United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with a mandate to protect refugees, those displaced forcibly, and stateless individuals. Governed by the Economic and Social Council, the agency focuses on various issues faced by these individuals, from local integration to resettlement. The UNHCR plays a crucial role in highlighting the challenges faced by displaced populations and coordinating international efforts to protect them.
As environmental crises and extreme weather events become increasingly severe, the need for proactive responses becomes critical. The rise of a new category of displaced people, known as those displaced by climate-induced events, has become unavoidable. Unlike others who have been forced to leave their homes, these individuals are generally excluded from existing frameworks and legislation and struggle to access critical resources after their intense losses. In Topic A, delegates will work with national governments and local responders to develop and expand protection services for those displaced by climate-induced forms of disaster. Delegates will strive to mainstream protection frameworks against climate-induced disasters, including the enhancement of early warning systems and improved legal support, while prioritizing the rights of vulnerable populations, such as women and children.
Inclusivity is at the very heart of this committee. Consequently, an inclusive approach to disaster displacement must take into account pre-existing vulnerabilities in communities. In Topic B, delegates will address the unique challenges faced by those with psychiatric and/or physical disabilities in displacement settings. Often overlooked, these individuals are excluded from mainstream mobility and assistance frameworks. By advocating for disability-inclusive policies, delegates will strive to uphold the rights of displaced people with disabilities.
Successful action requires proper collaboration. Within the UNHCR, this committee will debate and cooperate with potential policies to help protect and aid individuals in displacement settings. As the committee convenes to address the urgent issues at hand, delegates are encouraged to engage in collaborative, respectful dialogue and develop inclusive frameworks to improve the livelihood and safety of refugees across the globe.
