SPECPOL - Special Political and Decolonisation committee

Agenda: Deliberation on the South China Sea Conflict and addressing the legacy of colonial claims and disputes and legal impediments.

Introduction to the Committee

The Special Political and Decolonisation Committee, also referred to as SPECPOL or the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, addresses ongoing efforts to end colonialism globally. SPECPOL reviews global issues concerning atomic radiation, such as the medical, environmental and safety challenges posed by nuclear activities and receives reports from scientific bodies like UNSCEAR. SPECPOL reviews the operational and policy aspects of UN peacekeeping, examining cases of deployment, mandates and humanitarian interventions. While it discusses the coordination and oversight of such missions. SPECPOL cannot authorise or implement punitive measures like sanctions since it is a recommendation body of the UN; it does not have the power of enforcement like the UNSC. SPECPOL doesn’t have the jurisdiction or authority to discuss internal matters of countries or matters outside its’ scope of discussion (mandate).

Introduction to the Agenda

The South China Sea dispute centers on overlapping territorial and maritime claims among China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei and other ASEAN members. China asserts sovereignty over much of the sea using the ‘Nine Dash Line’, which was a demarcation on maps first published in 1947, later modified to ten and eleven dashes at various times, to reinforce historic claims over islands and waters. Taiwan (ROC) also claims much of the same area, referencing the original dashed lines. The dispute involves strategic features like the Spratly and Paracel Islands, both subject to land reclamation and military construction. ‘One China’ policy adds complexity, with Taiwan’s position distinguished but mostly aligned. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets legal standards for territorial waters and economic zones, but in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s historic claims lack legal basis under UNCLOS. China continues to reject the ruling, keeping tensions high. You as delegates in SPECPOL, will aim to find an effective solution to this long-standing dispute in the region, disrupting the security of the region through heated debates, speeches and finally good resolutions!