Harvard Model United Nations 2020 5

Introduction care for displaced persons? While the end goal

of ensuring the health of displaced persons is
Health is an essential part of all human activity. obvious, participants in this committee will come
There can be no politics, no commerce, and no to see that the pathways for achieving this goal
culture without first guaranteeing the health of and the potential setbacks that come with each
the individuals who participate in those ventures. one are anything but simple.
Therefore it should go without saying that the Many displaced people have left places where
work of the World Health Organization, the political leaders, either through violence,
international entity responsible for promoting a economic mismanagement, or other means,
high level of health around the world, is as crucial drove them out of their homes. For those whose
as that of any other international organization. native government institutions cannot offer
Every community faces health problems of protection or guidance, the leadership of the
one kind or another, but the large population international community is especially important.
of displaced people — those forced to flee Responsible leadership means looking out for the
from their homes due to persecution, violence, needs of everyone, including those who cannot
natural disasters, or some other cause— deals offer anything in return. Great leadership often
with particularly severe issues on a larger scale involves doing what is best for the population
than most societies. Furthermore, refugees, by at large, even if it means acting against the best
definition, lack a government of their own which interests of a powerful few. In our committee
can provide for their medical and nutritional session, I have high hopes for the level of
needs; thus the intervention of the international leadership that will be on display; delegates will
community often comes as a matter of absolute have a chance to demonstrate a willingness to
necessity for them. listen, to compromise, to learn, and to innovate.
In the WHO at HMUN 2020, it will be your
task to decide how exactly we ought to guide this Committee Structure
intervention. By creating frameworks for dealing
with crises, organizing the provision of medical Soon after the founding of the United Nations
supplies, and connecting displaced persons with in 1945, members recognized the need to create
those who can care for them, the delegates in this an international body which could handle issues
committee will have a tremendous opportunity to of global health. On 7 April, 1948, the World
enact positive change in an area where it is sorely Health Organization (WHO) was founded as a
needed. Delegates will gain a better understanding specialized agency of the UN.2 According to the
of the role that the WHO and other international WHO’s constitution, its primary and simplest
bodies play in the larger global health landscape. goal is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest
By examining and seeking solutions to the possible level of health.”3 In meetings of the World
health crisis facing displaced people today, Health Assembly, the governing body of the WHO
they will grapple firsthand with the drawbacks which includes delegations from each member
of healthcare infrastructures, the difficulties nation, all 194 represented countries hold equal
associated with the prevention and treatment of voting power. In this body, representatives from
disease, and the living conditions that refugees across the world work democratically to better
around the world must endure on a daily basis. understand and manage global health-related
How can the international community allocate its phenomena as well as specific healthcare policies
resources to care for refugees in the most effective and procedures; furthermore, members can put
way possible? To what extent can the WHO and forth international guidelines for the healthcare
other entities compel sovereign governments to systems of countries worldwide.
6 World Health Organization

The WHO constitution endows the Health domestic and international actors have dealt with
Assembly with the ability to “adopt conventions them; at the same time, delegates should come to
or agreements with respect to any matter within conference with an open mind and take a creative
the competence of the Organization;” in order approach to solving the problems at hand. The
for these agreements to come into action, they World Health Organization is a unique body
must receive approval from 2⁄3 of the assembly’s of the UN in that it relies, even more, perhaps,
members.4 Once a convention passes the ⅔ vote, than its counterparts in the GA or ECOSOC,
all WHO members must take action within on a high level of cooperation and collaboration
their own domestic governments in accordance among its members. After all, the general goals of
with the newly approved guidelines. In this way, the WHO should align more or less with the goals
decisions made by the Health Assembly are fairly of each individual member nation: the promotion
binding for member nations. of a higher level of health for people around the
world. With that said, delegates should seek first
Actions taken by the WHO generally fall into and foremost to collaborate earnestly with their
a few distinct categories. First, and perhaps peers while keeping in mind the specific concerns
most important, is the development of the and desires of the nation which they represent.
aforementioned international agreements which When all is said and done, delegates will be
set global standards for healthcare and policy. evaluated first and foremost on how actively
These conventions can include regulations they engage with both their peers and the issues
regarding sanitary or quarantine requirements, at hand in committee. A great delegate will use
diagnostic procedures, safety standards and their prior research as a foundation from which
labeling requirements for pharmaceutical and new solutions can emerge; a great delegate will
biological products, and even nomenclatures for communicate their ideas freely and consistently
diseases and other health-related entities and while always being respectful of the ideas put forth
practices. Additionally, the Health Assembly by their peers. The quality of a delegate’s work will
works alongside the United Nations General greatly outweigh the quantity of speeches given
Assembly and the Economic and Social Council or clauses written in my evaluation of committee
(ECOSOC) to provide guidance on any of their members.
health-related work. Furthermore, the WHO
serves as a global leader in medical research, and As director of this committee, I want to make
as such it has significant influence over setting sure we progress at a reasonable pace during our
international research priorities and practices. committee sessions while also allowing you, the
Finally, the WHO also has the power to establish delegates, to exercise significant control over
other health-related institutions around the world how much time we spend on different issues and
when it deems the creation of such institutions procedural matters. With that said, it will be helpful
desirable.5 for you all to have an idea of the rough timeline
on which conference will run, so I will lay out a
Although delegates should certainly investigate very general schedule for our weekend together.
and engage with pre-existing guidelines and During our first committee session on Thursday
policies related to the health of displaced persons, evening, we will spend our time engaged in formal
the work done in committee should strive toward debate. The writing of working papers should not
innovative solutions to the complex problems begin until after Thursday’s session concludes,
that we will explore. Delegates, therefore, should at the earliest. I will accept working papers
be able to demonstrate that they have conducted throughout Friday morning’s session (session
thorough research leading up to committee #2) and, based on the status of any outstanding
sessions on the medical and sanitary problems papers, possibly also into the beginning of session
facing displaced persons and how various #3 on Friday afternoon. There will likely be a
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 7

maximum number of working papers that I will signatories (and the later approval of over 100
accept, and I will communicate that number to more nations), the constitution of the World
you early on Friday. Our goal will be to introduce Health Organization stated the overarching goal
working papers during this third session on Friday of the body to be “the attainment by all peoples
afternoon, when signatories will be able to present of the highest possible level of health.”9 10 As this
their papers and answer questions from other mission statement suggests, the WHO handles
delegates. I will accept draft resolutions beginningall of the health-related issues that demand the
in the latter half of our fourth session (Saturday attention of the international community. It
morning) and ending toward the beginning of often works in conjunction with other UN bodies
our fifth session (Saturday afternoon). There will when such a collaboration becomes convenient,
be a maximum number of these accepted as well, advising its counterparts on health-related
and their introduction during the fifth session aspects of the broader issues that they are facing.
will also include presentations by signatories and Because so many of the problems posed to the
a Q&A. international community do indeed impact the
health of people around the world, the WHO
plays as active a role in global affairs as any of
History of the Committee its counterparts. Wars, human rights violations,
economic struggles, international crime, and so
On 7 April, 1948, a mere three years after the many other significant global crises bring about
founding of the United Nations, the World health-related concerns that fall inevitably under
Health Organization came into being as a UN the purview of the World Health Organization.
specialized agency. It is a member of the United Delegates should think about the work of
Nations Development Group.6 The organization’s the WHO in global affairs as falling into two
existence did not come without precedent; a categories: preventative and reactive. That is to
number of international health organizations, say that, in most important cases and especially
dating as far back as the mid 19th century, carried those which we will discuss in committee, the
out work similar to that of the WHO, albeit WHO seeks either to prevent the emergence of
on a smaller and usually more local scale. The health issues on a large scale or to respond to
International Sanitary Conferences, for instance, and control health-related situations that have
were a series of international conventions already arisen. In 1970, for instance, the WHO
beginning in 1851 which sought to prevent and launched its “Expanded Programme of Research,
control the spread of diseases in the wake of the Development, and Research Training in Human
cholera epidemic.7 The most direct predecessor Reproduction” as a campaign to improve access
to the WHO was the Health Organization of the to and education surrounding birth-control
League of Nations, established in 1919. Missions methods around the world.11 This step falls into
of this particular body included the prevention of the preventative category, as it strives to improve
diseases like malaria and leprosy, the promotion personal health practices so as to prevent future
of good nutritional and sanitary practices, and the issues related to reproductive wellness. On
standardization of biological and pharmaceutical the other hand, an example of a more reactive
terms.8 measure taken by the WHO would be its creation
Thanks in large part to the work done by these of UNAIDS, a UN body dealing with HIV/AIDS
predecessors and to the sponsorship of the newly meant to handle the global epidemic sparked by
formed United Nations, the WHO emerged as that disease.12 Other notable actions undertaken
a legitimate international force with a distinct by the WHO include the worldwide eradication of
mission in mind. With the backing of 59 smallpox (the last known case occurred in 1977),
the promotion of childhood vaccines against
8 World Health Organization

various illnesses, a program to raise awareness of Topic Area

the harmful effects of smoking and other lifestyle
choices, and efforts to reduce the mortality rate of According to the annual global trends study
mothers during childbirth.13 conducted by the United Nations Refugee
Additionally, the WHO organizes the World Agency, a staggering population of 70.8 million
Health Report, the World Health Survey, and individuals worldwide have been forcibly
World Health Day. The Health Report, published displaced from their homes as of 2018. 25.9
19

every year or two, investigates in detail various million of those are refugees, defined by the
issues with important implications for global United Nations as “someone who has been forced
health; past topics have included health systems to flee his or her 20 country because of persecution,
financing, the health of mothers and children, war, or violence.” Due to the fact that they now
and mental health.14 The survey, a joint effort reside, necessarily, outside of their own country,
between the WHO and 70 countries around the concern for the wellbeing of refugees in particular
world, collects important Health statistics and tends to fall into the hands of international bodies.
data from more than 300,000 individuals.15 The Another 41.3 million of those forcibly displaced
findings of this survey serve as a crucial source for are internally displaced people (often known as
researchers of global health issues and countless IDPs), whom the United Nations categorizes
other individuals and organizations. Finally, as “someone who has been forced to flee their
World Health Day is a chance for the WHO to home but never cross an international border.”
21

