UN Human Rights Council

Topic: A
Rights of Indigenous People

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a largely tribal country which is furthermore divided into sub tribes and clans.
The rights of these indigenous people are being compromised all over Afghanistan today and
have been for hundreds of years. Indigenous people make up about 5% of the world’s total
population. The Kuchis for example, an indigenous people of Afghanistan, have been pushed
around due to their nomadic lifestyle. Little has been done by the international community to
help the Kuchi people due to their location. The Kuchis are located in an insecure area, making it
difficult for any type of long term aid to come and help. 2.4 million Kuchi exist in Afghanistan
as of 2004, 60% of which are still entirely nomadic, and over 100,000 have been displaced
(Population and Demography, Afghanistan). Their total population has shrunk by 40% since the
1960’s (The Embassy of Afghanistan). A previous document released by the United Nations
called the “Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Human Rights System” aimed to spell out
the rights of these indigenous people. Some of these rights include rights to lands, territories, and
resources; economic, social, and cultural rights; and self determination.

Afghanistan does recognize the rights of its indigenous people. It lets the Kuchi nomads
elect 10 representatives through a single national constituency to operate within parliament. The
United Nations has the “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People”
currently in place which does apply to Afghanistan. Dr. Oleh Protsyk states that “The
parliamentary representation of minorities and indigenous peoples is essential for ensuring these
groups’ effective participation in public affairs.”. If afghanistan wants its minorities and
indigenous people to interact with parliament, they need to better understand each groups needs
and provide for them in a better fashion than they are now. Dr. Protsyk also states the benefits of
the participation of indigenous people in parliament “It can help to strengthen democracy, greatly
improve the quality of political life, facilitate societal integration and prevent conflict.” If the
people are deciding the country's future, they can input their thoughts and beliefs into the final
outcome. The decline in indigenous population is the product of continued war, destruction of
roads, drought, air raids, and other war-related causes. 75% of the Kuchi’s herds were wiped out
due to the drought from 1998 to 2002 and the forceful relocations they face. The Afghanistan
parliament needs to better provide for the needs of indigenous people that are sometimes lacking
due to natural causes or their populations will continue to decline. The Afghanistan parliament
must also stop war-related testing on land that is designated for indigenous people. The testing is
destroying the land rendering it unusable and pushing people out of the area as well. If the
government wants to test war-related weapons they should negotiate with the people of
Afghanistan and set up designated areas used solely for the testing of weapons, away from any
people. The Afghanistan government is respecting of its people and would be willing to
cooperate with the needs and wants of its people.

UNHRC Topic A
 Country: Algeria

The Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a topic Algeria holds very close to our heart. In
the past, we have dealt extensively with this issue. The Algerian government does not
recognize indigenous people, so numbers and status’ of these people are not reported.
However, NGOs (Non- Governmental Organizations) report that these people make up
nearly 11 million people, or 1/3rd of the Algerian population. ("Indigenous Peoples in
Algeria." Algeria. 12 Feb 2014 http://www.iwgia.org/regions/africa/algeria) Due to this, we
are increasingly concerned with the pressing matter of these people’s rights and what our
country can do to aid. Algeria believes that to target this matter one must be able to
accurately define who indigenous people are.

Indigenous people in Algeria are distinguished primarily by their language(s). As well

as this, however, indigenous people may be recognized worldwide by their cultural, social,
economic, and political differences. The common definition the United Nations website
gives regarding indigenous people is “those who inhabited a country or a geographical
region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins arrived. (O.
Chakrabarti, 24 Oct 2009, Department of Public Information;
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/5session_factsheet1.pdf) While defining
these characteristics as a “criteria” almost may not be a difficult task, combating the issues
these indigenous people face is. Not only is Algeria faced head on with issues regarding
indigenous people, but it affects the entire globe.

Indigenous people reside in many areas. Some of these areas include the Americas,
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and so on. Each country has targeted matters using their
own hands, but some places have had more success in establishing rights than others. In
countries such as Algeria where indigenous people are not accurately represented in
government, they face problems such as extremely impoverished conditions, lack of
governmental participation abilities, discrimination and a disadvantage to social services.
These are dehumanizing problems that Algeria believes no one should have to face.

Algeria has previously attended a Human Rights Council concerning these specific
rights. Established at this conference in December of 1994 was the Action on Resolution on
Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The reason noted why Algeria abstained from
this draft was due to the fact it clashed with Algeria’s Constitution containing a clause on the
provision on political parties based on race, gender, or ethnicity. Algeria wishes to
encourage this resolution highly, however, and is in favor of what it entails. (Information
aided by A. Comm., 11 Nov 2002, UNHCR; https://www.humanrights.gov.au//declaration-
rights-indigenous-peoples)

Algeria presently pushes for the Resolution to remain standing and only be
improved. We look forward to working with each country on the United Nations Human
Rights Council and believe together we can target this pressing matter in the most efficient
way possible!

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Bosnia-Herzegovina

Indigenous people are the peoples native to an area or region. These people are often

discriminated against by those who are newer to the area and are expanding into these regions.

Bosnia believes that indigenous peoples indigenous to an area should be treated

humanely and fairly. Bosnia believes this because of the violent genocide of Bosnian Muslims at

the hands of Serbian troops. Due to this Bosnia believes that people should be treated fairly.

