Position paper for Guyana
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
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| The importance of disarmament in maintaining peace and protecting civilian lives cannot be overstated. The proliferation of weapons fuels conflict and violence, threatening the stability of nations and the safety of people around the world. Only through multilateral cooperation can peace be achieved. Guyana recognizes this necessity and stands committed to supporting global efforts towards disarmament. Guyana has ratified numerous UN treaties, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. By joining this treaty, Guyana affirms its commitment to a nuclear-free world and sets an example for other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a member of CARICOM, Guyana has consistently advocated for peace initiatives in the region. Through diplomatic channels and collaborative efforts, we work to mediate conflicts and promote regional disarmament agreements that contribute to a safer Latin America. Guyana advocates for tougher sanctions against countries that violate disarmament treaties. These sanctions should be enforced multilaterally to prevent aggressor nations from finding alternative trading partners. Additionally, Guyana urges the establishment of regional programs that focus on disarmament and the destruction of illegal weapons caches. Such programs should be collaborative initiatives that involve shared intelligence, joint training programs, and coordinated efforts to dismantle arms smuggling networks across borders. | |
| 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 |
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| Chemical Weapons are an existential threat for humanity. As such, the continued implementation of UN resolution 72/43 is required by this body which has been reaffirmed by UN resolution 76/58 and Security Council Resolution 1540 must be done. The United Nations (UN) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have been active in addressing this problem in the past by fostering treaties against Chemical Weapons such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and monitoring producers of chemical weapons through the OPCW. Guyana has supported the work that has been done in the past through OPCW and the CWC which was ratified in September 1997. Guyana has taken steps domestically to address this issue by passing the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty. The efforts by the international community to address the issue of Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons have been successful through the monitoring of transfers of chemicals through the OPCW, the prevention of chemicals used for non-prohibited purposes by terrorists, and verification of the usage of chemicals for purposes that are not prohibited by the convention through the OPCW. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done. This is because some countries still have and have used chemical weapons. Guyana recommends that the following steps be taken to address this problem: First, continued condemnation on the proliferation and usage of chemical weapons. Second, harsher sanctions on countries that proliferate and use chemical weapons. As such, the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the CWC and OPCW and firmly condemns the usage and proliferation of chemical weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
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| According to the FAO, 2.33 billion people do not have access to food consistently, and about 864 million people live in a state of severe food insecurity. Developing nations in Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, parts of Latin America, and areas in the Middle East are fighting high food insecurity, restricted agricultural development, and low levels of international trade. Food insecurity and malnutrition can lead to chronic health issues and poor cognitive development. Inadequate and inefficient food infrastructure, processing, storage, and transportation lead to an increased overall waste of resources used to produce food. To address the issues related to food insecurity, nutrition, and agricultural development, the WHO and FAO held the International Conference on Nutrition in 2014. The Rome Declaration on Nutrition created a foundation for new food systems aimed at eliminating malnutrition around the globe. Guyana follows the National Food and Nuturition Security Strategy to increase domestic food production, improve food distribution systems, and ensure that the entire population has access nutritious food. Guyana reports its progress and difficulties in agriculture, food security, and climate change to the FAO and UNFCCC. Guyana also actively takes part in REDD+ and protects its forests to support sustainable agricultural agroforestry projects. To reduce land degradation and protect productive agricultural areas, Guyana is also a member of UNCCD, and a Lead Head in the CARICOM agreement working towards agricultural diversification and food security. The goal of CARICOM and by extension, Guyana, is to decrease their food import bill by 25% by 2025. To continue to address the issue of food insecurity and agricultural sustainability, first, Guyana desires to build partnerships between its government, international organizations, non-governmental organization, and the private sector to create a collaborative approach to the issues. Second, Guyana wishes to raise awareness globally about the benefits of sustainable agriculture and nutrition through technical training support programs for farmers. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
