STUDY GUIDE

HCMUN III
 SOCHUM
Social, Cultural, And
Humanitarian Committee
Contents
NOTE FROM SECRETARY GENERAL............................................................................. 2
NOTES FROM UNDER-SECRETARY GENERALS......................................................... 3
Topic A: Rights of refugees in war zone .................................................................................. 6
1. Committee Mandate ......................................................................................................... 6
2. Introduction to the topic .................................................................................................. 6
3. Key definitions .................................................................................................................. 7
4. Relevant UN Resolutions, Treaties, and International Agreements ............................ 7
5. Real Life War Zones Refugee Crises .............................................................................. 9
6. Question A Resolution Must Answer (QARMA)......................................................... 13
7. Bibliography .................................................................................................................... 14
Topic B: Fostering Solutions to Curb the Prevalence of Modern-Day Slavery ................... 15
1. Committee’s Mandate .................................................................................................... 15
2. Modern Day Slavery ....................................................................................................... 15
3. Case Studies..................................................................................................................... 17
4. Past UN Actions .............................................................................................................. 19
Possible Solutions ............................................................................................................... 21
5. Past UN Resolutions ....................................................................................................... 22
6. Questions A resolution must answer (QARMA) ......................................................... 23
NOTE FROM SECRETARY GENERAL

Greetings Delegates,
It is my absolute honor to welcome you to
the third iteration of Highbrow College
Model United Nations. As your Secretary
General, I encourage each of you to seize
this opportunity to engage, debate, and
challenge yourself to think critically about
the global issues before you. At HCMUN
III, I hope to witness the gathering of
young minds and watch the unfolding of a
meaningful and fruitful debate.
HCMUN is more than just a conference—
it's a platform to amplify your voice,
refine your diplomacy, and foster mutual
respect for diverse viewpoints. Every
perspective counts, and through
collaboration, we can achieve solutions
that mirror real-world diplomacy.
I urge you to prepare thoroughly, not only
to represent your assigned country’s
stance, but also to be open to learning
from others. This is a chance to sharpen
your skills, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace the essence of diplomacy—
negotiation, compromise, and cooperation.
I wish you all the best, and I am confident that together, we will make HCMUN-III a
memorable and impactful event.
Regards,
Sarim Sadiq
Secretary General
HCMUN-III

2
NOTES FROM UNDER-SECRETARY
GENERALS
Dear Delegates,
It is with immense pleasure that I
welcome you to the 3rd Iteration of
Highbrow College Model United Nations.
I am Muhammad Talha Malik and I will
be serving as your Under-Secretary
general.
I am currently pursuing my AS. I love
doing software and am always excited to
learn about computer sciences. I am also a
'Part Time' avid table tennis enthusiast.
MUNs to me have always been of
immense importance as they teach us
actual communication skills and help us
understand global issues. MUNs teach
you a lot of things and they have certainly
taught me a lot. The thing that I learned
from MUNs very well was how to make
friends. If you're struggling to make new
friends, feel free to contact me (don’t).
Having been in your position, I can relate
to the nervousness you are feeling as the conference approaches however do not let that
hinder your performance, rather Enjoy and Learn. Give it your best, Good Luck.
Best regards,
Muhammad Talha Malik
Under-Secretary General

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 Welcome to HCMUN III! I am Hafsa
Ahmed, your Under Secretary
General, I am thrilled to have you join
us for this dynamic and enriching
experience. Participating in Model
United Nations not only enhances
your understanding of global issues
but also empowers you to voice your
perspectives and engage in meaningful
dialogue. Whether you are a first-time
delegate or a seasoned participant, I
encourage each of you to embrace this
opportunity, challenge yourselves, and
build connections that extend beyond
the conference. I am committed to
creating an environment where your
voices are heard, your ideas are
valued, and your skills are sharpened.
Remember, this is not just an
opportunity to debate important global
issues, but also to grow as leaders and
diplomats. Together, let’s create a
space where ideas flourish and
solutions emerge. I look forward to
witnessing your passion and creativity
in action. Let’s make HCMUN III an unforgettable experience together!
Best regards,
Hafsa Ahmed
Under-Secretary General