Within Bosnia-Herzegovina measures have been taken to ensure fair treatment of all ethnic

groups (within Bosnia these are the Croats, Serbs, and Bosnians) for example the presidency is

held by a representative of each group, who take turns being presidential chairman. However,

unfortunately within Bosnia the government and education system within many areas is

dominated by the most common ethnic group1.

Therefore Bosnia-Herzegovina believes that the indigenous peoples of nations where they

are repressed by the government and common people. Bosnia believes therefore that the

indigenous peoples of an area should be treated fairly. Bosnia also believes that the member

nations of the United Nations should pass laws to protect the rights of the indigenous peoples

within their own borders by granting them more rights and allowing them to have the same rights

as the others in that nation.

Bosnia also believes that the United Nations should send humanitarian aid to those

indigenous peoples, if they are far impoverished or disadvantaged compared to the rest of that

country’s population. Bosnia would therefore back any resolution that improves the lives of

impoverished or disadvantaged indigenous peoples.

1
<http://www.minorityrights.org/2471/bosnia-and-hercegovina/bosnia-and-hercegovina-overview.html>.

UNHRC Topic A
Works cited:

"World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples." Minority Rights Group International :

Bosnia and Hercegovina : Bosnia and Hercegovina Overview. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

<http://www.minorityrights.org/2471/bosnia-and-hercegovina/bosnia-and-hercegovina-

overview.html>.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Costa Rica School: Rocky River High School
The indigenous people of Costa Rica are not treated the same as most of the citizens
living in our beloved country. The number of indigenous people in Costa Rica has decreased
greatly due to disease and malnutrition. There are many different tribes that fall under the
category of indigenous people in Costa Rica. Although Costa Rica has taken many steps in order
to create equal respect under the law such as rights to vote, granted in 1977. These 64,000 people
are suffering from many different rights violations. In Costa Rica the indigenous people are
living each and every day, struggling to receive education and healthcare.
In terms of education, indigenous people are not receiving half of the benefits as other
citizens would. Many qualified teachers that happen to also be indigenous people are not being
accepted by the government as qualified to teach, even though they went through the same
training as other teachers. This discrimination could be cutting out hard working teachers they
could do wonders for the education system. In addition to the teachers, indigenous students are
not receiving the same education as other children. This lack of education is setting the children
up for lower paying jobs, leaving them in the lower class for the majority of their lives. As Costa
Rica, we would like to reform the education system, allowing both indigenous adults and
children to receive the same education and respect as other systems.
Secondly, indigenous people are not receiving the equal health care that they very well
need and deserve. These people have no access to clean water, causing them to become sick
more often. Costa Rica has taken great strides in order to help these people, but their efforts need
to be refined. In Costa Rica, they have built hospitals in the mountains in order to serve these
indigenous people. The only issue is that the doctors only come by once or twice a week- not
enough time to help the tribes. If the government were to support these hospitals more the
indigenous people would be able to get the help they need.
Although Costa Rica has taken many strives in order to assist their indigenous people,
there needs to be minor changes to the already existing programs. There needs to be a push for
the education system to accept the indigenous people. In addition, the existing hospitals just need
a little more attention, allowing the indigenous people to receive treatment. The indigenous
people deserve to be treated and respected just as much as the average citizen is.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Costa Rica School: Rocky River High School
Committee: United Nations Human Rights Council Delegates: Brendan Benson and Emily
Pawluk
Topic B: Preventing and Dealing with Human Trafficking
Costa Rica is a source, transit, and destination country for the human trafficking industry.
Forced prostitution of women and children is the most common form of and reason for human
trafficking in Costa Rica. To a lesser degree, these victims are used as forced labor in the fields
of agriculture, construction, and fishing. These victims, who come from Costa Rica, Dominican
Republic, Nicaragua, Panama and as far away as Vietnam are kept by the criminals in Costa Rica
or sent to countries such as Mexico and Nicaragua. Sex tourists come from all over the world to
exploit the broken system in Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican government has recently pushed to meet the minimum standards of the
elimination of trafficking through litigation, but is still far off of doing so. An extensive public
awareness campaign has recently been launched, as well as continued funding to victim services
of trafficking victims, although this funding is minimal and the services are not extensive or
readily available. Furthermore, many government officials have received professional training on
how to stop trafficking, locate or spot trafficking in progress, and how to help the located victims
obtain the services and help they so desire. one area of the problem of human trafficking that
Costa Rica lagged on is in the law enforcement department; Costa Rica needs to hold the
offenders of human trafficking more accountable for their actions and make them face much
steeper consequences for their crimes. Costa Rica continues to push itself to become better and
stop human trafficking within its borders.
Costa Rica is more than willing to work with any nation that has the same anti-human
trafficking motivation yet still respects Costa Rica’s finances and state sovereignty. Furthermore,
Costa Rica has a South American focused plan that it will share with the committee when the
time comes.

