GOODEARTH CONCLAVE

United Nations Human Rights Council

 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Greetings Delegates,
As a part of the Executive Board, it is our responsibility to facilitate your educational experience
at the simulation of the UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL at
GOODEARTH CONCLAVE 2024. We would like to thank the organizers of Goodearth
Conclave 2024 for the constant encouragement that their platform provides. It is by attending
such simulations that one understands the thought process that goes into making a decision that
has varying effects on every aspect of life of the citizen of a nation.
We hope that by now your research is well on its way and you have formulated an idea about
what, how, why, and when you want to discuss something. These questions form the very basis
of the flow of debate and argumentation in the committee. This background guide will give you
an overview of the topic at hand and the work of the Committee. It contains some basic elements
on the topic that will guide your research. However, such mentions do not limit the scope of
discussion in the committee at all.
We expect from all delegates an active participation in the proceedings of this committee to have
a fruitful discussion on a pertinent global problem. For that purpose, extensive and thorough
research is expected of you over and beyond this study guide. Think of this study guide as
merely an initiation to your research, defining the broad aspects. A section with the suggested
readings has been added at the end of this document and can be utilized to that regard apart from
the link provided in footnotes.
UNAUSA Rules of Procedure shall be adhered to for the due course of this committee
simulation. For all those participating in a model UN conference for the first time, and otherwise,
kindly refer to this for understanding the
procedure-http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-pre
paration/rules-of-procedure
While representing your country has its own importance, we do hope that you attach importance
to finding creative solution to the complex problems that will be raised during the course of the
two days of this event. There are multiple options that participants are encouraged to explore
within the confines of their foreign policies.
Also, an important point here is that while criticism is encouraged, we expect constructive
criticism in the committee. This will help you approach a problem differently and understand all
perspectives. What needs to be noted here is that opinions are only different, but never wrong.
An opinion is a product of multiple factors that an individual is exposed to during the course of
life and hence needs to be deconstructed and not discarded.
While forming your arguments, take logical premises and not ludicrous ones as an argument is
only as strong as the premise it is based on. Try to communicate your premises, followed by your
arguments and then a conclusion keeping in mind the time limit. This will help you convey your
message effectively.
Finally, and most importantly, I want all participants to focus on their growth and development.
While awards are to recognize effort, they should in no manner be your sole point of focus.
Instead, aim for something much higher, a change in your thought process, perception,
perspective and lastly your personality. An award will get you only so far, but development of a
logical and analytical mindset and being able to convey your opinion with utmost clarity will
help you flower as an individual.

Regards,
Executive Board
UNHRC
 Proofs/Evidence In the Committee

While researching for the committee, keep in mind the credibility of the source you are using.
You can use all the sources for gaining information and studying different angles/ viewpoints,
but non-credible sources won’t be accepted by the Executive Board as proof and supporting
documents to your argument/ statement.
Evidence/proof is acceptable from the following sources:

News Sources:
REUTERS – Any Reuters article which makes mention of the fact or is in contradiction of the
fact being stated by a delegate in the council. ( http://www.reuters.com/ )

STATE OPERATED NEWS AGENCIES – These reports can be used in support of or against
the state that owns that news agency. These reports, if credible or substantial enough, can be used
in support of or against any country as such but in that situation, they can be denied by any other
country in the council. Some examples are:
RIA Novosti (Russia) http://en.rian.ru/ ii.IRNA (Iran) http://www.irna.ir/ENIndex.htm
Xinhua News Agency and CCTV (P.R. China) http://cctvnews.cntv

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
These reports can be used in a similar way as the state-operated news agencies’ reports can, in all
circumstances, be denied by another country. However, a nuance is that a report that is being
denied by a certain country can still be accepted by the Executive Board as credible information.
Examples are –
Government Websites like the State Department of the USA (http://www.state.gov/index.htm ) or
the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (http://www.eng.mil.ru/en/index.htm )
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of various nations like India (http://www.mea.gov.in/ ), PRC
(http://fmprc.gov.cn/eng/ ), France (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/ ), Russian Federation
(http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/main_eng )
Permanent Representative to the United Nations Reports (http://www.un.org/en/members/)
(Click on any country to get to the website of the Office of its Permanent Representative)
Multilateral Organizations like NATO (http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/index.htm),
ASEAN (http://www.aseansec.org/), OPEC (http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/), etc.

UN Reports:
All UN Reports are considered credible information or evidence.

UN Bodies: Like the SC ( http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/), GA ( http://www.un.org/en/ga/), HRC

(http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/HRCIndex.aspx), etc.
UN Affiliated Bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (http://www.iaea.org/),
World Bank (http://www.worldbank.org/), International Monetary Fund
(http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm), International Committee of the Red Cross
(http://www.icrc.org/eng.index.jsp), etc.
Treaty Based Bodies like the Antarctic Treaty System (http://www.ats.aq/e/ats.htm), The
International Criminal Court (http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC)

Under no circumstances will sources like Wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org/), Amnesty

International (http://www.amnesty.org/), Human Rights Watch (http://www.hrw.org/), or
Newspapers like The Guardian (https://www.guardian.co.uk/), Time of India
(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/), etc. be accepted as PROOF but may be used for better
understanding of any issue and even be brought up in debate if the information given in such
sources is in line with the beliefs of a Government.

Research Guide for Beginners

Research is possibly the most intimidating yet most important part of preparing for any Model
United Nations conference. Without proper preparation, not only are representatives unable to
accurately represent their country’s position in a global scenario but they also restrict themselves
from gaining the most out of the memorable MUN learning experience.
A delegate’s aim at a MUN conference is to represent their country’s stand most faithfully on a
certain issue being debated and to do this, thorough research is needed. It goes beyond retelling
speeches of national leaders and requires a genuine understanding of national policy, as only this
can provide the foundation of role-playing at the MUN.
Here you will learn methods and tips for researching, understanding your country’s perspective
and policies, and writing your position paper using critical information

Three Levels of Research:

For any Model United Nations conference, your research should focus on a top-down approach
on three levels which goes from the general to the specific, although the areas will
Naturally overlap on several occasions. The idea is to research each area thoroughly to develop a
proper understanding of your country and the issues that will be discussed.
The three levels are:
- The UN system;
- Country Information and;
- The Assisted Agenda.

The United Nations System

Interestingly, this is an area that is overlooked when researching for a MUN conference. MUNs
aim to recreate the United Nations and so it absolves to do so, you know what the UN is, what it
does, and how it functions and proactive participation in the simulation requires a level of
understanding of the United Nations organization itself, regarding structures, functions, and
protocols.
The more conferences you attend, the less time you will find yourself spending on this aspect,
since the only new research required is if you are going to a committee, you’ve never been on
before.

It is important for delegates to familiarize themselves with:

The UN Charter: https://www.un.org/en/charter-united-nations/index.html
The history of the United Nations
The main bodies and committees of the UN
The functioning of your committee
Your country’s history within the UN, its role, and reputation. Information on this can be found
on the websites of the permanent mission of the UN to your country.
Recent UN actions about your country or the agenda – including statements, press releases,
publications, resolutions, etc.

Although there are countless publications and documents on the United Nations, the best source
to study about the United Nations is the UN itself.
Below are a further collection of useful links:
www.un.org
http://www.un.org/en/members/index.shtml
www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/online.html
http://www.icj-cij.org/
- http://treaties.un.org/Home.aspx

Country Information

Build a knowledge base of your country – delegates must be aware of their assigned country’s
historical, geographical, political, economic, social, and environmental aspects. Build a country
Profile on your government – what systems, ideologies, political parties, and leaders represent
your country? What is your country’s foreign policy and how is this affected by important
historical and domestic aspects? Who are your allies and your adversaries? What other bilateral,
regional, and international organizations are your country part of?
After building a basic profile, you must study your country’s broad stand on global issues,
particularly at the UN. Develop a basic understanding of your country’s voting pattern, and its
involvement in the UN – speeches given by leaders and delegates of your country at the UN and
resolutions/treaties it has been a part of.
http://www.countryreports.org/
http://www.un.org/esa/national.htm
http://countrystudies.us/
www.un.org/popin/data.html
www.unausa.org
http://www.un.org/en/members/
http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/

You may also wish to visit the national embassy of your country as it is the best source of
information and research for sources that are not as readily available. It is the best way to get
first-hand information on your country and where it stands on various issues. It could also allow
you to interact with a real diplomat from the country you’re representing, and pick up tips on
how they carry themselves and respond to questions.

