UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS

COUNCIL

BACKGROUND GUIDE

AGENDA:
Deliberation on human rights violations on refugees and migrants in the world with
special emphasis on the Israel-Palestinian war.

For your convenience, the background guide has been divided into 3 parts namely

● PART A : BEST PRACTICES FOR RESEARCH AND CONDUCT

(Acceptables sources )
● PART B : LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
● PART C : BACKGROUND
 PART A
(Please note, the following content is provided by the Executive Board of the council and not the
secretariat.)

BEST PRACTICES FOR RESEARCH AND CONDUCT

(You can take these best practices into account, not only for the UNHRC at FASN MUN 2023,
but for other MUNs as well.)

● Read the resources mentioned in the Background Guide, few days prior to the conference and
make a note of everything that needs to be understood.In case of a crisis situation always read
and look for the analysis and plausible rationale on the updates that may be issued a week before
the MUN.

● Google/Search everything and find relating documents (UN, News articles, Scholarly articles)
for whatever was not really understood.

● After fully understanding (subject to how in depth you wish to go for the research),try
understanding your allotted country’s perspective on the agenda.

● Make the stance in accordance with the country’s perspective on the agenda which shall also
define your foreign policy.

● Understand the cues and hints that are given minutely in the Background Guide that may come
handy while presentation of contentions in committee. Google them too.

● Take a good look at the mandate of the council as to what you can discuss and what you can do
in this council. This point is placed here, just because your knowledge base shouldn’t be limited
to the mandate of the council. Know everything, speak whatever the mandate allows.

● Follow the links given alongside and understand why they were given.

● Predict the kind of discussions and on what subtopics can take place, thereby analyzing the
subtopic research you have done and prepare yourself accordingly.

● Download the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and additional
protocols there to and other relative treaties.

● Ask questions regarding procedure, if you have any, at the day of the conference.
 PART - B
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dear Delegates,

Being a part of the Executive Board of the UNHRC at the FASN MUN 2023 is an honor for us.
As the title implies, this guide provides you with a brief background of the agenda, but cannot
serve as a credible source of information. It is beyond the scope of this guide that you should
conduct your real research, and we hope you will contribute some interesting content and
viewpoints. We have a broad and complex agenda at hand, and a good discussion on it would
rely on everyone's participation. It will be up to you to determine the direction in which this
committee will go. Our expectation is that if you are taking part in an MUN for the first time,
you will read the UNA USA rules of procedure. For the rest, the same aspect applies for
research. It is essential that you do not feel overwhelmed by the research, foreign policy and
other details of the country you have been assigned. Be proactive and do the research.

Executive Boards cannot provide direction for the debate in accordance with the agenda, since it
is open to interpretation. In all stages, delegates must direct the council, unless stagnation occurs.
All of you are encouraged to put in much effort and enthusiasm so that we can all gain a great
deal from this experience. Let us reiterate what we said earlier. What you have here is a basic
background guide. It cannot be considered as substantive evidence for any point of debate. You
need to conduct your own research. The delegates will solely be responsible for determining the
course and meaning of the agenda at hand. You may, however, analyze and interpret the
references in this guide as you see fit.

We look forward to seeing you all.

Happy Researching.

Regards,

Ayushi Gautam and Vatsal Kumar

(Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, UNHRC)

 PART B.II: NATURE OF PROOF AND
EVIDENCE

Documents from the following sources will be considered as credible proof for any

allegations made in committee or statements that require verification:

● Reuters: Appropriate Documents and articles from the Reuters News agency will be

used to corroborate or refute controversial statements made in committee.

● UN Document: Documents by all UN agencies will be considered as sufficient proof.

Reports from all UN bodies including treaty based bodies will also be accepted.

● Government Reports: Government Reports of a given country used to corroborate an

allegation on the same aforementioned country will be accepted as proof.

 PART C

UNITED NATIONS?
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second
World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security,
developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living
standards and human rights.

History

As the Second World War raged, the leaders of the United Kingdom, China, the United States
and the Soviet Union, under intense pressure from the press and public, discussed the details of a
post-war organization. In 1944 representatives meeting at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC,
prepared a blueprint for an international organization. Towards the end of the war representatives
of 50 countries gathered in San Francisco between April and June 1945 to hammer out the final
text that would lay the foundations of international cooperation. This was the Charter of the
United Nations, signed on 26 June by 50 countries. Poland, the 51st country, was not able to send
a representative to the San Francisco conference but is considered an original member.
Purposes of the United Nations

Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the
Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its Member
States to express their views.

