JrBSBMUN II 

 
 
 

ECOSOC 
 
 
 
 

Table of Contents 
Table of Contents 1 

Letter From the Chairs 2 

Committee Description 

Procedure 
Topic A: Addressing the Trade War between the United States and China 
Introduction 
Background Information 
Current Situation 
Timeline  
Definition of Key Terms 
Guiding Questions 
Block Positions 
Resources 
Topic B: Managing the Rights of Indigenous Communities in Latin America 
Introduction 
Background Information 
Current Situation 
Timeline 
Definition of Key Terms 
Guiding Questions 
Block Positions 
Resources 

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Letter From the Chairs 

 
Hello ECOSOC Delegates, 
We are honored to be your chairs for the second rendition of Junior 
Brasilia Model United Nations. It seems crazy that only a year ago both of us 
attended this conference as delegates and now we are chairing. The two 
topics we have chosen for you are very current and complicated issues. It is 
vital that you understand your position and the topics thoroughly.  
We hope that you will be able to put aside your fears and have an 
engaging debate. Remember that this is a learning experience for new and 
returning delegates alike. Most of all, we hope you have fun at this conference 
and it inspires you to continue your MUN careers! 
We have done our best to prepare an in-depth study guide to initiate 
your research. If you have further questions or need any help please feel free 
to contact us through the emails listed below. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Antonia Vezzoli Guilherme Valença 
​eab202304334@eabdf.br eab202303879@eabdf.br   
Head Chair Vice Chair 
     

Committee Description 
The Economic and Social Council (​ ECOSOC) is at the heart of the United 
Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development 
– economic, social and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering 
debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and 
coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals. It is also 
responsible for the follow-up to major UN conferences and summits. 
 

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 Procedure 
During committee sessions, we will follow the following procedure: (For 
a more in-depth description of conference structure, please refer to the 
BSBMUN Delegate Handbook​) 
General Rules 
a. The chairs are the authority while in committee, and while the 
delegates can appeal to the decision can be appealed using the 
motions describe below, the final choice lies with the dais’ decision.  
b. In ECOSOC, you and your fellow delegates are not “persons”, and so 
personal pronouns are not allowed (For instance, instead of saying 
“How will you address the crisis”, say “How will the Delegate address the 
crisis”). All delegates are expected and required to treat each other with 
respect in and out of committee, and while points and motions are 
integral for debate, they should never interrupt another delegate’s 
speech or hinder another delegate's performance in the committee.  
c. The delegate's own opinions should NEVER interfere with their 
country's position. It is paramount that all delegates represent the 
interests of their countries regardless of the delegate's personal views. 
d. Western business attire is required for all delegates. Female delegates 
are expected to wear dresses, or tops paired with trousers or skirts. 
Male delegates are expected to wear suits, ties, and formal shoes. (For 
more information on Dress Code, please refer to the BSBMUN Delegate 
Handbook) 
 