The Assisted Agenda

This will form the bulk of your research – it will be what is used directly in committee sessions.
You will be informed of the agenda of issues to be discussed at the MUN by your organizers
before the conference.
A thorough study of the tabled topic for debate and discussion concerning your country, th,e UN
and the world as a whole will aid you in properly representing your country and actively
participating in the simulation. You will be provided a study guide for your assigned agenda by
your MUN committee, which you should use as your starting point.
Within your agenda topic, the three areas that must be covered are:
- A background and overview of the agenda topic and your country’s policy on it
- Detailed information on important aspects of the topic
- Broad information on where other main countries and blocs stand

Background
After the background guide, news articles relating to your topic can be a good place to find a
brief overview of the most recent developments. While only verified news agencies such as
Reuters and Al Jazeera are accepted by the committee, news and op-ed articles can provide an
entry
Point into deeper issues. However, you must be careful to look for writers’ biases on the Internet
in particular.
The next step is to look for resolutions and treaties that are relevant to the topic – the most recent
resolution from the UN Documentation Centre should refer to the documents most central to
your agenda.
You must then look into your country’s voting history on the matter, for indications of action,
inaction, presence, and absence, looking for changing policies and exploring their causal factors.
Statements explaining votes can be found in records on the UN website.

Details
Once your background research is done, you need to dive deep into the topic to understand the
primary aspects and try to logically ‘frame’ the agenda into main sub-headings of sorts, under
which all the important points can be organized. This can help you break down complex agendas
into neatly manageable chunks, and score brownie points if your frame is accepted by the
committee. It’s important to make a clear distinction between facts, arguments based on those
facts and opinions, particularly when reading on the Internet.
At this stage, sometimes as you’re framing the problems, you’re also coming up with innovative
solutions to put in the proposal. Looking up the implementation of past resolutions is a helpful
starting point, but op-eds, blog posts, local and international NGO reports, think tank pa, pers
and academic papers will likely be more useful in shaping your ideas. Remember to focus on
solutions that are politically, economically and sustainably feasible.

Other Arguments
One of the most important lessons from MUNs is learning to accommodate differences – it is
important to be aware of the arguments and facts used by those holding the opposite stand to
yours. While as a delegate you are bound to espouse the views of your country, individually your
opinions can be shaped through the push and pull of opposing ideas. Also, this research will help
you logically counter the arguments put forth by radically opposed delegations, and bring the
committee around to your point of view.
In some conferences, delegates research countries other than their own in order to surprise other
delegates with allegations and throw them on the back foot. Needless to say, this is not only
undiplomatic but also entirely counter-productive to the cooperative purpose of the conference.
While it is important to be aware of the policies of other countries, antagonistic behavior can
only harm the atmosphere of the committee and hamper consensus-building and thus is
discouraged.
The most important part of research is being able to synthesize the data you’ve found in an
organized way and identify the key pieces of information, including facts and figures, which you
can use to illustrate and defend your position. If your country plays a central role in the agenda
topic, it becomes all the more important to be able to explain your actions. Finally, all
Your research comes down to being able to justify your position, explain your ideas and
convince the other delegates that these are the most valuable approaches to solving the problem.

