UN Human Rights Council
Topic: B
Preventing and Dealing with Human
Trafficking
Country: Afghanistan
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Delegate: Jay Kincaid
Around the world mostly in underdeveloped countries human trafficking is harming many young children
and women. Although you may think of slavery right away when you think of trafficking, there are many other
forms of trafficking. For example there is organ trafficking, forced labor (slavery), and there is also sex
trafficking (forced prostitution). ("Trafficking in Persons Report 2010")
Afghanistan initiated the MOWA Initiative to better fight trafficking through Communications and Institution
Building launched and funded a public information campaign with foreign donor support. The campaign
consisted of billboards, radio commercials, and a short radio drama series on trafficking. This campaign
targeted all 34 provinces in Afghanistan. It was found that this campaign increased awareness of trafficking
issues.Another organization the “ANP” worked to improve its age verification process in order to eliminate
child soldiers from the military.
Afghanistan has not done much in the past to protect and enforce human trafficking laws that have been
set forth. Although Afghanistan realizes the issue at hand there is still much controversy on what needs to be
done. Afghanistan has not been able to get it's act together and figfht for human trafficking to be eliminated
and dealt with. Afghanistan has been very leanient and has been allowing human trafficking. As stated by the
U.S. Department of State ("Trafficking in Persons Report 2010")
“Specifically, the Afghan government did not prosecute or convict trafficking offenders under its 2008 law, and
punished victims of sex trafficking with imprisonment for adultery or prostitution”. Afghanistan hasn't been
paying much attention to the trafficking that has been going on. In December 2009, the Monitoring, ("Human
trafficking in Afghanistan") Reporting and Response Steering Committee was formed to write an action plan for
Afghan's government to work with the UN Task Forces on Trafficking and Children in Armed Conflict.Although
this plan was created there has been no progrress completed to date.
Finallly Afghanistan's relolution to this issue is to enoforce the law through the extensive use of law
enforcment and a campaign that shows the issue and what needs to be done. Significant funds will be needed
for the proposed campaign. With your help we can stop human trafficking in Afghanistan forever. This plan
should be backed because if human trafficking is not stopped than there will be thousands maybe even
millionsof innocent people being harmed, due to human trafficking. Here is a quote from a trafficking victim
“We worked twelve hours, without rest, in the rain, the wind, and we were not allowed to go to the toilet. We
were without water, and sanitary conditions were bad because so many people were placed in a small room,” .
I hope you can understand how horrible human trafficking is.
Works Cited Page:
"Trafficking in Persons Report 2010." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State. Web. 31 Oct.
2014.
COUNTRY : Algeria
DELEGATES: Joseph Feranchak
COMMITTEE : UNHRC
TOPIC: B – Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Problem
Human trafficking is common for both men and women no matter their age. In most cases, people are abducted
in Algeria, and smuggled illegally over nearby foreign borders. Some women after being kidnapped are forced
into prostitution and are sexually harassed. Others are thrown into forced labor and serve as slaves for their
owner. The Government of Algeria does not fully comply or use efforts to prevent human trafficking. The
government continues to not hold any one accountable for human trafficking or forced labor. No one has been
convicted or
been given jail time. Since the majority of people pass the Algerian border without having papers or an ID, the
government has allowed a situation to develop where human trafficking and smuggling are confused as being the
same thing. This causes victims of human trafficking to be viewed as illegal immigrants and subject to arrest,
detention and deportation. However, on May
25, 2001 we were one of the African countries to sign and form the UA. It was met promote the unity of African
countries to end all forms of colonialism, so international cooperation can be improved. The Algerian Government
also has an antitrafficking committee, though the committee has not shown activities or achievements on
preventing human trafficking since it last met in June 2012.
UNHRC Topic B
Solution
Raise awareness to other nearby foreign countries about human trafficking. Establish relationships with relevant
international organizations and NGOs to ensure that Algeria and other neighboring countries are cleared of human
trafficking. A system needs to be enacted where offenders are investigated, prosecuted, and convicted of human
trafficking followed by punishment and imprisonment. Establish a committee or a group that will be able to tell the
difference between illegal immigrants and victims of human trafficking. To carry out this system all people who
are traveling through or to Algeria must have an ID and papers to identify themselves. The government should
also join the United Nations World Food Programme
(WFP). That help gives food to the struggling countries around the world. One of the problems in Algeria is the
short amount of food given to the people. If Algeria joins this partnership, the government would not have to focus
on providing food to their people. I have displayed some trustworthy quotes that talk about the positive affect of
the committee.
“…., this partnership will contribute to our work to help save millions of lives. Better telecommunications mean
we can respond faster and more efficiently, with much greater access to those in urgent need," said Josette
Sheeran, WFP's Executive Director.
“More and more frequently, the international aid community is being called on to help save lives, restore order
and rebuild communities after major disasters,” said Kathy Bushkin Calvin, Chief Operating Officer of the
United Nations Foundation.
“This is about harnessing the power of telecommunications which will help WFP and other humanitarian agencies
get the job done,” said Andrew Dunnett, Director of The Vodafone Group Foundation
As the Algerian government will follow these ideas, the threat of human trafficking will decline.
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Bosnia and Herzegovina
School: Cleveland Heights High School
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council Delegates: Avery Dyer and Anya Chew
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
The nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is no stranger to the crime of human trafficking.