Points and Motions (​ from the BSBMUN Delegate Handbook) 
i. Below are all the points and motions we will be having during the 
debate. If any of the delegates wish to make a point or motion, they 
need to raise their placards and state their point/motion. 
Memorization is not necessary, and the delegates will have access to 
this document at all times. If a specific point or motion is necessary 
for the further part of the debate, it will be addressed in that section. 
ii. Points 
1. Point of Personal Privilege:​ This point refers to a matter of 
personal comfort, safety, and/or well being of the members of the 
committee. The Chair may refuse to recognize the said point if 
the delegate has not shown proper restraint or if the point is 
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 dilatory in nature. Example: “Point of Personal Privilege, the 
delegate cannot hear the speaker.” 
2. Point of Information:​ After a delegate gives a speech, he or she 
may be open to Points of Information or yield the floor back to 
the Chair. If the delegate decides to yield to Points of Information, 
he or she may either limit the number of Points of Information or 
be open to any and all that may arise. These points must be 
directed to the speaker and be phrased in the form of a question. 
Following a Point of Information, delegates may request a 
follow-up, which will be judged by the Chair. 
3. Point of Order:​ This point relates to the observance of the rules of 
the committee or to the way the Chair is exercising his or her 
power. The Chair may refuse to recognize a Point of Order if the 
delegate has not shown proper restraint governing the use of 
such a right or if the point is dilatory in nature. 
4. Point of Clarification:​ This point is used to clarify what may have 
been incorrectly stated or ambiguous before. Points of 
Clarification must always be objective and factual and cannot 
have a subjective aspect. 
5. Point of Inquiry: ​A delegate may raise a Point of Inquiry to 
request clarification of the present procedural status of a session. 
e. Right of Reply:​ This right must be submitted in writing to the 
Chair. In this note, delegates must say what delegation is 
exercising this right and why the delegation feels directly and 
personally offended by another delegate’s comments. After 
receiving the written request for a Right of Reply, the Chair will 
rule whether it is valid or invalid. 
Motions: 
1. Motion to Appeal to the Chair’s Decision:​ This 
motion is made when a delegate feels that the Chair 
was incorrect in his or her ruling. It is submitted to 
the Chair by writing and will be decided by the 
co-Chair. At that time, the co-Chair will hear from the 
delegate and Chair in order to make a decision. This 
ruling is not subject to appeal. 
2. Motion for a Moderated Caucus: ​When motioning 
for a moderated caucus, delegates must specify the 
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 total time limit for the caucus, speaking time, and 
purpose. During a moderated caucus the Chair 
recognizes delegates for remarks without the use of a 
speaker list and yields. Do keep in mind that the 
delegate who makes this motion will automatically 
be added as the first speaker. 
3. Motion for an Unmoderated Caucus:​ When making 
this motion, delegates must specify the length and 
purpose of the caucus. Unmoderated caucuses allow 
delegates to have informal discussions and move 
around the committee room. 
4. Motion to Table Debate:​ The committee may 
consider a motion to table debate on the item under 
discussion. If the motion is seconded, two 
representatives may speak in favor of and two against 
the motion. This motion can be used to table 
resolutions, amendments, or topics. A two-thirds 
majority is required for passage. A resolution, 
amendment, or topic, maybe reintroduced so that 
debate can resume the same process. A motion to 
reintroduce also requires a two-thirds vote to pass. 
5. Motion to Move into Time Against:​ If a delegate 
feels that debate in favor of a resolution or 
amendment is repetitive, he or she may call out for 
this motion, assuming no one is speaking. If the 
motion is seconded with no objections, it 
automatically passes. 
6. Motion to Adopt without a Vote:​ If a delegate 
believes that the entire committee supports an 
amendment or resolution and that debate is lacking, 
the delegate may motion to adopt without a vote. 
This motion passes if it is seconded and there are no 
objections. 
7. Motion to Move into Voting Procedure:​ When a 
delegate feels that the topic on the floor, be it a 
resolution or amendment, has already been 
sufficiently discussed, he or she may motion to close 
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 debate and move into the voting procedure. This 
motion passes if it is seconded and there are no 
objections. 
8. Motion to Suspend Debate: ​Also known as Motion to 
Adjourn Debate; when the time allotted for a specific 
committee session has elapsed, a delegate may 
make this motion. In order to pass, this motion must 
be seconded and face no objections. 
9. Motion to Recess: W ​ hen the time allotted for the last 
committee session has elapsed, delegates may make 
a Motion to Recess. In order to pass, this motion must 
be seconded and face no objections. 
Flow of Debate: 
1. Opening Speech 
a. All delegations, in alphabetical order, will stand and deliver one 60 
seconds long speech. This speech should first address the other 
delegations, the chairs and any guests (typically in this manner: 
“Honorable Chairs, Fellow Delegates, and Esteemed Guests”). Then the 
speech needs to outline your countries positions on both topics, and 
(though optional) conclude with a line talking about the delegations’ 
hope to solve their issue (as a side note, the phrase “fruitful debate” is 
absolutely forbidden, and no delegations should ever use it). 
2. Lobbying 
a. Following opening speeches, the committee often moves into 
lobbying time. To do this, one delegation needs to make a Motion 
for Moderated Causes (outlined in the motion section). Then 
delegates can rise from their seats to make a resolution; a certain 
number of delegations (who will be known as the Main 
Submitters) can merge their clauses (come with a few prepared 
clauses to debate) into a working resolution. Main submitters 
must always vote for their own resolutions. Anyone wanting to 
see the resolution being debated and amended (not necessarily 
being passed), should sign as a co-submitter. 
3. Debating Resolutions 
a. When the lobbying time has elapsed, the chairs will select one of 
the submitted resolutions at their own discretion and project it. 
Then one of the main submitters will rise and read the resolution, 
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 followed by either the same or a different delegate giving a 
speech in favor of the resolution. The speaker, or another 
delegation, will then answer Points of Information regarding the 
resolution. The house will then entertain a speaker against the 
resolution, who will also deliver a speech; and answer points of 
information. Following this, a Motion for Unmoderated Caucus 
made by a delegate will move the committee into amendments. 
4. Amending Resolutions 
a. When the Unmoderated Caucus begins, the delegates will make 
amendments to the resolution. While striking clauses is allowed, 
adding or modifying clauses is highly encouraged (as a tip, think 
of amendments as ways of making the resolution passable [as in 
favorable for everyone], instead of making clauses that will 
obviously not pass). After the time for unmoderated caucus has 
elapsed, the amendments will be entertained in a similar  
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Topic A: Addressing the Trade War between 
the United States and China 

