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United Nations Human Rights Council

The United Nations Human Rights Council concerns itself with human rights issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, LGBT rights, women’s rights, and rights to sanitation, housing, and security. Some of the UNHRC’s current inquiries are with regards to violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Syria. The Council can discuss both country-specific human rights abuses and consider policy implementation to better the situations of affected populations. Members hold their seat on the Council for three years, after which an elected country from their regional group replaces them.

This committee is designed for both beginners and experienced delegates alike. Position papers, although strongly recommended, are not required. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by January 22nd, 2024, at 23:59 PT. More information about position papers can be found on page 3 of the Background Guide.

Topic A: Human Rights in Production Factories (Click to show summary)

With a significant increase in globalization throughout the past decade, business supply chains and production operations have been placed at the forefront of many economies. Networks for manufacturing are expected to maintain moral working standards, but such standards are often not legally binding through international law. As a result, an alarming number of companies fail to address human rights standards through their internal operations that trap individuals in the harm of labour-intensive and low-wage working conditions. Across various industries, there have been documented instances of violations of human rights laws, but countries have often failed to act. To preserve human rights, effective standards for ethical and sustainable production must be established and enforced.

Topic B: Gender-based Violence (Click to show summary)

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a proliferating issue stemming from gender and power inequalities in societies, making it one of the most widespread human rights violations. Incidents of gender-based violence target not only women and girls but also individuals based on their gender expression and identity. Global statistics correlate with external factors including the lack of welfare, social inequality, and regional instability, jeopardizing their right to life, liberty, and freedom. This includes a spectrum of violence, encompassing non-partner sexual violence and violence within domestic relationships, tracing back to some of the earliest socially accepted instances of GBV. With no clear international boundaries, this pandemic affects at least one in three women during their lifetime.



Kellie Ho

Kellie Ho | Director

As a Grade 12 student from Hugh Boyd Secondary, Kellie is delighted to serve as the Director of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Whether seeking ways to peacefully resolve clashing views or giving in to the exciting debate, Kellie has found a special place for her career in the diplomatic sport. Model UN has allowed her to develop a global perspective and a place to use her voice, which is essential as she ventures into her post-secondary endeavours. In her free time, Kellie can be found succumbing to a reading session, learning new tricks to programming, or dozing off to Jean Sibelius. She values the opportunity for youths to turn their passions into impactful endeavours and is excited to see the debates that the UNHRC has to offer!


Oliver Sjoholm

Oliver Sjoholm | Chair

Entering his Grade 11 year at St. George’s School, Oliver is beyond thrilled to serve as the Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council at VMUN 2024. Ever since stepping foot inside his first MUN conference room as a terrified seventh-grader and arguing with his double delegation partner over who got to raise the placard, Oliver has been captivated by MUN’s fast-paced discourse and energy. Outside of the conference room, Oliver can be found attempting to make a rowing shell go fast, flying across the water in his sailboat, or zooming around the streets of Stockholm on an electric scooter. His great hope for the 2024 conference is that it will encourage heated debates, deep discussions, and a whole lot of good-natured tomfoolery.


Gisele Fu

Gisele Fu | Assistant Director

Currently in her Grade 12 year at Stratford Hall, Gisele is beyond ecstatic to be serving as the Assistant Director of the United Nations Human Rights Council at VMUN 2024. Since stumbling through her first speech in Grade 9, she fell in love with the adrenaline achieved through the atmosphere of debate, raising her placard on discussions she shared a deep interest in. Through her conferences, Gisele has made meaningful friendships and has continued to cherish every new experience since. Outside of Model UN, Gisele can be found snowboarding, trying to figure out which Spotify playlist she should play, reading a good book, or asking her friends what nail design she should get next week. Gisele is thrilled to meet all the delegates and looks forward to a phenomenal weekend of debate!


You can contact the Director at unhrc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.

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