Protesting has been an effective way for individuals to exercise collective power and make their voice heard, but it also comes with several risks for the protesters. In order to preserve this important freedom, protesters have been granted a numerous rights under international law, but the degree to which these rights are observed around the world can often vary and has been a topic of great debate.
Background
?Since the mid-20th century a body of international law has formed which collectively grants a number of rights to protesters that all state parties are bound to observe. Primarily the right to protest is protected within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as an extension of the right of all people to free expression, and the freedom to associate and assemble.However, most of these rights are contingent on protesters engaging in lawful or peaceful protest.
?While the right to protest is protected as an amalgamation of multiple rights within those treaties, the protesters themselves are also protected under international law. Article 9 of both the UDHR and the ICCPR protects all people from arbitrary arrest, a common tactic used against protesters. Protesters like all citizens are entitled to a fair and open trial, and are also protected from any form of torture, or any cruel or inhuman punishments.
?Overall protesters’ primary protections come in the form of international treaties protecting human rights as a whole, such as the UDHR, ICCPR, and the European Convention on Human Rights. These rights are not specifically reserved for protesters as with the rights of lawful combatants under the Geneva Conventions. These rights are expected to be observed by states, although caveats are built in surrounding whether the protest in question is a peaceful or lawful one.
Areas of Concern
1. The rights of protesters around the world.
2. The role of the international community in establishing the rights of protesters.
3. The value of protest as a means of social, political, and economic change.
Questions a Resolution Should Answer
1. Do protesters deserve special legal protections?
2. Should the rights of protesters be determined by national or international law?
3. What role, if any, should the international community play in upholding the rights of protesters?
4. What rights, if any, do international or foreign organizations have in supporting protesters in a country?
5. How can states balance their domestic rule of law and national security with observing the rights of protesters?
Country List
P5+1 (Veto Power)
United States of America
United Kingdom
Russian Federation
People’s Republic of China
France
South Africa
Others (Non-Veto)
Bolivia
Australia
Türkiye
Iran
Dominican Republic
Germany
Japan
Israel
Italy
Kenya
Ethiopia
Palestine (Observer)
Kazakhstan
Poland
Canada
India
Myanmar
Burkina Faso
Brazil
Mexico
Georgia
Syria
Ireland
Sweden
Tunisia
Ukraine
Spain
Angola
South Korea
Netherlands
Argentina
Pakistan
Peru
Ghana
Flow of Debate
1. Chair takes roll call.
2. The floor is opened for opening speeches, all delegates have the chance to speak and establish their country positions.
3. The chair opens the floor for motions from the delegates.
a. Once good motions are accepted delegates vote on the proposed motions.
4. Moderated debate on proposed topics allow the delegates to argue their points and make their views clear.
5. After moderated debate delegates will have the opportunity to move around and negotiate in an unmoderated caucus. At this time resolutions will be drafted.
6. After the unmoderated caucus, delegates will propose their draft resolutions to the chair.
7. Draft resolutions are presented to the conference for delegates to debate and make amendments.
8. Once amendments have been resolved, the conference moves to voting on the draft resolutions.