The Rights and Status of Refugees

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Grant Charles Centner
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Middle East is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crisis ever. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homeland due to conflict. At the end of 2017 there were 68.5 million people who were forcibly displaced from their homes, 25.4 million of those people were refugees (UNHCR). The west has turned a blind eye to this crisis. 86 percent of refugees are housed in developing countries (Borgen Project). According to Statista an online statistics and market research firm the only countries taking in their “fair share” of refugees is Canada (248%), Norway (144%), and Germany (118%) (Statista). Meanwhile The United States, France, Italy, Spain, France, Japan, Russia, and South Korea all take in less than 10 percent of their estimated “fair share” of refugees. Refugees have placed enormous strains on developing countries economy, for example Jordan, whose population is now 8% refugees, has received major shocks to its economy as it attempts to adjust to the influx of refugees. Jordan’s interest rates have risen by 7.7%. Jordan’s government spends 8.8% percent of its budget on the refugee crisis (Cato Institute). Countries like Jordan cannot withstand the pressures on their economy any longer, western countries must do their part.

For the past 40 years Afghanistan has been harassed by foreign nations. Now the situation has progressed and resulted in the current Afghan refugee crisis. The fight between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban has caused areas in Afghanistan to become increasingly unsafe for civilians. Numerous ceasefires have been ignored by the Taliban, who is responsible for over 70% of civilian casualties in this war (MigrationPolicy.org). Three out of every four Afghans will experience displacement at some point in there lives (Red Cross). While many Afghans are returning to their homeland, almost half a million in 2016, many of these “returnees” are not doing so voluntarily (UNHCR). Millions of Afghan refugees are being forced to return to their unsafe homeland by countries like Pakistan who hold them currently, and by other european countries who refuse to accept them. Something must be done to protect the rights of refugees and stop countries from sending

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan needs support to protect its people and ensure they remain safe during these times of distress. Afghanistan strongly encourages more countries put and end to the practice of sending refugees back to their homeland when it is unsafe. The rights of refugees must be respected. Afghanistan believes that the HRC must come to a consensus on the rights of refugees, these rights should include but not be limited to: asylum in a willing country, monetary compensation based upon need, shelter, healthcare, childcare, and help in finding employment in their new home. Countries who do not grant these rights to refugees or accept refugees should be punished by the security council through sanctions. After all they are damaging countries like Canada and Jordan who are taking more than their fair share of refugees. Afghanistan strongly believes that the rights of all people should be respected, especially the rights of refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Emily Preston
School: Williamston High School

As the rate of refugees continues to climb, the topic of how to help them and what should be done to protect their rights have come up in both in countries and globally. The 1951 Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees was the foundation leading up to this committee. This 52-page document lays out the definition of a refugee and leaves the opportunity to make more reforms and such. Although there are plenty of laws helping these refugees that doesn't mean that they don't still come into several issues. Due to election-related violence, economic decline, extreme food instability, and disease, over 300,000 Burundi’s have fled the country. And in Europe, an estimated 362,000 people have risked their lives to seek refuge from all across the world, about 2,700 kids have believed to either has gone missing or have died. Despite the routes becoming easier, the risks taken to get to those places are incredibly high. If these refugees cannot find a safe way to get to shelter countries and cannot stay safe in these countries, these fatalities will only continue to climb. As one of the 26 countries that were permitted to participate in the 1951 Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, the Kingdom of Belgium has been known for its looser refugee laws. In a study conducted in 2010, immigrants (most of which are refugees) made up 18% of Belgium’s population. This laidback policy has come with some issues, especially over the last few years. Terrorists have been a serious threat to the entire globe, groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda have been targeted repeatedly to try and demolish these terrorist groups. Belgium has had its fair share of terror attacks due to a lack of refugee control. Salah Abdeslam, the only live terrorist from the Paris attacks, was found in the city of Molenbeek. He and his brother were found to have owned a bar together in this town. Authorities later found that his other two brothers, who were killed in the attack, were also living in Belgium at the time. Another terrorist in Belgium was Ayoub El Khazzani, a Moroccan immigrant, was on a train heading to Paris when he pulled out an assault rifle and tried to open fire but was detained before any fatalities were inflicted. Although there are many repercussions to taking in so many refugees from Islamic countries, without these immigrants and refugees, Belgium would be a dying population; one that probably would never recover if not for immigration. The population rate is less than 1% every year. Belgium’s population is also rapidly aging, the average age of the population is 40, and 30% of the population is nearing retirement. Unfortunately, these numbers are only going to get worse if both Belgium and the HRC can’t come up with any long-term agreements. There are laws being put in place for helping immigrants and refugees at both the federal level for Belgium and globally. Belgium has been taking several steps to make sure that these refugees get the rights they deserve. They established the Council of Alien Law Litigation (CALL) which deals with cases that deal with refugees and asylum seekers. Along with the CALL, along with the Public Centers for Social Welfare (PCSC), which is a public institution that exists in each of the 589 towns of Belgium. Every citizen of Belgium has the right to social assistance and social integration. There is plenty Belgium is doing to help the world. It is an involved member of the UNHRC and has decided to help by taking in thousands of refugees every year, passing laws ensuring their rights. Due to their loose borders and dying population, Belgium is able to take in wave after wave of refugees from the EU migrant crisis. Along with taking in so many refugees, Belgium has helped passed many international laws. From The 1951 Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees to the creation of the UNHRC itself, everyone is doing their part to make this situation better.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Bella Oswalt
School: Vicksburg High School

Historically, Bolivia has been extremely accepting and welcoming of displaced peoples. During the holocaust, when other countries such as Canada and America were turning away the hoards of displaced people produced from World War Two, Jewish refugees were accepted by Bolivia. As the amount of displaced people in the world continues to steadily increase, Bolivia feels it is important for the United Nations to address the situation at hand.

Today Bolivia is itself producing refugees, and our own president, Evo Morales, calls for universal citizenship. Not just the president is calling for action, though, and as a country Bolivia is one of the few nations that formally recognizes Palestine as independent. More so, as the economy and climate of our country changes, and more and more of our citizens are forced out of their homes, Bolivia relates to the struggles of many other countries faced with similar conditions and situations. Hoping to prevent more countries from producing refugees, Bolivia finds it important to establish the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular migration. The agreement would help to prevent, and safely handle the issues of displaced people not only in Bolivia, but all over the world.

With the release of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and the conference to adopt it being held in December, our nation feels it is important to keep pushing for humane solutions and rights. Bolivia is willing to support resolutions that help to keep our nation's morals in place, as well as to establish the basic rights of refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Divya Reddy
School: Williamston High School

The Human Rights Committee (HRC) has an obligation to all of the refugees displaced and spread throughout the world. The rights and protections of refugees are being undermined and their vulnerability is at an all time high. Refugees across the world do not have basic rights to protection, nor do they have access to food, water, and shelter. Not only are they being stripped of their basic rights, but also their basic needs. As of today, there are 22 million refugees globally and more than 40 million internally displaced people, 84 percent of whom are living in low and middle-income nations. The status of these refugees is a dire topic that is deserving of much more attention then it is currently being given on the global stage. To first address this topic, in 1967 the UN released the protocol regarding the status of refugees, which diminished the geographical limitations (previously limited to Europe) of refugees. Now in 2018, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was released. This agreement made between multiple states and governments aims to “address all aspects of international migration, including the humanitarian, developmental, human rights-related and other aspects” and commits to “protect the safety, dignity and human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their migratory status”. The United Nations and Human Rights Committee are both well on its way towards creating a proactive and helpful environment for these refugees, but it will take the full cooperation from all nations to compose a detailed plan to help better accommodate these migrants. The nation of Brazil is fully willing to work alongside fellow nations in the Human Rights Committee to solve this crisis. Brazil, as of now resettles no more than 50 refugees a year. This pace is not nearly sufficient with a total of 86,000 pending cases. This is not a new matter as millions of displaced people already reside in our nation’s borders, and have been for nearly two decades. Though this is only a small portion of the number of displaced people globally, the situation is worsening. Recently Brazil has been experiencing high influxes of people arriving from the country of Venezuela, with about 60,000 Venezuelans arriving in Brazil since 2015. The expected motive for doing so is, of course, their home country’s current economic state. While Brazil is being urged by the UN to take action along with other countries, such as Columbia by setting up refugee camps, the Brazilian government is refusing. The Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes stated that what the immigrants need “is social assistance, especially health assistance, from local authorities”, not a settlement in refugee camps. Along with this, millions of Brazilians are fleeing from their land to other countries for three main reasons. The three main reasons these people chose to leave Brazil are natural disasters, infrastructure development, and violence, with natural disasters being the main reason 73% of the time. Infrastructure development has also displaced between 130,000 to 230,000 Brazilians. Both of these crises give Brazil the opportunity to create a new and revised refugee and migration policy that can accommodate incoming refugees, as well as Brazilians that are currently being displaced through new developments and constant flooding. Furthermore, as mentioned previously Brazil is continuing to compose a new plan to better deal with these crises. Currently, Brazil’s current refugee and law policy both state that “Permanent residency and citizenship are available to holders of asylum and refugee status, provided that certain requirements are met. However, Brazilian legislation does not provide any specific provision for the integration of immigrants into society.” The policy also accounts for family members of refugees by saying that the effects of the received refugee status extended to all members of the family group that are economically dependent on the refugee, as long as they reside in the country. Lastly, to be recognized as a refugee, an alien must make a statement and reason. The alien must also provide information in a request. The policy directly states that the request must contain “his/her full name, professional qualifications, educational background, educational background of accompanying family members, and a statement revealing the circumstances and facts that support his/her request for refugee status, along with relevant evidence.” Brazil also prohibits the deportation of an alien or refugee to their home country as long as the situation still endangers their life, physical wellness and/or freedom. This is of course with the exception of if the person in question holds a background in terrorism, drug trafficking, etc. Refugees are also able to obtain a permanent resident status and migration is voluntary with the confirmation of the Brazilian Government. In hopes to further better this policy, Brazil is willing to alter or create a new resolution that better pertains this current crisis. This may include creating a federal body dedicated to migration, as well as a more impactful resettlement strategy. As of now, Brazil has created the National Committee for Refugees in 1997, however, the function and the structure of the committee need to be reworked. By restructuring the current system, Brazil can give migrants and refugees the opportunity for not only the basic necessities but also economic stability and basic rights. Through the Human Rights Committee, Brazil is looking forward to communicating with other countries and providing our support to all people of Brazil, including refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Tyler Grubb
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The current status and rights available to refugees is a very pressing matter. According the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees statements, there are currently 68.5 million people which have been forcibly displaced, 24.5 million of which have fled to countries have refugees. Many of the countries that refugees are fleeing to nearby countries where their human rights, specifically laid out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are being violated. In order to allow the continual access to rights for refugees, not matter their current status, the United Nations Human Rights Council must work together to create legislation that allows easy resettlement with to access to all basic necessities guaranteed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and legislation that allows support for countries financially investing in these refugees to allow both the refugees and supporting nations to have more fluent interactions where no one's human rights are being violated, infringed, or ignored.

