Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Honduras

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures
Paper text:
The delegation of Honduras supports the implementation of practical measures which seek peace in various military capabilities. Honduras continuously commits itself to finding solutions among the international community in order to promote peace by building partnerships and signing resolutions that limit the use of certain weapons. The nation has done this in two specific sectors: disarmament of conventional weapons and the prevention of nuclear proliferation. Honduras has participated in previous conventions and treaties to raise awareness of certain conventional weapons such as mines. In 1997, the nation signed as a member at the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, a convention which seeks to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines through manageable provisions (United Nations). By signing and entering into force, Honduras has contributed to the dramatic decrease of anti-personnel mines across the globe; now, 34 of the 50 states to have used anti-personnel mines are now bound by the convention (United Nations). In a similar manner, Honduras also signed and participated in the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2008 in order to prevent the usage of cluster munitions, bombs which disperse more projectiles upon impact (United Nations). Honduras has also engaged in conventions to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, specifically the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Signing the NPT in 1968, the nation of Honduras committed itself to peace by supporting the limitation of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, continuing to value international peace and working toward nuclear disarmament (United Nations). The nation of Honduras has shown a history of promoting peace through practical measures in the variation of different military capabilities. The delegation of Honduras continues to support these same ideas and will work to implement measures in order to produce peaceful solutions.

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:
In its history, Honduras has not resorted to using chemical weapons in any conflict. Although the country has a history of civilian conflict, the Republic of Honduras is committed to protecting citizens both nationally and internationally from chemical weapons in all capacities. The Republic of Honduras has ratified many treaties that seek to limit the use and creation of chemical weapons. These treaties include the ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Honduras supported the TPNW to further the goals of the CWC and ensure there would be no leeway for nuclear weapons to become a replacement for chemical weapons. Additionally, in 2023, Honduras co-sponsored the 2023 UN General Assembly resolution on the TPNW calling for states to sign or ratify the Treaty if they have not done so already. The Republic of Honduras would like to support the creation and implementation of national authorities to ensure states are in compliance with the CWC. Honduras believes that a national authority would be the most effective way to verify if each state is in compliance with the CWC guidelines. Furthermore, to ensure that signers and ratifiers are abiding by the terms we believe a proper system to monitor the behaviors of participating states is crucial for ensuring no state is overstepping any of the CWC criteria. Honduras recognizes that chemical weapons have caused irreparable physiological, psychological problems and death to millions of lives and believes continued creation and enforcement of initiatives is essential to prevent such attacks from occurring in the future.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
The delegation of Honduras strongly affirms the critical nature of agriculture development, food security, and nutrition as the key to a healthy and thriving society. As signatories on the 2020 reissuing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Honduras recommitted itself to the articles, including Article 25 which importantly calls for all to have the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food. The delegation of Honduras recognizes the impact that sustainable food systems have on economic development and well-being, as a nation with a deeply agricultural economy. An estimated 2.4 billion people worldwide are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and even more so in developing countries. For Honduras, the rising cost of nutritious food along with economic setbacks have exacerbated an already challenging situation. Although initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have synthesized meaningful progress, a renewed commitment is crucial to achieving SDG 2 by 2030. The international community must focus on enhancing agricultural resilience by investing in rural infrastructure and promoting fair trade to create a sustainable and equitable global food system. Small-scale farmers are critical to Honduras's food production but they still face challenges such as access to fair markets and financial support. Honduras calls on the international community to expand funding and technical assistance for programs that uplift small-scale farmers, especially those working in regions affected by climate stress. Initiatives that enhance access to affordable credit, facilitate gender equality in rural areas, and promote efficient agricultural practices are critical for building a resilient agricultural sector, in a time where instability due to climate strain will become the new norm. Additionally, the delegation of Honduras encourages the Second Committee to support programs like the Sahel Integrated Resilience Program which represent a pivotal innovative agricultural trend where climate resilience is recognized as the key to the future. Investment in climate-adaptive farming practices, such as sustainable irrigation, drought-resistant crop varieties, and land restoration programs, is essential to counter the impacts of climate change on agriculture. The delegation of Honduras reasserts its commitment to the goals of sustainable agricultural development, bettered nutrition, and enhanced food security. Tackling food insecurity demands a global commitment that balances economic cooperation with targeted support for vulnerable populations. Through support from the international system, Member States can establish resilient agri-food systems that promote economic stability and sustainable development, moving populations closer to a world without hunger or malnutrition.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
