Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Agenda: Addressing Racial and inhumane treatment on ethnic minorities by Western
Countries while advocating for IHL and Geneva Conventions
Letter from the Executive Board
Greetings Delegates!
It is an honour to be serving as a part of the Executive Board of the United Nations Human
Rights Council at IDA 2.0. We hope to be a part of an enriching academic simulation and
engage in a constructive discussion which includes the features of diplomacy, fact-based
arguments, and most importantly confidence.
The background guide shall only be an instrument of assistance to the delegates instead
of being the sole basis for your research. The objective of this document is to help and
guide you with your research and should not be the only research you possess. Under no
circumstances can the guide be provided as proof to enforce an argument in committee.
The given list of topics is not exhaustive, and it is not intended to be. The list is simply
indicative of pressing issues and topics of concerns, which must be addressed and will give
you a bird’s eye view of the gist of the issue. The delegates are at full liberty to bring up any
other relevant point for discussion.
We understand that MUN conferences can be an overwhelming experience for first timers,
but it must be noted that our aspirations from the delegates is not how experienced or
articulate they are. Rather, we want to see how they can respect disparities and differences
of opinion, work around these, while extending their own foreign policy so that it includes
more of comprehensive solutions without compromising their own stand and initiate
consensus building.
The agenda at hand is vast and complex and a successful discussion on it would entail the
collective participation of all of you. It shall be your prerogative to decide the direction in
which you want to take this committee. Do not feel taken aback on the research, foreign
policy and other details of the allotted country. Prior coming to the meeting it is vital to break
the agenda into more modest subtopics and pose inquiries to yourself about the plan.
The committee would be an excellent opportunity for you to not only learn the skills of public
speaking and diplomacy but also gain experience to become better professionals and persons
in the future.
Warm regards,
Tanya Tiwari Hiten Somwani
(Chairperson) (Vice-Chairperson)
tanyaay24@[Link] hitensomwani5@[Link]
+91-8109711664 +91-8758720715
SECTION A
BASIC SUGGESTIONS BEFORE YOU START RESEARCHING:
A few aspects that delegates should keep in mind while preparing:
Procedure: The purpose of putting in procedural rules in any committee is to ensure a more
organized and efficient debate. The committee will follow the UNA-USA Rules of
Procedure. Although the Executive Board shall be fairly strict with the Rules of Procedure,
the discussion of agenda will be the main priority. So, delegates are advised not to restrict
their statements due to hesitation regarding procedure.
Foreign Policy: Following the foreign policy of one’s country is the most important aspect
of a Model UN Conference. This is what essentially differentiates a Model UN from other
debating formats. To violate one’s foreign policy without adequate reason is one of the worst
mistakes a delegate can make.
Role of the Executive Board: The Executive Board is appointed to facilitate debate. The
committee shall decide the direction and flow of debate. The delegates are the ones who
constitute the committee and hence must be uninhibited while presenting their
opinions/stance on any issue. However, the Executive Board may put forward questions
and/or ask for clarifications at all points of time to further debate and test participants. A
challenging, yet highly rewarding committee, involvement in this simulation offers an insight
into the dynamics of international relations and politics. Lots of work will be required but as
previous participants in similar simulations ourselves, we promise you an exciting
experience.
NATURE OF SOURCES/EVIDENCE:
This Background Guide is meant solely for research purposes and must not be cited as
evidence to substantiate statements made during the conference. Evidence or proof for
substantiating statements made during formal debate is acceptable from the following
sources:
1. United Nations:
Documents and findings by the United Nations or any related UN body is held as a credible
proof to support a claim or argument.
2. Multilateral Organizations:
Documents from international organizations like NATO, NAFTA, SAARC, BRICS, EU,
ASEAN, OPEC, the International Criminal Court, etc. may also be presented as credible
source of information.
3. Government Reports:
These reports can be used in a similar way as the State Operated News Agencies reports and
can, in all circumstances, be denied by another country. However, a nuance is that a report
that is being denied by a certain country can still be accepted by the Executive Board as a
credible piece of information.
4. News Sources:
0. Reuters: Any Reuters article that clearly makes mention of the fact or is in
contradiction of the fact being stated by a delegate in council.
0. State operated News Agencies: These reports can be used in the support of or against
the State that owns the News Agency. These reports, if credible or substantial enough, can be
used in support of or against any country as such but in that situation, may be denied by any
other country in the council. Some examples are – RIA Novosti8 (Russian Federation),
Xinhua News Agency11 (People’s Republic of China), etc.
Note:
Under no circumstances will sources like Wikipedia, or newspapers like the Guardian, Times
of India etc. be accepted. However, notwithstanding the aforementioned criteria for
acceptance of sources and evidence, delegates are still free to quote/cite from any source as
they deem fit as a part of their statements.
About the Committee:
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a 47-member UN body that
promotes and protects human rights worldwide. Established in 2006, it conducts Universal
Periodic Reviews (UPR), investigates violations, and appoints experts. Based in Geneva,
Switzerland, it makes non-binding but influential recommendations to strengthen global
human rights.
The UNHRC serves several key purposes:
● Reviewing progress: It regularly reviews and appraises progress made on achieving
protection of human rights across the globe.
● Formulating policies: Based on its findings, the HRC formulates policy
recommendations and proposes actions to accelerate progress towards human rights.
● Promoting international cooperation: It facilitates international cooperation and
dialogue on thematic human rights and issues like freedom of expression, rights of
racial and ethnic minorities, women’s right, LGBT rights, etc.
● Monitoring implementation: The HRC also plays a role in monitoring the
implementation of international agreements related to human rights.
Note: This background guide only provides an initial understanding of the agenda, offering
insights on how to approach the topic. We encourage and anticipate that delegates will go
above and beyond, bringing up new and fresh perspectives to the discussion.
About the Agenda:
The agenda tackles the intricate and sometimes complex intersection in regards with
achieving racial justice. It also recognizes that achieving true implementation of human rights
require a framework that acknowledges every race, ethnicity in every aspect of life.
Western Nations’ advocacy for international laws like IHL and Geneva Convention appears
to be on the fence of contradiction when their advocacy is contrasted with their actual
implementation and treatment of ethnic minorities.
The agenda seeks to bridge this gap by fostering a space for inclusive dialogue. It examines
historical and contemporary practices, such as colonial legacies, systematic racism, and
selective implementation of international norms challenge the universality of humanitarian
laws. By acknowledging the these issues, the UNHRC hopes to move beyond a zero-sum
game approach and develop strategies that empower all those marginalized based on their
race ethnicity.
This agenda is a critical step towards building a more just and equitable world for everyone.
It requires a commitment from governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to
move beyond historical divides and work collaboratively to create a future where all
everyone can thrive.
History:
Inhumane treatment of minorities in western countries on the basis of their race and ethnicity
has long roots of its own history. Western countries have a complex history concerning the
treatment of ethnic minorities, often marked by systemic racism and colonial exploitation.
For an instance, in the United States, the legacy of slavery and segregation led to enduring
racial inequalities due to which the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was a
pivotal period in advocating for the rights of African Americans, challenging institutionalized
racism and pushing for legislative changes.
Racial segregation, racial apartheid are the stem of the reasoning behind many disparities
faced by ethnic minorities even today, in the field of education, employment, healthcare, law
and order, etc.
The historical treatment of ethnic minorities by Western countries has influenced their roles
in advocating for international humanitarian law. While these nations have been instrumental
in establishing legal frameworks like the Geneva Conventions, their own histories of racial
injustice raise questions about the universality and application of these laws.
INTRODUCTION
I) Terminology:
1. Racial discrimination: Any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference
based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the
purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or
exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life
2. Minorities: Ethnic, religious linguistic, or cultural group, fewer in number
than the rest of the population are known as minorities.
3. Ethnic Minorities: A group of people who have certain characteristics or
attributes, immutable or not, that distinguish them from the majority of the
population.
4. Human Rights Law: Rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race,
sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
5. Indigenization of IHL: Developing and utilising local resources and skills to
design, manufacture, and maintain technological solutions within a country. Its
significance lies in enhancing self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign
technology, and fostering innovation that aligns with local needs and cultural
heritage.
II) Overview: racial and inhuman treatment of Ethnic Minorities by Western
Countries
Western Countries have a very long troubled and concerning history when it
comes to their treatment of minorities like indigenous people, immigrants, black
community, etc.
To give an overview, there are some instances:
1. Germany's colonial actions in Namibia led to the Herero and Nama
genocide, where survivors were subjected to forced labor and medical
experiments.
2. In the United States, systemic racism manifests in various sectors,
including healthcare, law enforcement, and education. Medical racism
has led to disparities in treatment and outcomes for Black Americans,
rooted in historical biases and discriminatory practices. In law
enforcement, Black individuals are disproportionately affected by
racial profiling, unlawful arrests, and police violence.1
3. In Slovakia, Roma children are subjected to segregation in education,
often placed in schools with poor conditions and limited opportunities.2
After many years in this global age of development, many Western countries
have signed several treaties, conventions, and agreements in respect to their
past actions and to make sure they are not repeated and every individual can
live with dignity exercising its fundamental human rights, but recent incidents
like- Islamophobic attacks in Southport, UK, Racial Profiling of Somali
migrants in Germany, etc.
1
[Link]
2
[Link]
III) Legal Frameworks
(a) IHL:
International humanitarian law is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit
the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in
the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. International humanitarian law
is also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. International humanitarian law
prohibits all means and methods of warfare which:
- fail to discriminate between those taking part in the
fighting and those, such as civilians, who are not, the
purpose being to protect the civilian population, individual
civilians and civilian property
- cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering;
- cause severe or long-term damage to the environment.
