Welcome to Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Dear Delegates,
My name is Karla Rivera, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 29th session of the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference. I am extremely excited to serve as your Chair for this year’s Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, I am currently a senior studying Criminology and Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Model United Nations has been an important passion of mine, and it is extracurricular activity that I have pursued since high school. Since then, I have attended conferences – such as NAIMUN – and have continued to participate in ILMUNC, both as a dais member and as an Assistant Secretary-General during my sophomore year. At Penn, I am also involved in the Latino Coalition, Penn for Immigrant Rights, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and as a leader of New Student Orientation (PHINS).
Throughout my involvement in Model UN, I have been involved mostly, if not always, in ECOSOC committees. This year, I am excited that ILMUNC has included CCPCJ, and I hope that you enjoy the topics selected for the conference. I look forward to meeting all of you in January, and I hope that the information found in the background guides will assist each of you in preparing for the conference. Please feel free to contact our USG, Devin DiSabatino, with any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have before you arrive in Philadelphia. Good luck preparing and hope to meet you soon!
Sincerely,
Karla Rivera
Chair, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Ivy League Model United Nations Conference XXIX
Topic Summaries
Topic A: The Drug War in Central America
For a huge part of its history, but especially in recent months, Central America has been riddled with drug trafficking problems. The border between the US and Mexico is particularly affected, with bloody stories in the news almost daily. The violence is spreading, though, and just a month ago, there were bodies discovered in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Veracruz. Warring crime lords have taken over the landscape, and officials don’t seem to be able to do anything. Local authorities, as well as United States agents, are involved in fighting these crime lords. The war allows dangerous drugs to be trafficked, and it also causes strain between Central and North America. President Obama has said that the drug wars can and will hurt relations with Central American countries. The CCPCJ must analyze the situation and propose steps to stop the violence and settle the trafficking problem in Central American countries, especially in Mexico.
Topic B: Children in Conflict with the Law
Anyone who is under 18 years old and has dealt with the justice system after being accused of a crime is a child in conflict with the law. Around the world, over a million children are detained by law enforcement. These children are often kept from proper medical care. Prison may be the right punishment for adults, but the incarceration of children may not always be the best solution. Care must be taken before separating a child from his or her family. If prison is meant to give retribution, alternatives must be employed to give children a fair chance. The CCPCJ must discuss ways to deal with children in conflict with the law. While punishment may be necessary, delegates must consider the best ways to punish.