set aside one day every year for the promotion of Since IDPs remain citizens of their country of
awareness and education regarding a particular residence, their government is the preeminent
global health issue. “Global public health days body responsible for their welfare; however, in
offer great potential to raise awareness and nations with high IDP populations, government
understanding about health issues and mobilize instability or ineffectiveness can often be a
support for action, from the local community to contributing factor to the displacement in the
the international stage,” says the WHO.16 first place. Therefore international organizations
like the UN monitor the status of internally
The WHO is headquartered in Geneva, displaced people as well as refugees, working
Switzerland, but also includes six regional offices with or adjacent to the governments of IDPs to
in different areas around the world: Africa, offer aid. We live in a world where a person is
the Americas, East Asia, Europe, the Eastern forcibly displaced roughly every two seconds due
Mediterranean, and the Western Pacific. These to conflict or persecution; statistics like these only
regional bodies carry out the work of the larger underscore the tremendous need for national
organization on a smaller scale, in the member governments and international organizations
states which pertain to their respective regions.17 alike to do whatever possible to ensure a healthy
Furthermore, “more than 7000 people from more quality of life for these individuals.22
than 150 countries work for the Organization in
150 WHO offices in countries, territories and The forced displacement of people from their
areas, six regional offices, at the Global Service homes has existed for as long as phenomena like
Centre in Malaysia and at the headquarters in war, persecution, and natural disasters have existed
Geneva, Switzerland,” extending the reach of the — which is to say, throughout the entire history
international body to an even more local scale of human civilization. While the current quantity
throughout the world.18 of refugees and internally displaced people is
indeed concerning, it does not necessarily come
without precedent. Take, for example, World
War II, which brought about the displacement of
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 9

roughly 60 million individuals in Europe alone.23 is complex and varies widely based on specific
Instead of one earth-rattling event like a World circumstances, yet it might nonetheless be helpful
War bringing about large-scale displacement, the to introduce some important areas of concern
current population of refugees and IDPs find that will demand our focus in committee at
themselves fleeing their homes for various reasons HMUN. First, displaced persons often struggle
which vary region to region. Given the globalized to access the care that they require. A lack of
nature of our contemporary world, even when medical professionals, medications, technologies,
refugee crises spring up on local levels they tend equipment, or even suitable facilities can result
to have international implications. The actual in significant obstacles to displaced persons as
living conditions of displaced persons also vary they seek out treatment. This problem does not
widely depending on a number of circumstances. only affect refugees in camps, either; sometimes
2.6 million forcibly displaced individuals live in those who have emigrated to another nation or
official refugee camps, while millions more live even IDPs can struggle to access the benefits of
in informal dwellings of one sort or another.24 the healthcare system of the nation in which they
Additionally, many forcibly displaced people live reside. Another important and very common
in urban areas where they tend to have better access phenomenon negatively impacting communities
to healthcare, education, work opportunities, of displaced people is the rampant spread of
etc. Given this variance in circumstances under disease that comes as a result of inadequate living
which refugees and IDPs live, the UN and other conditions and poor sanitation. Without many
bodies attending to the needs of displaced people of the products and resources that most societies
logically need to respond differently to different around the world use to fight contagious diseases,
situations. keeping refugees healthy can be quite difficult.
Similarly, shortages of clean water and food
We will be focusing specifically on how the often lead to malnutrition among the displaced,
exacerbating pre-existing health problems and
even creating new ones. Additionally, critical
issues tied to the reproductive health of refugees,
especially the wellbeing of mothers, demand
the attention of the international community;
insufficient sexual education, limited availability
of safe sex supplies, and a lack of the medical
technologies required to support mothers during
and after childbirth all create problems for
displaced communities. Finally, a concern that
has only received international attention recently
is the litany of serious issues related to the mental
health of displaced persons, many of whom have
experienced violence or other trauma in their
A photo of a doctor and a refugee child
recent past.
Source: https://www.unrwa.org/sites/default/files/content/
While these are by no means the only issues at
news_articles/news_article_74796_30216_1489407502.
play, we will use them as general guidelines for
our discussion of this crucially important topic.
international community, and the WHO and Given the tremendous scale of the global refugee
its affiliates in particular, can attend to forcibly and IDP population, our ability to ensure
displaced people with regard to their health. The the wellbeing of displaced persons will have
set of health issues facing refugee communities tremendous implications around the world. At
10 World Health Organization

HMUN, it will be our responsibility to address all the exact health concerns that arise in camps vary
of these issues to the fullest extent possible, taking greatly depending on certain circumstances, many
a holistic approach to improving the health of the of the same diseases and deficiencies that plagued
displaced. refugees in the 1940s resemble those that affect
displaced people today. During this crisis, as in
many others, a large population of refugees arrived
History of the Problem
in newly organized camps already suffering from
As previously stated in this very background guide, illness or other problems; because several refugees
people have been displaced from their homes for had spent time in concentration camps or forced
any number of reasons since the dawn of human labor sites, their health was already in jeopardy.28
civilization. Just as war, political turmoil, economic Some of the most common diseases that plagued
crises, and natural disasters have plagued societies these displaced persons were dysentery, intestinal
again and again throughout history, so, too, have disorders, tuberculosis, and diphtheria, all of
people been forced repeatedly to leave their homes which still impact refugee communities today.29
behind and seek refuge elsewhere. While it is by The spread of disease was particularly widespread
no means the first refugee crisis in human history, at this time because displaced people tended not to
the displacement of around 60 million people as stay in one camp and one camp only; movement
a result of World War II represents something of of people, and therefore also illnesses, between
a turning point in the international community’s camps was actually common. Additionally, hunger
recognition of the problems of the displaced.25 caused serious problems for refugees, as access to
This moment marked the first time that an nutritious food was limited. Previous physical
international coalition took charge of the care of hardships coupled with this lack of resources
refugees, in many ways serving as precedent for the in the camps left many of the displaced people
existence of organizations like the United Nations in a dangerously weak state for long periods of
Refugee Agency, which would be founded in time. Finally, sexual health issues arose as well,
1950.26 Back in 1943, in order to deal with the particularly unexpected pregnancies in women
newly large population of displaced people in and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, a specialized agency due to a lack of treatments and preventative
of the UN took shape: the United Nations Relief measures.30
and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA).
Without delving into too much detail, it may
The primary responsibility of this organization
also be helpful to name some other notable
was administrative control over refugee camps,
refugee crises throughout history in order to give
and, interestingly enough, its preeminent concern
a bit of context. On a slightly unrelated note,
was the prevention of disease and the promotion
it should be said that researching these specific
of hygiene and nutrition among refugees.27
crises would be an excellent way to prepare for
The very nature of refugee camps tends to bring committee. The Israeli-Palestine conflict, raging
about health issues among their residents. When since 1948, has provoked a displacement crisis
people live in such close proximity without the in the Middle East. As a result, many in the
kinds of sanitary conditions or access to food, region live in cramped camps that lack basic
water, and medicine that typically exist in more infrastructure like roads and proper sewage
established cities and towns, it is only natural that systems.31 Moving forward chronologically, the
disease and malnutrition should be prevalent. Korean War displaced somewhere between 1
For some historical perspective on the issue, let and 5 million individuals in the 1950s, while
us look specifically on that particularly earth- the 1970s conflict in Vietnam brought about
shattering refugee crisis: World War II. While the relocation of some 3 million Vietnamese.32
In both cases, many refugees left not only their
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 11

homes but their countries altogether. From the century to improve the health of displaced people.
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 all the way Many of the changes and innovations brought
until the present day, large numbers of displaced about by these organizations have worked, and
people have emerged from the Afghanistan region some have not, but one fact remains: this problem
as well. A number of African nations including persists. The fact of the matter is that refugees still
Somalia, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic face significant health concerns that prior WHO
of the Congo saw displacement of citizens on a actions have not resolved. There is plenty of work
large scale during the 1990s as a result of bouts of still to be done by the international community
political upheaval. Around the same time Europe on behalf of displaced people. To prepare for
had its deadliest conflict since World War II in our assembly of WHO 2020, I would strongly
Yugoslavia, resulting in a significant refugee crisis encourage delegates to focus much of their research
of its own. Most recently, tremendous numbers on the prior work done by the WHO, the UN, and
of refugees have emerged from Middle Eastern other organizations with regard to the health of
nations such as Iraq and especially Syria, fleeing displaced people. By understanding these relevant
intense violence in the area. Health problems have actions and their outcomes, delegates will know
consistently affected displaced persons in each and what works, what does not work, and what issues
every one of these crises, with often catastrophic still need to be addressed by the international
effects on the wellbeing of the displaced. community. The ability to critique, alter, and
expand upon these prior efforts will be crucial in
The problem of the displacement of people is our quest to coordinate a stronger international
one which we almost cannot hope to resolve. infrastructure dedicated to the health of the
Situations arise again and again which create displaced. Now, in the paragraphs that follow, I
new refugee populations, and international will discuss a few of the most notable historical
bodies like the UN or the WHO have almost no instances of international action with regard to
ability to prevent them. With that said, it is the the health of displaced persons. In many cases, it
responsibility of the international community might be beneficial to say whether international
to handle these refugee crises to the best of their action succeeded or failed; however, given the
ability when they do inevitably arise. Your job as complex nature of the issue at hand, no action has
committee members of the WHO will be to equip really ever succeeded entirely or failed entirely per
those in charge of monitoring the wellbeing of se. That is to say that the work done by the WHO
refugees with concrete protocols, equipment and and others, to this point, has made strides toward
information that they can use to keep displaced better living conditions for refugees while still
persons as healthy as possible. History has given leaving plenty of room for future improvement.
us many examples of disease and malnutrition
taking the lives of people who have been forced I wrote previously in this background guide
to flee from their homes and who, under normal that the first refugee crisis that truly caught
circumstances, would not have succumbed to the attention of the world’s leaders came in the
maladies of this sort. One can only hope that the aftermath of World War II; while that remains
WHO can work to ensure that the future holds true, there were nonetheless a few internationally
a higher level of wellbeing in store for displacedcoordinated efforts to promote a higher level of
people that the past has offered to this point. health among refugees before the 1940s. The
violence and upheaval of World War I created its
own population of newly displaced people who
Relevant International Action grappled with health issues of their own, albeit
The World Health Organization, along with other on a smaller scale than the crisis that would
UN affiliates, have taken great steps in the past follow with the Second World War. In 1921, the
League of Nations, working with the guidance of
12 World Health Organization

