Historical Security Council
Committee Chairs
Yolanda Gao President
Hi! My name is Yolanda and I'm honored to be your chair for this iteration of SMICMUN.
I've been doing MUN since 8th grade, and has attended numerous conferences both as a delegate and a chair. SMICMUN will be my 12th conference, and it sure will be an interesting one. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of the most significant events in history culturally, socially and politically.
I hope that you're all able to learn a thing or two about that from this conference. See you all in March!
Leonard Tang Deputy President
Hi there!
I'm Leonard Tang, a junior from SMIC Private School. This is my third year of MUN, and I've participated in several conferences over the years as a delegate; this is my first time as an acting chair, so I am excited to work with you all on topics as historically important as what the HSC is discussing this year.
In this committee, we will be discussing the Rwandan Genocide, a crucial moment in history depicting the depths of depravity humanity is capable of sinking to in times of conflict. Contemporarily prominent ideals such as colonialism, ethnic warfare, and political neutrality are still prominent today, even if they exist under different masks, and so I believe events as historically relevant as this ought to be recalled and discussed.
I hope to see involved and well-studied delegates in committee! See you at SMICMUN!
Committee Topics
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
In late 1989, East Germany was teetering on the edge of collapse. A wave of peaceful protests, known as the Monday Demonstrations, had spread across cities like Leipzig and Berlin, with citizens demanding freedom, reforms, and the right to travel. Meanwhile, communist regimes across Eastern Europe were rapidly losing control, as Hungary had opened its border with Austria, creating an escape route for East Germans. Facing immense internal pressure, the East German government announced on November 9, 1989, a new policy easing travel restrictions. However, confusion in communication led many to believe the Berlin Wall was open immediately, prompting crowds to gather at border crossings. A fall of the wall looks imminent. How will the international community react?
The Rwandan Genocide
In early 1994, Rwanda was a nation on the brink, with ethnic tensions between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority at an all-time high. Years of propaganda by hardline Hutu extremists had fueled deep hatred against Tutsis, portraying them as enemies of the state. A fragile peace process was in place, with the Arusha Accords aiming to integrate Tutsis into the government, but it faced opposition from Hutu power factions. The country was awash with weapons, and extremist militias like the Interahamwe were being trained for violence. On April 6, 1994, President Juvénal Habyarimana's plane was shot down near Kigali. This could be a turning point towards all-out conflict.