SPECPOL - An overview
The Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, also known as the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly, has experienced a rather dynamic history, making it quite unusual and setting it apart from the other subsidiary bodies of the UNGA. Nevertheless, MUNs from all around the world have found ways to incorporate this exhilarating committee into their conferences, giving delegates a chance to experience debate on crucial political matters to a standard close to that of real diplomats, and exposing them to issues of international peace and security that are essential on the global scene. Thus, this article will take a closer look at SPECPOL and all of its intricacies, in order to hopefully provide you with more holistic background and context, should you ever wish to try it out for yourself.
Formation and purpose
Nowadays, SPECPOL mainly debates on issues pertaining to decolonisation and international politics (hence the name), however, this wasn’t always the case. When it was first introduced together with the other subsidiary bodies of the General Assembly, it was supposed to handle matters related solely to decolonisation and trust territories. But since the trusteeship system was then taken out of practice and the committee appeared a bit insignificant, it was merged with the Special Political Committee (SPC) in 1993, as a result of GA resolution 47/223. Because the SPC had until then been listed after the First Committee in most official documents, we can still see some publications today placing the Fourth Committee right in between the First and the Second. Of course, this has no real notable significance, but if anything, it makes it more special and original.
Today, the committee focuses mainly on two key aspects, decolonisation and the Middle East, however, these are far from the only issues that are placed on the agenda. Other such issues include: atomic radiation effects, peacekeeping operations, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and outer space diplomacy and security.
Past international involvement and action
Although it is quite difficult to pinpoint specific actions taken by SPECPOL that have had lasting consequences on a global scale, it is impossible to disregard its involvement in the overall decrease of colonisation since the beginning of the UN. Since 1945, over 80 former colonies have managed to gain independence, a process which was facilitated by the C-24 committee (also known as the Special Decolonisation Committee). The C-24 was established in 1961 and has since worked closely with and reported to SPECPOL, in order to provide recommendations for draft resolutions and other solutions to be brought up in the General Assembly.
The 75th meeting
SPECPOL convenes on a yearly basis during October-November, like most of the other UNGA committees, and reconvenes during springtime to put in place resolutions passed by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. Last year, during the 75th session, the committee held its meetings from October 8th to November 6th and discussed issues encompassed generally by the areas previously mentioned, as well as some more precise areas, such as but not limited to: Palestinian refugees in the Near East, training facilities for those living in Non-Self-Governing Territories, and reviewing ongoing special political missions.
SPECPOL MUN topics
Although SPECPOL is a rather niche committee that isn’t present at many conferences, MUNs in Romania have still found intriguing topics to keep their delegates on their toes and constantly engaged in debate. Thus, we have gathered a list of a few past conferences and their SPECPOL topics, to give you an idea of the sort of discussions that you could expect from a typical SPECPOL committee:
SavaMUN 2019: Migration due to rising sea levels; Reconstruction of damaged human encampments in post conflict areas
IasiMUN 2019: The Arctic Silk Road; Private military companies
YouthMUN 2020: Arab World’s revolution against sectarianism
VianuMUN 2020: Federalisation of the Republic of Moldova; Avoiding the re-escalation of ‘The Troubles’ conflict
Concluding remarks
It really is quite a shame that SPECPOL committees do not show up more often at MUN conferences, because past experiences and topics have proven that extremely fruitful and intense debate can occur in this environment; especially since decolonisation and international politics are so important in our ever-changing world, we strongly encourage you to try and give it a go if you ever get the chance, since this committee is truly one of a kind and has so much to offer to delegates of all skill levels.
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