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World Health Organization
Delegates
Dear Delegates,
My name is Mónica Quirós and along with my co‐chair Isabella Mejia, we are pleased to be
welcoming you to the 3rd annual British School of Costa Rica Model United Nations. In this
committee, we will be discussing the controversial topic of the use of birth‐control methods and
abortion in refugee camps around the world. This has been up for discussion since the 1990s, and
has become of imminent importance.
It is estimated, according to United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),
that there are around 40 million refugees displaced worldwide, 80% of which are estimated to be
children and women. Although refugee camps have been settled to provide these people with
basic needs such as food, water and medicine, the issue about whether or not reproductive health
services are to be provided as well, has been raised.
Women often become pregnant as a result of sexual abuse or forced prostitution, which
can cause both physical and metal trauma; pregnancy by itself poses a risk even in developed
countries, and taking into account the trauma these women have faced, pregnancy can be fatal in
many cases. It is estimated that around 13% of pregnancy‐related deaths world‐wide, are
associated with unsafe abortions in refugee settings, and to these numbers, you can add the
victims of sexually transmitted diseases(STD) which are likely to develop in refugee camps where
information and prevention methods are limited.
Throughout the weekend I expect all of you to accurately represent your country’s
position on the matter of both the use of birth‐control methods and the possibility of abortion; I
expect you to present solid arguments for your position, rather than to simply allege that it is your
country’s religious or moral perspective; especially when it comes to the representative of the
Holly See, who will serve as an official observer. I also hope that you are able to discuss the
implication of the implementation of these “solutions”; factors such as education, and resources
are important to be taken into account.
Although this specific topic is prone to turn into a debate about moral issues, I am
encouraging you to substantiate your position with real, solid arguments which are up for debate
and to suggest possible solutions that uphold your country’s opinion on the matter. I am expecting
you to demonstrate a respectful attitude towards other delegates and the countries’ specific views
at all times and you will be required to dress appropriately as a proper delegate from your country
throughout the weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Mónica Quirós and Isabella Mejía
Directors of World Health Organization