UNHRC Topic A
Denmark

Fellow countries. I will be asking a favor from all of you today, but first, I want all of you

to close your eyes and imagine you’re in your native country. You’re peacefully walking or

hiking through one of your lush forests, but suddenly a match is dropped from your backpack

and the leaf-litter found on your forests floor is ignited. The fire quickly spreads to the trees,

shrubs, plants, and grasses, destroying everything in its path. Open your eyes. This chaos is

comparable to your country being invaded by non-native peoples, looking to set spheres of

influence, steal your nation’s crops and raw materials, replace your culture through their

ethnocentric attitude and spirit, and even enslave or kill your people. Fellow countries I am

pleased to say that Denmark has been taking strides toward ending this issue and I will ask for

your help to further our goals toward ending this ignoble issue.

To expand on the strides Denmark has taken on this issue, allow me to highlight

Denmark’s past and current cooperation with Bolivia. Support for indigenous people has been a

theme in Danish assistance since the Danish embassy opened in Bolivia in 1994. Not only

supporting a democratization of the indigenous population in Bolivia, Denmark also combined

support for combating several other issues in Bolivia such as: poverty, local development, and a

substantial policy towards the advancement of human rights, including, but most definitely not

limited to, the rights of indigenous Bolivians. At the start of the 1990s, multiple indigenous

people’s organizations had started laying claim to their own land in Bolivia. This was a

development that Denmark firmly supported.

The start of the current phase of Denmark’s program for indigenous people overlapped

with the 2005 presidential election. For those that are unaware, political life in Bolivia at this

UNHRC Topic A
time could be characterized by extreme and volatile changes of government, uncertainty, and

conflict. Denmark supported the organization of the election in 2005. This election turned out to

be a turning point for Bolivia, and the Danish supported through methods that included

preparation of obligatory ID cards. With these cards, an assurance was produced that stated that

the poorest segment of the population could participate in the election. A revolutionary idea in

the positive direction the midst of a revolutionary nation in a backwards direction. The result was

the election of Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales, who lead the country’s first

majority government since the introduction of democracy in 1982. The election has consequently

advanced the development and influence of indigenous people in the country.

Additionally in 2006 Denmark provided support to the constitutional assembly of

Bolivia. This support was given, in order to enable people from remote parts of Bolivia to come

to political meetings in La Paz and Sucre, and for the work of preparing key documents for the

formulation of the new constitution. The result was a new constitution in Bolivia, where the

indigenous people’s rights occupy a prominent position.

Denmark wishes to continue this policy with more developing nations to ensure their

indigenous population continues to gain more rights, and protection from their government.

However Denmark is well aware that a coalition instead of one country acting on this alone

would prove to be ever more beneficial towards the advancement, and hopeful destruction of this

issue. Thank you.

Works Cited:

http://www.netpublikationer.dk/um/9521/html/printerversion_chapter09.htm

UNHRC Topic A
India

Over glorification of sex and very bad circumstances has bred a market for the sale of

human sex services. In India this was the perfect mixture to make human trafficking profitable

and it to flourish as it does today. Poverty is so common in some areas of India that some

parents are even willing to sell off their children into sex slavery just to make it by and provide

for economic security of the family. This environment of poverty and the inclusion of the caste

system (which even though it is officially outlawed) is still in play (culturally) sets up an

atmosphere that allows these deeds to happen and flourish. This problem only keeps persisting

with about 200 people being taken from their homes or kidnapped and then are engulfed in

this dirty “business”(Wilson).The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of

Atrocities) Act, 1989 this prevented the luring into the trafficking business(Mcadams). This law

has been effective to an extent people are more aware of the sadistic world of trafficking but

sometimes they need that money so bad they are willing to do it.

policy

The country currently believes that there's much to be done with human trafficking but

they are blinded by their own caste system which is one of the reasons is has run rampant.

Human trafficking is a worldwide problem that should not be looked at by just ourselves but the

world. This is a very large problem to tackle having as many as 27 million people worldwide

involved in this kingpin (Johnson). ”As I said, no country is immune from the problem of human

trafficking” said by jaswant singh. This is supposed to mean that there is no realistic way t stop

UNHRC Topic A
it just contain it. Only with increased accountability and honesty can we help some of the

world's most marginalized people”. "As I said, no country is immune from the problem of

human trafficking”. There are over 250 million dalits (untouchables) which means that it is very

hard for them to swallow their pride and create a policy that will benefit the poorest citizens.

resolutions

Currently like i said before India is pursuing policies that will put more penalties and the

enforcement of them but are very lenient on who will be convicted of this and what to do with

these victims that have suffered and gone through the system. India currently has policies that

state that human trafficking is illegal and how to deal with the people that are affected and the

people committing these atrocities. This will be very difficult but this is where much of human

trafficking is derived if there is no caste system more people could get out of poverty and not

have to sell them into it or their parents. To please the world India must first abandon this

dreaded caste system. One way that this could be implemented is if India would make more

services available than they already are. India definitely needs to make their policies more

concrete and the services they provide for victims also more complete because at this point

they are vague at best. Overall the best possible solution is that they need to get rid of the

caste system, make policy more concrete, and help victims people never get to a point where

they have to resort to this monstrous “business”.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Kenya

Human rights in Kenya are an issue. UN officials urge Kenya to protect the rights of the indigenous
people. “Indigenous peoples shall not be forcibly relocated from their lands or territories,” said the
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya. The Sengwer people, also known
as the Cherangany indigenous people, have lived, hunted and gathered in the Embobut Forest area in
Kenya’s Rift Valley for hundreds of years. Today, many of them still live in or near the Forest and
continue to engage in cultural and subsistence practices in the area.

