Position paper for Madagascar
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| The trafficking of illegal weapons has been a topic of discussion since the
decolonization of Africa. We recognize the serious dangers caused by illegal arms
trafficking by terrorist organizations. These dangers have deliberately impacted both our
region and nations' stability. The presence of illicit arms and trafficking to regional peace,
development, and security causes widespread destabilization and violence. Many
countries within this region have not been able to develop and prosper effectively. Having
an illegal flow of weapons or arms across borders has fueled local conflict and supplied
the operations of terrorist and criminal organizations. International disruption of peace and
stability has been posed by these threats, including border dangers, which have
weakened United Nations international peacekeeping efforts.
As a nation, we strongly advocate arms control and international disarmament. This issue causes arms to end up in the hands of dangerous groups escalating violence. Furthermore, having weak security near our nation's martial areas and limited border control can further the risk of illicit weapons throughout our country, which potentially can cause a loss of internal control. In regions of the Horn of Africa, traffickers take advantage of porous borders to transfer weapons, in order to diminish these issues, satellite surveillance systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are needed to monitor illegal arms transfers across the region. Our government has facilitated many treaties, including the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC), and the United Nations Office for Disarmament, which regulates the international trade of conventional weapons. We continue to promote the prevention of illegal arms trafficking to enhance international cooperation and fundamentally improve international peace and security. We strongly suggest that the United Nations increase transparency in arms transfer to strengthen the safeguarding of these weapons. Illegal arms trafficking leads to threats to national and international security. We advocate for international treaties and disarmament efforts using technological advancement to combat arms trafficking, reduce regional conflict, and promote global security and peace. New advancements in technology, including drones, cyber warfare, and nuclear arms, have posed a substantial threat to international security. The possibility of non-state actors acquiring these arsenals. We recognize the catastrophic potential of nuclear warfare, both directly and through its effects on global repercussions. Madagascar's accession with regional and international forums like the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (ANWFZ) in July 2009 was ratified, which prohibits the production, acquisition, and deployment of any sort of nuclear weapons in Africa. This treaty aligns with Madagascar's stance of reducing nuclear dangers and ensuring stability and safety in the Indian Ocean Region. As a nation that values peace and international cooperation, we are committed to global efforts to prevent dangers posed by terrorist acquisition of these weapons. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was ratified in 1970, the objective involves efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure nuclear materials are appropriately safeguarded. Madagascar actively endorses this treaty and believes that solid international cooperation is essential to prevent the acquisition of nuclear materials by non-state actors. We have been active participants and fully support the UN Office for Disarmament and Affairs (UNODA). Being a part of diplomatic regulations has led Madagascar to advocate for disarmament initiatives and comprehensive nuclear security measures to diminish threats posed by nuclear arms and enhance international security cooperation. Comprehensive international provisions are needed to secure nuclear resources, including security border control and export monitoring systems. We aim to strengthen our domestic capabilities to monitor and regulate the transit of nuclear materials and prevent the risk of these materials attained by terrorist entities. | |
| 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: | |
| As the threat of terrorism grows, there is always a possibility for these non-state
actors to have a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) capability. This
threat, although rare, is still severe eventually in countries where there are no significant
CBRN defense capabilities. Africa being one of the most populated regions of the world
with a high risk for terrorist attack, the real threat of a chemical attack is very possible. The
risk doesn't just go to chemical weapons, but also biological and nuclear. Biological
weapons are a possibility with organized and wealthy terrorist weapons, such as Al-Qaeda
and even state-sponsored terrorism. Nuclear terrorism is also a threat which can be
possible for similar threats. However, nuclear terrorism isn't just setting off a nuclear
weapon, but a simple explosion with radioactive materials can kill thousands. This is
definitely true in less developed nations with no serious CBRN defense infrastructure or
capabilities.
Madagascar wishes to work with the international community to create more funding and an international CBRN task force to solve the issue. The task force would comprise of CBRN experts and have the primary mission to train, assist, and respond to CBRN attacks for nations in need. An organization similar to the NATOs Combined Joint CBRN Defence Task Force organized by the UN can greatly benefit countries like Madagascar. This multinational task force can also give a message to non-state actors that the international community is united against the CBRN-related terrorism. Countries that obtained chemical weapons shall be held responsible. During the Syrian Civil War, there were several chemical attacks resulting in many innocent civilians being killed, such as the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack that resulted in around 1,000 deaths, including children. Other states that parade around their chemical weapons every year are countries that disrupt international security. This disregard for basic global safety and security needs to be addressed and punished. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar recognizes and commits to global efforts to achieve sustainable
agricultural development, food security, and improved nutrition. Madagascar is among the
nation-states most vulnerable to food insecurity due to climate change, deforestation, and
economic challenges. Agriculture is the backbone of Madagascar's economy, with over
75% of the population relying on it. However, extreme weather events and poverty limit
agricultural growth and food security. Addressing these issues is essential to
Madagascar's development and stability.
