COMMITTEE SESSION NOTES

COMMITTEE SESSION 5
General Speakers’ List
The delegate of Brunei would like to reiterate that all of us who take part in these committee
sessions are beacons of light to the children who see merely darkness as they look toward their
future as a result of being binded to commitment at an early age. With this in mind, the delegate
encourages fellow member-states to cooperate to work together towards resolutions that are
feasible to cater to the urgency and are in adherence to the mandate of this committee. As
such, though we recognize the fact that this is a human rights issue, child brides might see their
marriage as following their parents’ orders with the thought that they are just fulfilling their duties
as sons and/or daughters, even if it is against their will. Thus, this suggests that there is a need
of crafting a solution for those who are already victims of child marriage. Recognizing that
UNICEF supports high-impact construction projects, the delegate of Brunei proposes that
UNICEF shall advocate for the establishment of Child Brides Support Centers among regions
with high-prevalence of child marriages and that would accommodate girls below 18 who are
already wedded through counseling, legal assistance, and access to healthcare services. To
ensure its efficiency, the UNICEF shall partner with the non-governmental research organization
Population Council to conduct needs-based assessment as they have been proven to be
successful in doing so as evidenced by their document entitled Programs to address child
marriage: Framing the problem. In lieu thereof, the delegate of Brunei calls for the attention of
the delegates for their cooperation on this initiative. Are we really just going to let darkness
conquer the future of our children?

Possible PoIs:
1. Specifically, what counseling, health care, and legal services will this initiative offer?
2. How will the system of funding go about?
3. Who will be the ones carrying out the services?

Moderated Caucus

The delegate of Brunei motions for a 20-minute moderated caucus to discuss the
implementation of support measures for victims of child marriages. The delegate would
like to cater 10 speakers with a speaking time of 2 minutes.

The Child Brides Support Centers initiative proposed by the delegate of Brunei will offer
specialized counseling services provided by trained professionals to address the psychological
and emotional needs of girls below 18 who are victims of child marriage. Healthcare services
will include comprehensive reproductive health care, family planning, and general health
services facilitated by qualified medical professionals. Legal assistance will be provided to guide
victims in an instance of gender-based violence and other legal processes, adhering to the legal
framework of the country. The funding for this initiative will involve a collaborative effort between
UNICEF, governmental sponsorships, and potential partnerships with private donors or
organizations committed to addressing child marriage. Trained personnel, including counselors,
healthcare professionals, and legal advisors, will carry out the services, with recruitment guided
by a commitment to cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Possible PoIs:
1. How confident are you that there will be countries supporting this initiative?
In 2016, The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme was generously supported by the
Governments of Belgium, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom
and the United States, the European Union and Zonta International. Its goals also align
with the implementation of the construction of this infrastructure.

2. Counseling Services: How will the initiative ensure that counseling services are culturally
sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of victims of child marriage?

The initiative recognizes the paramount importance of culturally sensitive counseling

services for child brides. To ensure effectiveness, the counseling approach will
incorporate culturally relevant methodologies, acknowledging the diversity of the
communities served. Trained professionals will undergo specific cultural sensitivity
training to understand and respect the nuances of local customs and traditions.
Additionally, community engagement will be prioritized, involving local leaders and
influencers in the development and delivery of counseling services to foster trust and
acceptance within the communities.

3. Healthcare Services: Can the delegate provide more details on how the initiative will
ensure the accessibility of comprehensive reproductive health care, especially in regions
with limited healthcare infrastructure?

Comprehensive healthcare services are integral to the success of the initiative. The
approach will focus on establishing partnerships with existing healthcare infrastructure
while also implementing mobile health units to reach remote areas. This ensures
accessibility for girls in regions with limited healthcare facilities. Healthcare professionals
will be sensitized to the specific health needs of child brides, and awareness campaigns
will be conducted to promote reproductive health education, family planning, and general
well-being. The initiative will collaborate with local health authorities to integrate these
services seamlessly into the existing healthcare system.

4. Legal Assistance: How will the initiative navigate legal complexities and ensure that legal
assistance is provided in accordance with the diverse legal frameworks of different
countries?

Recognizing the legal complexities surrounding child marriage and gender-based

violence, the initiative will work within the legal frameworks of each country. Legal
assistance will extend beyond divorce and child custody to encompass broader issues of
gender-based violence and human rights violations. Partnerships with local legal
 organizations and practitioners will be forged to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive
legal guidance. The initiative aims to empower victims by providing them with the
knowledge and resources to navigate legal processes independently, fostering a sense
of agency and autonomy in seeking justice within their specific cultural and legal
contexts

5. Funding Collaboration: Could the delegate elaborate on the strategies for encouraging
private donors and organizations to contribute to the initiative, and how will the funds be
allocated for maximum impact?

The initiative's funding strategy is designed for a collaborative effort involving UNICEF,
governmental sponsorships, and private donors or organizations committed to
combating child marriage. UNICEF will leverage its global influence to advocate for
governmental support, ensuring that child brides' needs are prioritized on national
agendas. Simultaneously, the initiative will actively seek partnerships with private donors
and organizations that share the commitment to addressing child marriage. This will
involve targeted outreach, awareness campaigns, and engagement with philanthropic
entities to secure financial contributions. Transparent reporting mechanisms and
accountability structures will be implemented to ensure that funds are allocated
efficiently, with a focus on maximizing impact and sustainability.

6. Personnel Recruitment: What specific measures will be taken to recruit personnel with
cultural sensitivity, and how will the initiative address potential challenges in ensuring
diverse and qualified staff?

The selection process for counselors, healthcare professionals, and legal advisors will
involve rigorous training programs that emphasize cultural competency. Collaborations
with local educational institutions, NGOs, and community leaders will be pursued to
identify and train individuals with a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which
they will be working. Efforts will be made to ensure a diverse team that reflects the
communities served, promoting inclusivity and enhancing the effectiveness of the
support provided. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities will be
provided to ensure that the personnel remain attuned to evolving cultural dynamics.

The delegate of Brunei motions for a 15-minute moderated caucus to discuss the
feasibility of compromise in the cultural norms among member-states. The delegate
would like to cater 10 speakers with a speaking time of 1 minute and 30 seconds.

To bridge cultural gaps on child marriage, nations could establish an international committee
tasked with developing adaptable frameworks. This committee would comprise representatives
from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring a holistic perspective. Mechanisms would include
regular diplomatic forums where countries openly discuss and share their cultural practices
related to marriage, fostering mutual understanding. Furthermore, a repository of best practices
would be created, highlighting innovative approaches that balance cultural diversity with child
protection principles. Lastly, nations would commit to periodic reviews, adjusting frameworks
based on evolving cultural norms and ensuring a harmonious symphony of traditions within the
universal framework of safeguarding children's rights.