The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly in response to the large-scale displacement subsequent to World War II. Originally created with a three-year mandate, to assist post-war displaced populations across Europe, UNHCR began its work in 1951, and gradually grew into the UN’s principal agency for refugee protection. UNHCR’s responsibilities and mandate were further extended as refugee crises expanded worldwide, eventually becoming permanent in 2003. Today, UNHCR works in cooperation with national governments and UN agencies in order to protect refugees, forcibly displaced populations, and stateless persons. Its responsibilities include coordinating humanitarian assistance, protecting fundamental human rights, and pursuing durable solutions for refugees.

DISEC is a General Assembly that is open to all delegates, regardless of experience. Both committee topics use Regular Rules of Procedure. Although position papers are not mandatory for this committee, they are required in order to be eligible for an award.

Questions, inquiries, and position papers for this committee can be emailed to unhcr@cahsmun.org.

Topic A: Human Trafficking Along Migration Routes

Backgrounder a

Topic B: The Prolonged Refugee Crisis in the Middle East

Backgrounder B

Sabrina Guerrero | Co-Director

As a junior at St. Michaels University School, Sabrina is incredibly grateful to serve as a Co-Director for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees committee at CAHSMUN 2027. Since discovering MUN last year, she has competed at conferences across British Columbia and made strong friendships, all while practicing the art of debate and improving her public speaking skills. Sabrina hopes delegates will experience these moments throughout their MUN journey, regardless of their experience level, while gaining new perspectives, confidence, and a deeper understanding of global issues. She is excited to witness the hearty debate created within this committee. Outside of the committee room, Sabrina can be found baking blueberry muffins, reading, and binge-watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower. She wishes all delegates the very best at CAHSMUN 2027!

Chris (Tianyi) Lu | Co-Director

Currently in his junior year at Richmond Christian Secondary, Chris is effervescent to serve as the Co-Director of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at CAHSMUN 2027. Since his first, lackluster performance in the underbelly of the Sheraton Wall Center, Chris has come to be enraptured in the world of Model UN. From then on, every subsequent conference would turn out to be, colloquially, absolute barbecue chicken. Throughout the debate, discussion, and discovery, Chris has found himself gleaning insight on international relations and making unexpectedly cherished memories with friends. Outside of the committee room, Chris can be found playing soccer, failing to learn guitar, and being subpar at every video game he touches. From heated speeches to antics in the hotel, there is not a doubt in Chris's mind that this iteration of CAHSMUN will be the greatest to date.

Kyumin Kim | Chair

As a junior at Mount Douglas Secondary School, Kyumin Kim is thrilled to serve as your Chair of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at CAHSMUN 2027. Although his Model UN journey has been short, it has been incredibly rich. Now, at the end of his second year, Kyumin has grown from a passionate delegate into an experienced staff member. When he is not dropped into a room full of smarties dressed in Western business suits, Kyumin enjoys reading, sleeping, and, most of all, letting his mind wander to the most random thoughts. He looks forward to meeting all the bright and engaging delegates from across the Canada at this year’s conference and is ready to share a climactic moment in his Model UN journey with them.

Manreet Toor | Chair

As a senior at North Surrey Secondary, Manreet is beyond excited to serve as the Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council for CAHSMUN 2027. She still remembers her first conference in Grade 11, when she was trembling just to pick up her placard and make a speech. What started with a shaky voice and second-guessing every word quickly turned into a passion for debate, diplomacy, and global affairs. Outside of committee rooms, Manreet can be found leading her school’s Medical Club, being a part of her school’s Bhangra team, or volunteering in her community. Manreet looks forward to meeting all the delegates, making plenty of memories, and wishes everyone the best of luck at CAHSMUN 2027!