The first pair to draw attention was Iran and Kazakhstan. Cloistered away from others. Both countries face the brunt of displacement from neighboring Afghanistan, from which refugees flee Taliban oppression. Their message rings clear: the international community’s recognition of these two asylums remains insufficient.

Those concerned with Topic 1 focused on refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).  Canada’s delegate promotes integration campaigns to reduce stigma and intercultural profit inequalities, while China, India, Nigeria, and Ethiopia want to enable safe voluntary returns for displaced citizens, especially in regions like northern Nigeria, plagued by insurgencies.

Those concerned with Topic 2 focused on child marriage. This issue was very lightly yet purposefully approached. Germany, partnering with organizations like Women for Women International, argued for structural eradication and minimum marriage ages of 18. However, collaborating with Arab states proved difficult, as delegates from more religiously conservative countries framed child marriage as a cultural or judicial issue, not one of human rights violations. e.g. The Iranian delegate highlighted national sovereignty: “leave it to each judicial system to decide.”

Turkey saw more nuance, arguing that combating child marriage requires addressing poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education. The Delegate of India firmly opposed. Reaffirmed secular national values. Pakistan, however, highlighted exceptions: federal law sets 19 as the minimum age, but provincial autonomy renders enforcement difficult.

Crucially, as line-by-line deliberation commenced, the procedure aroused confusion, with disheveled delegates debating whether clauses should be discussed individually or collectively before amendment. Despite this, this committee’s bloc discourse honestly and compassionately reflected the equilibrium between respecting identity and ensuring universal rights.

Author: Mandy Zhao