Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Czechia

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures
Paper text:
The best preventative measures in order to ensure peace and security for the whole of the United Nations is through collective disarmament. Since the rise of the Nuclear Age the need for cooperation has become more crucial than ever as unregulated usage of weapons continuously becomes more difficult to manage. In order for disarmament to be successful there must be cooperation amongst more states, as states who have abstained from treaties against small weapon disarmament create humanitarian risks not just for other states, but their own as well, as excessively hostile weapons such as cluster munitions and landmines overreach what is to be considered proper defense. In addition to Member States abstaining, treaties in regards to the disarmament of small weapons are limited as well. As technology advances at rates not seen since the industrial era there needs to be heavy moderation of new technology being used in combat. There has been much progress in regards to disarmament in the United Nations over the past several decades one of which being the United Nations Office of Disarmament affairs established in 1998 and has been essential through the process of disarmament. They have been responsible for maintaining many treaties the state of Czechia has signed such as, the Ottawa convention in 1999, which was intended to facilitate the destruction of anti- personnel mines, the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2011, and the 1975 Convention of Biological Weapons. One of the biggest treaties in terms of goals has been the Arms Trade Treaty which has the goal of ensuring arms used by States do not fall into the hands of non state armed groups. The success on these treaties varies however more is needed to ensure global security. Many of these treaties have not been effective in achieving their end goal, as the Arms Trade Treaty cannot hold up without total cooperation. Czechia has contributed its part into upholding these treaties however it is not enough and the state urges the rest of the United Nations to uphold these treaties, it is not enough to get agreement through signing these treaties. Another proposition that Czechia puts forth is creating surveillance on technology such as drones and AI. This is a new frontier the world is entering and if the states in the United Nations are not careful there could be unexpected and drastic repercussions that follow.

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:
Since World War I, the creation and implementation of chemical weapons has plagued countries globally due to its capability to inflict mass fatalities. While the utilization of chemical weapons on an extensive scale has diminished in recent years, it doesn't negate its ability to do so or shroud the information of considerable stockpiles in numerous countries. Globally, twelve nations have confirmed production facilities for chemical weapons, while some countries, North Korea and Syria, have possession of chemical weapons. As the First Committee it is our duty to address concerns regarding the utilization, development, and containment of chemical weapons, under which countries can be held responsible in the event of a chemical warfare. One of the greatest achievements in weapon disarmament has been the Chemical Weapons Convention, with all but four States having signed and ratified it. Although banning the Geneva Protocol has banned the use of chemical weapons, it was insufficient to ensure the disarmament of said weapons. After the events of World War II, it is apparent the harm that can unfold by way of chemical weapons, hence the need for the Chemical Weapons Convention. Czechia has signed for this convention advocating against the usage and creation of chemical weapons. The state has been a factor in developing protections against the application and creation of said weapons by creating antidotes and providing anti-chemical warfare troops to Jordan in 2021 to ensure limited use of chemical weapons. As previously mentioned, Czechia disapproves of the creation, utilization, and stockpiling of chemical weapons. We propose more international transparency between countries, in order to be aware of possible chemical threats and respond accordingly. Furthermore, we advocate for strengthening and the enforcement of chemical-related treaties such as the CWC. Countries such as Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan have yet to sign the CWC. With these issues established, the First Committee needs to take action to protect the general welfare of the States.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
As the ecosystem changes rapidly, so does the world's agricultural economy, thus access to nutritious and sustainable food is essential. Not only does sustainable food stabilize the present global economy, environmentally conscious agriculture ensures a life for future generations. After experiencing food insecurity following the Second World War, Czechia has prioritized efforts to establish food security, and is the fifth ranked European country out of 113 for food quantity and safety. While Czechia acknowledges that conflict unfortunately continues to deprive many countries of a stable food supply, Czechia is particularly concerned with how climate change threatens agriculture. In 2023, Czechia developed the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), a comprehensive national plan that creates rural jobs through local action groups, government incentives for sustainable farming, allocations for land preservation, and shared research. Additionally, as part of the EU's sustainability program, Czechia subsidizes smaller farmers who comply with sustainable guidelines and recommendations. The UN is devoted to combating degradation of the environment while striving towards eliminating