We the Republic of Honduras for the past five years have been working on a plan with El Salvador, Guatemala, and southern Mexico regarding the migration of citizens northward due to poverty, inequality, unemployment, and the impact of natural disasters. The scale and severity of the situation have only increased with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (UN 2021). We are finding a solution to the poverty that is slowly increasing as the effects post-pandemic are still being addressed. That's why the presidents of Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras commissioned the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean to draft a proposal that took considerations from all the involved countries and were able to make a document the countries could come to a collective consensus. We, the Republic of Honduras, has signed agreements with Guatemala and El Salvador to remove certain trade barriers, thus improving access for Honduran farmers to these larger markets. This access is particularly beneficial for rural areas who grow staple crops and export products such as coffee and dairy. With improved logistics and reduced tariffs, Honduran farmers can achieve better market prices, increasing their revenue and providing more stable economy for rural communities. Additionally, Honduras has broader trade agreements, like CAFTA-DR, to further enhance economic opportunities and encourage foreign investment, fostering sustainable development and poverty alleviation in collaboration with organizations like the World Bank. CAFTA-DR is a significant trade pact that includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and the United States. This agreement aims to reduce tariffs and promote trade among the member countries, creating a more integrated market. For Honduras, CAFTA-DR offers enhanced access to the U.S. market, which is vital for its key exports such as textiles, agricultural products, and seafood This access encourages economic growth and creates jobs, especially in rural areas where many families depend on agriculture. CAFTA-DR has facilitated the modernization of various branches in Honduras, leading to improved infrastructure that benefits farmers and manufacturers. By eliminating trade barriers, the agreement allows Honduran producers to compete more effectively in the market in the Americas. As a result, CAFTA-DR provides economic opportunities and plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and enhancing the overall quality of life for many Hondurans.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
Our nation is home to more than 9 Indigenous populations: The Lenca, Miskito, Garifuna, Maya Ch'orti, Tolupan, Bay Creoles, Nahua, Pech, and Tawahka peoples. As more and more migration occur within our borders, infrastructure development forces indigenous peoples to relocate, often without adequate consultation on natural resource projects (World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples, 2018). Our nation acknowledges the ongoing fight of the indigenous and Afro-Indigenous peoples of Honduras to realize their collective rights to land and natural resources. Threats of illegal logging, hydroelectric projects, and growing tourism especially pose a risk to indigenous people who could lose their ancestral homelands or their natural resource base (Observations on the State of Indigenous Human Rights in Light of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2010). Efforts to promote and protect human rights for Indigenous Populations everywhere Article 26 of A/RES/61/295 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: 1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the lands, territories and resources which they have traditionally owned, occupied or otherwise used or acquired. 2. Indigenous peoples have the right to own, use, develop and control the lands, territories and resources that they possess by reason of traditional ownership of other traditional occupation or use, as well as those which they have otherwise acquired. 3. States shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories and resources. Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the indigenous peoples concerned (2007). States that forcefully or force coercively indigenous populations out of the lands in which they have traditionally owned or forcefully or coercively undermine indigenous populations' right to develop and control their own land and natural resources are in violation of A/RES/61/295. Increasing human rights issues for indigenous populations are proof that accountability measures for UN states are not strong enough. The Republic of Honduras strongly encourages nations to work with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs to develop adequate accountability measures for nations in violation of A/RES/61/295. The Republic of Honduras also supports all measures to increase representation of indigenous peoples in government and decision-making.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
Increasing literacy in Honduras requires a myriad of approaches that address the educational system and the socioeconomic factors that affect access to learning. This paper will list some strategies that can help improve literacy rates. Literacy development begins at a young age and providing access to quality early childhood education (ECE) assures that children start school ready to learn. Expanding ECE programs emphasizing affordability would improve literacy for children in Honduras. Training teachers in early literacy and providing age-appropriate reading materials will improve learning outcomes. Many rural areas lack qualified teachers, resulting in lower literacy rates. Implementing professional development for teachers, focusing on reading and writing instruction will directly impact literacy rates. The Honduran government should partner with NGOs and universities to provide these trainings. Additionally, incentives for teachers to work in rural and under-served areas should be implemented, such as financial bonuses or housing assistance. These could help alleviate the teacher shortage and ideally incentivize younger people to pursue teaching. Honduras is a rural country, and many children, especially in remote areas, struggle to access schools due to long distances and poor infrastructure. The Honduran government and NGOs could invest in building more schools in rural regions and improving transportation options. Tax breaks or other incentives will be included to ensure these funds are continuous and beneficial. Mobile schools or satellite learning centers in the most remote areas could be a temporary solution while permanent schools are being built. Literacy development is not solely a school responsibility. Communities and families play a significant role in encouraging a culture of reading and writing. Developing community- based literacy programs that involve parents, enabling them to support their children's education would take around a generation, but we cannot wait for adults to pursue child education, so using UN resources, adults can be given proper reasons and resources to raise their children to pursue literacy and education. Local literacy campaigns, libraries, and reading clubs can foster an environment where literacy is valued. Many schools in Honduras lack adequate books, writing materials, and other resources for effective literacy instruction. The government should prioritize the distribution of textbooks and learning materials to all students. International NGOs can help by donating books or creating digital learning resources that can be accessed via smartphones or tablets. Poverty is a significant barrier to education in Honduras. Many children are forced to work, particularly in rural areas, or drop out of school to support their families. Government initiatives that provide stipends to families in need, conditional on school attendance, could help reduce dropout rates. Additionally, free school meals and health services could ease the financial burden on families and encourage them to prioritize their children's education. Improving adult literacy will positively affect children's education, as literate parents are better equipped to help their children with schoolwork and emphasize the importance of education. Increase funding for adult literacy programs, targeting parents and other adults who missed out on formal education. These programs should be flexible regarding timing and location to accommodate