According to reports, police forces have been amassing in the area in preparation for evictions ordered
by the Government in pursuit of its forest and water conservation objectives. Since the 1970s, Kenyan
authorities have made repeated efforts to forcibly evict the Sengwer from the forest for resettlement in
other areas. “Any removal of Sengwer people from their traditional lands should not take place without
adequate consultations and agreement with them, under just terms that are fully protective of their
rights,” Mr. Anaya stressed. He urged the Government to ensure that the human rights of the Sengwer
indigenous people are fully respected, in strict compliance with international standards, including the
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Kenya has no specific legislation governing indigenous peoples and abstained from the vote when
the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the UN General
Assembly in 2007. Kenya has yet to ratify the ILO Convention 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples.

Kenya has ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
(ICERD), the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC).

Work cited page

http\iwgia.org

http\un.org

UNHRC Topic A
Country: Kosovo

In 1988 the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The

Declaration included indigenous people, who were officially recognized by the UN in 1982 after

the Working Group on Indigenous Populations was established in Geneva. Today, indigenous

people still face similar issues concerning a lack of basic health services and education, as well

as violations of cultural property and human rights, which are a deep concern for the preservation

of cultures, as well as the respect of human rights.

During and after World War II, Kosovo has had to confront discrimination in its borders.

Statistics showed a 45% increase in racial violence in Kosovo from 2000-2006 concerning the

discrimination against Jewish, Hungarian, and Roma minorities. Kosovo deputy prime-minister

of minorities said in a statement, “Protecting the rights of minorities is a long-term, dynamically

changing process which has to be constantly refined”. The delegation of Kosovo believes that all

indigenous people have cultural and ethical beliefs that require respect and are open to working

toward solutions to diminish racism, not only in Kosovo, but all foreign nations.

To solve these problems a greater network between nations and NGO’s must be created.

Through networking, advocacy for basic rights are encouraged and violations are easier to

monitor and address. Greater networking provides a better way to mobilize advocates and

increase political pressure for change. Governments and NGO’s can provide training for human

rights advocates to defend such rights. Nations can also increase knowledge about human rights,

as well as increasing their intolerance for the violation of indigenous peoples’ rights. The

Delegation of Kosovo is aware of these resources and is willing to work with different groups to

diminish discrimination towards our indigenous people, as well as foreign nations’ people.

UNHRC Topic A
 Works Cited

"DPI Press Kit." Human Rights. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.

<http://www.un.org/rights/50/people.htm>.

"General Assembly Adopts Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples; ‘Major Step Forward’

Towards Human Rights for All, says President." United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.

<http://www.un.org/press/en/2007/ga10612.doc.htm>.

"Human Rights Community." Amnesty International. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.

<http://www.amnesty.org/en/human-rights-defenders/issues/

human-rights-community>.

UNHRC Topic A
Kosovo

Rights for people around the world is an important and ongoing struggle still in the

twenty first century. Living in America it is hard to picture other people in other countries

who don’t have the same rights, or any for that matter, and who live very poorly. It is the

UN’s mission to help these people and give rights to minorities that live oppressed and

fearful everyday lives. Kosovo is a very debatable topic in today’s world, and is also very

confusing to many. The United Nations recognizes Kosovo’s independence and recognize

it as a country. However, it is important to note the ongoing century long conflict and history

that has led to Kosovo’s independence. Kosovo was formerly part of Serbia. It was the

heart of Serbia and was heavily populated for centuries by orthodox Serbian people and

was the place where many important battles took place. As many years past and the

influences of the west and other countries surrounding Serbia, for their own interests

decided to meddle with this area. Due to Albania being very close to Serbia, many muslim

Albanians were living in this area and decided to cause tension. These muslims wanted to

break off from Serbia and create their own country. With the help of other nations, and

other nations interest’s they were able to make this possible. These muslim Albanians

burned thousand of orthodox christians monasteries and churches destroying Serbians holy

place of sanctuary. Due to ethnic tensions and differences, Albanians and Serbians have

issues. Due to the breaking off of Kosovo, Albanians took control of the new country and

were now the majority. Today the indigenous people are the Serbians who live in

oppression and are unable to practice their religion freely and talk about their

homeland. These people live in fear for everyday is a struggle. Opportunity is not available

equally and Serbians rights are not evident. Moving forward in the twenty first century,

although ethnic tensions the Albanian must be accepting of Serbians and allow them to live

UNHRC Topic A
freely without discrimination. More rights must be presented to Serbians, and laws should

be set in place to help these people get the same opportunity as the Albanians receive.

Bibliography:

http://www.kosovo.net/kosovo_history.html

http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unmik/background.shtml

UNHRC Topic A
Country: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The rights of indigenous peoples continue to decline around the world, raising concern over the
conflicts that may ensue. Pakistan continues to face these challenges, especially rising from border
conflicts with India and Afghanistan. The number of ethnic minorities in the nation, including Pakhtuns
and Sindhis, continues to rise from refugee necessities from surrounding nations. However, the
treatment of these peoples within the nation continues to be of concern. Many minorities in Pakistan
continue to be underrepresented in government and are constantly persecuted against for their
traditions and cultures. However in order for the nation to move forward as unified peoples, the
treatment of ethnic and religious minorities must improve.