4
 Dear Delegates,
It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome you
to the 3rd Iteration of Highbrow College
Model United Nations. I am Zaid Khan,
serving as your Under-Secretary General
for this event, and I can’t wait to see what
debates each of you brings to the
conference.
Right now, I'm working through my A-
Levels, but MUNs and debates have
always had a way of sticking with me,
like a kitten on the sidewalk that just can't
help but follow you home. Other than
public speaking, I also have a love for
reading and creative writing, which
makes the resolution writing my favourite
part about a MUN.
For me, MUN isn’t just about policies or
research; it’s about growth. It’s where we
come together to learn, debate, and yes,
even make mistakes. If you’re feeling
nervous, trust me, we’ve all been there.
Mould that energy, step outside your
comfort zone, and just enjoy the experience.
Best of luck,
Zaid Khan
Under-Secretary-General

5
 Topic A: Rights of refugees in war zone.

Note by the Secretariat to effectively prepare

• Use the study guide to get an overall idea of what refugees are and what in context of
war zone they are
• Clearly understand what rights refugees have in war zone or what rights they can get
but aren’t covered legally or in pacts.
• Moreover, get a hold of legal protections and rights granted to them under shadow of
resolutions, treaties and pacts. Then get a good idea of some major crisis around
refugees present globally (these should not be limited to those present in guide as they
are to give you an idea)
• Understand where and why there is a lack of implementation in those rights / what are
the challenges faced
• Understand with specific examples and quote solutions to them
• How could International collaboration and UN work to tackle these challenges (prepare
frameworks targeting specifically or generally)
• Look into loopholes in existing treaties or resolutions around this problem

1. Committee Mandate
The United Nations General Assembly Third Committee (SOCHUM) focuses on social,
humanitarian, and cultural issues. It addresses the protection of human rights, particularly in
times of conflict.
SOCHUM’s mandate includes:
• Promoting the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals,
regardless of nationality or status.
• Advancing international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian challenges faced
by refugees and displaced populations.
• Addressing issues related to international law, human rights, migration, and the
protection of civilians, particularly in war-torn regions.
• In the context of refugee rights in war zones, SOCHUM works to uphold the principles
of humanitarian aid, non-discrimination, and protection against violence or persecution.

2. Introduction to the topic

For quite some time, the rights of the refugees, particularly those in war, have been a great
concern for the global community. Conflicts and wars propel most of the displacement
happening to millions. The refugees fleeing war areas face various challenges such as having
no access to any basic needs, being subjected to violence, exploitation, and violation of their

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fundamental rights. International law that safeguards the rights of refugees comprises the right
to asylum and the doctrine of non-refoulement: not being returned to a country where one might
face danger. The preservation of these rights is an urgent global matter, especially in war zones.
While SOCHUM is present to lead it, the international community owes it to protect the
refugees, especially those from war-torn countries. As if these already existed, most refugees
are victims of violation of their basic human rights with international treaties, conventions, and
resolutions in existence. More cooperation from the world at international levels, higher
humanitarian aid, and more rigid enforcement of international laws will be required for the
protection and betterment of refugees due to war and conflict.

3. Key definitions
Refugee: "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country
of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the
protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of
his former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it"
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): People forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict,
generalized violence, or human rights violations but remain within their country’s borders.
War Zone: An area where armed conflict is taking place or where there is significant military
presence or violence affecting civilians.
Non-refoulement: A principle of international law that prohibits countries from returning
refugees to places where they could face threats to their life or freedom.
Asylum: Protection granted by a state to individuals who have fled their own country due to
persecution or violence.

4. Relevant UN Resolutions, Treaties, and

International Agreements

1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol

These are the foundation instruments in international refugee law-the documents that define
who a "refugee" is, the rights displaced persons enjoy, and the states' legal obligations toward
them.
Key provisions:
Non-refoulement (Article 33)
Right to work, housing, education, and public relief for refugees (Articles 17–23)
UN Security Council Resolutions on Refugees in Conflict Zones

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Resolution 2444 (2018):
It underlines once again that humanitarian assistance and protection have to reach those
affected and those displaced, taking into account the full protection of refugees and IDPs.

Resolution 2532 (2020):

It provides for a global appeal for a ceasefire for this reason to enable humanitarian access to
war-torn areas during the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on the protection of displaced
populations.

