[MUNUC 35] United Nations Human Rights Council UNHRC
GROUP: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
- Topic A: Digitizing Human Rights
- Topic B: Dark Web and Cybersecurity
TOPIC A Digitizing Human Rights
TOPIC B Dark Web and Cybersecurity
EXECUTIVES
- Katie Fraser (She/Her/Hers)
- Irene Qi (She/Her/Hers)
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental United Nations body responsible for the promotion and protection of Human Rights around the world. The council’s role is to investigate breaches and violations of human rights and make recommendations on how they should be addressed. Furthermore, the UNHRC stands for the promotion of fundamental and basic rights and freedoms as humans at an international legal level. Considering at large these missions and responsibilities, this committee in particular will aim to address issues of growing global relevance, including the digitization of human rights and the unique dangers that the dark web presents. To successfully achieve its aims, the UNHRC relies on the cooperation and participation of its member states, as well as the support of other UN agencies.
Topic A: Digitizing Human Rights
As societal structures shift due to rapid improvements and growth in technology, the foundational protections established for human rights must be adjusted for a digital 21st century. New technology transforms the way human rights are both developed and violated on a global scale. The way that the world’s political, social, and legal institutions operate must keep up with this digital transition in order to continue protecting fundamental human rights. As delegates grapple with globalization and national political identities, they will debate issues relating to privacy and surveillance, the protection of digital identities, and online violence and harassment.
Topic B: Dark Web and Cybersecurity
A small portion of the World Wide Web, the dark web remains relatively inaccessible to the ordinary internet user without proper browsers and configurations. While the dark web can provide spaces for anonymous information sharing and communication under oppressive regimes, the cybersecurity threats posed by the dark web remain substantial. Illegal marketplaces and forums advance the buying and selling of stolen, sensitive information like account access credentials and social security numbers; cybercriminals organize ransomware and DDoS attacks; and drug exchanges run rampant. Delegates will investigate and discuss how to best protect internet users amidst the tangled, rapidly evolving threats of the dark web.