Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Chair, Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Nora Heidel
DISEC, or Disarmament and International Security, is the First Committee within the General Assembly of the United Nations and deals with issues of peace and security relevant to member nations. During HUMUNC 2013, DISEC will work on two issues: 1) maritime piracy and 2) space disarmament.
Especially off the coast of east Africa, piracy has reemerged as a very significant international problem. Pirate attacks originating in Somalia have drastically increased in the past decade, bringing with them significant economic costs and increased danger to international shipping. The international community has attempted to deal with some aspects of piracy through the use of military capabilities to patrol and deter pirates, but more needs to be done. Specifically, the international community should address a number of issues: the root causes of piracy/failed states; how to fairly deal with captured pirates in a way consistent with UN principles, and other issues.
Space disarmament, the second topic, is a growing problem as more and more states acquire space capabilities. There are existing treaties that prohibit WMD in space but don't account for other weapons technologies. Space, being a global common, must be protected by the international community with a more active agenda.