Global Compact on Refugees (2018)

This is a non-binding framework that strengthens the response of the international community
to large movements of refugees. It has four key objectives as follows:
Relieve tensions in the hosting countries
Self-reliance by the refugees
Third-country solutions
Conditions in the countries of origin to enhance the returns in safety and dignity

Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (1998)

The document not legally binding, however, this paper aids in the protection of IDPs. Its main
arguments focus on the fact that all the internally displaced persons must have identical rights
and freedoms with others within their country and that they should not be discriminated against.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

Article 14 provides for the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution. Article 3
establishes the right to life, liberty, and security of person.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Provisions for rights of people to liberty, freedom of movement, and protection from arbitrary
detention, all the very relevant rights in the refugee situation of war-torn countries.

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

It accorded special protection to children in conflict zones. Not surprisingly, refugee children
are so vulnerable among all others.

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UNHCR Mandate (1950)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has a global mandate regarding the
protection of refugees and people who have been uprooted. UNHCR focuses on humanitarian
assistance with the core focus being protection of the rights of the refugees as well as durable
solutions in terms of resettlement and repatriation.

Geneva Conventions (1949)

The Fourth Geneva Convention and its Additional Protocols protect civilians during war, which
includes refugees.

Key Provisions
Protections of civilians in occupied territories
Access of humanitarian aids to displaced populations
Protection against compulsory transfers and deportations
Difficulties Faced by Refugees during Wartime
Human Rights Violation: Refugees during the time of war or during a civil war are infringed
on their main human rights, which include protection, shelter, food, and medical care.
The refugee is excluded from asylum due to the narrow safe route to asylums in another country
which might be shut down or closed at the time of the conflict.
Being exploited: Because of civil unrest, refugees mainly women and children, become victims
of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and even extortion by armed or criminals’ groups.
Internal Displacement: Most IDPs who have lost their homes within their own countries are
not provided with international protection that is equal to that for refugees when they cross
international boundaries.

“This section mentions some War zones and tell the refugee crisis faced
there (some crisis are not mentioned its upto delegates which ever they find
important to bring in discussion)”

5. Real Life War Zones Refugee Crises

Civil War in Syria (2011 - Till date)

This is one of the worst cases concerning a refugee crisis as a result of war. Ever since the civil
war began in 2011, over 13 million have left Syria while 6.8 million are refugees in the
neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

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Refugee Rights Context
Lack of security within refugee camps
Overwhelmed by large numbers, living conditions tended to be difficult, and healthcare and
education ineffective
Non-refoulement violations, such as refugee returns at gunpoint into combat areas by certain
countries
Syrian children's vulnerabilities to education, exploitation, and trauma

Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar (2017 - Ongoing)

In 2017, a violent military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State resulted in the displacement
of more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to neighboring Bangladesh. Rohingya people have
been persecuted for decades in Myanmar, where they are stateless and victims of violence.

Context for Refugee Rights:

A refugee staying in a crammed camp such as Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh lead very harsh lives
with scarce access to food, water, healthcare, and education.
Bangladesh cannot cope with such a huge number of people and denies assimilation of the
refugees
Susceptibility to human trafficking and exploitation
Apprehension over the right of return and safe repatriation back to Myanmar where violence
is still going on

Yemen Crisis (2015 - Current)

Already, one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in the world is unleashed by Yemen's
ongoing civil war. Millions remain internally displaced within Yemen while others cross
borders into neighbouring countries, such as Djibouti and Somalia, where supplies and
resources are already scarce.

Context on Refugee Rights:

Humanitarian aid only occasionally is able to reach affected conflict zones
IDPs living in deplorable conditions without easy access to food, medicine, or clean water
Blockades and restricted movement, that prevent refugees from fleeing or escaping to other
countries
Child protection, with children being recruited into the army or dying of preventable causes

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Afghan Refugee Crisis, 1979 - Present
This continuous war in Afghanistan, from the Soviet invasion to the Taliban, has seen decades
of struggle for this country. Now in 2021, it is the Taliban again in power, and the country is
seeing a new generation of displacement. More than 2.6 million Afghan refugees are registered
around the world, but internally there are countless more.
Context on Refugee Rights

More of them are in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran where they face
miserable conditions, discrimination, lack of employment opportunities and education.
Low self-esteem of the refugees not to go back to Afghanistan and continue with attacks
besides persecution and Taliban's oppression policies
Women and girls are more likely to have their rights violated: lack of education and even fewer
access to health care.

