Intermediate Agencies

Intermediate Agencies have approximately 63 delegates each. They are intended for delegates with some Model UN experience; speaking time may be limited in a committee of this size.

UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Topic A: The Rights of Asylum Seekers and the Treatment of RefugeesTopic B: Protecting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

UNHCR focuses on the protection of displaced people. Delegates will debate asylum procedures, the treatment of refugees, and protection for people displaced within their own country.

Read the full UNHCR brief

Asylum and refugee protection: Consider how states can provide fair asylum procedures and humane reception conditions while addressing border policy and sharing responsibility with other countries. Research should include non-refoulement, the principle against returning people to places where they face persecution or other serious harm.

Internal displacement: People displaced within their own country face different protection challenges. Delegates will examine access to aid, security, and recovery, and the limits that conflict and state sovereignty place on international responses.

UNHCR offers delegates the opportunity to examine some of the most pressing humanitarian issues facing the international community today. This committee uses Regular Rules of Procedure and is suitable for delegates of intermediate to advanced experience level. Position papers are recommended for this committee but are mandatory for delegates wishing to be considered for awards.

ILO

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Topic A: Child LabourTopic B: International Enforcement of Labour Laws

The ILO brings governments, employers, and workers together to develop international labour standards. This committee will examine child labour and the enforcement of labour laws across borders.

Read the full ILO brief

Child labour: Delegates will consider how poverty, access to education, and weak labour protections contribute to child labour. Debate will compare enforcement measures with education, social protection, and corporate accountability.

Enforcement: How can labour standards be implemented where resources or political support are limited? Delegates will consider monitoring, trade agreements, and cooperation between countries.

ILO offers the traditional Model United Nations experience for delegates from intermediate to advanced levels and uses Regular Rules of Procedure. Position papers are recommended for this committee, but are mandatory for delegates to be considered for awards.

IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Topic A: The Viability of Nuclear Energy in Achieving Global Climate GoalsTopic B: Preventing Nuclear Proliferation and Strengthening Safeguards Regimes

The IAEA promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology and applies safeguards to verify that nuclear material is not diverted to weapons. Delegates will debate nuclear energy’s role in climate policy and the prevention of nuclear proliferation.

Read the full IAEA brief

Nuclear energy: Consider the costs, safety concerns, waste management, and public acceptance involved in expanding nuclear power, alongside the role of renewable energy.

Non-proliferation: Delegates will examine inspections, treaty compliance, and international oversight, including the tension between access to peaceful nuclear technology and the risk of military use.

IAEA offers the traditional Model United Nations experience for delegates from intermediate to advanced levels and uses Regular Rules of Procedure. Position papers are recommended for this committee, but are mandatory for delegates to be considered for awards.

Check the Country Matrix Before Registering

Download Matrix