STUDY GUIDE FOR

UNHRC
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction - page 1

Introduction of Agenda (A) – page 1

Agenda details – page 4

Introduction of Agenda (A) - page 10

Agenda details – page 2

QARMA Agenda (A) - page 17

Bibliography - page 18
 INTRODUCTION TO
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS

The Human Rights Council is a subsidiary body of the United Nations

General Assembly responsible for promoting and protecting human rights
around the world. It is composed of 47 member states elected by the
General Assembly, serving staggered three-year terms. The Council
conducts thematic and country-specific human rights assessments, adopts
resolutions, and facilitates dialogue on human rights issues.
Its role includes strengthening the promotion and protection of human
rights around the globe, and making recommendations to address
violations of human rights, including gross and systematic violations. The
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the
secretariat for the Human Rights Council.

Agenda A:
Agenda: Tackling Systemic Racism and
Police Brutality: A Global Perspective
OVERVIEW OF THE AGENDA:
The conflict between Israel and Palestine, also known as the "Question of
Palestine," has been a major focus for the United Nations since its
establishment in 1947 and remains a contentious issue today. The region,
particularly Jerusalem, holds religious significance for both Jewish and
Muslim communities and has been at the center of intense conflict since the
end of World War I. While religious factors play a significant role, the un-
derlying tensions primarily stem from competing territorial claims.

PAGE 1
The strategic location of the region, serving as a link between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, as well as connecting Egypt
to Syria, further complicates these disputes.
Many view the complexity of this conflict as posing a significant challenge
to achieving peace. The current situation, where Palestine is neither fully
integrated into Israel nor completely independent, along with ongoing
violence, suggests an unstable future. The international community has
recently raised concerns about the legality of Israeli settlements in
Palestinian territories, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th
century, stemming from the rise of nationalist movements among both the
Jewish and Arab populations. These movements aimed to establish
sovereign states for their respective peoples in the same region of the
Middle East. During this time, a global wave of nationalism was sweeping
across the world as various groups sought independence and
self-determination. For the Jewish diaspora, the desire to establish a state
with defined borders became increasingly prominent, leading to the growth
of the Zionist movement, which began with mass immigration of European
Jews in 1882. Following World War II, the push to create an independent
Jewish nation gained momentum, with Palestine, particularly the city of
Jerusalem, emerging as a focal point due to its religious significance.
Tensions heightened in 1947 with the emergence of Palestinian nationalism,
which had its roots in the 1920s, and further escalated as other Arab states
became involved. This conflict ultimately evolved into a crisis between
Palestinian Arabs and Israelis in the region.
Following years of Ottoman rule, the region came under British control
during World War I as outlined in the Sykes-Picot Agreement between
Britain and France in 1916. The British intended to partition the territory into
two distinct entities – the Arab state of Transjordan and the Jewish
Palestinian state. Despite several agreements being put in place, none of
them lasted.

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The UN's proposal for a partition plan aimed to establish separate Jewish
and Arab states, leading to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and
resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Subsequent conflicts, notably the Arab-Israeli wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973,
played a crucial role in shaping the territorial boundaries and political
dynamics of the region. Furthermore, Israel's occupation of the West Bank,
including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip since 1967, coupled with the
establishment of Israeli settlements, has been a significant point of
contention in the area.

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY BOTH ISRAELI AND

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITIES:
Israeli authorities have faced allegations of human rights violations,
including accusations of excessive use of force against Palestinian
protesters, arbitrary detention of Palestinian civilians, demolition of
Palestinian homes and infrastructure, and imposing restrictions on freedom
of movement for Palestinians. These allegations have drawn international
attention and scrutiny, contributing to the ongoing debate and conflict in
the region. The actions of Israeli authorities have been a focal point in
discussions surrounding human rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Accusations have been made against Palestinian authorities for human

rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and detention, crackdown on
dissent, and violations of freedom of expression and association.

Groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been associated with carrying
out attacks against Israeli civilians, including rocket attacks and suicide
bombings, which are seen as serious violations of international
humanitarian law. These actions have had a significant impact on the
security and stability of the region, drawing condemnation from the
international community and contributing to the complexity of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES AND RESOLUTIONS
CONCERNING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE REGION

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated investigations into

alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both Israeli
and Palestinian actors.

