Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council was created on March 15, 2006 and aims to protect human rights around the world in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Council is constituted of 47 members from various regions who are elected on three-year terms. The members investigate infractions of human rights. Additionally, they are responsible for addressing and working to end these violations. The Council works with the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to develop special procedures which are mandates designed to investigate human rights concerns.

The Council is based in Geneva, Switzerland and holds sessions three times a year in March, June, and September. It occasionally calls special sessions to address human rights emergencies. The current President is Moroccan Representative Omar Zniber who was elected in January 2024. Numerous Non-Governmental Organizations work with the Council to ensure human rights violations of all scales are being properly dealt with. The Council  reserves the right to suspend any members who have repeatedly violated human rights during their membership. 

Although the decisions of the committee aren’t legally binding, they do hold strong political weight. Therefore, this gives signatory nations that ability to disobey the clauses passed in resolutions. 

"All victims of human rights abuses should be able to look to the Human Rights Council as a forum and a springboard for action." - Ban Ki-moon of South Korea, former UN Secretary-General, 2007

Google Classroom Code:

 Topics

Topic A: Addressing the regional human rights fallout of the Iran-Gulf states’ missile and drone conflict

Topic B: Addressing gender-based violance in online spaces

Study Guide

Chairs

Co-Chair , Guilherme Lenz

Hi delegates! My name is Guilherme, and I’m thrilled to be your chair for this year’s Rio MUN! I’m currently a sophomore at TBSRJ urca, and I’ve been doing MUN for a couple of years now. Throughout my journey, MUN has helped me grow immensely in terms of public speaking, diplomacy, and critical thinking, and I hope it does the same for you.

One of the best parts about MUN for me is the community, the friendships, the late-night resolution writing, and the intense yet fun debates that make it unforgettable. When I’m not chairing or debating, you’ll probably find me playing drums, surfing or at jiujitsu!

I’m looking forward to an amazing committee. If you have any questions or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out at Guigolcesar@gmail.com!

Co-Chair, Lorena Lucchese

Hello everyone! My name is Lorena Gonzales. I am currently a junior at The British School of Rio de Janeiro, Urca Site, and I will be serving as your Chair for the Human Rights Committee at RIOMUN 2026. MUN has become something I genuinely enjoy because it combines my interests in international affairs, politics, history, and solving real-world problems. Through MUN, I have been able to explore new perspectives and connect with people who share my

curiosity about the world. Apart from MUN, I love spending time at the beach, playing and listening to music, and being with my friends. I am excited to meet all of you and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! lorena.lucchese.g@gmail.com

Head-Chair, Orla Fitzgerald

Hi! My name is Orla and I am currently a junior at EARJ Gávea. I am thrilled to be head chair for the Human Rights Council here at RioMUN 2026! MUN has been a part of my life for many years and it has helped shape my interest in history and global politics along with improving my public speaking and overall confidence. Other than loving MUN and all things debate-related, I enjoy spending my time at the beach, playing tennis, and being with my friends. I feel incredibly lucky to have made so many amazing memories at conferences around the world, and it’s experiences like these that make MUN so special. I can’t wait to meet all of you, and I hope this conference becomes a really memorable experience for you all. If you have any questions throughout the conference please feel free to reach out, my email is orlafitzgeraldd@gmail.com.