South Sudan Conflict from 2013 to Date

Civil war has raged in South Sudan since it gained independence in 2011. The fighting has
forcibly displaced millions: 2 million refugees, according to the UN, live in neighbouring
countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Context on Refugee Rights

South Sudanese refugees don't have access to enough food and clean water in overcrowded
refugee camps
Cross-border attacks and violence remain a threat for the safety of refugees in neighbouring
countries
Most remain unable to return home due to instability that stays active, lack of infrastructure,
and persecution of ethnic conflicts.

Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia (2020 - Ongoing)

Over 2 million people are displaced in the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia's regions in
Tigray. Most are in neighbouring Sudan while others stay internally displaced in Ethiopia.

Context for Refugee Rights:

Refugees experience hunger, lack of shelter, healthcare.
The war limits access to humanitarian assistance, worsening the situation for both refugees and
IDPs

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The Ethiopian ethnic clash and violence against civilians that make the return and repatriation
uncertain

Venezuelan Refugee Crisis 2014 - Ongoing

Due to Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis, about 7 million Venezuelans
who left the country have joined one of the biggest displacement crises in the world.
Neighboring countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Peru host most refugees.

Context on Refugee Rights

Cross border-violence and increased xenophobia in the host country
Barriers to Accessing Health Care, Employment and Legal Status in the Host Country keeping
refugees vulnerable to exploitation and discriminatory activities
Collapse of public services in Venezuela makes return nearly impossible

Common themes in these crises

• Availability of basic needs: Refugees in war zones often have no food, water, shelter,
or healthcare. Once large numbers of people flee, host countries are usually
overwhelmed by services.
• Legal and human rights violations --including forced repatriation, against the norm of
non-refoulement; denial of asylum; and exposure to violence in camps or when in
transit--form part of the refugee experience.
• Vulnerability to Exploitation- Women and children war-zone refugees are also more
open to human trafficking, exploitation, and sexual violence.
• Long-term Displacement: The disasters of displacement have protracted effects
wherein refugees end up staying in camps or in host countries for years or even decades
without any sense of predictability about the future.
• These are examples in real life that frame the testing of international legal frameworks
on the rights of refugees as stated in the treaties and agreements, which usually reveal
cracks in implementation and protection. The concerns thus critically link the exigency
of having a strong response mechanism by the international community to defend and
protect the rights of refugees, even in war-torn conditions.

[Link]
It’s highly recommended to read the above-mentioned article and get an idea of how UN works
with regards to refugees.

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6. Question A Resolution Must Answer (QARMA)
• What are some major hurdles refugees would experience in war? And how would we
counter them?
• How do host countries balance national security versus rights of refugees in the war?
• How can NGOs within areas of conflict support refugees?
• What is the role of United Nations regarding refugee rights in the war-torn areas?
• How would gender and age intersect with the plights of refugees in war-torn regions?
And how this would be accommodated?
• How the reporting on refugees during war does conditions influence public opinion and
policy?
• What is the role of technology in human rights protection for refugees during conflict?
• In the context of war, what impact do cultural differences have on integration of the
refugees with the host population? And how should it be incorporated
• What are the responsibilities of parties involved in armed conflict toward refugees?
• Any specific crisis with named groups and their solutions should be mentioned.
• Any UN resolution or treaty which needs any changes or adjustments to cover
implementation of rights?

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 7. Bibliography
[Link]
east?lang=en
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

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Topic B: Fostering Solutions to Curb the
Prevalence of Modern-Day Slavery

1. Committee’s Mandate
The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, The United Nations General Assembly
Third Committee, usually referred to as SOCHUM includes all 193 member states and was
established in 1947 by the United Nations in order to discuss issues that involved social
development. SOCHUM was founded in 1945 in reaction to the establishment of the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The Committee promotes and enforces basic
freedoms and ideals meant to be enjoyed by the entire international community such as the
right to life, the expression of cultures, the freedom of political participation, the protection of
children’s rights, and the promotion of social development, among many others. SOCHUM
derives its legitimacy from the original United Nations Charter and operates with the goal of
designing peaceful settlements for issues within the large spectrum of social, humanitarian,
and cultural complications in the international community. This body does so by initiating
studies that encourage recommendations for the promotion of international cooperation and
fundamental freedoms for all.
Currently, SOCHUM is at the lead of human rights matters; tackling critical concerns as:
- Human trafficking.
- Protection of children and minorities.
- Empowerment of women and indigenous communities.
- Refugees crisis and treatments.
- The building up of fundamental freedoms through the eradication of racism and
discrimination.

2. Modern Day Slavery

What does the term “modern slavery” mean?
Modern slavery is a hidden crime that affects every country in the world. Modern slavery has
been found in many industries, including garment manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,
and in many contexts, from private homes to settlements for internally displaced people and
refugees. Modern slavery impacts on all of us, from the food we consume to the goods we
purchase.

Types Of Modern-Day Slavery

1) Human Trafficking:
Defined by the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol as involving recruitment,
transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force

15
 or other forms of coercion with the intent of exploiting that person for sexual exploitation,
forced labor, or slavery, among others forms.
2) Forced labor:
All work or service that is conducted under menace of penalty and for which the person
has not offered themselves voluntarily.

3) Debt bondage:
Status or condition where one person has pledged their labor or services (or that of
someone under their control), in circumstances where the fair value of that labor or
service is not reasonably applied to reducing the debt or length of debt, or the length and
nature of the service is not limited or defined.
4) Forced marriage:
Any situation where persons, regardless of age, have been forced to marry without their
consent Specifically young children. The biggest number of child marriages is found in
South Asia, regardless of religion, due to its very large population. As per statistics, one
third of the children of the developing world have been married before they hit puberty.
5) Domestic servitude:
This might be the hardest type of modern slavery to eradicate since it’s the easiest to hide.
The definition is live-in workers who are not allowed to leave. Domestic slavery can be
camouflaged as a sleep-in nanny and without a home inspection it can be done very
difficult to find out whether that position holds true or it’s a cover for a domestic slave.
6) Child Slavery:
Child slavery is the slavery of children. The enslavement of children can be traced back
through history. Even after the abolition of slavery, children continue to be enslaved and
trafficked in modern times, which is a particular problem in developing countries.

Slavery isn’t limited to these six types of modern slavery, there are many more.
Throughout the world charities, organizations and governments are trying to do their best
to stop these human rights violations. One way is to raise social awareness of those
companies who allow these conditions, however with industries that have poor
regulations it might not be that easy.

History of Slavery:
Slavery started in the 6800s b.c, when the Mesopotamian enemies were forced to work for
them when captured. Later, in 550 b.c, more than 30,000 slaves were forced to work in the
silver mines of Athens, in Greece. In 120 a.d, more than half of the population of Rome were
slaves. Years later, in the 1000s, slavery was a regular practice in Britain. Followed by that,
in 1380, during the aftermath of the Black Plague, the slave trade blossoms because of the

16
lack of workers. It is clear that society believed that all humans didn't have the right to be
treated correctly for a very long time.

Abolition of Slave Trade and Slavery:

In 1781, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II is the first to prohibit serfdom in the Austrian
Habsburg area. During the French Revolution, in 1807, Great Britain passed the Abolition of
the Slave Trade Act, freeing all slaves that were held on their colonies and a year later, the
United States pass a legislation banning the slave trade. After that, lots of countries start to
abolish it too. For example, Spain (1811), Sweden (18130, Netherlands (18140). Portugal
decides to ban slave trade, but only north of the equator in 1819. Nevertheless, it's important
to highlight that this new legislations were just abolishing slave trade and not slavery. In
1833, Britain decides to pass the Abolition of Slavery Act, that gradually abolished slavery in
all British colonies. France does this too in 1849 and Brazil in 1851. These actions eventually
led to the total abolition of slavery at the end of the 19th century.

Modern-Day Slavery:

In 1999, the first global analysis of modern-day slavery is published. Disposable People: New
Slavery in the Global Economy, decides that there are 27 million modern-day slaves
worldwide. A year later, the United States’ congress passes an act to fight trafficking and
modern-day slavery. This act also includes penalties for traffickers and help for the victims.
In 2002, the International Cocoa Initiative is established to avoid slavery in chocolate
factories mostly in Africa. Later on, the Court of Sierra Leone ordains that forced marriage is
a crime and a form of slavery. Little by little, the world is making an effort to stop slavery,
but it's our job to abolish it totally.