From 1992 to 1995, rape was often used as a weapon of war, and a huge increase in trafficking
followed the end of the civil war. As a whole, Eastern Europe is a hub for trafficking, especially
in poor areas, where young people, often refugee women, fall prey to false advertisements that
promise better conditions, but end up being traffickers that kidnap or sell them. After a recent
ethnically charged war, the country has been in disarray, with a high unemployment rate and a
war torn economy.Though anti-trafficking laws exist, they are largely unenforced and police
corruption and involvement in the trafficking business is common. Most of the prevention work
is done through Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Human Rights Watch and
Vasa Prava. These organizations are helpful, but pressure from the United Nations to
implement government reform could be much more effective. Currently, Bosnia Herzegovina's
government meets the minimum standards for handling trafficking as set by The Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
In 2013, H.E. Mirsada Colakovic, an ambassador and representative of Bosnia and
Herzegovina to the United Nations presented a speech addressing Bosnia’s specific issues with
trafficking, but also called for action on the matter, especially in strengthening enforcement to
punish perpetrators and protect victims. The speech also stressed cooperation and
transparency to help facilitate a relationship between governments, NGOs, and the United
Nations. In the same year, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers passed the Strategy
to Counter Trafficking in Human Beings in Bosnia and Herzegovina, effective 2013 to 2015. This
resolution stressed sustainability in programs, and creating gender-specific solutions to better
serve the victims of human trafficking and help prevent further crimes against humanity.
Human trafficking is not only a problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a worldwide
problem, and no single solution will quickly or cheaply solve it. The nation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina aims to achieve the following: Spread far and wide the news of this issue and
garner support for it throughout the world, pressure governments to crack down on their law
enforcement and legislatures to create stricter policies towards human trafficking, and to
establish programs that supply physical and mental health services to victims, as well as job
training, education, and protection from the criminals who trafficked them. Our nation wants to
work with others to prevent and eradicate trafficking, and create initiatives to reach out to and
improve the lives of victims.
UNHRC Topic B
Works Cited
Herzegovina, Bosnia And, and Council Of Ministers. (n.d.): n. pag. 2013. Web.
"IIP Digital | U.S. Department of State." NGOs Work To Eradicate Human Trafficking, Help
Victims. N.p., 12 June 2007. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
“BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA." Journal of the Royal Society of Arts 57.2935 (1909): 290. Web.
Herzegovina, Bosnia And, and Council Of Ministers. (n.d.): n. pag. 2013. Web.
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Ghana
Committee: United Nations Human Rights
Topic B: Rights of Indigenous People
School: Vermilion H.S.
Delegates: Samantha Kyle and Ellen Cole
Throughout the world conflict over the rights of indigenous people are arising.
Indigenous people are often linked to the extinction of large animals and deforestation in places
such as Easter Island, America and Australia. However, many of these people live off of the
land and have retained the important knowledge that allows them to work as one with the
environment to avoid destroying it. Their ways of living are often threatened by food patents and
the construction of dams and other projects. Today Ghana is especially restrictive towards the
rights of indigenous peoples customs and beliefs that could be overridden by a more advanced
peoples. These indigenous people tend to be more excluded from the economic, social, political
and legal processes which sets them off from the rights of the other more advanced people.
Ghana’s most fatal flaw is its infringement on the land of indigenous people. For
instance, a mining corporation began a project in the Ajenjua Bepo Forest Reserve. This project
threatened the many resources the neighboring Akyim tribe thrives off of. However, the
government of Ghana was more supportive of the economic values of the mining exhibition and
defended the corporation saying that they were mining in a degraded forest. Regardless of
Chief Nana’s pleas, the Ghanaian government has continued these mining expeditions that not
only kill wildlife but endanger the Akyim way of life. Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and
Administrative Justice stated that “widespread violations of human rights of individual members
of communities and communities’ collective rights” as well as “widespread pollution of
communities’ water sources, deprivation and loss of livelihoods.” were caused by these mining
projects.
UNHRC Topic B
As of late, the United Nations has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous peoples. This declaration provides rights to these people as well as emphasizing
their need for “maintenance and strengthening of their cultural identities, and emphasizes their
right to pursue development” according to the United Nations. Along with this, Ghana needs to
implement new treaties that maintain the land of these indigenous people. If the government
desires a section of land within the treaty’s bounds, they must verify their plans with the tribe of
that area and repair what they destroy. The situation of endangered animals should also be
taken into consideration. A committee should also be put into place to ensure the safety of these
animals by surveying the area that is being tampered with before anything ensues. With these
steps forward, Ghana can be on the way to the implementation of a stronger set of rights for
their indigenous people.
Works Cited:
"Ghana: Akyim Community Protests against Newmont." Gathering of Peoples on Forests
Biodiversity Community Rights Indigenous Peoples. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
"GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS DECLARATION ON RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS
PEOPLES; 'MAJOR STEP FORWARD' TOWARDS HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL,
SAYS PRESIDENT | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News Center.
UN, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
UNHRC Topic B
Kenya
Human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, is defined as the selling of humans for
labor and sexual exploitation, although it is in present in different forms. The act of human
trafficking revolves around deception; victims are falsely promised opportunities for
employment and are exploited, their dreams shattered. Approximately 32% of all victims are
involved in labor exploitation, 42% in sexual exploitation, and 25% in both (Trafficking in
Persons). There are currently around 27 million modern day slaves deployed around the world.
Out of these people, 800,000 are trafficked across international borders and 80% of all
transnational victims are women and girls. (World Factbook). In August 2010, the United
Nations General Assembly launched the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking. The plan
is managed in conjunction with the International Labor Organization, the International
Organization for Migration, and the UN Children’s Fund. It based on the principle that the
magnitude of human trafficking is so large and the crime so heinous, that it cannot be dealt with
by one government alone (UN.GIFT). After the Initiative was passed, global human trafficking
rates have slightly decreased in some areas.
