Economic & Social
Political & Security
Humanitarian & Financial
Security Council

Economic & Social Committee

Welcome to DIMUN 2012 and to the Economic and Social Committee. The topics for this year are Least Developed Nations, Sustainable Development, Women’s Rights, and Sexual and Gender Based Violence. I hope that as a delegate in this committee you will research these issues and develop a resolution with a complete and adequate solution. Remember to stay in character and have fun. DIMUN is a great experience but it also takes work. I am available to answer any questions you may have pertaining to DIMUN and the Eco-Soc Committee at ecosoc@dimun.org. I look forward to seeing you at DIMUN 2012!

 “The success of this session is a result of the active participation of all of you.” Statement by H.E. Mr. Lazarous Kapambwe, Closing of  Substantive session of the Economic and Social Council, 29 July 2011, Geneva

Sincerely,
Olivia Todd
2012 Eco-Soc Chair

 Least Developed Countries

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, with the lowest Human Development Index ratings of all countries in the world. A country is classified as a Least Developed Country if it meets all three criteria of:

• Human resource weakness (based on indicators of nutrition, health, education and adult literacy)
• Economic vulnerability (unstable agricultural production, low number of exports of goods and services, economic importance of non-traditional activities, merchandise export concentration, and handicap of economic smallness, and the percentage of population displaced by natural disasters)
• Low-income criterion, based on a three-year average estimate of the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (under $745 for inclusion, above $900 for graduation)

It is the goal of the Economic and Social Committee to provide both funding and an adequate plan to lessen the suffering in these countries, either by assisting the governments of less developed nations financially, or through direct interaction with their citizens.

• Almost 50% of the population in LDCs lives on less than $1 a day.
• U.S. GDP is about $40,000 per capita annually, whereas a nation such as Burundi (Africa) is about $84 per capita annually.

Research Links:
Youthink Worldbank Issues < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/development/ >
Nation Master (stats) < www.nationmaster.com >
World Bank < www.worldbank.org >
United Nations Development Programme < www.undp.org >
UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries < www.un.org/ohrlls/ >
List of LDCs < www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm#GNI >

 
Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development is utilizing natural resources in such a way that future generations will be able to thrive. This may include protecting the environment; limiting use of finite energy resources such as natural gas, coal, and oil; slowing deforestation; and protecting water resources. Sustainable development also relies on the on the use of technology to find efficient ways of using the resources readily available, such as solar power.

·         In 2006, global oil consumption was 118 million barrels a day.

·         Oil consumption is expected to increase by 37% by 2030.

Research Links:
UN Division for Sustainable Development < www.un.org/esa/dsd/index.shtml >
Sustainability Issues < http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/resources/res_docusdt.shtml >
World Bank Topics on Sustainability < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/environment >

Women’s Rights

In most developed countries women are afforded the same rights and privileges as men. However, women are still treated as second class citizens in many parts of the world. Violations of Women’s Rights include, but are not limited to: discrimination in the workplace (less pay for the same work), lack of reproductive freedom, legal inequality (women cannot inherit or own property in some places), and lack of suffrage. Reasoning behind violations of Women’s Rights ranges from religious justification to simple discrimination.

·         Since 1994, four thousand women in Pakistan have been set on fire in acts because of male aggression.

·         In many countries, law enforcement ignores “crimes of honor,” in which the women may be killed or badly injured for allegations of sexual infidelity

·         According to the World Health Organization, Between 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In Africa, about 92 million girls’ age 10 years and above are estimated to have undergone FGM.

Research Links:
Global Issues that Affect Everyone < www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/WomensRights.asp >
Human Rights Watch - Women’s Rights < www.hrw.org/women >
Youthink Gender Issues < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/ >
United Nations Women Watch < www.un.org/womenwatch >
Amnesty International USA < www.amnestyusa.org/women/index.do >

HIV / AIDS

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a global problem. The disease runs rampant through developed nations as well LDCs. Two million people died from AIDS in 2007 alone, and the number only grows each year. In underdeveloped nations only 31% of people that desperately need prevention education and medication to slow the progression of the disease are receiving it.

·         36 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in 2009.

·         About 95% of those infected with HIV live in less developed countries.

Research Links:
HIV/AIDS Database < www.avert.org >
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS < www.unaids.org >
Youthink Issues HIV/AIDS < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/aids/ >

Sexual and Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence both reflects and reinforces inequalities between men and women and compromises the health, dignity, security and independence of its victims. It encompasses a wide range of human rights violations, including sexual abuse of children, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, trafficking of women and girls and several harmful traditional practices. In warring nations, especially in the Middle East and Africa, sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war. Along with the physical abuse and mutilation of the body, these war crimes are emotionally damaging to those affected.