3. Case Studies
Democratic People’s Republic Of Korea (North Korea)
DPRK has presented itself to be the country with the largest case of modern-day slavery in
recent years. It is estimated that more than 2.6 million citizens live under the state of modern-
day slaves. Most of these individuals are required to work by the authorities due to the fact
that there is a level D response in the North Korean government to modern-day slavery. A
level D response is the lowest level of responding according to the Global Slavery, which
means that the authorities have shown minimum levels of activity to combat modern-day
slavery. North Korea presents different forms of human trafficking, child exploitation, and
forced marriage. Citizens that belong to the lowest socio-economic classes under this
dictatorship lack basic life opportunities and needs such as food, education, medical
attendance, and good jobs; failing to succeed in life, entering into a vicious circle of poverty;
where they tend to fall into forms of slavery in order to survive. Every 1 in 10 citizens lives in
the state of a modern-day slave. In total there are 104.6 victims of modern-day slavery per
1,000.

Women are many times propense to get caught in the position of a modern-day slave because

17
of the large demand of brides in China due to the sex imbalance. Many women are lured with
false promises of a new beginning and better life opportunities outside of their country. The
woman who accept is trafficked out of their country with false expectations of a better life to
later on be sold as brides. In different cases, if women don't accept, they are abducted to then
be sold. Girls about 15 years old are also propense to the same situation and about 37% of
women living as modern-day slaves were married when they were underage. Children may
find themselves in this situation due to the need to generate incomes and fulfill their duties.
Children from age 5 up to age 13 do jobs such as farming, constructing buildings, statues,
railroads, and highways as well as collecting scrap material to then sell.

Eritrea:
Eritrea is the country with the second largest case of modern-day slavery according to the 10
Prevalence Index Rank. Around 451,000 citizens of Eritrea live in the state of modern-day
slave. The government response level is a level D which means that the authorities of Eritrea
have shown a minimum or none reaction towards this issue. 93.3 citizen suffer from modern-
day slavery per 1000. One of the main issues of Eritrea is forced labor in the modern mine
(based in Canada) were workers claim to have been put in a situation of forced labor.
Workers worked very long and harsh shifts that made them have to stay in the mine and sleep
on the floor. Because of the fact that they were working on these conditions they suffered
mentally and physically. When staying in the mines they were exposed to deadly mosquitos
and extreme suffering both mental and physical (as mentioned before). Apart from the fact
that the work conditions were vile, workers revive very little payment, minimum food
supplies and they were at constant risk of imprisonment. This mine has caused many citizens
to flee the country as refugees for a time causing Eritrea to turn into one of the top-ten
refugee apporting nations (according to the UN). (Illustration by Morgan Freeman).

Burundi:
Burundi has presented itself to be the country with the third largest case of modern-day
slavery according to the Prevalence Index Around 408,000 citizens of Burundi live under the
quality of modern-day slaves. The government has shown a level C response which means
that the government has taken a small amount of action against this issue. Because of the lack
of opportunities and basic resources, young girls of a lower social class are propense to
become modern day slaves for the need of basic resources such as food, water, a stable home,
and money. Woman many times approach young girls and lure them into their home offering
them money, food, and a stable home, because of need most girls accept and end up being
slaved and pushed into prostitution. On other cases, young girls are trafficked to other
countries such as Uganda and Kenya to be commercially sexually exploited. Many girls with
a low payment received have to maintain their family. The International Bureau of children's
rights had an interview with a child victim that confessed that she needs to keep doing it
because neither herself, her grandmother or her child could survive without the money she
earns.

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Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is the most vulnerable country to modern slavery within Asia and the Pacific and
has the second highest prevalence of modern slavery in the region. The 2023 Global Slavery
Index (GSI) estimates that 505,000 people were living in modern slavery in Afghanistan on
any given day in 2021. This equates to a prevalence of 13 people in modern slavery for every
thousand people living in the country, resulting in Afghanistan having some of the highest
prevalence rates in Asia and the Pacific (two out of 27) and globally (nine out of 160). In
2018, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission found that over 90 per cent of
children worked more than 35 hours per week, often in hazardous and life-threatening
conditions. Unlike the global trend, boys face greater risks of commercial sexual exploitation
in Afghanistan than girls. The practice involves the sexual exploitation of boys as young as
nine – who are typically from lower-income households – by wealthy men, and often occurs
in settings such as weddings and other celebrations, where boys are used for entertainment. A
2018 contextual analysis of child marriages in Afghanistan found there was little difference
between child marriage rates in rural, semi-rural, and urban settings, however rates varied
significantly between provinces, with child marriages present in 66% of households in Paktia
as compared to 21% in Ghor. Forced and child marriages have also been used as a perceived
protective measure: for example, parents have reportedly forced daughters to marry early to
avoid having to marry them to a Taliban member, while others have sought to marry their
daughters to Taliban members in exchange for greater protection for the family and a large
amount of money.