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| Globally, there are 108 Middle Income Countries (MICs), mostly located in Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. According to the World Bank, 75% of the global population live in MICs and that accounts for 62% of the world's population in poverty. MICs struggle with access to nutritious food, clean water, education, political representation, equality and have a low GDP per Capita. Old forms of economic growth were fueled by cheap labor and technology and capital gain. This has left many countries stuck in the Middle Income Trap where they are unable to continue to grow because their economy lacks a foundation in innovation. Previously, to address the issue the UN wrote the Cairo Declaration of Developing Countries in the 1960s that promoted sustainable growth in MICs. In addition, the UN also wrote Millennium Goals to promote free trade and allow some debt forgiveness to decrease poverty. The COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund helped MICs get new market opportunities and produce personal protective equipment. Guyana has been working towards its own Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works to carry out the UN Caribbean Multi- Country Sustainable Development Framework: Economic Resilience and Shared Prosperity, Equity and Well-being, Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Resource Management, and Safety, Justice, and the Rule of Law. Guyana calls for the removal of trade restrictions and barriers. Promoting free trade encourages production and economic growth in MICs because there will be a market for exported goods. Guyana also emphasizes the importance of each country individually working towards their SDGs. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
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| The Republic of Guyana underscores the urgent need to address the humanitarian, social, and cultural challenges faced by Indigenous populations in our world. Globally, over 467 million Indigenous individuals face numerous challenges, including violations of land rights, lack of access to essential services, and significant political underrepresentation. We recognize the significance of the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a crucial framework for safeguarding the rights of Indigenous peoples. As an active supporter of UN efforts, Guyana wants to remind Member States that as a UN body we carry the duty to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and would like to emphasize the importance of SDG 10 reduce inequality within and among countries. Guyana believes that addressing rights of Indigenous people is crucial to the accomplishment of SDG 10, providing equality throughout our world. The Republic of Guyana has actively supported Indigenous rights through national legislation such as the Amerindian Act of 2006, which established the National T oshaos Council (NTC) which at its core reserved seats within the Parliament of Guyana providing vital opportunities for change. This initiative has empowered Indigenous communities by securing land rights and increasing political representation amongst various opportunities aligning directly with the principles of UNDRIP . The Republic of Guyana calls for Member States to adopt similar national policies, including political representation mechanisms such as reserved seats or electoral threshold exemptions. These measures are crucial to ensuring Indigenous voices are heard in decision-making processes. Guyana believes these actions will contribute substantially to the accomplishment of SDG 10 and the reduction of global inequalities for Indigenous populations. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
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| Literacy is a serious problem affecting developing countries with less infrastructure, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue. The World Bank estimates that the pandemic pushed the number of children in "learning poverty" (unable to read a simple text by age 10) from 53% to 70% in low- and middle-income countries. The UN has addressed literacy issues in the past by releasing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Guyana has committed to. SDG 4 specifically highlights education, emphasizing equitable and quality education for all. Guyana has made significant strides in access to education, with about 95% enrollment in primary education. However, retention rates remain a concern at the secondary level, where the net enrollment rate is around 75%. Guyana has taken steps domestically to address this issue by implementing the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project. This aims to improve the quality and curriculum of pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools. The United States Agency for International Development has also funded multiple countries, including Guyana, in progressing educational reforms. Additionally, Guyana participates actively in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which is a regional community that collaborates on addressing literacy and educational challenges. The efforts by the international community to achieve SDG 4 have been moderately successful. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done following the pandemic which has lessened literacy progression. Over 465 million students globally lacked access to remote learning opportunities during school closures, leading to a current gap in literacy rates around the world. Guyana recommends that the following steps be taken to tackle this problem: First, reaffirming SDG 4, highlighting its continued importance in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, starting a project specifically working towards bridging educational gaps with students after the pandemic. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
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| The Co-operative Republic of Guyana strongly advocates for environmental protection and sustainable development. Environmental degradation directly impacts fundamental rights such as access to clean water, health, and life. According to the World Health Organization, 24% of all estimated global deaths are linked to the environment. The UN has made consistent efforts to tackle this issue over the years such as the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which resulted in the Paris Agreement through COP21. The Paris Agreement was signed and ratified by Guyana to reduce carbon emissions primarily through the protection of its vast rainforests as part of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Additionally, Guyana is working alongside the United Nations to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG number 6: clean water and sanitation, and 13: climate action. Guyana integrates environmental protection with economic growth, especially through green job creation, eco-tourism, and renewable energy initiatives. Guyana calls for developed countries to take responsibility for addressing pollution and climate change. Guyana proposes the following steps to be taken to move closer to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all human beings: financial support for developing countries, technology transfer, and capacity-building from wealthier nations to help developing countries transition to greener economies. Furthermore, assistance from developed countries in delivering safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and services in vulnerable areas. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