 
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at G20 summit in Osaka, 2019. 
 
Introduction 
The United States and the Republic of China, the world's two biggest 
economies, have been in a vicious trade war for some time now. The tariffs 
imposed by both countries have had effects on the entire global trade 
community. This rivalry between the two countries does not seem like it will 
end any time soon. Both Xi Jin Ping and Donald Trump have admitted that 
they are not willing to back down at this point.  
Mr. Trump originally stated that China had been abusing its power in 
many ways such as stealing intellectual property, forced technology transfer, 
and currency manipulation. The Chinese Republic has denied all claims made 

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against them and retaliated to protect their national honor. Meanwhile, China 
has also created a perception that the United States is trying to stop their 
rapidly growing economy. In response to that, the US has made it clear that 
tariffs are being used as a form of trade protectionism so that American 
products can compete with Chinese imports. Imposing these tariffs is 
essential for the United States’ economy, as they are currently in a trade 
deficit.  
Overall this conflict has built tensions and further polarized the global 
community. Hopefully, with this conference, we will be able to create a global 
agreement that will benefit the world's economies and trade while stopping 
this commercial war.  
 

Background Information 
 
The trade war started around June of 2018 when the United States 
imposed 34 billion dollars of tariffs on Chinese products. What President 
Donald Trump aimed to do was profit over every Chinese product that was 
sold in the US.  
It is important to understand that the United States has been in a trade 
deficit when it comes to Chinese imports. ​Multinational corporations s​ uch as 
Apple, Boeing, and Ford produced most of their merchandise in China, where 
the labor costs are cheaper. The products are then sold in the US and are all 
subjected to taxes. Yet for most companies, it was still cost-efficient to go 
through this process.  
By doing so companies are incentivizing the growth of the Chinese 
economy, while barely helping their own countries' economy.  
The Chinese government was not satisfied with the tariffs imposed by 
the United States, so in June of 2018 when the first list of goods subject to 
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new tariffs came out China retaliated with its own list, imposing the same 
values for the US. Ever since both countries have competing to see who will 
be the first to stop imposing tariffs. 
During the end of 2018, Xi Jinping and Donald 
Trump came together in Argentina in order to look 
for a peaceful solution. The decision made by the two 
leaders was to delay the escalation of the tariffs to 
March 1st. Though this decision did not last long, as a 
conflict involving the citizens’ pro-democracy of 
Hong Kong caused China to blame the US for this influence.  
The war ended up escalating and affecting a lot more than just the 
imports and exports of the two countries. For instance, an executive was 
signed in May of 2019, stating that American communication companies 
were not allowed to use telecommunications gear from foreign countries. 
The United States has also had to create a bailout package for Farmers as 
some of the people the war has harmed the most. Besides that, the US has 
labeled the Chinese Republic as a currency manipulator and Trump has 
accused China of reneging on a past commitment to buy more American 
agricultural products.  
Nevertheless, China has blamed the United States for stalling trade 
negotiations multiple times. Besides that Xi Jinping has made various 
political moves to indicate that the country and the government are ready to 
fight. One of the many examples happened in May of 2019 when the 
president of China visited one of the largest suppliers of rare-earth elements 
in the country in order to show that they are in possession of a lot more 
minerals than the United States. Both countries continue to increase the 
product tariff despite all negotiations that have happened throughout this 
year. 