At the present moment, Pakistan has taken steps to maintain equal status of many indigenous
minorities with the government, however these measures have not been upheld. Having signed the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the nation has dedicated themselves to
maintaining equal status for indigenous minorities within government and society with the majority of
the population. However, Pakistan has been unable to uphold this. Their laws continue to inhibit their
ability to maintain strong relations between the government and indigenous peoples, as they have been
cast off from the majority of the population. For example, the President and Prime Minister can only be
Muslims, even though minorities and non-Muslims may hold many other government positions.

Pakistan needs a change. Not only in policies, however the nation must uphold basic
representation and fair treatment for all civilians, no matter their minority or indigenous status. Groups
like the Pakhtuns and the Sindhis constantly face discrimination from the majority of the Punjabi
peoples as well as the Punjabi-Muslim dominated government. No country knows better than Pakistan
about the necessity to address the hardships of the indigenous minorities, and the nation must look
towards enforcing laws locally as well as nationally in order to raise awareness about these issues and
mandate equal representation and treatment of the indigenous minorities living in the nation.

Internationally, Pakistan recognizes the necessity to mandate the treatment of indigenous

peoples. Recognizing the ability for nations such as the United States to provide opportunity and
representation to the indigenous peoples living in their country, Pakistan seeks the aid of the United
Nations to enforce laws within their nation to improve the treatment of indigenous minorities living in
the nation. By fixing the problem within their own borders, Pakistan hopes to help improve treatment of
indigenous peoples across the region in order to better the greater global community.

UNHRC Topic A
Country: Republic of Poland

Human Trafficking is an abominable problem affecting countries all over the world.

During the process of human trafficking, the victims are treated as a product and are forcefully

taken from their families for forced labor, prostitution, organ removal or slavery. ("Human

Rights Committee.") It is the fastest growing area of organized crime, with 2.45 million victims

between 1995 and 2004. In that same period only 7,711 victims were aided. ("Addressing the

Root Causes of Trafficking.”) Human trafficking is a global problem, as they affect many

countries in the world, either in the beginning stages of crime, or as destinations. Victims of

human trafficking are treated as objects, deprived of basic human needs, stolen away from

their families to be forced into a life of forced labor, prostitution, or as slaves. 32 Billion USD are

earned each year by global criminal organizations through human trafficking. ("Human Rights

Committee.")

Victims of Human Trafficking aren’t signing up for a life as a slave, many are simply

trying to migrate to another country. Migrants flee from their homes to escape natural disasters,

civil war, persecution, and poverty. ("Addressing the Root Causes of Trafficking.") Those who

enter the criminal world are helpless. They have received aid from no legal organizations, and

are forced to fall back on illegal actions. Most victims don’t know they are being trafficked at

first, as they are misled to believe they are migrating to another country. The victims are

threatened, physically abused, and held against their will, before being used for sexual

exploitation, forced labor, organ removal, and slavery.

Poland has faced issues with human trafficking in the past. Laws now prohibit

discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and language or social status, however social

UNHRC Topic A
discrimination and violence against women and ethnic minorities still does occur. Trafficking to

Poland primarily has occurred from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, and Belarus. Out of 7 thousand

of the prostitutes in the country, 30% of them were estimated from foreign origin. In addition,

75% of foreign prostitutes were trafficking victims. Actions taken against trafficking in Poland

include the allocation of 99,842 PLN (33,000 USD) to an international NGO known as La

Strada. The money was put into education of police and border academies, and other anti-

trafficking education programs. The programs placed focus on improving knowledge of human

trafficking. ("Poland.")

The United Nations has strived to formulate solutions for this issue, creating Resolution

11/3: Trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which identifies the problems and

encourages governments to provide the appropriate resources to help resolve them. The UN

document, Global Report on Trafficking in Persons formulated in 2012 by the United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime, notes the patterns and flow of trafficking persons, and pervious

global responses to the issue. These documents and resolutions together demonstrate the need for

both awareness and education on the issue, and strive to bring these to not only victims, but also

government officials and other individuals of authority in hopes of formulating solutions.

Poland believes the key to solving the issue of human trafficking is raising awareness.

However in addition to providing for education on the issues, the problem must also be

addressed at its core. As majority of entry into the criminal market is through attempts to escape

social injustices and natural disasters, Poland believes more aid and funding must be provided to

those internally displaced by disasters, and those in war ravaged countries. ("Addressing the

Root Causes of Trafficking.") Through aid programs to these countries, side by side with

UNHRC Topic A
education, the issues causing human trafficking can be addressed, and those currently in danger

can be better protected.

Works Cited

"Addressing the Root Causes of Trafficking." ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES Tool

9.2 Addressing the Root Causes of Trafficking (n.d.): n. pag. Unodc. United

Nations. Web. 16 Jan. 2015.

"Human Rights Committee." Baltic Model United Nations:. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.

"Poland." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 8 Mar. 2006. Web. 17

Feb. 2015.