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| As a member of the United Nations, Guyana emphasizes the international principles that ensure the safety and security of UN humanitarian personnel. The intentional endangerment of United Nations personnel directly leads to increased fatalities, disruption in aid operations, and the undermining of international law. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in 2022, a total of 439 aid workers suffered violence in 230 separate attacks, with 115 killed, 139 injured, and 185 kidnapped. The UN has tried to address this situation throughout the years by signing the Convention on the Safety of the United Nations and Associated Personnel. Additionally, The United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) established Emergency Response Teams (ERT) in 2022 to provide increased security for humanitarian operations during sudden emergencies. Resolutions, such as Resolution 58/122 have outlined the threats UN humanitarian personnel encountered and the response necessary to manage these threats. In support of the UNâs work, Guyana has ratified the 1949 Geneva Convention-- the core of international humanitarian law. Additionally, Guyana has partnered with the HIAS to sufficiently protect and ensure that any refugees and their humanitarian personnel are safe. Despite these efforts, the attacks against UN humanitarian personnel continue to be problematic. With the loss of humanitarian personnel, new issues arise when providing vital aid for 363 million people are at risk. Guyana proposes the following steps to address the protection of the United Nations humanitarian personnel: First, Guyana advocates for the strengthening of Resolution 1502 and 2417 to hold those who attack humanitarian personnel accountable. Second, Guyana endorses the increased utilization of OCHAâs public information campaigns to raises awareness about humanitarian issues and promote an understanding of the UN's humanitarian work. | |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The Situation in Essequibo |
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| The Co-operative Republic of Guyana firmly asserts our sovereignty over the Essequibo region, a region which makes up more than two thirds of our nation. The 159,500sq kilometer area of land is home to over 15% of our population and more than 100 Amerindian communities. According to the 1899 Arbitral Award, the Essequibo region is considered part of Guyanaâs sovereign territory. V enezuela has tried to dispute this, claiming that the international tribunal was invalid, and arguing that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) does not have the jurisdiction to see the case brought to it by Guyana. In December 2020, The ICJ ruled it does have the jurisdiction to see the case, and the case is ongoing. Guyana is prepared to settle the issue diplomatically and respect the findings of the legal agreement. We are fearful because V enezuela has continually declared its intent to take over the Essequibo region especially with the national referendum on the addition of the region as another province in V enezuela on 3 December 2023. As per the Argyle Declaration on 14 December 2023, Guyana and V enezuela agreed that the controversies between them will be resolved in accordance with international law, and that both States will refrain, whether by words or deeds, from escalating any conflict or disagreement arising from any controversy between them. V enezuela has, again, disregarded this declaration and continued to escalate the situation by President Maduro signing the Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba on 3 April, which claims the Essequibo region as the twenty-fourth state of V enezuela. V enezuela has continued escalating by increasing military projects near the border and on Anacoco Island. We want to bring this to the attention of the international community, and ask that the situation be continually monitored. Additionally, we request a Presidential statement warning V enezuela against escalation. | |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The Situation in Abyei |
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| As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is guided by the Bandung Principles which expresses that all international disputes should be settled by peaceful means and that threats, aggressions, or the use of force against territorial integrity or political independence of any country shouldnât be permitted. Thus, we emphasize the need for the demilitarization of Abyei and the facilitation of peaceful negotiations. We fully believe cooperation between Sudan, South Sudan, and neighboring States is essential to achieving peace and stability in Abyei. With over 70,000 persons displaced, living in makeshift shelters and facing challenges in accessing food, water, shelter, and medical care, the humanitarian situation is dire. Due to the ongoing violence, UN Peacekeepers have been killed while trying to provide vital aid to the region. We support the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance and call for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid. We support the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), established by Resolution 1990 (2011) and advocate for its continued presence in the region. Additionally, we advocate for the continued support of the African Union (AU) in assisting the facilitation of negotiations, as regional support is key for lasting peace. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
