Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Costa Rica

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures
Paper text:
The Republic of Costa Rica does not believe in the use or possession of weapons of mass destruction. Costa Rica's firm and unwavering beliefs on this topic led to our signing of the Treaty of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in January of 2021. This treaty explains that Costa Rica will not only never have their own weapons, but also will never host other States weapons. We do not believe in the testing of WMD or using them as a threat against other countries. We believe and have encouraged every state to sign, ratify, or accede the TPNW. Costa Rica also started the Nuclear Weapons Convention movement, and wants to see a world free of nuclear weapons. Costa Rica has and always will be against using WMD for any reason and will continue to believe that. Costa Rica calls for a legally binding instrument to hold other countries accountable for their actions. This would work alongside other agreements such as the Weapons Trade Treaty. Costa Rica stands behind the belief that transparency is key. In addition, Costa Rica championed and then signed onto the International Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in June of 2013. This treaty seeks to stymie the illicit trade or transfer of conventional weapons between countries. Stopping the trade of conventional weapons also helps prevent those weapons landing in the hands of the wrong people, reducing the risk of terrorist activities. This treaty covers weapons such as tanks, warships, missiles, and small arms. On the basis of what makes a weapon lethal, we believe that it is based on how the weapon is going to be used, rather than the specific design of the weapon. Gun ownership is a legal and protected right in Costa Rica. At the same time, we guarantee the safety of our citizens through a detailed application process that involves a thorough background check.