UNHRC Topic A
Country: Slovakia

Today Indigenous people make up approximately 5% of the world’s population. However they

also make up 15% of the world’s poorest. The United Nations considers any group with these following

characteristics or traits to be indigenous: historical pre-colonial and pre-settler societies; strong link to

territories and local natural resources; a distinct language, culture and beliefs which differ from the

majority, and resolve to maintain ancestral environments in their criterion. The main issues concerning

Indigenous people today are intolerance and racism towards them. Another main issue is there is

nothing in place to secure the rights of indigenous people and there is a over lack of knowledge about

these people.

Slovakia’s Indigenous people have been facing horrible treatment because they are different.

They have been tricked into sterilization procedures by doctors and nurses. They have also faced

segregation in hospitals and other racial prejudices by those around them. Slovakia realizes this is an

issue facing their country today and they want to bring an end to the mistreatment and human rights

violations of indigenous people. Slovakia has signed the United Nations Declaration of Right if

Indigenous People however they are currently not doing anything to help combat this issue.

One way to help indigenous people is to find a way to enforce equal right for them and to make

sure they are not being discriminated against. Another way to help is to inform people about these

people and who they are so they are treated like normal people not like aliens who have invaded. By

helping indigenous people gain human rights it will allow the world to become more diverse than it

already is

UNHRC Topic A
 Works Cited

"Czechs and Slovaks: The Failure to Find a Decent past." Cultural Survival. Cultural Survival,

n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-

quarterly/czech-republic/czechs-and-slovaks-failure-find-decent-past>.

"Slovakia Overview." World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. Minority Rights

Group International, 2005. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

<http://www.minorityrights.org/3533/slovakia/slovakia-overview.html>.

"Slovakia Sterilization Practices Criticized." Cultural Survival. Cultural Survival, n.d. Web. 18

Feb. 2015. <http://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-

quarterly/slovakia/slovakia-sterilization-practices-criticized>.

"World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Slovakia : Overview." refworld.

Minority Rights Group International, 2015. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

<http://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce25c.html>.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Somalia School: Hathaway Brown School

The general term “indigenous people” brings to mind the Native Americans or the Aboriginal Australians,
and more. However, that definition of indigenous people consists of a clear distinction between the
indigenous people and the other inhabitants, most likely in a highly developed and industrialized
country. However, the term is not quite as easily defined as such in Somalia, a country that is far less
developed than the United States or Australia. Therefore, because the line between Somali indigenous
people and the other inhabitants is so complex, discussing their rights becomes equally difficult.

The Somali people are organized in distinct clans, which even more so complicates the line identifying
those who indigenous people and those who are not. According to Refworld, a UN High Commissioner
of Refugees database, the Somalia is generally organized into five major clans, Dir, Isaaq, Hawiye, the
Darood and the Digil-Mirifle or Rahanweyn clan. Those who do not belong to clans are part of the
minority which consists of the Gaboye caste groups, the Bantu, the Oromo and the Benadiri Swahili-
speakers. Those in such minority groups have in the past been excluded from political, economic and
social life, all of which are available to those in clans. Minorities such as Bantus, some being indigenous,
have been punished for intermarrying with those belonging to clans, and in 2010, several Bantu people
were murdered for attending a clan ceremony in the Juba region. Regardless, both the minorities and
certain members of the clans have been victims from Somalia’s war-stricken country. The issues
regarding the indigenous people of Somalia do not necessarily lie directly in their rights, but in the
damage to their communities from the effects of a war-torn country. After President Barre was
overthrown in 1991, Somalia suffered 11 years of anarchy in which rival warlords battled against each
other for power until the fighting was pacified in 2012 by the Somali parliament. According to the
UNHRC, the number of displaced persons in Somalia hit 1.5 million in 2011, creating a dire humanitarian
crisis, one that does not lie specifically in the rights of indigenous people.

The unclear line between indigenous people and other inhabitants has become much less of an issue rather
than the internal conflict Somalia faces, an issue much larger than the rights of indigenous people. To
begin making changes regarding the rights of minorities and indigenous people, Somalia must first finish
the process of building a federal parliamentary republic. With Islamic insurgency being a large issue as
well, Bantu children as young as ten years old have been recruited to militias, militias which have left
civilians dead and disrupted the peace of the country. Solving the issues of Somali indigenous people are
so far embedded in the issues of minority groups and overall citizens, the United Nations must first begin
by solving the issues regarding Somali internal conflict.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: South Sudan School: Lincoln-West

Indigenous peoples are 'the descendants of those who inhabited a country or a

geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins
arrived. There is an over growing problem with insufficient rights for the
indigenous people in many countries especially in South Sudan. South Sudan calls
upon all countries to come together and act as fast as possible to make this
situation end. In South Sudan we have our attention is has been momentarily
diverted to the war in Darfur, this situation is a prime example of the rights being
disavowed in which some indigenous peoples land have been ransacked and
burned forcing the mass migration of indigenous people. As well as the ransacking
going on there are numerous fights and killings over land and materials.

Among other countries that are trying to eradicate this issue in their countries, we
on the other hand are limited to only a substantial amount of effort put towards
this issue in sights to the civil war between the two halves of this country. The
people of Sudan are primarily populated with indigenous personal, so we are
trying to help our populace the best that we can. The government of Sudan are
formally requesting any help that could benefit our country and help better our
fight for the rights for the Indigenous people.

