ICEMUN

INSAN CENDEKIA MADANI

MODEL UNITED NATIONS
2024

“Defending Individual Rights Against The Abuse of

Government Authority”

United Nations Human Rights Council

(UNHRC) STUDY GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENT
Directors Letter i

Co-Director’s Letter ii

Committee Introduction 1

Topic Background 2

Current Situation 3

Past Actions 4

Bloc Analysis 5

QARMAs 6
 DIR EC TO R’S
LE TTE RS
Greetings, delegate! My name is Aziel Alphasyah Ramadhan, a penultimate
undergraduate student from Jenderal Soedirman University, majoring in
International Relations. My first experience with MUN started when I
participated in Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Malaysia in 2019.
After that, I started participating in numerous MUNs as a delegate, committee,
chair, and even secretary general. MUN has developed me as a person, and I
hope that the delegate can get what I have gained through MUN. As your Head
Chair in the UNHRC council, I expect the delegate to actively participate in the
debate and discussion to come up with a solution regarding the topic, which is
“Defending Individual Rights Against The Abuse of Government Authority.” The
topic has been quite important, especially since many country or local
government are abusing their power to get the things that they want. Because of
that, we hope that the delegate can utilize all of the available resources and
documents in analyzing this topic since various sectors and disciplines will be
used. If the delegate finds it challenging to understand the topic or even the
MUN mechanism itself, please contact me through email
([email protected]), good luck, delegate!

ICEMUN | i
 O-D IR EC TO R’S
C T E
LE T R S
Well hello there Delegates! My name is Fathie Hamadi, it will be my honour to
serve you as Co-Chair within this year’s UNHRC Council of ICEMUN. My main
goal as your Chair will be to maintain a fair and inclusive atmosphere where
everyone is heard and valued. I very much look forward to a substantive and
fruitful discussion and debate within this year’s UNHRC Council and I wish the
best of luck for all of this year’s ICEMUN Delegates.

This is where the fun begins

-Anakin Skywalker

ICEMUN | ii
 CO MM ITT E E
IN TRO DU CT IO N
Within the structure of the United Nations, the Human Rights Council is an
international organization that is given the task of developing a defense of human
rights across the globe. Its mandate includes the development of a powerful
defense of human rights, investigation on human rights violations, and provision
of valuable recommendations. Throughout the year, the Council gathered to
discuss various topics and themes concerning human rights that demand
attention.

The roots of the UN's human rights initiatives trace back to the 1940s when the
UN Headquarters served as the epicenter of these efforts. Subsequently, the
initiative found a new home in Geneva and evolved into the Centre for Human
Rights during the 1980s. A significant milestone was reached during the World
Conference on Human Rights held from 14 to 25 June 1993, where the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action were adopted. This seminal document
contained specific recommendations aimed at enhancing and consolidating the
UN's capacity to monitor human rights on a global scale.

Moreover, the establishment of the Human Rights Council in 2006 marked a

pivotal moment in the UN's human rights endeavors. This body operates through
specialized procedures, a foundation initially set by the Commission on Human
Rights in 1946. Under these processes, the Council appoints independent experts
known as special procedures. These experts, in various roles such as special
rapporteurs, independent experts, special representatives, or working group
members, are tasked with the vital responsibility of monitoring, evaluating,
advising on, and publicly reporting specific human rights situations or issues
prevalent in diverse nations. Through these mechanisms, the Human Rights
Council continues to play a crucial role in upholding and promoting human rights
on a global scale.

ICEMUN | 1
 CO MM ITT E E
IN TRO DU CT IO N
Within the framework of the United Nations, the Human Rights Council stands
as a vital international organization entrusted with the mission of safeguarding
human rights across the globe. Its mandate includes the development of a robust
defense of human rights, investigating instances of human rights violations, and
providing valuable recommendations. Throughout the year, the Council convenes
to deliberate on a wide array of topics and themes concerning human rights that
demand attention.

The roots of the UN's human rights initiatives trace back to the 1940s when the
UN Headquarters served as the epicenter of these efforts. Subsequently, the
initiative found a new home in Geneva and evolved into the Centre for Human
Rights during the 1980s. A significant milestone was reached during the World
Conference on Human Rights held from 14 to 25 June 1993, where the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action were adopted. This seminal document
contained specific recommendations aimed at enhancing and consolidating the
UN's capacity to monitor human rights on a global scale.

Moreover, the establishment of the Human Rights Council in 2006 marked a

pivotal moment in the UN's human rights endeavors. This body operates through
specialized procedures, a foundation initially set by the Commission on Human
Rights in 1946. Under these processes, the Council appoints independent experts
known as special procedures. These experts, in various roles such as special
rapporteurs, independent experts, special representatives, or working group
members, are tasked with the vital responsibility of monitoring, evaluating,
advising on, and publicly reporting specific human rights situations or issues
prevalent in diverse nations. Through these mechanisms, the Human Rights
Council continues to play a crucial role in upholding and promoting human rights
on a global scale.

ICEMUN | 1
 TOPIC
BACK GRO UND
Individual rights, the cornerstone of a just society, encompass the fundamental
freedoms and protections inherent to every human being. These include
cherished liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to work, and
freedom of association. They form the bedrock of fair and equitable societies,
enabling people to pursue their aspirations without unwarranted interference.
These rights are not mere privileges; they are essential guardians of individual
dignity, autonomy, and well-being.