Diplomatic initiatives: Various international efforts, including peace

negotiations mediated by the United States, European Union, and regional
actors, have aimed to address the underlying grievances and promote a
peaceful resolution to the conflict.

United Nations: The UN has issued numerous resolutions condemning

human rights violations in the Israeli-Palestinian context, including calls for
an end to the occupation, respect for the rights of Palestinians, and support
for a two-state solution

The United Nations has also adopted the Convention on Genocide in 1948 in
response to atrocities committed during World War II. The International
Court of Justice considers the prohibition of genocide as a peremptory
norm of international law, and the principles underlying the Convention are
recognized as binding on states.

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IMPACTS OF ONGOING CONFLICT ON CIVILIANS AND
PROSPECTS FOR PEACE:

1. The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to

widespread displacement, increased poverty, limited access to essential
services, and significant psychological trauma among civilians. The impact
of the conflict has been deeply felt, with communities facing immense
challenges in meeting basic needs and coping with the emotional toll of the
prolonged instability. Additionally, the crisis has strained existing resources
and infrastructure, exacerbating the already dire situation for many
individuals and families caught in the midst of the conflict.

2. Human rights violations persist among both Israelis and Palestinians,

hampering the potential for peace and reconciliation.The Israeli government
has been criticized for its treatment of Palestinians, including issues such as
access to water, movement restrictions, and the use of excessive force. On
the other hand, Palestinian authorities have been accused of arbitrary
arrests, limitations on freedom of expression, and inadequate protection of
minority rights. These ongoing human rights violations further exacerbate
tensions and hinder efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Addressing these violations and ensuring the protection of human rights for
all individuals is crucial for establishing a foundation for sustainable peace
and reconciliation in the region.

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3. Despite occasional diplomatic efforts, the peace process between Israelis
and Palestinians has reached a standstill, leaving unresolved issues such as
borders, settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem.The unresolved issues in the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict include borders, settlements, and the situation of
refugees. The borders between Israel and a potential Palestinian state have
been a point of contention, with both sides laying claim to certain territo-
ries. The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
remains a major obstacle to peace negotiations, as these settlements are
considered illegal under international law. Additionally, the status and rights
of Palestinian refugees who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war
and their descendants is another unresolved issue that has significant hu-
manitarian and political implications.

MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS:
USA : Despite long-standing support for a two-state solution, the United
States has traditionally not supported Palestinian bids for statehood at the
United Nations, insisting that this matter should only be resolved through
negotiations with Israel. The Palestinian Authority has sought full
membership for Palestine at the United Nations since 2011, but has not yet
gained enough support for the bid.

UK: The UK Government did not recognize Palestine's statehood and

abstained from the UN General Assembly vote granting Palestine
non-member observer status. The UK supports a two-state solution and
urges the parties, with international support, to de-escalate, restore calm,
and rebuild trust. UK ministers engaged with regional countries to discuss
de-escalation, and in February 2024. In 2023/24, the UK provided over
£100 million in aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with none
directed via Hamas. The government announced that future funding plans
for UNRWA would not be disclosed before the completion of two UN
reports following allegations of staff involvement in the Hamas assault of 7
October.

PAGE 6
Iran: Iran does not recognize the existence of Israel and supports the return
of all Palestinian refugees since 1948. Iran does not accept any borders that
acknowledge Israel's existence, including the 1967 borders. Iran supports
holding a referendum for all native inhabitants of Palestinian land to exer-
cise their right to self-determination. Iran is against any plan for peace and
reconciliation with Israel and supports the Palestinian armed groups, espe-
cially Hamas and the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza. Additionally, Iran
has opposed the Abraham Accords and has refused to directly intervene in
the war between Hamas and Israel.

Russia and China : China and Russia continue to jointly advocate for a
"two-state system" as the most suitable option for a peaceful resolution, a
stance also supported by the United Nations. Together, China and Russia
have been urging the U.N. to "take more action to reduce tensions and im-
plement a two-state solution."