Points to Remember
A few aspects that delegates should keep in mind while preparing:
Procedure: The purpose of putting in procedural rules in any committee is to ensure a more
organized and efficient debate. The committee will follow the UNA-USA Rules of Procedure.
Although the Executive Board shall be fairly strict with the Rules of Procedure, the discussion of
the agenda will be the main priority. So, delegates are advised not to restrict their statements due
to hesitation regarding procedure.
Foreign Policy: Following the foreign policy of one’s country is the most important aspect of a
Model UN Conference. This is what essentially differentiates a Model UN from other debating
formats. To violate one’s foreign policy without adequate reason is one of the worst mistakes a
delegate can make.
Role of the Executive Board: The Executive Board is appointed to facilitate debate. The
committee shall decide the direction and flow of debate. The delegates are the ones who
constitute the committee and hence must be uninhibited while presenting their opinions/stance on
any issue. However, the Executive Board may put forward questions and/or ask for clarifications
at all points of time to further debate and test participants.
 About the Committee: UNHRC

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was established by the UN General
Assembly with the passing of resolution 60/251 in 2006. The first UNHRC session occurred in
June of that year. Over the course of 2006 and 2007, its mechanisms and functions were formed,
and it was established as an “intergovernmental body within the United Nations system
responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and
for addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them”. The
UNHRC was created as a replacement for the Commission on Human Rights, which was widely
criticized for allowing countries with poor human rights records to serve as members and failing
to address some of the world’s most pressing human rights issues.
The UNHRC Is made up of 47 member states, which are elected by the United Nations General
Assembly. The council meets three times a year in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss human rights
issues and make recommendations to the UN General Assembly. The council’s work includes
reviewing human rights violations, creating human rights standards, and promoting human rights
education and awareness.
The creation of the UNHRC was seen as a significant step forward in the global effort to protect
human rights. It has been praised for its more balanced and objective approach to human rights
issues, as well as its increased focus on human rights education and awareness.
However, the UNHRC has also faced criticism. Some argue that it has become politicized, with
some countries using their membership to deflect criticism of their own human rights records.
Others argue that the council has been ineffective in addressing some of the world’s most
pressing human rights issues, such as the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Despite its challenges, the UNHRC remains an important institution in the global effort to
protect and Promote human rights. Its work helps to raise awareness of human rights issues
around the world and Provides a forum for countries to discuss and address these issues
collaboratively.
 Mandate of the committee

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an intergovernmental organization

established in 2006 with a mandate to promote and protect human rights around the world. The
council is responsible for identifying human rights violations, creating human rights standards,
and Promoting human rights education and awareness.
One of the primary functions of the UNHRC is to review human rights situations in countries
around the world. The council’s independent experts monitor human rights violations and abuses,
and provide Recommendations to the countries in question to improve their human rights
records. The council may Also establish special procedures, such as commissions of inquiry, to
investigate and report on specific human rights situations.
The UNHRC is also responsible for creating human rights standards and promoting their
implementation. The council works to develop international human rights law and standards,
such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and encourages countries to ratify and
implement these standards. The council also works to ensure that national laws and policies are
consistent with international human rights standards, and provides technical assistance to
countries in need of Support to implement these standards.
In addition to its work on country-specific human rights situations and standards, the UNHRC
also has a mandate to promote human rights education and awareness. The council works to raise
awareness of human rights issues and promotes human rights education in schools and
universities around the world. The council also encourages the media and civil society
organizations to play an active role in promoting human rights and increasing public awareness
of human rights Issues.
The UNHRC also has a mandate to address specific human rights issues and challenges. For
example, the council has established special procedures to address issues such as freedom of
expression, torture, and the rights of indigenous peoples. The council also works to address the
rights of specific groups, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Another key function of the UNHRC is to promote international cooperation and dialogue on
human rights issues. The council provides a forum for countries to discuss human rights issues
and share best practices. It also works to strengthen regional and international human rights
mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, and to ensure that they are effectively
addressing human rights violations and abuses.
The UNHRC also plays an Important role in promoting accountability for human rights
violations. The council works to ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held
accountable for their actions, and that victims of human rights abuses receive justice and
reparations. This includes advocating for the establishment of truth and reconciliation
commissions, as well as supporting the work of international tribunals and domestic courts in
addressing human rights violations.
Overall, the mandate of the UNHRC is to promote and protect human rights around the world.
The council’s work is guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and
non-selectivity, and it seeks to address human rights violations and abuses wherever
They occur. Despite the challenges that the council faces, such as politicization and limited
resources, it remains an important institution in the global effort to protect and promote human
rights.
 UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS4

