PUMUN Simulations 2016-17

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Committee Director
I Fareeha Arif feel honored to be your committee Director for PUMUN simulations 2016-17. I
currently student of Law in Punjab University Law College, since my profession is related to
public speaking so I believe its best blend of debates and law books.
During my time at PUMUN, I have had the privilege of representing PUMUN and winning
awards on both National and International level. Internationally I have represented University of
the Punjab at MUIMUN15 and MUIMUN16 organized by Munster University Germany,
CataloniaMUN in Barcelona, Spain and MEDMUNTR16 organized in Antalya, Turkey; and
indeed all of which have added to my experience and learning both as a MUNer and as a person.
I hope this simulation will be an excellent learning experience for you as it was for me. Only
true and hardworking diplomats who have passion for MUNs will find their place in PUMUN.
As a delegate of United Nation Human Rights Council, it is important to understand the foreign
policy of your respective countries and appreciate how diplomatic efforts can till the soil for a
settle. You should understand how United Nations works and how working Documents are used
to

reach

global

settlements.

Research

well

and

use

it

well

Godspeed!

Topic: Rights of the Refugees of the Syrian Conflict in different regions

Historical Background of the Topic
Introduction to The Issue More than 3 million Syrian civilians have been forced to flee the
country since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. As the conflict persists, Syrians have had to
face the loss of loved ones, homes, and jobs; their flight to neighboring countries such as Jordan,