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| Guyana recognizes the global issue of unequal access to health care for women, children, and adolescents, a problem that disproportionately affects developing nations. Despite progress, serious gaps remain, with millions of children dying before the age of five and many women in developing regions unable to access necessary maternal care. Adolescents, too, often lack access to essential reproductive health services, including contraceptives. Since its independence, Guyana has been committed to improving healthcare access, particularly for these vulnerable groups. It has aligned itself with international frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989. Guyana firmly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3, as part of its national strategy to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. Guyana believes regional cooperation is essential to overcoming the challenges faced in rural and underserved areas. Strengthening alliances within the Caribbean to share medical resources and best practices is crucial for developing robust health systems. Guyana also proposes increasing investment in community health programs like UNICEF's Community Health Roadmap, which prioritizes maternal and child health at the local level. In this context, Guyana is committed to working with its regional partners and the international community to ensure that health care is accessible to all. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
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| Guyana views the global drug problem as a significant public health threat that requires urgent and coordinated international action. The rapid increase in opioid use and the high mortality rate associated with drug addiction highlight the need for stronger prevention and treatment programs. Although international frameworks like the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the UN's SMART program have made progress, Guyana believes more must be done to ensure that all individuals suffering from drug use disorders have access to effective treatment and harm reduction services. Guyana is committed to addressing this crisis by focusing on preventive care, expanding harm reduction programs, and enhancing regional cooperation to disrupt drug trafficking networks. Guyana believes that stronger health systems, as emphasized in UN Resolution 71/137, are essential for managing the public health consequences of drug addiction. As part of its national policy, Guyana supports international collaboration to ensure equitable access to vital medicines and health services, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by the drug epidemic. | |
| Committee: | COI-1948 |
| Topic: | United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan |
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| The question of which state is sovereign over the territory of Kashmir threatens the peace of Southern Asia, and the effects of the conflict could have wide-reaching economic impacts felt throughout the world. After the end of British rule in the area, two major states solidified power in the region: the largely Hindu state of India and the largely Muslim state of Pakistan. Most regions aligned themselves with either of these states based on their religious and political ties, however, this is where Kashmir is unique. It has strong political ties to India, while having a large Muslim population and culture. While Kashmir was in negotiations with both emerging powers, trying to maintain independence for itself, attacks from Pakistani tribal groups destabilized the region, and encroached on the capital. With little other choice, Maharaja Hari Singh petitioned for help from India, which made acceding a prerequisite to military assistance. An agreement was made and India quickly repelled the Pakistani tribal attack. Both Pakistan and India have since petitioned the UN to handle the disagreement. Pakistan claims India committed acts of genocide against the Muslim population in Kashmir and the resistance they encountered were native peoples of Kashmir voicing the true intent of the Kashmiri people to be part of Pakistan, and the Maharaja was wrong to use his political influence to join his ancestral country of India. India and the Maharaja claim that Pakistan has been backing the tribal incursions, even sending in plain clothes military men to assist in the invasion of Kashmir. There are several key questions surrounding this situation. Were the raids backed by the Pakistani government? Was Kashmiri Maharaja Mari Singh acting with personal political gain in mind when requesting help from India, as opposed to representing the will of his people? Was Kashmir a fully sovereign state regardless of the fact that it has been historically considered a part of Pakistan culturally? Does India actually need to conduct military operations within Pakistan to defend its newly acquired territory, if the territorial acquisition was just? | |
| Committee: | COI-1948 |
| Topic: | The United Nations Committee of Good Offices on the Indonesian Question |
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| The situation in the Indonesian archipelago poses interesting challenges to how sovereignty is defined. Through recent history, the archipelago has been the rightful territory of the Netherlands. This control was taken away during wartime by Japanese forces, who removed all Dutch influence. The Japanese government then made a deal with political leaders from the archipelago to establish an independent Republic of Indonesia. This deal was only in its early stages when Japan surrendered. Two days after the surrender, Indonesian political leaders declared their independence, and due to a delay in the arrival of British forces, were able to establish political and structural sway throughout the islands. Skirmishes ensued between the two groups until the Netherlands took over for the British. The Netherlands quickly gained control of most of the previous territory and a ceasefire was reached. Talks ensued to grant some independence to the Indonesian territories, however, both sides accused each other of violating it. The Netherlands used this opportunity to seize more land beyond the previously agreed-upon border. The aggression by both sides only stopped at the behest of the United Nations Security Council when they passed United Nations Security Council Resolution 27 of 1947. Negotiations ensued, mediated by the UN where the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its newly acquired territory. The main issue here is one of sovereignty. Did The Republic of Indonesia declaring independence after the surrender of Japan solidify its sovereignty? Do the Dutch still have standing when that happened? Did the delayed arrival of British troops/Dutch enforcement strengthen the Indonesian claim to independence? Did Japan have standing to give independence to a territory that was rightly the Netherlands? Does the Commission honor the independence of the whole archipelago, or does it default back to either full or partial control belonging to the Dutch? | |
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