SOCHUM: Xenophobia as a Political Tool, and the USA–Israel–Iran Conflict

Committee: United Nations General Assembly Third Committee — Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)

Agenda I — Xenophobia as a Political Tool: Normalization of Anti-immigrant Rhetoric for Political Gains, and The Role of The International Community

Sponsors: Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Norway, Qatar, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye

Signatories: Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela

Agenda II — Addressing Displacement, Civilian Protection, and Human Rights Violations Arising from the USA-Israel-Iran Conflict

Sponsors: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Kenya, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye
Signatories: Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

What the first resolution does

The resolution calls for the establishment of national monitoring units to address political rhetoric that incites violence, discrimination or hatred against migrants, refugees and minority communities, while respecting the rights to freedom of expression and due process.

It encourages member states, in collaboration with UNESCO, to integrate media and information literacy into national education curricula and to conduct nationwide public awareness campaigns countering misinformation and harmful stereotypes, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech (2019). It calls for the promotion of ethical journalism through strengthened media standards, responsible reporting guidelines and independent fact-checking initiatives.

On enforcement, it calls on member states to strengthen implementation of anti-discrimination legislation in accordance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, through independent oversight mechanisms, accessible reporting channels and effective legal remedies for victims. It encourages balanced legal measures against hate speech that safeguard freedom of expression under Articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Rabat Plan of Action.

It urges comprehensive national protection frameworks for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, ensuring equal access to healthcare, education, legal assistance and employment. It requests enhanced cooperation among member states, UNHCR, IOM and OHCHR to strengthen protection and improve the monitoring and reporting of xenophobic incidents.

It encourages political leaders, public officials and media organisations to refrain from promoting xenophobic rhetoric or fear-based narratives for political gain. It calls for confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms, legal aid and psychosocial support for victims of xenophobia and hate crimes, alongside prompt investigation and prosecution of offenders. And it supports inclusive economic policies, vocational training and employment initiatives that reduce inequality and prevent the scapegoating of migrants during periods of economic hardship, in line with Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 10.

What Resolution 9.2 does

The resolution calls upon all parties to the conflict to establish and respect safe humanitarian corridors, coordinated where appropriate by OCHA and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to facilitate voluntary evacuation of civilians, ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, and protect humanitarian personnel.

It calls for independent, impartial and transparent investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by all parties, in cooperation with OHCHR and other relevant UN investigative mechanisms, with the aim of ensuring accountability and combating impunity.

It urges member states to strengthen diplomatic dialogue and peaceful negotiation through the United Nations and other multilateral forums to reduce regional tensions and promote a sustainable ceasefire. It encourages Iran to continue cooperating fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency by permitting regular safeguards inspections and implementing confidence-building measures consistent with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

It recommends strengthening existing monitoring and early warning systems through enhanced cooperation between OHCHR, OCHA, UNHCR and regional organisations, to improve civilian protection, monitor displacement trends and identify populations at risk. It encourages international cooperation in the reconstruction of damaged civilian infrastructure — hospitals, schools, water and sanitation systems, electricity networks and housing — following the cessation of hostilities. And it encourages states hosting refugees and internally displaced persons to uphold the principle of non-refoulement and support durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration or third-country resettlement.

What the preambles record

Resolution 9.1 records grave concern at the political exploitation of xenophobia, whereby migrants are scapegoated to divert attention from domestic governance failures and to gain electoral support, and alarm at the absence of dedicated United Nations mechanisms focused on monitoring and responding to xenophobia as a political tool. It cites International Organization for Migration figures of approximately 281 million international migrants worldwide in 2020, and UNHCR estimates that over 120 million people have been forcibly displaced.

Resolution 9.2 records deep concern at the security threats arising from Iran's nuclear programme and the activities of armed non-state actors; alarm at the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure; and concern at all violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties, including attacks directed against civilians. It notes with concern restrictions on humanitarian access impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance.

In the room

The committee's agenda order was settled by vote in its opening stages, after the delegates of Egypt and Denmark raised competing motions; Denmark's carried, opening proceedings on xenophobia. Blocs formed subsequently after delegates failed to converge on a common position — divided not on which side they were on, but on how a resolution should be reached.

All blocs later voted to merge into a single grouping, the Humanitarian Non-Aligned, which presented the committee's final working papers. The delegate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan drove proceedings. Delegates reported the delegate of Sweden arguing that migration should be discussed with facts, not fear. The atmosphere was steady and neutral.