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Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt is also highly risky, not to mention unsafe even after crossing
the border.
International response to the refugee crisis has been limited thus far, forcing the countries above
to take on a disproportionate amount of the burden. According to Amnesty International, 97% of
refugees are in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq alone. The influx has caused tremendous stress
to host countries across various indices. Economically, socially, and otherwise, the crisis has also
brought to light human rights issues and violations including, but not limited to, violence against
refugees, rapid pauperization, inequality amongst and discrimination against refugees within host
countries, and barriers against access to education and healthcare.
Origins of the Issue
The Syrian Civil War began in March 2011, as an uprising against then President Bashar alAssad, and has escalated since then. Its origins were peaceful, originally calling for the release of
15 schoolchildren reportedly arrested and tortured for producing anti-government graffiti;
peaceful protests calling for increased democracy and greater freedom were also held. Violent
establishment reprisal resulted in casualties, causing an intensification of anti-government
sentiments amongst citizens that sparked further unrest. In April 2011, protests snowballed into a
full-scale armed rebellion and the emergence of multiple independent military rebellion groups,
and the formation of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in July 2011.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, leading to a civil war that has caused civilians caught in
the crossfire to flee (many with their families). In particular, Syrian Christians are finding
themselves more exposed to persecution as the upheaval turns into a jihad (i.e. a war or
struggle against unbelievers (of Islam)) against the Syrian government. The pursuit of an
ideological Islamist program by the warring factions (such as independent groups like the Jabhat
al-Nursra and the Syrian Islamic Liberation Front) has also placed Syrian Christians under
unprecedented threat.
Definitions
An important distinction should be made between refugees and internally displaced persons
(IDPs) for the purpose of this committees discussion.
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Article 1(A)2 of the 1951 Refugee Convention defines refugees as individuals who owing to
well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a
particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable
or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not
having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of
such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.
According to the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, Internally Displaced Peoples
(IDPs) are "persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave
their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the
effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights or natural
or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized border."
The crucial difference is that refugees cross international borders while IDPs, if they cannot or
choose not to cross a border, are not considered refugees even if they share similar
circumstances, challenges, and dangers posed. IDPs lack a specific status within international
law pertaining to specific rights in their situation, and the label of IDP is descriptive rather than
bearing heavier weight and ramifications such as refugee. Recent Developments At a donors
meeting in Berlin in December 2014, the UN called for $8.4 billion to help an estimated 18
million victims (refugees and non-refugees alike) of the Syrian conflict in 2015. Including
developmental aid for communities in host countries, the 2015 financing plan projects that the
total number of refugees will rise to 4.3 million.
The current statistics are as follows:
As of 19th February 2015:
Total number of Syrian refugees: 3,822,161
Total registered Syrian refugees: 3,741,810
As of 5th February 2015:
Total appeal: $3,740,654,701
Received to date: $2,265,224,327
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 Coverage: 61% Egypt has recently released a joint appeal with the UN for funding of over
US$380 million to meet the needs of the Syrian refugees in the region; however each of the 5
countries continues to struggle to receive enough funds to deal with the additional cost of
housing and providing for the Syrian refugees. Jordan required more than $3 billion in aid in
2014 to support the Syrian refugees - the costs are significant as Jordan faces water shortage,
crippling energy costs, and high youth unemployment. Yet their resources remain stretched thin,
with many schools operating double shifts to accommodate Syrian children and their health
services barely coping. General Concerns Common concerns across countries facing a large
influx of refugees include the depression of wages, social instability, and high crime rates. In
Turkey, unskilled Turkish citizens are unable to compete with the low wages or poor working
conditions that the Syrians are willing to accept, resulting in hostility amongst the local
population. Tensions are further exacerbated with the local population accusing Syrian refugees
of committing various crimes. With 75% of Syrian refugees being women and children,
primarily widowed or orphaned, many have been sexually exploited. The lack of adequate
protection and the failure to provide social and economic security on the part of Turkey has
allowed these vulnerable groups to be preyed upon by criminals.
Certain countries also lack proper infrastructure to safely accommodate refugees. In Lebanon
earlier this February, strong winds and snow reaching altitudes as low as 300 meters had already
claimed the lives of three children. Damage to the pre-existing infrastructure - already frail - has
led to power outages and floods, and left countless people stranded in the snow, putting further
strain on the countrys capabilities to deal with both emergency situations and the refugees.
The situation of refugees living away from Jordans main camps is deplorable, with one sixth of
them living in extreme poverty. Freezing temperatures and electrical shortages has also
exacerbated the situation, and reports of human rights violations such as human trafficking and
underage marriage amongst refugees have been observed.
In comparison Iraq is relatively stable, with few conflicts arising and refugees - mainly Kurds
from the northeastern Syrian province of Qamishli - beginning to adapt and rebuild their lives.
As of August 2014, nearly 120,000 of the 250,000 refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan live in cities like
Dohuk and Erbil with the remainder distributed across 10 camps throughout the region. More
than 45,000 live in Domiz camp, close to Dohuk on the Syrian-Iraqi border. It has been
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anticipated that the current Syrian refugee population in Iraq will stagnate or increase slightly,
depending on developments in north-eastern Syria.
In contrast, refugee dissatisfaction with actions taken by the home government have led to
drastic actions. In February, there was an open hunger strike by 56 Syrian and Palestinian-Syrian
refugees in Egypt, in protest over the 100 days of detention without charge served to them. It was
reported that at least 15 women and 15 minors, seven under the age of 10 and one only 10
months old, were amongst those detained, which is in violation of both the Egyptian law and the
UN Rules for Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty. Egypt has detained thousands of
Syrian refugees, including children, without trial. In 2014, Egypt deported hundreds of Syrian
refugees, forcing them to go back to Syria, leaving over 210,000 dead, according to the Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights. Europes Boat people Attempts made by refugees to seek a new
life in Europe via the Mediterranean have been increasing, despite the high risks and rising death
tolls (more than 3000 in 2014 alone) associated with the journey. Amongst member states of the
European Union, Italy and Greece are bearing the most strain at the moment, due to their
location near the Mediterranean as well as their persistent domestic financial woes.
Refugees staged hunger strikes and peaceful protests opposite the Greek parliament in late
November 2014 demanding adequate travel documents in order to obtain a better quality of life
outside of the country. Greek authorities, like other signatories within the Dublin system, do not
have the authority to freely grant the protestors the rights they are demanding. The strictness of
the law have forced refugees landing in Greece and Italy to turn to illicit means in order to move
around Europe, facilitating smuggling activities across the region. Major Blocs and Positions
Turkey
Turkey practices an open door policy with regards to Syrian refugees seeking to escape the
violence in their country resulting in the high numbers of refugees fleeing there. Despite the
enhanced image of Turkey within the international community, handling the needs of such a
large number of people has created many challenges and issues for the nation and its citizens.
Upon arrival, the Syrians will receive an ID card providing access to free health care services in
Turkish clinics, as well as other aid provided by local municipalities, non-governmental
organizations and other aid agencies.
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Turkey initially labelled the Syrians entering the country in the early stages of the conflict as
guests, later modifying it to people under the hazy term temporary protection, while not
clarifying the precise meaning of this designation. This means that the Turkish government can
choose to withhold certain rights and benefits the

Syrian refugees are entitled to under the United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees
(1951)1, which demands basic minimum standards for the treatment of refugees. This would
have a significant impact on their daily life.
Recent reports however, has seen Turkey issuing new regulations that grant Syrian refugees
secure legal status in the country for the first time, clarifying and expanding rights for more than
a million people who are rapidly assimilating into Turkish society. The regulation however stops
short of granting Syrians official refugee status, which would entitle them to a broader array of
benefits like housing, public relief and various social services.
Currently, only 220,000 are living in the 22 well-resourced camps which are currently operating
at full capacity. More than 1.3million refugees are left to fend for themselves. According to
Turkish government sources, only 15% of Syrian refugees outside official camps receive
assistance from humanitarian agencies and organizations. Lebanon Despite its fragile political
structure, Lebanon has been exceptionally hospitable to Syrian refugees since the start of the
Syrian Civil War. However, restrictions for Syrians were introduced at the start of 2015, in
apparent concern that the prolongation of Syrias civil war could leave the refugee issue
unresolved for the foreseeable future, imposing visa-like requirements in an effort to curb the
large inflows of refugees fleeing the war.
The new procedures signal mounting concern in Lebanon over hosting more than 1.2 million
Syrian refugees with inadequate help from the international community. Syrians are now
grouped into six categories, including tourism, business and study. They must have valid
passports and meet certain criteria. Before, Syrians could enter into Lebanon without a passport,
stay for an automatic six months and then renew their stay for another six months.

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The government has established an inter-ministerial crisis cell, confirming its pro-active
engagement in refugee issues. Despite the country not being party to the 1951 Refugee
Convention, and restrictions imposed at the border, it is expected that Syrians in need of
immediate protection and assistance will continue to find safety in Lebanon. The government,
however, currently has no plans for permanent settlements, and refugee camps are not being built
in an official capacity amid concerns over permanent and long-term settlement of the refugees in
Lebanon.
Refugees have access to most basic services through public institutions, where the authorities
continue to play an active role in facilitating response coordination and planning.

The 1951 Convention includes many rights such as the right not to be punished for illegal entry
into the territory of a contracting State (Article 31), the right to work (Articles 17 to 19), the
right to housing (Article 21), the right to education (Article 22), the right to public relief and
assistance (Article 23), the right to freedom of religion (Article 4), the right to access the
courts (Article 16), the right to freedom of movement within the territory (Article 26), and
the right to be issued identity and travel documents (Articles 27 and 28). Furthermore, if the
refugees are forced to remain in the host country for a longer period of time, the 1951
Convention recognizes that they need more rights in order to have security and live with dignity.
Jordan
Jordan adopts an open-door policy towards Syrian refugees. It provides security to all Syrian
refugees, regardless of legal or illegal arrival. The government does not require Syrians to
acquire visas or residence permits. Only passports are required to enter Jordan. Jordan does not
permit entry of these four groups: the Palestinians living in Syria, single men of conscription age,
the Iraqi immigrants living in Syria, and those people that do not have official documents.
Jordan is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. In Jordan,
the Alien Law2 encompasses all refugees, including Syrians, within its own framework. This law
is based on the principle of nonrefoulement3, which is a general principle of international law.
However, the illegal status of many refugees, living under the minimal protection they are
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provided with, makes their life difficult. Employment opportunities are few and often risky and
many risk being exploited and/or deported.
Egypt
Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the 1969 OAU
Convention. They also have no policy of encampment. Hence, all asylum seekers and refugees
residing in Egypt are self-settled. While the Government grants some access to public primary
health care and education, specialized public care for chronic illnesses and rehabilitative
interventions is not available to people of concern, nor are various national public insurance
schemes. The absorption capacity in state schools remains an issue due to overcrowding and
teacher shortages.
The social environment for the refugees is generally hostile, highlighted by the severe media
campaign launched against Syrians after 30 June 2013, likening the Syrians to terrorists. This
had a detrimental effect on their lives as the outlook of the Egyptians towards them began to
change. Despite the fact that Egypt is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967
Protocol, the rights of refugees are significantly constrained and there is a general lack in the
implementation of refugee legislation.
In a strained political and socioeconomic environment, where refugees and asylum-seekers are
finding it difficult to make ends meet, Egypt is likely to see a growing number taking risks to
reach Europe via sea, through smuggling and trafficking networks. This is due to the refugees
wanting to find safety, work, and family members in Europe. They also feel insecure, with the
Syrian War showing no signs of subsiding, and them not seeing a productive or dignified future
for themselves in Egypt.
Iraq
The Iraqi legal system lacks a streamlined legal framework regarding refugees. Iraq is not a
signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; and while there are
existing legislations regarding the
Some relevant laws that touch upon the issue of asylum seeker and refugees status are the Law
of Residence and Foreign Affairs, Number 24, 1973 and its amendments. In articles 4, 5 and 6,
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the law discusses the details of the entrance and the departure of foreigners to and from Jordan.
the practice of not forcing refugees or asylum seekers to return to a country in which they are
liable to be subjected to persecution rights of Syrian refugees within the national legal system,
such as the 1977 Political Refugees Law and the 2009 Immigration and Displacement Ministry
Law, neither is effectively administered within the country.
The Iraqi Central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) pursue different
policies with respect to refugees. The KRG upholds and applies its own legal system and policies
towards Syrian refugees; almost 95% of the Syrian refugees in Iraq live in areas controlled by the
KRG. The KRG generally maintains a flexible open door policy towards refugees. The KRG
allows Syrians to stay in camps or in cities with their own means of survival. It provides the
Syrians living in cities residence permits, allowing them to benefit from the services that its own
citizens enjoy. Refugees, living both in camps and in cities, have work permits. Those refugees,
who have residence permits, have the right of access to health and education services that the
KRG provides, similar to the Iraqi citizens.
The Iraqi central government has a different approach. In 2012 following popular discontent
regarding preexisting policies, a decision was made to move refugees from the Rabia and al
Kaim border gates to a newly established camp. Refugees in the camp were to be provided with
basic services. As of August 2012, the central government shut the border gates with the
exception of emergency humanitarian situations. The refugees, who live in al Anbar province,
within the jurisdiction of the Iraqi central government, do not have the right to free movement
within Iraq. They do not have permission to work outside camps. Nonetheless they have access
to all basic services, such as public hospitals or free schooling.
European Union
The Dublin Regulation within the EUs framework on asylum-seeking requires those seeking
asylum within Europe to register within their country of entrance, even if they wish to submit a
claim to another member state. The stagnation of the refugee intake within the European
countries has drawn international criticism, as well as increased smuggling activities within the
Mediterranean. Within the EU, this has diverted resources and attention on the problem to states
on the Mediterranean especially Italy, and to a lesser extent, Spain and Greece.
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Smugglers have been exploiting refugees by charging them exorbitant fees for a spot on their
boats, before abandoning the craft midway through the journey. This forces authorities to rescue
the passengers, while allowing the smugglers to escape with their earnings. According to
estimates, criminal gangs from North Africa and the Middle East earn millions through these
activities, posing potential threats to transnational terrorism and organized crime. Relevant UN
Treaties and/or Resolutions 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees The 1951
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees is an important document that sets out the
definition of a refugee, and the rights of said refugees along with the legal obligations of states in
treating them. Along with the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1951
Convention is one of the two key international