world hunger. Such initiatives have included the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, or more recently, the Summit of the Future from 2024. During the summit, global leaders strategized how to continue financing SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), which subsidizes developing nations to bolster their sustainable agricultural practices. According to the 2024 SDG report, funding has still fallen short of what is required to meet the SDGs. Although the plan has been implemented, further investment is required. Czechia advocates for continuing funding for SDGs and fulfilling the goals of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, but adding some avenues to promote sustainable agriculture. Diverting existing funding to embrace AI investigation into precision farming, predictive analytics, and automated machinery as outlined in the EU's 2024 AI Act ensures equitable usage of biotech and artificial intelligence for all countries. Such technology can also be used to facilitate food sharing and reduce food waste. Overall, the world's agricultural economy is multifaceted, and subsidies and innovation across producer and consumer groups will benefit all for generations to come.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
While middle-income countries are characterized by a gross national income from $1,136 to $13,845 per capita, the middle-income trap refers to a country's failure to transition into a higher-income country. By 2023, Czechia's economic reliance on higher income countries during the COVD-19 pandemic and regional war left the nation at risk of falling into a middle- income trap. Maintaining continual economic development is one solution. This necessitates steady investments, greener industry, and specialized education. The United Nations Development Assistance Committee continues to grant funding to middle-income nations even once they have achieved high-income status for three years. This method of investment satisfies middle- income countries need for steady investment to diversify start-ups and stabilize industries by transitioning from a grant to loan system. In 2024, Czechia updated its Industry 4.0 plan from 2016 into its Restart Czechia Program to avoid the middle-income trap. The Czechia also established governmental funding programs for start-ups, but specifically prioritized meeting high-income country needs from transportation to energy. Specifically, prioritizing nuclear power and electric car batteries exemplify addressing the need for a greener industry. Thus, Czechia proposes that ECOFIN consider enhancing the Development in Transition approach implemented by the OECD to require middle-income countries to have economic plans updated every 10 years with new priorities based on high-income country needs and green industry goals. Additionally, Czechia encourages that Development Assistance Committee issue- specific grants be diverted away from humanitarian aid and put toward specialized education programs.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
The protection of the rights of indigenous peoples is a critical human rights issue. While sovereignty can be a concern for many States, the self-determination of indigenous communities is crucial to the maintaining and strengthening of their culture. As a signatory of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Czech Republic strongly supports continuing to protect all rights and freedoms of indigenous peoples. Since the signing of this declaration, we have collectively decreased human rights violations against indigenous communities. Despite this, not all Member States have implemented the Declaration. This must change in order to fully protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, we must continue to uplift indigenous communities and their cultures and traditions. We applaud the UN on the creation of its system-wide action plan on the rights of indigenous peoples. It is crucial that Member States continue to build and strengthen their partnerships with indigenous groups. The Czech Republic believes that working with indigenous peoples to solve world problems will broaden potential solutions because of the rich knowledge base that these communities have. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to not only work towards the eradication of the violation of the rights of indigenous peoples, but also protect their participation, specifically regarding matters that directly impact their communities, such as climate change, women's rights, access to healthcare, and income inequality, which are all issues highlighted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, while we commend the steps that have been taken to promote indigenous participation within the UN, it is not sufficient. Thus, as proposed by a recent stocktaking report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Czech Republic recommends expanding UN rules to support Indigenous People's participation in the United Nations

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