Canada, as a country who has continually accepted refugees into our nation, is aware of the pressing matter of refugee rights and status. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau states “the international community must come together to address their immediate needs and to help rebuild their lives.” Canada believes the Human Rights Council should place an emphasis on the Global Compact of Refugees. The Global Compact of Refugees, based on the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol, focuses on easing pressure on host countries, enhancing refugee self-reliance, expanding access to third country solutions, and supporting conditions in countries of origin for return. Canada believes supporting these guidelines, set by the High Commissioner for Refugees in the Global Compact of Refugees, through mobilization of “political will,” broadening the base of support, and facilitating more “equitable, sustainable, and predictable contributions” will allow refugees to receive treatment that does not infringe on their human rights laid out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and allow the countries which financially and economically supporting refugees to have more support with their actions.

Canada proposes that the United Nations strengthen its legislation protecting the status and rights of refugees by working alongside NGOs and member nations that are currently engaged in creating safe resettlements for refugees. This should be enacted through the following of The Global Compact of Refugees. Canada also proposes that all countries work together to create an intertwined, fluid relationship that endlessly respects and protects the rights of all people no matter their current status as a citizen to any country. Bold steps must be taken to insure the protection of all human rights of refugees. In doing this, the Human Rights Council will be able to achieve its goal of every nation within the UN following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Adeline Gutowski
School: Roeper School

The rights and status of refuges are a very controversial topic that is being discussed all over the world. Chile has been addressing this topic for a while and has improved immensely. Chile recently joined the Global Compact of Refugees (joining the other 36 countries involved). Being a part of this union means that they are accepting refugees. This is a big step for Latin America. In 2010 Chile adopted a law that states that Chile as a legal and safe place for fleeing refugees. It enhanced the fact that south America is one of the safest places for refugees. In 2017 Chile let in 66 Palestinian refuges and 60 Syrian refugees, now it may not seem like a lot but for them it is. Chile has almost never let in refugees up until recently, Chile has now become a safe haven for Palestinian and Syrian refuges. Another big topic in Chile relating the status of refuges, are the refuges in asylums. A lot of refugees that are coming to Chile are coming to stay in asylums. In 2010 Chile hosted over 2000 refugees in asylums from over 30 countries. In 2017 there was an enormous jump of applications for refugees to be accepted into asylums, Over 6000 people applied. If we back track to 1973 Canada accepted over 7000 Chileans. This happened due to the fact that this was during the 1973 Chilean coup d'état. The Chilean coup d'état was a period of high tension between Chile and Salvador this was the aftermath of the cold war. To see how in 40+ years Chile has turned the tables for refugees gives refugees a big hope that things will get better. Now onto solutions. Chiles process for becoming a citizen is fairly short compared to others. The requirements are you must have been living in Chile for five years or longer then you can apply for citizenship. Chile can ally themselves with other countries that need help with accepting refugees. Including Mexico and Argentina. Chile can show these countries how to develop their refugees rights and show them new ways to help others. In conclusion Chile is willing to accept refugees for Latin America and encourages other countries to do the same.

“Chile Takes First Step Toward Marriage Equality.” Human Rights Watch, 7 Feb. 2017, www.hrw.org/news/2017/02/07/chile-takes-first-step-toward-marriage-equality. “Human Rights in Chile.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Oct. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Chile.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: China
Delegate Name: Ximena Sandoval
School: Instituto Educativo Olinca

The People’s Republic of China is one of the largest countries in the world, occupying around one fourteenth of the world’s total surface area; not only it is one of the most populated territories but one with the most rapidly growing economies. It is a diverse nation deeply rooted in culture and tradition. There are over 1.3 billion inhabitants with many different languages, traditions and habits woven with a rich history that goes back hundreds of years. Also with international alliances growing stronger, now more than ever China has great power and influence in several international matters; this is not unknown to the government and in an initiative to work for a better world China joined the UN in 1945 and further showing compromise signed the 1951 refugee convention.

China’s relationship with refugees has varied throughout history; for instance during the Vietnam war, when many people from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were forced to relocate, it accepted around 234,000 refugees in its territory and when the situation stabilised it made efforts to repatriate a fraction of them. In addition the Government has provided monetary aid to the UN on several occasions in order to support Syrian refugees in different aspects including transportation, home reparation, food safety and food availability.

Despite the country’s great motivation to help the global community -and particularly those in need-,China is not in the position of providing shelter to people displaced by war. The reason behind this is that, as most countries and especially in a rapidly growing economy, the internal social and political issues are very fragile. Before offering to receive refugees in the territory once more the government sees the necessity of stabilising internal affairs in order to provide the best support possible. However, given the urgency of the matter it is essential that China, along with other countries, takes action to procure an effective solution.

It is the country's desire to achieve an efficient way to safely relocate as many refugees as possible so they can obtain a better way of living along with their families, and enjoy a peaceful life. As writer and philanthroper J.K. Rowling once said: “The power of human empathy, leading to collective action, saves lives, and frees prisoners. Ordinary people, whose personal well-being and security are assured, join together in huge numbers to save people they do not know, and will never meet….Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people’s places….We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Mason Adler
School: Vicksburg High School

Colombia is the geographical gateway between Central America and South America, and is therefore a thoroughfare for many refugees fleeing Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. However, as the influx of Venezuelan refugees coming into Colombia becomes more and more of a strain on the nation, the Republic of Colombia recognizes a need for a more organized, regimented, and well-documented system of accounting for refugees, as a recent census revealed that the number of Venezuelan citizens finding sanctuary in the Republic of Colombia is far greater than what the Colombian government initially assumed. Colombia will support any United Nations action that can assist the nation in its initiative to control its borders and provide a more effective method of documenting asylum-seeking refugees.

A particular issue that the Republic of Colombia would like to address in committee is the status of Internally Displaced Peoples (henceforth referred to as IDPs). Colombia is emerging from a civil war known by Colombians as La Violencia, which spanned from 1944 to 2016. This conflict has left 7,671,124 Colombians seeking asylum within their own country. IDPs are often referred to as refugees, but technically they do not fall under definition of a refugee as defined by the United Nations. The Republic of Colombia urges the Human Rights Council to take action so that these displaced Colombian citizens who do not wish to leave their homeland can be afforded the same protections as those asylum seekers that do leave the boundaries of their nation.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Nataleigh Grochoski
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The rights and status of refugees is a controversial issue worldwide. This issue was first addressed in 1951 by the UN high commissioner of refugees, this document later ratified by 145 states defined a refugee and established rights. Following this in 1967 a refugee protocol was introduced, this removed geographical barriers from the protection of refugees. As some of the most vulnerable people in the world, it is impertinent that we find a way to protect and provide for them during this time of displacement. In 2014 the world saw some of its highest levels of refugees the number over 65 million. Today about 685 million people have been forced from home 25.4 million of which are refugees, half under the age of 18. 57 percent of all refugees worldwide come from three countries: South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Syria. Due to the large number of people affected this issue is very prominent and needs a suitable solution.

