On the 26 January, 15 pupils traveled to the Hague for the 58th annual The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference to represent the delegation of Greece. Over 160 schools gathered from more than 100 countries. In addition to representing Greece, Bede’s also had Joseph and Emily representing Ireland in the Historic Security Council, and Pippa acting as a judge in the International Criminal Court.
On arrival in The Hague and following a quick bag drop at the hotel, we had the opportunity to look around the Mauritshuis Museum. This amazing art gallery is home to masterpieces such as 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring' and 'The Goldfinch', and also has a conservation department that works on restoring many paintings. Pippa attended a briefing at the World Forum for the Mock International Criminal Court (ICC), where they discussed procedure and started the first case: The Prosecutor vs Al Mahdi (who was tried for attacks against religious and historic buildings in Timbuktu in 2012). That evening we enjoyed dinner at Atithi, and celebrated Emma’s birthday, singing the Dutch version of ‘Happy Birthday’!
On Tuesday, members of the Greek delegation went straight into informal lobbying in their respective committees. Lilian made an opening statement in General Assembly (GA) 3 (Artefact Restitution and Forced Marriage), Mysha spoke about the issues of deep sea mining, rising sea levels and cultural heritage as a tool for conservation in her opening speech in the Environment Commission (EVC) 2, and Immy and Noa made their opening remarks in the Security Council (SC) about the Iran missile crisis. That afternoon, we attended the opening ceremony where, in a video message, UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed the importance of global cooperation. Mayor of the Municipality of The Hague, Jan van Zanen also spoke about how the skills of communication, mutual understanding and compromise are crucial. The theme for this year's conference, ‘Culture & Heritage: Embracing Diversity’, was discussed by Dr Nigel Crawhall who is the Chief of Section for Small Islands and Indigenous Knowledge in the Natural Sciences Sector of UNESCO. After the parading of flags and a speech from the Secretary General of THIMUN, the conference was declared open.
In the Historic Security Council (HSC), Emily and Joseph received a visit from Dr. Dren Doli, Kosovo’s Ambassador to the Netherlands. Dr. Doli described his first‑hand experiences of the ethnic tensions that affected the former Yugoslavia. He revealed that these tensions were not accidental, but the result of deliberate policies implemented during communist times. Three legal professionals from the ICC came to the World Forum to speak to those in the mock simulation about their roles and how the court works.
Day Three started with debate of the first issue. Beau made multiple points of information (POI) in GA2 and Mysha made a speech in favour of a resolution opposing deep sea mining in EVC2. In the ICC, as a judge, Pippa heard and questioned witness testimonies for both the prosecution and defence, and questioned these witnesses to establish if Al Mahdi had Mens rea (guilty intent). As day three finished early, we were able to visit the Museum Panorama Mesdag, which showcases Hendrik Willem Mesdag’s panorama of Scheveningen, a district of the Hague. Finished in 1880, this is the oldest 360 degree panoramic painting in the world still in its original location and is one of the last remaining examples.
On Thursday, the day began with Pippa and Noa’s visit to the real International Court of Justice to watch the last day of proceedings in the Myanmar v. The Gambia case, which was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand a landmark moment at the highest level of international law, and the most profound privilege to speak with actual victims of alledged genocide. This day was a deeply moving experience, offering Noa and Pippa meaningful insights into the realities of the pursuit of international justice, leaving them with a profound sense of the impact of the trial on victims.
The main conference was also taking shape as many of the delegates spoke while representing Greece in their committees. In the SC, Immy made a speech against a clause that said international troops should be sent to Gaza, following which the clause was voted against or abstained by all except the proposer, Russia. Mysha proposed an amendment to enforce legal processes in environmental conservation, which was successfully passed. In the HSC, Emily and Joseph proposed a clause requesting the support of member states to collaborate with Non-Governmental Organisations in the Darfur Region in 2002. This passed, despite half of it being vetoed and subsequently removed by the P5! Boris made a speech in GA1 proposing measures to improve the safety of international shipping in the Red Sea. The ICC also started their second case, The Prosecutor vs Joseph Kony (tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Uganda between 2002 and 2005) and deliberated on evidence, witness statements and advocates’ arguments. After a very successful fourth day at the conference, we went to a restaurant where we enjoyed many different cuisines such as Surinamese, Lebanese, Indonesian and Kenyan.
On the last day of the conference there were many outstanding contributions from the delegates. In the SC, Noa delivered speeches about the importance of protecting ethnic minorities and their right to remain in their ancestral homes, especially when taking into consideration the significant Greek diaspora all over the globe. Furthermore, Immy’s clause calling for resources to be directed towards Ukraine was passed despite heavy amendments by the USA. The HSC passed a clause from Joseph and Emily aimed at ensuring full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilian populations in the Darfur Region of Sudan in 2002. Mysha made multiple POIs and a speech in favour of an amendment to empower local communities in environmental conservation. Beau also made multiple POIs and a speech in favour of a resolution co-submitted with other nations that focused on minimising the effects of globalisation on local cultures. As the ICC was deliberating over the second case, Pippa argued that, although the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda had many leaders who acted independently, it was clear that there was overall terror and belief which encouraged every leader to act according to Kony’s beliefs.
The final day ended with the closing ceremony. This began with the ICC’s judgments on each case being released: concerning the first case, the judges found Al Mahdi not guilty of the alleged crimes, and regarding the second case, the judges found Joseph Kony guilty on every charge. We heard from members of the secretariat and were encouraged not to end our conversations held at THIMUN, but instead to continue to engage with others to help address major world issues. As Lilian was our Ambassador, she carried the Greek flag and waved it on stage with the ambassadors representing every other delegation; this was a powerful symbol of unity to end the ceremony. This last day was extremely successful with everyone learning more about global issues through active deliberation with peers from all over the world. On our final evening, we had the chance to further explore The Hague, see different parts of the city, and buy souvenirs. This was an amazing way to end the trip, see the city, and unwind after an intensive week of debate about serious world issues.
All the pupils would like to thank Mr McIntosh and Ms Webster for organising the trip, their considerable guidance and support while we prepared for the conference, and for all the assistance with individual applicants. Taking part in the THIMUN conference is a unique opportunity that has given us valuable life experience in public speaking and negotiation, first-hand understanding of the views of our peers in many other nations, and direct inspiration from world leaders and professionals. This all combined to make a trip that will not easily be forgotten.
