The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), formed in 2006, convenes to create international policy suggestions to promote the protection of human rights worldwide. Congregating at least thrice a year, the committee advocates for freedom from human rights abuses, championing LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and rights to sanitation, housing, and security. In recent years, the UNHRC has investigated human rights breaches from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Syria, aiming to protect the integrity of fundamental freedoms. 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 12, 2026, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Topic A: Mass Surveillance and the Right to Privacy (Click to show summary)
Mass surveillance refers to the large-scale monitoring of individuals and communications by governments or corporations, often justified under national security, counterterrorism, and public safety. While surveillance technologies, including biometrics and tracking systems, can serve legitimate purposes, the overuse of these mechanisms has led to infringement upon the fundamental right to privacy outlined under international law. Mass surveillance has highlighted global disparities in access to technology and judicial oversight while simultaneously silencing citizens in technologically disadvantaged nations. Balancing state security and personal freedoms is critical to greater accountability and transparency across the global stage to ensure defence measures do not supersede fundamental human rights.
Topic B: Protection Of Human Rights Advocates (Click to show summary)
Human rights advocates—journalists, lawyers, whistleblowers, and citizens who promote human rights activities—play a vital role in exposing abuses and protecting vulnerable populations. However, these advocates face extensive backlash for the work they perform, regularly being subject to harassment, arbitrary detention, and even extrajudicial killings. This violence occurs where the rule of law is weak and political dissent is criminalized. Specifically, legal loopholes, including lawsuits and smear campaigns, have been utilized in order to exhaust human rights advocates and intimidate them into silence. Attacks on these individuals not only silence voices, hindering the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, but also prevent the conservation of human rights worldwide.
Lara Hamzavi | Director
Entering her final at Rockridge Secondary, Lara is honoured and extremely excited to serve as the Director of UNHRC at her final iteration of VMUN. From constant intimidation looking across a vast committee room filled with what she thought was constant judgement to getting reminded one too many times to stop using personal pronouns and to remove herself from the committee room during break, she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Model UN. Outside of gavels and conference halls, Lara can be found arguing about how there is a distinct difference between the clarinet and the oboe, silently imploding while thinking about the future, and writing to her imaginary audience in her hundreds of journals. Lara eagerly encourages all delegates in UNHRC to engage in spirited debate and is excited to see how this conference unfolds!
Hassan Jina | Chair
Currently a Grade 10 student at Vancouver College, Hassan is honoured to serve as the Chair for UNHRC at VMUN 2026. His journey began three years ago when he tumbled into the world of Model UN and discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who were committed to solving international issues. Since then, Hassan has been actively involved in the vibrant and intellectually stimulating world of Model United Nations, and has become enamoured with the conference experience, whether sessions of fierce debate during moderated caucus, bloc building during unmods, or taking quick lunch breaks at Chipotle. He cherishes the passionate discussions between delegates, the innumerable friendships he has cultivated, and the satisfaction of witnessing his ideas materialize into impactful resolutions. Outside the conference halls, Hassan takes pleasure in practising and performing piano. At VMUN 2026, he eagerly anticipates a weekend filled with groundbreaking solutions, unforgettable debate, and abundant laughter.
Brandon Yu | Assistant Director
Currently a Grade 11 student at Magee Secondary School, Brandon is honoured to serve as the Assistant Director of UNHRC at VMUN 2026. His journey began two years ago when he attended his first conference and discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, dedicated to addressing global challenges all in one committee room. Since then, Brandon has been deeply immersed in the fast-paced and engaging world of MUN. Looking past the intense debates, MUN has helped Brandon cultivate unforgettable memories and friendships. Outside the conference, Brandon can be found playing badminton, spending time with friends, and reading blue locks on his phone. At VMUN 2026, he eagerly anticipates a weekend filled with memorable experiences and riveting 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.