Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)
Rights of the LGBT Community
Throughout history, the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community has experienced victimization and unequal treatment. Across the globe, discrimination based on sexual orientation is prevalent, and violent acts of persecution including physical abuse, rape, and murder are inflicted upon LGBT people.
The UN Charter boldly states that the United Nations wishes to encourage “respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.” Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind.” Inarguably, LGBT rights are human rights, yet it was not until 2011 that a UN resolution concerning the LGBT community was passed. While this was a historic step in the history of LGBT rights, it had not made much impact in societies where homophobic and transphobic sentiments are embedded deeply within.
The difficulty in ensuring fundamental human rights for LGBT citizens worldwide lies within the complications when balancing national sovereignty and human rights. While state sovereignty should not be undermined, universal human rights encoded within international law are intrinsic and to be guaranteed.
Throughout history, the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community has experienced victimization and unequal treatment. Across the globe, discrimination based on sexual orientation is prevalent, and violent acts of persecution including physical abuse, rape, and murder are inflicted upon LGBT people.
The UN Charter boldly states that the United Nations wishes to encourage “respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction.” Similarly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind.” Inarguably, LGBT rights are human rights, yet it was not until 2011 that a UN resolution concerning the LGBT community was passed. While this was a historic step in the history of LGBT rights, it had not made much impact in societies where homophobic and transphobic sentiments are embedded deeply within.
The difficulty in ensuring fundamental human rights for LGBT citizens worldwide lies within the complications when balancing national sovereignty and human rights. While state sovereignty should not be undermined, universal human rights encoded within international law are intrinsic and to be guaranteed.
Chair
Chloe Tyan |
Hello delegates! My name is Chloe Tyan and I’m a rising junior majoring in Political Science at National Taiwan University. I’m sure you’re all very excited to be attending HSMUN, because I was thrilled to be at my first Model UN conference. For me, this experience was intense, eye-opening, as well as truly humbling.
What’s really enticing about MUN conferences is how much you grow as a person after every conference. The preparation process, the blood, sweat and tears you throw into each caucus, and the humongous sense of accomplishment you get once a draft resolution you contributed to passes, all constitute a remarkably worthwhile experience. This exhilarating high lingers long after a conference, and when you realize what you’re capable of and how much room you have left for improvement, you’ll be waiting in anticipation for the next MUN conference that comes your way. I've been doing MUN for two years, and I can honestly say I don’t regret a single second of it. Model UN has helped me grow in many aspects. I’ll always treasure the crazy experiences I've had and friends I've met on the way, which have all shaped me into who I am today. Welcome to HSMUN, delegates. |
Assistant Chair
Sophia Yi |
Hey, guys! I am Sophia Yi. I major in political science and I focus on the international relations. I started experiencing the amazing journey in Model United Nations last year. Everything I have gone through is beyond my expectations. This year, I am going to be an assistant chair in SOCHUM. I can't wait to see all of you! I believe we will have wonderful days together!
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Assistant Chair
Ingo Wang |
Hi, everybody! I’m Ingo, and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Business Administration in NTU. I grew up in Sweden till I was nine, and I will be an exchange student in New Jersey, USA next year! Therefore, I believe that nowadays we are all global citizens and our English ability and understandings of the world are of vital importance.
I started attending MUN events last year. Although I thought doing the research was demanding at first, I found that the meetings were a lot of fun, and it would be much more interesting if I had done enough research. MUN can help us inspire our infinite potential and meet some great friends to cherish. I’m looking forward to meeting you guys, learning from you, and having everlasting memories with you! |