Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee

Double Delegation

 
 

Topic A: The Rights of Linguistic Minorities

Topic B: The Rights of Female Prisoners

The rights of linguistic minorities are often overlooked, yet they are of crucial importance. How can there be genuine equality under the law if the law of a country establishes that court proceedings can only be conducted in the language of the majority and does not provide access to translators? How can children thrive in school when state education is only made available in the language of the ruling group, even if the children live in an area where that language is not spoken? How can minority communities fully participate in the political process and advocate for their rights if the language they speak precludes them from running for office or legislating? Indeed, these are all practical concerns, but we must also not overlook the issue of rights: it is the right of every person to speak in the language of one’s own group, and no one should be forced to sacrifice this right for the sake of expediency in daily life or in submission to the ruling group.

On the other hand, the rights of prisoners is an issue which in recent years has become more high-profile, receiving attention in the news, media, television, and by politicians and international leaders alike. In particular, the rights of female prisoners are an integral piece to righting the wrongs of the international criminal justice system, as they face unique types of injustices and discriminations while serving their sentences. Additionally, pregnant incarcerated women and their infants face challenges that are extremely detrimental to their health and well-being. A safe, productive, and healthy environment is crucial for the well-being of a child, and being born in a prison should not put them at a disadvantage. Children and mothers are key populations to target with prison reforms, such as education and vocational support, because they represent those who can potentially reduce future rates of imprisonment. Delegates in this committee will be tasked with addressing the nuanced problems facing women and minorities across the globe.

 

Dear Delegates,

It is an honor for me to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee at Harvard Model United Nations 2025!

My name is Patil Djerdjerian, and I will serve as your committee Director this year. A little about me – I am a junior concentrating in Government and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations with a language citation in French. I am Canadian, originally Armenian, and was born and raised in Dubai. Growing up with a culturally diverse background in a cosmopolitan city sparked my interest in international affairs, which led me to participate in Model UN throughout high school and at Harvard as a Director for HMUN China, India, Boston and HNMUN Kenya, along with serving as the Under-Secretary-General for ECOSOC & Specialized Bodies for HNMUN 2025 and Director-General for HMUN Dubai 2025.

Outside of Model UN, I am a writer for The Crimson and serve as President of the Armenian Student Association on campus. In this committee, delegates will be responsible for crafting solutions that protect the rights of linguistic minorities, an overlooked yet critical global issue that persists today. Currently almost every state has its own linguistic minority and these groups are often subject to marginalization from basic rights, ranging from a lack of adequate access to healthcare, inclusive education or equitable political participation. How can states ensure language does not serve as a barrier that perpetuates the isolation of linguistic minorities and impede their access to fundamental rights? It is up to delegates to decide.

The committee will also have the opportunity to explore the rights of female prisoners, producing solutions to the specific challenges they face. Whether it be inadequate access to healthcare, education, vocational training, facilities for motherhood or protection from sexual violence, the committee must comprehensively address the plethora of issues this group is subject to. In doing so, delegates will help improve the lives of incarcerated women and their children, fostering systemic change for vulnerable populations worldwide.

I cannot wait to see you all at HMUN 2025! I really look forward to getting to know each and every one of you over the course of the conference. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. See you soon!

All the best,

Patil Djerdjerian

Director, Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee

sochum@harvardmun.org

Harvard Model United Nations 2025