working adults. Technology can be a powerful tool in improving literacy rates, especially in remote areas. Mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices can deliver educational content to children and adults. Developing mobile applications that provide literacy lessons, distribute digital books, or offer interactive learning games can have a lasting impact on urban and rural literacy. Partnerships with tech companies or international aid organizations could help make this technology accessible and affordable. In some areas, girls are more likely to drop out of school or not attend at all due to cultural or financial pressures. To keep girls in school, programs that offer scholarships, mentorship, and community support need to be created. Ensuring schools are safe and addressing issues like early marriage can also help improve literacy rates among girls. Strong political will and policy frameworks are essential for sustained progress. The Honduran government must prioritize education in its budget and work to implement long- term policies that support literacy. National literacy campaigns and educational reforms must include more robust monitoring systems and accountability mechanisms. Clear goals and reliable data on literacy levels can help track progress and ensure program effectiveness. Increasing literacy in Honduras requires a comprehensive strategy that involves collaboration between the government, NGOs, educators, and communities. Focusing on early childhood education, improving teacher quality, expanding school access, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are critical steps to ensuring that every child and adult has the opportunity to become literate. Literacy is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Paper text:
The Republic of Honduras greatly supports the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. While the delegation of Honduras has faced many environmental challenges, including flooding and water scarcity, it has made efforts to prevent these issues from worsening. Honduras has worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the update to their National Climate Pledge.1 The Republic of Honduras has also passed laws on environmental protection and conservation efforts. Honduras has renewed its commitment to the Paris Agreement which shows that they are actively participating in efforts to battle climate change. By reducing emissions, deforestation, and conserving nature Honduras supports the rights to clean, healthy, and sustainable efforts. Nations must cooperate to advocate for international funding to meet environmental goals for a sustainable environment. Honduras supports this international collaboration to help smaller nations in need of financial support. Honduras is also working toward a healthier environment by promoting sustainable farming techniques. This allows communities to produce food during droughts. These local projects support environmental sustainability and also relate to the goal of creating communities to become resilient and adapt to climate challenges supporting the right to a sustainable environment. The PROSADE project is an example of how Honduras addresses environmental and social challenges.2 This project involves collaboration between the government and international organizations. This reflects Honduras' commitment to progressing the right to a clean and sustainable environment by improving the livelihoods by organizing development initiatives.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Paper text:
The Republic of Honduras has a history of struggling with human rights violations, especially because of its government changing throughout recent years. Honduras's history of human rights violations is closely tied to its culture of militarization that intensified after a military coup in 1963.3 This period saw a strengthening of military authority and harsh rule, and as a result, the 1980s experienced significant rights violations with armed forces maintaining substantial control despite the civilian government.4 This directly translates to how humanitarian personnel are protected in the county. As a result of the militarization in the Republic of Honduras, it may not be a completely secure environment for humanitarian workers, as they may face threats from armed groups. In addition, they may struggle to operate freely due to this military influence and stability and can also face distrust between communities and authorities because of the legacy of human rights abuses. All of these issues surface for humanitarian personnel as a result of the Republic of Honduras's history and struggle with maintaining human rights. In order to work towards greater protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel in the country, the Republic of Honduras has partnered closely with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The OCHA works with United Nations agencies, governments, international organizations, and NGOs to coordinate responses to humanitarian crises.5 This partnership has been especially important as Honduras continues to rebuild its path to human rights and protecting United Nations personnel who may be in the country. OCHA collaborates with Honduras to protect UN personnel by coordinating responses, building local capacity, sharing security information, advocating for protective policies, and developing emergency response plans.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
As a member of the Pan American Health Organization, we are dedicated to helping develop health systems in pursuit of improving social inequality. Honduras believes that the health of women, children, and adolescents is intrinsically linked with overall development. Poor health outcomes limit economic growth and social progress. We recognize the need for targeted interventions that address the unique health challenges faced by marginalized populations. We ask for support from other member states as well as various organizations such as the World Trade organization, International monetary Fund, World Bank, etc. to support in in aiding in the development of stronger health systems for these populations and contributing to the Sustainable Development goals, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal 5: Gender Equality. In conclusion, we the delegation of Honduras is committed to advancing the health of women, children, and adolescents as a critical pathway towards national development and overall equity. We urge fellow member states, especially those in Latin America, to support our efforts through collaboration, funding, and shared knowledge. Together, we can create a healthier and improved future for all member states.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
Honduras acknowledges that education is the cornerstone of health promotion. We regret to remind the assembly that many countries face significant challenges delivering this education due to limited resources, cultural stigma, and geographic barriers. However, Honduras has implemented various programs aimed at enhancing health literacy among women and children through providing information about reproductive and mental health, as well as nutrition. Through partnerships with NGO's and from within the country, we have been able to apply culturally relevant education. We encourage fellow member states, especially those within Central and South America, to provide similar types of education to their own citizens, not as a separate form of education, but in addition to regular classwork.

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