The UN has 4 main purposes

● To keep peace throughout the world;

● To develop friendly relations among nations;
● To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger,
disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other's rights and freedoms;
● To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.

Structure and Organization of the United Nations

The Charter established six principal organs of the United Nations: the General Assembly, the
Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International
Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. The United Nations family, however, is much larger,
encompassing 15 agencies and several programmes and bodies.

General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main deliberative organ of the UN and is composed of
representatives of all Member States. The work of the United Nations year-round derives largely
from the mandates given by the General Assembly. Comprising all Member States of the United
Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of
international issues covered by the Charter. The Assembly meets in regular session intensively
from September to December each year, and thereafter as required. Decisions on important
questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members and budgetary
matters, require a two-thirds majority. Decisions on other questions are by simple majority. Each
country has one vote.

Security Council

The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of
international peace and security. The Council is composed of five permanent members - China,
France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States - and ten non-permanent
members. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
Each Council member has one vote. Decisions on procedural matters are made by an affirmative
vote of at least nine of the 15 members. Decisions on substantive matters require nine votes,
including the concurring votes of all five permanent members. This rule is often referred to as
the "veto" power. A reform of the Security Council, including its membership, is under
consideration.

Economic and Social Council

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the principal organ to coordinate the economic,
social and related work of the United Nations and the specialized agencies and institutions.
Voting in the Council is by simple majority; each member has one vote.
International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice, located at the Hague in the Netherlands, is the principal
judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between States and gives advisory
opinions to the UN and its specialized agencies. Its Statute is an integral part of the United
Nations Charter.

Trusteeship Council

The Trusteeship Council was established in 1945 by the UN Charter to provide international
supervision for 11 Trust Territories placed under the administration of 7 Member States, and
ensure that adequate steps were taken to prepare the Territories for self-government and
independence. By 1994, all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence. Its
work completed, the Council has amended its rules of procedure to meet as and where occasion
may require.

Secretariat
The Secretariat - an international staff working in duty stations around the world - carries out the
diverse day-to-day work of the Organization. It services the other principal organs of the United
Nations and administers the programmes and policies laid down by them.

At its head is the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly on the
recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year, renewable term. The Secretary-General
is a symbol of United Nations ideals and a spokesman for the interests of the world's peoples, in
particular the poor and vulnerable among them. The duties carried out by the Secretariat are as
varied as the problems dealt with by the United Nations. These range from administering
peacekeeping operations to mediating international disputes, from surveying economic and
social trends and problems to preparing studies on human rights and sustainable development.
Secretariat staff also inform the world's communications media about the work of the United
Nations; organize international conferences on issues of worldwide concern; and interpret
speeches and translate documents into the Organization's official languages.

As international civil servants, staff members and the Secretary-General answer to the United
Nations alone for their activities, and take an oath not to seek or receive instructions from any
Government or outside authority. Under the Charter, each Member State undertakes to respect
the exclusively international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the
staff and to refrain from seeking to influence them improperly in the discharge of their duties.

The United Nations, while headquartered in New York, maintains a significant presence in Addis
Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, Santiago and Vienna, and has offices all over the
world.
What Are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex,
nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include
the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion
and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is
entitled to these rights, without discrimination.

International Human Rights Law

International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in
certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human
rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.

One of the great achievements of the United Nations is the creation of a

comprehensive body of human rights law—a universal and internationally
protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire. The United
Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including
civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It has also established
mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out
their responsibilities.

The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1945
and 1948, respectively. Since then, the United Nations has gradually expanded
human rights law to encompass specific standards for women, children, persons
with disabilities, minorities and other vulnerable groups, who now possess rights
that protect them from discrimination that had long been common in many
societies.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in

the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and
 cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed
by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 by General
Assembly resolution 217 A (III) as a common standard of achievements for all
peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to
be universally protected. Since its adoption in 1948, the UDHR has been translated
into more than 500 languages - the most translated document in the world - and has
inspired the constitutions of many newly independent States and many new
democracies. The UDHR, together with the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols (on the complaints procedure and on
the death penalty) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights and its Optional Protocol, form the so-called International Bill of Human
Rights.