Kenya is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children
subjected to human trafficking. The Government of Kenya does not fully comply with the
minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking due to inadequate resources to
combat the issue; however it is making significant efforts to do so. Therefore, Kenya is
considered a Tier 2 Watch List country. A Tier 2 Watch List ranking means that the government
does not fully comply with the standards to combat the issue, but they are making significant
efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards. Additionally, a Tier 2 Watch
List ranking indicates that the number of victims involved in human trafficking is increasing, and
the government fails to provide adequate evidence of increased efforts to combat the issue. The
UNHRC Topic B
Government of Kenya identified a total of 188 victims during the 2014 reporting period.
However, only 30 prosecution cases were reported and only seven traffickers were convicted
(Trafficking in Persons). In its efforts to combat human trafficking, the Government of Kenya
established the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act which went into effect in 2012 (CounterTrafficking in Persons Act). However, due to overall significance of the problem, the Kenyan
police force remained without adequate resources, such as funding, to enforce the anti-trafficking
act.
Kenya believes that focusing on prosecution, protection, and prevention will help further
eliminate human trafficking. Kenya believes that the education of law enforcement officers on
the issue of human trafficking will increase prosecutions throughout the country. Additionally,
increasing border patrol will identify and prosecute potential offenders of transnational human
trafficking. Kenya also believes that minimal effort in assisting human trafficking victims has
been shown. The protection of victims should be enforced throughout the country by providing
institutions such as shelters and rehabilitation centers for victims to cope. To prevent the
elimination of human trafficking in the future, Kenya believes that it should be addressed as a
global issue rather than a national one. To address this, the formation of alliances built between
countries for the purpose of eliminating human trafficking will initiate a more global outlook on
the problem while simultaneously raising awareness for the topic. The Kenyan Government is
currently lacking in resources to enforce the elimination of trafficking; partnerships between
countries will encourage sharing of resources such as funding, in turn combatting the issue more
effectively.
UNHRC Topic B
Works Cited
"Trafficking in Persons Report 2014." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of
State, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.
"Human Trafficking | Polaris | Combating Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery." Human
Trafficking | Polaris | Combating Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery. N.p., n.d.
Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
"World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 16 Nov.
2014.
"What Is Human Trafficking?" Unodc.org. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, n.d.
Web.
"Human Trafficking." FBI. FBI, 17 Mar. 2010. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
"UN. GIFT: Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking." (n.d.): n. pag. Ungift.org. United
Nations, Aug. 2010. Web.
Kenya, Laws Of. "Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act." COUNTER-TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS ACT 8 (2010): n. pag. Kenyalwa.org. National Council for Law Reporting,
2010. Web.
UNHRC Topic B
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Country: Kosovo
Delegate: Bulza Krajkova, Casey Kunkle, and Tess Moran
Human Trafficking is a modern form of slavery that violates basic human rights. It is an
illegal act involving the trafficking of persons by transferring, transporting, and harbouring them
with threats and use of force. The offenders exploit the victims through activities such as sexual
slavery and removal of organs. Unfortunately, this crime is found in Kosovo and all around the
world. In Kosovo, women and children are the ones who are victimized the most. They are
bought and sold for different purposes, such as sexual exploitation as prostitution, street acts, and
even the sale of their organs. Most of them are trafficked inside the borders of the country and
are abused physically and psychologically. Kosovo has a very high level of poverty and has a
very large poor population. The traffickers take advantage of this and promise victims better
education, life, and future for their families. Girls around the ages of 15 to 18 are the
demographic mostly targeted. Because they are young, many of these girls believe the
traffickers’ fake promises and are easily fooled. Traffickers know that these young people need
food and emotional support and they use this to control the girls. Because of this, many of the
girls are abused and are forced to stop school.
KKKQTNJ (an organization in Kosovo that helps to prevent human trafficking) and the
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo are working to stop human trafficking. Since the year
2000, they have assisted over 700 victims. They have made shelters for women and children that
are victims of this miserable crime. The women and children live in these shelters for a
temporary time, and after are sent back to their homes. Some of the organizations have human
trafficking conferences at schools, and they show the students some ways to take actions against
human trafficking. Many people in Kosovo, and all around the world, are unaware of the dangers
of human trafficking. The first step to stopping human trafficking is to educate people on what
human trafficking is and how to prevent it. Kosovo supports more conferences and campaigns in
schools educating children on human trafficking and how to prevent it. Another way to help deal
with human trafficking is by identifying, rehabilitating, and supporting the victims. Setting up
more shelters for women and children could help the victims heal after the horrible ordeals they
have been through. The local media can also help by publicly announcing information about this
crime. Lastly, more public announcements would help to prevent human trafficking, increasing
awareness about this crime.
Even though many organizations are working to stop human trafficking, it is still a major
human rights violation that exists in almost every country. The government in Kosovo does not
discuss this issue much and currently does not give enough effort to prevent this crime. In order
to prevent and deal with human trafficking, people have to listen, talk about human trafficking,
take action, share knowledge, and work together to stop it.