the International Committee of the Red Cross, The WHO did indeed take steps to promote the
appointed a Norwegian humanitarian named health of the displaced in the years after that 1951
Dr Fridtjof Nansen to the position of High Convention, but it established the most explicit
Commissioner for Refugees; Nansen and his and effective frameworks for monitoring and
colleagues worked to provide international aid to attending to the health of refugees starting around
both refugees and internally displaced people.33 the turn of the century, in the 1990s. In 1997, for
Nansen and the Nansen International Office example, the WHO and the UNHCR explicitly
for Refugees, a body formed by the League of cemented their shared goals by laying out a number
Nations in 1931 after his death, actually found of mutually agreed upon objectives related to the
relative success in their work with refugees, even health of refugees. First and foremost, the two
winning a Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in organizations agreed to set their sights on reducing
1938. However, their work focused primarily on the rates of mortality, disease, and disability in
reintegrating refugees back into society by giving communities of displaced people. Additionally,
out small loans and helping the displaced to secure they hope to provide accessible health services,
work permits; they did not provide healthcare on which is to say that refugees should have access to
any large scale.34 healthcare that is readily available, affordable, and
effective. The development of global standards
The next great refugee crisis demanding a global related to sanitation and nutrition are also explicit
response came after World War II when its objectives of this partnership. These standards
displacement of roughly 60 million individuals would, hopefully, help to guarantee a certain
created innumerable problems in many areas baseline level of wellbeing for refugees wherever
of society, including global health. Just as the they end up, as long as there are cooperative
Second World War brought about the formation institutions around to help them. The final facet of
of the United Nations itself, it also sparked the this collaboration has to do with the reintegration
development of a critically important document of the displaced into functional roles in society:
for the international management of displaced the overarching goal of any program designed to
people: the 1951 Refugee Convention. This help refugees.36
document, which was ratified by 145 member
states, guides the work of the UN Refugee Agency In 2008, WHO member states voted to endorse a
and delineates the rights of the displaced. It also resolution focused on the health of migrants. Much
lays out the ways in which the international of this resolution deals with the responsibilities of
community is obliged to help refugees. The member states to make sure that their healthcare
convention very clearly states that “in the moral, systems are accessible to migrants.37 For example,
legal and material spheres, refugees need the help it calls for equitable access to healthcare for all
of suitable welfare services”35 and it calls upon migrants, and it also recommends that health
governments and “inter-governmental bodies” to professionals receive some training on the issues
make sure that the displaced have access to these that refugees commonly face and how to treat
services. This document did an excellent job of them effectively. Interestingly, the resolution also
calling upon governments to take care of the calls for “the reduction of the global deficit of
refugees who reside in their countries, but does health professionals,” acknowledging that there are
not do as much work to establish new institutions currently not enough trained healthcare providers
or coordinate the response of non-governmental to meet the demand posed by those in need, a
institutions to help refugees. In cases where group which included displaced people. This
displaced persons have no connection or, worse, is, in fact, a big part of the reason why refugees
an antagonistic relationship with the government often receive inadequate medical attention or no
of the place where they reside, seeking help from medical attention at all; this is the case because
the government might not be an option. there are simply not enough care providers to
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 13

meet the needs that the refugee population poses. of the action taken this point has consisted of
Other than the points mentioned, the rest of this fact-finding missions and recommendations for
resolution simply requests further exploration governments to change their own policies; the
into the health issues that plague refugees and practical impact that these efforts have had on the
the effectiveness of different approaches to health displaced persons is not as great as most
treating them. These clauses highlight another would like it to be. In WHO 2020 at HMUN,
important and surprising fact: that, even though I hope that you all can use the goals laid out by
the population of displaced people is so large, we international bodies, the information that they
still acknowledged that we knew so little about have gathered, and the policies that they have
the problems that they faced as recently as 2008. enacted as a jumping off point for your own work
on this complex topic.
Currently, the World Health Organization is
working on a new project which could have
huge implications for the health of displaced Categorizations/Frameworks/Definitions
people worldwide.38 In January 2017, at the The topic of this committee is broad and
140th session of the WHO executive board, the encompasses a wide range of issues, both directly
assembly requested that the WHO produce a health-related and otherwise. The breadth of
“framework of priorities and guiding principles the material under the umbrella of “Access
to promote the health of refugees and migrants,” to Healthcare for Displaced Persons” was an
which the organization would develop in intentional choice on my part; I think that it will
conjunction with the International Organization allow delegates to use their personal knowledge,
for Migration and the UNHCR. The early stages experiences, and interests to approach committee
of this project have primarily involved calls for in unique ways. With that said, delegates
member states and international bodies to share should come into our committee sessions with
any data, observations, or notable experiences a broad conception of what the terms “health”
related to the health of displaced people. As the and “healthcare” can mean. Think not only
“directing and coordinating body on international about access to doctors and medical treatments;
health work” the WHO faces the responsibility think about the myriad factors like education,
of compiling all of the information related to family structure, work opportunities, air and
refugee health gleaned by its member nations water quality, and so many other important
and using it to develop international frameworks. circumstances that can make a significant impact
The document that the WHO is developing, on the wellbeing of the displaced.
the “Global Action Plan to Promote the Health
of Refugees and Migrants,” explicitly names six Now, I also want to take the time in this section
to leave you all with an explicit definition of
distinct priorities for addressing issues of refugee
health. These include promoting refugee-sensitive what we will mean in committee when we talk
health policies, strengthening “health monitoring about “displaced people.” A displaced person
systems,” and reducing “mortality and morbidity” is somebody who has been forced to leave their
among refugees. I would encourage delegates to home by factors beyond their control like war,
political violence, natural disasters, persecution,
look at this document in detail, as it offers insight
into how the WHO is dealing with the same etc. A person who moves away from home
issues that we will discuss in real time. voluntarily, without extenuating circumstances,
will not qualify as a displaced person as we will
This account of prior international action should use the term in this committee. There are two
make it clear that, although definite progress has types of displaced people: internally displaced
been made toward improving the health standards people (IDPs) and refugees. Internally displaced
for refugees, a lot of work still lies ahead. Most persons have been forced to move away from their
14 World Health Organization

homes to live somewhere else, but they have not Before delving into issues related to the spread of
left their country of origin. Refugees, on the other disease among displaced people, it is important to
hand, have been forced out of their native country further understand the availability and effectiveness
altogether and make their home in a foreign of treatments given to the displaced for their
nation. Keeping these distinctions in mind will ailments. Let’s talk first about those migrants who
allow delegates to have a better understanding have settled in new cities or towns — in other
of the exact population we will be discussing in words, fully established communities and not
committee. refugee camps. According to studies conducted
by the WHO, some 86% of the forcibly displaced
population resides in developing nations.39 This
Subtopic A: Access to Care and fact should make some sense, as most of the
Controlling Disease countries that produce internal displacements
One of the most pervasive and most dangerous are developing nations, and furthermore several
issues to plague displaced persons around the world refugees who flee from dangerous situations in
is the rapid spread of disease throughout refugee their homeland emigrate to other developing
communities due to the circumstances in those nations that border their own. The problems
communities which facilitate this spread. Among that such a phenomenon creates can have adverse
displaced people, even more so than in typical city effects not only on the health of displaced people,
environments, it can be remarkably difficult to but even on the entire healthcare infrastructure of
treat and contain diseases; a big part of the reason the developing nation that treats them. Generally
why has to do with the fact that haphazard shelters speaking, many developing nations already
for the displaced often result in crowded living have understaffed, underfunded, or otherwise
conditions and lower sanitation standards. Those ineffectual healthcare systems. Look no further
who suffer from disease often find themselves for proof of healthcare discrepancies than the 36
struggling to recover quickly given the limited year life expectancy gap between the developed
availability of medications, food and drinkable nation of Japan and the developing nation of
water. In other words, the options for treatment Malawi; a child born in Malawi is expected to live
that many people living in cities and towns take for around 47 years, while a Japanese child has a
for granted are difficult for displaced persons to life expectancy of around 83 years.40 Additionally,
access. It is easy to visualize the shortcomings of low-income countries have roughly ten times
medical care in refugee camps, where traditional fewer physicians than high-income countries, and
hospitals or other medical facilities simply do when these low-income countries are hosting the
not exist and important medical and nutritious vast majority of the world’s displaced population
resources in general are scarce. However, this issue this shortage of doctors becomes an even greater
of inadequate treatment also affects displaced issue.
people who live in established cities if they find Several other factors limit displaced people’s
themselves in a country, even potentially their access to healthcare even in developed nations
own country, whose healthcare system does not as well. First, geographic barriers to healthcare
exactly welcome them with open arms. Even access often come into play with displaced people
when doctors are willing to treat refugees, many in particular. Given that displaced individuals
might be unfamiliar with the diseases that they seeking a new home rarely have much control
contracted in their country of origin if they come over the particular area where they end up, many
from a country with radically different health might find themselves situated a great distance
issues. away from healthcare facilities. Especially for those
who end up in rural areas, making the journey to
the nearest hospital may be no easy task. Since
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 15

