Cluster B: Human Rights and Development

The protection of human rights and the pursuit of development have been regarded as shared international obligations. However, both are increasingly shaped by the priorities of the Member States responsible for advancing them. Human rights frameworks are often invoked selectively, applied rigorously against rivals but leniently towards allies. Whilst this is not a new phenomenon, its consequences are more visible in a period of heightened competition, as states compete for influence as much as material power. Committees within this cluster should examine how human rights and development can be pursued with consistency in an environment where they are also strategic instruments. Delegates should consider what institutional or normative safeguards might limit the extent to which rights and development can be championed.  

Committees and Topics

  • Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)

    BEGINNER

    Topic A: Strengthening international cooperation to eliminate hazardous and exploitative child labor 

    Topic B: Regulating social-media platforms without undermining freedom of expression

    Study Guide Coming Soon

  • UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

    BEGINNER

    Topic A: Addressing the Rise of Forced Criminality in Human Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime 

    Topic B: Combating Transnational Drug Trafficking and Illicit Financial Flows: Addressing the Criminal Economies that Undermine Global Security

    Study Guide Coming Soon

  • UN Women

    INTERMEDIATE

    Topic A: Combating Female Genital Mutilation: Strengthening Legal Frameworks, Protecting Survivors, and Advancing Global Eradication Efforts

    Topic B: Safeguarding Women’s Rights in the Digital Sphere: Online Violence and AI Bias Under Competing Regulatory Models 

    Study Guide Coming Soon

  • UN Development Programme (UNDP)

    INTERMEDIATE

    Topic A: Safeguarding Economic Independence in a Multipolar World: Addressing Unequal Development and Global Competition 

    Topic B: Promoting Social Cohesion for Sustainable Development: Balancing Peace, Development and Social Justice

    Study Guide Coming Soon

  • UN High Commission for Refugees Office (UNHCR)

    ADVANCED

    Topic A: Ensuring Free Movement and Access to Asylum Procedures for Refugees in their Host Countries 

    Topic B: Safeguarding Refugees’ Rights Against Detention 

    Study Guide Coming Soon

  • UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

    ADVANCED

    Single Topic: Repatriating Foreign Fighters and Their Families: Security vs. Rights 

    Study Guide Coming Soon