UNHRC Topic B
Works Cited
"Gratë dhe fëmijët më së shpejti viktima të trafikimit" ["Women and Children Are Most
Affected
by Human Trafficking"]. Telegrafi. N.p., 17 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
"Office of the National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator." Government of Kosovo Ministry of Inter
nal Affairs. N.p., 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
The Center for Protection of Victims and Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings (PVPT
Center). PVPT, 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
UNHRC Topic B
Mexico
In many countries, the rights of indigenous peoples can be completely neglected, which often
leads to them being forced to live in horrible conditions. It is estimated that there are over 370 million
indigenous people worldwide In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to help protect the victims of the crimes committed against the
indigenous people all over the world. An example of the mistreatment of the indigenous can be traced as
far back as the beginning of the 16th century, when settlers that came to the Americas began taking over
the lands of the Native Americans. This kind of abuse and injustice did not end then, however, in many
countries throughout the world, these events still occur today.1
Similar to many other countries, the issue of indigenous people has been blindly overlooked for
years. Although in 1989, Mexico ratified the International Labour Organization's Convention 169,
recognizing certain collective rights of indigenous people living in Mexico, the “Indios” of Mexico are
still often overlooked.2 The second article in the Mexican constitution offers the outline to the basic rights
of the indigenous people and includes the scope of efforts that have been made to battle the issue
throughout history. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
reports that indigenous communities nationwide suffer from poverty and exclusion, which represent
"obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to education.”3 Mexico has granted its indigenous population the
right to decide their internal forms of social, economic, political, and cultural organization; the right to
apply their own normative systems of regulation as long as human rights and gender equality are
respected; the right to preserve and enrich their languages and cultures; and the right to elect
representatives before the municipal council in which their territories are located.4 In its 2005 report to the
CERD, the Mexico suggests that although discrimination exists at all levels of society, the government
has "sought to create an appropriate legal framework and competent bodies to prevent and punish the acts
of discrimination that persist in Mexico."5 The rights of indigenous peoples have been in the center of the
political agenda in Mexico for quite some time, and the government has made some steps in the right
direction, access to the Office of the Public Prosecutor's Specialized Agency for Indigenous Peoples,
1
Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources." Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
2
February. "Mexico Struggles to Come to Grips With Treatment of Indians." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2001. Web. 19
Nov. 2014.
3
4
5
"Mexico." Homepage. N.p., July 2002. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/LACRegion/Pages/MXIndex.aspx
"Essential News on the World's Indigenous Peoples from IC Magazine."Intercontinental Cry., 26 Feb. 2012. Web.
"RESPONSES TO INFORMATION REQUESTS." (n.d.): n. pag. Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. 17 Jan. 2008. Web.
UNHRC Topic B
which has indigenous employees fluent in their tribe’s native language. This office uses traditional
approaches to solve everyday problems, including “bringing the plaintif and [the] accused together to
resolve the problem in a communal setting.”
When the indigenous population was asked which of their rights was most important to them, the
right to justice (17.6%) came first, while the right to education came seventh (4.6%). Other nations must
remember that due to the mistreatment and abuse of indigenous residents that has occurred for hundreds
of years, many indigenous tribes are not prepared to contribute to the western understanding of “society”.
Because native tribes have been mistreated for so long, many citizens do not realize that racism is present
in their society. Therefore, it is equally as important to combat racism, perhaps by encouraging a
dialogue between native and non-native citizens, as it is to protect tribes’ social, political and economic
rights. Countries must also invest in the proper schooling and adequate funding of these tribes, in order to
give these people the best opportunity possible when they inevitably have to interact with people who are
not tribe members.6 In many countries, a large portion of the funds that is supposed to be devoted to the
relief of the economic struggles of many indigenous people is often lost to corruption, governments must
invest in a more adequate tracking of these funds in order to ensure that the devoted funds reach their
intended target. Furthermore, judicial rights such as the right to a fair trial and equal treatment in court
must be protected in the same way that a government would protect any other citizen’s rights.
6
"Refworld | Mexico: Treatment of Indigenous People in Urban Areas; State Protection Efforts (2005-2007)." Refworld. Research Directorate,
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa, 17 Jan. 2008. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Monaco
Committee: UNHRC
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing Human Trafficking
Delegate: Haviland Murray
The 2013 Human Rights report for Monaco has shown no signs of Human Trafficking. No claims
or suspects of Human Trafficking were said to have occurred in Monaco. Even though Monaco
is near France, which is one of the biggest Human Trafficking rings in the world, Monaco is in no
relation to them. Not even a prostitution ring, sexual exploitation, or even harsh labor report
was made in 2013. Monaco has never dealt with this issue and therefore takes the stance of
being against Human Trafficking.
Monaco’s current laws state that any illegal brothel, sexual exploitation, harsh labor, or
prostitution rings found will be dealt with accordingly. They will be brought into the courts and
force them to give the locations of current victims. Any accomplices will be prosecuted and
thrown in jail to await trial with the others. Next, the victims of the human trafficking violation
will be questioned on what happened over the duration of time they were there. Then, they
would be released back to their families, and advised to get protection. If found guilty, the
average sentence of this crime is 15 years to life.
Although no reports have been made in Monaco, we are prepared to help find a solution. Such
as thorough background checks on government officials, those with large sums of money and
businesses. Usually those in higher up positions are the ones trafficking people. Together we
must take a stand against Human Trafficking and protect our people. Honesty would you want
someone close to you trafficked?
UNHRC Topic B
Anna Crowley & Allegra Steiger
Pakistan
Topic B: Internally Displaced Persons
The issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is extremely relevant for Pakistan. A security
operation - Operation Zarb-e-Azb - was put in place by Pakistan’s government on June 15, 2014 “to take
on rebel strongholds near the Afghan border” as Al Jazeera reported earlier this year. This operation,
which consisted of targeted airstrikes, has caused the displacement of over one million people as of
August 2014, which is comprised of 95,000 families. Since 2008, five million people coming mainly from
North Waziristan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan have been registered
as IDPs and the United Nations has identified over a million that still need humanitarian assistance and
support.
IDPs are often displaced, as is occurring in Pakistan, because of military operations or lack of
security due to rebel or extremist groups but displacement can also occur as a result of natural disasters.
