UNHRC Background Guide[1]
UNHRC Background Guide[1]
Table of Contents
Letter of EB
2
Dear Delegates,
Greetings from the Executive Board of the United
Nations Human Rights Council! We warmly welcome
you to this exciting CHIREC J Model United Nations
conference! Today, you embark on a special journey to
become ambassadors for your country and defenders
of everyone's rights. As you embark on this exciting
adventure, we, the Executive Board of the UN Human
Rights Council, want to be your guides. This conference
is your chance to step into the shoes of human rights
defenders and global advocates, using your voice to
champion the rights of everyone on Earth.
Regards,
Vishal Chowdary- Chair Person
Niuv Kocheta – Vice Chair Person
PART –
1
Throughout its history, the UNHRC has undertaken actions such as the
investigation of human rights abuses, facilitation of open discussions
among nations, and formulation of resolutions to address specific human
rights concerns. These initiatives serve to spotlight instances of human
rights violations, fostering collaboration among nations to proactively
address and resolve such issues.
The UNHRC holds significant importance within the United Nations
framework as it plays a pivotal role in upholding one of the organization's
core tenets – the protection of human rights. By concentrating on these
matters, the UNHRC actively contributes to the establishment of a global
society where equitable and dignified treatment is afforded to all
individuals. It serves as an indispensable platform for diplomatic dialogue
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The Mandate: -
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was established by the
UN General Assembly with the passing of resolution 60/251 in 2006. Over
the course of 2006 and 2007, its mechanisms and functions were formed,
and it was established as an “intergovernmental body within the United
Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and
protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations
of human rights violations and making recommendations on them”. These
human rights are defined within the Charter of the United Nations. UNHRC
plays a critical role in the monitoring and implementation of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments. The
main objective of the UNHRC is to draw attention to human rights issues,
discuss them, and give suggestions about how to properly address them.
and its Optional Protocol, form the so-called International Bill of Human
Rights.
LGBT people have the same human rights as all individuals, which include
the right to non-discrimination in the enjoyment of these rights. This
principle is enshrined in numerous international instruments, providing for
a wide scope in its application. Specifically, at the global level, it is
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PART –
2
Broader Implications
State-sponsored violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals
have far-reaching consequences. These policies not only endanger lives
but also reinforce societal prejudices, creating an environment where
LGBTQ+ individuals are marginalized in all aspects of life. Families are
torn apart as individuals are forced into exile or live in constant fear of
exposure.
The international community has a moral and legal obligation to address
these abuses. Advocacy efforts must focus on repealing discriminatory
laws, holding governments accountable for state-sponsored violence, and
providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. By addressing the root
causes of state-sanctioned discrimination, it is possible to create a world
where LGBTQ+ individuals are free to live with dignity and equality.
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Social exclusion does not exist in isolation but intersects with other forms
of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and
disability. For instance, LGBTQ+ individuals from marginalized racial or
ethnic backgrounds often experience compounded forms of exclusion,
limiting their access to education, employment, and healthcare even
further.
Globally, exclusion is more pronounced in regions with strong patriarchal
norms and rigid gender roles. In sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East,
for example, LGBTQ+ individuals are often ostracized from their families
and communities, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness and
exploitation.
Efforts to address social exclusion must take an intersectional approach,
recognizing the diverse identities and experiences within LGBTQ+
communities. Policies should focus on creating inclusive environments,
providing economic opportunities, and ensuring equal access to essential
services. By addressing these systemic barriers, society can move closer
to achieving equality and dignity for all individuals, regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity.
The Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
(A/HRC/19/41) highlights the pervasive violence and discrimination faced
by individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)
and provides actionable recommendations to address these issues. The
report identifies a wide range of human rights violations affecting LGBTQ+
individuals, including killings, physical attacks, sexual violence, and
arbitrary detentions. These abuses are often perpetrated with impunity,
reflecting widespread societal stigma and a lack of protective laws. The
report notes that at least 76 countries criminalize same-sex relationships,
with punishments including imprisonment, corporal punishment, and, in
some instances, the death penalty. It also highlights systemic
discrimination in areas such as employment, healthcare, education, and
access to justice, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities globally.
The report underscores the incompatibility of these discriminatory
practices with international human rights obligations. It reminds states of
their duties under key instruments like the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural
Rights (ICESCR). These instruments enshrine principles of non-
discrimination and equality, which extend to sexual orientation and
gender identity. The report stresses that the criminalization of same-sex
conduct and the failure to protect LGBTQ+ individuals constitute violations
of international law. It also points out that states’ refusal to investigate
and prosecute hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals exacerbates the
cycle of violence and exclusion.
To combat these violations, the report outlines a series of
recommendations for states. It calls for the repeal of laws criminalizing
same-sex relationships and the enactment of anti-discrimination
legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. It urges states to ensure legal
recognition of gender identity and to provide equitable access to
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PART – 3
Rules of Procedure
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Relevant to the current agenda, these points are a must in your position
paper.
C. Proposed Policy: -
What does your nation believe needs to be done to produce an effect
in the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals? What does your nation believe the
UN and assembled countries do collectively to address the agenda?
Language
- Delegates are expected to speak in English throughout the committee
session during the formal and informal debate.
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Formal Debate
The formal debate consists of three sections, the General speaker’s list,
Moderated Caucus and Special Speaker’s List. During the formal debate,
delegates are expected to remain seated and act following the
expectations of behavior and diplomacy.
General Speaker’s List (GSL):
The GSL is a time when all the delegates wishing to speak can address the
agenda as a whole or as a specific part of the agenda. This time can be
used to discuss their country’s stance, agenda’s scope, other country’s
stance, or specific facets of the agenda to familiarize the committee with
their stance and overarching ideas. The GSL is non-exhaustive meaning it
will be a continuing list throughout the three days and the exhaustion of
the GSL leads to the failure of the committee.
Informal Debate
and delve deeper into the various aspects of the agenda. Moderated
causes can be used to share resolutions to the agenda, discuss the impact
of the agenda, or discuss historic events or treaties concerning the
agenda. The main purpose is to engage in effective debate through sub-
topics and simplifications of the agenda.
Unmoderated Caucus:
An unmoderated caucus is a period where the delegates can move around
the committee and lobby with other delegates. This time can be used for
discussion on the agenda, moderated caucus topics, resolution paper
writing, bloc building or crisis discussion. Delegates are encouraged to
make the most of this time to strengthen the quality and flow of debate
during the formal session.
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Points
Point of parliamentary inquiry:
Used to ask the EB questions regarding the parliamentary procedure -
“Point of parliamentary inquiry, what is the SSL?”
Point of information:
- Used to ask another delegate a question regarding their speech or
stance - “Point of information, what is your country’s stance on the
agenda?”
Point of order:
- Used to address a factual inaccuracy made by another delegate
- “Point of order, the delegate of ____ stated that “Donal Trump is the
current President of the United States” this is factually incorrect as the
current President of the United States is Joe Biden”
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Yields
Yields are used to allocate the remaining time from a delegate's speech.
Rule of Procedure :
https://teimun.org/mun-101-the-rules-of-procedure/
https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/rules-procedure
https://pacenycmun.blogs.pace.edu/handbook/unit-3-foundational-skills-
for- model-united-nations/3-1-rules-of-procedure-and-making-motions/
How to research :
https://bestdelegate.com/researc
https://www.wisemee.com/mun-research-guide/
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https://mun.bestdelegate.com/how-to-research-for-mun-conferences-
using-t he-spear-framework/
https://www.mun.bme.hu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/UNIC-Guide-How-
to- Research_BMEMUN.pdf