Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL) Chairs: Anjali Anbu & Devin Crowley
Email: anjanb22@bergen.org Topic A: Planning for Displacement From and Accountability for Rising Sea Levels With 187 million people throughout the world threatened by rising sea levels (RSL), it is urgent that the United Nations discuss and plan for the displacement of peoples both directly and indirectly threatened by upwards of six feet. A change in temperature of two degrees celsius would lead to the displacement of peoples in the major cities of Hong Kong, Mumbai, Osaka, Bangkok, and Manilla. Even right now, 110 million people live below high tide. This committee will open debate on the issues of how to handle the displacement and relocation of individuals, protect land and infrastructure on shorelines, and determine which parties should be held accountable for their participation in RSL. Delegates will assess responsibilities of different nations as well as how different areas (developed, costal, etc.) should respond to and be aided in recovery and resettlement. Topic B: Regulating Usage of Private Military Companies (PMCs) by Nations in Conflicts The use of private military companies (PMCs) has been majorly debated internationally. In 1989, it was established in convention that mercenaries were to be banned. Later, in 2001, PMCs came into the spotlight, again being pushed against. However, many countries disagreed with what was now found at the 2001 convention. Ever since, issues involving PMCs have erupted, specifically how they differ from mercenaries and how countries can use them despite UN instruction. In certain cases, loopholes including troop numbers and group sizes can be “falsified” by not listing hired workers, leaving the public with a false impression of the situation. Despite this, PMCs can be extremely beneficial and cost effective, especially in ensuring few corruption, especially inside military ranks. The chairs will look favorably upon discussions concerning the extent of the usage of PMCs, specifically how each country views mercenaries, PMCs, and the relationship between the two. Delegates will assess the role of sovereignty in the use of PMCs as well as suggested measures to ensure the correct and well-defined usage of PMCs to however his/her/their country sees fit. 
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