GDST | CROYMUN 2018

On Saturday 17 November, Croydon High held their annual model United Nations conference (CROYMUN) and, with over 250 attendees from 23 different schools participating, this year’s event was a huge success. They were delighted to welcome back three of their alumnae to act as committee chairs. Attendees spent their day in one of seven UN committees. The Commission on the Status of Women, for example, debated the question of child marriage.

Attendees assessed the current situation in countries where child marriage occurs and discussed aiding the collection and use of transparent data about child, early and forced marriages. Armed with this information, more effective solutions can be found.

The Council on Human Rights debated the question of modern slavery. They called for funds to be spent on research on modern slavery and endorsed further active monitoring of immigration and emigration patterns in order to spot evidence of trafficking. In addition to this, they encouraged member states to persuade victims of modern slavery to assist in the prosecution of modern slave owners and abusers, so that there is a greater chance of perpetrators being brought to justice.

In all the committees, vital global issues were discussed. ECOFIN (the Economic and Financial Committee) considered the current state of sanctions on Iran; the Disarmament and International Security Committee looked at the protection of voting systems and rights; the Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee debated the protection of the press and universal health provision; the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee discussed mass tourism and its impacts on society; and the Security Council argued the questions of Eastern Ukraine and Venezuela.

 

The conference saw lots of intense discussion surrounding the topics which have an impact on all the member states. Joint Secretary-General Rebecca W commented:

“There has been lots of stimulating debate, which has resulted in an excellent day. I have been so happy to see everyone get involved in the various tasks throughout the conference.”

 

Jennifer C, her co-Secretary-General, added:

“I am sad that this is my final year taking part in the conference, but I am happy that I could finish it on a high.”