This year the Czech Republic joined “Refugees Welcome International”, founded in 2014 this platform connects locals with refugees who assimilate them into society. This shows the Czech Republics progress in alleviating this worldwide crisis. Though in the past the Czech Republic has been described as close off to foreigners through this project the Czech Republic is taking a step towards refugee assistance. With this program, the Czech Republic is hoping to alleviate some of the fear and prejudice natives have about refugees. Though we recognize this crisis we find it in our best interests to protect our nation by securing our borders and broadening security steps. As said by President Zeman, “Our country simply cannot afford to risk terrorist attacks like what occurred in France and Germany. By accepting migrants we would create fertile ground for barbaric attacks,”. This fear resonates with the views of the rest of the Czech people. As the Minister Milan Choyanec stated, the Czech Republic took in 12 refugees and does not plan to take in any more.

Though the Czech Republic recognizes the need for refugee relocation and has tried to install some methods of inclusion, it is overall too much of a security risk at this time. Therefore the Czech Republic is unable to any more refugees but approves of other countries rights to do so. The Czech Republic is happy to continue providing humanitarian aid to Syria as well as providing help for refugees in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: El Salvador
Delegate Name: Rain Tarango
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

El Salvador mainly acts as a transit country for those seeking to flee from the violence of Honduras, Guatemala, and other surrounding violent Latin American countries. As a result many refugees seek to emigrate from El Salvador towards asylum in the United States or Mexico. Recently, little supervision and small standards for refugees seeking asylum in El Salvador has complicated the process for refugees as well as the El Salvadoran ministries. Around the world refugee rights are easily infringed upon and it can often be difficult to obtain refugee status as well as request repatriation. El Salvador is beginning to make progress in simplifying the requirements to earn refugee status and devising a new commission to specifically supervise and direct refugees.

Since 1987, UNHRC has assisted 32,000 Salvadorans go home. Although largely relying on support and aid from UNHRC, El Salvador has begun its own progress in assisting refugees and protecting their rights while in El Salvador. In 2003 the ratification of the UN International Convention for the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Family Members marked a significant event in El Salvador’s migration policy. This spark of action prompted the creation of a new commission to direct refugees under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CODER). CODER has consolidated refugee laws and its applications in various counties in an attempt to support an equilibrium between national security and respect for human rights. CODER began to bridge this gap by defining “refugee” and granting rights once the components of the definition have been met. In general, once a refugee has earned refugee status they enjoy both individual and social rights that are stated in the El Salvadoran Constitution, treaties, and laws. Refugees are afforded the right to request reunification of immediate family members and repatriation of refugees is voluntary. Additionally, the person who has volunteered to be repatriated will not lose the right to request refugee status again. El Salvador is pushing for changes that ultimately make seeking refugee status easier and provide the same rights that are guaranteed to natural El Salvadoran citizens. The creation of CODER has specifically managed to help El Salvador reach this goal and provide specific direction from under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

El Salvador recognizes the importance of providing refugees with an accurate status and rights. Efforts have been made to direct all concerns of refugees to CODER, operated under the El Salvador Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CODER has the ability to grant refugee status amongst those seeking asylum under certain conditions and afford them with individual rights and social rights. El Salvador hopes to encourage other member of the UN to form specific ministries to that are solely responsible for establishing and defining the criteria needed to be classified as a refugee and ensuring that refugee’s rights are not infringed and that they are afforded both individual and social rights.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Lilly Waterfall
School: Royal Oak High School

Ethiopia is glad to be in the HRC to discuss refugee rights and the status of refugees. Ethiopia is the second largest refugee hosting country in Africa. Ethiopia takes in many people due to the ongoing economic status and food insecurity of Somalia and South Sudan. Ethiopia keeps an open door asylum policy giving humanitarian access and protection to those seeking refuge. The problem that our country faces, like many other countries in Africa, is how to keep up with the growing number of refugees and how we can accommodate life for those.

The UNHRC made a great first step to discuss the rights and statuses of refugees in the 1951 Refugee convention that forwarded a conversation about the growing number of refugees. One large part of this convention was that refugees should not be returned to a country where their life is threatened. While the Somali Civil War has dragged on for over two decades, the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese government, continues to force thousands of Sudanese to flee into Ethiopia. When the question of what rights are in place for these refugees such as education, financial support, ext. There is not much a country with roughly over 900,000 refugees coming in each year can do for the refugees. Ethiopia everyday continues to house and support refugees, and rightfully so and willing. With the high rate and growth of refugees, Ethiopia is straining its local resources such as food, water, and education. In order to help these refugees. Ethiopia needs a change and needs help when it comes to aiding refugees. The UNHRC has already discussed the problem of refugees in Africa and recognizes that there is a refugee crisis happening. The UNHCR has provided funding and help to incorporate these refugees into community activities. Refugees with skills enhance these camps because they are used as teachers, interpretations, act to help grow the community.

The amount of refugees in Ethiopia and surrounding countries is a concern of many. In this committee Ethiopia hopes to see a recognition from other countries of power and from the HRC to help aid countries with large amounts of refugees with money and food for a start. Also a way in order to follow and bring these refugees into the community and allow them to learn skills to bring them up despite their current situation. Although a movement and discussion is starting to recognize these problems, more help and aid needs to be provided to countries in need of support in order to maintain and in order to follow the rights of these refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: France
Delegate Name: Ashley Brush
School: Mattawan High School

Enduring difficult tragedies, refugees are stranded and closed off from countries who refuse to offer aid or necessary supplies in order to survive and support their families. As an ongoing issue, some countries turn their ear to the suffering occurring in the world and deny the opportunity to help. Asylum-seekers must obtain human necessities as they deserve the rights of individuals to pursue a life free from oppression and fear. These individuals seek a safer place to live and should be protected under the justification that equal rights need to be given to everyone.

In the interest of France, we believe asylum-seekers cannot be put through quotas. Due to international standards in which are applied by all EU countries, asylum is a liberty granted to all. Along with France, the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Italy hold 75 percent of refugees in Europe. Taking in 5,000 Syrian and 4,500 Iraqi refugees since 2012, these efforts contribute to the belief that through example, these ideas will be repeated across the world. France believes that the aid to refugees must be increased, helping with contributions and support to countries who are suffering. As issues arise about security, these measures have already been addressed in policy and programs throughout the country. For example, measures have been set in place counteracting terrorism and human-trafficking. These military initiatives serve to apply a safeguard to protect not only European countries, but African countries too. These legal immigrants admitted on the basis of constitutional and international agreements can enjoy freedoms and rights provided by the government.

France aims to promote a policy in which assists with the co-development of the migrant’s home country. This policy strives to break down the waves of illegal economic immigration and be able to distinguish between asylum-seekers who can benefit from mutual interests, and those who do not have authorized access. These legal immigrants can enjoy equal freedoms provided, on the basis that they are admitted constitutionally. Any unequal treatment of legal asylum-seekers violates the rights of individuals and should not be tolerated.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Jonathan Andrews
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

After the recent conflicts in the middle east and around the world the Human Rights Committee is today presented with a refugee crisis to correct, the likes of which have not been seen on this this earth in decades. As refugees are vulnerable to being ignored, or taken advantage of it is imperative that our committee address this crisis and ensure further protections to these migrants. The UN has recently taken measures to protect these refugees but more must be done as the current regulations are not effective to the amount that they should be. In Germany we have a fair and simple process in place so that these displaced people have an easy way to become full citizens with the same rights and protections as natural born Germans. We would like to see other nations follow our example so that these refugees can be protected globally.

The UNHCR has taken notice of our policy of acceptance and integration and has praised us for it several times. Last year, 0.5% of our total GDP was spent on refugees in some form. While this may seem like a considerably small number, it is actually the second highest amount in the EU, only beaten narrowly by Sweden. Whilst taking in all of these refugees has done good for both our country and the refugees themselves, it is beginning to become overwhelming. With the astounding rates that refugees are coming into our country, temporary housing locations are becoming overcrowded, for example the housing arrangements at Karlsruhe have a capacity of 1000 but has been forced to take as many as 3500 at one time. If more countries globally were open to taking in refugees and integrating them into their societies then it would lead to more distribution across the globe, preventing overcrowding everywhere.

The HRC should focus on simultaneously protecting and expanding the rights guaranteed to refugees, and encouraging more countries to open their borders to these migrants. If every member state of this committee would follow the example of Germany, the refugee crisis would become obsolete. In order to encourage nations to accept these refugees it may be necessary that they receive financial benefits to aid in covering the cost of these refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Gabe Howald
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The rights and status of refugees is an urgent topic to be discussed by the Human Rights Committee. As there are currently several wars going on in the world right now, many people and families are being forced to become refugees and migrate, but without a without a secure location to migrate to. There are many countries that deny refugees a place to stay, is a large part of the problem. Have too many people in one are makes it unlivable, and refugees need to be diffused throughout as many countries as possible. Another complication of the issue is countries simply not having enough resources to take care of refugees. Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan are causing more and more refugees, and more space is needed for them. The UN must work together to create legislation that allows for smooth resettlement of refugees that are fleeing from their home countries.

