Human Rights Council
The UN Human Rights Council was created on March 15, 2006 and aims to protect human rights around the world in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Council is constituted of 47 members from various regions who are elected on three-year terms. The members investigate infractions of human rights. Additionally, they are responsible for addressing and working to end these violations. The Council works with the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to develop special procedures which are mandates designed to investigate human rights concerns.
The Council is based in Geneva, Switzerland and holds sessions three times a year in March, June, and September. It occasionally calls special sessions to address human rights emergencies. The current President is Moroccan Representative Omar Zniber who was elected in January 2024. Numerous Non-Governmental Organizations work with the Council to ensure human rights violations of all scales are being properly dealt with. The Council reserves the right to suspend any members who have repeatedly violated human rights during their membership.
Although the decisions of the committee aren’t legally binding, they do hold strong political weight. Therefore, this gives signatory nations that ability to disobey the clauses passed in resolutions.
"All victims of human rights abuses should be able to look to the Human Rights Council as a forum and a springboard for action." - Ban Ki-moon of South Korea, former UN Secretary-General, 2007
Google Classroom Code: faq7p44
Topics
Topic A: Addressing Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Topic B: Tackling the increase of Human Labor Trafficking
Study Guide
Chairs
Head-Chair, Zana Royster
Hi delegates my name is Zana Royster and I’m a senior at Escola America do Rio de Janeiro at the Gávea campus! I’m so excited to be chairing the Human Rights Committee at RioMUN this year. Over the past year, I’ve fallen in love with MUN and can’t wait to share that passion with all of you. It’s an amazing way to stay politically engaged, improve public speaking skills, and learn to work collaboratively with others. Aside from MUN, I play volleyball, go on hikes, go to the beach, and just hang out with friends. I also love listening to music and listen to pretty much anything with my current favorite being Dominic Fike! I hope to make this conference a safe and fun space for all of you so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at zanar7076@gmail.com with any questions. I hope to make this an amazing conference and I’m so excited to meet you all!
Vice-Chair, Helena Schlosser
Dear delegates and fellow advisors,
My name is Helena Schlosser. I am currently a junior at Our Lady of Mercy School of Rio de Janeiro. This year I am honored to have the opportunity of serving as the co-chair in UNHRC, for this edition of RIOMUN alongside Zana Royster. Ever since my first MUN conference, I have been captivated by the engaging and inspiring experience. It has not only enhanced my academic skills but also shaped me into a more collaborative and diplomatic individual, fostering my ability to analyze complex international issues and understand geopolitical dynamics. In previous conferences I have also built friendships that I continue to cherish until today. These connections also enriched my MUN experience which made them even more memorable. During this conference, my goal is to foster a safe and inclusive environment where delegates can flourish in debate. By cultivating this atmosphere, I aim to ensure a more meaningful experience, building friendships and gaining personal skills such as critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Outside of MUN I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing tennis or binge watching my favorite TV shows. I am thrilled to be working with Zana and eager to meet everyone. Hope to encourage dynamic debates and meaningful interactions that will arise during this conference.
In case of any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out: helena.schlosser15@gmail.com