We just recently participated in indigenous Peoples Conference on October 12-14

along with 11 other countries were we sought out to end this problem. If this
issue is to become eradicated from the entire world it will because of everyone
coming together and creating a charter of some sort relating to and protecting
the rights of the indigenous people. This needs not be a law but some kind of
waypoint and course for the protection of the indigenous peoples rights. We are
accepting any and all help possible.

http://www.refworld.org/docid/49749ca43c.html

“Indigenous peoples are 'the descendants of those who inhabited a country or a

geographical region at the time when people of different cultures or ethnic origins
arrived.”
UNHRC Topic A
http://www.infoplease.com/country/sudan.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Darfur

“In South Sudan we have our attention is has been momentarily diverted to the
war in Darfur”

http://www.southsudanlandalliance.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a
rticle&id=284:south-sudan-land-alliance-participates-in-indigenous-peoples-
conference&catid=3:newsflash

“We just recently participated in indigenous Peoples Conference on October 12-

14 along with 11 other countries were we sought out to end this problem.”

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Russia

For the past few decades the indigenous people of Russia have been discriminated against. The people of
Russia out casted them and didn’t acknowledge their existence in this world and because of this many of
the indigenous peoples in Russia have died. Their difference in culture created a feud amongst the people
in Russia who weren’t accustomed to it and they started this discrimination because of it. The indigenous
peoples rights have been violated so to their defense President Boris Yeltsin has been working to give the
people more specific rights outside of their constitutional rights. Although it is unlikely to succeed
because of the past attempts at passing such a law for the indigenous peoples it still is possible. There are
officially about 200 different types of indigenous people in the Russian Federation, which is why it is
difficult to accomplish such a feat that would make equality. Individual rights cannot be given to so many
people because then there would be no order in Russia. Also if such a law were passed then
discrimination would only be that much greater but instead of the indigenous peoples it would be on the
rest of the people in Russia. This problem has persisted for many years and is yet to be resolved.

Across Europe the only indigenous people who are officially protected are the Sami people and some live
in Russia. This is because of an administration that has existed for years to protect their ways. The
problem lies here because there are many other indigenous people that live in Russia whom are not
protected because of the racism that started around 30 years ago because of the difference in appearance
among the people. The indigenous people were out casted and the discrimination started here. There are
only about 330 million indigenous people left in the world which is quite an issue because when they die
all of the culture they have goes with them and that has major historical value as well as knowledge that is
priceless. As mentioned Boris Yeltsin has been trying to give the people rights for a long time now and
failed because it violated the rest of the Russian peoples rights. The protection of the indigenous people
has been one of the major issues Boris has tried to solve but he has been rejected each time.

What can be done to resolve this problem has been the question for a long time. Development of laws and
a movement to enhance human rights is the only thing that can be done to make equality a reality.
However without proper regulation the Russian Federation realizes that advancement will remain limited
and the problem will continue. The global community can help to keep order and to regulate these
developments. This will also help safeguard civil rights and principles that are instated by the Russian
government. There also will need to be a respective administration or administrations to allow a greater
degree of advancement. This will also help to prevent corruption and chaos. The citizens of the Russian
Federation would keep their rights this way and the indigenous people of Russia will have an
administration protecting their rights, which would also protect against discrimination.

UNHRC Topic A
Tajikistan

Throughout the world, millions of indigenous people suffer discrimination. Including

forced removal from their native lands, religious and political restrictions, and prosecution by

their country’s governments. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous

Peoples, written in December of 2006, states, “Convinced that the recognition of the rights of

indigenous peoples in this Declaration will enhance harmonious and cooperative relations

between the State and indigenous peoples, based on principles of justice, democracy, respect for

human rights, non-discrimination and good faith…” (United Nations Declaration on the Rights

of Indigenous Peoples) the UN recognizes that the government of the state must respect the

human rights and non-discrimination of the indigenous people. Many times, actions taken by

state governments results in human rights violations, as well as crimes against humanity, due to

this discrimination. Native inhabitants often suffer from this one-sided thinking of new,

destructive governments. The UN must reaffirm that indigenous peoples should remain free from

inequity (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).

Tajikistan backs these new legislations from the UN fully. As a newly formed

presidential republic, Tajikistan has adopted numerous measures to better rights for indigenous

peoples in the past decade, Such as voting ballots in the Russian language for the 2006

parliamentary election (refworld.org). These people include Uzbeks, a minority turkish ethnic

group, and Russians; who

Topic A 2

amount for only 3% of the population. As a country, we stand firm behind equal and possibly

outstanding rights that apply to the indigenous. Tajikistan proposes legislation to offer monetary

UNHRC Topic A
assistance to educational purposes for the discriminated. This may include purchasing textbooks

or learning materials that are published in the indigenous language. As well as building

schoolhouses for depreciated regions. This can help provide education that indigenous persons

cannot access in their language, or worse, at all.

Works Cited

United Nations. Washington: For Sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1970. United

Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Web.

"Indigenous Peoples - Tajikistan." Refworld. Refworld, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.

