[MUNUC 35] United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and solve refugee problems worldwide. It strives to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge and is committed to facilitating conversations and actions between countries to build a more humane and organized approach with respect to refugees. In particular, this committee will address the refugee crisis in the Middle East and climate refugees on an international scale. To successfully achieve its aims, the UNHCR relies on the cooperation and participation of its member states, as well as the support of other UN agencies.

Topic A: Rights of Refugees in the Middle East
Conflict has long been a concern in the Middle East, forcing millions of people from their homes to desperately seek safety in neighboring countries and regions. For the refugees, the crisis has resulted in a widespread, systematic decline in their rights and in the quality of their lives. This issue has received attention due to the high level of concern and the effect it has on so many men, women, and children worldwide. As delegates balance globalization with community identity and individual countries’ interests, they will discuss topics including international law, border control, refugee camps, and more. The UNHCR hopes delegates will engage their governments to assume greater responsibility for protecting refugees and ensure that the basic humanitarian needs are met for refugees of all backgrounds.

Topic B: Climate Refugees
The crisis of refugees is directly linked to the climate. As the rate of global warming increases at an unprecedented rate, a greater number of individuals are being forced to flee their homes due to natural disasters, drought, and other weather disasters. Many of these events are unexpected, and leave people without a concrete idea of how to find help and assistance and also how to rebuild a new life in an entirely new country. The international community often overlooks climate refugees, but this global challenge will continue to create a multitude of problems if not soon addressed. Delegates will be challenged to think critically about the large-scale migration of people that results from climate disasters and the effect this has on the well-being of nations and individuals.

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