Human Rights

BY: YURA JUNG, KOREA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

As the delegate of Italy, (Krithka Chandra Mouli, Ruamrudee International School), begins to read her operative clauses, the first debate of the Human Rights Council started successfully. “This resolution is precise and effective. It also tackles the issue point by point. Moreover, it’s flexible without loopholes. Therefore, it is utmost important for the resolution to pass for the protection of indigenous people, ” said the delegate confidently.
The first resolution on Wednesday dealt with the Implementation of the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Starting with a quiet debate, the Human Rights Council progressed to an ardent discussion with strong feelings on both sides of the issue. Arguing against the resolution, the delegate of Bangladesh, (Dennis Kim, Yongsan International School of Seoul), spoke passionately about his stance on this issue and by the time he walked back to his seat, the room was filled with points of both agreement and disagreement. At the encouragement of the chairs, even the most timid delegates overcame their nervousness and spoke out their country’s opinion pertaining the resolution. Yet, as the number of delegates making speeches or points of information dwindled, the chairs once again rectified the quiet atmosphere by calling a caucus time, where the delegates were given three minutes to discuss the resolution with other delegates.
The room was filled with varying opinions about the resolution. Those who claimed that the resolution failed to recognize a effective solution reasoned their opinions by agreeing with the speech made by the Federation of Russia, (Sarah Han, Mont’ Kiara International School), who stated that the resolution only had “recommendations, but no valid solutions to carry out.” However, there were delegates who full heartily supported the resolution such as the delegate of Canada (Jason Lee, International School of Beijing), who claimed that the resolution “brings hope to the world.” Others, who were mute about their precise opinions about the resolution made amendments to enhance the resolution- out of the three amendments made by the delegates, two amendments passed.
Yet, when the delegate of Bangladesh gave a humorous speech against the resolution, many delegates in the room seemed convinced by his simple rhetoric query, “How many of the countries do you think will follow this resolution?” The question reminded the delegates to consider the countries they are representing rather than their personal opinions.
After numerous convincing speeches by both sides about the resolution, many delegates were left capricious, not knowing which side better pertained better to their representing countries. Nonetheless, after 90 long minutes of for and against speeches, points of information, and amendments, the committee moved to the voting procedures. With 31 votes against, 5 votes for, and 18 votes abstaining, the resolution failed. Despite the well-written solutions scrutinized in the two-page resolution, it was not appropriate for many of the countries in the forum. Although a resolution was not passed about the issue of the Implementation of the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples, many delegates became more aware of the abundant solutions to the issue.