·         It is estimated that half a million women were raped in the conflict in Rwanda.

·         In the United States, the health care cost of intimate partner violence against women totals $5.8 billion each year

Research Links:
UN Programme on Gender Violence < http://www.unfpa.org/gender/violence.htm >
UN Office for Coordinating Humanitarian Affairs < www.ochaonline.un.org >
Youthink Gender Issues < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/gender/ >
UN World Health Organization < http://www.who.int/gender/violence/en/  >
Enough! - www.enoughproject.org

  Humanitarian & Financial Committee
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Welcome delegates to the 2012 DIMUN Humanitarian and Financial Committee. The major goal of DIMUN is to address issues pressing to every person in every country. We will be discussing issues dealing with the five main topics of Debt Relief, Infectious Diseases, Famine and Malnutrition, Literacy and Human Trafficking. Each issue was chosen because of its relevance to current issues along with its applicability to the UN Millennium Goals. Although every country may not seem inherently affected by these issues, each issue affects every one in the world. While every country may not suffer from the negative effects of the main topics, the unaffected countries can offer their help through resolutions. The specific goal of the Humanitarian and Financial Committee is to discuss the currently pressing issues of Debt Relief, Infectious Disease, Famine and Malnutrition, Literacy and Human Trafficking and then offer and provide solutions through the discussion and passing of resolutions. In order to foster a productive debate based on several resolutions, each delegate is encouraged to research and understand their country’s position of each topic. For help researching and writing resolutions, please consult the websites below or email me at hf@dimun.org . I will respond as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

 
Sincerely,
Elise Urban
2012 HF Chair

Debt Relief

The goal of debt relief is to reduce debt levels of the most heavily indebted poor countries. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank seek to reduce debt levels and create sustainable globalization not only in the poorest countries but also in the middle-income and credit-worthy poor countries. Through the use of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank continues to pursue the goal of debt relief. The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative combines the funds of both the IMF and the World Bank in order to address the development needs of low-income countries. By restructuring and reducing debt repayments, HIPCs will be able to use revenue to promote on programs to help the poor and create sustainable economic development.

• Almost half the world, over 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50 a day.
• 7 million children die each year due to third-world debt crisis.

Research Links:

The World Bank < www.worldbank.org >
International Monetary Fund < www.imf.org >

Infectious Disease

A variety of Infectious diseases are responsible for the disability and death of millions of people annually. While there are safe and effective interventions and treatments for many infectious diseases, access to necessary medical resources are scarce for many. People in less-developed and developing countries are the most affected by these diseases because of their lack of health care, medicine, and poorly developed infrastrucure. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) seek to stop and reverse the effects of many infectious diseases. By preventing the spread of infectious diseases millions of deaths can be prevented and quality of life can be improved. The effects of infectious diseases are borderless and affect us all; requiring an international effort to stop the spread of infectious diseases.

• 1.4 million people died from Tuberculosis in 2010, the most common contagious infectious disease in the world which is easily preventable.
• Malaria causes 1 million deaths annually.

ResearchLinks:
World Health Organization < www.who.int >
Global Health Council < http://globalhealth.org/infectious_diseases/ >

Famine and Malnutrition

Famine and malnutrition usually stem from two distinct sources. The first source is lack of food during a war or natural disaster however the second source and most common cause of hunger is poverty. The World Food Program (WFP) has a strategic plan to not only decrease hunger during emergencies but to also decrease dependency on food relief provided by the WFP. The WFP wants to help countries develop and achieve long-term solutions to the hunger. The major goal in decreasing famine and malnutrition is to improve infrastructure and agricultural practices. By eliminating malnutrition, people will be able to lead healthier lives and be less susceptible to diseases.

• 925 million people do not have enough to eat and 98 percent of them live in developing countries.
• One out of four children in developing countries is underweight.

Research Links:
The World Food Program < www.wfp.org >
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations < www.fao.org >

Literacy

Although there is no international standard for literacy, it is a pressing issue in almost every country. Low literacy rates are a correlating factor in most less developed countries. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Education for All (EFA), they are working towards increasing educational opportunity in the developing world. The goal of improving literacy is, not only to improve each individual’s knowledge, but to develop human capital to improve conditions in the world’s least developed nations.

• Today one in five adults is illiterate and about two-thirds of them are women.
• 67.4 million children are not enrolled in school.
• 793 million adults lack minimum literacy skills.

