British Broadcasting Corporation, 10:05 Am (PT)
On the second day of the CAHSMUN conference, the UNODC opened their first committee session of the day, with incentives to find solutions, debate, and discuss the current situation regarding international juvenile justice systems. Though previously not determined, the committee has officially announced their specific bloc positions and where each country stands.
Beginning with a continued discussion of the topic as well as possible solutions, the UNODC shifted into focus on bloc specification as one of their last moderated caucuses before a formal un-mod. In the 10:1 moderated caucus (proposed by Cuba), the main standings consisted of rehabilitation, punishment, a mixture of both, and the preparation and proper representation of youth in trial.
Speaking for the PRR Bloc, Cuba opened the caucus discussing how they were going to take a 3 step approach, putting their assets into training law enforcement officers and upholding the proper treatment of youth offenders, who have significant psychological differences with that of an adult. Additionally, they added that though some crimes deserve punishments, rehabilitation in prison centres was necessary, furthermore saying that the collaboration of others was encouraged. Delegates openly noted that the referral of “prisons’ rather than “centres”, was not righteous as these crimes were committed by youth criminals and not adults with a full understanding of their being.
In response, the delegation of China, representing the US/China/Russia bloc, argued that all other opposing blocs were “wasting time, money, and resources” with their ineffective solutions. Instead, their bloc would focus on funding punishment systems. The delegate concluded by saying, “It’s not about winning. It’s about adopting a realistic and effective solution.”
Meanwhile, the representative of the Second Chance bloc, the delegate of Australia, said that their focus was to provide international solutions, education systems, and locally run training programs, as a collective international system proved to be unsuccessful before. Hence their name, they elaborated on the importance of education arrangements, saying how the youth offenders are just youth and deserve a second chance. The delegation of Germany was in support, adding how the blocs should provide funds for nations in need and the importance of having psychological and educational instructors who understand what the criminals are going through.
Opposingly, the Russian Federation made a comparative point, saying, “What happens when you don’t train a dog? They will go feral and they will start biting and attacking people, which is why the US, Russia, and China bloc are focusing on punishment and rehabilitation.” Oddly, this somewhat goes against what was said previously by the delegation of China; however the point was made that punishment was required to discipline the youth into never committing the crime again. Finally, the delegate representing Spain wanted to focus on providing high quality centres for the offenders, to eliminate discrimination and impartiality regarding the trial process, and to have deep consideration for the incredibly young age of these offenders. Spain believes that both punishment and rehabilitation are crucial in the justice system as well, specifically saying, “As Ninjago said, “Jump up, kick back, whip around and spin.” (…) We must be willing to whip around our attitude and acknowledge the importance of both punishment and preventative measures.”
With that, the moderated caucus concluded, ending with main bloc positions consisting of supporting education and rehabilitation systems, punishment systems, the importance of both, and regards to conditions before, inside, and after detention time. The committee will continue to finalise solutions to this complex issue, with some perhaps making a decision to “whip around their attitudes” into consideration.
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