Greece, is very aware on the subject of refugees and is working actively to fix the situation. Greece has accepted over 50,000 refugees into their borders, and are currently working on integrating them into society so that they can build successful lives within the country. The issue is, they simply do not have enough resources to help each one. Inside the Moria refugee camp, located in Greece, there is currently an overwhelming number of refugees, and Greece simply cannot help everyone. The camp was meant to hold 3,100 people, and there are currently 8,300 refugees living inside the camp. Several of the refugees have migrated from other countries, such as Turkey, because they are taking in too many refugees, or other countries because they are sending the refugees away. There are too many refugees, and not enough resources being sent to help them. With all that being said, Greece is still do as much as they can. According to the International Rescue Committee, Greece has aided 17,690 refugees with aid packages, 1,400 vulnerable refugees with one-to-one support, and has set up 8 safe spaces for women and children to reside. While these statistics seem small, so is the country of Greece.

Greece strongly encourages a resolution in which countries are encouraged to take on refugees, and receive help from other nations. This committee should also increase the rights of refugees to increase their quality of life. More funding should be given to countries that take in refugees, in order to ensure the wellbeing of the basic rights every human should enjoy.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Daniel Crum
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Guyana believes that refugees are a vital issue in today’s world and need to be addressed. Refugees are a part of every country and therefore need to be addressed quickly. We need to consider the impact that they have on the country whilst also considering the needs of the refugees. We must also protect those in need of a home.

Guyana has already established a safe settlement for Venezuelan refugees. But Guyana also has its own issue with people leaving Guyana. We have had to deal with both sides of this refugee crisis. We believe it is vital to address the issue with the refugees and to find a safe and sustainable place for them to go.

We are looking forward to working with any reasonable countries that are willing to assist with this issue of refugees. Our goal is to assist those in need of a place to go, and to help our own country with the influx of refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: India
Delegate Name: Jack Rossbach
School: Royal Oak High School

The status of refugees has always been unclear in the eyes of the United Nations. India under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not officially recognize them as refugees, but India does allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to run a programme for them. India doesn't have a refugee crisis at the moment, but it is surrounded by countries that unfortunately do suffer from them. The rights of refugees has become a global issue over the past decade, with a majority of countries becoming directly or indirectly affected. India had received 60,000 Afghan refugees in the years following the 1979-1989 Soviet-Afghan War. Even though India has programmes in place to help displaced refugees, there are countries that do not officially recognize refugees nor do they have programmes in place to help process them, and this must change.

India may not be the poster child when it comes to handling and processing refugees, but it does exhibit the prime example of a starting point for countries who have no programmes in place. India would also be able to provide funding and assistance to any developing countries who are suffering from an influx of refugees from struggling countries. India under the BJP party does respect the actions that the UNHCR has taken in the past when it comes to the topic of giving asylum to refugees fleeing from neighboring countries. Even though we do have programmes in place to assist refugees, there are still steps that we could take as a country to give these refugees the rights and status they deserve as citizens fleeing from a dangerous place, and as human beings.

India proposes that the United Nations work directly with the UNHCR to mandate that all countries officially recognize them as refugees and provide to them the basic human rights that go with the status of refugee. The UNHCR would also mandate that countries that do not have programmes for refugees and encourage them to start programmes, if necessary for benefits whether it be monetary or otherwise. This mandate would be flexible for countries based on the amount of refugees coming in and going out of their country and would cater towards more developing countries who are currently struggling to accept and find asylum for these refugees. Hopefully with this type of mandate set in place, India and the United Nations as a whole can work towards a safer world for these refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Elena Kelbley
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Of the more than 24 million certified refugees and asylum seekers around the world, nearly 14000 presently reside in Indonesia. It has been a popular destination for asylum seekers from the Middle East and South Asia who hope to resettle to in Australia. The country does not have the necessary resources to support the influx of displaced people in recent years.

Currently, policy on this topic has shifted to be more focused on the safety of the refugees. Outrage has repeatedly been voiced at the plight of the Palestinian people, and Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi has provided aid to Rohingya refugees and visited several of their camps in Bangladesh. We support the principle of non-refoulement, and do not actively expel or return refugees to a place of potential danger. Certified refugees and asylum seekers are allowed to stay in the country while they await resettlement and their cases are reviewed by the United Nations.

The Republic of Indonesia would be in favor of the relaxation of strict immigration policies in major resettlement destinations, such as the United States and Australia, in an effort to aid those who have nowhere else to go.

Though many nations may be fearful of bringing the unwanted problems of refugees within their borders, all people have the right to a place to call home. In a statement from a conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia has expressed the need to “…urge all States to ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism complies with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugees and humanitarian law.” Indonesia believes that no country should forget their obligation to those in need solely because they are fearful of outsiders.

Sources: https://www.kemlu.go.id/en/kebijakan/kerjasama-multilateral/Documents/NAMDOC1-Rev1-Final%20Document-English-Final.pdf#search=Search%2E%2E%2Erefugees https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/world/asia/indonesia-refugees-united-nations.html

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: William Bellinger
School: Williamston High School

As many know, recent influxes of those in unsafe regions have posed a large overarching question for nations across the globe; what is to be done with all of the refugees and how should they be handled? With most refugees rapidly fleeing from war, corruption, and discrimination in their homeland, many are fleeing with little belongings and little knowledge of what steps to take after seeking refuge. In the discussion there seems to be two major sections of nations. The first being those urged to accept refugees and the second being those pushing out of those seeking refuge. With five primary nations displacing the bulk of the refugee population, many other nations remain open for possible housing. As it should be, those in need of help, in nearly all accepting nations, are granted basic human rights. Yet ramifications remain up for debate. Should they be granted the same rights as ordinary citizens? Or they be granted very little rights beyond the necessities to a reasonable living situation? Currently, nations are asked to grant education, healthcare, and opportunities for employment. In return, refugees are asked to follow the laws set in place by the accepting nation. As expected, nations may not always be able to meet the needs of all refugees immediately. In these instances, the UNHCR usually steps in to help aid the nation in taking care of the influx of refugees. Refugees rights are a prominent problem circling the globe and must be dealt with with urgency considering the very recent mass displacements. With a very recent increase in need for refuge in the areas surrounding Israel, opportunity has been created for the Israeli government to act according to the nations needs. Israeli officials have seen it of interest to the nation to not accept refugees but to provide humanitarian help when possible. Some aids distributed included shelter, food, water, clothing, medicine/medical equipment, and more. These actions taken by the Israeli government have remained consistent over the course of the Syrian turmoil. Although the government’s decisions have been very controversial over the topic in recent years, it has not resulted in harm for the Israeli citizens and economy. With security a main focus of Israel during this time, it is too much of a risk to take in refugees. Looking forwards, Israel will remain more than willing to provide aid to refugees in Syria and other nations across the globe. Israel is also willing and able to provide human aid for refuge operations globally. Although Israel is readily able to help, it will be difficult for refugees to seek a home on Israeli territory for some time. With security of the nation as a primary focus, Israel is currently very hesitant and will most likely remain hesitant to accept any refugees until disputes in nearby nations die down. We hope to see resolutions allowing for refugee acceptance to be optional but recommended by the UN. Israel holds a desire to help those in need but is unable to provide all necessities of refugees currently and in the near future.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Jill Pierangeli
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The refugee crisis has been a major issue in recent years, due to the violence in places such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Syrians, Iraqis, and many others are being forced from their homes because of wars going on on their land, and are struggling to legally find refuge elsewhere. The UN has established the Global Compact on Refugees to promote a better sharing of responsibility, and the The Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to improve global cooperation and make the movement of immigrants safer. They have also created the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and the United Nations Refugee Agency in the UN Human Rights Council. This topic must be addressed so that refugees can find homes in willing countries. They cannot continue to illegally enter countries as they are a danger to citizens and a burden on the economy. The council needs to respect national sovereignty and not allow refugees to enter countries where they are not welcome.

Italy once welcomed immigrants, but it will not be a home for refugees any longer. The new interior minister Matteo Salvini reports that they are bringing drugs into our country and are a danger to our women. The right-wing League says they take jobs from Italians and worsen working conditions for them by accepting lower pay. A new priority for Italy will be sending the illegals currently residing in Italy back to where they came from. Since our legal system is overburdened, we will also be reducing the number of jurisdiction guarantees to decrease the number of asylum seekers in Italy. Asylum seekers awaiting a decision in court can carry out voluntary service for Italy. Italy will also increase funding for the Assisted Voluntary Returns program (AVR). Migrant rescue ships will also be blocked and not allowed to dock at Italian ports. The rest of Europe needs to share the burden of immigrants.