UNHRC Topic A
Submitted by: Thailand School: Mentor High

Human trafficking, defined as the trade of humans for manual labor or sexual

exploitation, is one of the most dire human rights issues that the world faces today. Because

trafficking is a crime that goes often unreported, it is impossible to know the true number of

victims that human trafficking rings claim; however, the International Labor Organization

estimates that over twenty one million people are trafficked annually, over five million of which

are children. Of these twenty one million, about four fifths of victims are forced into strenuous

slave labor. This system of modern slavery is a tragedy that no human being should have to

endure. Victims are robbed of every unalienable human right imaginable, even those determined

in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed by the United Nations on December 10,

1948. Specifically, human trafficking violates the ban upon slavery and the idea that all human

beings are endowed to freedom and treatment that is not degrading or dehumanizing (Articles 3-

5). As a democratic nation, Thailand expresses its extreme dissatisfaction with this heinous

violation of equality and urges this council to combat this institution swiftly and forcefully.

Thailand is especially attuned to the horrors of human trafficking as it is the largest

exportation and destination country in the world as well as a transit hub. Many Thai women and

children are sent around the world to engage in forced prostitution, while lower class Thai men

are forced to work in odious conditions, principally aboard fishing boats. Thailand understands

that its role in human trafficking is deplorable, noted by the Thai ambassador to the US, Vijavat

Isarabhakdi, when he explained, “Thailand is committed to combatting human trafficking. We

know a lot more needs to be done but we also have made very significant progress to address the

problem.” In 2011, Thailand implemented a six year plan to combat human trafficking

nationally, beginning with more convictions and the identification of victims so that they may

UNHRC Topic A
receive assistance. In fact, in 2008 a bill was passed in order to specifically crack down on

offenders through harsher penalties while advocating victim safety through compensation and

any other necessities for rehabilitation (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act). The Thai government

has also begun to tighten border security, especially along the border of Burma.

It is undeniable that steps must be taken to eliminate human trafficking, as it is an

atrocious violation of human liberties; however, Thailand feels that this committee must first

recognize human trafficking as a duel-faceted issue. Thailand believes that, in order to prevent

further tragedy, this committee must account for the issue of sexual exploitation as well as that of

forced labor. While Thailand certainly advocates for harsher punishments for the perpetrators of

these despicable crimes, it recognizes and reminds this council that the UN cannot enforces such

policies without violating national sovereignty. Because of this, to resolve the issue of human

trafficking internationally, border control must be prioritized, especially in volatile trafficking

regions. Thailand also urges the creation of an international organization dedicated to victim

rehabilitation and security. Thailand would like to recognize that a program must be

implemented in order to educate both youth and adults in how to avoid human trafficking and

risky situations, as well as the guarantee of an adequate education in general. Many victims of

trafficking are impoverished, uneducated, and illiterate, making them more susceptible to

trafficking. Educational programs would limit illiteracy and reduce the risk of being trafficked

for people of lower classes By taking the measures of border control, rehabilitation, and

education, Thailand believes that human trafficking will be significantly reduced, eventually

resulting in a complete eradication of this tragic violation upon the rights of all human beings.

UNHRC Topic A
Country: United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is fully committed to protecting and respecting the rights of
Indigenous People. Our favorable vote on The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
shows that we support the individual and collective rights of the world’s 370 million native
peoples, call for the maintenance and strengthening of their cultural identities, and emphasize
their right to pursue development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations (United
Nations General Assembly). “Indigenous Peoples make up approximately 5% of the world’s
population but 15% of the world’s poor and around one-third of the world’s 900 million
extremely poor rural people” (Indigenous Peoples Major Group). The United Arab Emirates
notes that indigenous people in every country disproportionately suffer from absolute and
relative poverty.

The lack of rights for indigenous people is a major factor that impedes their ability to rise
out of poverty. Guaranteeing rights such as human rights, land rights, cultural rights, and
political rights is the first step to helping indigenous people rise out of poverty. All indigenous
peoples should have a collective right to land, territories, and resources. Additionally, the local
and diverse economies and livelihoods of the indigenous people should be supported. Indigenous
people should not feel pressured to assimilate. Governments should make sure that there is equal
and just access to infrastructure. Indigenous people cannot be denied access to clean water,
sanitation, healthcare, education, and other services based solely on their race. It is also
necessary for governments to protect and respect the culture of these indigenous people.
RIO+20, The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, highlights culture as the
most fundamental dimension of sustainable development (Indigenous Peoples Major Group).
There needs to be a resolution that ensures the recognition, respect, and promotion of Indigenous
Peoples’ cultural rights including their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems, and
practices. There also needs to be a push toward culturally-appropriate and inter-cultural
education (Indigenous Peoples Major Group). These are all practical solutions that the delegation
of the United Arab Emirates believes can help promote the rights of Indigenous People.

UNHRC Topic A
 Works Cited

Indigenous Peoples Major Group. "The Indigenous Peoples Major Group’s Vision and Priorities
for the Sustainable Development Goals." Sustainable Development. United Nations, Mar.
2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
<https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/3447SD2015%20Position%20Pa
per_Indigenous%20Peoples%20MG_v1_March %202014.pdf>.

United Nations General Assembly. General Assembly Adopts Declaration on Rights

of Indigenous Peoples; 'Major Step Forward' towards Human Rights for All,
Says President. New York: United Nations, 13 Sept. 2007. Print.

UNHRC Topic A