Human Rights Day 1

The Human Rights committee commenced with a very helpful and detailed insight provided by professor Pilar Trinidad Nuñez who addressed the criminal and human rights side of the main topics to be discussed: Violence against the Peacekeepers and Human Trafficking. 

Once we had brushed over our technical knowledge and rules of procedure, the delegates were set loose: the time to present their positions has come. 

But moments before their time to shine has come, a few instants were dedicated to a brief preparation during which a few impressions were gathered: Russia presented a desirable partner to many, especially to other ex communist countries; whereas Japan expressed their preference for neighbouring countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. Colombia confessed its support to the US, Argentina was ambiguous but confident when it came to picking the US over Russia. And Russia was determined to negotiate with the Arabic countries. 

At five pm sharp the Chair formed by Arjun Praveen and Alba Orche opened the session and the vote of majority went to Human Trafficking as the first topic to be addressed. Russia explained the inefficiency of the protocol accepted in 2000 and requested that it be adapted to real life situations. This claim received Germany's support, however they were unclear about what measures Russia wanted them to take in order to translate the laws into action. Russia then mentioned the problem of sex tourism in their country and in Ukraine and that it needed to be defined by the protocol and taken more seriously.

Qatar's position on the matter was cooperative; they were willing to expand their communication in order to resolve the issue. India inquired about their priorities to which Qatar replied with the weak implementation of said laws and until those are enforced, it would be futile to extend the legislation. The Chair asked about Qatar's measures concerning the identification of domestic service abuse and Qatar explained the difficulty of spotting the victims due to its near impossibility to be proved but offers protection to the victims.

China had a strong statement wrapped in a brief array of words: the West needs to be held accountable for its capitalism and its greed which pushes the growth of slavery among Chinese workers due to the high demand of products. 

Japan highlighted their important position in solving the matter, informing the committee of their financial donations. 

India also stated their great efforts to solve the problem but unfortunately, there was an increase in abuses of a tremendous 38%. However, they plead the present countries to put as much effort into eradicating the issue as they have. Russia expressed support. The Chair mentioned the incompetent implementation of child labour laws to which India replied with openness: they were accepting of advice and suggestions. 

Afghanistan defined themselves as a country of transit and being so close to the human trafficking reality, they fiercely apply their laws to condemn those who benefit from it with a life sentence in prison. Afghanistan also mentioned the existence of various NGOs fighting against the trafficking and helping the victims.

Congo took the scene with their honesty: they were concerned about their country and were open to advice and international cooperation. Russia pitched in to express their support and offer advice. 
The Central African Republic repeated the aforementioned issues of the application of the existing laws but are convinced they would reach the required standards by the UN. 

The United States of America based their position on being the world's promoter of peace and told the committee of their measures in 2013 to prevent child trafficking and forced and underage marriage as well as providing services to the victims. 

The US was the country that received the highest amount of reactions from the present delegates. 
France made a very good point about one of the principal factors of these tragedies: poverty as the road that leads to such radical alternatives. They expressed their plans to decrease poverty, increase equality and awareness. 
​
Cuba requested the creation of more organisations that would offer support and ease the suffering of millions. Russia showed interest in furthering the debate in private.