The promotion of Literacy for Life is essential for breaking cycles of poverty and empowering individuals to fully participate in society. Those without a sufficient level of literacy are often excluded from vital sources of information, services, and opportunities, limiting their ability to improve their circumstances. In the 21st century, as the pace of technological advancements, shifting global politics, and changing living patterns continues to accelerate, it is more important than ever that our global society is a literate one. Therefore, the Czech Republic firmly supports Literacy for Life as a strategy to reduce human vulnerability, foster sustainability, and actively address the root causes of poverty. In the Czech Republic, Literacy for Life is a cornerstone of our education system, leading to a literacy rate of 99%. We have experienced firsthand the benefits of a literate population, including improved economic stability, greater civic participation, and increased individual opportunities. Our commitment to literacy has significantly contributed to our development and well-being as a nation. We believe that promoting literacy worldwide is not only necessary for economic growth but also for the social and cultural advancement of all states. By fostering literacy, we empower individuals to enhance their capabilities, make informed choices, and engage more actively in the job market. The United Nations has declared access to literacy in education a fundamental human right, essential for building peaceful and sustainable societies. Therefore, we urge the international community to recognize that access to literacy is not merely an educational goal but a global priority. As we advance further into the 21st century, ensuring access to literacy and educational resources is crucial for creating a more equitable world. The Czech Republic strongly recommends the adoption and implementation of the Literacy for Life initiative, confident that it will pave the way for breaking poverty cycles and fostering sustainable development worldwide. We stand ready to collaborate with other nations to promote this vital cause and build a future where literacy is accessible to all.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Paper text:
The Czech Republic holds an immovable commitment to the sustainability of our world's diverse environments, and urges the U.N and its Member States to continue to resolutely maintain its efforts for a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly world for the sake of our international community, as well as for its future. To every human being on Earth, equally entitled to the rights and liberties outlined in the UDHR, includes the right to not just life itself, but the right to a standard of life adequate enough for the sustenance of health and wellbeing for every individual. As global emissions, climate change, habitat destruction, sea levels, and water and air pollution continue to rise to levels unsuitable for the long-term existence of our planet, the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable world for living becomes evermore compromised as well. The Czech Republic has grown wary of this, and its concern has been reflected in our commitments towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as our striving to meet the European Unions various climate commitments, such as but not limited to complete climate neutrality by 2050, at least a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as meeting targets in increasing the share of renewable energy and the reduction of energy consumption from non-renewable sources. Czechia has also made it a priority to achieve the goals outlined in the 2016 Paris Accords as a state party to it, tasked with meeting its similarly outlined objectives as the United Nation's SDGs. Additionally, Czechia is a signatory to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, and is a party to the subsequent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, both addressing, among other things, the stabilization of greenhouse gas emission levels, sustainable development, and further research into ways ecosystems can be more adaptable to climate change. Finally, Czechia itself has 97 national SDG targets under its own 2030 strategic framework, which aims to accomplish these goals by this year. These objectives give focus to areas ranging from economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Helping to pass a 2021 resolution for the recognition of the human right to clean, healthy, and sustainable living as a member of the United Nations Council of Human Rights, Czechia will continue to maintain the United Nations measures towards protecting this right within its borders, while also promoting the implementation of these measures similar to previous UN resolutions, SDGs, and EU climate commitments across the globe, especially in developing nations whose citizens are most vulnerable to the various threats imposed by unsustainable development. Czechia hopes to help push the General Assembly further towards this direction with the future of our Earth and its people in mind.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Paper text:
The Czech Republic believes the United Nations must take action to defend its personnel engaged in humanitarian action around the globe. Although prior conventions have been drafted on this issue, Czechia contends that these are insufficient in the face of present challenges. The rise of non-state actors gives particular threat to U. N. humanitarian personnel. Past solutions have either failed or are insufficient in the current state of international affairs. The U. N. must take immediate, deliberate, and concrete action to defend its personnel, by force if necessary. The Czech Republic contends that the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel is not sufficient to protect humanitarian personnel in the present world. The Convention is primarily concerned with ensuring that Member States criminalize, inter alia, murders and kidnappings of U. N. personnel, or extradite those who commit such crimes to countries that do. However, non-state actors have only risen in prominence since that date. Irregular armed organizations, warlords, and terrorist groups now comprise a greater threat to personnel of the United Nations than any state. To the extent that Member States fail to take action against these groups, it is because they do not have the military capacity to execute the provisions of the Convention. Therefore, mere words are not enough. Concrete and multilateral action, up to and including further deployment of U. N. peacekeepers, must be considered by this Assembly. Czechia has a long history of cooperation with U. N. peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Since 