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 This war has escalated far more than experts had previously estimated, 
and is impacting various other countries. Canada for instance, one of the 
countries that used to be a main metal exporter to the US, is now 
reconsidering its sales because of a new tariff that affects all imports of metal 
and aluminum. While as countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are 
extremely satisfied with the current war as they are benefiting tremendously. 
 

Current Situation 
 
As of November 2019, Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met in order to 
discuss the current issue. For now, both countries have agreed on pausing 
and possibly even ending the tariffs. Though meetings like this have 
happened in the past some experts, like Gao Feng, believe that this could be 
an actual improvement on past agreements. Currently, both countries are 
discussing the first phase of the processes, which will only cover specific trade 
areas. Wilbur RossIf, United States commerce secretary, believes this a good 
start though he has given no indication that rolling back tariffs would even be 
possible at this point.  
Currently, the last tariff imposed by the United States was in the 
European Union. This happened due to the financial support that the EU 
decided to give to the company Airbus, a direct competitor of the American 
company Boeing. Since then the World Trade Organization has authorized 
the United States to impose a total of 7.5 billion dollars of tariffs on a 
multitude of different products. Until this moment the US has only said it will 
impose tariffs on the airbus planes and on commercial goods such as wine, 
whiskey, and cheese. The United States has announced it will not be charging 
tariffs over the automobile industry. It is still not clear all the products that will 
receive tariffs, but EU trade chief Cecilia Malmstrom has contacted U.S. Trade 
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Representative Robert Lighthizer to start negotiation and settlement over the 
Airbus and Boeing conflict.  
 

Timeline: 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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Definition of Key Terms: 

Tariffs: A
​ tariff is a tax on imports and exports between two states, usually 
used to protect the local industry and regulate foreign products. 
Quotas: A
​ trade restriction placed by the government that limits the number 
of goods that are imported and/or exported.  
Trade War: A
​ situation in which countries impose tariffs, quotas, or other 
means, to damage each other's trade. 
Trade Deficit: A
​ trade deficit is when a country's cost of imports exceeds the 
value of exports.  
Trade Surplus:​ A trade surplus is when a country's cost of exports exceeds 
the value of imports. 
Multinational Corporation (MNC): ​A corporation that has assets in multiple 
countries.  
Trade Protectionism: T
​ rade protectionism is a policy put in place to protect 
domestic jobs from foreign competition. The four main ways this is done is 
through tariffs, subsidies, quotas, and currency manipulation. This is only a 
short term solution and can have negative effects in the long term. 
Currency Manipulation: T
​ o weaken its currency countries will sell their 
currency and buy another currency (usually USD). The demand for their 
currency is decreased and therefore the vale is decreased. This can be done 
to increase exports, since with a lower-valued currency it is cheaper for other 
countries to import their products, making them more competitive in the 
global trade market. 
Forced Technology Transfer (FTT): 

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An FTT is when a government compels a technology company to share their 
tech with local companies in exchange for the ability to sell to the people in 
that country.  
 

