• Addressing the role of governments in either protecting or perpetuating religious intolerance.

• Holding accountability on multinational corporations for human rights abuses in conflict zones, including forced labor, land grabs, and environmental harm

• Question of rights of political prisoners and detainees

Ahead of the 2025 March Conference, as procedural chair of the Human Rights Council, I had the pleasure of conversing with Ms Adika from the Early Learning Centre, a long time teacher of 19 years. We discussed topics relating both to her life, career, values, and MUN, and their connections. 

If there is one word to describe Ms Adika, it would be passionate. She holds a deep passion for her work, and truly believes in its impact and importance on the youth. 

We discussed the UN Young Leaders program she attended, where she was:

“One of the 30, people worldwide to become a UN Young Leader, and attended the Young Leaders Program at the Palais de Nacion in Geneva.” Her passion for this line of work extends far into the classroom. As a teacher of 19 years, Ms Adika told me: “ You're trying to change the world one child at a time, and trying to advocate for their rights in different ways through your interactions or education, educating families, or just sharing the knowledge about what's what's really a good value or not.”

When discussing the issue of Holding accountability on multinational corporations for human rights abuses and conflict zones, Ms Adika commented on her experience regarding the wide spread convenience and avialiabilty of delivery services, noting how: 

“You have those delivery drivers that come in between 30 minutes. And regardless of weather, regardless of whatever they are there. And some people forget that, take it for granted, and treat them so badly. This is a humanitarian issue because it's another human being bringing you something. And and the way people treat these drivers are very low, very bad, and they're poorly paid.”

She takes action towards addressing this issue on an individual scale, avoiding certain labels that she: “Will not buy from because I know that they they impose child labor, certain brands, certain shoes, certain clothes.” Highlighting our responsbilities as global citizens to take action no matter the size towards achieving justice. Thank you Ms Adika.

Welcome to the 2025 UNISMUN March Conference! My name is Jamie Oh, a sophomore at Seoul Foreign School, and I am delighted to serve as your head chair for the Human Rights Council this year. This will mark my 8th MUN conference, 2 years of MUN experience, and ultimately my second time chairing. 

This year’s UNISMUN theme is “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” Integrity plays a crucial role in serving as the compass, guiding us through the competing priorities of development and security. It is clear that we must all adopt a mindset where long-term solutions are prioritized over immediate advantages. This conference encourages delegates to find the balance where solutions can honor both security and sustainable development.

The Human Rights Council, also known as HRC, is an important intergovernmental body under the United Nations, responsible for strengthening and sustaining human rights around the world. Despite most of my experience coming from the Security Council, this council holds a deep passion in my heart, as ensuring that human rights play the role of a pillar, sustaining our world’s development and security.

Our first agenda, “Addressing the Role of Governments in Either Protecting or Perpetuating Religious Intolerance,” focuses on solving the issue of religious intolerance, including persecution, discrimination, and violence based on religious beliefs. This agenda is important as many nations tend to struggle with protecting marginalized groups and law enforcement. Our second agenda, “Holding Accountability on Multinational Corporations for Human Rights Abuses in Conflict Zones, Including Forced Labor, Land Grabs, and Environmental Harm,” focuses on addressing the vulnerable populations who have limited access to justice. Globally, this issue has been a challenge to solve, with human rights in conflict zones constantly perpetuating violence, inequality, and displacement. Lastly, our third agenda, “Question of Rights of Political Prisoners and Detainees,” focuses on addressing the fundamental rights, as many governments misuse legal systems to silence activists. All three agendas require immediate action, with long-term and short-term solutions that balance out both development and security.

Once again, I am honored to serve as the head chair of HRC. I hope to help everyone grow not only as delegates but as individuals through this conference! I look forward to meeting my fellow chairs to create a memorable experience for all the delegates.

Greetings fellow chairs, distinguishable delegates, honourable directors, and esteemed guests,

My name is Joowon Kang, a senior at Brent International School Manila, and I am more than honoured to serve as Deputy Chair for Human Rights Council at this upcoming March 2025 conference. I have attended 3 conferences so far, but this will be my first one as a chair. 

The theme for this UNISMUN is, “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?” I believe that integrity acts as the cornerstone of this balance, requiring nations and leaders to uphold human rights as a universal standard even amidst competing priorities. Hence, I urge delegates to collaborate and debate in finding long-term solutions to sustain this balance. 

The Human Rights Council plays a pivotal role in upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, addressing violations, and promoting global accountability. Its work is vital for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, challenging injustice, and fostering international cooperation to create a world where human dignity is universally respected.

HRC’s first topic is, “Addressing the role of governments in either protecting or perpetuating religious intolerance” which compels us to examine how policies can foster inclusion or sow division. The 2nd topic on the agenda is, “Holding accountability on multinational corporations for human rights abuses in conflict zones.” It challenges us to confront the ethical responsibilities of powerful bodies in safeguarding human rights. Finally, the “Question of rights of political prisoners and detainees” serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of expression and preventing the misuse of power. Addressing these issues collectively fosters a world where human rights are prioritized over oppression, exploitation, and discrimination, paving the way for sustainable peace and development.

I’m excited to see the fruitful debates that’ll take place during this conference. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you, and good luck to all delegates on their preparations! 

Xin Chao delegates, honourable chairs, directors, and most esteemed guests, 

My name is Josef Schmidt, I’m a junior at UNIS Hanoi, and I’ll be your procedural chair for the Human Rights Council this March conference. I’ve got 5 conferences under my belt, with this one being my first as a chair, as well as marking my second year in MUN. 

This March conference’s theme is “What role can integrity play in the balance between development and security prioritization?”. To begin, I believe that integrity is the foundation on which multilateral cooperation is built upon. It is the strong foundation which allows for development. Through integrity, nations may achieve development in a range of fields. Most notably security. The Human Rights Council serves to secure and protect human rights for all people, ultimately facilitating security on a universal scale. As members of the HRC, we are tasked with upholding human rights to the highest standard, and honouring each and every individual's fundamental and undeniable rights. 

This March Conference we will be discussing the issues of; Addressing the role of governments in either protecting or perpetuating religious intolerance, Holding accountability on multinational corporations for human rights abuses in conflict zones, including forced labor, land grabs, and environmental harm, and the Question of rights of political prisoners and detainees. These issues are not only vital to maintaining integrity, but crucial towards addressing the vital issues with human rights in our current day. 

That being said, I not only look forward to a fruitful debate, but conference as a whole. Thank you, and see you in March!

-Josef Schmidt