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of
human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all
regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly
in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A5) as a common standard of
achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, for fundamental human
rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages. It extends to
a length of 30 Articles.
The Universal Declaration begins by recognizing that ‘the inherent dignity of all members of the
human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace of the world.’ It declares that
human rights are universal- to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they
live.
The Universal Declaration includes civil and political rights, like the right to life, free Speech,
and privacy. It also includes economic, social and cultural rights, like the right of social security,
health and education. It is an expression of the fundamental values shared by all member of the
international community. And it has profound influence on the development of international
human rights laws.

It provides a guide to present action and an evolving set of Ideas for future implementation at the
national level. Increasingly, the UDHR’s principles have been embodied in what states do and it
serves as the foundation for the International Bill of Rights and several other crucial human
rights agreements. And, not least, the UDHR has proven a remarkably flexible foundation for a
continued broadening and deepening of the very concept of human rights. How many treaties can
claim such honors?
4 https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
5 https://undocs.org/A/RES/217(III)
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination was
adopted in the 1965 and entered into force in 1969. It remains the principal international human
rights instrument defining and prohibiting racial discrimination in all sectors of private and
public life.
By becoming a party to ICERD, States have declared that racial discrimination should be
outlawed and have pledged themselves to abide by the terms of the Convention. ICERD
authorizes the establishment of an international committee of experts to oversee Member State
compliance with the treaty, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Parties
to ICERD must periodically submit written reports which detail their country’s progress toward
fulfilling the goals of ICERD.
The Convention defines “racial discrimination” as:
“any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or
ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition,
enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life ”
 About the Agenda :
“The Promotions of Fundamental Freedoms through the evaluation
and elimination of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance.”

What is Racism?
Racism is the process by which systems and policies, actions and attitudes create inequitable
opportunities and outcomes for people based on race. Racism is more than just prejudice in
thought or action. It occurs when this prejudice – whether individual or institutional – is
accompanied by the power to discriminate against, oppress or limit the rights of others.
Racism includes all the laws, policies, ideologies and barriers that prevent people from
experiencing justice, dignity, and equity because of their racial identity. It can come in the form
of harassment, abuse or humiliation, violence or intimidating behaviour. However, racism also
exists in systems and institutions that operate in ways that lead to inequity and injustice.

What is Xenophobia?
Xenophobia or fear of strangers is the fear or hatred of people who are perceived as being
different from oneself. This can be based on a person’s race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or
other distinguishing characteristics.
Xenophobia and racism are similar as both has roots in discrimination, however xenophobia
usually refers to a person’s nationality and culture rather than exclusively their race or ethnicity.
People can be both xenophobic and racist.

Vulnerable Groups
People of African Descent, the descendants of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade or more
recent migrants, frequently face racial discrimination and prejudice.
Discriminatory structures and institutions, legacies of the injustices of enslavement and
colonialism result in people of African descent being among the poorest and most marginalized
groups in society who also face alarmingly high rates of police violence, and racial profiling.
In addition to People of African Descent and the descendants of the victims of the transatlantic
slave trade, racism directly impacts the lives of many other communities and groups, including:

● People of African Descent

● Indigenous Peoples
● Roma, Sinti and Travelers
● Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
● Migrants
● Refugees, Asylum-seekers, and Internally Displaced People
● People Living in Extreme Poverty
● Women
● LGBTQI+ People

Racism does not incite the most harm when it is just a bias that people hold, but
when it is institutional and systematic. Examples of institutional racism can be a
law, which hinders equity between various races in any field. It can also be the
absence of such a law which either promotes equity between races or guarantees
protection against Racism. Even if a government has a clear opinion against
Racism or Xenophobia, it may still be a party to institutional racism. How? Read
Below.
Mentioned below are some laws on racism from various countries. Delegates, keep
in mind that we, as the International Community have already adopted
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
and therefore, most of the countries today have required laws in place. However,
are these laws effective enough? The only way forward towards solving the
problem of racism and xenophobia is to look for loopholes in existing laws and
frameworks and fix these so as to completely get rid of institutional discrimination.

