Intermediate Agencies

Established in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to protect and support individuals who have been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, violence, or disaster. Operating in over 130 countries, the UNHCR coordinates international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, advocate for refugee rights, and develop long term solutions for displaced populations. As global displacement reaches unprecedented levels, the organization faces increasingly complex challenges, from ensuring access to asylum procedures to addressing prolonged refugee situations that can last for generations.

UNHCR offers delegates the opportunity to examine some of the most pressing humanitarian issues facing the international community today. This committee uses Regular Rules of Procedure and is suitable for delegates of intermediate to advanced experience level. Position papers are recommended for this committee but are mandatory for delegates wishing to be considered for awards.

As forced displacement continues to rise globally, the rights of asylum seekers remain a central test of international legal and moral frameworks. This topic examines the obligations of states under international refugee law, including the principle of non-refoulement, fair and efficient asylum procedures, and humane reception conditions. Delegates will be challenged to confront the growing tension between national border policies and the protection of individuals fleeing persecution, conflict and environmental crises, as well as the role of international cooperation in maintaining equitable responsibility-sharing.

Unlike refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain within their country’s borders, often falling into legal and institutional gaps that leave them without consistent protection. This topic focuses on strengthening domestic and international mechanisms to safeguard IDPs, ensuring access to humanitarian aid, security, and long-term recovery. Delegates will explore how sovereignty, conflict dynamics, and limited enforcement mechanisms complicate responses to internal displacement, and evaluate the role of international organizations in supporting states while upholding human dignity in crisis settings.

Founded in 1919 through the Treaty of Versailles, the International Labour Organization (ILO) reflects the belief that sustained peace is made possible through social justice. Its unique tripartite structure values governments, employers, and workers equally. Rooted in social dialogue and cooperation, the ILO specifies international labour standards, supports developing nations in implementing frameworks, and spearheads global efforts in research, training, and education. From combatting forced labour to addressing modern challenges including digitalization and the gig economy, the ILO continues to advance equity in the world of work.

ILO offers the traditional Model United Nations experience for delegates from intermediate to advanced levels and uses Regular Rules of Procedure. Position papers are recommended for this committee, but are mandatory for delegates to be considered for awards.

Despite decades of international efforts, child labour persists across supply chains and informal economies, often driven by poverty, lack of access to education, and weak labour protections. This topic examines the root causes of child labour and the effectiveness of existing international conventions in eliminating its worst forms. Delegates will be asked to consider the balance between enforcement and development, the role of multinational corporations, and the importance of education and social protection systems in breaking cycles of exploitation.

The globalization of labour markets has exposed significant gaps in the enforcement of international labour standards, particularly in states with limited regulatory capacity or differing political priorities. This topic explores how the International Labour Organization’s standards can be more effectively implemented and monitored across jurisdictions, including through trade agreements, corporate accountability mechanisms, and transnational cooperation. Delegates will evaluate the challenges of ensuring compliance while respecting national sovereignty and diverse economic contexts.

During the pinnacle of the atomic age, amid widespread fears and expectations of nuclear technology, United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposed an international atomic energy-focused agency through his “Atoms for Peace” speech, given to the United Nations General Assembly. Thus, the International Atomic Energy Agency was founded with the mission to enhance global nuclear safety, advocating for the peaceful use of this innovative energy source. From the protection of nuclear facilities to the novel research of radioactive materials, the IAEA continues to strive for international nuclear excellence and, to this day, significantly impacts modern-day global affairs.

IAEA offers the traditional Model United Nations experience for delegates from intermediate to advanced levels and uses Regular Rules of Procedure. Position papers are recommended for this committee, but are mandatory for delegates to be considered for awards.

As countries pursue ambitious climate targets, nuclear energy has re-emerged as a contentious yet potentially critical component of low-carbon energy strategies. This topic examines the technical, economic, and political feasibility of expanding nuclear power as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Delegates will assess issues such as safety concerns, waste management, public perception, and the comparative role of nuclear energy alongside renewable alternatives in achieving long-term climate stability.

The spread of nuclear technology presents a persistent challenge to global security, requiring robust safeguards to ensure peaceful use and prevent weaponization. This topic focuses on the effectiveness of existing non-proliferation frameworks, including inspection regimes, treaty compliance, and enforcement mechanisms. Delegates will explore the balance between promoting peaceful nuclear development and preventing diversion of materials for military purposes, alongside the evolving role of international oversight in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.