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:
Costa Rica is in support of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and use of Chemical Weapons, known as the CWC. The CWC is supported and maintained by the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, known as OPCW, of which Costa Rica is an active member. Since 1997 Costa Rica has made it a part of its foreign policy mission to prevent development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons. Costa Rica defines a chemical weapon as a device that is specifically designed to cause death or other harm through toxic properties, one that would release agents classified as toxic as a result of the employment of such munitions and devices, or any equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of munitions and devices. Costa Rica is not in favor of transferring chemical weapons to anyone, not to engage in military preparations for the use of chemical weapons, and not to assist, encourage, or induce anyone to engage in any activity prohibited to a State Party under the convention. Finally, Costa Rica has been involved in creating programs regarding what the next steps are after chemical weapons are used and co- facilitated a three-month virtual training for first responders.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
Food security is a major issue around the globe. According to The World Health Organization 733 million people experienced malnutrition in 2023. As the number of people experiencing malnutrition continues to rise it is more important than ever to tackle this issue. Malnutrition is significant because it has a lasting impact on its victims even if they escape it. It harms all aspects of its victims and often leads to a cycle of food insecurity harming future generations. Despite the issue growing, The World Food Program has experienced a significant drop in funding in the past few years. Though food insecurity is not a major issue in the Republic of Costa Rica, we believe that more nations around the world need to take action against malnutrition. Less than 3% of the Republic of Costa Rica faces food insecurity and this is largely due to the steps we have taken to improve our infrastructure. As a tropical country there are limitations to what we can produce locally. To combat this, we sell the surplus of locally grown tropical fruits and use the proceeds to import food we cannot produce. We also take strides to reduce the amount of food wasted with the Costa Rica Food Loss and Waste Reduction Network. The FLW reduction network improves food security by informing our citizens about the topic and constantly innovating in their approach. Even though we have implemented these systems, we are troubled by trends we are seeing in the environment. If these trends continue it could pose a major threat to food security globally and undo all the steps we have taken to address food security. Currently climate change is not a major issue for our people but we must look ahead to the future and consider the impact our indifference might have on the next generation.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
The World Bank group defines middle-income countries as those with a per capita income of $1,136 to $13,8451. Costa Rica's exceptional economic growth over the past decade has propelled it towards a current average income of $16,517 a year, meaning that it is now defined as an upper-middle-income country. This economic growth has been fueled by generous loans from the World Bank totaling several hundred million dollars annually. Progress up to this point has been exceptional, but Costa Rica requires continued long-term assistance to fully lock in these economic and standard of living gains. However, Costa Rica is committed to being not only a benefactor but also a significant and active contributor to the United Nation's efforts to assist in the economic development of middle-income countries. One example of this is Costa Rica's agreement to host the High-Level Conference of Middle Income Countries in 2013. This conference, which was co-organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization, was attended by representatives from over 70 middle- income countries. A direct result of this conference was the San Jose Declaration. This declaration represents an agreement between the Member States to promote free trade, embrace sustainability, and alleviate poverty, all with the goal of creating economically positive futures for Members. Costa Rica is committed to leading the way forward toward an economically better future through sharing its knowledge and fostering initiatives that help other middle-income nations in the region to achieve similar results.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
Since 1939, the Republic of Costa Rica has legally recognized that lands inhabited by Indigenous people are inalienable and, since then, has established provisions for the independence, protection, and education of the eight Indigenous people groups within our borders. Costa Rica has ratified and continues to support national and international frameworks, including the 2008 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, that preserve indigenous rights to self-determination, land, culture, and other essential freedoms. Costa Rica strongly encourages sovereign states to internally establish Indigenous territories, extend independence rights to Indigenous communities, and implement bilingual education programs for Indigenous children, as we have done through a series of laws and decrees. Policies and deadlines for these procedures must align with the unique national context, including the ability to invest in negotiation and education, of individual nations. As each Indigenous people group is unique, so too is each country unique; the international policies of Costa Rica have always reflected this belief.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
The Republic of Costa Rica has a longstanding commitment to literacy and educational development, exemplified by its 98 percent literacy rate and status as the highest-ranked educational system in Latin America. Education is fundamental to a sustainable society, and Costa Rica's 100 percent youth-female literacy rate evidences its dedication to providing quality access to learning opportunities for all people. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Costa Rica was one of the first countries to safely reopen its educational institutions. In the wake of this educational disruption, Costa Rica recognizes the need for increased access to digital learning platforms to bridge the digital divide, a goal in line with the Ministry of Public Education's collaboration with the UN to promote inclusive access to digital education. Costa Rica continues to support the promotion of literacy and educational access for all, both within our borders and abroad.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Paper text:
Costa Rica is a major advocate of recognizing and promoting the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Our country has a well-established reputation for its environmental policies and sustainable practices. More than 98% of our energy is renewable, and our forests now cover more than 53% of Costa Rica after working to reverse decades of deforestation and around a quarter of the country has been converted into protected parks and reserves. We have received the Champions of the Earth award because, for generations, Costa Ricans have protected the environment. The National Decarbonization Plan launched in 2019, with a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It aims to reform transportation, energy, waste, and land use with the goal of producing no more emissions than it can be balanced through actions such as maintaining and expanding forests. The country has implemented various laws and initiatives to protect natural resources and promote sustainability. Article 50 of our political constitution was reformed by Law No. 7412 of 3 June 1994 in Costa Rica which includes the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment and also places a responsibility on both the government and the citizens to protect natural resources. Costa Rica's position is overall supportive in recognizing these rights and have truly become one of the top representations of upholding this human right as a principle.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Paper text:
Costa Rica recognizes the pressing issue of safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel. Human security and respect for international humanitarian law is a priority for Costa Rica. Costa Rica has several large and effective humanitarian organizations, such as the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. For example, in 2023, Costa Rica's government declared a state of emergency to address the needs of people in transit. Over 500,000 people entered Costa Rica from Panama during 2023. After this, the government has put a heavy emphasis on aiding the people who are migrating. The nation also works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide health insurance for refugees and asylum seekers. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in Costa Rica also works to build new lives for these refugees. Costa Rica collaborates closely with the UN and other international agencies to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers. During international dialogue, we have re- emphasized its support for security cooperation between nations and the security of UN personnel, particularly when it comes to human migration. The UNHCR and the UN are both collaborating with our government to ensure the safety of the humanitarian workers dealing with migrants inside Costa Rica.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality
Paper text:
The Republic of Costa Rica leads the world in female representation in the political process, with nearly 50% of parliamentary seats held by women. Costa Rican women have had the right to vote in all elections since 1949, and Costa Rica continues to make significant strides in the arena of representation in all branches of government. Costa Rica believes that supporting mothers is of utmost importance and Costa Rican women enjoy excellent pre and post-natal care. Costa Rican women have the right to initiate divorce and receive child support payments. Since 1995, Costa Rica has been working to end violence against women via lawmaking, and discrimination based on gender is not permitted. Women in Costa Rica are represented in all levels of compulsory education from 6 to 18 years of age. The Republic of Costa Rica legalized the right of LGBTQIA+ individuals to marry in 2020, being the first country in central America to do so, and continues to pass legislation protecting their place in society. Transgender individuals have had the legal right to change their gender in Costa Rica in 2018. An apology for past transgressions was also issued to the LGBT community in 2018. Costa Rica encourages its fellow South American countries to work hard to ensure the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals to be included as equal members of society.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Science, technology and innovation for development
Paper text:
The provision of more science, technology and innovation for development is an issue that should take a higher priority in helping countries develop stronger economies and ties to other countries so they can produce a more sustainable development path. These three mechanisms can help increase wealth for these countries and have a better environmental and economical impact. Costa Rica, with the help of the UN Development Program, has been able to bring power to remote villages through the use of solar panels. In 2015, we were able to pass a clean technology milestone when we were powered for 75 consecutive days by renewable energy and 300 total over the year. Science also provides essential tools for combating shared global challenges like the lack of human rights or negative effects of technology in the mechanical or biological fields. Costa Rica believes the best way to protect against these risks while continuing to support human rights and giving progress to counties that need it is by providing an ethical framework. Additionally, making sure the science and technology is protected from without and within with strong cybersecurity and respecting and reinforcing the laws and regulations set to control such investments into other countries.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
As an upper-middle-income country with universal access to health care, Costa Rica maintains its commitment to helping women with reproductive health, increasing medical access, decreasing the number of women living in poverty, and advocating for gender equality. Costa Rica condemns the presence of gender-based violence around the globe. Additionally, Costa Rica believes in being a pillar of any initiative that supports the growth of family planning and childcare through governmental expenditures. This allows lower-income families to avoid bearing the brunt of care costs and helps poverty-level families transition into middle-wage earners per the UN's prerogative to increase the standard of living. Lessons learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic have enabled the Government of Costa Rica to implement more projects supported by World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization country offices. Our primary healthcare (PHC)-oriented approach has proven effective and community-focused in shaping health policy. In this framework, communities and local institutions have been the focal points for Costa Rica's implementation of governmental health policy. Similarly, to better assist women, children, and adolescents' health worldwide, Costa Rica believes that the UN should adopt a PHC approach to health care, making it a requirement for the Member States of this committee.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
About concerns expressed by other States, including the U.S. and governing bodies such as the UN. Costa Rica's government continues to express deep concern over the rising prevalence of illicit drugs and related crimes, recognizing the profound impact these issues have on public safety and social stability. The increase in drug trafficking and associated violence poses significant challenges, not only for Costa Rica but for the region as a whole. In light of this, the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime has recently been granted access to vital information collected by Costa Rica regarding drug use and arms smuggling. This collaboration is seen as a critical step toward understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of these challenges. Costa Rica believes that a robust governmental response to internal drug-related issues is essential for tackling broader global narcotic problems. By strengthening national policies and enforcement mechanisms, the government aims to create a more effective framework for combating drug trafficking and its consequences. For this reason, Costa Rica advocates for implementing United Nations action to enhance global efforts in this area through enhanced jurisdiction of UNODC, supporting its adoption and implementation into all the Member States within this committee. Considering these factors, the PHC approach can also be applied to the drug health crisis.

