Welcome delegates to the 12th edition of Washington Academy Model of United Nations. The Human Rights Council is the body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the world, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, looking after the basic rights each human being is entitled to. 

Throughout this conference, you will need to address the human rights violations presented with strong arguments and viable solutions, always bearing in mind your country’s position towards the issue (even if your personal point of view seems contradicted, that’s the greatest challenge). The solutions presented will have to revolve around the human rights of the victims and ways to prevent such abuses, followed by a dutiful and evocative debate. This debate will require from your set of skills and abilities, concerning public speaking, diplomacy, maturity, analysis, open-mindedness, and commitment to enhance the discussions of our committee.
My name is Daniel Morales-Bello and I will be the Chair of this committee, along with Andrea Alvarez as your Co-Chair and Barbara Massieri as your Secretary, all of us having plenty of experience in MUN’s, participating in the models since middle school. This booklet will provide you with basic information on the chosen topics and guide you on how to approach them. Nevertheless, we strongly encourage you to further research on each one of the topics and your countries’ position regarding each issue, taking into consideration that controversy will depend on the posture each of you assume in the committee and how well are you prepared to defend the point of view you will be undertaking during the conference. If you have any questions, do not hesitate on contacting me: danieleduardomb@hotmail.com.
Sincerely,
Daniel Morales-Bello
Chair, Human Rights Council