Academic programme

          Table Discussion 1 

Capital Punishment 

Capital punishment is the harshest penalty for crimes. It is the execution of criminals for committing crimes that are regarded so heinous that this is the only acceptable punishment. In the old days, capital punishment was common for almost every country and was done in many ways. However, presently, capital punishment is one of the most   passion-driven issues considered as violation of human rights. It has been abolished in all European and South American countries because they believe that all people have rights, and justice is never served by state sponsored execution. Therefore, the abolition of capital punishment leads us to the point of the discussion whether capital punishment violates human rights, and what the real purpose of the punishment is. Moreover, since almost every country in Asia still retains capital punishment, we would like to share and express ideas about capital punishment in each country. Also, the discussion will cover the possibility of the abolition of capital punishment in Asia and what consequences of having or not having capital punishment will be.

Table Discussion 2

Juvenile Delinquency 

      During the past few years, serious crimes committed by minors have been arising in great numbers. The topic of juvenile delinquency has become one of the current popular issues that have been discussed in many countries. Considering the social impacts it makes, it is vital to take serious actions in order to deter and eradicate this problem; by not only the corrective methods but also the preventive methods.

      In search for solutions, discussion will be conducted from the roots of the problem. Afterwards, we will talk over the cause & effect issues, followed by the alternative solutions which will have an emphasis on whether both preventive and corrective measures should be applied to minors and adults alike. All points of discussion will be done by sharing facts and information from each country. Expressing one's opinion is highly expected so that we can finally sum up with the most proper and practical solution.

              Table Discussion 3

                                                  Underground businesses 

Underground businesses, namely prostitution, gambling and drug dealing, have been considered as potential threats to social orders while law, as a tool to maintain the social orders, has tried to eliminate these threats by providing prohibitions and sanctions. However, present legal measures appear to be inefficient and inadequate to resolve the problems because these businesses are to serve human’s passion. Many problems caused by these illegal businesses still increase drastically nowadays. Therefore, a question to be presented here is how to look for the best strategy to effectively tackle this issue.

Discussion will start on the disadvantages of having illegal prostitution, gambling and drug dealing. Then, we will find out how to effectively solve the problem of having these illegal businesses. In this point, we will specifically consider on whether we should insist on eliminating them or we had better make them legal. Delegates are to share and express ideas and information so that we can reach the best solution of this one of the moral-related and widely-affected issues.

 Table Discussion 4

Intellectual Property : Genetic resources and traditional/

Indigenous knowledge[TK] 

           In recent years, the misappropriation of folklore, traditional knowledge, and  indigenous practices has become an increasingly important issue in global politics.  In September 2000, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established  the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources,  Traditional Knowledge and Folklore, which provides a forum for governments to  discuss intellectual property matters concerning the access to genetic resources, benefitsharing and the protection of traditional knowledge, innovations and creativity, and expressions of folklore.

To explore the role of intellectual property in protecting folklore, traditional  knowledge, genetic resources, and indigenous practices, among the issues taken into

consideration include: Should traditional knowledge and indigenous creations be  protected under the existing intellectual property and cultural property regimes? How  can policymakers balance the protection of traditional innovations and genetic resources of indigenous peoples against the need for those materials in genomic research and in  the development of pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, and bioengineered products?  How can governments effectively negotiate traditional knowledge in the domestic and international fora? As several of the arguments addressed in international fora about the aforesaid issues are tenable and yet simultaneously controversial in many areas, active participation is relied upon to  achieve possible resolutions.

                  Table Discussion 5

       Rights of homosexual people

   Nowadays, people’s way of life has changed immensely from the past. Homosexuality has become a common word as homosexuals have been widely recognized and more tolerate by the society. In terms of law, their sexual orientations are not yet valid. In almost every country, a person’s sex is legally accepted to be male or female only, and this is not to be chosen. This has effects on homosexual people because they cannot change their legal sex status no matter how much they want to. Besides, Homosexual people cannot have legal married status with a same-sex spouse because marriage is solely between male and female. Their married status can legally be accepted as only civil union. In some countries, their sexual orientations are legally accepted, but they still do not have the right to marry with a same-sex person. In some countries, homosexuals are still banned from the society whilst in some countries they are much supported as can be seen from many homosexual groups or clubs established in schools or colleges in order to help homosexuals find happiness in their lives.