Italy recommends the committee address the problem of illegal immigrants and supports deporting them. The UN should help secure countries by opening migrant detention and deportation centers in every region. We would also like the committee to urge other European countries to share the migrant burden and accept immigrants into their countries, rather than forcing Italy to contain all the unwanted illegals. The UN needs to keep in mind the safety and economies of nations and control immigrant population. Italy would support a resolution that encourages strict border patrol, deportation of illegals, and the increased effort of other European countries to take in refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Noah Zazula
School: Vicksburg High School

The refugee crisis is just that, a crisis. Japan believes that these refugees are hiding dangerous people within their groups and caravans. Japan believes that these people need to have extensive background checks and vetting processes imposed upon them in order to enter any foreign nation. These are people coming from a geographical area which allows, accepts, and participates in everyday violence, crime, and murder. Since 2013, Japan has allowed less than 100 of these refugees to cross the border and become citizens. Asylum should only be granted to the best of the best of these people, as high numbers of lower-class refugees and immigrants can cripple both the economies, and cultures of nations that have much too graciously allowed them in. Because of the looming danger of hidden terrorists within groups seeking asylum, Japan has set up very thorough tests for these people that many will be unable to pass. This is because this great nation sets very high standards for our citizens, and our citizens will not be threatened or impacted by these dangers. Japan believes that other nations should adopt similar policies, as nationalism is a very important quality, especially in these times, when leaders and citizens are attacked and persecuted for expressing confidence in their home nations. The different attitudes of nations within these United Nations are definitely an issue that should be discussed within the Human Rights Committee, as the true dilemma of this all-encompassing issue lie in the lack of common sense and nationalistic attitudes of the different world leaders.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-japan-accepts-so-few-refugees-2018-4

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Liberia
Delegate Name: Lillian Deering
School: Troy High School

Refugee crises are among the world’s never-ending struggles, with 25.4 million refugees displaced from their native countries as of June, 2018. Citizens are driven out of their homes as the result of extreme violence, often from political competition within a nation’s government or from the brutality of war on their state. Persecution of minority groups, too, forces individuals, over half of whom are under 18 years old, to flee in search of a safe haven. However, struggles rarely cease when refugees cross the border; persons may find themselves without resources to survive in a new nation and may be denied the permission or granted refugee status in order to stay legally. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees focuses on providing assistance and creating means of repatriation to such stateless individuals.

Côte d’Ivoire is heavily disturbed at the perilous status of refugees. As representatives of the UNHCR reported in 2015, the “main populations of concern in Côte d’Ivoire… are Ivorians… who fled Côte d’Ivoire during the post-election violence in 2010-2011 and have returned; stateless people,… and refugees, mainly from Liberia.” The refugee population is comprised mainly of citizens of Liberia, who came in the wake of civil wars to escape both violence and punishment for serving as mercenaries, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic, among others. Côte d’Ivoire intends to allow the refugees to inhabit the nation, but focus on their voluntary repatriation to their own homes. As well as incoming foreign refugees, the nation is concerned, too, by the still-displaced Ivorians who left the country as a result of the violence of the second Ivorian civil war. Côte d’Ivoire has the greatest population of statelessness in West Africa, with over 40,000 refugees. The nation is intent on the repatriation of these citizens to their country in order to regain the stability of the social, political, and economic systems. In conjunction to the act of the UNHCR in 2014, Côte d’Ivoire is “dedicated to protecting the rights of stateless people, as well as eradicating statelessness by 2024.”

Côte d’Ivoire is committed to alleviating the burden of both refugees themselves and the nations that receive them, and is particularly intent on cooperating with other West African delegates. We believe the strongest force for change that can be achieved in the upcoming sessions is an administration of education on the issue, its effects, and possible remedies. As of August 2018, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ivorian National Institute of Statistics has been working with the UNHCR in order to launch a survey intended to map statelessness in the nation with the purpose of better understanding and combating it. We look forward to collaborating with fellow representatives to improve the state of the refugee crisis and make our nation a better one with such support.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Megan Hearn
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The rights of refugees is an important topic internationally. Discrimination occurs amongst nations towards refugees. Different methods of acceptance and status of refugees cause tension to rise globally. Refugees internationally remain unprotected and without rights to support themselves. According to the United Nations, in 2016 there were about 22.5 million refugees, over half were under eighteen years of age. The numbers are currently still rising. There are over 10 million people that have been denied access to basic rights as a refugee. The basic rights of healthcare, education, job opportunities, and freedom of movement. In order to have more globally known peace regarding the rights and status of refugees; the United Nations needs to embed laws on refugees, as well as complementary refugee protection and political asylum. The laws need to fulfill the basic needs of all refugees internationally.

Mexico has instituted a legal framework for the protection of refugees. The number of migrants is currently increasing globally. The Cartagena Declaration is Mexico’s refugee document. Mexico’s laws grant protection for people whose lives have been threatened by violence. If a person does not qualify for refugee status, Mexico has complementary protection, it halts the return of an individual to a nation that has inhuman, unsafe, and cruel properties. This ensures the basic rights of humans will not be corrupted among entering Mexico’s territory. Mexico has a non-discriminatory base to it’s refugee laws. According to the procedure to be recognized in Mexico, all foreigners in the national territory have the right to apply for refugee status, which has to be submitted to Mexico’s Commission of Refugee Assistance or the National Institute for Migration, within 30 days after entering Mexico’s territory. In the Cartagena Declaration, the broader definition of a refugee is applied. It is an addition to the Geneva Convention allowing more rights and safety precautions to be put in place. The right of refugees with the Cartagena Declaration become more humanized and focused on human rights than the Geneva Convention.

Mexico proposes that the United Nations adopts the idea to give Complementary Protection to non-qualifying refugees, as well as laws against the discrimination towards refugees. Mexico proposes this due to statistics of 2016, according to the United Nations there were 65.6 million people forced to leave home due to conflict or unsafe behaviors in their nation. Laws should give refugees an ongoing opportunity to succeed in the nation they are entering. Laws need to be geared towards the protection and well-being of refugees internationally.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Moldova
Delegate Name: Isabella Beckhorn
School: Williamston High School

The Rights and Status of refugees is a very common subject, from today’s news to the online media. Due to different unfortunate situations, refugees are coming around the world looking for a better life to give their families. Sometimes too many refugees come to a single country and this country does not know how to help them all. One of these increases in refugees was in 2014. Due to the horrible nature of the conflict in the Syrian Civil War, a greater amount of refugees came to other countries than they did during WWII. How are we going to handle all of these people? This question has been asked by many countries as they look for a good answer.

Moldova is a small country facing large emigration. In 1990, twenty-five percent of the population migrated to other countries. Moldova wants refugees to come into the country, due to the loss of population the economy needs to go up. Because of the conflicts in Syria, refugees have fled to Moldova for security. The refugees have been successful in Moldova and have gotten jobs that involve a higher education. To this day Moldova has been welcoming refugees into the country.

Moldova supports refugees and gives them the same rights as any other citizen. Moldova also thinks that other countries should take in refugees because they can help fill in the gap older workers leave as they retire. Moldova believes that all countries without overpopulation should consider welcoming refugees. Refugees could help poor nations with harder jobs using the education they received in their native country. Wealthy nations could also use their help as they are eager to get jobs. Moldova suggests that countries should be more respectful to these refugees because they make a huge difference. These people contribute to the future of the world.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Lily Kappa
School: Roeper School

Refugees are entering neighboring countries to seek asylum are coming from countries such as Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Many are finding homes in refugee camps that are unfit to live in, with water unsafe to drink, and education inaccessible for almost half of refugee children. Countries providing aid for refugee families are lacking the funding to have a successful and safe space for those in need of a home.

The Netherlands has a relatively large intake of refugees and is expecting about 7,000 within the next two years from nations such as Syria, Somalia, Eritrea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Netherlands’ goal for refugees is to find a longer term and permanent solution, rather than simply fixing a smaller, shorter-term problem. For instance, resettling refugees in the Netherlands is a viable option for many. When one’s home country is no longer safe to go back to, many refugees may resettle and make their permanent home the Netherlands. As for those who must stay in a camp, striving for the us age of sustainable resources, such as solar powered energy, is a major focus for the Netherlands.

To achieve a successful refugee support program, a fundraising advertisement and awareness program could be set up to gain fundraising. Other nearby nations with large refugee counts and who could benefit from such campaigns include Germany, Denmark, Poland, and Austria. A multinational fundraising page, along with advertisements could be set up. Although there are already many foundations who do this, the UN could achieve a much higher caliber of this with several nations working in a partnership.

58.3% of adults in Syria suffering from chronic health problems do no have access to healthcare. This is one of the reasons why Syrians are not able to get the care they need, thus coming to European countries to seek asylum. By dedicating more of their expenses to health care, Syria can lower the number of citizens living without medical aid thus having the need to leave the country to find it.

