Table of Contents:

1. Message from the Executive Board Members........................................................... 1

2. About United Nations...................................................................................................2
3. About Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee............................................2
4. Committee Mandate.....................................................................................................3
5. Core Procedure of the Committee.............................................................................. 4
6. Agenda Overview......................................................................................................... 4
7. Impacts of Stigma on People with Disabilities...........................................................5
a. Limited Allocation of Resources:...................................................................... 5
b. Negative Attitudes Among Service Providers:.................................................. 6
c. Employment and Educational Limitations:........................................................6
d. Discrimination and Social Marginalization:.......................................................7
e. Limited Participation in Decision-Making:........................................................7
f. Underreporting and Underutilization of Services:............................................. 8
g. Inadequate Policy Design:..................................................................................8
8. UN Initiatives for Disabled People..............................................................................9
a. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):.......................9
b. The Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS):....................................................10
9. Stances of Some Nations............................................................................................ 11
a. United States:....................................................................................................11
b. Russia:.............................................................................................................. 11
c. Japan:................................................................................................................11
10. QARMA(s).................................................................................................................. 12
11. Further Research........................................................................................................13
Message from the Executive Board Members

Dear Delegates,

We, the Executive Board members, are eagerly waiting to meet you all in the first session of
Udayan Model United Nations 2023. We hope that all of you are preparing rigorously for the
conference. We hope all of you can showcase your diplomacy skills blended with your
knowledge and skills. We expect you to have your thoughtful arguments and conclusions
rehearsed and revised well before presenting them to us.

We encourage you to review this study guide and familiarize yourself with the agenda, its
background, the stances of major nations, and the potential solutions to the issue at hand.
Furthermore, we want to remind all delegates of the importance of ethical conduct throughout
the conference. We expect all delegates to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect
towards the opinions of fellow delegates while engaging in diplomacy and negotiation.

We wish you all the best for UMUN 2023. We will try our level best to provide any kind of
assistance and utmost guidance to all of you. If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to
any of the Executive Board members.

Warm regards,

Mohtasim Bin Habib, Sehazad Siam, Mohammed Farhan Arbab

Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Khan, Director

Email: [email protected]

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About United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of
193 Member States, the UN, and its work are guided by the purposes and principles
contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved to keep pace with a rapidly changing
world over the years. But one thing has stayed the same: it remains the one place on Earth
where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared
solutions that benefit all of humanity.

About Social, Cultural, and

Humanitarian Committee
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the third committee of the
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This committee focuses on issues dealing with
fundamental human rights, social, and humanitarian issues that have an impact on the
international community. SOCHUM was founded in 1947 along with the other five
committees of the UN General Assembly. SOCHUM operates to create peaceful solutions for
problems within the broad spectrum of social, humanitarian, and cultural complications in the
international community. It derives its legitimacy from the original United Nations Charter.
All 193 member states of the UN are represented under SOCHUM's affiliation. Non-member
states and other organizations that the UN recognizes as permanent observers may also attend
and take part in meetings, but they are not allowed to cast votes. SOCHUM is among the
major bodies within the UN, as demonstrated by the vast number of issues it is designed to
address. Two significant events have shaped the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs
Committee's (SOCHUM) history. A precedent for addressing human rights and children's
welfare was established with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in
1948 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. These milestones show how
crucial a part SOCHUM has played in influencing discourse and action around the world in
these areas.

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Committee Mandate
The mandate of SOCHUM is to promote and protect human rights, ensure gender equality,
combat discrimination, address the needs of refugees and displaced persons, and promote
sustainable development.

The UN Charter states that SOCHUM's purpose is to address issues pertaining to social,
humanitarian, and cultural affairs. This includes fostering social development, upholding
human rights, and maintaining cultural diversity. The specific duties of SOCHUM are
outlined in Articles 55 and 56 of the UN Charter.

The Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee is mandated to:

● Promote human rights worldwide.

● Foster the basic rights protected by international law.
● Address humanitarian crises, focusing on assistance, disaster response, and
international coordination.
● Promote social development, poverty eradication, healthcare, education, and
employment to improve global well-being.
● Promote cultural diversity, heritage preservation, and intercultural dialogue for
harmonious coexistence.
● Address indigenous community issues focusing on cultural preservation, land rights,
and self-determination.
● Advocate for disabled rights and remove barriers that hinder their inclusion.
● Promote policies, initiatives, and measures that eliminate gender discrimination.
● Prevent crime, enhance criminal justice systems, and ensure everyone receives fair
and just treatment.
● Address international drug trafficking challenges through collaboration and
comprehensive strategies.