Research Links:
World Education < http://www.worlded.org >
World Bank Education < http://youthink.worldbank.org/issues/education >
UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization < http://www.unesco.org/en/literacy/ >

Human Trafficking

Most people find it hard to believe that slavery still exist today in the form of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them through both forced labor and sexual exploitation. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with law enforcement in member state’s to eliminate human trafficking across borders and within countries. Through international cooperation laws are aimed at stopping trafficking of both children and adults. The UNODC seeks to eliminate trafficking by assisting member states in prevention, protection of victims, and prosecution of traffickers.

• It is estimated that 30,000 people die each year from abuse, disease, torture, and neglect while being trafficked for sex.
• Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry today, generating 42.5 billion dollars worldwide.

Research Links:
Human Trafficking advocacy < http://www.humantrafficking.org/ >
UN Office on Drugs and Crime < http://www.unodc.org/ >

Political & Security Committee
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Welcome delegates to the 2012 Davidson Invitational Model United Nations Political and Security Committee. The Political and Security Committee is concerned with finding compromises and peaceful solutions to conflict. The Political and Security committee does ot have the authority to send peacekeeping troops into a member state, this is the sole responsibility of the UN Security Council . A list of the major issues being debated this year by the Political and Security Committee can be found below. The topics that are being discussed have a profound impact on every nation. Topics should be taken seriously by each delegation in order to reach a seek solutions that promote peace and security of all member states. Each delegation should write at least one resolution per committee, as well as act in character of their representative nation in order to improve the DIMUN simulation. The Political and Security Committee is one of the most exciting committees to serve on because of the nature of the topics, which encourage heated debate and intense delegate participation. I wish everyone an enjoyable DIMUN experience, as well as good luck upon getting your resolutions passed through. Please feel free to contact me at ps@dimun.org if you have any questions.  Remember the words of Ralph Bunche, "The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.”

Sincerely,
Bradley Mason
2012 PS Chair

International Terrorism

The eradication of international terrorist factions is a goal the United Nations since its inception. From fear campaigns to suicide bombings, terrorism is opposed by the entire civilized world, despite the few countries which harbor terrorist organizations within their borders. Former French president Jacques Chirac noted that "terrorism has become the systematic weapon of a war that knows no borders or seldom has a face."  As a delegate in the Political and Security committee, resolutions discussing International Terrorism can include, but are not limited to, the following facets: ways to educate the public on international terrorism prevention, UN committees to oversee and respond to terrorist activity, or sanctions against states that support terrorist organizations. Please note those are just examples, and well developed resolutions will include more areas of concern.   

·         From 2006-2010, over 25,000 people died worldwide from acts of terrorism.

·         From 2006-2009, law enforcement agencies from around the world reported 14,946 acts of terrorism

 Resolutions on this topic should address terrorism prevention measures and action against rogue states that provide haven for terrorist organizations; but take into consideration national sovereignty.

Research Links:
UN Counter-Terrorism Commission < www.un.org/sc/ctc/ >
Official UN Site on terrorism < www.un.org/terrorism >
Terrorism Research Center < www.terrorism.com/ >
Institute for Counterterrorism < www.ict.org.il >
International Terrorism < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_terrorism >

Disarmament / Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Since the first use of the atomic bomb in the 1945, countries continually seek to develop nuclear weapons as a means of achieving national security. Along with the five major powers, other nuclear powers include India, Pakistan, North Korea, and possibly Israel. While many countries have already slowed or ceased the process of making nuclear weapons by limiting the amount of nuclear material being produced, other countries are developing nuclear capabilities. Despite nuclear material’s ability to be made into weapons, it also creates valuable alternate energy sources for a world in which new energy is vital.  It is the job of the Political and Security committee to develop resolutions to help slow the development of nuclear weapons while promoting the safe use of nuclear power

•      There are five officially declared nuclear weapon states in the world: the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China which have all agreed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Three more states, Israel, India and Pakistan, have developed nuclear weapons outside the treaty framework.

•      About 26,000 nuclear weapons reportedly remain in the world today and there have been over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted to date.

•      There are 39 countries in the world, besides the five weapons states, which have the capability to create nuclear weapons (nuclear reactors).

 Resolutions on this topic should focus on renewing or amending existing nonproliferation treaties, as well as introducing new measures to slow the spreadof nuclear weapons.