Reports, Staff. “Overcoming Education Challenges for Refugee Children.” BORGEN, 6 Dec. 2016, www.borgenmagazine.com/education-challenges-refugee-children/. Ministerie van Algemene Zaken. “Refugees in the Netherlands.” Food | Government.nl, Ministerie Van Algemene Zaken, 4 Oct. 2016, www.government.nl/topics/asylum-policy/refugees-in-the-netherlands. “The World Factbook: AUSTRIA.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 7 Nov. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/au.html. Doré, Louis. “The 6 Reasons Why Syrian Refugees Come to Europe.” indy100, indy100, 26 Sept. 2015, www.indy100.com/article/the-6-reasons-why-syrian-refugees-come-to-europe–ZJ2CX2S2Lx.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Caleb Jeffery Greene
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The topic of the rights and status of refugees has to be addressed by the United Nations. The entire world is directly or indirectly affected by refugees in some way. The rights and status of refugees have become entangled in global politics in the last decade, and the true focus of this committee is to protect the rights and status of refugees. Pakistan has been a magnet for refugees in the last few decades. After Afghanistan was invaded by the Soviet Union, it has been ravaged by constant wars and conflicts. The Taliban took over in 1996 and created an exodus of refugees to other nations, especially Pakistan. The UNHCR stated that there are 1.38 million registered–plus another million outside the formal refugee registration system–Afghan refugees. Pakistan also has taken in 200,000 Rohingya refugees, who have been in the center of a crisis of human rights violations and humanitarian disasters. The Human Rights Committee must address this in order to support the rights of refugees.

Pakistan is home to refugees from all over southeast Asia. Pakistan has refugees from Afghanistan and Rohingya. It is a major issue that has been affecting Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan has the largest refugee population in the world. Pakistan has provided the best possible facilities to support the displaced peoples. The UNHCR has praised Pakistan for its actions regarding refugees. Pakistan’s National Refugee Policy states that “Pakistan’s current security and economic situation puts her in a position wherein she can no longer host millions of refugees on her own, Pakistan continues to stand by her Afghan brothers and sisters. Afghan refugees need international attention more than ever before, and the resolution of this protracted humanitarian crisis should be given top priority in any future political settlement regarding Afghanistan” ( Pakistan’s National Refugee Policy). Pakistan will work to extend the rights of refugees, as long as the country can support it.

Pakistan recommends that this committee moves to increase the rights of refugees by encouraging other countries to take in more refugees. Pakistan has reached its carrying capacity for refugee population but is willing to work with the global community to ensure that the rights and the status of refugees are improved. Other countries, especially well-developed countries, must begin to take refugees in and be partners with other countries like Pakistan. To fix this issue, all the countries of the world must work together.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Thomas Droste
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Refugee status is an incredibly important talking point in regards to how human rights function and their importance. Recent worldwide catastrophes such as the Syrian Civil War and the Venezuelan crisis has brought a massive influx of refugees across the world and has become a major geopolitical issue as a result. This displacement has increased so much so that the UN has declared we are seeing the highest recorded levels ever, with the majority coming from only 3 war-torn countries. The United Nations has historically been very supportive of refugee status, establishing protections and guidelines to refugees since its inception in the aftermath of major displacement caused by World War II. As such, a majority of countries are supportive of refugee status and have signed on to the protections as well.

The prevalence of refugees in Peru has increased significantly with an influx of 450,000+ arriving in the country as a result of the Venezuelan crisis. The nation has a generally open borders policy, and is in favor of resettling in the region in order to accomodate for those fleeing unstable situations such as in neighboring countries. Peru has also joined the 1951 Refugee Convention (Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees) which lays out the basic rights of refugees from other lands. This makes Peru supportive of refugee efforts and bills that are placed down by the United Nations and the Human Rights Council.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Josie Ness
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

According to the United Nations, the world is facing the highest levels of forced displacement in history. As a result of persecution, conflict, war, or natural disaster over 65 million people have been forcibly displaced. 57% of refugees came from Syria, South Sudan, and Afghanistan. 85% of refugees are being hosted in developing countries. Turkey, Pakistan, and Lebanon hosted the greatest number of refugees in 2016. The 1951 Refugee Convention and it’s Protocol were ratified in 147 countries, including the Philippines. The treaty defined refugees as people who were forced to leave their country and have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. It also detailed the rights of refugees and asserted that refugees should not be required to return to a country in which they face threats to their life or freedom.

Recently, 300 Rohingya who fled Myanmar were taken in by the Philippines in May 2015. The Philippines has taken in nine waves of refugees: 1,200 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Persecution in the 1930s, 2,700 Vietnamese refugees fleeing the Vietnam war from 1975 to 1992, several thousand Iranian refugees who were left stateless after the Iranian Revolution in 1978, 600 people from East Timor who took refuge in the Philippines temporarily during East Timor’s struggle for independence from Indonesia in 2000, and more. The Philippines has generously supported refugees living in our country as well; On April 23, 1940, former Philippine President Manuel Quezon donated Marikina land to Jewish refugees for farming. In 2012, the Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to sign and become a state-party to the 1954 Convention on Stateless Persons. This convention ensures that stateless people have a basic standard of human rights given to them by their host country. It included, but was not limited to, stateless persons’ rights of access to education, employment, housing, identity, travel documents, and administrative assistance. On November 6th, 2012, the Philippines became the third nation, after Moldova and Georgia, to establish a statelessness determination procedure. The procedure was established to ensure that the Philippines meets its obligations under the 1954 Convention. The Philippines also formed a unit to protect refugees and stateless people with our own budget resources. Refugees in the Philippines are entitled to work permits and are granted immigrant status or are naturalized. President Rodrigo Duterte offers a home for refugees in the Philippines, saying “we will accept them all,” because of the failure of Western countries to help them.

The Philippines recognizes the importance of human rights for all people and recommends that all states that violate the rights of refugees described in the 1951 Refugee Convention and it’s Protocol face severe repercussions, like economic sanctions. The Philippines, a country in which 21% of its inhabitants lived in poverty in 2015 (Philippines Statistics Authority), recognizes the importance of supporting refugees and would like to continue supporting refugees. However, the Philippines strongly urges countries with more stable economies, specifically Western Countries, to increase their involvement in accepting and supporting refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Rebecca Dooley
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The spike of so called asylum-seekers flooding into European nations in recent years has caused many problems for the countries tasked with taking them in and offering them charity. Not all nations that on the surface appear to be able and willing to support these refugees have agreed to the terms they are expected to uphold. The Republic of Poland enjoys a strong sense of cultural and political unity that no reasonable body should ever ask us to jeopardize for the benefit of foreigners. We stand proud of our national identity and will firmly oppose any attempt to dismantle the coherence of this great nation.

The Republic of Poland has repeatedly expressed its disapproval at having refugees thrust so forcefully at our borders; we have made it exceedingly clear that we are not willing to accommodate such people. As Jarosław Kaczyński, the head of Law and Justice, says in a well articulated statement, “We have not exploited the countries from which these refugees are coming to Europe these days, we have not used their labour force, and finally we have not invited them to Europe. We have a full moral right to say ‘no’.” The Polish delegation intends on exercising this right and retaining every iota of the national sovereignty granted to each and every member state.

The Republic of Poland would look favorably upon a resolution that protects the right of each nation to govern as they see fit; we will not endorse any work that advocates for the mandatory harboring of refugees. This delegation would, however, entertain proposals that aim to assist those countries that appear to be the origin of large numbers of refugees. The purpose of such a plan should be to minimize the outflow of refugees from these targeted nations into countries that do not wish to quarter them.

Work Cited “Poland Did Not Invite Refugees, Has Right to Say 'No': Kaczynski.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 1 July 2017, www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-migrants/poland-did-not-invite-refugees-has-right-to-say-no-kaczynski-idUSKBN19M3H8.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Natalie Howard
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Throughout history, the world has had an abundance of refugee crises. With conflicts in the middle east continuing to rise, the global refugee crisis has grown exponentially in recent years. As thousands of refugees flee into surrounding nations many are separated from their families and forced to endure traumatizing hardships. The consequences of being one of the millions of modern day refugees include the alarming deterioration mental and physical health. Without sustainable and accessible shelters and supplies the situation will only gain intensity.

The Russian Federation defines a refugee as a person who is outside their country of nationality or habitual residence, and is unable or unwilling to return to that country, for fear of persecution. After receiving an asylum seeker's application, the Russian Migration Service determines whether the asylum seeker meets the definition of a refugee and if they should be granted asylum. Since the early two thousands, Russia has granted refugee status to thousands of individuals. In our opinion we have done the best we can to foster security and prosperity among the influx of refugees. Any refugee entering into Russia illegally will not be tolerated or respected, refugees must follow the process of gaining refugee status in order to seek asylum in our borders.

Russia fears that this body will seek a solution that commands nations donate money to fund refugee camps. Russia will not support a resolution that attempts to place a burden on countries by encouraging the donation of mass funds and an increase of refugees. Russia believes in the right of national sovereignty and affirms that it is a nation's right to decide on their own who is allowed and not allowed in their borders. We look forward to working with fellow nations who are hesitant of being roped into a solution which places extreme burdens on our honorable nations.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Rajaa Alhamd
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Saudi Arabia is a major combatant in solving the refugee crisis. Saudi Arabia received 603,833 Yemeni civilians. It carried out 127 programs in Yemen to restore relief by providing shelter, food, and other necessaries. The country welcomed around 300,000 Syrians during the Syrian civil war. The kingdom provided 88.8 billion dollars for the care of refugees. Saudi Arabia has given $700,000 million dollars in aid to thirty seven different countries. The kingdom is currently working on internal programs to promote humanitarian and voluntary work. It showed initiative when it called for a collective agreement for human rights in the Cairo Declaration of 1990. The declaration served to protecting the rights of Saudi Arabia and its sharia law while also providing help and support for refugees worldwide.

