Hello everyone and welcome to the new UNYANZ newsletter, Communiqué.

For those students among you, I hope you all survived the exam period in good standing and are enjoying your summer.

For UNYANZ, the six months since New Zealand Model UN and Security Council have been a time of planning and preparation for the big year ahead. And a big year it will be!

On May 30 in Wellington the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand will celebrate 10 years of operation. That's ten years of bringing the ideals and principals of the UN to New Zealand's youth, ten years of growth, and ten years of good times. We'll keep you posted with details.

Below, you'll read about an upcoming delegation to THIMUN, the planning underway for our tenth annual NZ Model UN, the second NZ Model Security Council and many other fantastic events.

As always, regional Model UN events will be held in the early part of next year. If you are interested in being involved, keep an eye on our website, www.unyanz.co.nz. Members looking to become more involved in the organisation should keep and eye out for their region's AGM, where you can stand to become involved as an office holder in New Zealand's premier youth for youth organisation.

So as we move into the action packed coming months, join with us in organising events, be involved in the opportunities we have to offer, and most importantly, help us celebrate the awesome work that our organisation and all those that have been involved in it have done over the last ten years.

See you in '09!

Matt McGrath
UNYANZ President
president@unyanz.co.nz

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Along with the new year comes the time for some of us to renew our membership to the wonderful organisation that is UNYANZ. But not everyone needs to reapply for membership! Read this next section carefully:

If you applied for membership after NZ Model UN (i.e. the 6th of July 2008) or attended an event where you became an UNYANZ member after this date, then your membership will continue until the end of 2009. You don't need to do a thing and will still be able to attend any UNYANZ events at the discounted member's price.

However, if you applied for membership before the 6th of July or attended an event where you became an UNYANZ member before this date (including NZ Model UN), then your membership has now expired and will need to be renewed for 2009. You can either reapply for membership now or join when you attend an UNYANZ-run regional or national event.

Membership still only costs $10 and a membership form can be downloaded from the UNYANZ website, here.

Please allow up to four weeks for your membership to be processed as huge numbers of forms flood in from across the country at this time of year. But please do contact Sarah Wilson, the UYANZ Secretary, if you don't hear from us after this time or have any other questions about membership.

Sarah Wilson
UNYANZ Secretary
secretary@unyanz.co.nz

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The gears for New Zealand Model United Nations 2009 have started to turn with an excellent committee already at work. Coordinating the conference is Nigel Smith; with Resources Coordinator Sarah Wilson; Logistics Officer Chris Park; Conference Assistant Staff Coordinator Lizzie Chan; and Registrations Officer Aidan Beckett.

For those who have attended the conference before, NZMUN09 aims to be better than ever and we invite you to enjoy a fantastic experience as either a delegate or CA. For those of you who haven't, the committee looks forward to showing you what a Model United Nations looks like at a national level. More information will be coming out in the future, through the UNYANZ newsletter and through your regional committees and conferences. The conference will take place during Term 2 School holidays and the mid-trimester break for all universities.

If anyone has any questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you!

Nigel Smith
NZMUN09 Co-ordinator
nzmun@unyanz.co.nz

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When all else fails to resolve crisis, the world turns to the UN Security Council. It’s these kind of challenges that team delegations of university students will be dealing with at the 2009 New Zealand Model Security Council (NZMSC) in Auckland between 4 – 6 September. The conference follows the highly successful inaugural event in Wellington earlier this year.

We are working hard to put together a weekend of speakers, symposiums, dinners and social events – in addition, of course, to the core debate sessions. It’s a real and unique opportunity to engage in issues of international affairs and to network with like-minded university students.

You are sure to hear more about this event and how to attend in the coming months. In the meantime, mark the dates in your diary!