Committee:	COI-1948
Topic:	United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan
Paper text:
Both countries are likely escalating the conflict themselves. The partisan and militia attacks on the territory of Kashmir were likely directed in some way by the Pakistani government, with the intent of gaining popular support and deposing the pro-India rulers of the province. India, although not initiating the conflict, has taken advantage of the chaos in order to justify the annexation of the province. Both India and Pakistan have made conflicting claims about the extent of the other's involvement in the unrest of the province. More information is needed about the truthfulness of each nation's claims to verify their intentions and actions. In order to maintain our mediatory influence, the commission should analyze the claims of both nations with skepticism and also seek analysis from non-biased sources both from the region and from abroad. The Security Council should insert observers to assess the situation before further action can be taken. The UN Security Council should assemble a force to oversee a ceasefire and negotiate with the governments of India and Pakistan in order to best enforce whatever resolution the UN comes to. The UN Security Council also needs to know more details about the violations being made by both sides on the ground and how much authority both sides have over local assets in the province.

Committee:	COI-1948
Topic:	The United Nations Committee of Good Offices on the Indonesian Question
Paper text:
While having merit, the Linggadjati Agreement does not provide an ample solution to the conflict. Despite its attempts, the conflict and constant breaking of the ceasefire after the Agreement went into effect proves that the union is not likely to work out. The security council should oversee that civilian control over the region is handed back to the Republic of Indonesia and should both enforce a ceasefire and resume negotiations between both the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia. The UN should also ensure that Dutch forces return to the position they were in at the time of the ceasefire on August 29th, 1947. The UN needs more information on what actions the Indonesian militias have taken against the Dutch and to what extent the Republic of Indonesia is supporting and funding them. The Committee of Good Offices should lead the reopening negotiations between the Dutch and Indonesians in order to secure a peaceful settlement and find a solution for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of troops while negotiations take place.

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