Legal Committee LEGAL

The Legal Committee (LEGAL) is the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, and it is responsible for handling the legal matters regarding the United Nations as well as matters regarding general international law as a whole. To this extent, the Legal Committee has largely tasked itself with the promotion of international cooperation towards progressive policy and legislation, its oversight of new treaties being formed across a broad array of topics, and its influence on other states as it continues to advise more of them to take part in this global cooperation. The topics discussed in this year’s LEGAL committee session will allow for a deeper focus into two very different yet important areas in regards to international law. Topic A will see it as it applies to a current major humanitarian and environmental issue and the regulation designed to combat it, and Topic B will see it as it applies to a very crucial aspect of international legislation within its own design and how it should carry itself as we move forward.

Topic A: Rights to Resources
One of the greatest concerns in an ever-growing human population is the rights to natural resources, and the proper allocation of such rights is necessary to ensure mutual prosperity amongst not just people, but for all life and the environment as well. However, when this principle is forfeited in favor of more personal benefits and success at the expense of others, there arises dire situations such as mass deforestation, exploitation of land, the siphoning of water from other populations, and many other crises regarding these precious natural resources. Actions have been taken to eradicate some of these concerns, but they are still happening at alarming rates throughout the world, and if these issues remain unresolved, we may see the mass destruction of Earth’s natural ecosystems and terrible consequences for the future of humanity. Therefore, it is of utmost priority to resolve such issues with the adequate legislation required to prevent the continued distortion and infraction of such rights to these resources, and it is the Legal Committee who will be responsible for putting this legislation in place. With this topic, delegates will see themselves debating on ways to counteract and prevent further exploitation of resources, to implement methods to punish and dissuade entities from continuing to take advantage of such resources, and to explore different avenues of rehabilitation and conservation of these resources to ensure that these rights remain mutually beneficial to both society and the world as a whole.

Topic B: Universal Jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction, the principle that allows a state to prosecute individuals for certain crimes, regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the perpetrator, is built on the assumption that certain crimes are a harm to all of humanity. Universal jurisdiction allows individuals to be held accountable for crimes against humanity, even if those crimes were committed outside of the prosecuting country’s jurisdiction. However, though universal jurisdiction was once a cornerstone in addressing many of these grave human rights violations, it faces challenges in its application to contemporary transnational issues. Some states have used it to pursue politically motivated prosecutions, leading to concerns about its misuse and abuse. Additionally, not all states recognize universal jurisdiction, leading to challenges in enforcing it consistently across borders. While essential for prosecuting certain atrocities, its misuse and dated scope warrant a comprehensive review. With this committee topic, delegates will see themselves defining new parameters for universal jurisdiction, considering nuanced legislative landscapes and evolving social structures. The debate will focus on crafting effective policies that balance the need for accountability with respect for national sovereignty, ensuring a fair and just legal framework for all nations involved.

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