AMSIMUN 2017 United Nations Human Rights Council Background Guide

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2 Table of Contents Welcoming Letter.3 Violent Extremism 4 Focus Points for Research 5 Useful External Links 6 2

3 Greetings delegates! Welcome to the first AMSIMUN conference. We are pleased to welcome you to the United Nations Human Rights Council. We hope you have a fruitful experience in this conference. This background guide functions as an introduction to the topic for this committee. However, it is not intended to replace individual research. The topic we will be discussing in our sessions is: Protecting and Promoting Human Rights to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism. The Human Rights Council plays an unparalleled role as the principal intergovernmental body within the United Nations system and is liable for the preferment and protection of human rights as they are well-defined within the Charter of the Human Rights signed in 1945 respectively. Moreover, HRC plays a critical role in monitoring the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948, and other human rights instruments as well. The construction of this new council was a progressive step towards a more impartial and effective human rights body in the United Nations. Please do not hesitate to us asking any questions. We will do our very best to help you in any way possible. Good luck! Chairs of United Nations Human Rights Council Rawya El Lakis and Safa Saud rawyaellakis@hotmail.com safasaud@gmail.com 3

4 Violent Extremism In the year 2015, the Human Rights Council (HRC) executed resolution 30/15 on Human rights and preventing and countering violent extremism, which defined acts of violent extremism as activities that confine fundamental human rights, endanger legitimate governments and threaten territorial integrity and security. This definition is distinctive and broader in scope than the often used term of terrorism. Terrorism, which is often discussed together with issues concerning violent extremism, encompasses both an ideology and actions that are foundations to future violent acts. However, after current tragic events, it is clear that violent extremism is more prevalent and widespread than terrorism. Thus, the council has concluded that violent extremism is viewed as a contributing factor to the upsurge of terrorist attacks such as genocides, suicide attacks, cyber-attacks, hijackings, etc. HRC resolution 30/15 serves as the first resolution urging governments to protect human rights while adopting mechanisms and policies in combating violent extremism. This council, furthermore, was tailored to advice and instruct the militaries of third-world countries to implement a stringent regime against all such attacks. In his plan of action to prevent violent extremism, the UN Secretary General pointed out that violent extremism is a worldwide phenomenon which is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of belief. Yet, in recent years, terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped public observation of the issue and how to address it. These groups messages of intolerance religious, social and cultural have had drastic consequences for many regions of the world. 4

5 Focus Points and Questions to Consider for Research 1. Observing how every corner of the world is burning with the flames of injustice, economic inequality, racial disparities and persecution of religion and ethnicity. 2. Name some of the issues afflicting the Arab world, keeping in mind the Arab Spring. 3. Analyzing the problem of violent extremism by investigating and advancing an understanding of what drives those terrorist groups locally and globally. 4. Relating terrorism and extremism to the economic growth in the Arab world. 5. Developing and implementing solutions that address root causes of this violence and extremism. The committee, henceforth, urges the delegates to derive solutions that aim to combat all aspects of violent extremism and pave a path to world peace. 5

6 Useful External Links Delegate Guide _UNHCHR_CTC_Briefing.html &LangID=E 3. resolution-on- %E2%80%9Cviolent-extremism%E2%80%9D-underminesclarity