General Assembly: UNHCR
General Assemblies are big committees friendly to newbies and experts alike, where delegates debate in one of the six main organs of the United Nations. All Member States have equal representation to discuss and work together. Debate in the General Assembly is spirited, as delegates must balance their responsibilities to their respective nations, allies, and the committee as a whole.
This year the General Assembly will hold the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a United Nations organization established in 1950 to protect and support refugees worldwide. Its primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee their countries due to conflict, persecution, violence, or disasters. With the presence of over 135 countries, they work to provide refugees with shelter, food, water, medical care, and legal assistance. It also plays a critical role in advocating for refugees' rights, ensuring they have access to asylum, and helping them integrate into host countries or safely return to their home countries when possible.
The committee will address one of the most pressing issues of our time: the protection and promotion of refugee rights. As millions of people continue to flee conflict, persecution, and environmental disasters, the international community must ensure that their fundamental human rights are upheld. Today, we invite all delegates to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute their perspectives on how we can strengthen global frameworks, improve living conditions in refugee camps, and enhance access to basic rights like healthcare, education, and legal protections. Your participation in this session is vital as we work together to develop actionable solutions that uphold the dignity, security, and future of displaced populations worldwide. Let us unite in our commitment to safeguarding the human rights of refugees and ensure their voices are heard on the global stage.
Topic A: Refugee Healthcare Access
An estimated 100 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide, with over 70% of refugees originating from conflict-affected regions where access to healthcare is critically limited. This topic focuses on the immense challenges displaced populations face in securing medical care amidst war-torn environments. In many conflict zones, healthcare systems are severely disrupted, leaving refugees without essential services such as vaccinations, maternal care, and mental health support.
Outbreaks of diseases like cholera and measles are common and untreated injuries from conflict worsen due to the lack of medical resources. Humanitarian organizations, while providing some relief, often face restricted access and safety risks in these areas. We will also examine the role of international law in protecting healthcare facilities and personnel in conflict zones and the responsibility of host countries and international actors in ensuring that refugees receive the necessary medical support. Addressing this issue is vital for safeguarding the health and dignity of millions of displaced individuals.
Topic B: Combating Refugee Statelessness
An estimated 4.3 million people globally are stateless, many of whom are refugees displaced by conflict, persecution, or environmental disasters. This topic will address the severe challenges faced by stateless refugees, who lack legal recognition, citizenship, and access to fundamental rights like education, healthcare, and employment. Statelessness often arises from discriminatory nationality laws, the collapse of governments, or arbitrary revocation of citizenship, leaving refugees in legal limbo.
The topic will examine international efforts, such as the 1954 and 1961 Conventions on Statelessness, which aim to reduce statelessness, though they are not universally adopted. Additionally, discussions will focus on long-term solutions like universal birth registration, legal reforms, and pathways to citizenship, while highlighting the profound human rights implications of statelessness. Addressing this issue is essential for ensuring that stateless refugees are granted the legal identity necessary to lead dignified and secure lives.
A LETTER FROM THE CHAIr
Coming Soon!
Detailed committee materials will be released in early Feburary 2025