Guiding Questions 
What should be done to end this conflict? 

What country is to blame for? 

What measures should be taken to avoid another conflict in the future? 

Should the tariffs imposed be kept? 

What new trade agreements should be made? 

Bloc Positions & Further Research 

United States: W
​ ith China’s rapidly growing economy of, the United States 
wants to protect itself, and maintain its global position as the country with 
the world's greatest GDP. Now that so many Multinational Companies are 
producing its merchandize in China, the nation feels as if they have to gain 
something over the products have been exported. 
 
Helpful links: 
Trade with the People’s Republic of China 
 
China:​ China believes that due to its rapidly growing economy some 
countries are trying to stop their nation’s fast development. Ideally, the 
Republic of China would like a world with a free trade market, as some of its 
major exporters are countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, and the 
United States. However, since the trade-was started the country has publicly 

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announced that it is not planning on backing down and will continue 
imposing tariffs. The government and the people strongly believe that they’re 
heading towards becoming the world's greatest power. 
 
Europe: ​Although the majority of Europe has tried not to take sides in the 
conflict, most agree with the US condemnation of China’s unfair practices. 
The EU has good trading relationships with the US and China (the US being 
their main trading partner and China being the second largest) and has fears 
that the current Trade War could possibly jeopardize their trade. However, 
economists have predicted that the trade war would have positive economic 
effects in Europe.  
Helpful links: 
Why Europe is not ready to take sides in the US-China trade war 
US-China trade war — The unlikely European winners 
 
Vietnam and Indonesia: B ​ oth countries have economically benefited from 
the trade war. They have become a new mass producer of cheap goods for 
the US since the tariffs have made Chinese products more expensive.  
Helpful Links:  
US-China trade war presented Vietnam a golden opportunity 
Indonesia’s opportunities amid US-China trade war 
 
Canada: W ​ ith its privileged location Canada had become one of the main 
trade partners of the United States. Mainly its exports consist of petroleum, 
coal and some metals, with 73% of all its exports going directly to the United 
States. Though the war has caused the nation to doubt its consistent position 
on the side of the US, as recent tariffs have affected the global export of 
metals and aluminium.  
 
More Resources  
A Quick Guide to the US-China Trade War​ (BBC) 

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Bibliography 

 
“A Quick Guide to the US-China Trade War.” ​BBC News​, BBC, 2 Sept. 2019, 

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45899310. 

Brett, David. “Which Countries Are Most at Risk from a Trade War? Five 

Questions Answered.” S
​ chroders Global - Schroders​, 

https://www.schroders.com/sv/insights/economics/which-countries-are-mo

st-at-risk-from-a-trade-war-five-questions-answered/. 

Chapman, Ben. “China and US Agree to Roll Back Trade Tariffs in Phases.” ​The 

Independent​, Independent Digital News and Media, 7 Nov. 2019, 

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/trade-war-china-us-ta

riffs-trump-xi-jinping-world-economy-a9188766.html. 

“Crumbling Ports, Roads Threaten Trade War Winner Vietnam's 'Mini-China' 

Status.” S
​ outh China Morning Post​, 18 Sept. 2019, 

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3027815/us-china-t

rade-war-presented-vietnam-golden-opportunity. 

Nebehay, Stephanie. “WTO Clears U.S. to Target EU Goods with Tariffs over 

Airbus.” ​Reuters​, Thomson Reuters, 14 Oct. 2019, 

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 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wto-aircraft/wto-clears-u-s-to-target-eu-

goods-with-tariffs-over-airbus-idUSKBN1WT0T2. 

“The US-China Trade War Is in Its 18th Month. Here's a Timeline of Everything 

That's Happened so Far. | Markets Insider.” ​Business Insider​, Business 

Insider, 

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trump-us-china-trade-wa

r-timeline-of-everything-thats-happened-2019-8-1028474486#1. 

Timeline: U.S. Relations With China 1949–2019​. Council on Foreign Relations, 

https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-relations-china. 