4. Past UN Actions
Previously, the United Nations has taken several actions on the matter. For starters, a plan has
been launched to combat trafficking. The “United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat
Trafficking in Persons” urges Governments worldwide to take consistent measures, as well as
coordinated ones, to defeat the problem. It was adopted on July 30, 2010 by the United
Nations General Assembly. This plan calls upon integration of the constant fight against
human trafficking and the United Nation’s broader programs, with the purpose of
strengthening security around borders and boosting the development and improvement of
border security. This plan also highly suggests the creation of a new voluntary trust fund in
the United Nations for the victims of trafficking, focusing intensely on women and children.
In 2010, the United Nations’ Secretary General urged several entities, such as philanthropies
and countries’ governors to contribute with generous amounts to the future implemented trust
fund for trafficking victims. He then continued by officially stating that the only way to end
human trafficking is finding the perfect balance between countries and regions to work
together, since this is a job that can’t be done on someone's own. On the other hand, the
United Nations unanimously decided to act by the resolution 2388 in 2017, which had as
main concept to clarify the importance of preserving the collected evidence related to
trafficking cases. This is so that those responsible for the crimes could be held and
investigated to ensure safety and compromise. Adding to this, the UN Security Council made
emphasis on the fact that trafficking as well contributes to other types of organized,
transnational crime. This was clarified so that the population could become aware about the
worldwide damage that trafficking creates when intertwined with other criminals. Similarly,
an EU, UN and African Union commit was held and recently concluded on November 30,

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2017. This summit, which has held in Ivory Coast concluded in leaders vowing to start an
evacuation operation in emergency state. Immigrants are to be evacuated if threatened by
people traffickers.

Current Situation:
Despite global efforts, modern slavery is widespread, with 167 countries harboring an
estimated 46 million slaves, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. Modern slavery's
definitions have evolved, encompassing not only 'ownership' but also forced marriages,
government-imposed labor, and human trafficking. Many countries around the world have
made slavery illegal but because of different forms of enslavement however, modern slavery
can be difficult to detect and recognize in many cases. This is because slavery has moved
underground in most countries and because the definition of slavery has expanded and
evolved over the past several decades. Afghanistan remains dire, significantly impacted by
ongoing conflict, economic instability, and social issues. According to the Global Slavery
Index, an estimated 4.3 million people in Afghanistan are living in conditions of modern
slavery, which includes forced labor, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The
prevalence of child labor is particularly alarming, with the International Labor Organization
(ILO) reporting that approximately 1.5 million children are engaged in hazardous work, often
in agricultural or domestic settings. The rise of extremist groups has exacerbated these issues,
as many families resort to selling their children due to poverty, while women and girls face
increased vulnerability to forced marriages and trafficking. India has the highest number of
slaves in the world. This is partly because India is one of the two most populous countries on
Earth and partially because all forms of modern slavery exist in India, including forced child
labor, forced marriage, commercial sexual exploitation, bonded labor, and forced recruitment
into armed groups.
China, the Earth's most populous country, has the second-highest number of slaves at more
than 3.8 million. While China does not display the save diversity of slavery. Other countries
with significantly high slave populations are Russia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of
Congo, Indonesia, Egypt, Myanmar, Iran, Turkey, and Sudan. On a continental
level, Asia has not only the highest overall population but also the highest total number of
slaves.
According to the latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery (2022) from Walk Free, the
International Labor Organization and the International Organization for Migration:
▪ 49.6 million people live in modern slavery – in forced labor and forced marriage
▪ Roughly a quarter of all victims of modern slavery are children
▪ 22 million people are in forced marriages. Two out of five of these people were
children
▪ Of the 27.6 million people trapped in forced labor, 17.3 million are in forced labor
exploitation in the private economy, 6.3 million are in commercial sexual
exploitation, and nearly 4 million are in forced labor imposed by state authorities
▪ The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the conditions that lead to modern slavery
▪ Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to forced labor.

