United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

Committee Profile

The United Nations Human Rights Council is tasked with monitoring international human rights standards and tackling violations of such accordingly. In addition, the UN body plays a pivotal advisory role in guiding administrations as they navigate an increasingly interconnected global landscape, where issues such as climate change and forced migration require a unified global response in order to adhere to international expectations for human rights.   

In this committee, we will discuss: 

Topic A) Economic and Social Integration of Refugees into Developed Countries

Topic B) Humanitarian Implications of Unilateral Sanctions

Despite hundreds of treaties and awareness campaigns, Topic A remains a pertinent issue due to persistent xenophobic sentiments, a lack of global consensus on integration strategies and administrative barriers within the host country. Along with affordable housing, accessible healthcare and psychological support, cultural adjustment and family reunification are vital determinants of integration that are often not addressed in national policies. Solutions to tackle this issue should prioritize language acquisition initiatives, vocational training programs as well as community-building practices.

In the midst of tense geopolitical relations, countries often resort to unilateral sanctions in order to coerce another actor to comply with international expectations, often related to security demands. However, world leaders of countries imposing sanctions often overlook and underestimate the true humanitarian implications of economic warfare, framing Topic B as a discussion of ethics. As intended, sanctions cripple a nation’s infrastructure, impeding its education, healthcare and agricultural sectors. However, oftentimes the worst of such sanctions fall on the shoulders of vulnerable communities, all while their authoritative leader’s lavish lifestyle remains unaffected. Coordination among international bodies is critical to prevent sanctions from exacerbating a nation’s already precarious humanitarian climate. 

Chair Letter

Hello Delegates,

My name is Michelle Phan (she/her) and it is my pleasure to serve as this year’s UNHRC chair. As someone who loves binge-watching "Suits," it is no surprise that I am studying Political Science as a stepping stone towards a career in law. In my free time, I enjoy dissecting rap diss tracks, trying TikTok recipes and finding the best matcha spot in town.

Like many others, I competed on the Southern California circuit all four years of high school. During my senior year, I had the privilege of serving as Secretary General of Huntington Beach High School’s MUN Program. At last year’s BruinMUN, I was on the dias staff for this exact committee! Learning about the complexities of humanitarian issues fostered a deep-rooted passion for international relations - so much so that I plan on pursuing a double major in International Development Studies. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds has been incredibly fulfilling and humbling. From my conference experiences, I've learned not only to articulate my arguments more effectively but also to approach complex issues with humility and open-mindedness. More importantly, the lessons learned in MUN – from critical thinking to empathy – continue to shape my worldview and guide my actions as I navigate an increasingly interconnected world. These are the values I hope to instill in you all, the next generation of leaders and changemakers. 

As a first generation immigrant from a developing country, the topics discussed in UNHRC hold particular significance to me due to their broader implications for the advancement of global equality. The committee’s composition includes countries with radically different government policies, leading to cases where human rights issues may be politicized or selectively addressed. Additionally, the discrepancy between fundamental rights and cultural norms convolute efforts to achieve consistent implementation of universal standards across all member states. When crafting solutions, you should bear in mind the delicate nature of balancing national sovereignty and upholding human rights.

It is my mission to facilitate a warm learning environment where you all feel comfortable collaborating and at times, expressing differing viewpoints with one another. Beyond all else, I hope you have fun and create everlasting memories. Please reach out with any questions or concerns!

Best,

Michelle Phan | Chair, UNHRC | BruinMUN 32

unhrc@bruinmun.org