UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
Chair: Dean Centa
Committee Type: Economic and Social Council
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 in the aftermath of World War II to protect displaced individuals who lost homes in the war. Additionally, the decolonization of Africa and Asia from Western powers caused millions to be displaced, requiring an international organization to help facilitate the mass movement of these people.
Its mandate is defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, which are the key legal documents that form the basis of UNHCR’s work. These two legal documents define the term 'refugee' and outline their rights and the international standards of treatment for their protection.
Since this time, UNHCR has drastically expanded its operation to address many different types of displacement-triggering events, such as environmental disasters or economic instability in a region.
Topic 1
Asylum Rejection and its Global Implication
The growing number of asylum seekers facing rejection has become a crucial issue in global migration policy, with the increasing amount of conflicts causing more and more individuals to become asylum seekers. Many of these individuals fleeing their homes are getting denied asylum in certain areas due to restrictive immigration policies amidst growing nativism around the world. This topic will explore the obligations UNHCR has for these rejected asylum seekers under the 1951 Refugee Convention, in addition to looking more into non-refoulement and exploring alternative options for rejected asylum seekers.
Topic 2
Protecting Rights for Economic Migrants
Economic migrants have been a driving force in global labor markets for centuries. Many migrants go abroad in hopes for better opportunities, but often face exploitation and discrimination, in addition to harsh working conditions. In this topic, we will discuss the intersection between economic migration and human rights, focusing on how international labor laws should protect low-skilled workers and temporary visa programs.