used small, fast boats to hijack
commercial vessels. They held both ships and their crews for ransom, sometimes for weeks or
even months. The success of early hijackings—often yielding multimillion-dollar payouts—drew
more recruits and funding into the industry.

Many of the pirates involved were young men with few other economic opportunities, drawn by
the potential for significant earnings. Some operations received support from investors who
provided the resources necessary for attacks—such as fuel, weapons, and intelligence—and in
return took a cut of the ransom. This created a cycle in which piracy was no longer just a desperate
act, but a structured business enterprise (BBC, 2023).

Despite international naval patrols and joint efforts to secure the region, the persistence of poverty,
corruption, and lack of state control means that piracy remains an ever-present risk along
Somalia’s coastline.

Southeast Asian Piracy

Piracy in Southeast Asia, particularly the Strait of Malacca, also exhibits a worrying rise, though
often takes different forms. This narrow 1.7-mile-wide channel—transited by some 120,000 ships
annually—offers pirates close-range access to lucrative merchant traffic. Overfishing, resource
depletion, and restricted maritime zones have left coastal communities impoverished. Many

14
former fishers—sometimes in collusion with corrupt officials or crime networks such as
traffickers—engage in opportunistic hijackings or cargo thefts, occasionally resorting to
kidnappings. While most cases are hit-and-run operations, organized syndicates have carried out
complex abductions and long-term vessel seizures, reinvesting profits into regional criminal
networks (Amirell, 2019).

In response, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia began joint maritime patrols in the early 2000s—
first as MALSINDO, later renamed the Malacca Strait Patrol after Thailand’s inclusion in 2008.
These states implemented the “Eyes in the Sky” aerial surveillance initiative and launched the
Cooperative Mechanism on Safety of Navigation, enabling real-time information sharing and
standardized responses across borders (Medium, 2021).

Persistent Challenges & Root Causes

Despite these interventions, piracy remains resilient. Military and legal strategies, while crucial,
are not enough. Illicit networks continue because the underlying causes—poverty, weak
governance, depleted marine resources, and social instability—have not been fully addressed.
Sustainable solutions must focus on improving economic opportunities for coastal communities,
enhancing maritime governance, and strengthening regional cooperation to deter the resurgence
of piracy.

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 9. Past International Actions
The international community, led prominently by the United Nations (UN), has taken sustained
and coordinated actions to combat piracy, recognizing it as a serious threat to maritime security,
international trade, and human life. Piracy disrupts global commerce by increasing shipping costs,
delaying deliveries, endangering sailors' lives, and damaging marine ecosystems. The UN has
consistently emphasized that piracy not only harms individual states but also undermines global
economic stability.

One of the foundational frameworks in this effort is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Widely ratified by 168 parties, UNCLOS provides a legal definition
of piracy, outlines state responsibilities, and empowers nations to suppress acts of piracy on the
high seas. It also encourages international cooperation in capturing and prosecuting pirates,
making it a cornerstone of international maritime law (IMO, n.d.).

In response to the sharp rise of piracy off the Somali coast in the early 2000s, the UN Security
Council (UNSC) passed a series of key resolutions to authorize robust action. Resolution 1816
(2008) (United Nations, 2008) was historic in granting foreign naval forces permission to enter
Somali territorial waters to suppress piracy, in coordination with Somalia’s Transitional Federal
Government. This was expanded by Resolution 1851 (2008) (United Nations, 2008), which
permitted operations against pirate bases on land and promoted international and regional
cooperation.

Recognizing that piracy is rooted in weak governance and economic desperation, particularly in
Somalia, the UN has also invested in capacity-building. This includes training judicial personnel,
supporting maritime law enforcement, and improving prison infrastructure to hold and rehabilitate
convicted pirates. These efforts aim not only to suppress piracy at sea but also to address its root
causes on land.

In sum, the United Nations has played a central role in shaping a global, multilateral response to
piracy, combining legal instruments, military coordination, and development support to protect
international maritime routes and promote long-term regional stability.

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 10. Proposed Solutions
Strengthening Naval Presence and International Coordination

One of the most effective short-term responses to piracy is the deployment of naval forces in high-
risk areas. Modern warships, equipped with advanced weaponry, helicopters, and surveillance
systems, create a powerful deterrent against pirates who typically operate with limited equipment
and resources. For instance, international naval patrols near the coast of Somalia have
significantly reduced piracy incidents, as have coordinated maritime operations in the Strait of
Malacca. These examples demonstrate how increased naval presence correlates with a measurable
decline in pirate activity.

However, beyond military deterrence, enhanced international collaboration and intelligence-

sharing between naval forces, commercial shipping companies, and maritime security agencies
are crucial. Joint efforts to exchange satellite data, radar tracking, known piracy routes, and attack
patterns enable more effective monitoring and prevention strategies.

