UNHRC
United Nations Human Rights Council
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was formed in 2006 by the United Nations General Assembly, in place of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights—a UN body that had experienced widespread backlash for its member states’ poor adherence to international human rights standards. Today, the UNHRC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with the purpose of upholding fundamental human rights across the global stage. The United Nations General Assembly is responsible for electing the council’s member states.
The UNHRC examines alleged human rights violations in UN member states in accordance with a variety of international human rights conventions. By employing special rapporteurs and working groups, the UNHRC is able to create detailed reports available to the general public and begin inquiries into human rights abuses in individual countries.
The UNHRC is an intermediate committee that offers an experience for all delegates with interest.
Please send all inquiries via unhrc@caimun.ca. Position papers must also be submitted to this email.
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Topic summaries coming soon.
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Cate Shumka — Director
A sophomore at Little Flower Academy, Cate is ecstatic to be serving as the Director of the UNHRC. She has always had a passion for speech and debate, but discovering Model UN has given her entirely new experiences. Ever since her first conference in Grade 9 (at which she only spoke thrice), Cate has been enthralled by the broad world of Model UN and global politics. Model UN opened a gateway to complex discussions and newfound friendships that have helped her grow as a person. In her downtime, Cate can be found holed up in her room breaking screentime world records, fangirling over her favourite K-pop groups, and putting off homework. Cate is excited to witness the passionate debate that awaits UNHRC at CAIMUN 2025!
Jessie Shi — Chair
A senior at West Vancouver Secondary School, Jessie is honoured to be serving as the Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council at CAIMUN 2025. Ever since her introduction to Model UN in ninth grade, she has been deeply captivated by the open-minded spirit of collegiality and the bold negotiations between clashing stances. MUN has also gifted Jessie with countless precious memories and everlasting friendships. Apart from the exhilarating world of conferences, she can be found perfecting her sunset photography skills, struggling with the irresistible allure of chocolate desserts, or finishing her Duolingo lesson at 11:59 PM to keep her streak (and the owl happy). Jessie cannot wait for an unforgettable weekend of fervent debate!
Eric Tao — Assistant Director
Currently in Grade 12 at Fraser Heights Secondary School, Eric is extremely excited to serve as the Assistant Director of UNHRC for CAIMUN 2025. Even though his first MUN experience was spent with immense dread and anxiety, the amazing people and fast-paced action quickly won him over. In a world on the precipice of change, it has never been more important to debate, discuss, and discover, which is why he cannot wait to see what the delegates come up with. When he is not getting lost between the North and South towers at the Sheraton, he can be found in the kitchen whipping up a dish, sweaty on a badminton court, or yelling "walking!" at kids at the pool while wearing a neon-green lifeguarding uniform. Eric hopes your experience at CAIMUN will be a fulfilling and exceptional experience!