so few refugees, especially those who recently left put them through the lengthy processes of identity
their home behind, have access to cars or other verification and asylum claims. Because these new
personal means of transportation, they are often migrants are not yet citizens of the country they
forced to rely on public transport which might have entered, they cannot access government-
not even exist in rural areas. As a result of these sponsored healthcare. To make matters worse,
geographic barriers, many displaced people are even in the places where paying for treatment
unable to easily access healthcare facilities at times out of pocket is an option, the high costs of
of need.41 Next come cultural barriers to healthcare care make this practice impossible for nearly all
access. Refugees who have come to another displaced persons. A big part of the reason why
country in search of asylum may have religious most countries do not offer universal healthcare
or other cultural objections to the healthcare to refugees has to do with fears surrounding the
practices of that foreign country that they have increase in healthcare expenditure that such a
entered. For example, Muslim refugees in need of practice would cause; while these concerns are
care may not be able to take certain medications indeed valid and costs overall likely would rise,
or receive other forms of treatment for religious studies show that increasing the accessibility
reasons; those who fast during Ramadan, for of treatment for the displaced would actually
example, may not be able to receive IV fluids in alleviate costs related to the emergency treatment
times of need because doing so would go against of things like strokes and heart attacks that
their beliefs.42 Additionally, certain cultures may could have been avoided with better preventative
prohibit the treatment of female patients by care.44 It is also in the best interests of these host
male doctors, or vice versa, thus further limiting countries to treat and vaccinate migrants in order
the availability of medical professionals. Even to guard against the potential spread of diseases
more prevalent than these other cultural barriers, through the population. Finally, the WHO even
language barriers can pose significant issues in the reports that exclusion from access to healthcare
provision of care when doctors and their patients can reinforce feelings of rejection and isolation
cannot communicate effectively; this issue affects that contribute to mental health problems in
populations of refugees in particular when they refugee communities.45
migrate to a nation where their language is not
spoken widely. Refugee camps in particular present greater barriers
to healthcare access for a few important reasons.
Another key barrier to healthcare access for First, they tend to be located in remote areas, thus
displaced people is the often astronomical exacerbating the effects of the geographic barriers
costs of treatment. Different countries have discussed previously. The lack of sufficient means
vastly different policies with regard to how of transportation to get from remote camps to
people pay for healthcare, so this impact of this cities with better facilities and resources prevents
issue varies significantly from place to place. most residents of refugee camps from accessing
According to the protocol of certain countries care beyond that which is immediately available
in the European Union in particular, asylum to them.46 Second, the limited power supply to
seekers can only access healthcare with serious refugee camps prohibits the usage of certain
limitations; in many places this access is limited medical technology and otherwise limits the
to emergency treatment, childbirth assistance, healthcare infrastructure that can be established.
and immunisation services.43 Furthermore, in The restrictions on power access provide just
most member countries of the Organization another obstacle for the already basic healthcare
for Economic Cooperation and Development, facilities in camp settings to provide adequate
the only refugees who can immediately access treatment. Finally, the problems with the most dire
important medical services are those who enter consequences for the health of displaced people
detention centers where government officials can living in camps stem from the very nature of the
16 World Health Organization

camps themselves. The population of refugee than half of Syrian refugee households in Jordan
camps can often grow at a pace that outstrips the contain at least one displaced person who suffers
availability of key resources. This problem affects from a non-communicable disease.49 This statistic
things like food and water supply in perhaps is especially troubling when one considers all of
the most obvious ways, but its effect on the the aforementioned barriers to medical treatment
accessibility of healthcare cannot be understated. that these refugees face. Refugees also tend to find
When the population of displaced people in a themselves at higher risk for conditions such as
place grows faster than the number of doctors anemia and adult-onset diabetes, diseases which
available or the size of the medical facilities, the create even more health issues in the displaced
quality of treatment, which is far from ideal to community which often do not receive sufficient
begin with, only continues to decline. To make treatment.
matters worse, the high mobility that exists in a
place where newly displaced people are constantly Since displaced people rarely receive the medical
arriving while some others have the opportunity attention that they need, they usually undergo
a disruption in immunization services; in other
to leave and reintegrate into society creates health-
related drawbacks of its own. The ongoing influx words, displaced people are generally more
of new refugees means an influx of new injuries, susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases than
new diseases, and new victims of trauma who need their peers because many of them have not received
immediate treatment. At the same time, most of the necessary vaccines to stay healthy. A 2013
those who are able to leave camps do so because polio outbreak in Syria, the first appearance of the
they are healthy and otherwise capable enough of disease in that region in 15 years, caused a stir in
reentering society. Thus, camps fall victim to thisneighboring countries where it had previously been
phenomenon by which healthy people moving eradicated.50 Likewise, outbreaks of measles across
out are often replaced by newly displaced people Syria, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon indicated the
suffering from new ailments. possibility of near-eradicated diseases popping up
in refugee populations where many victims had
Aside from these issues that prevent displaced not received necessary vaccines.
people from accessing adequate healthcare, certain
circumstances that exist in camp settings create International action to increase the availability of
environments where disease can spread more healthcare for refugees and to control the spread of
quickly and widely than in a typical community. diseases in camps has taken several forms and has
Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis met with varying degrees of success, but the fact
have been known to infect significant refugee remains that none of it has managed to provide
populations due to the ease with which they any true solution to these problems. Certain
spread from person to person in camps.47 Lacking countries have taken action on a domestic level
any strong sewage infrastructure, refugees living as well to cope with the influx of displaced people
in camps must instead use makeshift latrines in need of medical attention. Germany, home to
which can become hotbeds for the spread of one of the world’s largest refugee populations, has
communicable diseases. Diarrheal disease in started outpatient services designed specifically
particular can move quickly among the residents for refugees in a number of major cities. These
51

of a given camp because of overcrowding and efforts have, generally speaking, been successful
generally unsanitary conditions.48 The harsh in improving the accessibility of care. The United
living conditions in refugee camps, coupled with States government has a branch called the Office
poor nutrition of most displaced persons resulting for Refugee Resettlement, which provides some
from a lacking food supply, can often result in limited funding for the healthcare of refugees
the development of non-communicable diseases and works to connect them with the doctors and
as well. In fact, one study reports that more facilities they need.52
The United Nations High
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 17

Commissioner for Refugees has codified a set of living conditions in camps as well. What
standards for the setup and function of refugee sanitation standards could build upon existing
camps to promote a higher level of health in a frameworks? Who should be in charge of
manual called WASH (Water, Sanitation and monitoring the wellbeing of camp residents,
Hygiene); any refugee camp run by a UN-affiliate and how should this monitoring take place?
now must comply with these standards.53 Finally, What steps can be taken to reduce the spread
the WHO’s Global Action Plan for the health of diseases? How can we make vaccines
of refugees and migrants contains a number more accessible? These questions, and the
of directives which should, pending successful innumerable others related to this facet of our
implementation, improve the health conditions topic, should be at the forefront of delegates’
in camps as well. An entire section of the plan minds as they prepare for committee.
is dedicated to laying out standards for the Of all the subtopics we will inevitably cover in
education of medical professionals with regard our committee sessions, this one has perhaps
to working with migrants, while another seeks to the most critical impact on the physical
ensure that nations around the world adopt more wellness of displaced people. Disease is
refugee-friendly healthcare policies to make care the leading cause of death among displaced
more accessible.
people worldwide, and with proper healthcare
In the assembly of the WHO at HMUN 2020, infrastructure in place, many of the disease-
it will be your job to consider some possible related deaths in refugee or IDP communities
next steps that could improve displaced could be prevented. The options for how we
people’s access to care and the sanitary can deal with this problem are endless, so I
conditions in refugee camps. Using this hope delegates will come to HMUN with open
background information and the two short minds and creative ideas for solutions. No one
case studies that follow in addition to your delegation could ever come close to putting
own independent research, you should develop together a comprehensive solution to this issue,
a solid understanding of the problems at so collaboration will be key. By sharing and
play in order to start brainstorming potential refining ideas and knowledge, I am hopeful
solutions. Given the high percentage of that members of this committee will be able to
displaced people living in developing nations, handle this complex global topic thoughtfully
delegates may think about healthcare policies and effectively.
that they can implement in these countries,
Case Study A: Barriers to Healthcare for
or about resources that they could distribute
Refugees in Malaysia
there. Delegates should also consider possible
ways to break down some of the barriers to Malaysia is home to around 175,000 refugees
healthcare access that have been mentioned and asylum-seekers, the majority of whom have
in this section. How might we circumvent come to the country from nearby Myanmar.54
geographic barriers that keep displaced people Other significant refugee populations have
from accessing healthcare? What kind of come to Malaysia from Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Yemen and Syria.55 Rather than living in camps,
training practices or professional guidelines
these displaced people reside primarily in urban
could improve the cultural sensitivity of
environments where they nonetheless encounter
doctors? How could we go about making
many of the same health and lifestyle problems
quality care more affordable? How can we
that tend to plague refugee shelter communities.
reconcile international standards with the
Beyond any health issues picked up in their
vastly different healthcare systems of various potentially treacherous voyages to Myanmar
countries? Delegates should work to improve
 18 World Health Organization