“Which US Companies Are Most at Risk in a Trade War with China?” ​South 

China Morning Post​, 23 Mar. 2018, 

https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/2104231/here-are-ameri

can-companies-most-risk-trade-war-china.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Topic B:​ ​Managing the Rights of Indigenous 
Communities in Latin America 

 
 
Introduction 
Indigenous land rights are one of the main issues discussed concerning 
indigenous people. While some countries feel indigenous populations have 
been oppressed for too long, others believe that their land should belong to 
the government. Throughout this trying debate, the indigenous communities 
have become less patient. Meanwhile, some leaders, such as Brazils President 
Jair Bolsonaro, have proposed policies to take the land for economic growth.  
The debate has grown more polarized when adding the environmental 
factors and the recent fires in the Amazon as part of the issue. Furthermore, 
historical declarations of Indigenous rights leave much to be desired. 
Although most countries in Latin America are part of at least one, enforcing 
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the policies is difficult, especially when they clash with national laws and 
constitutions.  
 
 

Background Information 
Many indigenous communities 
suffered throughout Latin America when 
European colonizers came to the country. 
Many were forced into slavery and even 
more died from diseases carried over by the 
colonizers. Atrocities were committed by 
colonists in Brazil, the Dictator in Chile, and 
Coffee farmers in Colombia to name a few. 
Until the 1930s, most Latin American 
countries forced ​assimilation​ on the local 
indigenous tribes. This was enforced in 
many ways from the infliction of religion to 
forced conversion to Christianity, the idea 
being that the indigenous people were 
savages and needed to be civilized.   

In April of 1940, the First Interamerican Indigenist Congress was held in 
the Mexican city of Pátzcuaro, where the Pátzcuaro agreement was created. 
The congress included all the countries in the Americas except for Canada, 
Paraguay, and Haiti. The agreement was a turning point in indigenous rights. 
It did not necessarily change the assimilation policies but acknowledged then 
as human beings. The agreement proposed to give them the right to 
protection as well as better education and financial assistance.  

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 In 1957 the I​ nternational Labour Organizations Convention 107​ was 
approved. The convention reiterated many points from the Pátzcuaro 
agreement. In Part II of the convention it specified land rights for indigenous 
populations, specifically stating in Article 1 that, “​The populations concerned 
shall not be removed without their free consent from their habitual territories 
except in accordance with national laws and regulations for reasons relating 
to national security, or in the interest of national economic development or of 
the health of the said populations.” The convention was ratified by all the 
countries in Latin America.  
Within three years, the agrarian reforms were undertaken widely 
throughout most of South America. Although overall unsuccessful, the 
reforms did achieve increased recognition of indigenous land.  
Starting in the seventies, constitutions began to recognize indigenous 
rights. (Constitutions with progressive in indigenous rights by year and 
country: Panama 1972, Peru 1979, Guatemala 1985, Nicaragua 1987, Brazil 
1989, Colombia 1991, Paraguay 1992, Argentina 1994, Bolivia 1995, Ecuador 1998, 
Venezuela 1999, and Mexico 2001.) However, these constitutions had varying 
degrees of indigenous land rights recognition.  
In 1989, the​ Convention concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in 
Independent Countries​ was ratified by most South American countries 
except Chile, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay. The convention is an update to 
Convention 107 (1957) and in Part II concerning land rights, it increases the 
indigenous rights to their territory. It also affirms that indigenous territory is 
part of their cultural identity. 
In 2007 the ​United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous 
Peoples​ (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly. Regarding land 
rights, the declaration states that Article 8 clause 2 states that, “States shall 
provide effective mechanisms for prevention of, and redress for. . . (Sub-clause 

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B) Any action which has the aim or effect of dispossessing them of their 
lands, territories or resources.” and Article 10 states that “Indigenous peoples 
shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories.” Similar ideas of 
land rights can be shown in Articles 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 (Regarding military 
activity), and 32 (Regarding the use of resources). 
Many Indigenous groups have come together to form organizations, 
mainly to have their voices heard. Some of the largest transnational 
organizations include Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the 
Amazon River Basin (COICA), Indian Council of South America (CISA), and the 
International Mayan League. There are also many other national and 
transnational organizations with similar goals.  

 
Current Situation  
Although Indigenous people in Latin 
America have made social progress in recent 
years, they are still disproportionally poor 
compared to the rest of the population in the 
majority of countries.  
The UN has stressed that many 
indigenous communities do not have fair if any, 
access justice systems in their country. For this 
reason, there is no effective way for them to 
fight for their land rights. Not only are their 
rights to the land threatened but also to the 
resources on it. Many groups have sacred sites 
on their land as well.  

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 Another key aspect of this issue that has recently been brought to light 
is the conservation efforts of indigenous communities. Many believe that the 
key to conservation is keeping indigenous lands. The indigenous 
communities are a key part of protecting biodiversity. However, a 
disagreement has arisen as to whether it is the best use of land. Brazil’s 
President Bolsonaro, as well as others, believes that the land would be better 
used for other activities (such as farming, logging, and mining) to boost 
Brazil’s economy. He has also mentioned that the past ways of cultural 
assimilation were good. “We are going to integrate them into society. Just 
like the army which did a great job of this, incorporating the Indians into the 
armed forces,” he said in 2018. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timeline 

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Definition of Key Terms 
Assimilation:​ Assimilation is the act of forcing others to conform to your 
cultural ideals. This can include values, behaviors, beliefs, language, etc. 
Demarcate: ​In this case officially recognize and protect indigenous land. 
Declare: ​In this circumstance, it is referring to the official identification of 
territory. 
Homologate: ​This would be the approval indigenous of the land but not yet 
officially recognized as their own. 

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Guiding Questions 
Should the indigenous people gain rights to their land? 

If not then what should happen with the land? 

What should be done with the resources on the land? 

What rights should all indigenous people (at least all in Latin America) have? 

Should the indigenous people be forced to assimilate into modern culture? 

If so how would this take place? 

Block Positions 
Brazil: ​Brazil is home to more than 8
​ 96,910 indigenous people, within 305 
ethnic groups. ​The previous president, Michel Temer, created policies 
regarding indigenous communities that directly violated ILO Convention 169. 
In 2017, he made the ​demarcation​ of indigenous land impossible. He also 
imposed a restriction that only those communities who could prove they 
possessed their land by 5 October 1988 could have rights to their land. A task 
that is virtually impossible since most communities did not know how to 
write at the time. When President Jair Bolsonaro was elected in 2018, he 
proposed to take protected indigenous lands and use them for farming and 
mining activities. Before becoming president in 2018 he said, “If I become 
President there will not be a centimeter more of indigenous land.” The 
current amazon fires have created even more uproar among the indigenous 
and international community, both balming Brazil’s current government 
administration. Brazil’s goal in this conference is to establish their control over 
their country and that they want no foreign interference within their borders. 

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Helpful links: 
The Indigenous World 2019​ P
​ ages 134 - 140 
Bolsonaro to draft measures on indigenous land demarcations 
 
Venezuela: I​ t is estimated that about 2.8 percent of Venezuela’s inhabitants 
are indigenous people. However, the majority of them live in remote regions 
and have very little contact with other Venezuelan citizens outside their 
group. Indigenous rights to territory are in the Venezuelan constitution, 
however, a mining facility run by the government directly violates this right. 
Other illegal mining practices pose a threat to the indigenous communities 
however the government has shown no interest in stopping them.  
Helpful link: 
Indigenous World 2019​ P
​ ages 218 - 224 
 
South America: ​Most countries agree to an extent with Brazil (and 
Venezuela), however, they are not as radical. Mainly, these countries are 
worried about losing resources and money if they completely give up land to 
indigenous communities. Especially considering that their Gross Domestic 
Product GDPs may not be as high as other countries and many are facing 
other internal issues that they believe to be more pressing. 
Helpful link: 
Indigenous World 2019  
Reference the Table of Contents on Page 5 for Specific Country Information 
 