Crucially, human rights are inalienable. They are intrinsic to our existence and
should only be curtailed under exceptional circumstances and through due
process. For instance, a person's right to liberty may be restricted if they are
found guilty of a crime by a court of law. However, these limitations must follow a
proper, transparent procedure and should not infringe upon the individual's other
rights.

In recent times, some governments have adopted increasingly stringent

measures, ostensibly in the name of the greater good or tradition. Yet, these rigid
regulations often fail to align with the diverse needs of contemporary society.
This trend raises concerns, as it threatens to curtail people's freedoms and rights.
Such restrictions impede their ability to express themselves freely, assemble
peacefully, and maintain personal privacy.

In essence, when governments become overly controlling, they constrict the

ways in which individuals can live their lives and articulate their identities. This
approach does not resonate with the ethos of today's world, where diversity,
freedom, and respect for individual rights are paramount. Embracing the
principles of liberty and equality is not just a matter of policy but a reflection of a
society's commitment to fostering a truly inclusive and democratic environment
for all its members.

ICEMUN | 2
 C UR RE NT
SIT UA TIO N
In the current global landscape, numerous nations resort to coercive
government tactics, imposing policies, and regulations to achieve specific
national objectives. This authoritarian power often leaves in its wake a trail of
human suffering, manifested in various forms of abuse.

The abuse of government power manifests through the suppression of free

expression, unreasonable surveillance, discrimination, wrongful detention, and
the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement agencies. In the year
2022, the world witnessed a surge in human rights crises. These included the
establishment of open-air prisons for Uyghurs in China, and the perilous
actions of the Taliban, endangering millions of Afghans, and pushing them
toward the brink of starvation.

Further illustrating these human rights issues are the legal mandates in
countries like Iran and Afghanistan, where women are compelled to cover
their heads in public, regardless of their nationality or faith. Authorities even
denied essential services to women who did not comply with these dress
regulations, sparking widespread protests globally and prompting calls for
urgent action from international organizations. Regrettably, in other instances,
governments stifled people's fundamental right to freedom of expression.

This alarming trend underscores the pressing need for global awareness,
dialogue, and concerted efforts from international bodies to address these
egregious human rights violations. It is imperative that the international
community stands united in condemning such practices and advocates for the
protection of basic human rights for all, regardless of nationality, gender, or
faith.

ICEMUN | 3
 PAST ACTIONS
Throughout its history, the UNHRC has demonstrated unwavering dedication to
safeguarding the rights of every individual. The council is steadfast in its
commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and other universally recognized legal instruments, including the
two International Covenants of 1966, which pertain to civil and political rights as
well as economic, social, and cultural rights.

In a significant stride toward preserving cultural diversity and acknowledging

the exercise of cultural rights, the UNHRC references international instruments
established by UNESCO. These instruments affirm that culture encompasses not
only art and literature but also the unique spiritual, material, intellectual, and
emotional aspects of a society or social group. This broader perspective includes
lifestyles, coexistence practices, value systems, traditions, and beliefs.

By emphasizing the paramount importance of these cultural elements, the

UNHRC aligns itself closely with the noble cause of Defending Individual Rights
against the Abuse of Government Authority. It asserts that respecting cultural
diversity and safeguarding cultural rights are indispensable components of the
overarching mission to protect individual rights and freedoms from unwarranted
government interference and abuse. This recognition underscores the council's
holistic approach in championing the diversity of human experience and fostering
a world where every individual's rights are respected and upheld.

ICEMUN | 4
 BLOC ANALYSIS
A thorough examination of the policies and actions of each nation is imperative
to formulating a unified stance against government infringements on individual
rights. This task demands a substantial effort, one that might be facilitated by
exploring the practices of countries within the same geographical or cultural
context.

In order to establish a collective perspective against government violations of

individual rights, it is essential to comprehend the preventive measures each
country employs. While the task may seem daunting considering the multitude of
nations, focusing on regions where countries encounter similar challenges can
streamline the process and enhance mutual understanding.

Crucially, some nations within these regions have devised effective strategies
to curb government violations of individual rights. These initiatives not only serve
as valuable examples but also present opportunities for collaborative efforts. By
scrutinizing how each country respects its citizens' rights and drawing regional
comparisons, we can gain valuable insights. Additionally, the existing plans in
certain countries offer practical lessons that can be shared and applied globally.
In essence, studying these approaches at both individual and regional levels not
only fosters understanding but also equips us with tangible solutions, ensuring a
more efficient and impactful collective response to the abuse of individual rights
worldwide.

ICEMUN | 5
 QARMAS

How can the objectives of authorities be achieved without

compromising individual rights?

Which laws or regulations are commonly breached by

governments, significantly impacting human rights?

What measures do non-governmental organizations employ to

safeguard human rights when governments violate them?

What prevalent forms of human rights abuse are frequently

perpetrated by governmental bodies?

What are the limitations to federal intervention in the realm of

human rights?

ICEMUN | 6
@icemun2023

[email protected]