from their home nations, certain circumstances failed to totally resolve the issue. Certain language
in the urban centers where displaced people and cultural barriers remained problematic
reside exacerbate pre-existing conditions and even and impacted the quality of care that refugees
introduce new ones into the displaced population. received. Furthermore, due to the refugees’ lack of
These harmful circumstances include severe legal resident status, the options available to them
overcrowding, food shortages, limited access to for healthcare and other necessary resources for
clean water, poor sanitary practices, and poverty wellbeing were restricted.
caused by the inability of most refugees to find
work. A 2015 study conducted in Malaysia by the
UNHCR reveals the harmful consequences of
Malaysia in particular presents a difficult these barriers to healthcare access. 26.7% of
environment for refugees to enter, as it poses even refugees suffering from chronic conditions —
more barriers to healthcare access, job access, and like, for example, Type 2 Diabetes — did not
other important opportunities than other refugee- receive treatment for their conditions. No refugee
accepting nations. The government policy of suffering from a condition like these should
Malaysia prohibits undocumented immigrants, have to live untreated, never mind one in four.
including the majority of the refugee population, Even more troubling, 44.6% of pregnant refugee
from being able to access legal employment, public women reported problems accessing antenatal
healthcare, and public education.56 The result of services. In both of these cases, the reported
this political environment is a situation in which reasons for problems in accessing healthcare vary,
refugees cannot access many of the resources but they tend to touch upon the same few themes
necessary to their wellbeing and successful time and time again. High costs for care stood
integration into society. Furthermore, Malaysia was out as perhaps the most common complaints,
not a state party of the 1951 Convention Relating to while geographic barriers, language barriers,
the Status of Refugees and did not sign on to abide and cultural differences also emerged as areas of
by the convention’s 1967 protocol on the treatment concern.
of refugees. Therefore, its government does not have
any obligation to follow international guidelines The most common health problems that manifest
regarding the condition of refugees. Consequently, themselves in the refugee population of Malaysia
the United Nations and similar international are communicable diseases, issues related to
bodies have little authority over the behavior of the childbirth, malnutrition, and mental health
Malaysian government towards refugees. disorders. The majority of these issues are treatable
given the right medical professionals and resources,
Nevertheless, in 2005 the UNHCR successfully but barriers to access often prevent this treatment
negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with from coming to pass. Beyond the barriers already
the Malaysian Ministry of Health under which mentioned, a lack of healthcare literacy among
refugees would receive a 50% discount on the refugees also prevents many displaced people
foreigners’ rate at public healthcare facilities. This from seeking out the care that they need. Some
measure marked a small success for international refugees lack awareness of their right to healthcare.
intervention in Malaysia, but its impact left Others simply don’t understand the kinds of
something to be desired, as refugees still were treatments that they ought to seek out, and
often faced with prohibitively high out-of-pocket cannot find helpful information given language
costs. next , in 2014, the UNHCR joined forces and educational barriers. As a result, refugees
with a private insurance provider in Malaysia to often rely on members of their own displaced
create a health insurance program called REMEDI community for medical advice, a practice which
designed to lower healthcare costs for refugees and usually fails to bring about desirable healthcare
remove barriers to access. Yet even this new program outcomes.
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 19

Fortunately, the implementation of a few Subtopic B: Access to Food and Water

key policies in Malaysia could likely make a
tremendous impact on the wellbeing of refugees With the conclusion of our exploration of
and their access to healthcare. Programs to increase disease treatment and containment in refugee
health literacy and make medical information communities, we can move now onto different
more readily accessible would improve the ability problems facing displaced people in various parts
of refugees to identify health problems and seek of the world: malnutrition and dehydration. The
out help in the proper places. Furthermore, the majority of refugee camps do not have enough food
employment of interpreters in medical facilities to provide to all of their residents, with the result
would go a long way towards reducing the impact that many refugees find themselves experiencing
of language barriers which can impede refugees hunger on a fairly consistent basis. Furthermore,
abilities to receive adequate care. Besides just many of these same camps rely almost entirely on
interpreters, increased sensitivity in the healthcare humanitarian and international aid to generate
system to the culture of refugees could improve the food supply that they do have, meaning that
the quality of care as well. Finally, in order to their stockpile of food can be volatile depending
make healthcare more affordable and immediately on the willingness and ability of those on the
accessible to refugees, some serious changes will outside to help. Given the temporary nature
need to be made to Malaysian policies. Ideally, of refugee camps, it is rare for residents and
the public healthcare system should become more organizers to establish any long-term food source
inclusive of undocumented refugees in need of in the area, such as any farming infrastructure;
care. however, at the same time, the lack of reliable food
supply means that camps find themselves unable
This brief study of barriers to healthcare access in to rely on consistent sustenance, suffering from
Malaysia should give you a more concrete idea unforeseen bouts of hunger with no plans for how
of how these issues can affect refugees in the real to cope with them. This, then, is the paradox that
world. As we have seen, refugees find themselves plagues refugees living in camps. Camps are not
untreated in an environment like Malaysia where designed as permanent living spaces with long-
public healthcare is theoretically available, but term food supply in mind, but refugees often live
inaccessible in practice. Studying specific cases in them for too long to get by on the provisions of
like these will allow delegates to understand these international actors without experiencing periods
issues on a microcosmic level and apply their of hunger.57
knowledge of those situations to the global scale.
Which barriers to healthcare access seem unique Studies have consistently shown that
to Malaysia? Which barriers likely affect refugees malnourishment among refugees is indeed a
around the world? How can the international serious problem. The UNHCR recommends that
community affect change in a country like a refugee receive at least 2,100 calories worth of
Malaysia with policies that make it difficult to food every day, but this is a standard that camps
help refugees? Thinking about the answers to frequently fail to meet. In 2006, for instance,
these questions in light of this case study will be the amount of food distributed daily in refugee
very helpful in preparation for our committee camps in Tanzania was only 1,460 calories per
sessions, since many of the same steps that would person, on average.58 Falling so short of the
help refugees in Malaysia would have similarly desirable level of food consumption can have
positive impacts in nations worldwide. devastating effects on the displaced populations,
especially those who already find themselves
weaker or sicker than normal. Back in 1987, a
study conducted in a large refugee camp on the
border between Thailand and Cambodia found
20 World Health Organization

that around 30% of the population there suffered crucial sustenance during an important period
from chronic malnourishment. Even when of physical development. For children especially
refugees do receive the amount of food that they missing out on important nutrients can impact
need to prevent hunger, sometimes not all of that not only their current health but their health
food is consumed. Interestingly enough, certain years into the future. When a child suffers
recipients of food rations sell a portion of those malnourishment at a young age, he or she may
rations for non-edible goods or services. Thus experience a phenomenon known as “stunting,”
a portion of the food which these people need which occurs when childhood dietary deficiencies
in order to maintain a high level of health can prevent a person from undergoing proper
go uneaten, either because their camp does not physical development. This problem exists in any
have it in the first place or because they choose to situation where children are malnourished, but
prioritize other goods. since refugee children in particular tend to lack
access to proper food, it exists on a larger scale
Quantity of food is not the only issue, either. in displaced communities. In several regions of
Since food supply is so restricted in the first place, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where
there is often little to no variety in the types of displaced populations are highest, as many as one
foods that are provided to displaced people. As in three children are stunted.60 Other nutritional
a result, the diets of most refugees are lacking in deficiencies can affect children in other ways, too.
important vitamins and nutrients that simply Chronic shortages of vitamin A, for example, can
don’t appear in the foods that they have access lead to severe eye problems and even blindness.
to. In situations when the deficiencies of these
vitamins and minerals become severe enough, Women also fall victim to severe effects of
they can even cause harmful diseases that further malnutrition at rates higher than men. Since
impact the health of the displaced. A lack of iron women carry and give birth to children and
can cause anemia, while a lack of vitamin C can then assume responsibility for the breastfeeding
cause scurvy, and shortages of other nutrients of those children, malnutrition can significantly
can cause all kinds of other ailments as well. One impact them during those periods of pregnancy
reason for the nutritional shortcomings of a lot of and post-childbirth when their health is already
the food that refugees receive as rations has to do in a volatile state. Anemia stemming from iron
with the food’s supposed “energy content,” which deficiencies is responsible for the deaths of
corresponds to the amount of calories the food hundreds of thousands of mothers every year as it
contains. The UNHCR guidelines for rations have can cause severe complications during childbirth.
already been mentioned: 2,100 calories of food Additionally, stunting can play a major role
each day. It is worth noting that these guidelines in causing obstructed labor, another common
make no mention of the specific vitamins and reason for the maternal deaths. The importance
minerals that these rations of food ought to of nutrition for women is not limited to mothers,
include. Therefore, providers of food to refugees either. Studies show that girls who are well-
often overlook nutritional content because they nourished are more likely to stay in school and
are so focused on meeting the “energy quota” of exercise more control over their life decisions.61
2,100 calories.59 Anti-female biases can also result in women
receiving smaller rations of food than men, which
Malnutrition has particularly harmful effects on of course results in further nutrition-related
children. First of all, mothers of recently born problems for these women.
children may find themselves unable to breastfeed
their infants should they themselves become Thus far, this subtopic has focused primarily
malnourished. Thus not only do the mothers on displaced people living in refugee camps,
suffer from hunger, but the children miss out on but refugees living and IDPs living in urban
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 21

environments can fall victim to dietary a high risk of contamination when clean water
shortcoming as well. Some of these refugees is not stored or handled properly. When water
rely on rations or other forms of humanitarian comes into contact with unclean vessels or even
aid just like their counterparts in camps. For human hands it can pick up harmful bacteria that
these particular displaced people, many of the can cause disease in anybody who consumes it.
same problems that affect camps come into Another important facet of water supply in camps
play, including a general shortage of food and has to do with the ease of accessing water. The
the poor nutritional quality of the food that is difficulties created by a water source that may not
given. For those who do not receive food as a be easily accessible are less obvious than those
part of any aid package, the poverty that plagues created by sanitary concerns, but their impact is
many recently resettled refugees limits the food just as great. First off, traveling long distances to
that they are able to buy. Generally speaking, retrieve water can be extremely difficult or even
nutritional food is more expensive than what impossible for the sick, the injured, the elderly,
we might call “junk food,” and buying enough and anyone else with physical impairments.
to constitute a balanced diet is even more costly. When the accessibility of water is limited, the
Since many displaced people are unemployed or physically weakest of the displaced people become
underemployed and living in countries where they even more reliant on outside aid in a situation
cannot access unemployment benefits because of where such aid is already lacking; often the result
their citizenship status, income for food is scarce. of such a situation is certain less able members of
The result is that many displaced people living in the refugee community failing to receive sufficient
cities or towns suffer from problems related to water. Second, a long trip to retrieve water quite
dietary shortcomings, just like those who live in simply takes up a lot of time that displaced people
camps. could be using more efficiently. Those who work
or otherwise perform some function within the
Clean water, like food, is an absolutely crucial camp often have to stop their labor to go get
resource for human life. The UNHCR has a water. Similarly, children who are responsible for
quota for how much water people should have securing their family’s water miss out on large
access to as well: 20 liters per person per day. chunks of schooling when they have to trek to
Not all of this water is for drinking — some the water source. For these reasons the UNHCR
of it would be used for cooking, bathing, etc. recommends that all households be within 200
Regardless, the UNHCR estimated that fewer meters of a water tap, but many refugee camps
than half of the world’s refugee camps actually fail to comply with these guidelines. In a 2009
meet this quota for water supply. The result has study of Uganda for example, researchers found
been not only issues of dehydration, but also that only 43% of households were within 200
the prevalence of diseases that come about when meters of a tap.64
the water being used is not sanitary. A 2005
study of a refugee camp in Kenya found that The international community has taken action on
there were significantly fewer cases of cholera this issue many times over the years because, as
in households with sufficient water supply than the main supplier of food and water, international
those with limited supply. 62 Likewise, similar organizations find themselves quite literally
studies conducted in Kenya and Ghana found keeping refugees alive. It would be impossible to
higher rates of diarrhea in refugee households that list off the innumerable different plans to supply
received insufficient water.63 Further issues arise displaced people with food, but it may be helpful
when the already limited water supply is unclean; for delegates to research some recent examples
unsanitary water can cause severe diseases. Some of action in order to grasp how these plans are
of the water that brings about health problems carried out. In spite of their consistent action,
may be contaminated already, but there is also the UN and its affiliates have not reached any
22 World Health Organization