Economic, social and cultural rights

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entered into
force in 1976. The human rights that the Covenant seeks to promote and protect
include:

● the right to work in just and favourable conditions;

● the right to social protection, to an adequate standard of living and to the highest
attainable standards of physical and mental well-being;
● the right to education and the enjoyment of benefits of cultural freedom and scientific
progress.

Civil and political rights

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its First Optional
Protocol entered into force in 1976. The Second Optional Protocol was adopted in
1989.

The Covenant deals with such rights as freedom of movement; equality before the
law; the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence; freedom of thought,
conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly;
 freedom of association; participation in public affairs and elections; and protection
of minority rights. It prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life; torture, cruel or
degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labour; arbitrary arrest or
detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and
advocacy of racial or religious hatred.

Human Rights Conventions

A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since
1945 have expanded the body of international human rights law. They include the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948),
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination (1965), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (1979), the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(1989) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006),
among others.

Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council, established on 15 March 2006 by the General
Assembly and reporting directly to it, replaced the 60-year-old UN Commission on
Human Rights as the key UN intergovernmental body responsible for human rights.
The Council is made up of 47 State representatives and is tasked with strengthening
the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe by addressing
situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them,
including responding to human rights emergencies.

The most innovative feature of the Human Rights Council is the Universal Periodic
Review. This unique mechanism involves a review of the human rights records of
all 193 UN member states once every four years. The Review is a cooperative,
state-driven process, under the auspices of the Council, which provides the
opportunity for each state to present measures taken and challenges to be met to
improve the human rights situation in their country and to meet their international
 obligations. The Review is designed to ensure universality and equality of
treatment for every country.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights exercises principal
responsibility for UN human rights activities. The High Commissioner is mandated
to respond to serious violations of human rights and to undertake preventive action.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the focal
point for United Nations human rights activities. It serves as the secretariat for the
Human Rights Council, the treaty bodies (expert committees that monitor treaty
compliance) and other UN human rights organs. It also undertakes human rights
field activities.

Most of the core human rights treaties have an oversight body which is responsible
for reviewing the implementation of that treaty by the countries that have ratified it.
Individuals, whose rights have been violated can file complaints directly to
Committees overseeing human rights treaties.

Human Rights and the UN System

Human rights is a cross-cutting theme in all UN policies and programmes in the
key areas of peace and security, development, humanitarian assistance, and
economic and social affairs. As a result, virtually every UN body and specialized
agency is involved to some degree in the protection of human rights. Some
examples are the right to development, which is at the core of the Sustainable
Development Goals; the right to food, championed by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization, labour rights, defined and protected by the International
Labour Organization, gender equality, which is promulgated by UN Women, the
rights of children, indigenous peoples, and disabled persons.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of
persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for
reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular
social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and
ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their
countries.

Who is an internally displaced person?

An internally displaced person, or IDP, is someone who has been forced to flee their
home but never cross an international border. These individuals seek safety anywhere
they can find it—in nearby towns, schools, settlements, internal camps, even forests
and fields. IDPs, which include people displaced by internal strife and natural
disasters, are the largest group that UNHCR assists. Unlike refugees, IDPs are not
protected by international law or eligible to receive many types of aid because they
are legally under the protection of their own government.

Who is a stateless person?

A stateless person is someone who is not a citizen of any country. Citizenship is the
legal bond between a government and an individual, and allows for certain political,
economic, social and other rights of the individual, as well as the responsibilities of
both government and citizen. A person can become stateless due to a variety of
reasons, including sovereign, legal, technical or administrative decisions or
oversights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights underlines that “Everyone has
the right to a nationality.”
The true extent of statelessness is estimated to be much higher than estimated, as
fewer than half of all countries in the world submit any data and some of the most
populous countries in the world with large suspected stateless populations don't report
on statelessness at all.

Who is an asylum seeker?

When people flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, they apply
for asylum – the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and
material assistance. An asylum seeker must demonstrate that his or her fear of
persecution in his or her home country is well-founded.

What is the 1951 Refugee Convention?

