HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
The United Nations Human Rights Council operates as a subordinate body within the UN, with its primary focus on the promotion and safeguarding of human rights on a global scale. This council is tasked with investigating claims of human rights violations, tackling significant human rights issues, and has the authority to involve UN special procedures or suspend countries from their mandate in cases of human rights abuses. Additionally, it serves as a platform for dialogue on human rights regulations and aims to function as a catalyst for actions against such violations. The Council’s board comprises 47 member states rotating, each serving three-year terms.

Topic 1: Human Rights Concerns in Counter-Terrorism Detention Facilities
Black Dolphin, Fleury-Mérogis, CECOT, Sednaya or Guantanamo Bay are just a few among thousands of prison facilities worldwide. What sets them apart, however, is the type of inmates they are designed to hold. These and many other such prisons are notorious for detaining some of the world’s most dangerous criminals, including terrorists and the most severe offenders. However, most of these facilities are also infamous for their cruel and inhumane conditions, including maltreatment, torture, and even the killing of prisoners. All of this often occuring with the tacit approval of governments and the indifference of the general public.
Many human rights organisations have repeatedly highlighted the tragic conditions, emphasising that such harsh treatment cannot be anyhow justified. They also point out the persistent failure of authorities to address issues like overcrowding and poor sanitation, which exacerbate the situation and undermine any effort toward humane incarceration or long-term solutions.

Topic 2: Tackling the Question of Statelessness
More than 4.4 million people worldwide are currently stateless—meaning, under international law, they are not recognized as citizens of any country. This number is steadily increasing, driven by factors such as the rising number of territories involved in armed conflicts, the displacement of populations, and countries tightening nationality laws in response to security concerns or political tensions.
The Human Rights Council plays a crucial role in addressing not only the structural causes of statelessness but also its far-reaching consequences for governments and affected individuals. Stateless people, often deprived of fundamental rights, such as legal protection, access to education, or healthcare, are becoming increasingly vulnerable in today’s society.
Country Matrix: France, China, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, Israel, Palestine (observer), El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Colombia, Bangladesh, Rwanda, Syria, Thailand, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan