Headstart School

Model United Nations

Committee: United Nations Human Rights

Council

Topic: Combating Racial Discrimination

towards Immigrants
 Table of Contents

1.Introduction
2. Definition of Key Terms
3. Background
4. Previous UN and Member State
actions in the past
5. Possible Solutions
6. Reasons behind Racial Inequality
7. Non State Actors
8. Case Studies
9. Questions a Resolution Must Answer
10. Bibliography
 1.INTRODUCTION
It is not our differences that divide us. It is our
inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those
differences.” - Audre Lorde. Imagine living in a
society where your skin color, language, or cultural
background subjects you to prejudice and exclusion.
Would you remain silent? For many immigrants,
this is a daily reality, as they face racial
discrimination that undermines their contributions
and denies them equal rights. In a world that thrives
on diversity, the persistent bias against immigrant
communities is not just an injustice; it is a profound
loss for society as a whole.

Racial discrimination manifests in various forms—

systemic barriers in employment, social stigmas, and
hostile rhetoric that dehumanizes individuals based
on their origins. These challenges not only affect
immigrants’ ability to integrate but also hinder the
rich cultural tapestry they bring to their new homes.
Studies have shown that immigrants, particularly
those from marginalized backgrounds, often
encounter hostility that limits their opportunities
for success and fullfillment.
Combating this discrimination is crucial for
building an inclusive society where every individual
can thrive. It requires a collective effort to challenge
stereotypes, advocate for equitable policies, and
foster environments that celebrate diversity. As we
confront the roots of racial discrimination against
immigrants, we not only uplift those who are
marginalized but also enrich our communities as a
whole. The fight for equality and justice is a shared
responsibility, and it begins with recognizing our
common humanity.

One significant case study is from the 2020 report

by the Migration Policy Institute, which examined
the experiences of immigrants during the COVID-
19 pandemic. The study found that immigrant
communities, particularly Latinx and Black
immigrants, faced higher rates of job loss and were
more likely to work in essential, low-wage jobs with
limited protections. This situation led to increased
vulnerability to the virus and related health
complications.
Moreover it’s not just the U.S. facing these
issues. A 2020 study by the European
Commission found that immigrants in several
European countries, particularly from North
Africa and the Middle East, faced significant
discrimination in the job market. The report
indicated that these groups had higher
unemployment rates and were often relegated to
lower-paying, precarious jobs compared to
native-born citizens.

Additionally, the study highlighted that many

immigrant workers felt hesitant to report
instances of discrimination due to fear of
retaliation or worsening their employment
conditions. This emphasizes the urgent need for
policies that protect immigrant rights and
ensure equal opportunities, as well as creating
safe channels for reporting discrimination
without fear of consequences.
 2. Key Terms

Racial Discrimination:
Any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or
preference based on race, color, descent, or
national or ethnic origin that impairs human
rights and fundamental freedoms (ICERD).

Xenophobia:
A fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers that
leads to discrimination and prejudice against
immigrants (as noted by the OHCHR).

Refugees:
People who flee their country due to well-
founded fear of persecution and seek protection
under international law, as defined by the
UNHCR.

Social Integration:
The process that ensures individuals, especially
immigrants, are able to participate fully in
society and enjoy equal rights, as emphasized by
the UN.
 Cultural Diversity:
The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic
groups within a society, recognized by UNESCO as a
valuable aspect of social development.

International Migration:
The movement of people across international
borders, which can be voluntary or forced,
impacting human rights and the need for protections
against discrimination.

Disclaimer: Feel free to use any other definition

relevant to the question. These examples have only
been provided to give you an idea of what comes
under the umbrella of the topic.
 3. Background

To effectively combat racial discrimination towards

immigrants, it's essential to trace its roots and
examine the present-day context. Racial injustice
against immigrant communities has deep historical
roots that have shaped their experiences and
treatment in society.

Historical Prejudice:
Throughout history, immigrants from various
backgrounds have faced stereotypes and systemic
discrimination. In the early 20th century,
immigrants, particularly from Southern and
Eastern Europe, were often viewed as inferior and
associated with crime and disease. Such narratives
laid the groundwork for societal biases that persist
today. For instance, during the immigration waves
of the late 1800s and early 1900s, public health
campaigns often portrayed immigrants as vectors of
illness, contributing to widespread xenophobia and
discrimination.
 Exploitation and Exclusion:
Discriminatory practices have also manifested in
the workplace. Many immigrants have historically
been subjected to exploitative labor conditions.
For example, the Bracero Program (1942-1964)
allowed Mexican laborers to work in the U.S.
under poor conditions and limited rights,
highlighting systemic exploitation based on race
and nationality.