Monsoons in July 2010 as well as earthquakes in September 2013 caused massive displacement in
Pakistan. However, in Pakistan, as in other countries in the region and around the world dealing with
IDPs, security is often a large factor in displacement. Security in the regions where displaced persons are
fleeing is still a major issue for the Pakistani government and the unstable nature is limiting to efforts
already in place by the United Nations Refugee Agency to assist the IDPs.
IDPs are more difficult to assist then refugees who have fled their country and are living in
another one because IDPs remain in their home nation. Thus IDPs do not officially fall under the
jurisdiction of the UN Refugee Agency, although UNHCR does give some assistance. IDPs often rely on
their government to support them. In Pakistan, those IDPs who have not deemed the situation stable
enough to return home, are offered three relief camps and food distribution points. However, only a few
families so far have decided to use these camps because of the lack of privacy and amenities such as
electricity and running water as well as questionable security. Most families stay with relatives or friends
to avoid these conditions, but many are left with no convenient or stable home.
The cost of supporting IDPs has been high for the Pakistani government and it recognizes the
need to work with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to continue to support IDPs.
Assistance is greatly needed to improve and maintain the conditions of the relief camps already in place
and to ensure that all IDPs are provided with food, shelter, security, and medical care. The large number
of children among IDPs is also a major concern especially dealing with medical conditions and education.
The issue of IDPs is a pressing one for Pakistan, and with the IDP population increasing, Pakistan calls
for the swift assistance of the United Nations and its fellow countries in dealing with this widespread
problem.
Works Cited
"Pakistan's IDPs Reach Record One Million." Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera, 1 Sept. 2014. Web.
18 Nov. 2014.
"Pakistan IDP Figures Analysis." IDMC. Nternal Displacement Monitoring Centre, June
2014. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
"2014 UNHCR Country Operations Profile - Pakistan." UNHCR News. UNHCR, n.d.
Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
UNHRC Topic B
Poland UNHRC- Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
A modern and evolved form of slavery, human trafficking is the selling of men, women,
and children for the purpose of servitude, labour, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting.
Previous studies undertaken by United Nations has revealed that eighty percent of the 2.4
worldwide human trafficking victims are sexually exploited, and that only one out of every
hundred victim is saved. Human trafficking is most certainly a human rights violation, but the
combat against its perpetrators is underfunded and overlooked. Next to the trafficking of illegal
drugs, it is the most profitable criminal activity in the world. It must be acknowledged and
fought.
The Government of Poland is aware of the recent surge of human trafficking taking place
in Poland. “The scale of trafficking was already serious in Poland, but has become aggravated
due to joining the European Union and the Schengen Zone,” says Joy Ngozi, a United Nations
Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons. Poland’s anti­ human trafficking rights are in
accordance to United Nations minimum standards, including the Protocol on Trafficking in
Persons to the 2000 United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime,
requiring the Government of Poland to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. According to
Ms. Ngozi, Poland is working with neighboring countries to prevent human trafficking, and
amending its laws to better punish criminals convicted of trafficking. However, the Government
of Poland lacks a clear definition of human trafficking, leading to an inability to address the
issue. Poland has sustained its strong anti-human trafficking policies, but further definition of the
crime itself and speedier prosecution of its perpetrators are necessary. The delegation of Poland
proposes to create a solid, all-encompassing definition of human-trafficking, and improve the
expediency of the prosecution of human traffickers.
Works Cited
Poland becoming transit, destination country for human trafficking. UN News Centre. United
Nations, 29 May 2009. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30961#.VGrN1fnF8Zk>.
“2012 Trafficking in Persons Report­ Poland.” Refworld. United States Department of State, n.d.
Web. 17 Nov. 2014. <http://www.refworld.org/docid/4fe30c9f27.html
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Slovakia
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Delegates: Paige Resnick and Peyton Ovsek, Orange High School
The International Community, even since protective measures have gone in place, has
seen a dramatic increase in human trafficking, one of the fastest growing activities of crime
organizations. Mainly affecting women and children, human trafficking promotes sexual slavery
and forced labor, proving incredibly detrimental to the mental and physical condition of its
victims. While some nations have effectively eradicated almost all forms of this crime, others
continue to struggle to protect their people. Additionally, while some nations are attempting to
reform, others have failed to even bring light upon the subject, creating a deeply unstable
community. Currently, thirty-one countries are not state parties to the Protocol to Prevent,
Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, displaying the
widespread problem at hand. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 20.9
million victims of human trafficking, a number that desperately needs to decrease.
Slovakia has had many issues in the past with human trafficking. Although we do not
fully agree to all of the standards for prevention of human trafficking, we have been making
significant strides to do so. Slovakia has made efforts to set aside money ($91,000 in 2007) to be
use solely to combat human trafficking. In our criminal code, Slovakia defines human
trafficking as illegal and punishable through fines and imprisonment. Our government strives to
identify victims of human trafficking and not only help them to escape its terrors, but also to
UNHRC Topic B
assist them in re-entering society. Slovakia’s main goal is to prosecute and protect against
human trafficking, with hopes to work on prevention efforts in the future.
Slovakia believes that the best way to combat human trafficking is to create NGO’s that
can support victims of its terrors. This includes providing jobs, assessing and/or providing for
medical needs as a result of such trafficking, and granting free education. Slovakia also
recommends providing education to those who may not know about human trafficking in hopes
that they will take action to prevent this issue as well. With others aiding in this effort, maybe
the problem can be solved.
As Liam Neeson said in the 2009 film “Taken” to his daughter’s captor when she became
a victim of human trafficking, “If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not
look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will
kill you.” Although this is a fictional film, Slovakia believes that this mindset is prevalent to
today’s society and will lead as an example to other countries, causing them to follow this “all or
nothing” strategy.
