Students discuss global security, advanced warfare and rights

Students discuss global security, advanced warfare and rights

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 20, 2015: Students took part in day 2 of the Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN), on Dec 19, Saturday with great enthusiasm. The young participants discussed and debated on issues, such as reforms in security council, drone warfare, violation of rights of women in Arab nations, nuclear situation in in Iran, improving healthcare facilities in Africa, pollution issues by MRPL, and international media.  The event was held at Yenepoya School.

In the session on drone warfare, participants were given a brief on how the drones affect nations. Organizers said that the use of drones has increased in recent times, primarily because they are less expensive than military aircraft and can remain in flight for longer periods of time than piloted aircraft.

Zephyr, a British drone, broke the world record for flying over 82 hours non-stop. Because they are manned by remote, there is also less liability than having to deal with a flight crew. According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, there are 56 different types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used in 11 different countries, including China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Based on these details, students were asked to calculate the kind of implications it can have on the peace and stability of the world. This kind of warfare is being used to precisely execute key targets and hence with a few strikes ending wars. They were also asked is the drones are lawful?; Do they comply with the obligation to take care of civilians?; Should the drone use be restricted by the international community?; What could the UN do to restrict the use of UAVs? May they only be employed during UN-mandated operations?; What sort of international standards or regulations, if any, should be set? And should countries leading to drone production be the ones who have the greatest influence in setting these potential standards? .

A local issue that was discussed was the pollution caused by MRPL. According to organizers, people living within 200m-300m from the sulphur and coke units of MRPL have vacated their homes, and the locals dwelling in the vicinity of Jokatte claim that water, sound, and air pollution caused by the new units is the cause.

The trees that emerged out of the lake at Meindagure, behind the old Mosque, have turned flaccid, indicating an environment degradation. The lake, which now appears dark green and shabby, no longer accommodates aquatic creatures, thanks to water pollution.

Participants were divided into Karnataka’s current assembly members like chief minister and others. During the given period, they had to discuss phase 1 and phase II of the MRPL projects and the possible hazards of phase 3.