Commercial Shipping Industry Measures

Shipping companies bear the brunt of piracy through ransom payments, theft, shipping delays,
and rising insurance premiums. To mitigate these risks, many vessels have adopted defensive
measures such as installing barbed wire, electrified fencing, anti-climb paint, and high-pressure
water cannons. Others deploy long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) to repel attackers or perform
evasive maneuvers to make boarding difficult.

Moreover, the hiring of private maritime security contractors has become an increasingly common
practice. These armed guards have proven highly effective in repelling attacks, with no recorded
cases of successful hijackings on vessels protected by such personnel. Despite concerns over the
lack of global regulation and the potential for violent confrontations, private security continues to
serve as a practical, short-term solution for safeguarding ships in pirate-prone waters.

Addressing the Root Causes of Piracy

While military and private-sector responses can suppress piracy, long-term solutions require
addressing its underlying causes—primarily poverty, unemployment, and lack of state
enforcement. Many pirates, particularly in regions like Somalia, are former fishermen driven to
crime due to overfishing by foreign vessels and the collapse of national institutions. Illegal fishing
has deprived Somali communities of millions of dollars annually, leaving locals with few
alternatives for survival.

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 11. Bloc Positions
Western Nations

Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European Union members
prioritize multilateral naval coordination, technology-driven deterrence, and international legal
standards to combat piracy. Through mechanisms like Combined Maritime Forces and
EUNAVFOR, these countries deploy warships to piracy hotspots and support frameworks like
UNCLOS. Additionally, they advocate for public-private cooperation with shipping companies
and long-term efforts to address the root causes of piracy through development aid, training
programs, and institutional capacity-building in affected regions.

African Nations

Piracy-affected states such as Somalia, Nigeria, and Kenya emphasize sovereignty over their
territorial waters and call for international recognition of their right to manage local anti-piracy
responses. They seek legal and technical support to prosecute pirates domestically, as well as
assistance to curb illegal fishing and waste dumping that undermine coastal economies. These
nations advocate for investment in coastal infrastructure, livelihood restoration, and capacity-
building initiatives to tackle piracy at its roots.

Asia-Pacific Nations

Countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, often working through
ASEAN, favor regional mechanisms to combat piracy, particularly in the Strait of Malacca and
the South China Sea. They promote joint maritime patrols, intelligence sharing, and multilateral
agreements that uphold regional autonomy while reinforcing collective security. These nations
prioritize prevention and rapid response over large-scale foreign intervention.

Latin American Countries

Latin American states, while not as directly affected by large-scale piracy, are committed to
maritime security as part of broader efforts to ensure safe trade routes and economic stability.
Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile may support international cooperation against piracy
through capacity-building, technical assistance, and sharing of best practices. They are also likely
to underscore the importance of non-militarized solutions, such as education, employment
generation, and coastal community development, reflecting their broader commitment to human
security and sustainable development.

Russia and China

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Both Russia and China view piracy as a threat to strategic maritime trade routes—especially
through the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Hormuz, and the South China Sea. These nations often
promote state-led, bilateral or multilateral naval operations, and emphasize respect for national
sovereignty when addressing piracy within another state's waters. While supportive of UNCLOS
principles, they may prefer independent patrols or regional security initiatives that reflect their
strategic interests. Additionally, both countries are likely to oppose the permanent deployment of
Western naval forces near their spheres of influence, and may advocate for development-centered
approaches that reinforce national capacities in affected regions.

19
12. QARMAs (Questions a Resolution Must
Answer)
• Should Western countries be allowed to establish naval bases along the coasts of piracy-
prone regions, or would this constitute a violation of national sovereignty?
o How can the international community balance maritime security with respect for
territorial integrity?
• What strategies and development programs should be implemented to address the root
causes of piracy, such as poverty, overfishing, and political instability?
o Should these be led by international organizations, regional governments, or
through bilateral cooperation?
• What mechanisms or technologies should naval forces use to detect, monitor, and prevent
pirate activity at sea?
o Can data sharing, satellite imaging, or AI-driven maritime surveillance play a
greater role?
• Is the current legal framework (e.g., UNCLOS) sufficient to address the evolving nature
of piracy, or should additional international legal instruments be created?
o If so, what new definitions, procedures, or enforcement mechanisms should they
include?
• Should the fight against piracy be primarily a multilateral effort involving the UN and
global coalitions, or should regional frameworks and naval coalitions take the lead?
o What are the advantages and limitations of each approach?
• What protocols and humanitarian standards must be followed when pirates take hostages?
o Should there be a UN-led framework for hostage negotiation, support for
families, and post-rescue rehabilitation?
• What types of military technology should be permitted for anti-piracy operations, and
how can their use be regulated to avoid civilian harm and overmilitarization?
o Are armed private contractors on commercial vessels an acceptable long-term
solution?
• How should shipping companies contribute to anti-piracy efforts through ship design,
crew training, and private security measures?
o Should governments or international bodies provide guidelines or incentives?
• How can international actors ensure long-term stability in piracy-affected regions, beyond
military deterrence?
o Should anti-piracy efforts be linked to broader peacebuilding, environmental
protection, and development programs?