Topics that will be discussed include their basic human rights such as the right to marry, freedom of expression, the right to choose their own sexual orientation. We will specifically consider whether homosexuals are legally treated as equals to others, and if not, can this be considered as a kind of “sexual discrimination? Besides, we will consider whether the law should be changed, if so, in which direction, and what the effects of amending the law will be.

 Table Discussion 6

                                           Human Rights: Ethical issues vs. Reality

 Freedom of expression is one of the most important basic human rights, and is presently being promoted in every possible way especially by the media. Although the media play many important roles in the society, their freedom of expression sometimes seem to have no limits and violate people’s right to privacy. We will discuss whether media’s freedom should be limited, and it should be whose responsibility to take control or draw a limit.

Ex-offenders are people who are incarcerated for committing serious crimes. Usually, some of their rights such as the right to vote will be revoked during imprisonment. However, in some countries, they also do not have the right to work etc., and in some countries, they are treated badly as if they were not human. We will discuss whether we have treated them fairly and what measures can be implemented.

The right to death is one of the controversial issues that have been discussed passionately for some periods of time. In table discussion, we will share ideas and information about “the right to take one’s life” and “euthanasia” considering whether they violate laws or not. These are some examples of ethical-related issues appearing nowadays. Should we have time, we can discuss more.

 Table Discussion 7

                                                   Terrorism: Effects on hostages

            During the past few years, terrorism using much serious violence or threats has increased and caused fear and many unrest events. Now, it has become the world’s hot topic, which we should seriously consider it as an important issue.

Terrorism can be practiced in many ways such as assassinating high profile persons, car-bombing etc. Abducting is another terrorist activity, hostages are mostly always in hazardous situations, which they might lose their lives or be injured. The question under consideration is “What are the hostages’ rights?” Usually, terrorists abduct people to be hostages in order to threaten and force a government or a certain organized group to give in to their demands otherwise the hostages’ lives will be taken. We can say that holding hostages is an instrument used by terrorists in negotiation, which is considered unfair. Should the hostages have rights to be saved or do they forced to sacrifice themselves if terrorists’ demands are considered more important than their lives? We will discuss about how to save the hostages from terrorists by analyzing if negotiator and psychologist are necessary for the sake of the hostages.

We will further discuss whether there is any related law or measure, which can be enforced in the case that the police or commando units unintentionally kill the hostages during their charges on taking control of the situations. For terrorists, which law can be applied to them? Moreover, we will discuss if any related organization and media can take parts in solving this new terror.

Delegates are to share and exchange their information and ideas.

 Table Discussion 8

                                                         Right of aliens

Immigration has become the world’s common practice; hence there are many aliens in almost every country. Some of them are granted permanent residency, some of them are granted temporary stay; however, each case distinctively depends on an immigration act of each particular country. We will discuss about alien people’s rights; for example, what criteria and conditions will be in granting permanent residency to an alien, what rights they will be entitled to etc. Moreover, we will consider if aliens can apply for citizenship, and if they marry a citizen, the children should obtain a country’s nationality or not. We will also discuss about a person with dual nationalities whether under which law of which country he is. In addition, we will consider on illegal aliens: aliens who enter the countries without authorized permission and will be deported if discovered, concerning their rights such as the right to live, the right to work, the right to education, the right to social welfare, etc. Delegates are to share and exchange ideas and information regarding laws of each country. Expressing one’s opinion will be highly appreciated.

  

Debate Competition (First Round)

Concept: “CONFLICT OF FTA WITH WTO

Motion: “Does FTA conflict with WTO rules?” (Specifically consider on the global MFN trade)

Affirmative: Yes, it does. ---State your reasons

Negative: No, it does not. ---State your reasons

FTA =Free Trade Agreement (bilateral agreement)

WTO =World Trade Organization (multilateral agreement)

MFN =Most Favored Nation

 

 

**Please prepare both Affirmative and Negative side!