1988, over 3,000 Czech soldiers have participated in U. N. peacekeeping missions. Czech soldiers were deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995 with UNMIBH, enforcing the ceasefire outlined in the Dayton Agreement. Czech soldiers also took part in both UNAVEM I (as Czechoslovakia) and UNAVEM II (as the Czech Republic), keeping peace between MPLA and UNITA forces in Angola from 1989 to 1995. Czechia has also supported civilian missions, including in Bosnia and Moldova, and has sent personnel to work in OSCE election observations, particularly in Bosnia, Georgia, Albania, and the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. The Czech Republic is therefore committed to ensuring international peace and security through diverse means. In 2022, the Czech Republic tabled two resolutions on the topic of ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel, and co-sponsored a resolution calling for better coordination of U.N. led emergency services, tabled by Sweden. We continue to call for the implementation of provisions outlined in these resolutions, including more security training for personnel, and greater coordination between different U. N. departments, as well as between aforesaid departments and Member States. We further demand that Member States prioritize action against terrorist and other groups which target humanitarian aid workers and call for greater coordination with civilian aid departments and U. N. peacekeepers.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality
Paper text:
Czechia believes inclusivity and equality to be major components of creating empowered people and empowered nations. Since its establishment in 1945 following one of history's greatest humanitarian crises, ECOSOC has been determined to ensure equality and social regulation for all. Given that ECOSOC was one of the main six organs of the UN, Czechia observes inclusivity as critical social issues. Czechia uses ECOSOC as a primary platform for voicing our concerns as seen by our serving the committee in 1996-1998, 1999-2001, and 2006-2008. In 1997 we even held one of the four seats as a vice-president of ECOSOC. We have even held a seat on the Commission for Social Development until 2009. Within our own nation, we move towards our goals set out in The Czech Republic 2030, by continuing to reduce poverty, which is the lowest in the EU, and continuing to close the gender gap, which is still quite large compared to where we want to be in the future. We believe that through movements to empower and induce confidence in people and in nations we can create an inclusive global sphere.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Science, technology and innovation for development
Paper text:
Ranging from the 18th century, Czechia has had a vast history in creating and promoting technological change. As our world becomes highly innovative, efficient, and mechanized, Czechia believes this needs to be addressed in a way that stays within our sustainability goals. While our own nation has struggled to lower carbon emissions, we have and continue to work tirelessly at keeping with that historically rich scientific spirit to find that answer. Czechia, having worked in subsidiary bodies of this committee in the Commission for Sustainable Development until 2009, we believe to be a good asset to this committee in finding how to merge these seemingly opposing forces: innovation and sustainability. Czechia believes a stronger and more coordinated ECOSOC is needed to bring our ideas to fruition. This system can bring about the goals set in our Common Agenda, by addressing gaps and overlaps in our subsidiary bodies and committees, we can better focus ourselves on our goals if we organize ourselves. Czechia believes that to increase the vast improvements that our committee has already made, we should organize and situate ourselves for productivity and success.

Committee:	CCPCJ
Topic:	Equal access to justice for all
Paper text:
Building a society based on an equality before law is integral in the prevention of crime and discrimination. Without barriers, justice provides a patch to wrong treatments regardless of a human's sex, race, age, disability, belief, or sexual orientation. Justice is not an item allotted to all peoples in the international community. Despite the UNs Kyoto Declaration on Advancing Crime Prevention of 2021, and resolution 78/185 by the General Assembly on 19 December 2023, a cry of injustice persists all over the world. Czechia has made it a vital mission to advance equal access to the ideals of justice through the Antidiscrimination Act of 2009 which provides for equal treatments of all individuals and identities under law. The nation acknowledges the importance of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) commitment to international justice domestically and abroad. Our nation is a firm believer of the Rome Statute from the ICC and both refers to it as representative of the beliefs regarding crimes against humanity, and supports it in all efforts of international criminal tribunals. We call for the responsibility of the ICC to make decisions on international law and crime, with the basis that justice is a right, accessible to all. The continued implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is crucial to the recognition of uneven access to justice. It ensures that no person or nation is left behind in the development of criminal justice and allows for the disestablishment of organized crime and corruption for the foundation of sustainable living. In supporting equal access to justice for all through the 2030 sustainable development goals, we are able to promote sustainable development. This in turn promotes stability which has helped reduce the violence that occurs outside of conflict zones. We must continue this trajectory through upholding the SDG16 pledge of reducing all forms of violence.