UNHRC Topic B
COUNTRY : Somalia
DELEGATES: Anthony Perrins COMMITTEE : UNHRC
TOPIC: B – Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Topic
¬
An Internally Displaced Person is defined as someone who is forced to flee his or her home but
who remains within his or her country's borders. They are often referred to as refugees, although they
do not fall within the current legal definition of a refugee.
¬
There are estimated to be 1.1 million Internally Displaced Persons in Somalia
(internal¬displacement.org)
¬
From the civil war, clan¬based conflicts, 2011 famine and insecurity because of fighting between
Al-Shabaab and allied TFG (transitional federal government) forces
¬
Indigenous people = Include 'Bantu' (Gosha, Shabelle, Shidle, Boni) 1 million (15%), Gaboye
('Midgan') caste groups (Tumal, Yibir, Madhigan, other) 1.5 million (22.5%), Oromo 41,600 (0.4%), and
Benadiri Swahili¬speakers (including Rer Hamar Amarani, Bajuni) 1.5 million (0.4%)
Previous Resolutions
¬
E¬CN_4¬RES¬1997¬39 11/04/1997; Especially clauses dealing with Governments facilitating the
Secretary General’s representatives on this subject in their country
¬
A/HRC/RES/23/8 13/06/13; The establishment of a special rapporteur on Internally
Displaced Persons
History
¬
After the President was overthrown in 1991, clan warfare dominated the country
¬
No central government, no army lots of shifting fiefdoms
¬
Minorities hit hardest as they had no clan protection
¬
Faced expulsion from their lands and looting of their stuff
¬
Women hit hardest
¬
Despite calls by the government and international allies for inclusiveness and respect for
diversity, there were reports of localized conflicts leading to evictions of minority communities from
their lands, particularly in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions (refworld.org)
¬
In testimony given to MRG, Somali minority interviewees reported hate speech deriving from
prejudice and a historical legacy of slavery. Several members of Bantu and occupational minority groups
spoke of being routinely insulted with derogatory language and name¬calling.
Actions ¬
The fight against al¬Shabaab also resulted in the ousting of the group from its
stronghold in the port city of Kismayo, in Somalia's Jubaland. Subsequent elections and political
negotiations led to the declaration of Ahmed Mohamed Islam as president of the Jubaland region. The
region is home to diverse ethnic communities, including populations of Somali Bajuni, Bantu, Boni,
Boran, Galjeel and several other groups. Many of these communities are sedentary farmers, in contrast
to the majority nomadic pastoralist Somalis. It is not yet clear whether this federalist creation, which has
divided opinion,
will allow these minority groups, many of whom have long been excluded from mainstream political life
in Somalia, greater recognition
Opinions More problems in the south, the country has no time for Somaliland¬ it is prosperous
¬
UN should make the first move
¬
Indigenous people have exercised their rights before, it resulted in Civil War
Solutions ¬
More federalism
UNHRC Topic B
¬
Gain control of the country
¬
Education
Somalia would only support a resolution that is strict on Internally Displaced Persons that are causing
trouble as it has experienced many wars, involving the internally displaced persons of our country.
However we do need a resolution that will stop the different minorities from
warring with each other, for example federal government. The government needs support for this and
would like the UN to make the first move.
Policy Statement
Delegates, distinguished chairs, Good morning,
The delegate of Somalia comes before you to bring to light the grave situation regarding indigenous
people and ethnic minorities within our rebuilding country. Throughout the deadly civil wars which our
nation has experienced over the past 20 years, many indigenous people were killed and degraded due to
their lack of clan protection. Still others took part in this degradation. Recently, this issue has been
tackled, with elections in the ethnically diverse region of Jubaland, proving successful in the short term.
However, the delegate of Somalia urges this committee to stop the prejudice and hate in our fledgling
democracy through the continued support of the federal system there.
Thank you
Bibliography
refworld.org
cia world factbook internal-displacement
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Republic of the Sudan
Committee: Human Rights Council
Topic B: Human Trafficking
Delegate: Lauren Hyland
Human trafficking has been presented as a constant problem in the middle east and northern
africa especially. Human trafficking can be defined as “the illegal movement of people,
typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.” The country of
Sudan does prohibit human trafficking, but that does not mean that these laws are being
properly enforced. One root to the problem are terrorist groups, such as the Lord’s Resistance
Army (LRA) kidnapping young boys to use as slaves or combatants in war. This though does
not in any means exclude woman and young girls, they are often traded to middle eastern
countries such as Qatar for domestic servitude. Although some sudanese people try to
escape their abuse and captivity and flee to close allies such as Ethiopia and Egypt, the
conditions there are not much better and in some parts worse. The Issue of human trafficking
is so out of countrol because it makes an enormous profit, it’s international and The
Government of National Unity is not making significant efforts to comply with even minimal
standards in effort to begin to eliminate human trafficking.
To better understand why and how the human trafficking industry continues you have to begin
to understand the process in which it occurs. Human trafficking represents an estimated $31.6
billion of international trade per year. Human trafficking is appearing to be one of the
fastestgrowing activities of transnational criminal organizations. victims are often kidnapped
but are also often tricked by the promise of good jobs in foreign countries or big cities.
Traffickers take advantage of victims situations and exploit them because of their standards of
living or because they are simply desperate.
The Republic of the Sudan has trouble enforcing Human Trafficking laws in part because of
UNHRC Topic B
the plethora of religions practiced. They do Agree though with United Nations Policies against
Human Trafficking. From the Sudanese perspective Human trafficking is indeed an issue.
