Model UN: Crafting Human Rights Resolutions
Created byMary Anne Hammond
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Model UN: Crafting Human Rights Resolutions

Grade 12Social StudiesGeography5 days
In this project, students take on the roles of global citizens to draft a UN resolution addressing a pressing human rights crisis. Balancing the interests of nations with the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations, students research, analyze, and propose solutions. The project culminates in a Model UN simulation where students present, debate, and refine their resolutions, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of global citizenship and understanding of international cooperation on human rights issues.
Human Rights CrisisUN ResolutionInternational CooperationModel UNGlobal CitizenshipHuman Rights Advocacy
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as global citizens, draft a UN resolution that addresses a pressing human rights crisis, balancing the interests of nations with the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations and prevent future atrocities?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do different political and social systems impact human rights?
  • What are the key human rights issues in the world today?
  • What role do nations and international organizations play in addressing human rights violations?
  • What are the causes and consequences of genocide and ethnic cleansing?
  • What actions can individuals and organizations take to promote and protect human rights?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will research a current human rights crisis.
  • Students will analyze the roles and responsibilities of nations and international organizations in addressing human rights violations.
  • Students will draft a model UN resolution that addresses the crisis, balancing the interests of nations with the need to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Students will present and defend their resolution in a Model UN simulation.
  • Students will evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to human rights advocacy and intervention.
  • Students will understand the complexities and challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues.
  • Students will develop critical thinking, research, writing, and public speaking skills.
  • Students will learn about the UN system and its role in addressing global issues.
  • Students will develop empathy and a sense of global citizenship.
  • Students will understand the historical and political context of human rights.

Teacher Provided

Standard 1
Primary
Beliefs about civil and human rights vary among social and governmental systems.Reason: This standard directly relates to the project's focus on understanding different perspectives on human rights.
Standard 2
Primary
Nations and international organizations pursue their own interests on issues related to civil and human rights, resulting in both conflict and cooperation particularly as it relates to injustices against minority groups.Reason: This standard is central to the project's goal of analyzing the role of nations and international organizations.
Standard 3
Primary
Modern instances of genocide and ethnic cleansing present individual, organizational and national issues related to the responsibilities of participants and non-participants.Reason: This standard connects to the project's aim to address pressing human rights crises, including genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Historical Human Rights Document Analysis

Students examine primary source documents, such as letters and speeches, from historical human rights movements. This activity encourages students to analyze the evolution of human rights discourse and consider the impact of historical struggles on contemporary issues.

Human Rights Crisis Simulation

Amnesty International representative presents on human rights violations. Students participate in a simulation where they must respond to a developing human rights crisis, forcing them to confront the complexities and challenges of international intervention.

Human Rights Museum Exhibit

Students create a 'human rights museum' exhibit showcasing a specific human rights issue. This event allows students to express their understanding creatively and engage with the material in a personally meaningful way.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Crisis Selection & Initial Research

Students will select a specific human rights crisis to focus on for their Model UN resolution. They will conduct preliminary research to understand the scope, causes, and consequences of the crisis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brainstorm a list of current human rights crises around the world (e.g., conflict in Yemen, treatment of Uyghurs in China, Rohingya refugee crisis).
2. Research each potential crisis using reputable sources such as UN reports, human rights organizations, and academic journals.
3. Select one crisis to focus on based on interest, available information, and relevance to the project's learning goals.
4. Write a one-page research brief summarizing the key aspects of the selected crisis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA one-page research brief outlining the selected human rights crisis, including key facts, affected populations, and relevant international laws or treaties.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (research a current human rights crisis) and Standard 3 (Modern instances of genocide and ethnic cleansing present individual, organizational and national issues related to the responsibilities of participants and non-participants).
Activity 2

Drafting the Resolution

Students will draft a model UN resolution that addresses the selected human rights crisis, taking into account the interests of different nations and the need to protect vulnerable populations. They will learn about the structure and language of UN resolutions.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the structure and content of actual UN resolutions.
2. Identify the key issues and concerns that the resolution should address.
3. Draft preambulatory clauses that provide context and justification for the resolution.
4. Draft operative clauses that outline specific actions to be taken by member states and international organizations.
5. Revise and refine the resolution based on feedback from peers and the teacher.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA draft Model UN resolution, including preambulatory clauses and operative clauses outlining proposed actions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 3 (draft a model UN resolution) and 7 (develop research and writing skills). Aligns with Standard 1 (Beliefs about civil and human rights vary among social and governmental systems).
Activity 3