Research Links:
UN Department for Disarmament Affairs < http://www.un.org/disarmament/ >
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization < http://www.ctbto.org/ >
International Atomic Energy Agency < http://www.iaea.org/>
UN on Disarmament < http://disarmament2.un.org/ >
Federation of American Scientists < http://www.fas.org/nuke/control/fmct/ >

The Middle East

The Middle East has, for many years, been an area of concern in the United Nations.  The issues currently under the most scrutiny in the Middle East include Iraq, Iran, Israel-Palestine conflict, and the current popular unrest in the region referred to as the Arab Spring.  Each of these issues has the capacity to affect the world.  This is a broad topic that leaves open the possibility of resolutions addressing issues that are emerging in the region at the moment.  Resolutions written on the Middle East are expected to be well thought out and specific.  

Resolutions on this topic should address a problem in Iraq, Iran, Israel-Palestine Conflict, and/or the Gaza Strip.  Resolutions should focus on helping or eliminating political unrest, or reducing threats from the country. Resolutions may propose a solution to help more than one of the listed countries.  Examples of Middle East resolutions would be a peace settlement distributing land between Israel and Palestine. Please note that these are only examples, and other ideas are expected.  

·         As of 2007, the UN estimates 70,000 insurgents operating in Iraq.

·         Since 2000, the Arab-Israeli Conflict has resulted in 3,196 Palestinian deaths and 946 Israeli deaths and over 10,000 injured

·         On November 27, 2011, Iran threatened to attack Turkey if the U.S. were to disrupt their Nuclear weapons program

Research Links:
The Iraq Crisis < http://www.globalissues.org/issue/104/the-iraq-crisis >
Global Policy Forum on Iraq < http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/irgindx.htm >
Palestine and Israel < www.globalissues.org/issue/111/palestine-and-israel >
UN History and Chronology on Palestine < http://www.palestine-un.org >
Middle East History and Resources < http://www.mideastweb.org/history.htm >

Egypt/Libya

The problems in Egypt and Libya are one of the most recent Political and Security issues being discussed in the United Nations. The transition from totalitarian regimes will be a challenge as these important states try to establish governing and civic institutions. The Political and Security committee will need to develop a solution to promote stable governments that respect democratic institutions, promote economic equity and promote the welfare of citizens.

·         Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was assassinated on August 23, 2011, leaving Libya in even more political unrest

·         Protests against the government in Egypt continue to dismantle hope for stabilization

Resolutions on this topic should focus on developing ways to restore piece within the borders of each of these countries.  Resolutions may be written on solely Egypt or Libya, or both may be addressed in a single resolution.  These resolutions are expected to be well developed and detailed. 

Research Links:
Crisis in Libya < http://www.globalissues.org/article/793/libya  >
Egypt country profile < http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13313370  >
Egypt News < http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/egypt  >

 Security Council
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Welcome, delegates, to the 2012 DIMUN Security Council. This committee of fifteen is the most powerful institution in DIMUN.  A resolution passed by the five permanent major powers and the ten rotating member nations is not placed on the floor for debate during General Assembly. As such, all Security Council decisions are absolute. This, along with the Council's power to deploy troops, places a great deal of responsibility on all members. Therefore, all delegates serving on the Security Council must submit two quality resolutions that reflect the policy of their representative nation. Although only the five major powers hold the power of veto, participation in debate from all delegates is imperative if this committee is to maintain balance in power. Research well, as a thorough understanding of your countries’ view will lead to effectual debate. Assume responsibility, engage yourself, and, above all, enjoy your DIMUN experience. If you have any questions, feel free to reach me at sc@dimun.org.

Sincerely,
Bradley Davis
SC Chair

Peacekeeping Operations

The United Nations Security Council’s founding charter called for the preservation of international peace and security. As such, a primary concern of this Council is to provide UN assistance to countriesemerging from conflict or on the verge of slipping into violence. The first role of the Security Council in any peacekeeping operation is thorough investigation followed by an attempt at mediation. However, different regions and crises require different solutions:  economic sanctions and collective military action. Resolutions on this topic should address the continuation of existing peacekeeping operations or debate over areas in need of UN Peacekeepers. 

Research Links:
Current  Peacekeeping Operations: <http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/current.shtml>
Peacekeeping Factsheet  <http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/resources/statistics/factsheet.shtml
Security Council Mission Reports: < www.un.org/doc/sc/missionreports.html >
UN Peacebuilding Commission  < www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding  >

Afghanistan
United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA)

 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is a political mission established at the request of the Government to assist it and the people of Afghanistan. Political instability and the increases in violence towards occupying troops provide constant need of mission action. To fulfill its May 2012 mandate extension, UNAMA has prioritized five main goals amongst the Afghani government and the mission agencies. These five main priorities include 1) peace, reconciliation and reintegration; 2) human rights protection and promotion; 3) sub-national governance and the rule of law; 4) maternal and newborn health; and 5) sustainable livelihoods.  Resolutions on this topic should address these priorities and the recent activity of UNAMA as outlined by the Activities section of the official mandate (see link 1).