Modern Discrimination:
In contemporary society, racial discrimination
towards immigrants is often reflected in biased
immigration policies and enforcement practices.
For instance, the U.S. travel bans targeting specific
Muslim-majority countries in 2017 exemplified
how race and religion can intersect to justify
discrimination. Such policies not only harm
individuals but also perpetuate a climate of fear
and mistrust among immigrant communities.
 Systemic Barriers:
Immigrants often face systemic barriers that
affect their access to essential services,
including healthcare, education, and legal
assistance. Research indicates that immigrant
populations are more likely to experience
economic hardship and social exclusion,
further exacerbating their vulnerability. This
is evident in the disparities revealed during
the COVID-19 pandemic, where immigrant
communities faced higher infection rates and
limited access to healthcare.

4. Previous UN and Member State

actions in the past

UN ACTIONS

International Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD): adopted
in 1965, this treaty commits state parties to
eliminate racial discrimination and promote
understanding among all races.
 It serves as a vital framework for member
states to combat racial discrimination,
including against immigrants. The UN Human
Rights Council has also conducted
investigations and issued reports on the
treatment of immigrants, urging countries to
adopt measures that protect their rights.

Human Rights Council

Resolutions:
The UN Human Rights Council has passed
several resolutions addressing the human
rights of migrants and refugees. For example,
Resolution 34/15 emphasizes the need to
combat xenophobia and discrimination against
migrants.

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly

and Regular Migration:
Adopted in December 2018, this framework
encourages countries to protect the rights of all
migrants, promote social cohesion, and combat
discrimination.
UN Committee on the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination (CERD):
The Committee monitors the implementation
of ICERD and regularly reviews reports
submitted by state parties, providing
recommendations to address racial
discrimination, including against immigrants.

The American Civil Liberties Union

(ACLU):
is a non-profit organization dedicated to
defending individual rights and liberties,
including the rights of immigrants. The
ACLU has actively fought against
discriminatory immigration policies and
practices in the U.S. by filing lawsuits and
advocating for legislative reforms. Their
efforts aim to ensure that all individuals,
regardless of their immigration status, are
treated fairly and justly.
 Member State Actions

National Action Plans:

Some states have developed national action
plans to combat racism and xenophobia. For
instance, the National Action Plan Against
Racism in Australia addresses systemic
discrimination, including that affecting
immigrants.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Countries like Canada have implemented
public awareness campaigns to promote
diversity and counteract xenophobia,
emphasizing the contributions of immigrants
to society

Integration Policies:
Several nations, such as Sweden and Germany,
have adopted integration policies aimed at
facilitating the inclusion of immigrants in
social, economic, and cultural life, thereby
reducing discrimination.
 5. Possible Solutions

Acknowledgment and Advocacy:

The first step is widespread recognition of the
issue. Countries should adopt national policies
that explicitly condemn racial discrimination
against immigrants, similar to the resolutions
passed by the United Nations Human Rights
Council. These policies would encourage
governments to monitor and report incidents of
discrimination, promoting accountability and
transparency.

Education and Training:

Implementing educational programs aimed at
raising awareness about implicit bias and
systemic racism is essential. Schools,
universities, and workplaces should incorporate
comprehensive training that focuses on cultural
competency and anti-discrimination practices.
This training should be mandatory for all public
service employees, particularly those in
healthcare, law enforcement, and education.
 Legal Reforms:
Establishing stricter penalties for acts of
discrimination is necessary. Governments should
implement laws that impose significant fines and
sanctions against individuals and institutions found
guilty of racial discrimination.

Research and Data Collection:

Research should be conducted to gather data on the
experiences of immigrants facing discrimination.
This data will inform policymakers and
organizations about the specific challenges
immigrant communities face and help shape
targeted interventions.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

Launching campaigns to raise awareness about the
contributions of immigrants and the importance of
diversity can help combat negative stereotypes.
These campaigns should be supported by both
government and civil society organizations to create
a more inclusive narrative around immigration.
 6. Reasons behind Racial
Inequality

Economic Disparities:
Immigrants from marginalized communities
often face economic challenges that limit their
access to essential resources. For instance, in
the United States, many undocumented
immigrants work in low-wage jobs without
benefits, making it difficult to afford housing
and healthcare.

Systemic Bias:
Institutional racism exists within various
sectors, including employment and education.
In Canada, studies have shown that racialized
immigrants frequently receive lower-quality
job opportunities and face discrimination in
hiring practices. This systemic bias can hinder
their economic mobility and reinforce social
inequalities.
 Political Climate:
The political environment can shape public
perceptions of immigrants. In Hungary, anti-
immigrant rhetoric from government
officials has fueled discrimination and
hostility towards migrant populations,
making it easier for systemic biases to take
root.