Unfortunately though there are other matters in Sudan that require more government attention
then this. That is why The Republic of the Sudan asks the United Nations to assist the
Government of National Unity by forms of funding, border control, and Federal Protective
Services. With assistance from the UN this could be the beginning of a chain reaction, by
shutting down a huge trafficking destination and transit site, this could be a beneficial step to
the international black market industry of Human Trafficking.
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Turkey
School: Vermilion H.S.
Committee: UNHRC
Delegates:Theresa Albrethsen and Abby Schaefer
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking affects all different regions from all around the world. Children, men and women are
all trafficked due to many divergent factors such as, utilization for labour in factories or farms, forced
marriages, and sexual exploitation. The people that are unfortunate to be trafficked are usually from
impoverished and violent towns. Human Trafficking has taken place for over a century, long before the
modern human rights system was established. Trafficking does not only concern the movement of people
between countries but also within. Human Trafficking is a violation against human rights for multiple
reasons. Human rights that are associated with trafficking state the right to not be in slavery or forced
labor and the right to be free from gendered violence. A quote from Barack Obama the President of the
United States says “Our fight against human trafficking is one of the great human rights causes of our
time” . When many people hear the words human trafficking they think of women and sex trafficking, but
forced labour trafficking is actually three times larger than sex. In a study that took place in 2005 the
worldwide profit from trafficking was $44.3 billion and more than 12.3 million people. Of the 12.3
million approximately half of these were children.
The Turkish government has created and enforced anti-trafficking laws in the past few years. Article 80
of the Penal Code forbids trafficking for both forced labor and sexual exploitation. Punishments for not
complying to the law results in 10 to 15 years in prison. An anti-trafficking hotline became functional for
international calls and 28 victims were saved. To educate and promulgate officers to spot possible
trafficking, the Jandarma published a guidebook and allocated copies to them. Since Turkey is between
Europe and Asia it is a destination and transit country for many victims of human trafficking. With 5,000
miles of coastline it is very accessible and easy to dock illegal entries into Turkey. Here they hope to find
a way to Western countries like Germany and Italy. According to the International Organization for
Migration since 1999 roughly 250,000 people have been trafficked through Turkey. A majority of the
victims are women and girls from numerous states of the former Soviet Union. Many women even within
UNHRC Topic B
our country are faced with the problem of sex trafficking. The traffickers use psychological coercion and
threats to force victims into forced labor or sex trafficking.
Although our country has had some major advancements in anti-trafficking there are still steps that need
to be taken. In our country prostitution is legal. By outlawing prostitution in our country and others many
of the women that were sex traffickers will not have a thing to do. The number of sex traffickers would go
down a lot because they would not be creating as much money off of them. Another important objective
is to get more funding to help those in need after they have been rescued. If shelters were to be created to
help those who are in dire need then the victims will have somewhere to go and will no longer be left with
nothing and far better their situation. Finally the biggest step to take is to outlaw child labor and forced
labor. As previously stated that forced labor is three times larger than trafficking for sex.
Works Cited
"Cacho: Turkey Transit Route for Human Trafficking." TodaysZaman. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct.
2014.
"From Rep. of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs." Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
"Human Trafficking & Modern-day Slavery - Turkey." Human Trafficking & Modern-day
Slavery - Turkey. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
"Human Trafficking in Turkey." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Oct.
2014.
PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
"Refworld | 2013 Trafficking in Persons Report - Turkey." Refworld. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct.
2014.
UNHRC Topic B
Submitted by: Brazil
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council
Delegates: Maci Woyat, Rachael Steer
School: St. Vincent- St. Mary High School
On December 16, 1949 The United Nations Declaration of Human rights was signed by not only
Brazil,but all member of the UN except eight countries. In this declaration countries agreed that, “No
one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade should be prohibited in all their
forms,” as the document states in article four.
Human trafficking is the ‘modern’ form of slavery. Everyday there are people traded as slaves,
prostitutes, laborers, and prisoners. People of almost any age, race, and gender are subjected to the
evils of human trafficking. The international Labour Organization counts there are as many as 29.8
million people held captive. And that 76% of these 29.8 million people can be accounted for by only ten
countries in the globe. Many of these nations are ones with overpopulation, economic, and social issues
that must be addressed.
However, Human trafficking is prevalent in even the most developed nations. Brazil is widely
known as a “transit” country for human trafficking. Many who migrate to Brazil from surrounding states
are more probable to become traded as slaves. Slavery in Brazil is commonly a form of sexual
exploitation and forced labor in factories and sweatshops. In 2013 Brazil’s reports of human trafficking
rose 1,500%. Many are called in by women and children, the most at risk individuals for trafficking. The
amazing increase could be looked at as an ultimate low for human rights in Brazil, however it is only the
first step in Brazil’s attempt to put an end to one of the globe’s most pressing crimes to humanity. The
increase of reported crimes shows Brazil’s $2.9 million plan that fights human trafficking is starting to
work.
In Brazil the government has made hotlines specifically for victims to report crimes, where 263
reports have been registered during the first six months of 2013. Out of the 263 reports, 170 were
international cases of trafficking. This is proof that human trafficking is a contagious disease that infects
every country around the globe. Brazil is attempting to cure this disease by adding posts in border cities
and across the state to give services to victims. Brazil also formed a national committee on the federal
and local levels to execute the plans and make the laws to put an end to slavery. This resulted in revision
of penal code that aims to help children from illegal adoption and forced labor.
However, this is cannot be fixed by one nation. Human trafficking is a global issue and there is a
global human slave trade today. There are women and children across the globe being forced into labor,
slavery, and sexual exploitation wherein they are completely denied and stripped of their basic
inalienable human rights. That is why Brazil calls for a three faceted plan.