Australia: Racial Discrimination Act 1975 makes racial discrimination and racial
hatred unlawful in public places. It protects everyone in Australia from
discrimination based on race and guarantees that everyone enjoys equality before
the law, regardless of their racial background.
Areas where racial discrimination is specifically unlawful include:
● Access to places and facilities;
● Land, housing and accommodation;
 ● The provision of goods and services;
● Joining a trade union;
● Employment; and
● Advertisements.
The Racial Discrimination Act also makes it unlawful to do an act that is
reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group
because of their race. Examples of racial hatred include:

● Racially offensive material on the internet;

● Racially offensive comments or images in a newspaper;
● Racially offensive comments in a public place; and
● Racially offensive speeches at a public rally.
The Racial Discrimination Act does, however, protect freedom of expression that
relates to public discussion, artistic work, fair comment and reporting – provided it
is done reasonably and in good faith.

United States of America: Civil Rights Act is a comprehensive U.S. legislation

intended to end discrimination based on race, colour, religion, or national origin. It
is often called the most important U.S. law on civil rights since Reconstruction
(1865–77) and is a hallmark of the American civil rights movement. Title I of the
act guarantees equal voting rights by removing registration requirements and
procedures biased against minorities and the underprivileged. Title II prohibits
segregation or discrimination in places of public accommodation involved in
interstate commerce. Title VII bans discrimination by trade unions, schools, or
employers involved in interstate commerce or doing business with the federal
government.
 CASE STUDY:
Online racist hate speech -a global phenomenon
Racism and Xenophobia can be observed from a variety of lenses and in a variety of situations as
the society evolves and technology advances.
The advent of multiple digital platforms with global reach, including social media platforms and
communication applications, has caused a seismic shift in the way that people live their everyday
lives, interact with others, and share information. Information received by the Special Rapporteur
suggests that over half the world’s population uses social media. Whilst many positive benefits
of these digital platforms for individuals and groups affected by racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance can be identified, they also have the capacity to compound
existing societal inequities many of which exist along racial and ethnic grounds.
Social media sites and communication applications give an unprecedented platform for the
dissemination of different forms of communication and materials, such as text, images,
animations, music and videos, often referred to as content. Much of the material shared online is
innocuous. However, some such materials constitute racist hate speech, with real, in the most
serious cases, life and death, consequences for targeted individuals and groups.
A description of manifestations of online racist hate speech, references to the nexus between hate
speech and disinformation and misinformation, and analysis of some of the actors involved in the
dissemination of online racist hate speech.
Defining online racist hate speech:
“any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour that attacks or uses pejorative or
discriminatory language with a reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in
other words based on their religion, ethnicity, race, colour, descent, gender or other identify
factor”.
It is necessary when looking at the motivations of different actors to highlight that commercial
interests can play a role in the origination and dissemination of online racist hate speech. There
are increasing numbers of individuals who routinely originate and disseminate online materials,
which is monetised in various ways, including through allowing those who view it to donate
money, the selling of merchandise related to materials shared and advertising revenue. There are
examples where individuals and groups have monetised racist and xenophobic contents, despite
some efforts to prevent this. At a more systemic level, the overall business models of digital
platforms and the advertising revenue that is linked to content shaping algorithms that can
disseminate and amplify online racist hate speech means that powerful economic incentives and
disincentives are at play.
 Questions that must be answered as an outcome of the
Debate

● In what new ways can Racism or Xenophobia be observed today?

● Are existing laws and conventions sufficient to tackle the evolution of Racism and
Xenophobia?
● What are the loopholes or limitations of existing anti discrimination laws and how can
these be fixed?
● What can be done to bring transformation on social and individual levels in terms of
discrimination?
● In what other ways can Governments interfere to prevent Racism and Xenophobia?
Sources for Further Research:

● Universal Declaration of Human Rights

● International Convention on Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination
● Actions Taken Internationally to prevent
Discrimination against people of African Descent
● Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism