Humanitarian Crossroads Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Humanitarian Crossroads
HS Civics / Global Studies
Lesson: Evaluating the Role of the UNHCR
Learning Objective
Students will be able to evaluate the role of international organizations (specifically the UNHCR) in managing humanitarian crises by negotiating a bilateral agreement between a host nation and the UN.
Pacing (50 min)
Hook: The Responsibility Gap 5 min
Video: UNHCR Support Systems 10 min
Simulation: The Maroa Accord 25 min
Debrief: Balancing Interests 5 min
Closure: Exit Ticket 5 min
1. Hook: The Responsibility Gap (5 min)
"Who is responsible for helping people who have no government to protect them?"
Facilitate a brief discussion. Students may suggest "other countries," "the UN," or "charities." Highlight the legal vacuum when a person's own state becomes the threat or fails to protect.
2. Video Viewing (10 min)
Video: Refugee Crises - Demographics and Global Support Systems
Watch segments 6:30 - 9:20. Focus on the infrastructure solutions (schools, jobs, cash assistance) and the specific ways the UNHCR partners with host nations.
3. Simulation: The Maroa Accord (25 min)
Setup: Divide the class into groups of 4. Within each group, 2 students represent the Host Country Government (Republic of Maroa) and 2 represent UNHCR Representatives .
The Crisis: 10,000 refugees from a neighboring conflict have just arrived at the border of Maroa. Maroa is a developing nation with limited resources.
UNHCR Goal: Ensure safety, shelter, and long-term dignity (education/jobs) for refugees.Government Goal: Prevent economic collapse, maintain national security, and ensure citizens aren't neglected.
Deliverable: A signed "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) outlining the plan.
4. Debrief: Balancing Interests (5 min)
Ask: Was it easy to agree? What were the conflicting interests? How does the "sovereignty" of a nation clash with the "mandate" of the UN?
5. Closure: Exit Ticket (5 min)
Students complete the Exit Ticket identifying one specific way the UNHCR supports host nations and evaluating its effectiveness.
Materials Needed:
Humanitarian Crossroads Slides
Role-Play Scenario Briefs
Simulation Agreement Template (MOU)
Simulation Rubric
Humanitarian Crossroads Slides Civics & Global Studies
Humanitarian
Crossroads
The Role of the UNHCR in Global Crises
The Responsibility Gap
"Who is responsible for helping people who have no government to protect them?"
The State Fails
Borders Crossed
The World Responds
Video: Support Systems
Focus: How does the UNHCR actually help?
6:30 - 9:20
Embedded media
1
Basic Needs
2
Infrastructure
3
Protection
Simulation:
The Republic of Maroa Accord
10,000 New Arrivals
A neighboring conflict has pushed 10,000 refugees across the Maroan border. They are currently in makeshift camps with zero resources.
Team A
Host Government
Wants: National security, economic stability, job protection.
Team B
UNHCR Reps
Wants: Life protection, dignity, long-term education.
The Negotiation Task
1. Identify Constraints
Maroa has limited schools and a weak job market. How can 10,000 people fit in?
2. Draft Solutions
The UNHCR offers cash and experts. What will the Government give in return (land, access)?
Final Goal
Draft a Signed
Government Signature
UNHCR Signature
The Debrief
Did the Government feel threatened by the influx?
Did the UNHCR feel limited by the local laws?
"Whose interests ultimately came first?"
Maroa Simulation Briefs Briefing Dossier: Simulation
REF: CASE-MAROA-2026
Confidential / Classroom Use Only
The Situation
Civil unrest in the neighboring nation of Soria has reached a breaking point. Over the last 48 hours, approximately 10,000 individuals have crossed the northern border into the Republic of Maroa . Most are families with young children. They have no shelter, limited water, and no legal status in Maroa. Maroa is currently facing its own economic slowdown with 15% unemployment.
Role A
Host Government (Maroa)
Your Priorities:
National Security: You must screen all arrivals. You worry about instability or criminals entering hidden among refugees.Job Competition: Your citizens are struggling. If refugees take low-wage jobs, your own people may protest.Infrastructure: Local schools and hospitals are already full. Who will pay for the extra load?
Strategy: Demand that the UN pays for 100% of the camp costs and promise that refugees will only stay "temporarily."
Role B
UNHCR Representatives
Your Priorities:
Human Dignity: Every refugee needs a tent, clean water, and food. Malnutrition must be prevented at all costs.The "Lost Generation": Children cannot stop learning. You need permission to set up temporary schools in the camps.Work Rights: Long-term, refugees need to earn money so they don't depend on aid forever. You want them to have work permits.
Strategy: Remind the Government of their international legal obligations and offer $5 million in "infrastructure grants" to sweeten the deal.
Negotiation Talking Points
"We appreciate the help, but our people come first. How will you ensure this doesn't hurt our economy?"
"These children have seen war. If we don't educate them now, the future of the whole region is at risk."
"The international community is watching. Maroa can be a leader in humanitarianism or a pariah."
[ SEE SEPARATE HANDOUT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TEMPLATE ]
Maroa Accord Template Memorandum of Understanding
BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF MAROA AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
WHEREAS , a sudden humanitarian crisis has resulted in the displacement of 10,000 individuals into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Maroa;
AND WHEREAS , both parties seek to ensure the safety, security, and human rights of these individuals while respecting the national interests and economic stability of the host nation;
NOW, THEREFORE , the parties hereby agree to the following terms and conditions:
Article I: Resource Allocation & Funding
Explain who will pay for the camps, water, and food. List any "grants" or cash the UNHCR is providing.
Article II: Employment & Work Rights
Can refugees work outside the camps? Are there specific industries they are allowed to join? How will locals be protected?
Article III: Education & Child Welfare
Will refugee children attend Maroan schools? Or will the UN build temporary "camps schools"? Who will staff them?
Representative of the Republic of Maroa
Official Seal & Date
United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR)
Official Seal & Date
End of Protocol • Document HS-CIV-2026-X
Simulation Performance Rubric Simulation Performance Rubric
Topic: UNHCR Crisis Management Simulation (Maroa Accord)
Criteria Exceptional (4) Proficient (3) Emerging (2-1) Role Fidelity Demonstrated deep understanding of specific role goals. Effectively pushed for primary interests (Security vs. Humanity). Stayed in character. Represented role interests clearly during most of the negotiation. Struggled to stay in character. Values negotiated were inconsistent with assigned role goals. Diplomatic Negotiation Used persuasive arguments, active listening, and creative compromises to bridge gaps. Engaged in dialogue. Able to offer concessions and reach a basic agreement. Difficulties communicating. Negotiation was confrontational or one-sided. Content Accuracy Agreement reflects specific UNHCR solutions (e.g., cash aid, infrastructure) mentioned in the lesson. Agreement includes standard humanitarian concepts like shelter and basic aid. Agreement is vague or lacks specific actionable items for managing 10,000 people. Collaboration Shared the floor equally with partners and opponents. Contributed significantly to the final written MOU. Contributed to the discussion and assisted in drafting parts of the agreement. Limited participation in the group or let others do the bulk of the drafting.
Strengths
Areas for Growth
Final Score: / 16
UNHCR Support Exit Ticket Exit Ticket: The UNHCR Role
Civics 2.4
Student Name
Date
1 Identify one specific way the UNHCR supports host nations during a refugee crisis.
2 Based on the simulation, what is the biggest challenge a host government faces when working with international organizations like the UNHCR?
Reflection: Do you think international organizations are powerful enough to solve the global refugee crisis? Why or why not?
© 2026 Global Affairs Curriculum Project
