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MUNEX is going to simulate the Human Rights Council and the topics to be discussed are:
Preventive Measures against Discrimination of Ethnic Minorities:
If all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, then why do discrimination and persecution of the grounds of race and ethnicity persist? Racial and ethnic discrimination can take many forms from the most severe forms of racism, such as genocide or apartheid, to more simplistic versions where certain minority groups are prevented from enjoying their rights on the basis of their race or ethnicity. Racial and ethnic discrimination is one of the major human rights problems in the world today, facing both minority and even majority populations. International attention was brought to this issue early by the apartheid in South Africa. However, the fight against ethnic and racial hatred continues, with the past two decades being some of the worst ethnic conflicts the world has ever seen in the Balkans and in the Great Lakes of Africa. In this committee guide you will find further examples of this discrimination against ethnic minorities as well as key UN documents related to this ongoing battle for equal rights and combating racial and ethnic discrimination. Download the committee guide here.
Situation of Roma, Sinti, Gypsies and Travellers: The number of Roma, Sinti, and Travellers in the EU is estimated at some 10 million. The vast majority of the Romani are sedentary or move primarily within the borders of their countries. During the past decade, there has been an increase in their movement from Eastern European countries towards Western Europe. This is a direct result of wars or persecution or the general situation of poverty and discrimination. Throughout history this minority population have faced serious obstacles to the enjoyment of their fundamental human rights, to which they continue to suffer today in most, if not all, EU member states. Negative stereotypes against Roma are often deep-rooted in society, reinforced by the media and in public/political discourse. A lack of interaction between Roma and non-Roma communities is a major cause of perpetuating stereotypes and segregation policies. The Roma suffer the worst health conditions in the industrialized world together with some of the worst health problems associated with the third world. Rates of both infectious and non-communicable diseases are high. The proportion of Roma living in poverty exceeds 75% in countries throughout the region. This committee guide will provide you with further information regarding the history of these peoples and their current situation within Europe. Download the committee guide here.
Improving the Status of Same Sex Couples: With the issuance of a non-binding statement in December 2008, supported by 66 countries, the UN General Assembly for the first time decriminalized homosexuality. It urged states "to take all the necessary measures, in particular legislative or administrative, to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention." However, an opposing statement was signed by 60 countries and read on the floor as a response to this unprecedented statement. The rival document said the statement "delves into matters which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states" and could eventually lead to "the social normalization, and possibly the legitimization, of many deplorable acts including paedophilia." The committee guide for this topic will explore the history of the UN with relation to same sex couples and how precarious that relationship is when couples exist in countries that do not recognize their marriage as valid. Download the committee guide here.
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