16 to 17 March 2019. Students from across the Caribbean Area participated in an annual Model United Nations that wasbotganised by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain. The young people reperesented Member States from the international community . They engaged in lively and at times very intense dialogue on the rights of migrants and refugees. Delegates challenged each other based on countries' commitment to the treaties and conventions on the rights of migrants and the framework set up to protect refugees including the 1951 Convention. Delegates questioned commitment to funding and protecting human rights, the treatment with dignity and respect duirng detention and access to social services in host states.
One of the feature activites at the event was a keynote message from a former refugee youth, Ahmed Badr from Iraq, who was resettled in the USA with this family. During his address he reflected on the dangers of living in an area of conflict, the challenges of moving to and living in another country including language barriers and adpting to a new culture.
The UNHCR also arranged for refugee teens who live in Trinidad and Tobago, to participate as delegates in the MUN. This was meant to deminstrate how refugees can integrate into communities and also be a reminder that they are still entitled to all of the articles lised in the UDHR.
UNIC provides annual support for MUN arranged by Rotary Club of Port of Spain and this year the center used showcased its travelling exhibit on the UDHR, which became a centre of focus for selfies and group photos.
Photos from the event:
https://portofspain.unicnetwork.org/index.php/component/k2/item/631-mun19pos#sigProId30730edb87