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Core Procedure of the Committee
As a part of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural
Committee (SOCHUM) is in session simultaneously with the General Assembly. It accepts
reports from Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives, Working Groups, and other
Special Procedures and from the Human Rights Council.

The General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking,
and representative organ of the United Nations. Composed of all 193 Members of the United
Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of
international issues covered by the Charter. It also plays a central role in the process of
standard-setting and the codification of international law.

A United Nations General Assembly resolution is a decision or declaration voted on by all

member states of the United Nations in the General Assembly. General Assembly resolutions
usually require a simple majority (50% of all votes plus one) to pass. However, if the General
Assembly determines that the issue is an "important question" by a simple majority vote, then
a two-thirds majority is required.

Agenda Overview
Reviewing Stigma as the Barrier to Implementing Social Development
Policies and Programs for People with Disabilities Worldwide

One of the most persistent challenges in global social development is the effective
implementation of policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of people with
disabilities. Despite significant progress in recognizing this population's rights and needs,
stigma remains a persistent barrier to their full inclusion and empowerment. Stigma, which
includes negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes, is a formidable barrier that undermines
the effectiveness of social development initiatives aimed at people with disabilities around
the world.

On a global scale, stigma is a formidable impediment to the successful implementation of

social development policies and programs for people with disabilities. Stigma manifests in a

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variety of ways, has far-reaching effects on numerous facets of life, and limits the
effectiveness of efforts to improve the well-being and participation of disabled people in
society.

People with disabilities are frequently marginalized and excluded as a result of stigma, which
is rooted in societal misconceptions and discriminatory attitudes. This exclusion perpetuates a
cycle of disadvantage, making it challenging for them to access education, healthcare,
employment, and social participation. As a result, the potential positive outcomes of
development policies aimed at addressing these disparities are severely jeopardized.

Stigma has a significant impact on the psychological and emotional well-being of disabled
people, leading to self-doubt, shame, and internalized ableism. This emotional turmoil
undermines self-esteem, aspirations, and personal development, perpetuating the stigma that
caused it. The cycle of discrimination and personal growth is further exacerbated by the cycle
of negative attitudes.

Impacts of Stigma on People

with Disabilities
Stigma refers to society's negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about certain groups or
individuals. Stigmatization of people with disabilities can have a significant impact on policy
and program implementation. These consequences can have an impact on various aspects of
support, inclusion, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Here are a few examples of
how stigma can impact people with disabilities:

Limited Allocation of Resources:

The widespread stigma associated with disabilities frequently leads to an unfair allocation of
resources within society. Policies and programs that help people with disabilities may be
unfairly given lower priority status compared to other matters. As a result, these programs
frequently struggle with insufficient funding and inadequate staffing. The consequences of
this unequal distribution of resources can be severe, reducing the effectiveness and scope of
initiatives aimed at assisting those with disabilities. The propensity to undervalue disabilities

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can result in a vicious cycle of underfunding, understaffing, and constrained program
development. The potential for such programs to promote inclusivity and empowerment is
hampered as a result. Minimizing the significance of issues related to disabilities impedes
efforts to create a society that is fair and equitable and adds to systemic disparities.

Negative Attitudes Among Service Providers:

Stigmatizing attitudes in service providers, such as healthcare practitioners, educators, and

social workers, can have a broad spectrum of adverse outcomes. Preconceived ideas held by
these experts frequently result in lowered expectations and unfair treatment. Unfortunately,
people with disabilities usually experience subpar treatment, little attention, and limited
opportunities as a result of these discriminatory attitudes. Due to these prejudices, medical
professionals may give people with disabilities lower-quality care while unintentionally
ignoring their needs for holistic healthcare. Similar to this, teachers may undervalue the
academic ability of children with disabilities, which leaves them lacking the necessary
resources and assistance. Social workers may unintentionally encourage social exclusion by
denying equal opportunities for social engagement and participation. This cycle of
discrimination can have a significant effect on the overall quality of life for persons with
disabilities. The fundamental issue is the deeply ingrained stigmatization, which results in
unfair treatment and fewer opportunities for success.

Employment and Educational Limitations:

Stigma's ramifications reverberate through the realms of education and employment, erecting
formidable barriers. Educational institutions and employers, influenced by societal bias,
frequently question the abilities of people with disabilities. This widespread skepticism leads
to limited access to inclusive educational settings and appropriate employment opportunities,
resulting in a frustrating cycle of exclusion that restricts personal and professional
growth. Preconceived notions may cause educational institutions to overlook the potential of
students with disabilities, denying them the inclusive learning environments they require to
thrive. This denies them the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge,
thereby shortening their educational journey. Similarly, employers may be hesitant to offer
suitable job opportunities to people with disabilities, erroneously assuming their inability to

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excel in a variety of roles. As a result, these individuals find their ambitions thwarted and
their skills underutilized. This continuing exclusion impedes personal development and
deprives society of diverse viewpoints and abilities. It perpetuates a cycle in which people
with disabilities are prevented from reaching their full potential due to a lack of access to
meaningful employment and high-quality education.

Discrimination and Social Marginalization:

Stigma is a pernicious force that creates a distressing landscape of social isolation and
discrimination. Individuals with disabilities face exclusion, targeted harassment, and subtle
slights known as microaggressions, which all combine to create formidable barriers to their
integration. This disheartening cycle of social isolation, fueled by these prejudiced attitudes,
limits their participation in communal endeavors and stymies the formation of genuine
connections. People with disabilities may find themselves excluded from community events
due to the exclusionary nature of stigma, which exacerbates their feelings of disconnection.
The agony of marginalization becomes worse by the pervasiveness of bullying and
microaggressions, which perpetuate a hostile environment that limits their sense of
belonging. Discrimination of this kind denies them the fundamental right to engage and
interact with their surroundings on an equal footing. While this isolation is extremely harmful
on an individual level, it also has societal consequences. People with disabilities' potential
contributions and unique perspectives go undiscovered, limiting community enrichment and
collective growth.

Limited Participation in Decision-Making:

Even in the area of decision-making, the stigmatization of people with disabilities has a
pervasive effect. Because of this marginalization, their voices are effectively silenced in the
very processes that have a direct impact on their lives. Their distinctive viewpoints and
first-hand experiences, which are invaluable in forming receptive policies and programs, are
frequently ignored. This disregard results in initiatives being implemented that are not in line
with their actual needs, preferences, and aspirations. The influence of stigma on
decision-making feeds a downward spiral of exclusion, depriving individuals with disabilities
of agency and rendering their insights inconsequential. The development of policies that

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could genuinely empower and support them is hampered by this discrepancy. By excluding
them from decisions that directly affect them, society feeds a cycle of dependency and
inadequacy. The costs of exclusion are borne not only by those with disabilities but also by
society as a whole. A truly inclusive and equitable society requires that all of its members'
voices, regardless of ability, be heard and heeded.

Underreporting and Underutilization of Services:

The ubiquitous force of stigma often forces people with disabilities to avoid seeking help out
of fear of being judged or labeled. This avoidance leads to a troubling trend of underreporting
disabilities and underutilization of available services. As a result, the data required for
informed policy planning and resource allocation becomes skewed and untrustworthy. Fear of
being labeled as "different" or "inadequate" can contribute to a climate of secrecy
surrounding disabilities. People's reluctance to disclose their needs prevents them from
gaining access to critical support systems that could improve their quality of life. As a result,
the data collected and used for policymaking is inaccurate, resulting in ill-informed and
ineffective policies and resource distribution strategies. Underreporting and underutilization
not only perpetuate an endless cycle of disadvantage for individuals with disabilities but also
impede societal progress. A thorough understanding of the issues confronting this
demographic is essential for creating inclusive environments and developing targeted
interventions.

Inadequate Policy Design:

The rampant impact of stigma is visible in policy formulation, which frequently fails to align
with the genuine needs and preferences of people with disabilities. Decision-makers with
biased perspectives may inadvertently craft policies that are either patronizing or overly
restrictive. This well-intentioned but misguided approach undermines individuals with
disabilities' autonomy and independence, creating an atmosphere of disempowerment. The
influence of stigma on policy development is visible in the paternalistic tendencies that can
emerge. Policies influenced by such attitudes may unintentionally treat people with
disabilities as passive recipients of care, ignoring their ability to make choices and decisions.
This approach promotes a culture of dependence rather than independence and

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self-determination. Additionally, stigma-influenced policies may be overly restrictive,
limiting opportunities and suffocating growth. These policies frequently fail to take into
account the diverse capabilities and aspirations of people with disabilities, limiting their
ability to make meaningful contributions to society.

UN Initiatives for Disabled People

The United Nations (UN) has taken an active role in promoting the rights and well-being of
disabled people all over the world. The United Nations' efforts in this area are primarily
guided by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a human rights
treaty that was adopted in 2006 and went into effect in 2008. They are also developing a
Disability Inclusion strategy.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights
treaty of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with
disabilities. Parties to the convention are required to promote, protect, and ensure the full
enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with
disabilities enjoy full equality under the law.

The Convention follows decades of work by the United Nations to change attitudes and
approaches to persons with disabilities. It takes to a new height the movement from viewing
persons with disabilities as “objects” of charity, medical treatment, and social protection to
viewing persons with disabilities as “subjects” with rights, who are capable of claiming those
rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as
being active members of society. This Convention serves as a major catalyst in the global
disability rights movement enabling a shift from viewing persons with disabilities as objects
of charity, medical treatment, and social protection towards viewing them as full and equal
members of society, with human rights.

The Convention is intended as a human rights instrument with an explicit, social development
dimension. It adopts a broad categorization of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all

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persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and
identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively
exercise their rights in areas where their rights have been violated, and where protection of
rights must be reinforced.

The Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS):

The UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), adopted by the Secretary-General in 2019,

provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion
through all pillars of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and
development.

The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international human rights instruments, as well
as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Agenda for Humanity, and the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Through the Strategy, the organizations of the United Nations system reaffirm that the
complete realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable,
integral, and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The policy
establishes a vision and commitment for the United Nations system on the inclusion of
persons with disabilities.

Mainstreaming a human rights-based approach to disability, in combination with targeted

measures, will make the concerns and experiences of persons with disabilities an integral
dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and
programs in all political, economic, and societal spheres so that persons with disabilities
benefit equally. The ultimate goal is to achieve equality of outcomes and foster an inclusive
culture within the United Nations system.

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Stances of Some Nations
Addressing the stigma associated with disabilities is a critical challenge in the global pursuit
of inclusive social development. Countries approach this barrier by the implementation of
policies and programs for people with disabilities. Understanding the various positions taken
by different countries is critical for creating an environment where individuals of all abilities
can thrive and contribute to the advancement of society.

United States:
In the US, stigma remains a significant barrier to implementing social development policies
and programs for people with disabilities. Negative attitudes, stereotypes, and beliefs obstruct
access to education, employment, and healthcare, often leading to social isolation and a
negative self-image. These biases can be reinforced by media portrayal. While legislation like
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses discrimination, persistence of stigma
poses ongoing challenges to individuals with disabilities' full inclusion and well-being.

Russia:
Stigma as a barrier to implementing social development policies for people with disabilities
in Russia involves challenges rooted in negative attitudes, limited accessibility, and
exclusion. The law "On the Social Protection of Disabled People in the Russian Federation"
is critical in providing this community with rights and assistance. Negative stereotypes
impede employment, education, and social integration, despite legal safeguards. To combat
stigma, awareness campaigns, inclusive policies, and collaboration with non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) are essential. While progress has been made, more efforts are needed
to promote inclusivity, eliminate misconceptions, and foster an environment that allows for
the effective implementation of policies that benefit people with disabilities.

Japan:
Stigma has historically hampered the implementation of disability-related social development
policies in Japan. Discrimination and negative stereotypes have resulted in limited
opportunities and exclusion. Legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, inclusive employment
initiatives, and universal design concepts are all being used to combat these challenges. The
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics highlighted the abilities of people with disabilities and promoted
diversity. While progress has been made, creating an inclusive society is still a work in
progress.

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QARMA(s)
QARMAs refer to ‘Questions A Resolution Must Answer’. These are areas of concern and
priority that the committee must address and discuss in order to reach a fruitful solution. For
our committee at this conference, the QARMAs are as follows:

1. How can member states develop and implement comprehensive anti-stigma

campaigns and awareness programs tailored to their specific cultural contexts to
combat stigma against people with disabilities effectively?
2. What measures can member states take to promote inclusivity and reduce stigma
towards people with disabilities in education, employment, and healthcare, and how
can these measures be enforced effectively?
3. What legal and policy reforms should member states prioritize to protect the rights
and promote the well-being of people with disabilities, and how can they ensure the
enforcement of these reforms?
4. What mechanisms can be established for monitoring and evaluating the progress
made in reducing stigma and implementing social development policies for people
with disabilities, and how can accountability be ensured at both the national and
international levels?

These questions will guide the committee toward practical solutions that can address stigma
as a barrier to implementing social development policies and programs for people with
disabilities worldwide. The delegates have to encompass awareness, access, collaboration,
legal frameworks, and accountability as crucial components of the solution.

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Further Research
To aid your research process, here are some useful resource links that you should thoroughly
study to prepare for the conference:

● World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons | United Nations Enable.

● Reducing stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities | UNICEF
● Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) | Division for Inclusive
Social Development (DISD)
● Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons | OHCHR.
● UNICEF Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS) 2022-2030
● United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy

Please note that this study guide is just a starting point for your research. To ace in the
committee, you have to do further in-depth research to fully understand your country's stance,
the scope of the committee, and the agenda.

All the Best!

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