sort of long term solution to this problem. What answers to these questions and the many others
they have achieved is the establishment of certain that this subject raises.
international standards for sanitation and water
supply; the most notable of these is the UNHCR’s Case Study B: The Meheba Refugee Camp
WASH programs (WASH stands for Water,
Sanitation and Hygiene). The WASH programs All of the statistics and general situational
“ensure the delivery of water and sanitation
services to millions of people in camps, outside
of camps and in urban settings,” according to the
UNHCR.65 In preparing for committee, delegates
should research guidelines like these for water and
food provisions and sanitation, as well as looking
into innovative new technologies and plans that
could make an impact on the supply of clean
water and food for the displaced.
Like the prevention and treatment of disease, the
supply of food and clean water has an immediate
life-or-death impact on the wellbeing of refugees.
As we have seen, this issue is more complex The Meheba Refugee Camp
than one might initially think. A great number Source: https://images.jg-cdn.com/image/aae3b4a5-83a4-
of factors can impact the successful provision of
food and water to refugee communities, including descriptions given above should indicate the scale
a scarcity of resources, poor sanitation, and of the problem as well as its causes and effects, but
inequitable distribution. In committee, delegates looking at the following case study will allow us to
should attempt to look at this issue from all of observe the successes and failures of the solutions
these logistical angles, working to put together attempted in one camp. This brief study will focus
comprehensive solutions that can ensure that on the Meheba camp in Zambia, a long-standing
refugees receive a sufficient quantity of nutritious community that has become more of a permanent
food and clean water. In terms of preparation for home for refugees than a traditional temporary
this aspect of our discussion, I would recommend camp. Established in 1971, Meheba initially
researching the various actions taken by domestic opened as a place of refuge for displaced persons
and international players in the past regarding fleeing Angola during that country’s revolution
supplying food and water for refugees; this against the Portuguese.66 Later, in the 1990s, the
research can give you a solid idea of the sorts of community began receiving refugees from other
plans that tend to work and those that tend to nearby countries, including the Democratic
fail. A number of key questions should guide your Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. Since
preparation for this particular topic. What is the then, it has grown even larger, peaking with a
most sustainable source of food for refugees? Who population of around 120,000 refugees from
should be in charge of providing it? What delivery nations around Zambia.
mechanisms are the most effective for getting food
and water to refugees? What storage mechanisms The essential characteristic that sets Meheba apart
are the most sanitary? How can we go about from most typical refugee camps is the fact that
making the food that refugees have access to more many of its residents stay there for a long time,
nutritious? I hope that the resolutions drafted in even permanently. The result is less a haphazard
committee will provide thoughtful and creative camp and more an established community.
As a result of the continuity of population and
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 23

structures, refugees at Meheba do not have to rely walking distance of every individual part of the
entirely on international aid for their sustenance. community. Since Meheba has been around
In fact, most households engage in agriculture as a for longer than most refugee camps ever are, its
source of food and even income. Each household infrastructure has developed to a higher level
is given 6.2 acres of land on which they may grow than what most camps can achieve. As a result,
whatever crops they want. While the refugees issues of water cleanliness and supply tend not
living at Meheba still do receive rations from the to be crucial areas of concern for the residents of
UNHCR, the food that they themselves grow acts Meheba. The spread of disease through the water
as a nutritional supplement. The benefits of such is also better controlled with this infrastructure in
a system are important, as the ability for refugees place, as residents are not sharing the same one
to grow their own foods not only creates more central water source and instead using individual
balance in their diet (which now includes more pumps.
fruits and vegetables) but it also affords them a
sense of autonomy that they don’t have when they The Meheba settlement’s successes and failures
rely totally on humanitarian handouts. have very interesting implications for displaced
communities around the world. Obviously it
Nonetheless, problems arise in this system as well. would not be feasible to house all displaced
First of all, even though refugees are given plots people in semi-permanent communities like
of land that they can use for farming, most are this one, given the logistical hurdles at play.
not given the necessary tools or seeds to farm Nonetheless, some of the ideas introduced into
effectively. Furthermore, without an educational Meheba could give us insight into possible
system in place to teach these refugees proper changes that the international community could
farming practices, many go about their work the introduce into other refugee camps. For example,
wrong way. The result of these shortcomings is a it would be interesting to consider how a similar
group of refugees who have land at their disposal farming infrastructure could be implemented on
but lack the tools and knowledge to use it to its a larger scale. Is this something that could work
fullest potential. Some also complain about poor in temporary refugee settlements? How could
soil quality, a more or less unavoidable geographic we improve its implementation in Meheba? In
obstacle that poses yet another problem for general, we should consider whether or not it
refugees looking to farm. Finally, the very nature would be in the best interest of the international
of agricultural work constitutes an unbearable community to encourage the formation of
burden for physically weak refugees. The elderly more long-term settlements like Meheba. How
and sick among the displaced lack the physical might the WHO and other UN organizations
abilities necessary for farming work, preventing facilitate the growth of communities like this
them from reaping the benefits that their more one? Delegates should use this case study and
capable peers can, unless they rely on the work their other research to think about why some
of a family member to grow food for them. refugee camp plans succeed while others fail; it
Additionally, women become more reliant on will inform their development of guidelines for
their husbands under this system, as it is typically future communities of displaced people.
the men who perform the physical labor required
for farming.
Subtopic C: Mental Health
The more permanent nature of the Meheba
As the international community has become
community conveys other important benefits
more aware of the causes and effects of mental
upon its displaced residents as well. With regard
health issues across the general population, so too
to the problem of water tap proximity, clean
have they become more aware of the tremendous
water pumps have been installed over time within
24 World Health Organization

impact that these issues can have among displaced increase in prevalence from 1 to 2 percent up
people. In its 1996 manual on the mental health to 3 to 4 percent in populations which have
of refugees, the WHO wrote that even more experienced trauma. Beyond the sometimes
displaced people suffer from mental illness than devastating immediate impact that these disorders
from physical ailments as a result of the traumatic can have on a population of displaced people who
situation that forced them out of their home. The already face undue burdens, the effects of trauma-
consequences of mental health problems, while inspired mental illness can sometimes last for
sometimes less obvious than the effects of disease years after the inciting incident that caused it.
or injury, can last a lifetime and even influence the Take, for instance, the population of Cambodians
wellbeing of the families of a person suffering.67 who witnessed the genocide in their country led
Studies have found that somewhere between 50 by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s; many of those
and 90 percent of displaced children suffer from Cambodians still suffer mental health problems
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While as a direct consequence of this event now, over
the wide range of percentages comes from the 40 years later.70 Therefore, these mental health
lack of certainty associated with most studies disorders do not only affect a few refugees in
of mental health, especially in children, the the immediate aftermath of the trauma that
takeaway is clear: more than half of displaced they experienced; they affect massive portions of
children suffer from PTSD.68 Furthermore, displaced populations stretching across gender
in its “Mental Health Action Plan” the WHO divides, racial divides, cultural divides, and even
stated that conditions including homelessness generational divides. Even beyond the initial
and inappropriate incarceration befall those trauma that causes mental illness in a group of
who are suffering from mental health disorders displaced individuals, ongoing problems like
more commonly than those who are not; since unemployment, cultural alienation, disruption of
displaced people suffer mental illness at higher education, and xenophobia cause mental health
rates than their non-displaced counterparts, it concerns to persist or even get worse over time in
follows that these same issues plague the refugee the absence of adequate treatment. As so-called
population in particular. The most common risk “invisible illnesses,” regarded as such because so
factors for the development of mental illness in little is known about how to diagnose or treat
displaced people include violence or trauma, a mental health problems compared to other
delayed asylum application process, detention, diseases, mental disorders often leave their mark
and the loss of cultural or governmental support on displaced populations without the presence
systems. Unfortunately, these are common of effective treatment options or even strong
problems for refugees, so it should make logical preventative measures to combat their effects.
sense that a high prevalence of risk factors such
as these will lead to a high prevalence of mental Rape and sexual assault are two fairly common
health problems. traumas inflicted upon displaced individuals,
primarily women and girls. These attacks can
The most commonly diagnosed mental health occur in the displaced people’s native country
disorders among displaced people are depression, before their flight (or causing it), and they can
post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized also occur within refugee communities in camp
anxiety disorder.69 Studies have shown that the settings or even during the flight from their home
likelihood of developing a common mental country itself. In either case, the event brings
disorder like depression, anxiety, or PTSD about severe mental trauma in the victim which
increases from an initial baseline of 10 percent in turn can result in serious ongoing mental
up to 15 to 20 percent among crisis-affected conditions or even suicide. Per international
communities. Similarly, severe mental disorders agreements, it is the responsibility of every
such as psychosis and debilitating depression government around the world to work to prevent
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 25

diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B

rape and to punish it when it does occur; however, given
and C. Drug use and alcoholism even increase
the unique situation of displaced people and the lack of
the social alienation of refugees and internally
governmental recognition that many of them receive, rape
displaced people and additionally contribute
can become more prevalent in displaced communities.71
to the stigma surrounding them in certain
As with many other psychologican conditions affecting
less hospitable countries. Barriers specifically
refugees, mental diseases stemming from the trauma of
preventing displaced people from accessing
rape or sexual assault oftne go untreated, perhaps even
mental healthcare are particularly plentiful and
moreso than aforementioned disorders like depression
often almost insurmountable. Of these, one of
and anxiety. A big part of the reason why is that, due to
the most complex and difficult to overcome is
feelings of shame and other social factors, many victims
the displaced people’s fear of being stigmatized
of rape, both male and female, fail to report the event.
by their own community. In one study conducted
Clearly if a person does not report his or her rape, it
in Switzerland that asked refugees about their
would be virtually impossible to provide them with
biggest obstacles to accessing mental healthcare,
the psychological treatment they need to cope with the
66.4% of them listed fear of stigmatization as an
trauma. This widespread issue, an important cause of
important reason for their lack of treatment.73 In
mental health disorders in women especially, needs to be
many displaced communities, mental illness is not
addressed by the international community because it has
viewed as the very real medical issue that it is; a
not adequately been addressed by anyone else.
stigma exists surrounding mental health problems
Rape and sexual assault tend to be significant causes of that not only dissuades these refugees from
mental illness and trauma in displaced people; substance seeking help, but even discourages them from
abuse and addiction, on the other hand, tend to be admitting that the problem exists in the first place.
symptoms of mental illness. Beyond just the displaced In cultures where mental health struggles may be
population, alcohol and illicit drug use caused around seen as signs of weakness instead of valid medical
five million deaths around the world in 2010.72 Studies concerns, many suffering people forego treatment
suggest that these issues and their health consequences due to fears of alienation from their communities.
are actually more prevalent among forced migrants than Another important (and somewhat related) barrier
among others for a few important reasons. First of all, to mental healthcare among displaced people is a
most displaced people are fleeing traumatic situations general distrust of psychiatry as a valid medical
in their native country where they may have witnessed practice. This negative opinion on the practice of
extreme violence or even the deaths of loved ones; some treating mental health disorders both keeps some
of these very people turn to substance abuse as a means refugees from turning to them for help and also
of coping with their trauma. Second, many migrants contributes to the stigma surrounding those who
experience personal difficulties throughout the process do seek them out. Furthermore, many displaced
of assimilation into a new culture which can also lead to people are simply unaware of the important
higher rates of drug and alcohol usage. This particular options for mental healthcare that might be
phenomenon can be especially devastating in situations available to them. Without someone to direct
where refugees migrate from a country where drugs and them to mental healthcare services, a number
alcohol are hard to come by to a place where they are of refugees would never know to seek them out
commonplace. Finally, marginalization, discrimination, in the first place. Finally, many displaced people
economic hardships, and xenophobia can all inspire who have already experienced mistreatment by
mental health issues in displaced people, sometimes authorities and a general sense of powerlessness
leading indirectly into the use of drugs and alcohol as fear those same things should they seek
a coping mechanism. To make this issue even more professional medical help. Some have reported
devastating, its impact on the health of displaced people a fear of discrimination by caregivers, while
also creates indirect ripple effects. For example, substance others have stated involuntary hospitalization as
abuse can inspire increased levels of violence, including
domestic abuse, within refugee communities. It has
also been linked to the increased spread of infectious
26 World Health Organization

a legitimate concern. Additionally, some refugees UNHCR, as over 5.6 million since 2011 people
have even expressd worries about potentially have fled Syria due to the conflicts in that country.76
being penalized for documented mental illness Another 6.6 million have been internally displaced
in asylum applications. Without a trustworthy in that same window of time. Of those refugees
source to dispel these fears, some refugees just who have actually left the country, the majority
avoid professional treatment altogether. have entered neighboring nations including, most
notably, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. UNICEF
All in all, while mental health difficulties may not has reported that almost half of the Syrian refugee
be the most obvious or the most deadly health population is composed of children under the
issues facing displaced people, the reality is that age of 18, in many cases traveling or residing
they are widespread and powerful enough to without their parents.77 These refugees, like many
make a significant negative impact on displaced others, are fleeing from a place where war-related
communities around the world.74 Besides, they traumas were widespread. Things like extreme
are also among the health issues that refugees violence, rape, torture, and the deaths of loved
receive treatment for least often due to the ones have affected large numbers of refugees,
power of the barriers to access. To this point, leaving them to cope with the horrible things
international action on this particular issue has they were subjected to. Furthermore, once Syrian
yet to find significant success on a large scale. refugees arrive in their new host countries the
Few countries and refugee camps make mental stress-inducing factors rarely go away. Many live
healthcare a top priority because its effects are in situations where they have been separated from
less visible but just as devastating. In preparing their families for any number of reasons. Several
for conference, delegates should consider a few others live in severe poverty, struggling to find
possible sources of action for handling the issue work and even to afford food and shelter. Among
of the mental health of refugees. How could refugees, vulnerability to things like gender-based
the international community work to get rid of violence, exploitation, early marriage, and social
the stigma surrounding mental health disorders alienation is increased.
in displaced communities? How can we raise
awareness of treatment options and mental health For Syrian refugees migrating to Europe in
in general among the displaced? What options particular, struggles with social integration have
do we have for limiting substance abuse? How been linked with lower health-related quality
do we help survivors of rape and sexual assault? of life and more severe symptoms for those
How can treatment become more accessible suffering from mental disorders like anxiety
overall? Due to the complexity of the problems and PTSD. Conversely, studies have found that
in play, any solutions that delegates put forth inrefugees suffering from mental illness have had
conference will require a high level of creativitymore difficulties integrating into society than
and sophistication as well. I look forward to their peers because of the symptoms that those
seeing the innovative ideas that you all bring to illnesses present. The Syrian refugee crisis also
committee, and hope to make significant progress differs from many large-scale refugee crises
toward gaining insight into this important issue in the past in that the majority of the refugees
about which far too little is known. ` are living in urban environments rather than
traditional camp settings. In the countries like
Case Study C: Mental Healthcare for Syrian Jordan. Turkey, and Lebanon where so many of
Refugees in Europe and the Middle East the refugees from Syria reside the healthcare and
governmental infrastructures of those nations
Ongoing violence and political upheaval in Syria poses humanitarian problems very different
has brought about the displacement of tremendous than those created in camps. Mental healthcare
numbers of Syrians since 2011.75 According to the is already inadequate in these three countries for
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 27

their own citizens, so of course refugees also cannot WHO launched the mental health Gap Action
receive the help that they need from the lackluster Programme in 2008, focusing on improving
mental health services there. The WHO reported the quality of mental healthcare in developing
that, in 2011, government spending on mental countries.78 One important implementation
health as a percentage of their total health budget of this program is the practice of task-shifting,
ranged from around 2% in Syria and Egypt to whereby tasks that traditionally could only be
about 5% in Lebanon; compared to the 11% that performed by highly specialized individuals can
Germany spent on mental health, these numbers be transferred to those with fewer qualifications
are problematically low. Since refugees in these and less experience. Overall, this policy has been
countries do not live in camps, those working to linked with slight improvements in the mental
intervene on their behalf cannot simply improve health care of diaplced people. The usage of the
healthcare services in one refugee village; instead, internet to spread information and even provide
they must work to improve the mental healthcare limited treatment to suffering Syrian refugees has
system of the entire countries themselves. In also met with success.
general, Europe offers better funded mental
healthcare systems, but access to those systems can As the preeminent global refugee crisis of the
be inhibited for displaced people due to many of current day, studying the condition of Syrian
the same barriers discussed earlier in this section, refugees serves as an excellent way to prepare for
especially stringent laws regarding healthcare for our committee. Keeping their barriers to healthcare
non-citizens. access in mind, research barriers that affect other
groups and prepare to come to committee ready
Speaking of barriers to accessing mental to brainstorm ways to break those barriers down.
healthcare, a few have a particularly strong impact
on Syrian refugees. First of all, in both Europe
and the Middle East, there are simply not enough Points of Contention
psychiatric professionals to meet the demand
posed by refugees suffering from mental illness. Our overall goal as a committee should, at this
Second, many refugees never seek out care; in point, be clear: the promotion of a high level
Europe, 80-90% of refugees with symptoms of health among refugees. Every country within
of psychological disorders never seek out care. the WHO will work to achieve this goal in some
This phenomenon generally comes as a result of capacity. However, the viewpoints of nations with
cultural beliefs or stigma surrounding mental regard to how this goal should be achieved differ
health. Language barriers further limit the extent widely in the real world and will do the same in
to which mental healthcare professionals really are our committee. This variance is what makes model
able to treat displaced patients, and geographic United Nations such an exciting and rewarding
barriers often prevent Syrian patients with limited experience; a committee where every participant
access to transportation from reaching treatment has the same ideas and the same methodology
facilities in the first place. Finally, as with many is not a productive committee at all. Through
refugees worldwide, Syrian refugees have been disagreement, delegates will have the opportunity
found to lack crucial information regarding the to refine their ideas while facing challenges from
necessity and accessibility of mental health care others. The collaboration between delegates with
with the result that many do not even know that opposing points of view can often be more valuable
they should be seeking it out. than instances where two like-minded individuals
The international community has taken steps work together without pushing themselves to
to improve the quality of life of these refugees, think critically about their proposals.
but further action needs to be taken. The
28 World Health Organization