Germany: Germany, once seen as a reliable mediator in the Middle East, has
faced a shift in its standing due to its one-sided support for Israel following
the 2023 Hamas-led attacks. This contrasts with its past role in facilitating
important deals between Israel and Hezbollah. The current German ap-
proach has included increased arms exports to Israel and a strong rejection
of allegations of genocide in Gaza.

Pakistan : Pakistan advocates for a two-state solution as the key to endur-

ing peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive, and lasting solu-
tion to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line
with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.

INDIA:India expressed support for Israel after a Hamas attack but has not
designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. The Indian Minister of Exter-
nal Affairs expressed India's support for Israel against terrorism and its
backing of the two-state solution for Palestinians.

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South Africa: South Africa continues to strongly support the Palestinian
cause, even taking the rare step of bringing a genocide case against Israel
to the International Court of Justice due to its actions in Gaza. The ruling
African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, maintains a steadfast
pro-Palestinian stance. Mandela himself frequently raised the issue, empha-
sizing that South Africa's freedom remains incomplete without the freedom
of the Palestinians. This enduring support was echoed by Mandela's grand-
son, Mandla Mandela, at a pro-Palestinian rally in Cape Town, where he reaf-
firmed South Africa's commitment to standing with the Palestinian people.

European Union: The Israel-Palestine issue has long caused deep divisions
among EU countries. Within the 27 member states, Belgium, Ireland,
Sweden, and Luxembourg are particularly critical of Israel, while countries
in Eastern Europe, notably Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, strongly sup-
port Israel.

Turkey: Türkiye actively supports the State of Palestine's reform efforts

and has been involved in the constitutional and administrative reform pro-
cess through Turkish experts. Additionally, commercial and economic rela-
tions between Türkiye and the State of Palestine have seen continuous
growth since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2004.

Saudi Arabia declared that it would not recognize Israel without a Palestin-
ian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation"
against the Palestinian people. The country emphasized that the Palestinian
cause remains a top priority and expressed gratitude to nations that have
recognized the Palestinian state.

PAGE 8
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

1. Early warning mechanisms:

Implementation of systems to detect and prevent potential human rights
abuses by monitoring conflict dynamics and identifying risk factors for
preemptive intervention.

2. Conflict resolution and mediation:

Promotion of dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to peacefully resolve
conflicts and address underlying grievances before they escalate into
human rights violations.

3. Strengthening rule of law:

Development and enhancement of legal frameworks, judicial institutions,
and law enforcement capacities to ensure accountability for human rights
abuses and uphold the rule of law during conflicts.

4. Protection of civilians:
Implementation of measures to safeguard civilians from harm, including
prohibiting attacks on civilian populations, ensuring safe access to humani-
tarian aid, and establishing safe zones and humanitarian corridors.

5. Disarmament and arms control:

Addressing the proliferation and illicit trafficking of weapons, such as small
arms and light weapons, to reduce the potential for violence and human
rights abuses in conflicted area.

6. Refugee and IDP protection: Providing legal protection, humanitarian aid,

and support services to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to
ensure their safety and well-being during and after displacement.

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7. Non-discrimination and inclusion:
Advocating for non-discrimination and inclusive policies and programs that
honor the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their
nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other status.

8. Community-based protection:
Empowering local communities and civil society organizations to actively
protect vulnerable populations through community-based monitoring, early
warning systems, and advocacy efforts.

9. Access to justice and remedies:

Ensuring victims of human rights violations have access to justice, legal aid,
and remedies, including psychosocial support, medical care, and material
assistance.

PAGE 10
AGENDA B:
ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

OVERVIEW OF THE AGENDA:

Racism is a deeply entrenched social issue, manifesting through various
institutional structures globally, especially in law enforcement systems.
Police brutality—often racially motivated—has led to public outcry and
movements such as Black Lives Matter in the U.S. and similar protests in
Brazil, France, and the U.K. The agenda aims to explore the complex rela-
tionship between institutionalized racism and the excessive use of force by
law enforcement. The goal is to study how systemic racism reinforces police
violence and analyze regional and global frameworks that seek to dismantle
these harmful systems. The committee will assess policies, review case
studies, and propose changes to international law that encourage justice
and equality.

KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS:

Systemic Racism: Structural and institutional systems that perpetuate racial
inequalities through laws, policies, and practices that advantage the
majority group while disadvantaging minority communities.