However, Saudi Arabia has faced obstacles in promoting humanitarian aid collectively with the United Nations. The kingdom calls on all nations to understand Saudi Arabia's concerns and to include them in any resolutions made by the committee. Saudi Arabia is critical of the 1951 and 1963 protocol because it violates its principles of Sharia law. It imposes Western policies that violate Sharia law and the country's right to self-govern itself. The protocols call for changes in major Saudi laws in two ways. It defines Refugees incorrectly by limiting its time and space and omitting certain categories of Saudi Arabia. The protocols also violate Saudi Arabia's principle of preventing naturalization and returning its people to their homeland. Saudi Arabia as a nation ensures the protection of its citizens by banning political parties, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. It allows the government to protect and serve the nation in its own way. Its a violation of Saudi Arabia's Sovereign right to rule its country independently. Saudi Arabia urges countries to respect that right when dealing with the protocols of the United Nations.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Tara Porterfield
School: Royal Oak High School

The status of refugees is a huge issue that needs to be discussed. Over 2.1 million Somalis are displaced within our country alone. More than two thirds of Somalia’s diaspora end up in its neighboring countries. For example, Kenya has almost half a million Somalian refugees.

Immigrants and refugees in Somalia have many resources within our country. We have made healthcare and education readily available and, have livelihood initiatives to help immigrants, people who are displaced within our country, returnees to our country, refugees, and the host communities integrate to be able to cooperate with each other. We provide housing, protection, and life saving to refugees and people who have been displaced within our country. They are not treated as different people, they are treated as our own.

Refugees and immigrants should be able to have access to these things in every country. While understanding that some smaller countries such as South Sudan will not be able to house and take care of refugees in large amounts, however, larger countries like the United States and the United Kingdom will be able to care for and house them. Many organizations such as CLASP (center for law and social policy) and IAN (immigration advocates network) could be used to help integrate immigrants and refugees by giving them access to, child care and support, legal help, and many other important things for the poor and new to the country. CLASP and other organizations could be spread to nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other developed nations to help the immigrants integrate and become functioning members of society.

In conclusion, refugees are still people and deserve to be treated as such, allowed into countries that can house and take proper care of them. They should be allowed their basic human rights and the rights of citizens of their host country.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Christine Huynh
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The world, especially Europe, is currently undergoing high levels of displacement and refugees fleeing from impoverished nations. 65.6 million people have been forced from their home because of conflict and persecution in their countries. Nearly a sixth of this have been denied nationality, employment, healthcare, and other basic rights. This Migrant Crisis is a shared struggle and global issue that needs to be discussed and come to solutions with. As of 2015, there were nearly 3.2 million asylum seekers and refugees residing in South Africa. They are all given the rights they need but still face, as of the rest of the world, harsh conditions and unsatisfying enforcement of their rights.

Although South Africa did not recognize refugees until 1993 due to the apartheid regime, South Africa embraces the integration of refugees into society and providing for their well-being. The Migrant Crisis is strangely similar to the effect of the apartheid on the black people of South Africa, thus South Africa is sympathetic with this issue and believes we must address the enforcement of these protective rights. The Refugee Act passed in 1998 governed the admission of asylum seekers into the nation; South Africa is home to nearly a million asylum seekers and has been making standards for refugees to reside freely and given the validity of rights. According to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), South Africa has “a liberal asylum legislation that incorporates all basic principles of refugee protection including freedom of movement, the right to work and access to basic social services”.

South Africa suggests the enforcement of refugee rights to improve their status and condition. Many governments blame refugees for their economic/social problems and there must be laws and implementation of laws that prohibit discrimination, which most of the time lead to violence. Violence can lead to international insecurity. Some countries still do not provide fundamental laws to the asylum seekers and refugees. South Africa recognizes the right of all to apply to asylum, for fair treatment, and basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment. These rights should apply to all other countries, especially those experiencing large inflations of incoming asylum seekers and refugees.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Veronica Gilbert
School: Grand Rapids City High School

South Korea became the first East Asian country to enact its own refugee law in 2012, and since 1992 when South Korea joined the Convention Relating to The Status of Refugees has continued to demonstrate our commitment to helping refugees seek asylum. South Korea currently receives the majority of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia. South Korea believes firmly in providing support to refugees that are seeking political asylum in from their home nation. Asylum seekers that do come to South Korea will not be allowed to work until six month after arriving, this is to ensure that the individuals will not try to illegally stay within South Korea. South Korea will not provide health insurance for refugees, and the process of becoming a refugee is a year long process. This is to ensure national security is maintained. With further regards to North Korean refugees South Korea at this time will only be allowing 1-5% of the individuals, however, these individuals do not need to apply they are automatically South Korean citizenship through the Promotion and Resettlement Support Act for North Korean Refugees.Additionally, many of the asylum seekers that are denied from South Korea will have the option to try to obtain an humanitarian visa. South Korea will provide support as long as it is not detrimental to their economy and infrastructure.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Aneesa Berner
School: East Grand Rapids High School

The Rights and Status of Refugees is an ever growing controversial issue as the number of refugees continue to reach all time highs. The displacement of peoples from their home country not only causes stress for the families that need to leave their homes but also for the countries they decide seek safety in. Recently, as many as 25.4 million people are refugees world wide. It is a subject is hard to address as it is hard for countries to provide for refugees but it is also hard to refuse these people.

In 2016, Sweden granted asylum to 60% of the refugees who were seeking asylum. 67,258 people were allowed to find a safe haven in Sweden. Those who seek asylum are given shelter and food, while unaccompanied children are assigned to homes to be cared for and can complete upper secondary school. Sweden is the forefront for the equal treatment of all and therefore believes in the equal treatment of refugees during the process of becoming confirmed to reside within Sweden. Despite past years of high acceptance of refugees, Sweden has began to accept less as the amount of refugees got too much to control. Although this may be the case, Sweden still believes that protecting human rights is vital for those that come from other countries. Sweden has began tightening their laws on those who reside in Sweden because of asylum urging them to return to home countries as soon as it is safe.

Sweden in the past has more fully accepted refugee entry although now believes that too many have been seeking asylum in Sweden. Sweden wants to push for the recognition of human rights for all refugees. Although Sweden respects these rights, we hope to encourage countries outside of the EU to take in more refugees as those in the EU have done lots in the past years.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Athena Barrer
School: Royal Oak High School

Since March of 2011, Syria has been at war with terrorism. More than half of Syria’s population has been displaced. 12 million Syrians have been killed or forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind, including legal papers. Over half of Syria’s population has risked their lives by moving. Most refugees flee to neighboring countries to seek safety and stay alive. Although they have escaped the hardships, they no longer have an identity. These refugees are being deprived of their basic human rights. Many do not have proper shelter or food, are not given any education, don't have access to healthcare, and cannot find a job because of their legal status. Many are living in extreme poverty.

The Syrian Civil War started eight years ago. In this time, over 5.6 million Syrians have left the country. Until this conflict is terminated, this number will only go up. Even after the conflict ends, infrastructure, the economy, and most important fundamental human rights will need to be restored. We need to work to provide refugees support and basic needs while the war is still going on so that when the war ends they can safely return to their homes.

Syria recognizes the number of displaced peoples. The Syrian Government would like every refugee that fled the country to come back. This will not be easy unless the threats of terrorism are eliminated and economic sanctions implemented by the West are removed. President Assad stated, “when terrorism recedes, and things are better, they will return of their own volition without any invitation. So, instead of asking these people to return, I’ll call on the European governments, which have been a direct cause for the emigration of these people, by giving cover to terrorists in the beginning, and through the sanctions imposed on Syria, to help in making the Syrians return to their country.” Many European nations oppose the migration of Syrian refugees to their countries. The whole reason refugees are being brought into their countries is because they are providing terrorists leverage in the war.

Syria fully understands the West’s view on refugees migrating into their countries. Our people don't know your language or culture and have their own cultural beliefs back home in Syria. Bringing refugees back to their home countries is the most realistic way to handle this issue. By ending economic sanctions, Syria can defeat the rebels, end the war, and allow the Syrian refugees a path to return home.

Syrian refugees need humanitarian aid from any country willing to help while we work on ending economic sanctions. The overall goal of the Human Rights Council on the rights and status of refugees should be to return refugees to their homes after the conflict has ended. Syria is looking forward to working with fellow delegates along with reasoning with European nations to end conflicts in Syria as soon as possible and return refugees to their rightful homes so they are no longer a burden to your countries.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Catherine Hwang
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The topic regarding the rights and status of refugees has brought lots of debate among the people and has also become a very pressing topic in our society. Because of the recent corruption in many countries, people have been forced to flee their country in attempts of escaping these conflict zones. A staggering number of 68.5 million individuals are forcibly displaced, 25.4 million of which are refugees. In order to address this matter, in 1951, The United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries drafted the Refugee Convention, that provided a set of baseline principles on the protection of refugees. This convention was later signed and ratified by 145 state parties. The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees was subsequent to the Refugee Convention and it removed geographical and temporal limitations.