David Tong
NZMSC09 Co-ordinator
nzmsc@unyanz.co.nz

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Preparation for THIMUN 2009 is running very well, with a great bunch of delegates and an exciting itinerary planned. The last few months have seen the selection of delegates (a great group of students from Christchurch, the Wellington region, the Central North Island and Auckland); parents’ meetings (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch), and country allocation (the Republic of Korea).

All of these processes have yielded extremely positive results, with our country allocation offering a good deal of excitement. Hopefully during the next stage of preparations and the resolution-writing process we will be able to have a good deal of input with Korean groups – both governmental and civil – in New Zealand/

The THIMUN delegation will assemble and depart from Auckland International Airport on 15 January and will spend four days in Bangkok, three days in Paris, two days in Geneva, and seven days in Den Haag. During this time delegates will visit UNESCO Regional offices, The Museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Court of Justice (courtesy of our own Justice Sir Ken Keith), the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and a number of significant cultural and historical sites in Thailand, France and Switzerland. The Head of Delegation is Leela Rai, of New Plymouth Girls’ High School. Leela will be ably assisted by her Deputy, Hannah Brown, of Saint Margaret’s College, Christchurch.

Hannah Stallard
THIMUN09 Co-ordinator
thimun@unyanz.co.nz

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UNYANZ is looking for 6 high school students to participate in the 2009 United Nations Youth Association of Australia National Youth Conference (UNYC). This week-long, residential conference is held each year in different Australian Capital City and calls upon elite students from Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

The conference is held at the beginning of July each year, and this year’s event is located in Brisbane, Queensland. UNYC is a high quality conference, consisting of model UN debate, socialising, discussion, a formal dinner and dance, youth declaration sessions, key speakers, local excursions and a week long of fun and making of friends!

UNYC is comprised of a series of activities designed to educate and engage you in a number of international issues that confront the world today. Mock sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and UN bodies will give you first-hand experience at how the United Nations operates. You will also have the opportunity to listen to a variety of first class speakers, engage in youth policy sessions and compile a Youth Declaration.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to discuss the origins and solutions of problems the international community now faces. A broad range of topics are canvassed, ranging from international peace and security, international trade and aid, human rights and the environment, as well as the role that youth play in addressing such issues.

The criteria is that the applicant’s must be eager to learn more about international issues, enthusiastic to participate in discussion and debate, and ready to have fun and make friends from around the world. The successful applicant’s will be required to attend NZMUN in Wellington in early July 2009.

The application pack can be downloaded here.

Applications opened on the 10th Nov 2008 and close on the 31st Jan 2009. So, to apply send a page of writing on an international issue of your choice, along with your CV, and application form to:

UNYANZ
UNYC Applications
PO Box 24494
Wellington

Abbie Selinkoff
UNYC09 Co-ordinator
unyc@unyanz.co.nz

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On the 30th of May 2009, the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand will turn 10. This is an incredible milestone, and we want people to be able to celebrate it with us! To this end, over the next couple of months we will be getting in contact with everyone who has gone through our organisation - as members, participants, affiliates, or office holders - so that you can all come and witness the birthday celebrations for yourselves.

More information will be forthcoming, but if you have any questions in the interim, please direct them to Gina Manning at alumni@unyanz.co.nz, or please fill in the form on the Alumni page of the UNYANZ website - particularly if you wish to express your interest in attending the 10th Birthday Celebrations on the 30th May 2009.

Gina Manning
alumni@unyanz.co.nz

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UNYANZ Auckland has had a very successful 2008 and is still managing to keep busy over summer.

The region has held two successful events in the past few months. The inaugural High Schools Historical Model UN was held on August 9 to replace the High Schools Model Security Council for 2008. The event was a huge success attracting nearly 80 students who enjoyed the challenge of reformulating the UN Security Council. The University Model Security Council held on August 30 was also a resounding success and featured some lively debate over the issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Currently UNYANZ Auckland is organising two exciting events for early this year. The Auckland region's High Schools Model UN has recently opened registrations with the event scheduled for March 28 and 29. Organisation for Youth Declaration 2009 is also well underway. Youth Declaration 2009 is to be held on April 18 and 19 with a new two day format and is hoping to attracting over 200 youth delegates.