The 1951 Geneva Convention is the main international instrument of refugee law. The
Convention clearly spells out who a refugee is and the kind of legal protection, other
assistance and social rights he or she should receive from the countries who have
signed the document. The Convention also defines a refugee’s obligations to host
governments and certain categories or people, such as war criminals, who do not
qualify for refugee status. The Convention was limited to protecting mainly European
refugees in the aftermath of World War II, but another document, the 1967 Protocol,
expanded the scope of the Convention as the problem of displacement spread around
the world.
BRIEF HISTORY (ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT)
Britain took control of the area known as Palestine following the defeat of the Ottoman
Empire, which ruled that part of the Middle East, in World War One.
The land was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority, as well as other, smaller
ethnic groups.
Tensions between the two peoples grew when the international community gave the UK
the task of establishing a "national home" in Palestine for Jewish people.
This stemmed from the Balfour Declaration of 1917, a pledge made by then Foreign
Secretary Arthur Balfour to Britain's Jewish community.
The declaration was enshrined in the British mandate over Palestine and endorsed by
the newly-created League of Nations - forerunner of the United Nations - in 1922.
To Jews Palestine was their ancestral home, but Palestinian Arabs also claimed the
land and opposed the move.

Between the 1920s and 1940s, the number of Jews arriving there grew, with many
fleeing from persecution in Europe, especially the Nazi Holocaust in World War Two.
Violence between Jews and Arabs, and against British rule, also increased.
In 1947, the UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states,
with Jerusalem becoming an international city.
That plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side and never
implemented.

In 1948, unable to solve the problem, Britain withdrew and Jewish leaders declared the
creation of the State of Israel.
It was intended to be a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution, as well as a national
homeland for Jews.
Fighting between Jewish and Arab militias had been intensifying for months, and the
day after Israel declared statehood, five Arab countries attacked.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced out of their homes in what
they call Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe"
By the time the fighting ended in a ceasefire the following year, Israel controlled most of
the territory.
Jordan occupied land which became known as the West Bank, and Egypt occupied
Gaza.
Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the
East.
Because there was never a peace agreement there were more wars and fighting in the
following decades.

What is the Gaza Strip?

Gaza is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between Israel and the Mediterranean Sea,
but with a short southern border with Egypt.
Just 41km (25 miles) long and 10km wide, it has more than two million inhabitants and
is one of the most densely populated places on Earth.
In the wake of the 1948-49 war, Gaza was occupied by Egypt for 19 years.
Israel occupied Gaza in the 1967 war and stayed until 2005, during that time building
Jewish settlements.
Israel withdrew its troops and settlers in 2005, though it retained control over its
airspace, shared border and shoreline.

What are the main problems between Israelis and

Palestinians?
There are a number of issues which the two sides cannot agree on.
These include:
● What should happen to Palestinian refugees
● Whether Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank should stay or be
removed
● Whether the two sides should share Jerusalem
 ● And - perhaps most tricky of all - whether a Palestinian state should be created
alongside Israel

What efforts have been made to resolve these

problems?
Israel-Palestinian peace talks were held on and off between the 1990s and 2010s,
interspersed with outbreaks of violence.
A negotiated peace did seem possible in the early days. A series of secret talks in
Norway became the Oslo peace process, forever symbolised by a ceremony on the
White House lawn in 1993 presided over by President Bill Clinton.
In a historic moment, the Palestinians recognised the State of Israel and Israel
recognised its historical enemy, the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), as the sole
representative of the Palestinian people. A self-governing Palestinian Authority was set
up.
Cracks soon appeared, though, with then opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu calling
Oslo a mortal threat to Israel. The Israelis accelerated their project to settle Jews in the
occupied Palestinian territories.

The atmosphere in Israel turned ugly, culminating in Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak
Rabin's assassination by a Jewish extremist on 4 November 1995.
In the 2000s attempts were made to revive the peace process - including in 2003 when a roadmap
was devised by world powers with the ultimate goal of a two-state solution, but this was never
implemented.
Peace efforts finally stalled in 2014, when talks failed between the Israelis and Palestinians in
Washington.

The Executive Board recommends researching human rights concerns in relation to the
mentioned conflict and not getting stuck with the political or military aspects of it.
 CASE STUDIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Certainly, human rights violations against refugees and migrants are a global concern. Here are a
few case studies highlighting these issues from different parts of the world

Syrian Refugees in Europe:

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, resulted in one of the largest refugee crises of our
time. Millions of Syrians fled the conflict in search of safety, with a significant number seeking
refuge in Europe. However, upon reaching European shores, many of them encountered a series
of challenges, and the "Calais Jungle" was one such poignant example.