European Union: ​The EU highly values indigenous rights. Their goals are to, 
“...assert indigenous peoples’ rights and boost their capacity to control their 
own social, economic and cultural development while enhancing territorial 

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rights as well as capabilities for sustainable management of biological 
resources.” The EU is also a long-time supporter of the UNDRIP. 
Helpful links:  
Rights of Indigenous peoples (EU) 
 
United States: T
​ he United States has somewhat restrictive land rights for 
local Indigenous populations in their own country, however, their policies 
have become more progressive. They have ratified the UNDRIP (although 
they didn’t originally) and will probably side with their allies in the EU (Keep in 
mind the US is also allied with Brazil). 
Helpful link:  
Indigenous World 2019​ P
​ ages 73 - 80 
 
Asia: I​ n writing these countries have diversity and equality, although it may 
not always work well in practice. Since the circumstances are vastly different 
from those in South America, their position may be influenced by external 
factors. (Such as allies or trading partners). However, most of the countries 
will favor the policies that they currently have. 
Helpful link: 
Indigenous World 2019  
Reference the Table of Contents on Page 5 for Specific Country Information 
 
Russia: S
​ imilarly to the Asian countries, Russias indigenous circumstances 
are vastly different from those in Latin America. The relationship between 
Indigenous people and citizens is somewhat tense. The country has not yet 
ratified the ILO Convention 169 or put UNDRIP into national legislation.  
Helpful link: 
Indigenous World 2019​ Pages 43 - 51 

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More Resources 
South America's Indigenous Peoples (Britannica) 
Indigenous Land Rights in Latin America, Historical and Legal Context  
note: Start on page 19 of the PDF 

 
Bibliography 

Alberti, Mia. “Bolsonaro to Draft Measures on Indigenous Land Demarcations.” 

Indigenous Rights News | Al Jazeera​, Al Jazeera, 27 Aug. 2019, 

www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/190827195351319.html. 

“Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” I​ nternational Cooperation and Development - 

European Commission​, 4 Aug. 2017, 

ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sectors/human-rights-and-governance/democracy-a

nd-human-rights/anti-discrimination-movements-1_en. 

“C107 - Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 (No. 107).” ​Convention 

C107 - Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 (No. 107)​, 

www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB%3A12100%3A0%3A%3ANO%3

A%3AP12100_ILO_CODE%3AC107. 

“C169 - Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169).” C

​ onvention C169 - 

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)​, 

www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB%3A12100%3A0%3A%3ANO%3

A%3AP12100_ILO_CODE%3AC169. 

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“Full Access to Justice through State, Traditional Systems Required for Upholding 

Indigenous Peoples' Rights, Special Rapporteur Tells Third Committee | 

Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.” ​United Nations​, United Nations, 

www.un.org/press/en/2019/gashc4265.doc.htm. 

“Indigenous Latin America in the Twenty-First Century.” ​World Bank​, 

www.worldbank.org/en/region/lac/brief/indigenous-latin-america-in-the-twen

ty-first-century-brief-report-page. 

“The Indigenous World 2019.” I​ WGIA​, 2019, 

www.iwgia.org/images/documents/indigenous-world/IndigenousWorld2019_

UK.pdf. 

Ortega, Roque Roldán. “Models for Recognizing Indigenous Land Rights in Latin 

America.” W
​ orld Bank​, Oct. 2004, 

siteresources.worldbank.org/BOLIVIA/Resources/Roque_Roldan.pdf. 

Ramos, Alcida Rita. “South America's Indigenous Peoples.” ​Encyclopædia Britannica​, 

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 31 Dec. 1999, 

www.britannica.com/topic/South-Americas-Indigenous-Peoples-555848. 

“United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples For Indigenous 

Peoples.” U
​ nited Nations​, United Nations, 

www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-

of-indigenous-peoples.html. 

 
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