Model UN Simulation & Debate

Students will participate in a Model UN simulation where they present and defend their resolution, negotiate with other member states, and vote on the final text. This activity helps students develop public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Prepare a speech presenting the resolution to the Model UN committee.
2. Anticipate potential questions and challenges from other delegates and prepare responses.
3. Participate in the Model UN simulation, presenting the resolution, answering questions, negotiating with other delegates, and voting on amendments.
4. Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityParticipation in a Model UN simulation, including a speech presenting the resolution, responses to questions and challenges from other delegates, and negotiation with other member states.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 4 (present and defend their resolution) and 7 (develop public speaking skills).
Activity 4

Reflection & Evaluation

Students will write a reflection paper evaluating the effectiveness of their proposed resolution and the challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues. They will consider alternative approaches and the ethical dilemmas involved in addressing human rights crises.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Reflect on the Model UN simulation and the feedback received on the resolution.
2. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed resolution.
3. Discuss the challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues, such as conflicting national interests, lack of resources, and political obstacles.
4. Research alternative approaches to addressing the selected human rights crisis, such as sanctions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic intervention.
5. Write a reflection paper summarizing the analysis and proposing recommendations for future action.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflection paper analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed resolution, the challenges of international cooperation, and alternative approaches to addressing the selected human rights crisis.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 5 (evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches) and 6 (understand the complexities of international cooperation). Aligns with Standard 3 (Modern instances of genocide and ethnic cleansing present individual, organizational and national issues related to the responsibilities of participants and non-participants).
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Model UN Human Rights Resolution Rubric

Category 1

Research and Summary

This category assesses the student's ability to research and summarize a current human rights crisis.
Criterion 1

Accuracy and Completeness

Accuracy and completeness of information presented in the research brief.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the human rights crisis, providing comprehensive and accurate information with nuanced details and insightful analysis.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the human rights crisis, providing accurate and complete information with relevant details.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates an emerging understanding of the human rights crisis, providing mostly accurate information with some gaps or omissions.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates a beginning understanding of the human rights crisis, providing incomplete or inaccurate information with significant gaps and misunderstandings.

Criterion 2

Clarity and Organization

Clarity and organization of the research brief.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information in an exceptionally clear, concise, and well-organized manner, with a logical flow and compelling narrative.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner, with a logical flow.

Developing
2 Points

Presents information in a generally clear and organized manner, but may have some areas that lack clarity or logical flow.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents information in a disorganized or unclear manner, making it difficult to understand the key aspects of the crisis.

Criterion 3

Source Quality and Citation

Use of reputable sources and proper citation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Utilizes a wide range of highly reputable sources, demonstrating exceptional research skills and providing impeccable citations that adhere to academic standards.

Proficient
3 Points

Utilizes reputable sources and provides proper citations.

Developing
2 Points

Utilizes some reputable sources, but may have some issues with citation or source reliability.

Beginning
1 Points

Utilizes unreliable sources or fails to provide proper citations.

Category 2

Resolution Drafting

This category evaluates the student's ability to draft a Model UN resolution that addresses the selected human rights crisis.
Criterion 1

Structure and Clarity

Structure and clarity of the resolution (preambulatory and operative clauses).

Exemplary
4 Points

The resolution is exceptionally well-structured and clearly articulated, with preambulatory and operative clauses that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of UN resolution format and purpose; the language is precise, impactful, and persuasive.

Proficient
3 Points

The resolution is well-structured and clearly articulated, with preambulatory and operative clauses that follow the UN resolution format.

Developing
2 Points

The resolution has some structural issues or lacks clarity in certain areas, with preambulatory and operative clauses that may not fully adhere to the UN resolution format.

Beginning
1 Points

The resolution lacks structure and clarity, with preambulatory and operative clauses that are poorly defined or missing.

Criterion 2

Relevance and Feasibility

Relevance and feasibility of proposed actions.

Exemplary
4 Points

The proposed actions are highly relevant to the crisis, exceptionally feasible, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the political, social, and economic factors involved; the resolution offers innovative and impactful solutions.

Proficient
3 Points

The proposed actions are relevant to the crisis and feasible within the context of the UN system.

Developing
2 Points

The proposed actions are somewhat relevant to the crisis, but may have feasibility issues or lack a clear connection to the problem.

Beginning
1 Points

The proposed actions are irrelevant or infeasible, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the crisis or the UN system.

Criterion 3

National Interests and Perspectives

Consideration of different national interests and perspectives.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a profound understanding of diverse national interests and perspectives, skillfully integrating these considerations into the resolution to build consensus and promote effective international cooperation.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates consideration of different national interests and perspectives, balancing the needs of different stakeholders.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates some awareness of different national interests and perspectives, but may not fully address these considerations in the resolution.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to consider different national interests and perspectives, presenting a one-sided view of the issue.

Category 3

Model UN Participation

This category assesses the student's participation in the Model UN simulation and their ability to present and defend their resolution.
Criterion 1

Presentation Clarity and Persuasion

Clarity and persuasiveness of the presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers an exceptionally clear, persuasive, and engaging presentation, captivating the audience with a compelling narrative and masterful command of the subject matter.

Proficient
3 Points

Delivers a clear and persuasive presentation, effectively communicating the key points of the resolution.

Developing
2 Points

Delivers a presentation that is somewhat clear and persuasive, but may have some areas that lack clarity or impact.

Beginning
1 Points

Delivers a presentation that is unclear, disorganized, or unpersuasive, failing to effectively communicate the key points of the resolution.

Criterion 2

Question Response and Challenge Handling

Effectiveness in answering questions and addressing challenges.

Exemplary
4 Points

Responds to questions and challenges with exceptional insight, poise, and confidence, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the issues and effectively defending the resolution against criticism.

Proficient
3 Points

Effectively answers questions and addresses challenges from other delegates.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts to answer questions and address challenges, but may struggle with some of the more difficult points.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to adequately answer questions or address challenges, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the issues.

Criterion 3

Negotiation and Debate Participation

Participation in negotiation and debate.

Exemplary
4 Points

Actively and thoughtfully participates in negotiation and debate, demonstrating exceptional leadership and collaboration skills, and effectively advocating for the resolution while fostering consensus among delegates.

Proficient
3 Points

Participates actively in negotiation and debate, contributing to the discussion and working towards consensus.

Developing
2 Points

Participates passively in negotiation and debate, with limited contributions to the discussion.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to participate in negotiation and debate, remaining silent or disengaged from the discussion.

Category 4

Reflection and Evaluation

This category evaluates the student's ability to reflect on the Model UN simulation and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to addressing human rights crises.
Criterion 1

Reflection Depth

Depth of reflection on the Model UN simulation experience.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates an exceptionally deep and insightful reflection on the Model UN simulation experience, analyzing the complexities of international cooperation and offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities for addressing human rights crises.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough reflection on the Model UN simulation experience, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed resolution.

Developing
2 Points

Demonstrates a superficial reflection on the Model UN simulation experience, with limited analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed resolution.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to reflect on the Model UN simulation experience, providing only a summary of the events.

Criterion 2

International Cooperation Analysis

Analysis of the challenges of international cooperation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides an exceptionally insightful and nuanced analysis of the challenges of international cooperation, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and social factors that hinder effective action on human rights issues.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a clear analysis of the challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues.

Developing
2 Points

Provides a limited analysis of the challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues, with some oversimplifications or generalizations.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to analyze the challenges of international cooperation on human rights issues, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the complexities involved.

Criterion 3

Alternative Approaches and Ethical Dilemmas

Consideration of alternative approaches and ethical dilemmas.

Exemplary
4 Points

Offers exceptionally creative and well-reasoned alternative approaches to addressing the human rights crisis, thoughtfully considering the ethical dilemmas involved and proposing innovative solutions that balance competing values and interests.

Proficient
3 Points

Considers alternative approaches to addressing the selected human rights crisis, including sanctions, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic intervention.

Developing
2 Points

Mentions alternative approaches to addressing the selected human rights crisis, but does not fully explore their potential or limitations.

Beginning
1 Points

Fails to consider alternative approaches to addressing the selected human rights crisis, focusing solely on the proposed resolution.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

To what extent do you believe your proposed resolution effectively addresses the human rights crisis you selected? Use a scale of 1-5, with 1 being 'Not at all effective' and 5 being 'Extremely effective'.

Scale
Required
Question 2

What was the most significant obstacle you encountered while trying to balance the interests of different nations and the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations in your resolution?

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Required
Question 3

In what ways did participating in the Model UN simulation change your understanding of the complexities of international cooperation on human rights issues?

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Required
Question 4

If you could revise your resolution based on what you learned, what specific changes would you make to improve its potential impact?

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Required
Question 5

To what extent do you feel a sense of global citizenship as a result of participating in this project? Use a scale of 1-5, with 1 being 'Not at all' and 5 being 'Very much so'.

Scale
Required