October Topic: The Military Use of Children

The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict is one of the gravest violations of international law and human rights. Defined broadly by UNICEF as the involvement of minors in government or rebel armed forces, this practice subjects children to combat, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other abuses. Today, an estimated 300,000 children are involved in conflicts across more than 20 countries, especially in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America

. While some are forcibly abducted, many join out of poverty, displacement, or a desire for protection and survival, underscoring the complex social and economic roots of the problem.

Despite international frameworks such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (2002) and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many states continue to flout their obligations, and armed groups exploit the availability of lightweight weapons that make children easier to deploy in combat. Rehabilitation programs exist—such as those in Rwanda, Uganda, and Sierra Leone—but reintegration is difficult, with many former child soldiers facing stigmatization or returning to armed groups. The challenge before delegates is to strengthen prevention, ensure accountability, and expand support for demobilization and reintegration, while balancing the sovereignty concerns of states and the urgent humanitarian imperative to protect children.

December Topic: Transnational Corporations

Transnational corporations (TNCs) are among the most powerful actors in the global economy, with just 147 firms estimated to control 40% of worldwide corporate wealth. While these entities drive trade, investment, and innovation, they also raise pressing legal and ethical concerns. Many TNCs have been implicated in exploitative labor practices, environmental degradation, and large-scale tax avoidance. Their global reach allows them to operate across jurisdictions, often exploiting weak regulatory systems in developing countries while shaping political and economic policies in their favor through lobbying and investment.

The UN and other international institutions have recognized the need for accountability, with frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s core conventions, and UNEP guidelines on environmental responsibility. Still, gaps remain in enforcement and jurisdiction, particularly when corporate misconduct spans multiple borders. Delegates must grapple with how international law can evolve to regulate non-state actors while respecting national sovereignty. The debate centers on questions of labor rights, sustainable development, taxation, and the proper balance between encouraging economic growth and protecting human rights. Any comprehensive framework will need to reconcile the interests of developed states—often home to corporate headquarters—with the needs of developing states seeking both investment and safeguards.

Dear Delegates, 

My name is Margaret Bowles and I am beyond excited to be serving as director of the Legal Committee this year at HMUN-Online 2025! I am originally from a small town outside of Boston. At Harvard,  I am studying Government and Economics on the Pre-Law track. When I’m not competing in Model UN committees, I love spending time outside running, hiking, biking and generally exploring. I am also involved with the Phillips Brooks House, a volunteer organization on campus, Harvard Undergraduates for Bipartisan Solutions (HUBS) and in Massachusetts state-level politics. 

I was first introduced to Model UN my junior year of high school where I had the opportunity to attend HMUN as my first-ever conference. I am pleased to report that I had such a good time competing at HMUN my junior and senior year in high school that I decided to enter the land of MUN in college, as well! Currently, I compete on the North American circuit with Harvard’s competitive Model UN team, ICMUN, where I have spent most of my time competing in GAs and non-traditionals. I also have a variety of conference staffing experience including directing UNOOSA at HNMUN last year and directing DISEC at HMUN India. I will also be serving as deputy director of GA at HMUN, directing the Ad-Hoc GA for HMUN Dubai and directing the Legal Committee at HNMUN 2026. Overall, I love the people and culture that Model UN at Harvard has allowed me to connect with. I can’t wait to take my enthusiasm for Model UN to HMUN Online 2025 and direct the Legal committee this year! 

I am excited to meet you all this October. I expect our topics to yield lively debate and creative resolutions. Throughout the committee, I expect that all delegates will keep their conduct positive and help create a constructive environment in addition to treating the topic with the proper sensitivity. I am always happy to help both in committee and ahead of time. 

Best regards,

Margaret Bowles

Dear Delegates,

My name is Addison Gaddy, and I am ecstatic to be serving as your director of HMUN Online’s Legal Committee! I'm from the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, where I was first introduced to Model UN. At Harvard, I am studying a joint concentration in Government and Romance Languages and Literature. 

Since my initial introduction to MUN, I have spent – a little too much – of my time on Model UN events/activities, but am incredibly grateful for the community and skills MUN had brought me. I am one of the 4 head delegates of  Harvard’s competitive team, ICMUN (yay KALF!) and the  Director General of HMUN 2026. I have directed all over the world from Latin America to Australia to India, but nothing can compete with HNMUN Boston. I am so so excited to direct the HNMUN GADHOC for the second time!

Outside of Model UN, I am involved in Harvard’s Undergraduate Consulting in Business and the environment and various affinity groups. In my downtime, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, eating frozen yogurt (tart yogurt, with chocolate chips, and blueberries), scrolling through TikTok and, and listening to music (as of writing this I am in a Frank Ocean grind). 

As said before, Model UN is a huge passion of mine, and I hope that you all get a glimpse of that this weekend. The Legal committee will be an equally exciting and challenging experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the lively debate that will unfold. Throughout the weekend, I’ll be looking for delegates who provide quality solutions that can be discussed and defended. I will pay special attention to delegates who can be flexible throughout the changes that will surely arise from the general assembly nature. While balancing these complex solutions and various fluctuations, I expect delegates to maintain a collaborative and welcoming environment. 

I am thrilled to be your Director of Legal and am already counting down the days! In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!

Best Regards,

Addison Gaddy