Background Guide
UNHRC
United Nations Human Right Council
Agenda :
st
Changing Role of UN in 21 Century with
Specialization to Keeping International Peace
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
MANDATE
AGENDA
COUNTRIES
THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT THE AGENDA
CONCLUSIONS
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) is like the world’s official “human rights
referee,” formed in 2006 to keep an eye on how
countries treat their people. Made up of 47
member states, it meets to discuss issues,
investigate problems, and give recommendations—
kind of like a global panel saying, “Hey, play fair!”
From reviewing every nation’s human rights record
to calling out violations, the UNHRC tries to make
sure that respect, dignity, and fairness aren’t just
fancy words in speeches but actual reality.
MANDATE
MANDATE
So, every committee works within certain
boundaries, and those boundaries are called
its mandate. A mandate is simply the official
job description or core function of the
committee. In your case, that means
carrying out the role and responsibilities of
the United Nations Human Rights Council.
MANDATE
Promote and protect human rights across all UN
member states.
Address and investigate violations, recommending
corrective actions.
Conduct the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to
assess each country’s human rights record.
Respond swiftly to urgent human rights crises
through special sessions.
Appoint Special Rapporteurs, independent experts,
and working groups to monitor specific issues or
regions.
Encourage the development of international human
rights law and cooperation with other UN bodies.
Encourage states to fulfill their
human rights obligations under
international law.
Cooperate with governments, NGOs,
and other stakeholders to improve
rights conditions.
Raise awareness and provide
guidance on emerging human rights
challenges.
Contribute to the development and
clarification of international human
rights norms and standards.
Follow up on previous
recommendations to ensure
implementation and accountability.
KEY NOTE:
The United Nations Human
Rights Council functions
solely within the limits of its
mandate. This means it has
the authority to recommend
actions but not to implement
them independently. In other
words, it must act strictly
within the powers granted by
its mandate.
AGENDA
In an MUN, the agenda is the specific
topic or issue that the committee will
debate and work on during the
conference.
Think of it as the “main storyline” for
your committee—it sets the focus,
frames the discussions, and guides the
drafting of resolutions.
AGENDA
Changing role of UN in 21st
century with specialization to
keeping international peace
COUNTRIES
COUNTRIES
THINGS
TO KNOW
UN RELATED
UN Charter: The United Nations Charter is
the founding treaty of the United Nations
— basically the UN’s constitution.
United Nations Human Rights Declaration:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) is one of the most important
documents in modern history—it’s
basically the global “Bill of Rights.
Rome Statute: The Rome Statute is the
international treaty that established the
International Criminal Court (ICC).
MUN RELATED
General Speakers List: It’s simply a list of
delegates who want to speak on the
current agenda. Each delegate gets a set
speaking time (usually 1–2 minutes) to
present their country’s stance, outline key
issues, and suggest possible solutions.
Moderated Caucus: Moderated Caucus is a
structured form of discussion where the
Chair controls who speaks and for how
long, but the debate is more focused than
in the General Speakers’ List.
Draft Resolution: Draft Resolution is the
formal written document that contains the
committee’s proposed solutions to the
agenda being discussed.
ABOUT THE
AGENDA
BACKGROUND
The United Nations (UN) was
created in 1945 to uphold
international peace, security, and
cooperation among nations.
The 21st century has introduced
new and complex challenges,
including armed conflicts,
terrorism, and cyber threats.
Climate change, pandemics, and
mass displacement have become
significant drivers of instability.
Geopolitical rivalries and shifting
power balances complicate global
diplomacy.
Rapid technological advancements
are creating both opportunities and
risks in the peace and security
domain.
These changes require the UN to
adapt its strategies, modernize its
peacekeeping methods, and
strengthen preventive diplomacy.
Collaboration with regional
organizations, civil society, and the
private sector is becoming
increasingly important for effective
conflict resolution.
Rising
Instabilities
Peace forms the backbone of human rights,
sustainable development, and societal well-
being.
Modern conflicts are increasingly complex,
involving non-state actors, advanced
technology, and widespread humanitarian
emergencies.
The UN’s role in peacekeeping and conflict
prevention has become more crucial than ever
in addressing evolving global threats.
Climate change, pandemics, and mass
displacement are now intertwined with
security challenges.
Misinformation and cyber warfare are
emerging as significant factors in destabilizing
societies.
International cooperation and diplomacy
remain essential tools for fostering long-term
stability
UNHRC ROLE
The United Nations Human Rights Council is the
principal body for promoting and protecting
human rights worldwide. It addresses violations
through debates, fact-finding missions, and
special procedures, while working to prevent
future abuses. Through the Universal Periodic
Review, every UN member’s human rights record
is assessed, ensuring transparency and
accountability. The Council offers technical
assistance to strengthen national systems and
responds to grave crises via commissions of
inquiry. Guided by the belief that peace, security,
and human rights are inseparable, it acts
impartially and adapts to modern challenges—
ranging from armed conflict and displacement to
technology and climate change.
CONCLUSION
BEFORE THE
CONFERENCE
Know your country policy — Research
official stances, past votes, alliances,
and human rights records.
Understand the agenda deeply —
Read news, UN reports, and past
resolutions.
Learn the rules of procedure —
Especially motions, points, and how
moderated/unmoderated caucuses
work.
Prepare position papers — Concise,
factual, and solution-focused.
Make a speech bank — Pre-write 2–3
short speeches for different scenarios
(opening GSL, crisis response,
amendment defense).
DURING
COMMITTEE
Speak early — Getting noticed early makes it
easier to build alliances.
Be diplomatic — Even with opposing blocs,
stay polite and professional.
Use moderated caucuses strategically —
Push topics that favor your stance.
Network in unmoderated caucuses — Draft
resolutions, gather signatories, and find
allies.
Take notes on who says what — Helps in
rebuttals and alliance building.
Stay relevant in speeches — Always link back
to the agenda and your country’s policy.
DRAFTS &
RESOLUTIONS
Write clear clauses — Avoid vague
language; be actionable.
Use UN language — “Urges,”
“Encourages,” “Calls upon” instead
of “Demands.”
Include everyone’s input — More
sponsors means more votes.
Defend your clauses — Have facts
and reasoning ready in case of
amendments.
GENERAL TIPS
Confidence > perfection — Speak
clearly even if you forget a point.
Listen actively — You can build on
others’ points to seem engaged.
Manage time well — Don’t spend
all energy in the first session;
MUNs are marathons.
Stay in character — Represent your
country, not your personal
opinion.
Have fun — MUN is as much about
diplomacy and friendships as it is
about debate.