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 13. Position Paper Guidelines
A position paper is a document that outlines a nation’s position regarding the topic, as well as
possible solutions that address the concerns of the committee. The position paper is divided into
3 main parts which correspond to its paragraphs:

1. Your first paragraph should include a brief introduction to the topic, always connecting
the issue to your country. Try to include statistics, data, and phrases that may apply.
Always bear in mind that you should be focusing on answering the question “Why is the
issue relevant to my country?” and explain your country’s situation and policy about the
issue.

2. Your second paragraph should include a summary of past actions taken by the
international community related to the topic. Explain your country’s involvement,
comment on the effectiveness of the measures, and state how they can be improved.

3. Your third paragraph should focus on proposing solutions, always according to your
country’s policy. Try to be creative and propose original ideas that will help other
delegates (and your dais) remember your contribution to the debate. End with a strong
closing sentence.

Furthermore, this document has a specific format. We strongly request delegates to follow the
guidelines as listed below, any documents that fail to do so will not be accepted.

➔ Font: Times New Roman 12 pts.

➔ Line Spacing: 12

➔ Margins: Standard

➔ Pages: 1 page max. (excluding bibliography)

➔ Bibliography format: APA 7

Lastly, all position papers are to be delivered by Monday July 14th at 11:59 p.m. in PDF format
to the following email address: martinezescudero.francisco0210@gmail.com. For ease and to
ensure no position papers are lost in spam, please send all of them with the subject POSITION
PAPER - YOUR COUNTRY. It is important to mention that delegates who do not present the
position paper would NOT be eligible for awards.

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14. Bibliography
• United Nations. (n.d.). Disarmament and International Security (First Committee).
Obtained from: General Assembly of the United Nations.
https://www.un.org/en/ga/first/
• United Nations (n.d.). United Nations Charter. Obtained from: United Nations -
Peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-
charter
• United Nations (n.d.) United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs. Obtained from:
The United Nations Office at Geneva
https://www.ungeneva.org/en/about/organizations/unoda
• Royal Museums Greenwich. (n.d.). The “golden age” of piracy. Royal Museums
Greenwich. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/pirates-history-golden-
age-piracy
• International Crisis Group. (2024, June 28). The roots of Somalia’s slow piracy
resurgence. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somalia/roots-somalias-
slow-piracy-resurgence
• United Nations. (2021, December 3). Somalia: Security Council adopts resolution to
keep pirates at bay. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/12/1107192
• Duman, A. C. (2021, April 18). Çin tarihinde deniz haydutluğu olgusu ve 鄭一嫂
Zheng Yi Sao [The phenomenon of piracy in Chinese history and Zheng Yi Sao].
Şarkiyat Mecmuası, 38, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.26650/jos.820135
• Lasky, J. (2023). Barbary pirates. EBSCO Research Starters. Retrieved from
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/barbary-pirates
• International Committee of the Red Cross. (n.d.). Declaration respecting maritime
law (Paris Declaration, 1856). Retrieved from https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-
treaties/paris-decl-1856
• International Crisis Group. (2024, June 7). The roots of Somalia’s slow piracy
resurgence. International Crisis Group. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-
africa/somalia/roots-somalias-slow-piracy-resurgence
• BBC News. (2023, June 5). Somali pirate base: how former fishermen turned to
hijacking vessels. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8vl8n9gypo
• Amirell, S. (2019). The Strait of Malacca. In Pirates in the Indian Ocean (pp. 96–
160). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108594516.004

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• The Oracle of Insight (September, 2021). MALSINDO Operation and piracy in the
Malacca Strait. Medium. https://sureshofgehlot.medium.com/malsindo-operation-
and-piracy-in-the-malacca-strait-216f81a16bbe
• International Maritime Organization. (n.d.). United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In IMO Legal Affairs. Retrieved from
https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/legal/pages/unitednationsconventiononthelawofthe
sea.aspx
• United Nations Security Council. (2008, June 2). Resolution 1816 (2008) / adopted
by the Security Council at its 5902nd meeting, on 2 June 2008 (S/RES/1816).
https://undocs.org/S/RES/1816(2008)
• United Nations Security Council. (2008, December 16). Resolution 1851 (2008)
(S/RES/1851). https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/s/res/1851-%282008%29

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