Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Topic Summary
The Rohingya crisis represents one of the most challenging humanitarian situations in Southeast Asia, with over one million stateless people denied citizenship and basic rights in Myanmar. ASEAN member states find themselves increasingly involved in addressing this complex crisis that crosses borders and threatens regional stability. ASEAN, as a committee, is responsible for developing strategic approaches that uphold human rights while respecting the organization's founding principles, including non-interference in domestic affairs. This scope encompasses both immediate humanitarian response and long-term solutions to statelessness, not only addressing refugee needs but also the root causes of displacement and the political dimensions that have allowed this crisis to persist for decades.
Furthermore, the plight of the Rohingya has highlighted broader issues of forced migration and human trafficking networks operating throughout Southeast Asia. Thus, it is important to establish measures that protect vulnerable stateless populations and create pathways to recognition and rights. This focus extends beyond just the immediate humanitarian situation as the precedents set by ASEAN's response to the Rohingya crisis will shape how the region handles other instances of statelessness and displacement. There are many different angles to approaching this issue, from diplomatic engagement with Myanmar to humanitarian coordination, and my hope is that you employ a variety of them to envision detailed and comprehensive solutions as a product of your time at the conference.
Dear Delegates,
My name is Nyla Nasir, and I am incredibly excited to serve as your director of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations committee in HMUN 2025! I'm looking forward to meeting you all before and during the conference. I am originally from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, and at Harvard, I am concentrating in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, on a pre-med track.
I was first introduced to the world of debate during elementary school, and have always been drawn to the art of diplomacy and constructive discourse. HMUN represents an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to engage with complex global issues while developing vital skills in research, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving. I am thrilled to bring our collective passion for international relations and what Model UN represents to ASEAN and HMUN this year.
Besides my academic pursuits, I serve on the Harvard College Consulting Group board, where I have had the privilege of working with various nonprofits and Fortune 100 companies. On campus, I am also a Peer Advising Fellow (PAF) and work with the Advising Programs Office to lead that program as an Eagle PAF, among other extracurriculars. In my spare time, I enjoy going on hikes, baking, and exploring cute cafes around Cambridge and Boston. My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice, so you can always catch me watching a rom-com or period drama when I need to unwind!
To me, Model UN represents a beautiful convergence of collaboration, research, creativity, and global affairs, and I hope that our committee will embody that. I grew up talking about politics and world issues at every family gathering, giving me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and thoughtful dialogue. I am looking forward to seeing how each of you utilizes your specific country and bloc positions to devise unique solutions to our committee topic. Above all, I will look for delegates who can balance their ideas with others' and actively integrate different solutions and perspectives, when possible, to create more comprehensive and stronger resolutions.
Diplomacy and compromise are the central pillars of Model UN, and I expect everyone in the committee to embrace this spirit and maintain a welcoming environment for every delegate. The larger issue of addressing statelessness and human rights for the Rohingya Muslim population is multi-faceted, and I am excited to witness your debate and ideas emerge throughout the conference.
I truly believe that you, the next generation of leaders, have the power to change the world and address these pressing challenges. No one has all the answers to these difficult problems, but the collaborative spirit of Model UN provides an excellent foundation for developing meaningful solutions. One day, many of you will be in positions to make real change, and I hope this experience helps prepare you for those future roles.
While you all are preparing and counting down the days to HMUN, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Nyla Nasir
Director, Association of Southeast Asian Nations
asean@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026