Police Brutality: The unwarranted or excessive use of force by police

officers, often disproportionately targeted at minority groups.

Racial Profiling: The discriminatory practice by law enforcement of

targeting individuals for suspicion of crime based on race, ethnicity, or
national origin rather than evidence-based suspicions.

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HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Systemic racism and police brutality have roots dating back to colonial and
imperial eras when race-based hierarchies were used to justify exploitation,
enslavement, and segregation. During the 20th century, racial
discrimination became embedded in state systems, particularly in policing.

In the U.S., racist policing practices evolved from slave patrols, eventually
resulting in disproportionate use of force against African Americans.
Similarly, other nations have seen race-targeted policing, such as in South
Africa during apartheid and in Brazil's favelas today, where Afro-Brazilians
are disproportionately targeted by the police.

Internationally, post-colonial societies grapple with racial discrimination,

often seen in police practices. Racial minorities in Europe, Africa, and Latin
America face systemic oppression and aggressive law enforcement tactics,
which have sparked various human rights movements throughout history.

CURRENT SCENARIO
Today, the issue of police brutality remains prevalent in numerous countries.
In the United States, African American men are 2.5 times more likely to be
killed by police compared to white men, according to a 2019 study.
Similarly, Indigenous people in Canada and Aboriginal Australians face
disproportionate rates of police violence.

Countries like France have been dealing with police brutality, particularly in
marginalized communities of African and Arab descent. In Latin America,
racial and ethnic minorities face state violence, particularly in Brazil, where
the "War on Drugs" has fueled police killings in impoverished
neighborhoods.

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Globally, mass protests have erupted, calling for police reform and justice
for victims of systemic violence. The role of social media has also amplified
calls for accountability, as videos of police violence spread across the
internet, leading to global solidarity movements such as "End Sars" in
Nigeria and "Justice for George Floyd" in the U.S.

PAST AGREEMENTS
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination (ICERD) (1965): This UN treaty commits signatory countries
to the elimination of racial discrimination in all forms, particularly in law
enforcement and the judiciary. The convention’s obligations call for legal
frameworks that combat racial profiling, discriminatory policing practices,
and ensure accountability for violence against racial minorities.

The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law

Enforcement Officials (1990): This set of guidelines aims to prevent the
excessive use of force by law enforcement by establishing a standard for
when and how force can be used, emphasizing restraint and the protection
of human rights.

PAST UN ACTIONS
The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2001): Adopted at the
World Conference against Racism, this declaration laid out comprehensive
measures to combat racism and xenophobia, including steps to address the
disproportionate use of force against racial minorities by law enforcement

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism and Police Brutality Re-
ports: The UN Special Rapporteur regularly issues reports on systemic
racism and police brutality worldwide, with recommendations for member
states to improve accountability, transparency, and community relations in
law enforcement.

PAGE 13
MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS
United States: “George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter Movement ” The
murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020 reignited
global conversations about police brutality and systemic racism. Floyd's
death sparked mass protests across the U.S. and internationally, demanding
accountability and police reform. The Black Lives Matter movement became
a leading voice in calling for racial justice and the defunding or restructur-
ing of police departments.

Brazil: Police Violence in Favelas

In Brazil, police brutality disproportionately affects Afro-Brazilian communi-
ties living in the favelas. The "War on Drugs" has led to a militarized police
force engaging in violent raids, often resulting in civilian casualties. In 2019,
the killing of 14-year-old João Pedro Matos Pinto by police sparked national
outrage and international condemnation, highlighting the need for police
reform in Brazil.

France: Protests Against Police Violence in Banlieues

France has faced its own issues with police brutality, particularly in margin-
alized communities. In 2005, the deaths of two young men fleeing from the
police in the banlieues sparked riots across the country. More recently, the
death of Adama Traoré in police custody in 2016 led to nationwide protests,
drawing attention to the disproportionate targeting of African and Arab
communities in France.

Uk: The UK has taken steps to address systemic racism and police brutality,
notably through reforms like the Race Disparity Audit and body camera use.
However, issues like disproportionate stop-and-search practices and the
legacy of colonialism continue to fuel criticism, especially in comparison to
global movements like Black Lives Matter.