So, as the preparations continue, UNYANZ Auckland region is looking forward to an exciting, successful and fun-filled 2009!

Zeb Stone
Auckland President (Acting)
auckland@unyanz.co.nz

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The Wellington region has enjoyed a successful last few months. Firstly, in August we held the inaugural Porirua Model UN, which was met with great enthusiasm from all involved. Strong signs are that this event will become a regular fixture on the UNYANZ Wellington calendar in years to come. We also held the first ever High School Model Security Council in September.

The Security Council format extended the top high school delegates in the region, who were more than up for the challenge. A highlight of this event was the plenary session held in Parliament's Legislative Council Chamber.

A couple of days later it was the turn of the university students at the University Model Security Council. This event expanded from previous years, generating interest from many students new to UNYANZ. The successes of all three events are a great credit to the skill and knowledge of the respective organizing committees, but also to the interest and enthusiasm of our members.

The outlook for summer is relatively quiet, although there are a few things to look out for:

- Applications for the 2009 Wellington Model UN Coordinator and Committee have opened. Details are available on the website and will be sent out to members soon.
- There will be a dinner for university students sometime in November for those still in town over summer. Details will be sent out to uni members shortly.
- A Conference entitled Celebrating 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be held on 9-10 December at the Old Government Buildings. For details and registration for this intriguing event, please see http://www.victoria.ac.nz/NZCPL/events/e1008.aspx. The cost is $30 for students.

Mark Mulholland
Wellington President
wellington@unyanz.co.nz

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Canterbury ended the year feeling pretty good about itself. A lot’s happened in the last few months, involving a lot of people in a lot of things having a lot of fun.

On the school's front, a movie night was held at Christ’s College – a good, casual opportunity for members to catch up with each other. A particular highlight was the Quiz Night. With the charismatic Guy Carter MC-ing proceedings, fun was had by all. Thanks must go to Vicki Clarke, Greta-Talbot Jones and Anton Smith for putting this together. Both these events are wonderful reminders that fun can be simple – good old quiz and move nights can go along way.

The university side of the branch continues to develop. Dr. Kate Dewes, a member of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament, spoke to a group about her unique experience in that and other roles. Additionally, the New Zealand Universities delegation to Harvard’s World MUN Conference contains a significant Canterbury contingent.

Planning’s well underway for 2009, so watch this space!

Erin Jackson
Canterbury President
canterbury@unyanz.co.nz

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Otago is the most recently formed region of UNYANZ, and are therefore relatively inexperienced compared to other regions, but over this year we have held a number of successful events.

Most recently was a Model Security Council held at the University of Otago in September. Around thirty university students attended to debate the ‘Situation in Somalia’. The event was opened by MP David Benson-Pope and part way through the conference, guest speaker Alan Spear gave everyone an insightful talk on African politics and culture. Overall the event was a great success, with many first time UNYANZ members learning a thing or two about international politics and the United Nations. Mostly thanks to this event, Otago has greatly increased its university-level membership.

Another recent development in Otago, is that our application for affiliation with the University of Otago has finally been accepted after a complex process. This means that Otago UNYANZ will have better access to university students and will hopefully be able to use university rooms for future events.

Otago member Sarai Cosgrove is organising the New Zealand delegation to the Harvard World Model United Nations 2009 in the Hague, including a delegation from Otago. While this has kept her busy, her hard work has paid off and the conference (plus the post-conference diplomatic study tour) is looking like it will be the trip of a lifetime. For more information about this event, please contact Sarai at worldmun@unyanz.co.nz

The Otago UNYANZ regional council has got many exciting events planned for 2009, and with the enthusiasm of the current Otago members, everything should go to plan. Events that Otago will hold include: a high-school speech competition, a high-school level Model United Nations Assembly, a tertiary-level Model United Nations Committee (such as UNHRC or similar), a tertiary-level Model Security Council as well as smaller scale events like quiz nights, dinners and UN themed movie nights.