Committee:	CCPCJ
Topic:	International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption
Paper text:
As a country that is an appealing geographical destination and route for crime groups, dealing with the trafficking of illicit drugs and people, we recognize the increasing need for international cooperation on crime and corruption and the elimination of organized crime groups. In dealing with the issue of trafficking, the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior has set up a program to support and protect victims of trafficking. Our nation is serious in our efforts to combat trafficking by funding protective services and resources for survivors, along with the prosecution of perpetrators. Efforts have been made to decriminalize drug use as well so as to hold those responsible for distributing drugs accountable without hurting victims. Trafficking of arms, drugs, and humans are increasingly taking on a more international tone with more actors and victims originating from abroad. INTERPOL is a key element to the Czechia police force in stopping organized crime: cyber crime, human and drug trafficking, and fraud. Government institutions in the country remain trustworthy, including the police, however lone actors within these institutions have commonly committed tax evasion, bribery, and the illegal use of databases and power. Cyber crime is recognized by the Czech police and combated with the help of the country's National Agency for Cyber and Information Security. Cyber crime in Czechia has involved fraud in the form of banking and identity scams as well attacks on critical infrastructure due to a rise in pro-Russian hacks since the Ukrainian-Russian Wars onset. Czechia is committed to addressing the problems the nation faces by directing solutions to prevention, treatment and social reintegration, harm reduction, and supply control. This is done in tandem with the marrying of local, regional, national, and international efforts. This multifaceted approach both prioritizes regional and international cooperation on drug policy as well as other criminal matters, ensuring that effective solutions are implemented on every level.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
We strongly advocate for women, children, and adolescents to access fair and equitable healthcare. Around the world, there is a struggle for women, children, and adolescents to find the aid that they deserve. This is a topic that we would like to fully defend and take action in order to better achieve a world that includes all in the healthcare system. We envision a future where mothers and their children can have available resources to help their health. We reinforce the initiatives that we have upheld since 2021 in support of women's health. We defend the initiatives that improve the health of mothers and women in their pregnancies and mental health. We acknowledge the inequality in the systems that are currently in place and hope to reframe these in order to help with the inclusion of women, children and adolescents. We defend the right to education of women's health. We believe in the expansion of protection in terms of women's health. We understand the importance of women's health and the services that are needed in supporting women, especially new mothers. We reaffirm our commitment to the multiple initiatives that the UN Women support. This issue is a crisis that puts many people at risk. Women deserve a world that they can defend the rights of their bodily autonomy and not in the fear of their health. Mothers and children deserve a world in which they can live in a world of safety where they can find resources for health.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
Globally, the issue of drugs holds a high need for attention. We support the cooperation between nations to find a solution that remedies the current situation in which we live. We acknowledge the mental battle of addiction and wish to forward ideas of education and intervention as a solution. We are concerned with the increase in drug trafficking and we condemn the illegal trafficking of substances. We encourage the disassembling of organized crime that produces methamphetamine and fentanyl. Our government supports the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, through its human approach on resolving crime against drug abuse. We support a human system of drug rehabilitation and reintegration of those that struggle with addiction. We believe that the education of drug use will help to address the problem before it can occur. We aim to focus our efforts to center around people that are in need of our help. We emphasize the importance of public health in order to better the sysyems that are currently in place.

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