Research Links:
UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan < http://unama.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1741>
UN News Centre on Afghanistan < www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=16 >

Haiti
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established on 1 June 2004 by Security Council resolution 1542.  MINUSTAH’s original mandate was to restore a secure and stable environment, to promote the political process, to strengthen Haiti’s Government institutions and rule-of-law-structures, as well as to promote and to protect human rights. The devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010, which resulted in more than 220,000 deaths, including 96 UN peacekeepers, delivered a severe blow to country's already shaky economy and infrastructure. The Security Council, by resolution 192 of 14 October 2011, endorsed the Secretary-General's recommendation to increase the overall force levels of MINUSTAH to support reconstruction and stability efforts in the country. October 2011 saw the call of the WHO (World Health Organization) for containment and treatment of a cholera epidemic, as well as assistance in locating 600,000 internally displaced persons.

• The current UN operation in Haiti involves more than 12,000 military and police personnel
  representing 55 UN member states

• The 2010 earthquake destroyed more than 1,000 schools and 50 health care facilities

• As of July 2010, 1.6 million Haitians remain housed in temporary makeshift housing

Research Links:
UN Mission to Haiti < http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minustah/index.shtml>
UN News Centre < www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=16  >

Lebanon
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Originally, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 and 2000. Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Council enhanced the Force and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons. Resolutions on this topic should address possible methods of reaching peace and viable ways to maintain order.

Research Links:
UN Mission to Lebanon  < www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unifil/index.shtml >
UN News Centre < www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=16  >

 
Sudan (Darfur Region)
United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)

A joint African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur was authorized by Security Council resolution 1769 of 31 July 2007. The Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, authorized UNAMID to take necessary action to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, as well as to protect its personnel and civilians, without “prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan”. Since December 2007, UNAMID has taken steps to end the genocidal civil war between Sudanese government supported Janjaweed and the Sudan Liberation Movement.

• 2.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan.

• Despite an abundance of oil and other resources, the vast majority of Sudan’s people live in
  poverty, and its Government has been described as ‘the most repressive regime in the world’.

Research Links:
International Crisis Group < www.crisisgroup.org  >
Darfur Information Center < www.darfurinfo.org > 
Human Rights Watch < http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/09/18/darfur9355.html  > 
UN Security Council Report (click Darfur) < http://www.securitycouncilreport.org >

Libya
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)

On February 17, 2011, revolts in Libya began to topple the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.  42 years after the beginning of this dictatorial leadership the government of Libya passed into the hands of revolutionaries. Since the beginning of armed force and civilian deaths in Libya, the UN has order sanctions and placed those in power in International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is tasked with assisting the Libyan authorities in restoring public security and the rule of law, promoting inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, and in helping the National Transitional Council (NTC) embark on the drafting of a new constitution and laying the foundation for elections. Resolutions on this topic should address these issues as well as integration and demobilization of troops, training and development of police and a new army, weapons control and border management.

 Research Links:
Official Mission http://unsmil.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3543&language=en-US
News Report http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40542&Cr=libya&Cr1=
Current Resolution concerning Libya http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N11/573/33/PDF/N1157333.pdf?OpenElement

Addition of Permanent Seats to the UN Security Council

The question of equitable representation in the Security Council has been on the UN agenda since 1979, when a number of mostly developing countries raised the issue of under-representation of developing and non-aligned countries in the Security Council. Today it seems to be universally acknowledged that some sort of reform is needed but there is no consensus on what this reform should look like. One of them is the so-called Razali proposal that adds 5 permanent (Germany, Japan, one from Africa, one from Asia, one from Latin America) and 4 non-permanent seats (one for Asia, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe) to the existing Council, increasing the total number of members to 24. This proposal enjoys the widest support, yet it has not gained the sufficient number of votes required by the UN Charter (two thirds of UN members, including all five permanent members are needed for any Charter amendments). Resolutions on this topic should address addition of Germany, Japan, India, and/or Brazil as permanent seats to the UN Security Council

Research Links:
UN Reform Reports  < www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/international/un_reform/sec_expansion.htm >
Debate on Expansion: http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Expansion_of_the_UN_Security_Council
UN Reform < www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/international/un_reform/sec_expansion.html  >