United Nations Human Rights Council
Approximately Committee Size: 70 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Discussing the Ongoing Violation of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
Topic B: Addressing Disabled People’s Rights to Education
The UNHRC is all about protecting the basic rights and freedoms of people across the globe. In this committee, you’ll dive into intense discussions on real-world issues like protecting minority rights, safeguarding civil liberties, and addressing human rights violations in conflict zones. You’ll have the chance to explore how to hold violators accountable while respecting national sovereignty and international laws. If you're passionate about promoting equality, dignity, and justice, this is your stage to make a difference in the global human rights landscape.
Dear Delegates,
It is with much excitement that I welcome you to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of ILMUNC! My name is Gabriela, and as the Chair, I am committed to creating a comfortable and pleasant environment for all of you to discuss some of the most pressing issues we face today in the human rights realm.
The Human Rights Council in the United Nations is an inter-governmental body, meaning it is conducted by more than two governments, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights and addressing their violations worldwide. Furthermore, the Council discusses all human rights-related situations requiring attention throughout the year. It consists of 47 members who are elected by the UN General Assembly.
This year, in the Human Rights Council, we will be discussing (1) the ongoing violation of women’s rights in Afghanistan and (2) disabled people’s rights to education. The aforementioned issues being addressed are of extreme importance, and your resolutions are to suggest different approaches to either solve or minimize some of the most controversial topics discussed in the 21st century. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to expand your horizons and gain knowledge regarding human rights issues worldwide. We have carefully prepared this study guide to help guide you through your research and preparation for the conference.
A little bit about me: I am a sophomore in The Wharton School intending to study finance and strategic management. I’m from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and attended The British School of Rio de Janeiro, where I served as both Head Chair and Secretary-General for my high school’s Model UN conference, as well as Coordinator for the MUN club. This will be the first conference that I have helped to plan with ILMUNC, and hope that you all have an enriching and valuable experience! Outside of ILMUNC, I am part of TEDxPenn’s Operations team and Wharton Women’s Internal Events team. I love going to the beach, playing volleyball, and hanging out with friends!
Amanda, Camila, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the UNHRC. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Gabriela Pires
Chair, UNHRC
gpires@wharton.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Human Rights Committee at the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference! My name is Amanda Garbellotto, and I am thrilled to serve as your co-chair for this committee. I am a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Statistics, originally from São Paulo, Brazil.
At Penn, I have had the privilege of staffing our collegiate MUN and representing the university on our competitive travel team. This will be my first time staffing our high school conference, and I couldn’t be more excited. As a high school student, I participated in several national and international competitions, including those following European and American parliamentary procedures. Beyond MUN, I am actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers, and als enjoy baking and spending time with friends.
Through this committee, I hope that everyone gains a deeper understanding of the political and cultural implications of the current Afghan regime and collaborates on addressing these issues with a focus on universal human rights and regional sovereignty. Additionally, I look forward to seeing the discussions on accessibility and social inclusion in education, particularly regarding the rights of disabled people to education. As a key committee within ECOSOC, we encourage you all to conduct thorough research on these topics, anticipating challenging debates that will lead to innovative and collaborative resolutions.
In conclusion, I hope this conference creates wonderful memories for everyone, providing an opportunity to make new friends and step out of your comfort zone to think differently. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time if you have any questions. I can’t wait to officially meet everyone in January!
Amanda Garbellotto
Co-Chair, UNHRC
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to ILMUNC XLI! My name is Camila Paranhos and I am delighted to serve as your chair to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). I have been chairing ILMUNC for the past 3 years and it is always a pleasure to see the passion and enthusiasm that delegates bring into the committee room.
This year, our committee has two topics on the agenda that demand immediate attention and thoughtful deliberation. The first one concerns Women's Rights in Afghanistan. As you may know, since regaining power in Afghanistan, the Taliban have significantly restricted women’s freedoms, creating the world’s most serious women’s rights crisis. Afghanistan stands as the only country where teenage girls and women do not have access to education, employment, and freedom of movement. The goal of this committee is to develop actionable policies and recommendations that can support Afghan women, ensuring progress in the protection of their rights and that their voices are heard on both national and international platforms.
The second topic will tackle the rights of disabled individuals in education. Education is a fundamental human right, yet people with disabilities around the world continue to face significant barriers to accessing quality education. The discussions should focus on identifying these barriers and proposing comprehensive solutions to create inclusive educational environments. The aim of this committee is to ensure that disabled individuals receive the support and resources they need to thrive academically and socially.
As delegates of the UNHRC, you have the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate with peers, and contribute to the development of innovative policies. Your dedication, insight, and commitment to human rights will be instrumental in shaping the outcomes of our discussions. I encourage you to approach these topics with an open mind and a determination to advocate for those whose voices are often marginalized.
I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the near future. In the meantime, here is a little bit more about me: I am a senior at Penn from Brazil studying Political Science and Economics. Outside of the classroom, I am involved with Penn’s Intercollegiate Model United Nations Travel Team (Intercol), Penn Policy Consulting Group, Class Board and the Penn Ski Team. In my free time, I love to travel, watch shows and spend time with friends and family.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at camilacp@sas.upenn.edu.
Camila Paranhos
Moderator, UNHRC