(b) GENEVA CONVENTION
In 1949, an international conference of diplomats built on the earlier treaties for the
protection of war victims, revising and updating them into four new conventions comprising
429 articles of law—known as the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949. The Additional
Protocols of 1977 and 2005 supplement the Geneva Conventions. The Geneva Conventions
apply in all cases of declared war, or in any other armed conflict between nations. They also
apply in cases where a nation is partially or totally occupied by soldiers of another nation,
even when there is no armed resistance to that occupation. Nations that ratify the Geneva
Conventions must abide by certain humanitarian principles and impose legal sanctions
against those who violate them. Ratifying nations must “enact any legislation necessary to
provide effective penal sanctions for persons committing or ordering to be committed any of
the grave breaches (violations)” of the Conventions.
SECTION B
International Human Rights Law
The international human rights movement was strengthened when the United Nations
General Assembly adopted of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10
December 1948.
A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since 1945 have
conferred legal form on inherent human rights and developed the body of international
human rights. Other instruments have been adopted at the regional level reflecting the
particular human rights concerns of the region and providing for specific mechanisms of
protection. Most States have also adopted constitutions and other laws which formally protect
basic human rights. While international treaties and customary law form the backbone of
international human rights law other instruments, such as declarations, guidelines and
principles adopted at the international level contribute to its understanding, implementation
and development.
International human rights law lays down obligations which States are bound to respect. By
becoming parties to international treaties, States assume obligations and duties under
international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human rights.
Some conventions held under IHRL are:
(a) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination (ICERD)
(b) Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious,
and Linguistic Minorities
Contemporary Situation:
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) reported that Italian
police disproportionately target immigrants, particularly Roma and people of African descent.
Despite these findings, political leaders have dismissed the accusations, and the government
has yet to implement independent investigations.
The Trump administration has rolled back civil rights enforcement actions, particularly those
based on "disparate impact" analysis. This legal principle, which identifies policies that
disproportionately affect racial minorities, has been central to civil rights litigation in
housing, education, and employment. Critics argue that these rollbacks dismantle key tools
for achieving equity.
Over 60% of Roma students attend segregated schools with poor conditions and limited
opportunities. Despite legal protections, authorities continue to justify segregation through
various pretexts, and many reforms have merely rebranded existing practices.
In the United Kingdom, Romani and Traveller communities often reside in polluted
environments, such as near sewage works or under flyovers. These sites are typically
overcrowded and lack essential services, leading to significant health disparities.
Central Asian migrants face arbitrary application of migration laws in Russia, leading to
deportations and systemic exclusion. A new law prohibits public schools from enrolling
children of foreign nationals without proof of Russian language proficiency, denying migrant
children access to education and hindering their social integration.
Addressing the racial and inhumane treatment towards minorities requires a multifaceted
approach that tackles various contributing factors. This includes strengthening legal
protections against discrimination, promoting equal opportunities in education and
employment, addressing unconscious biases and stereotypes.
Possible Solutions:
Addressing the racial and inhuman treatment by Western Countries towards ethnic minorities
requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including governments,
employers, and society as a whole. Here are some potential solutions:
1. Countries should strengthen and enforce laws that prohibit racial profiling and
discrimination, ensuring accountability for violations.
2. Reinstate and protect legal principles, such as "disparate impact" analysis, to address
systemic inequalities.
3. Implement policies that promote the integration of marginalized communities into
mainstream education and society.
4. Establish independent bodies to monitor and report on compliance with international
humanitarian law and human rights standards.
5. Ensure that individuals and states that violate international laws are held accountable
through international courts and tribunals.
6. Revise identity check procedures to eliminate racial profiling by training officers on
implicit biases and establishing clear guidelines for police conduct during checks.
7. Ensure that school curricula and textbooks reflect the contributions of all minority
populations and do not perpetuate racial and ethnic stereotypes.
8. Create psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces by implementing policies that
promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and by providing training on anti-racism and
cultural competence.
Addressing racial discrimination requires sustained efforts from multiple stakeholders,
including policymakers, employers, employees, and society as a whole. A combination of
legal measures, organizational initiatives, and cultural changes can help create a more
equitable and inclusive society.
Suggested Topics for Moderated Caucus:
1. Role of International Humanitarian Laws in protecting minorities
2. Relevance of International Conventions governing human rights in respect to
major western countries not abiding by the same
3. Western Countries facing challenges in implementing Geneva Convention
4. Ethnic Segregation in Education System highlighting recent ban of
international students in Harvard University by the Trump Administration
5. Role of Media representation in Racial Stereotyping universally
6. Discussing Restorative Justice Approaches to Racial Injustice
7. Discuss the intersectionality of identities compounding into racial
discrimination