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Possible Solutions
The solutions for Modern-Day Slavery must focus on different areas in order to minimize and
end slavery in all possible forms. It might as well need to include both short term and long-
term solutions to prevent, stop and punish the illegal treats. These are some important
examples: I. Ratify and Sign the "Council of Europe Convention on Actions against
Trafficking in Human Beings".
II. Endorse the ILO Convention 189 regarding Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
III. Uphold the ILO Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention No.29
IV. Encourage more countries to establish legislation that criminalizes and punishes forced
marriage and provide protection to those who may fall victim to it. For this, some suggestions
of possible solutions are: Improve victim support
• Reassure that as much as nations develop the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
which is multi-disciplinary framework between active participants from state society
who focus on identifying and referring victims’ protection and sustenance.
• Suggest viable reintegration programmes in specialized shelters. Address risk factors
1. Security; one idea would be to reinforce strict labor inspections in order to detect
modern slavery in private industries where workers are known to work under forced
labor. Another one would be to research and analyze reports of official complicity in
order to reassure order, avoiding any illegal acts.
2. Strengthen coordination and transparency between nations and actions taken to
tackle the issue; this might facilitate economic transactions and other requirements to
help ending Modern Slavery. Eradicate modern slavery from the economy
• Introduce legislation that requires large private businesses to report on their processes
to eliminate risk of modern slavery in their supply chains.
• Encourage government organizations to reduce the risk of using businesses suspected
of using forced labor or 16 purchasing products that were made using forced labor.
Education and Empowerment Tackle the issue from its roots.
• Propose Programmes that educate vulnerable groups in undeveloped places that are
most likely to fall into modern slavery, in order to: ○ A: raise awareness and create
consciousness ○ B: prepare them so that they have better opportunities to succeed and
have an independent economic stability.
• Indirectly break the poverty cycle by offering, empowering citizens and letting them
invest on their own projects, through for example microcredits. Take in consideration
that every solution you formally propose must be elaborated enough, so it can answer
the following questions: - Why propose it? - How will it be implemented? - Is it
viable? All of these achieved through international collaboration, making sure to
strengthen and reinforce certain policies, and encourage countries to participate in
contracts or any important document that implies accepting certain legislations.

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5. Past UN Resolutions

1. A/RES/78/166 (2023) - Contemporary forms of slavery

2. A/RES/78/167 (2023) - Protection of children from exploitation
3. A/RES/78/168 (2023) - Trafficking in persons, especially women and children
4. A/RES/77/151 (2022) - Rights of indigenous peoples
5. A/RES/77/154 (2022) - Elimination of forced labor
6. A/RES/77/155 (2022) - Elimination of child labor
7. A/RES/77/175 (2022) - Contemporary forms of slavery
8. A/RES/77/176 (2022) - Protection of women and girls from forced marriage
9. A/RES/77/193 (2022) - Strengthening international cooperation to combat human
trafficking
10. A/RES/77/194 (2022) - Measures to prevent child exploitation
11. A/RES/75/184 (2020) - Protection of refugees and migrants
12. A/RES/75/190 (2020) - Measures to eradicate forced labor
13. A/RES/75/191 (2020) - Measures to eradicate child labor
14. A/RES/75/283 (2020) - Promoting efforts to eliminate trafficking in persons
15. A/RES/75/288 (2020) - Contemporary forms of slavery
16. A/RES/75/289 (2020) - Elimination of forced marriage

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6. Questions A resolution must answer (QARMA)

I. Is there any specific form of modern-day slavery that should be addressed first in
order to tackle the issue at a wider scale? If so, which and why?
II. What measures can be applied by member nations in order to protect victims
under forced marriage, human trafficking and sexual exploitation?
III. What can be done by the international community to help victims of modern-day
slavery re-integrate to society? In which ways can their psychological and
physical traumas be treated and calmed?
IV. What is the importance of technology in helping security systems analyze and
identify modern-day slavery? For instance, how can technology help detect illegal
transactions that may lead to trafficking or forced labor?
V. What is the role of non-governmental organizations in defeating Modern-Day
slavery?
VI. In which ways can corruption in governmental and non-governmental
organizations be diminished in order to help reduce poverty and inequality,
therefore helping to empower the most vulnerable groups that tend to fall into
Modern-Day Slavery?

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