UNHRC Topic B
Firstly, Brazil calls for economic stability in nations that are most contaminated by human
trafficking. This could be by setting up more educational opportunity by NGOs, putting more money into
job creation from the world bank, or allowing more enterprise to flourish in order to create more jobs
for capitalist countries.
Secondly, Brazil calls for harsher punishments for human trafficking, exploitation, rape, captivity
(or abduction), and forced labor. First world, developed countries should act as a model for this. Any
violator of inalienable human rights of another must be severely punished according to, of course, the
states government in proportion to their already aligned punishments. Also, that those involved in
global trafficking should face trial on an international level. This could be done by ratifying the ILO
Forced Labour Protocol, that helps in the identification, protection, and rehabilitation of victims as well
as guidance on how to eliminate and sanction perpetrators.
Lastly, but most importantly, there must be social reform in countries. NGOs and foundations
from other developed nations must come in and bring awareness and aid to the social gaps within under
developed and developing nations that cause humans to see other humans as lesser value and not
equal. This is most important because, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
brotherhood” according to the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
This plan should be used on an international level, however Brazil hopes other states take this as only
one step of their plan to prevent and deal with human trafficking. It is Brazil’s hope that other nations
also take a local and national look into the problem of human trafficking.
UNHRC Topic B
Works Cited:
Chua, Jasmin M. "Over 29 Million People Enslaved, Says World’s First Global Slavery Index." Ecouterre.
Inhabitat LLC, 18 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.
Wells, Miriam. "Can New Anti-Human Trafficking Body in Brazil Really Have Impact?" InSight Crime.
Open Society Foundations, 30 Jan. 2014. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.
Wells, Miram. "Reports of Human Trafficking Rise Dramatically In Brazil."InSight Crime. Open Society
Foundations, 10 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2014
"ILO Forced Labour Protocol." International Labor Organization. International Labor Organization, 17
Oct. 2014. Web. 16 Nov. 2014.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations. December 17, 1949.
UNHRC Topic B
Country: Libya
Committee: UNHRC
Topic B Position Paper: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, a trade of buying and selling humans for labor and prostitution is becoming
more and more detrimental to impoverished citizens and women, generally of younger ages. This modern
day slave trade has encompassed 27 million victims and relocates 800 thousand across borders every year.
50 percent of transnational victims being children and 70 percent of female victims being are trafficked
into the commercial sex trade. With annual revenue of 32 billion dollars a year, this travesty has become
a driving force so deep within the politics and system of countries that it has been extremely difficult to
identify and penalize. With 57 percent of the victims being involved in sexual exploitation, human
trafficking mostly targets poor women looking for any job opportunities they can find (cicatelli.org). On
September 1st of 2010 the UN adopted the “Global Plan of Action,” which stresses a need for unification
of countries to combat the problem with a conglomerate of policies stemming from the UN’s human
trafficking policies. The plan also created a voluntary trust fund with financial compensation for any
physical or physiological damage done to victims of trafficking. Just as well the plan stressed data
research and analysis of the trade in order to create more comprehensive policy and solutions (un.org).
Libya, a destination and transit country for human trafficking, has a increasing number of SubSaharan Africans and Asians immigrants being forced into performing labor or prostitution. Though
Libya’s government luckily gained control of many prisons and 20 detention centers designated for
foreign migrants under the control of the Ministry of Interior’s Department for Combatting Illegal
Migration, very little has been done on it’s behalf to combat the rising issue of human trafficking. Libyan
law does not interdict all types of human trafficking and the amendments, Articles 336-339 of the Libyan
criminal code drafted in 2010, that prohibit the trafficking of humans were never adopted. While Libya
does not have a national body responsible for fighting human trafficking, it has collaborated with
UNHRC Topic B
international organizations to create national migration administrative policy that criminalizes human
trafficking (libya.usembassy.gov). Libya’s position against human trafficking was reinforced in General
Assembly on May 14th of 2013 when its representative said, “To fight trafficking, the economic and social
circumstances of origin countries must be taken into account and ameliorated through job opportunities,
cross-border cooperation on security, firm measures against traffickers and the raising of awareness
among vulnerable communities” (un.org). With a minimal effort to stop human trafficking in Libya, not
nearly enough has been done to lessen its ever-increasing number of victims in the country.
To deal with the Major Human Trafficking issue in Libya and many other nations an extension of
the “ Global Plan of Action Preventing Trafficking” would serve as a strong and structured route to
combatting this issue. This would include policies immigrant, border, and trafficking policy being
developed under the UN’s policy for combatting trafficking. A lack of educational awareness and
compensation in not only Libya but many countries would require anti-trafficking programs and treatment
for damage done to victims, which would be funded by the already operating voluntary trust fund. With
assistance from countries and collaborative effort to regulate and administrate policy, human trafficking
can be fought and the lives of many can be saved.
Sources
"Human Trafficking Statistics." Cicatelli. Polaris Project. Web. 19 Nov.
2014.<http://www.cicatelli.org/titlex/downloadable/human trafficking
statistics.pdf>. "General Assembly Launches Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in
Persons; Secretary-
General Says Partnership Only Way to End 'Slavery
in the Modern Age' | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News
Center. UN. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. <http://www.un.org/press/en/2010/ga10974.doc.htm>. UNHRC Topic B
"Embassy of the United States Tripoli, Libya." Democracy and Human
Rights. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. <http://libya.usembassy.gov/tip2014.html>. "Speakers in General Assembly Stress Need for Greater International
Cooperation to Combat Transnational Human Traffickers as High-Level
Meeting Continues | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News
Center. UN. Web. 19 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.un.org/press/en/2013/ga11371.doc.htm>.
UNHRC Topic B