Topic A: Protecting Children in Conflict Zones
Children in conflict zones endure severe dangers as they become innocent casualties of violence, displacement, and exploitation. In 2022 alone, approximately 8,630 children were killed or injured in conflict zones, according to the United Nations. Some factors that may contribute to this are exposure to direct violence from armed groups and military forces, injuries while displaced, and vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups for labor or as child soldiers. The lack of access to essential services worsens their plight, leading to malnutrition, disease, and psychological trauma. Protecting these children demands comprehensive solutions, including the establishment of protection mechanisms, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, strengthening legal frameworks, and supporting disarmament and demobilization efforts. High income countries are able to provide financial assistance, diplomatic support, and advocate for policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of children. Addressing root causes such as conflict prevention and resolution initiatives is also crucial to ensuring a safer environment for their development and future. UNICEF aims to uphold children’s rights in conflicts by advocating to end attacks on children, healthcare, water and sanitation facilities, and ending abduction of children during conflicts.
Topic B: Eliminating Barriers to Safeguarding Children's Rights Online
Ensuring the protection of children's rights in the digital realm is imperative as technology becomes increasingly integrated into their lives. Many schools opt for virtual classrooms, digitized homework and assignments, and a social media presence to promote school events and news. This results in greater prevalence of the virtual world for children. Young people face numerous risks online, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, grooming by predators, and privacy violations. About 1 in 5 children report contact from an online predator or groomer. Furthermore, children may encounter misinformation or fake news online, which can influence their beliefs and behaviors and undermine critical thinking skills. These dangers are exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities that limit digital literacy early on. UNICEF works to protect children online through various programs that address virtual sexual exploitation of children, gather information on children's rights, and opportunities for children. Comprehensive solutions are necessary to address these issues. Implementing legislation and technological solutions can help regulate and monitor online activities, while fostering collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders, and society. By eliminating barriers and promoting a safer online environment, we can uphold children's rights in the digital age and mitigate the risks they face online.
Meet your Dias!
Mahika Rawat, Director
Bhakti Moradiya, Topic Specialist
Mahika is a junior serving as the director for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) at UCMUN 2024. She is pursuing a major in Physiology and Neurobiology and minors in Spanish and Chemistry. Previously, she served as the director of the World Health Organization (WHO) committee and is excited to oversee productive debate in UNICEF this year. As a pre-medical student, she is passionate about global and child health, especially in topics related to health inequity/disparities, and has found Model UN to be a way to channel her interests and learn more about these topics from different perspectives. Outside of Model UN, Mahika is a part of UConn Surya (Bollywood fusion dance team), Global Health Spaces on Campus, physiological research, and in the Special Program in Medicine. She loves to watch Netflix, hang out with her friends, and swim. She is excited to hear the delegate’s ideas and resolutions as well as lead a fruitful discussion.
Bhakti is currently a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. She is serving as the Topic Specialist for UNICEF at this conference. Previously, she has participated in MUN conferences in India as a delegate of the Security Council. Outside of UCMUN, Bhakti enjoys exploring new activities such as reading good books, learning about different cultures, painting, and sketching. She is excited to make this conference memorable for all the delegates! If you have any questions for her, you can reach her at bhakti_nilesh.moradiya@uconn.edu.