The "Calais Jungle" was a sprawling informal camp situated in Calais, a city in northern France,
right across the English Channel from the United Kingdom. At its height in 2015, it housed
thousands of refugees, predominantly from war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and
Sudan. These individuals lived in deplorable conditions, often in makeshift tents and shelters,
lacking access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare. The camp
was overcrowded, unsanitary, and marked by a lack of adequate infrastructure.

In addition to the harsh living conditions, refugees in the "Calais Jungle" faced significant
challenges related to their safety and well-being. Human rights organizations documented cases
of police brutality, with reports of tear gas use, violent clashes, and arbitrary arrests. The lack of
security in the camp, coupled with the uncertainty about their future, exacerbated the physical
and psychological suffering experienced by the refugees.

The "Calais Jungle" was eventually dismantled by French authorities in October 2016, and its
residents were relocated to various reception centers across France. However, the challenges
faced by Syrian refugees in Europe, and refugees in general, did not end with the closure of the
camp. They continue to grapple with issues related to integration, employment, and social
acceptance in their host countries.
The case of the "Calais Jungle" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for more
compassionate and effective refugee policies and international cooperation. It also highlights the
importance of upholding human rights and ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and
respect, regardless of their immigration status.

Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar:

The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority in Myanmar, have indeed faced severe persecution and
violence, prompting hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The plight of the
Rohingya refugees has garnered international attention due to the humanitarian crisis they have
endured. Here's an elaboration of the situation:

1. **Persecution in Myanmar**: The Rohingya have faced systematic persecution in Myanmar

for decades. The Myanmar government has denied them citizenship and subjected them to
discrimination, forced labor, and restricted movement. However, the situation escalated
dramatically in 2017 when the Myanmar military conducted a brutal crackdown in response to
insurgent attacks. This military campaign included widespread reports of atrocities, including
massacres, sexual violence, and the burning of villages. This led to a massive exodus of
Rohingya fleeing for their lives.

2. **Exodus to Bangladesh**: Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees crossed the border

into Bangladesh to escape the violence. The influx of refugees placed a significant burden on
Bangladesh's already densely populated and impoverished Cox's Bazar district. Rohingya
families arrived traumatized, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

3. **Overcrowded Refugee Camps**: Many Rohingya refugees were initially housed in

overcrowded makeshift refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. These camps lacked proper infrastructure
and sanitation facilities, leading to severe hygiene and health issues. Clean water, proper
sanitation, and healthcare facilities were in short supply, making the camps breeding grounds for
disease outbreaks, such as cholera.
4. **Education Challenges**: The children among the Rohingya faced severe barriers to
education. Lack of schools, qualified teachers, and educational materials made it difficult for
them to receive an education. This denied them a vital opportunity for personal development and
a pathway to a better future.

5. **Protection Gaps and Vulnerability**: The Rohingya refugees, especially women and
children, were vulnerable to various forms of abuse. Human rights organizations documented
cases of sexual violence, forced labor, and child trafficking within the camps. Women and girls
faced increased risks of gender-based violence.

6. **Reliance on Aid**: The vast majority of Rohingya refugees relied on humanitarian aid for
their basic needs. International organizations and governments provided assistance, but the sheer
scale of the crisis made it challenging to meet all the needs adequately. Sustainable solutions for
livelihoods and self-sufficiency were limited.

Efforts have been made by international organizations, NGOs, and governments to provide
support to the Rohingya refugees, but the situation remains dire. It underscores the need for a
long-term solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar, ensures the safe return
and rights of the Rohingya, and provides sustainable living conditions for those who have sought
refuge in Bangladesh. The plight of the Rohingya is a stark reminder of the importance of
addressing human rights abuses and ensuring that refugees are protected and treated with dignity.

Detention of Migrant Children in the United States:

The treatment of migrant children in the United States has been a contentious and highly
scrutinized issue, drawing both domestic and international criticism. One significant incident
that garnered widespread condemnation occurred in 2018 when children were separated from
their parents at the southern border. Here's an elaboration of the situation:

1. **Family Separation Policy**: In 2018, the U.S. government, under the Trump
administration, implemented a "zero-tolerance" policy at the southern border. This policy
resulted in the systematic separation of migrant children from their parents or guardians when
they were apprehended by immigration authorities. The rationale was to prosecute adults for
illegal entry into the U.S., a misdemeanor offense. As a result, children were placed in separate
facilities, while their parents faced legal proceedings.