Cultural Stereotypes:
Negative stereotypes about immigrants can
affect their treatment in society. In France,
immigrants from North African backgrounds
often face prejudice, leading to social
exclusion and discrimination in housing and
employment. These stereotypes perpetuate a
cycle of marginalization.
 7. Non-State Actors

Human Rights Watch (HRW):

This organization advocates for the rights of
marginalized groups, including migrants, and
raises awareness about discrimination and
injustices they face globally.

Amnesty International:
Known for its work on human rights issues,
Amnesty International campaigns against the
discrimination of migrants and promotes
policies that protect their rights.

The Black Lives Matter

Movement:
Although primarily focused on racial justice,
BLM also addresses issues of discrimination
faced by migrant communities, emphasizing
solidarity among marginalized groups.
 8. Case Studies

Case Study 1: United States

Background
In recent years, the United States has faced
significant challenges related to racial
discrimination against immigrants, particularly
from Latin America and the Middle East.
Policies and societal attitudes have led to
widespread discrimination and increased
vulnerabilities for these communities.

Policy and Legal Framework

The Trump administration’s "zero tolerance"
policy resulted in the separation of families at
the U.S.-Mexico border, drawing widespread
criticism for its human rights implications. Legal
actions have been taken against these policies,
highlighting systemic discrimination and the
need for comprehensive immigration reform.
 Community Impact
Reports show that Latino communities
have experienced heightened fear and
mistrust towards law enforcement,
leading to underreporting of crimes and
reluctance to seek help. This environment
has perpetuated cycles of violence and
discrimination.

Advocacy and Support

Numerous organizations, such as the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
and United We Dream, have mobilized to
provide legal assistance, advocacy, and
community support. These groups focus
on raising awareness about the rights of
immigrants and challenging
discriminatory practices.
 Case Study 2: European Union

Background
The European Union has grappled with rising
racial discrimination towards immigrants,
particularly refugees from conflict zones like
Syria and Afghanistan. The influx of migrants
has sparked both humanitarian responses and
xenophobic backlash across member states.

Legislation and Policy Response

The EU has enacted various policies aimed at
protecting immigrant rights, such as the
Common European Asylum System (CEAS).
However, inconsistencies in implementation
across member states have resulted in unequal
treatment and discrimination.

Social Integration Challenges

Many immigrants face barriers to integration,
including limited access to
 employment, education, and healthcare.
Studies indicate that systemic discrimination
in these areas exacerbates social divides and
hinders successful integration.

Community Initiatives
Local organizations, such as Refugee Action
in the UK and CEAR (Counseling Center for
Refugees and Asylum Seekers) in Germany,
work to support immigrants through legal
aid, language classes, and community
outreach programs aimed at fostering
inclusion.

9. Questions a Resolution Must

Answer

Q1) What comprehensive measures can be

implemented globally to combat racial
discrimination towards immigrants,
including legal frameworks, awareness
campaigns, and community support
initiatives?
 Q2) How can international cooperation be
strengthened to promote best practices and
share resources among countries in
addressing and reducing racial
discrimination against immigrants?

Q3)What immediate research priorities

should be identified to understand the root
causes and impacts of racial discrimination
towards immigrants, and how can nations
collaborate on data collection and analysis?

Q4)What funding mechanisms and

international grants should be established
to support initiatives aimed at combating
racial discrimination, and how can
technology be leveraged to monitor and
report incidents of discrimination?
 Q5) How can policies be adjusted to ensure
equitable access to healthcare, education, and
employment opportunities for immigrants, while
also addressing the needs of vulnerable
populations affected by discrimination?

Q6) What new national and international

policies should be enacted to effectively manage
racial discrimination, ensuring that they uphold
the rights and dignity of all individuals,
particularly marginalized communities?

Q7) How can public awareness campaigns be

designed to educate communities about the
value of diversity and the contributions of
immigrants, fostering an inclusive society?

Q8) What role should civil society organizations

play in advocating for the rights of immigrants
and holding governments accountable for
discriminatory practices?
 10. Bibliography
https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/
https://www.iom.int/

https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g17/089/7
9/pdf/g1708979.pdf

https://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?
si=A/HRC/RES/34/15

https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/what-we-
do/policies/asylum_en

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/
224-Migrants-Experiences-web.pdf
https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2021/fra-
annual-report-2021

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08969205
231224252?icid=int.sj-full-text.citing-article.1