For immediate release
October 18, 2000
Issue of refugees debated by Model UN
Fifty-eight students from
thirteen area high schools will meet at Sir James Whitney School for the
Deaf on October 20 and 21 to debate the issue of refugees. The Quinte and
District Branch of the United Nations Association in Canada is organizing
the Model United Nations together with the Hastings and Prince Edward District
School Board to commemorate the United Nations Anniversary.
Schools send two teams of
two senior students to present, discuss and debate the position of their
assigned country. The two day event includes the presentation of country
position papers and debate on the topic. The topic of refugees includes
such issues as: the definition of refugees' status both internationally
(UN) and in each individual country; illegal refugees with respect to exiting
and receiving countries; and people-smuggling rings.
Students are required to
prepare a one page position paper on their country. This information is
presented and Model UN delegates then ask questions. Following the presentation,
delegates break-off into groups in an attempt to form allies and work towards
a resolution using the knowledge of their research. The group of delegates
reconvene into the General Assembly and discuss the proposed resolutions.
Delegations are challenged and finally, resolutions are put to a vote.
Following the two days of
presentations and debates, the event is summarized by the officiator, Bill
Walker, former president of the branch. Students are presented with a certificate
of participation. And, in addition this year, the students are invited
to hear Geoffrey Pearson, President of the United Nations Association in
Canada and son of former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Mr. Pearson
is speaking on October 26, at Albert College as part of the Community Candles
event. Additional tickets can be purchased at Greenley's Bookstore in Belleville.
For information contact:
Wendy Whitehead, Human Resources Officer, 966-1170 ext. 2265