2. **International Outcry**: The policy of family separation sparked outrage both domestically
and internationally. Human rights organizations, world leaders, and the United Nations expressed
concern and condemned the practice. Many argued that such actions violated international
human rights norms, including the principle of the best interests of the child.

3. **Inadequate Conditions in Detention Facilities**: Beyond family separation, the conditions

in detention facilities housing migrant children have come under scrutiny. Reports have
highlighted overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to basic necessities, such as
food, clean water, and hygiene products. These conditions often fail to meet the minimum
standards for child welfare.

4. **Healthcare Concerns**: Migrant children in U.S. custody have faced significant healthcare
challenges. The facilities were often ill-equipped to provide appropriate medical care, including
mental health services. Many children had pre-existing health conditions that were exacerbated
by their confinement.

5. **Psychological Trauma**: The experience of detention, family separation, and the

uncertainty of their situation have led to psychological trauma for many of these children.
Separation from their parents and the conditions in detention centers, often likened to prison
environments, have had a long-lasting impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

6. **Reunification Challenges**: The process of reuniting separated families has proven to be

complex and protracted. Some children were placed in foster care, making the task of locating
and reuniting them with their parents a formidable challenge. The U.S. government faced
criticism for its handling of family reunification.

In response to the public outcry and legal challenges, the family separation policy was formally
rescinded in June 2018. However, the repercussions of this policy and the treatment of migrant
children continue to be felt. Efforts have been made to improve conditions in detention facilities
and expedite the process of family reunification. Nonetheless, it remains a contentious and
ongoing issue, highlighting the importance of addressing migration and asylum policies with a
focus on child welfare and human rights.

Libyan Detention Centers:

Libya, situated in North Africa, has long served as a crucial transit country for migrants and
refugees seeking to reach Europe, primarily by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. However, the
conditions in Libyan detention centers have been a major point of concern, with widespread
reports of human rights violations. Here's an elaboration of the situation:

1. **Migrant and Refugee Transit**: Libya has been a primary entry point for individuals from
various African and Middle Eastern countries attempting to reach Europe. Many undertake the
perilous journey through the Sahara Desert to reach the Libyan coast, where they hope to find
boats that will take them across the Mediterranean. These individuals often include asylum
seekers, economic migrants, and those fleeing conflict or persecution.

2. **Deplorable Conditions in Detention Centers**: Upon reaching Libya, many migrants and
refugees, often detained by Libyan authorities, are held in overcrowded and unsanitary detention
centers. These facilities lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide for the basic
needs of detainees, such as clean water, adequate shelter, food, and medical care.

3. **Abuse and Torture**: Numerous reports by human rights organizations, journalists, and
international bodies have documented widespread abuse and torture within these detention
centers. Detainees have reported physical violence, sexual abuse, and forced labor. Such
treatment is not only a violation of international human rights standards but also a grave breach
of the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they
face persecution or torture.

4. **Human Trafficking and Slave Trade**: Shocking reports of human trafficking and slave
trade have emerged from Libya. Vulnerable migrants and refugees have been subjected to
exploitation, forced labor, and in some cases, sold into slavery. These practices represent a
flagrant disregard for the most basic principles of human rights and dignity.

5. **Role of Non-State Actors**: In addition to state actors, non-state armed groups and militias
have played a significant role in the detention of migrants and refugees in Libya. These groups
have been implicated in abuses, and their actions have complicated efforts to provide protection
and support to those in need.

6. **International Concern and Response**: The situation in Libyan detention centers has drawn
international attention and concern. Various governments, humanitarian organizations, and the
United Nations have called for improved conditions, the release of detainees, and the
development of safe and legal migration pathways.

Addressing the human rights violations in Libyan detention centers is a complex challenge that
requires international cooperation. Solutions involve supporting the efforts of organizations and
governments striving to improve conditions, ensuring access to legal channels for migration, and
addressing the root causes of displacement in countries of origin. The situation in Libya serves as
a stark reminder of the need for a coordinated and compassionate response to protect the rights
and dignity of migrants and refugees.

These case studies underscore the urgent need for international cooperation, compassion, and
respect for the human rights of refugees and migrants. Addressing these violations requires not
only better conditions and protection but also addressing the root causes of forced migration,
such as conflict, persecution, and economic instability.

HAPPY RESEARCHING :)