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the above listed events, or if you have any questions about Otago UNYANZ, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at otago@unyanz.co.nz

Janet Fraser
Otago President
otago@unyanz.co.nz

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As a history teacher I was thrilled to hear of the idea of an Historic MUN. History students aim to empathise with those who are involved in different issues or events, just like the traditional MUN, but the two together? Genius!

The advantages of a MUNA set in the past, was two fold. Delegates had the luxury of being able to research actual events, and plan their responses accordingly. They also had the opportunity, with the benefit of hindsight, to change the world we now live in. The debate soon highlighted those who knew their history, and those who didn't, and the pedantic History nerds had their chance to shine!

The Historical MUN not only made events of the past a reality, but it also reminded delegates of the origins of the UN, and how it has been perceived by the world since. The guest speaker set the mood for the day, as an expert in the field she gave many delegates a direction by indicating who the real world players are in today's world and who, in her considered opinion, should have the veto power that is available to the select few. The debate highlighted to the participants what the world was like at the close of WWII, and how much it has changed, and they were forced to decipher the power shift. Many answers were posed, and the debate got hot, and hilarious.

Teachers should be encouraging their students to use analytical and evaluative skills in real world situations. MUNA, and particularly the Historic MUNA is a fun and dynamic opportunity for just that.

Kim Whyte
Teacher
Otumoetai College, Tauranga

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Robbie Allan, a former UNYANZ President and now at the global management consultancy firm, McKinsey, reflects on his time involved in UNYANZ and its significance. We asked him the following questions:

1. How were you introduced to UNYANZ?

2. What opportunities did UNYANZ offer you?

3. What did you study at University and where has your career taken you since?

4. Has UNYANZ contributed to or influenced your career path in anyway?

5. What is it that you remember of all your experiences in UNYANZ.

And he answered:

1. In my final year of school our dean suggested I go to this Model UN thing. It sounded lame, but I was swayed by the free trip to Wellington.

2. I met amazing people, became involved with an organisation that's totally youth run, witnessed the machinations of the not-for-profit sector. Did I mention the amazing people?

3. I was the token 'evil commerce student' on the Executive for a couple of years. I studied economics and finance at university, and currently work across Australasia as a management consultant.

4. Without UNYANZ being the part of my life that it was it's unlikely I'd have become as interested and involved in international development and public policy. The experiences, contacts, and events associated with UNYANZ played a big part in where I am today.

5. The people. Whom I got frustrated with, loved, ranted at, figured it out with, sought consel from, gave advice to, passed amendments with, learned from, worked late into the night for, and afterwards enjoyed (more than) a few drinks with.

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The report "South Asia in Action: Preventing and responding to child trafficking" finds that laws need to be strengthened to protect children from being trafficked, as well as after they have been trafficked.

The report recognizes that although some Governments in South Asia have developed national plans of action and adopted laws that criminalize trafficking in human beings, much more needs to be done. The legal framework needs to be strengthened to protect children from all forms of trafficking, as well as legal and psychosocial support for child victims. Child trafficking across the region is not only committed by organized criminal networks, but may also involve friends, relatives and even parents of children.

The report "South Asia in Action: Preventing and responding to child trafficking" was launched at the South Asia Forum Regional Preparatory Consultation for the World Congress III against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. The Congress will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2008 and presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the commitments made by Governments in South Asia to ensure protection of children from trafficking and sexual exploitation.

You can download the publication here.

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The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) has launched an Audiovisual Library of International Law.

The website has three main parts: the Historic Archives; the Lecture Series; the Research Library.

The Audiovisual Library aims to provide free, scholarly resources to students and practitioners around the world, particularly in regions where there are few resources for the study of international law.