Uganda has always been open to the idea of taking in refugees from its neighboring countries that are going through corruption or simply habiting too many conflict zones. The country’s history with refugees has dated all the way back to the Second World War when the Europeans came to settle on Ugandan territory because of displacement by the war. During the Anyanya movement, Uganda accepted an estimate of 80,000 South Sudanese into the country. During an armed rebellion between the Kenyans and the British colonial government, several Kenan's fled to Uganda in search of refuge. From then on, more refugees from areas such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi, Eritrea, and Rwanda fled to Uganda. By the end of 2015, Uganda became the 8th top refugee-hosting country on a global scale, and the 3rd largest refugee-hosting country in Africa respectively. By the end of 2016, the country hosted approximately 810,000 refugees. By obtaining this position in the global society, enacting the 2006 Refugees Act, and being a part of the Refugee Convention, Uganda clearly believes in the protection and opportunities of those who take refuge in the country. Refugees are protected by both refugee and human rights laws and the obligations that the country has in order to provide a safe environment for them. These laws protect them by virtue of their status as refugees who have crossed international borders.

Having an official standpoint for accepting the rights of refugees, along with being a part of the Refugee Convention, Uganda promotes the protection and rights of refugees that hope to escape conflict zones. An effective start would be encouraging countries to receive advice and directly work with the UNHCR to produce a resolution in which countries that have not already ensured the rights of refugees to implement more financial obligations and also take responsibility for these refugees in need of international support.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Arjun Singh
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The rights and status of refugees is issue that must be discussed immediately by the United Nations. To this day millions are displaced from their homes living in awful conditions and not enough has been done by the international community to combat this problem. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made great strides in recent year to protect Syrian refugees during a brutal civil war. The UAE has made a pledge to bring in 15000 refugees by 2021 and has provided around 750 million US dollars to help neighboring countries deal with the refugee crisis. Around 13.5 million Syrians are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance (UNHCR). The UAE believes that as an international community we set aside our differences and realise every nation must do their part until this massive crisis has been controlled.

Last year the UAE worked with Canada for a resolution to accept 15000 refugees by 2021. Although this seems small compared to the 13.5 million displaced Syrians who are displaced, we have also accepted 123000 Syrians since the crisis began seven years ago. Each nation has the obligation to do their part as well as they can to accept these displaced people. Many nations have refused to accept refugees as if it is not their problem. The refugee crisis is not just Syria’s problem or Afghanistan’s problem it is the whole world’s problem and it should be treated as such. The UAE is completely against this anti-refugee settlement being propagated across the world and will continue to do our best to make sure every displaced person has basic human necessities.

The UAE believes the international community should work together and make a safer world for all people. Each nation should make a pledge to take in an amount of immigrants that is proportional to their population and there should be proper inspection with in the nations to make sure the immigrants are being treated fairly and living in safe conditions. The immigrant crisis is not a problem of whether or not a country wants to bring in immigrants but how, and each nation must make significant strides to protect these displaced people before it is to late.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Emma Ellefson-Frank
School: Williamston High School

As long as there has been war, famine, political instability, economic hardships, and questionable civilian safety, there have been refugees. Some of the earliest refugees were those fleeing religious persecution and coming to America. But Today this same kind of thing is happening, just on a much larger scale. In just the 8 years since the Syrian Civil War began, 5.6 million Syrians have fled their home country and so became refugees. Some of these people then wait in refugee camps that have less than optimal conditions with poor sanitation, poor job opportunities and little access to clean water, food, proper housing, or medical attention. The Syrian Civil War is not the only thing that is creating refugees. Refugees are also being caused by conflicts in countries in Afghanistan and Somalia. In an effort to support the increasing number of refugees, the UN passed several resolutions in the last 5 years that support the idea that all countries able to help, whether that means providing financial aid or actually taking in refugees, should in every capacity. Even with the efforts of the UN, refugees still face problems of finding permanent residence, national and international acceptance as well as the abysmal conditions in refugee camps where these refugees do not have access to a good education, well paying jobs, or good living conditions. The United Kingdom has always wanted to help those fleeing from crisis in all ways possible. However the UK has wanted to keep their refugee population under control and so has set limits for how many refugees they will accept every year. In 2016, the UK welcomed 1,000 refugees under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Program (VPR) as well as many others outside of the program and set a goal for 20,000 refugees under VPR by 2020. In addition, The UK approved 11,600 people for asylum in 2015. In terms of financial aid, the UK is the second leading donor to the Syrian refugee crisis, providing refugees with water, housing, clothing, and food. The UK also recently put up an additional £10 million to support refugee minors in Europe. Additionally because the UK is invested in helping separated refugee families reunite, they have promised to take in more refugees who would then be able to reunite with their family members. Even though the UK has done a lot to support this cause, they are committed to finding even better solutions to help refugees, asylum seekers and Internally Displaced Persons. The first of a long list of problems that the UK would like to address is how refugees do not have access to proper education in refugee camps. It is estimated by the UNHCR that out of 6.4 million refugees in 2016, 3.5 million, more than half, were not enrolled in primary or secondary education programs. This is because of a lack of accessible education in refugee camps. The UK would like to suggest a plan where in school building and curriculum are not only built but adult refugees who have some basic education would also be trained to become teachers by organizations like Teachers Without Borders. This would not only enable learning for refugee children and reduce the cycle of poverty, but also provide jobs for refugees. Second, the UK would also like to implement better sanitation measures to insure the reduced spread of diseases. These measures are outlined in The World Health Organization’s Manual on Water and Sanitation for Health in Refugee Camps. Also, the UK would like to suggest a program in which makeshift hospitals and clinics would be built and repaired in order to provide better medical care to refugees. When it comes to improving refugees’ lives after they have found permanent placement, the UK would like to create programs that help refugees get better jobs as well as get trained to qualify other jobs. This is in response to the fact that most refugees are unable to find good work/rely on government support and so live in extreme poverty. The UK would like to help as many refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs as possible and expects to find alliances with members of the EU like Turkey and Germany, as well as other countries who’s already support refugees like Lebanon and Pakistan.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Evan Calderon
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The first major success for the rights of refugees came in 1951 in the form of the refugee convention. This landmark document provided an official definition of a refugee as well as set a basis for the rights of those who were displaced; this important instrument has been signed and ratified by 145 state parties. Following this document, the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees removed geographical and temporal limitations from barring protection of refugees. These important accomplishments have provided guidance for circumstances of large refugee populations, such as the Somali civil war in 1991, the Yugoslav wars during the 1990s, and others. Most recently, the Syrian civil war and other catastrophic events have wreaked havoc among the region and those who live in it, forcing millions to relocate homes and causing one of the largest refugee crisis in modern history. This has sparked backlash from many countries, starting a new debate on refugees. The United States of America has long accepted refugees fleeing persecution. During World War 2, the US took in many refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. During the Cold War, they accepted a multitude of different ethnicities such as Jews, Hungarians, and Russians. When the Korean war hit, the United States also welcomed many new asylum seekers into the country to find a new home. Since then, many similar situations have arisen and in 1980, the United States started refugee quotas and a better vetting process, moving away from an ad hoc system as well as setting the first statutory basis for asylum. Today, the United States provides tens of thousands of refugees with asylum and currently has one of the The United States believes the rights of refugees should be protected. All safe refugees that have been approved for asylum should be afforded all of the same rights that citizens in the same nation are afforded. However, the United States can not allow all refugees wishing to seek asylum to enter into the United States for security reasons. Non-citizens account for an unproportionate amount of crimes committed in the United States according to the Center for Immigration Studies, and some refugees have been found to be planning serious terrorist attacks. The United States would be willing to contribute financially to help refugees in need and would encourage other states to follow suit; however, they believe it is unlawful for any sovereign nation to be forced to take in asylum seekers. To ensure the protection of refugees, the United States would seek the council to produce a resolution that would seek advice from the UN high commissioner to give instruction to better provide rights to refugees and also encourage countries to follow the commissioner's instructions and cooperate. Any nation not willing to protect the human rights of refugees should be condemned and possibly have the security council be notified of any nations that do so and from there. This topic should not be taken lightly and the United States will ensure that this committee fulfills its duty of maintaining human rights to the fullest extent.

Topic: The Rights and Status of Refugees
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Vincent Holden
School: Royal Oak High School

The human rights committee needs to address the status and protection of refugees. The refugees of Vietnam need protection until they can establish themselves in a new host country. Recent events throughout the world have lead to nationalism, which challenges the status of refugees, and can lead to people and families being detained, destitute, and stateless. At a minimum families should be allowed to be reunited with their loved ones. The Human Rights Committee must address this in order to support the rights of refugees. Over the past 40-50 years, through war, economic challenges, and granting asylum to Cambodian refugees, the resources of Vietnam have been depleted. Vietnam would like to continue providing basic human rights and protection to refugees entering our country, but will need the assistance of the global community. Vietnam recommends that the Human Rights Committee discuss a global framework for granting people asylum and citizenship where they chose to live, constrain host countries from mass deportation, and establish a global fund to assist developing countries with the refugee crisis.