All of my own most impactful model UN government money on refugee healthcare, as well
experiences have come from committees where as the infrastructure and other services that might
delegates actively advocate for a variety of help them. These nations will be the most active
perspectives. It is my hope that participants in in calling for large-scale programs to provide for
our assembly of the WHO will create a similarly refugee health because they are not as bothered by
vibrant and thoughtful atmosphere at HMUN the burden that caring for migrants can pose. On
this year. I have a few tips for how we might be the other hand, nations that are hesitant to accept
able to achieve that. First of all, delegates should refugees into their countries will argue steadfastly
make sure not only to read this background guide against any obligation imposed on them by the
and other sources about the problem at large, international community to care for refugees.
but also specific sources that have to do with These countries may see refugees as an economic
their own nation’s stance on healthcare policy, burden and a potential source of crime or even
refugee policies, and various other related topics. disease. Whether or not these are objectively valid
Preparation will be an essential part of committee, concerns, they will certainly guide the policy
especially because it will allow everyone to portray decisions made by these nations with stricter
the interests of their represented nations as immigration and asylum policies.
accurately as possible. Second, delegates need to
make sure that when they are faced with challenges Second, the preexisting medical infrastructure
to their points of view in committee they do not of nations will also influence their ability and
easily waver under pressure. Of course, delegates willingness to provide care to large numbers of
will have to compromise and make concessions refugees. Developed nations that can already
throughout committee, but in order for this afford to spend significant amounts of money
process to unfold effectively they will need to on healthcare will naturally find themselves
defend their stance against the criticisms of peers. in a better position to offer care to displaced
In the following paragraphs I will outline a few people. Since they already have the infrastructure
important points of contention that will inform necessary to provide decent healthcare to their
how certain nations view the complex issue of own citizens, these nations are more willing to put
the health of displaced people. By no means are an extra strain on their health systems by treating
these the only divisive facets of this topic, but asylum seekers. Furthermore, these nations will
they can help delegates begin thinking about how be better equipped and informed with regard to
their own nation’s stance might differ from that treating common diseases, injuries, and mental
of peers. health disorders among the displaced. On the
opposite end of the spectrum are the developing
The first and most important issue that will create nations whose healthcare systems struggle
dissent among different nations is that of each to provide adequate care to their permanent
country’s stance toward accepting migrants in residents. If these nations are going to be able to
general. This is less of a geographically dependent treat refugees effectively at all, they will require
matter and more of a politically dependent one. significant financial and technological aid from
There are nations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the international community at large in order to
the Middle East who are willing to accept large do so. Furthermore, they might be less willing to
numbers of asylum seekers but there are also take on the responsibility of caring for displaced
nations in those same places who are far less people due to fears that doing so might negatively
willing for any number of socioeconomic reasons. impact the already problematic care that they
Refugee-friendly nations in committee will be can provide to their citizens. Delegates from
a lot more willing to accept responsibility for developing nations should be careful about taking
providing healthcare to displaced people. They on responsibilities that they cannot realistically
are a lot less likely to mind spending slightly more
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 29

assume without also acquiring international aid to the topic at hand, but by no means should
in some form. delegates rely on its contents as a definitive research
source in and of itself. In my own writing of this
Finally, cultural and religious norms could come guide, I drew from numerous sources of many
into play in the treatment of certain health kinds to put together the breadth of information
conditions among displaced populations as well. It that shows up here. The purpose of this particular
would be impossible to describe in this section all section is for me to indicate a few potential
of the subtle ways in which this might come into pathways by which delegates can pursue further
play, but delegates should make sure to research research. A tremendous number of scholarly
any potential ways in which the predominant articles, videos, documentaries, medical studies,
religious or other cultural beliefs of their nation’s and other sources provide important information
population could affect the treatment of displaced about this complex global problem. This issue has
persons. Take, for example, a nation where the many sides, so it should be approached from a
widely held religious views of the population do variety of perspectives; delegates should keep this
not condone extramarital sexual intercourse. Such fact in mind during their research. For example,
a country would be very hesitant to comply with in my own research, I read articles from political
any international regulations surrounding the perspectives, medical perspectives, sociological
provision of sex-related healthcare to refugees. perspectives, etc. Each of these points of view
This nation would be unlikely to provide sexual is exceedingly valuable in gaining an adequate
education resources to refugees or even condoms understanding of this complex global problem.
or other safe-sex materials. It also might treat rape
victims differently than other nations might. As The first route I would recommend taking would
I said, these norms differ widely from nation to be doing some research through the websites
nation, so specific research into a delegate’s own of international organizations themselves. Any
country will be important. United Nations affiliate websites will have a wide
array of useful information about the health
I look forward to hearing the varying perspectives of displaced persons and the condition of the
of all delegates this year at conference and have displaced in general. The UN website itself is a
high hopes for the meaningful debate and helpful starting place: https://www.un.org/en/.
thoughtful resolutions that such diverse thinking However, the sites of the WHO and the UNHCR
can produce. I have said it before and I will say (the United Nations High Commissioner for
it again now: research into specific countries Refugees) gave me the most useful results. These
serves as an essential part of preparations for can be accessed at https://www.who.int/ and
committee, so delegates should be sure to balance https://www.unhcr.org/ respectively. There also
their preparation time between research into the exist regional versions of these websites specific
issue at large and exploration of their represented to Europe, Asia, etc. which could be useful tools
country’s stances and policies. for researching specific case studies and also for
delegates to get background on their own country.
Besides researching the health of displaced people,
Suggestions for Further Research these websites are also the best resources I can
think of for learning more about the work that the
Research and preparation are crucial parts of model World Health Organization, the United Nations,
United Nations, and in order for our committee and their affiliates carry out on an international
to run as productively and interestingly as possible scale. For delegates who might be less familiar with
it will be necessary for every delegate to do the how model UN works this aspect of preparation
necessary work beforehand. This background could be particularly helpful.
guide should serve as a meaningful introduction
30 World Health Organization

I would also recommend using the sources that their committee’s topics between the publication
I myself have cited in this guide as pathways of background guides and conference itself.
toward further research. Many of the sources lead
to articles written specifically about the subtopics Delegates will be expected to engage with these
discussed in the guide. For example, many medical posts by emailing their director a response post
studies in particular gave me insight into the to the director’s update on the blog. These
diseases, infectious, mental, and otherwise, that should be roughly one paragraph in length (500
can affect refugee populations. They can also give words or more) and should endeavor to convey
delegates a more specialized understanding of the the position of the country represented by the
problems that exist in given living environments, delegate. However, unlike position papers these
given regions, and among given subsets of the comments need not follow a rigid formula and
population. The website of the National Center should respond to the topic of the post not just
for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) actually the general situation. Delegates should be sure to
served as a very useful source for technical articles cite their sources at the end of their blog post.
on this issue. There website is listed here: https:// Furthermore, each delegate, or delegation in the
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. case of double delegate committees, will then
be expected to comment on another delegate’s
Finally, I would look into as many case studies post. Comments need only be a short blurb of
as possible, not just those presented in the approximately 150 words. For double delegate
guide, to better understand how this issue plays committees, the requirement is the same; there is
out on a case by case basis. Its impact varies no need to write extra comments. Double delegate
widely depending on geographic, economic, partners are encouraged to collaborate with one
and social conditions, so studying cases under another in posting their comments. Please feel
different circumstances is an important part of free to reach out with any questions! Your USG
preparation. I can recommend no particular case can be reached at [email protected].
study database, but they are not overly difficult to
find. Searching for news articles related to refugee
health can unearth some important situations Closing Remarks
where this problem affects people in real time. A
great example is the Syrian refugee crisis, perhaps Before I say anything else, I just want to say
the greatest instance of displacement facing the congratulations! I know that reading this
international community today; researching this background guide in its entirety has been no
issue, and others, in greater depth will be valuable. easy task. Thank you for dedicating a significant
amount of your time and energy to reading this
guide that I’ve spent the past few months writing.
Position Paper Guidelines Knowing that it’s helpful for all of you will be
reward enough. With that said, while I’m glad
This year, blog posts will be replacing position that you read the guide, don’t let your preparation
papers. The goal of this change is to allow delegates stop here! As I have mentioned already, there are
more opportunity to interact directly with a tremendous number of sources available on
committee staff before conference. Blogs will be this topic which will help you at least as much
populated with updates from committee directors as this background guide. To make the most
and staff in the months before conference. Many positive impact you can in committee, go the
of the topics covered by the General Assembly this extra mile now and research as much as you can.
year are constantly evolving. As such, delegates can The most successful delegates are always the best
look forward to blog updates as new events shape prepared delegates, so put yourself in a position
 Harvard Model United Nations 2020 31

to have a productive and rewarding experience at

conference by working hard in the time leading
up to it.
I already can’t wait to see you all in January
and I have no doubt that our time together in
conference will be a lot of fun! Directing the
WHO at HMUN is one of the things I am most
excited for this year, and I hope that you all share
my excitement. This committee is going to be
incredibly interesting, intellectually stimulating,
and vibrant given the nature of the subject matter
alone, but ultimately it will fall to you all, the
delegates, to make it truly special. I am looking
forward to seeing how you all engage with the
issues at hand and how you learn from each other
for the duration of our few days together.
Last but not least of all, please know that I am
always available for questions or concerns leading
up to conference. Reach out even if you just want
to say hi! I’d be happy to hear from you. I want to
do my best to make HMUN as great as possible
for all of you, so if there is any way I can do that
before conference kicks off please let me know!

See you soon!

Connor Dowd
[email protected]
32 World Health Organization

Endnotes

1. http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/organization/who-at-70/milestones-for-health-over-70-years

2. https://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf

3. https://www.targethealth.com/post/history-of-the-world-health-organization-who

4. https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(02)11244-X.pdf

5. https://www.nature.com/articles/144412c0

6. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ShowMTDSGDetails.aspx?src=UNTSONLINE&tabid=2&mtdsg_no=IX-
1&chapter=9&lang=en

7. https://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf

8. https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(02)11244-X.pdf

9. https://www.who.int/whr/previous/en/

10. https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/en/

11. https://www.who.int/campaigns

12. https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/United-Nations-Related-Agencies/The-World-Health-Organization-WHO-
STRUCTURE.html

13. https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/structure

14. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/statistics/unhcrstats/5d08d7ee7/unhcr-global-trends-2018.html

15. https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/

16. https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/

17. https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/refugees/

18. http://origins.osu.edu/article/question-refugees-past-and-present

19. https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/camps/

20. http://graphics.wsj.com/migrant-crisis-a-history-of-displacement/

21. https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/about-us.html

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