The government of Madagascar commends the United Nations' recent initiatives, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025), which aim to address food security and sustainable agricultural development. However, we urge the United Nations to enhance regional cooperation and invest in food security programs that assist vulnerable nations like Madagascar, where the economy heavily depends on agriculture but is struggling due to climate change, poverty, and limited infrastructure Madagascar strongly supports sustainable agricultural development. Smallholder farmers, that form the backbone of the agricultural system, need access to improved infrastructure and modern technologies. Madagascar advocates for increased United Nations funding for climate-resilient agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops, to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. We also call for better rural infrastructure to connect farmers to markets and reduce post-harvest losses. This is because Improved rural infrastructure is also essential to minimize post-harvest losses and connect farmers to markets. Madagascar is committed to improving nutrition, especially among children. Malnutrition remains a critical issue, with almost half of Malagasy children under five suffering from stunting. We call on the United Nations to expand nutrition programs such as the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, which focuses on reducing malnutrition in children and mothers. We also support the World Food Programme's school feeding programs, which provide vital nutrition to children and improve educational outcomes. Madagascar supports resolutions that promote sustainable agricultural technologies and improve access to markets. Madagascar is particularly interested in initiatives that focus on financial assistance for drought-resistant crops and other innovative agricultural solutions such as Green Climate Fund Madagascar Project and the Africa Adaptation Initiative. Madagascar stresses that collaboration with like-minded nation-states, particularly in East Africa, will be crucial for fostering food security in the region. Madagascar urgently calls upon the international community to prioritize and secure sustainable agricultural development, food security, and improved nutrition, enabling our citizens to thrive and build resilience against future challenges. Together, we can ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for Madagascar and all vulnerable nations. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| As a country, the Republic of Madagascar is committed to continuing the economic
development of the global community. We recognize that, as a nation, we have natural
resources, biodiversity, and human capital, which puts us in a situation that encourages
development. In order to best capitalize on these things, we plan to implement
Madagascar's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The strategy contains
three main development objectives, the first of which is to improve human capacity. The
second is improved government accountability and effectiveness, and the third is a greater
availability of sustainable economic opportunities. We believe that supplementing these
areas will result in considerable measurable outcomes, strengthening the state economy
and our people as a whole. We strongly believe that if other member states implemented
similar goals, the global community would greatly benefit. Focusing on the CDCS will
support our continued goals of reducing poverty, supporting economic growth, promoting
human development, as well as supporting environmental sustainability, not just within our
nation, but throughout the world.
Besides our own state, the Republic of Madagascar affirms the goals laid out by United Nations Resolution 76/215, which is development cooperation with middle-income countries. It sets out detailed plans for achieving economic growth in middle-income countries that are struggling. We recognize the importance of additional support needed in middle-income countries such as our own to continue to achieve the goals set out in the United Nations Resolution 76/215. We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with states, both large and small, to support these goals. We are under the strong belief that supporting development cooperation within middle-income countries will in turn support our own goals of economic growth and development, along with poverty reduction. Madagascar is committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Madagascar, and the world. Madagascar supports resolutions such as UN 76/215 to foster international cooperation and is eager to work with fellow states to ensure that middle- income countries are receiving the resources they need to continue working towards improving economic development. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar acknowledges the significance of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and improving the international standard of those rights. The United Nations 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) set global standards for indigenous rights and emphasized self-determination, cultural preservation, and land protection. Madagascar supports these principles and has taken steps to protect them through its Ministry of Culture and Environment. Through the Ministry, the government has engaged forest-dependent communities, like the Mikea, through consultations concerning forest conservation and sustainable resource use. However, challenges remain. Deforestation, land appropriation, and the expansion of mining activities threaten indigenous communities around the world. Madagascar specifically is challenged with balancing economic development with indigenous rights. The country is committed to strengthening legal frameworks for land possession, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring that Indigenous peoples are included in national decision-making worldwide. To accomplish this, Madagascar proposes that legal mechanisms for acquiring land be reinforced, impact assessments be mandated, and education and governance participation become more widespread for indigenous groups. Madagascar remains committed to collaborating with the international community and the United Nations to advance the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring their participation and support in sustainable development. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| According to recent statistics, Madagascar faces significant literacy challenges, with a national literacy rate of around 76%. However, rural areas report much lower literacy levels, with wide disparities in access to education between urban and rural populations. The lack of infrastructure, trained teachers, and adequate resources has made it difficult for many Malagasy children to receive basic education. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education systems, further impacting students who were already vulnerable to learning gaps and dropout rates. Higher literacy rates are closely linked with economic growth, gender equality, improved health outcomes, and enhanced civic participation. Literacy empowers women and marginalized groups, helping bridge social inequalities and fostering a more inclusive society. It also plays a critical role in environmental education, essential in Madagascar, a country facing severe environmental degradation and climate- related challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. Educated citizens are better equipped to understand and act on environmental issues, contributing to long-term resilience and sustainable development. Madagascar is committed to addressing these challenges by strengthening partnerships with international organizations and donors, investing in teacher training, and prioritizing infrastructure development in rural areas. With coordinated efforts to expand access to education and improve literacy, Madagascar aims to build a more educated population, capable of driving national progress and tackling the complex challenges of the future. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar fully endorses the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, as highlighted in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 76/300, which promotes global awareness of environmental protection as a fundamental human right. This commitment is also embedded in Madagascar's Environmental Charter, revised in 2015, which upholds every citizen's right to live in a healthy environment and to participate in environmental decision-making processes. The Charter reinforces key principles such as the polluter-pays principle and sustainable development, aligning closely with the Rio Declaration's foundational environmental values. Despite these commitments, Madagascar faces critical environmental challenges, particularly widespread deforestation and illegal logging, resulting in the loss of nearly 500,000 acres of forest annually. These harmful practices, including slash-and-burn agriculture, led to a 25% reduction in tree cover between 2000 and 2020, releasing over 2.52 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide. As Madagascar is home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, the ongoing environmental degradation poses a global threat, endangering biodiversity and exacerbating climate change. The international community must recognize Madagascar's environmental issues as a global priority. The country's rapid deforestation serves as a stark warning: without urgent action, biodiversity loss and heightened vulnerability to climate change will have widespread repercussions. International cooperation, such as USAID's reforestation efforts and the World Bank's commitment to reducing emissions by 10 million tons by 2024, is crucial to addressing this crisis. Moreover, Madagascar's engagement in regulatory reforms and socio-economic strategies, like those promoted by REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), is essential to mitigating deforestation. Madagascar calls upon the global community to increase support for developing nations by providing enhanced financial resources, technology transfers, and capacity-building to protect the world's biodiversity and realize the right to a healthy environment for all. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar recognizes the value of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. As such, it is of irrefutable importance to ensure the protection of these groups while operations are being conducted. Under the International Humanitarian Law and subsequent Geneva Conventions (1949), Madagascar observes the international standard of promoting and applying the principles of maintaining security and upholding strict lawful scrutiny to protect those administering humanitarian aid. Unfortunately, in the first half of 2023, one of the nine violent global fatalities of United Nations personnel recorded during that period occurred in Madagascar. Furthermore, from January 2022 through June 2023, 1,941 attacks were made against humanitarian workers across 16 countries, which led to 281 deaths and 607 injuries. Madagascar agrees that continued discussion and fighting of misinformation regarding means to protect these personnel is essential to the well- ordering and functioning of international dialogue and peacebuilding. Madagascar acknowledges the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 49/50 that established the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel (1995), which petitions nation-states to utilize all necessary measures to criminally charge those who attack United Nations and humanitarian personnel. Madagascar also agrees to United Nations General Assembly resolution 58/82 that all member-states should adhere to key conditions of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel concerning using all practicable measures to prevent violence and crime against United Nations and humanitarian personnel. To this end, Madagascar recommends the United Nations increase the training of those delivering humanitarian aid to better respond to crises in vulnerable nations. Additionally, expanding the usage of digital communication will allow agencies such as the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) to better anticipate and respond to potential challenges. To realize these proposed solutions, Madagascar implores its fellow delegates to act in the interests of those working to create a better tomorrow for populations in crisis. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | Equal access to justice for all |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar affirms that preventing and eradicating corruption is essential to achieving equal access to justice for all. Corruption undermines the rule of law, creating barriers that limit justice and fairness. Addressing corruption is a critical step toward a justice system that is accessible, transparent, and equitable for every citizen. Madagascar remains fully committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which promotes peaceful, inclusive societies, ensures access to justice for all, and establishes accountable institutions at every level. Equality before the law is not merely an ideal but a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Acknowledging this, Madagascar has taken significant steps to combat corruption and promote transparency. One of our leading initiatives is the establishment of the Bureau of Independent Anti-Corruption (BIANCO), which operates as an independent agency empowered to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices within the judiciary and public administration. By addressing corruption at its roots, Madagascar aims to build a more transparent and accountable society. Ensuring access to justice for vulnerable groups, particularly women, is a priority. Historically, women in Madagascar have faced barriers, such as discrimination and financial limitations, that restrict their access to legal services and fair trials. To address this, Madagascar has increased the representation of women within our judiciary. As of March 2024, out of 658 judges nationwide, 368 are women. This increase not only empowers women but also strengthens our judiciary with more diverse perspectives, enhancing representation for marginalized communities. Madagascar calls upon fellow member states to support anti-corruption measures and uphold the principles of justice for all. By promoting equal access to justice, we affirm our commitment to a society that respects the dignity and rights of every individual. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar recognizes the severe impact of corruption and transnational organized crime on national stability, public trust, and economic development. To confront these challenges, Madagascar has firmly committed to international cooperation, aiming to safeguard institutions and promote sustainable growth. In line with these goals, Madagascar has ratified critical international agreements, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. These frameworks underscore the detrimental effects of organized crime and corruption not only in Madagascar but across the Southern African region. Madagascar actively engages in regional initiatives as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), notably through participation in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which targets cross-border crime. This involvement reflects our dedication to a coordinated regional response, strengthening cooperation among member states to effectively address the complexities of transnational organized crime. On the national front, Madagascar has taken significant steps to bolster our legal and law enforcement frameworks. Recent amendments to our Penal Code enhance the legislative tools available to combat corruption, while our anti-corruption agency has expanded its mandate to better investigate and prosecute unlawful activities. These reforms are integral to Madagascar's mission to deliver justice for victims of organized crime, while increased border security measures further contribute to our national defense. Recognizing the critical role of global collaboration, Madagascar supports continued joint operations, capacity building, and intelligence sharing as essential strategies to tackle these global issues. Through sustained international cooperation, we can create a more secure environment that fosters prosperity and resilience for all. Madagascar is prepared to play an active role in these shared initiatives, working with our international partners to build a just, stable, and prosperous world for future generations. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| Implementing the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health by 2030 is crucial to the Republic of Madagascar. Since the Strategy's creation in 2016, Madagascar has been a strong proponent of implementing the framework's ideals to survive, thrive, and transform the quality of life for women, children, and adolescents in Madagascar and around the world. Madagascar has been a supporter of previous international efforts such as the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and Convention on the Rights of the Child, which paved the way for the modern era of women's and children's rights to equal healthcare and life opportunities. Women, children, and adolescents suffer disproportionately due to little access to essential, good-quality health services and education, clean air and water, adequate sanitation, and good nutrition. Not to mention, annual death rates are too high: 289,000 maternal deaths, 2.6 million stillbirths, 5.9 million deaths in children under the age of five "including 2.7 million newborn deaths" and 1.3 million adolescent deaths. The 2030 Global Strategy expands the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide practical implementation. Specifically, the Strategy builds off SDG 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages relating to equal healthcare access for women and children. These efforts require the collaboration of many different actors, such as member states, United Nations (UN) bodies like the UN Population Fund and UN Children's Fund, non-governmental organizations, private individuals, medical professionals, and many other crucial partners. One barrier to implementing the Strategy is a lack of funding for healthcare programs in financially struggling states, specifically in the African region. Therefore, financial organizations, like the Global Financing Facility (GFF), which has aided Madagascar with funding for health programs, are crucial partners in ensuring all states have the ability and resources to implement programs and policies to help their women, children, and adolescents. Money should not be the reason women and children do not have a chance at survival when organizations are willing to help; the UN should seek more partners willing to finance healthcare for the most vulnerable. Madagascar fully commits to reinvigorating work to ensure the goals of the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health are achieved by 2030. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| Madagascar holds the health of individuals as the utmost important factor when it comes to the current world drug problem facing the international community. Madagascar affirms the resolution S-30/1 document entitled "Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem," which provides operational recommendations for the problem. There are distinctions between two drug categories: medicinal and psychoactive or narcotics. Medicinal drugs like vaccines are for helpful and life-saving purposes. The other type, psychoactive drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, opiates, and fentanyl, is the root of the current substance abuse problem plaguing the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 0.6 million deaths occur annually due to psychoactive drug use. In 2021, an estimated 296 million people aged 15-64 used psychoactive drugs, and 39.5 million people were affected by drug use disorders. An alarming rise in psychoactive drug use is expected by 11% worldwide and 40% in Africa by 2030. Madagascar has already witnessed this drug use increase in its borders and nearby African states. With millions affected globally, UN bodies and organizations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), need to encourage states to implement better national policies to combat the drug problem following SDG target 3.5 in which governments commit to strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Therefore, Madagascar calls for improvements to treatment coverage and services in states. WHO reports that the proportion of people in contact with substance treatment services ranged from less than 1% to no more than 35% in 2019. Most of the 145 states that reported data had no specific budget or governmental expenditure to treat substance disorders. These are issues. If legislation fails to stop the spread of drugs, then states need to create drug treatment programs to help citizens develop healthier habitats after the fact. The 2024 WHA Agenda A77/33/H outlines trial treatment toolkits and measurement procedures successfully implemented to combat existing drug problems. UN bodies already have established programs to combat drug abuse but must start implementing them on a global scale to minimize the rise in drug use before it is too late. Madagascar urgently calls upon all actors in the international community to alleviate the effects of the world drug problem for the health and well-being of all individuals. | |
Back to the list of countries