PAGE 14
China: China denies the existence of systemic racism within its borders and
emphasizes ethnic unity, but has faced global criticism for its treatment of
ethnic minorities, particularly Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, which human
rights groups view as state-sanctioned oppression. The Chinese
government rejects allegations of police brutality or racial discrimination,
framing them as foreign interference.

Russia: Russia officially downplays the presence of systemic racism,

emphasizing national unity and rejecting racial discrimination claims.
However, it faces criticism for police brutality and discrimination against
ethnic minorities, particularly in the North Caucasus and Central Asian mi-
grant communities. Internationally, Russia often frames these issues as
internal matters, resisting external critique.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan, particularly under the Taliban, does not formally

acknowledge systemic racism or police brutality as major issues, but ethnic
tensions, especially against Hazaras, persist. Human rights groups
frequently report discrimination and state-sanctioned violence against
ethnic minorities, though the government denies widespread abuses, fram-
ing criticisms as politically motivated.

IRAQ: Iraq faces challenges with systemic racism and police brutality,
particularly towards ethnic and religious minorities like Kurds and Yazidis.
The government has made efforts to promote unity, but human rights
groups criticize ongoing abuses by security forces and the marginalization
of certain communities. Iraq generally frames these issues as security
concerns rather than systemic discrimination.

PAGE 15
IRAN: Iran denies the presence of systemic racism, focusing on Islamic
unity, but faces domestic and international criticism for discrimination
against ethnic minorities like Kurds, Arabs, and Baloch communities. Re-
ports of police brutality, particularly during protests, have drawn global
concern, though the government frames such issues as necessary for main-
taining order and internal security.

Palestine: Palestine primarily focuses on resisting Israeli occupation, view-

ing systemic racism and police brutality through the lens of oppression
faced by Palestinians under Israeli control. Palestinian leaders and activists
often highlight racial discrimination and state violence in this context, fram-
ing their struggle as one for human rights and against apartheid-like condi-
tions.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:-
Tackling systemic racism and police brutality requires a multi-faceted,
global approach that combines policy reform, community engagement, and
education. One critical solution is enforcing stricter accountability for law
enforcement through body cameras, independent investigations, and
transparent judicial processes. Alongside this, anti-bias training for police
forces is essential to mitigate prejudicial behavior. Legal reforms, such as
ending discriminatory policing practices (e.g., stop-and-frisk) and
demilitarizing the police, can also play a significant role. On a broader
scale, addressing economic inequalities, improving access to education, and
creating inclusive public spaces can help dismantle the socio-economic
structures that perpetuate racial disparities. Civil society, activism, and
international collaborations must also continue advocating for human rights
and equitable systems. Globally, countries can learn from best practices and
initiatives that have shown success in reducing racial discrimination in law
enforcement.

PAGE 16
 AGENDA (A)
QARMA (Questions A Resolution Must answer)

i) How can accountability for human rights violations in the

Israel-Palestine conflict be ensured?

ii) What actions can be taken to encourage peacebuilding, reconciliation,

and social cohesion in the Israel-Palestine conflict?

iii) How can the global community improve the safeguarding of civilians,
including refugees and internally displaced persons, in the
Palestine-Israel conflict?

iv) What steps can be implemented to prevent and address sexual

violence related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, including addressing
underlying causes and promoting gender equality?

v) How can humanitarian organizations surmount obstacles and limita-

tions to access areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict in order
to provide life-saving aid?

vi) What measures can be implemented to prevent racial profiling and

implicit bias in police practices globally?

vii) What role should national governments play in providing reparations

for victims of police violence and systemic racism?

viii) How can social media and global activism be used as tools for holding
law enforcement accountable?

ix) Should the United Nations adopt a specific treaty addressing police
brutality and racial discrimination?

PAGE 17
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
i) United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.

(2020). Report on Racial Discrimination and Police Brutality. OHCHR

Report

ii) Amnesty International. (2021). Police Violence and Racial Disparities:

A Global Overview. Amnesty Report

iii) Human Rights Watch. (2021). Systemic Racism and Policing World-

wide. HRW Report

iv) The Guardian. (2020). Black Lives Matter and Global Protests against

Police Brutality. The Guardian Report

PAGE 18
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