topic summary

Human trafficking is a human rights violation dating back to the very beginning of society. Yet human trafficking can not be confined to the past as it is still inherently relevant in the modern world. In 2016 the ILO estimated that globally, 24.9 million people are victims of at least one form of human trafficking, and that number is only likely to have increased over the past years. Human trafficking is a global issue and thus requires global action. Consequently, a plan capable of addressing and combatting human trafficking must be made. This may take various forms, whether it be raising awareness for human trafficking, analyzing root problems and risk factors, or addressing the challenges of globalization. 

The goal of this committee is to develop a framework to address the problem of human trafficking around the globe. Therefore, we will consider questions such as what creates a landscape that facilitates human trafficking? What global processes increase the likelihood of human trafficking? How is human trafficking represented in today’s world? Are the policies created in committee country-specific or universally applicable? These questions can be addressed by looking at the history of human trafficking, the representation of human trafficking in the media, the current socio-economic climate, and the value system of our society.

Director’s Letter

Dear Delegates, 

I am excited to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)!

My name is Amelie Julicher and I am looking forward to serving as your director at HNMUN 2023.

To start off, I would like to introduce myself. I am originally from Wuppertal, Germany but moved to Cambridge at the beginning of my college adventure in 2021. I traveled a lot growing up and went to school in Brisbane, London, La Rochelle, and Lucca. Today, I am a sophomore at Harvard College studying Government and Theater, Dance, and Media. 

I was first introduced to Model United Nations when I became a member of the Harvard Intercollegiate Model United Nations Team during my first semester at college. MUN gave me a new avenue through which to explore my interest in international relations, a topic I am highly passionate about. Therefore, I decided to deepen my involvement with MUN and served as an assistant director for the Historical Security Counsel at Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) and as an assistant director for the Historical General Assembly at Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) in 2022. 

Before coming to Harvard, I was an ensemble member at a leading theater company in Germany, a passion of mine, I have continued here at Harvard by working as a Teaching Fellow for the German Department and the Theater department. Moreover, I am a Learning Lab Undergraduate Fellow, a Hasty Pudding Business Associate, and a Crimson Staff Writer. In addition, I am a member of the Harvard Modern Dance Company and teach for the Academies by the Harvard Student Agencies. In my free time, I love binging television shows, going through the filmographies of my favorite actors, and spending quality time with my friends. 

I am passionate about MUN because it brings people from different socioeconomic backgrounds together to discuss global issues. I truly believe in global decision-making. Debating policy decisions does not only prompt valuable thought processes but can also prompt change. There is no doubt in my mind that all of you will produce great policy solutions through collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. I know that sometimes committee sessions can be stressful and exhausting, but I can assure you that addressing some of the most pressing issues in today’s society will be worth it!

I am beyond excited about our committee and our conference. I truly cannot wait to get to meet all of you soon! Should you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate at all to reach out. I want to make your experience at HNMUN a wonderfully memorable one!

Sincerely, 

Amelie Julicher 

Director, Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee