Position paper for Australia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| The Commonwealth of Australia has been dedicated to peace through diplomacy rather than force. Since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, we have been fully committed to the major disarmament treaties including those involving weapons of mass destruction and inhuman conventional armaments. Australias consistent attempts for a better world through disarmament include a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests, and we have been vocal about our International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification initiative. In 2010, Australia was part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference which came up with a 64-point action plan which includes many steps required to advance the objectives the NPT was created to do. Australia helped establish the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, promoting action and maintaining pressure on the nuclear weapon states to meet their commitments. Australia will continue to advocate for the disarmament of nuclear weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| Australia is against the use, development, production, and stockpiling of chemical and nuclear weapons based on their massive destructive capabilities. Having joined the Non- Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, we are actively ensuring that the countries that do hold these weapons are committed to complying with UN standards. Australias consistent attempts for a better world through disarmament includes our signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993 and our passing of the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act in 1994. Our dedication to the Chemical Weapons Convention, in which parties have agreed to destroy stockpiles of chemical weapons and their facilities, as well as our signature on many other conventions limiting the use of chemical weapons, is a key indication of Australias stance on the topic. As stated in Australias 1995 Canberra Commission on the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, only certain nation states possess these weapons of mass destruction and therefore this situation is highly discriminatory and thus unstable. We ask that all chemically-armed countries disarm themselves so that we might live in a more safe world. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| Food insecurity affects 48% of low-income Australians (Income less than $30,000/Year), 19% of Australians are required to skip meals or go entire days without eating. Australia realizes the right to food and supports causes that strengthen food security and decrease the progression of undernourishment. Australias food shortage can be heavily attributed to the economic shocks changing the price of energy and fertilizer, and global warming. Global warming can create inconsistent change to Australia's weather patterns, create severe droughts or heat waves, and create difficulties for farmers to raise livestock or grow crops. Australia understands the severe effects of global warming, and spends nearly $222 Million per year to upscale climate resilient farming by working in tandem with NGOs, foreign governments, private sectors, and community partners to approach the needs of Australias poorest. The parliament of Australia recognises the importance of food security and the necessity of a national food plan and even considers appointing a health minister. Australia supports the idea of cooperating with multiple echelons of government, charities, and other health related industries to create a national food plan to create clear objectives, quantifiable goals, and frequent updates to create a council that repairs the food security crisis. The Australian department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is presently combating food insecurity by providing resources to emergency food assistance causes, advocating for open trading regulations and avoiding restrictions on fertilizers and food, and supporting protection systems to act as a safety for those affected by food prices. Australia also supports global food assistance by funding the World Food Programme which delivers emergency food assistance to those who need it most, and provides core funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN Refugee Agency, UN Central emergency response fund, and the UN office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| Australia is one of the world's 108 Middle income countries. Australias estimated budget for the Official Development Assistance is estimated to be nearly $5 Billion through the 2024-25 year. Australia supports the efforts of implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as its Sustainable development goals, as well as regional and global efforts to build economic resilience to include all partners in the benefits of the global rules- based order and partners effectively with development partners. This can be done through innovative financing like the Orange Bond Initiative, which sends billions towards improving access to finance, goods, and assets that generate income. Australia pays immense attention to the pacific region and will be spending $2 Billion on developmental assistance to the pacific region, and nearly $400 million to support 12 countries to improve the more efficient delivery of critical services. The support for the pacific aids causes like climate change, gender equality, climate resilient infrastructure, education, health, and connectivity to transition partners in the pacific to make the transition to renewable energy especially in rural areas. This partnership also includes a $100 Million Australia-Pacific partnership to promote more sustainable Pacific aviation to highlight economic growth. Australia recognises the diverse needs of countries, especially when it comes to emergencies and unpredictable factors. Australias foreign development partnerships are based on the necessary resources to recover from specific hardships, not the countrys income or other economic factors. Switching to a Comprehensive Wealth Measure wouldnt necessarily have any impact on the categorization of middle income countries, nor should the categorization be redefined, cooperative development is at its core, about self sustaining economic systems, Innovation of technology and climate resilient infrastructure, prevention of gender based violence, and preparedness of obstacles. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| The prospering Commonwealth of Australia is committed to protecting the rights of Indigenous people within our nation by allowing them equal representation in government, the right to live in their ancestral lands, and other means outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Australia acknowledges our colonial history and is regretful for our treatment of Indigenous people in the past, yet our government continues to move past the colonial history. Through several proclamations and changes in Australia's constitution to allow greater Indigenous representation in government positions, Australia has been committed to enabling the future progress of Indigenous rights. Our signing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2009 further represents our commitment to the international community to extend the rights of indigenous people throughout the world. While understanding that the rights outlined in the UNDRIP are significant to ensuring a better future, Australia also acknowledges that some of these recommendations may not be necessary for all states, thus we urge that national sovereignty be included in any discussions of future recommendations. To continue to progress the rights of Indigenous people while respecting individual nations' sovereignty, Australia plans on adopting resolutions that further Indigenous people's rights following the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without ignoring the importance of national sovereignty in this pressing issue. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| According to the Commonwealth of Australia, literacy is essential to attaining social progress, equity, and sustainable development on a national and international level. Even while Australia has good reading rates overall, there are still issues, especially in Indigenous areas, where the national "Closing the Gap" effort has attempted to address educational inequalities. Australia contributes to international programs that aim to promote high-quality education for all by supporting literacy efforts through collaborations like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and UNESCO's Global Alliance for Literacy. Literacy has significant social and economic benefits that boost national production and individual empowerment, making it an important area for ongoing investment. Australia supports the creation of context-specific literacy programs that honor cultural and linguistic variety while suggesting focused interventions to overcome the current reading disparities among Indigenous and rural groups. To guarantee continued success, we also support quantifiable objectives and frequent policy evaluations. Australia supports these initiatives by urging member states to emphasize literacy as an essential element of equality and progress on the international scene. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| The nation of Australia believes that every person has the undeniable right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Upon signing A/RES/76/300 in 2022, in which the General Assembly urged that all member states recognize the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right, the nation of Australia committed itself to being vigilant in upholding this undeniable human right. In the interest of the rights of all nations, and the desire for a better human condition, we are committed to ensuring that the environment, and all people in it, are cared for and protected. We believe that this inherent human right encompasses several essential elements, including the rights to: clean air, a safe climate, access to safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, healthy biodiversity and ecosystems, and non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play. In following these inalienable rights, the nation of Australia urges all countries, enterprises, and peoples to Accept and establish policies, continue their good practices and support each other in the pursuit to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| The nation of Australia believes that the protection of humanitarian and United Nations
personnel is paramount in protecting security measures across the globe. In 1999, Australia
signed and helped pass A/RES/54/192, the General Assembly resolution urging all member
states to ensure the safety of all humanitarian and United Nations personnel by
implementing rules and regulations of international humanitarian law. Australia recognizes
the importance of these personnel, and aspires to ensure their protection not just in the
borders of Australia, but across the globe.
Australia believes in taking every precaution and measures in order to protect these vital personnel. The delegation believes that the protection of these personnel by strengthening global measures should be encouraged, as well as urging the Security Council to enforce consequences for those member states who fail to protect these valuable personnel. Not only this, but the delegation of Australia suggests that humanitarian and United Nations personnel should have security officers around these personnel when they are working to aid crises in other nations. Australia also encourages the enhanced respect for international humanitarian law, or IHL, as well as ethical practices within member states in order to increase safety. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| Australia believes that the health of women, children, and adolescents is at the heart of global development and social progress. We are deeply committed to advancing gender equality and ensuring that all women, children, and adolescents especially in vulnerable regions have access to the healthcare and resources they deserve. As a long-time supporter of the Global Strategy for Womens, Childrens, and Adolescents Health (2016-2030), Australia has continuously championed initiatives to reduce maternal mortality, increase access to reproductive health services, and promote gender equity in healthcare. Australia has been an active partner in global efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly in the Pacific region. We are proud of our contributions to programs like the Every Woman Every Child initiative, which has improved millions' access to life-saving healthcare and nutrition. Australia also collaborates with UN agencies and NGOs on vaccination programs and strengthening health systems in developing countries. We see these collaborations as essential steps in closing the health equity gap. Australia strongly believes that the next step is to ensure these health programs are sustainable and scalable. We call on the international community to strengthen health systems by investing in local healthcare infrastructure and training healthcare workers, especially in rural and conflict- affected areas. We also advocate for a more integrated approach, combining education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and adolescents. These investments will empower future generations and create more resilient societies. Were ready to work with our UN partners and other Member States to keep pushing this agenda forward. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| Australia recognizes that the world drug problem is not just a law enforcement issue but a deeply rooted public health crisis that requires a humane and balanced response. Our national approach combines prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation, all while safeguarding human rights. Australia firmly supports the UN's goal of addressing this problem through the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and subsequent international drug control treaties. However, we believe its crucial to focus more on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone. Australia has long been an advocate for harm reduction strategies, and we have actively contributed to discussions at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Our national programs, such as needle exchange services and opioid substitution therapy, have proven to be effective at reducing drug- related harm and have become models for international best practices. We continue to support UNODCs work in combating drug trafficking and improving access to health services for those impacted by addiction. Australias stance is that the world drug problem cannot be solved through punitive measures alone. We urge the international community to adopt evidence-based harm reduction strategies, including wider access to drug treatment programs and rehabilitation services. We also propose stronger international collaboration to address the root causes of drug use, such as poverty, social instability, and mental health issues. We believe that any successful strategy must balance drug control with compassionate public health policies, ensuring that those affected by addiction receive the care and support they need. Australia is ready to lead by example and work with other countries to promote a more health-centered approach. | |
| Committee: | COI-1948 |
| Topic: | United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan |
| Paper text: | |
| One of the most pressing issues facing the Commission of Inquiry in the year 1948 is the conflict between the newly sovereign nations of India and Pakistan. When the British East India company left the region, they drew new border lines of what belonged to India and what belonged to Pakistan when the two nations gained independence. This caused many border disputes between the two nations especially in the case of Jammu and Kashmir. As of the time of our simulation, India and Pakistan are still at war with each other over the border dispute. It is known from history that this first Indo-Pakistani War was ended by the Security Councils Resolution 47. Resolution 39 was issued a year prior to the ceasefire to create a commission to investigate how to solve the dispute. The questions that arise around this topic is how do we as the Commission create suggestions that will reduce the chance of future disputes in this region? If we are able to answer this question then we possibly could prevent future conflicts over Kashmir. It would possibly benefit the Commission to request that UN diplomat Josef Korbel could be called to address the Commission. Korbel is known for being critical of the Commissions decisions so it may be beneficial to hear this diplomats perspective. | |
| Committee: | COI-1948 |
| Topic: | The United Nations Committee of Good Offices on the Indonesian Question |
| Paper text: | |
| Another important issue faced by the Commission of Inquiry in 1948 was the situation around the Committee of Good Offices on the Indonesian Question. Historically, this issue comes from a history of colonization and mistreatment of people native to Indonesia. During World War II, Indonesia was invaded by Japan and their colonizer, the Netherlands, were unable to depend on the Japanese to push them out of Indonesia. In August of 1945, Indonesia gained their independence from the Japanese, but they were once again under the control of the Netherlands. From then, Indonesians began to seek freedom from the Netherlands to be able to self-govern. This led to conflicts between the Dutch authorities in Indonesia and Indonesians. The Committee of Good Offices was established on 8 October 1947 to settle the dispute between the Republic of Indonesia and the Netherlands. We know from history that after negotiations, an agreement was agreed upon in the form of the Charter of Transfer of Sovereignty. Many criticize this committee for not having solved the dispute as there was much left to be desired. A that arises is what specifically did the Indonesians want included that was not? An answer to this question would be beneficial in coming to a better solution and a smoother transfer of Sovereignty from the Netherlands to Indonesia. | |
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