The official ruling body of the predominantly Kurdish region of Northern Iraq referred to as Iraqi
Kurdistan, South Kurdistan, or sometimes simply Kurdistan instruments that posits as the central
features of the international regime of refugee protection today. As of 2008, 144 out of 192
United Nations member states have ratified either instrument. 1967 Protocol Relating to the
Status of Refugees The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees comes as an addendum
to the 1951 Convention, and effectively expands the scope of refugee protection in the
international realm. The Protocol complements the 1951 Convention by taking into account new
situations that could give rise to refugees and new concerns, and accrues equal status to all
refugees regardless of whether the event resulting in their refugee status took place before or
after the 1 January 1951 dateline.
Questions A Resolution Must Answer .
What frameworks can be set up to enable countries to balance or prioritize national resources
with providing aid to refugees? Are these frameworks dynamic enough to cope with the
possibility of having to provide long-term aid for refugees?
What guidelines can be set to ensure that refugee camp staff and personnel do not abuse,
exploit or harm the refugees in their care?

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Considering the specificity of problems faced in each major country involved and current

status of European union on Syrian refugees issue, what solutions are manifold and able to tackle
each of these equally efficiently?
Given the low likelihood of the Syrian conflict subsiding, how can proposed solutions to the
refugee problems be sustainable in the long run?
Conclusion
This hugely complex situation requires special care and attention not just on the part of the
countries hosting the refugees, but of the international community as well. The international
community, host countries, and their citizens need to be prudent and realize that the current
refugee situation is not a short-term one. With the current civil war not showing signs of
subsiding, this crisis could very likely be prolonged, even well beyond this conflict.
The hosting countries are evidently unable to keep up with the constant influx of refugees,
leading to the rise of many serious problems. This also renders the host countries unable to fully
focus on taking care of the needs of the refugees which has already caused many human rights
issues, fuelled by mounting negativity amongst their own civilians as their (civilians) lives are
affected as well.
A call for the international community to unite and help is sorely needed, and while current
humanitarian interventions are important, long-term policies should be planned and implemented
with great urgency.

Humanitarian interventions typically have a short-term focus, prioritizing

the provision of basic needs and essential services within refugee camps - food, water, healthcare
and education.

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