Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Rwanda

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures
Paper text:
The Republic of Rwanda recognises that the world is increasingly volatile, and it is more important than ever to bring practical peace disarmament measures throughout the international community. The discussion around disarmament is more than measures to protect humanity around countries that have potential and those that possess nuclear weapons inventory. Conventional weapons are the most common weapons that impact communities. As global military spending reached a record high of 2.44 trillion US dollars in 2023, it is more important than ever that the international community works together to protect humanity. The work done previously by the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs has been monumental in practical disarmament measures. However, when the international community solely focuses on transparency measures, the goals set out by practical disarmament measures are limited. Rwanda recognises the importance that transparency and building trust has on the role of disarmament. However, Rwanda supports the deepening and widening of practical disarmament measures. Following conflicts, a community is left to piece itself back together with the threat of more violence from leftover conventional arms but also ex-soldiers. To keep sustained peace for disarmament, Rwanda believes that Member States should turn to the value of communities. Values held by communities can help with practical disarmament measures through Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Programmes. Currently, there are 149 DDR programmes across 54 countries. Rwanda has seen benefits from DDR programmes through the creation of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC). Following the creation of RDRC in 1997, the RDRC has helped support the reintegration of more than 70,000 ex-combatants. Member States should allow for the growth and development of new opportunities during partnerships towards practical disarmament measures for all Member States.

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:
The delegation from the Republic of Rwanda, as sitting members to the executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, plans to support new opportunities and growth through safe and transparent transport of dual-use chemicals and destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles. Chemical weapons pose a profound international threat that transcends national borders and affects global security, health, and environmental stability. The use of chemical weapons can destabilize entire regions, leading to conflicts that spill over into neighboring countries, while also having an environmental effect on countless states. As global stakeholders, Rwanda increasingly recognizes the importance of chemical safety in fostering international security and development and aims to play a pivotal role in advancing these initiatives within the OPCW framework. With the continuation of the advancement of the OPCW, Rwanda has supported the first large-scale, hands-on emergency response simulation CHEMEX Africa. Assisting to this emergency prepared response programme Rwanda has shown initiative in promoting transparency and collaboration among member states. Rwanda helps to advance its vision 2050 by creating more awareness towards how chemical sciences play a role in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental management. By enhancing chemical education, CHEMEX Africa can help cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and productivity. Rwanda promotes the national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention through the OPCW Africa Programme, collaborating with member states and fostering CWC visibility. As a nation, Rwanda has experienced the devastating impacts of violence and conflict, we recognize the profound humanitarian, environmental, and security implications associated with the use of chemical weapons. Rwanda is committed to upholding international norms and treaties aimed at the prohibition and elimination of such weapons. Rwanda calls to continue with promoting programmes within the OPCW to support new opportunities and growth through safe and transparent use of dual-use chemicals.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
Guided by the Food and Agricultural Organization's (FAO) Global Strategic Framework for Food Security & Nutrition's (GSF) four pillars of food security "availability, access, utilization, and stability" the Republic of Rwanda has led multilateral initiatives through Rwanda's own Strategy Support Program (Rwanda SSP) in conjunction with the USAID, the EU, the CGIAR and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to transform agricultural advancement throughout the world. With agriculture accounting for 33% of total GDP and 72% of Rwanda's workforce, The Republic of Rwanda acknowledges the importance of agriculture to not only developing Member States, but also those who lack adequate access to sustainable nutrition. Rwanda has focused on the four pillars of the GSF since 2019, specifically food availability and access, through Rwanda's own domestic and international agendas in specifically targeting rural areas with high levels of poverty and food availability by working alongside African Member States in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and WFP's School Feeding Programme. The Republic of Rwanda has been recognized globally for its commitment towards the GSF's four pillars by strengthening its environmental resilience and food adequacy initiatives, yet the Republic of Rwanda notes that as of 2023, 828 million people critically lack basic food access due to affordability and ability of food. The Republic of Rwanda believes that action should take place to meet the GSF's four pillars of food security by leveraging these existing programmes alongside the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative and with IFAD's funding and reporting specialist to enhance food availability in areas of need while reducing costs and inefficiencies generally associated with multi-program partnerships. Rwanda emphasizes that addressing inefficiencies commonly associated with complex, multi-partner programs will be essential to enhancing food availability, reducing costs, and streamlining efforts toward a more food-secure world.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
Accelerating middle-income countries (MICs) has remained a challenging endeavor despite various multilateral frameworks. With MICs occupying a unique space supported primarily supported by south-south and triangular cooperation (SSTC) facilitated by ECOSOC and the UNCTAD, they act as the backbone to the global economy. Accounting for 34% of the global GDP, MICs play a crucial role when it comes to their say in international forums. However, the Republic of Rwanda notes that in its own progress towards achieving MIC status in Rwanda's Vision 2050 national development strategy has outlined the hardships Member States in low-income brackets face when it comes to achieving that status. Specifically, the complications that exist between SSTC development and cooperation. The UNDP's efforts towards SSTC and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation's (UNOSSC) Considerations for South-South and Triangular Cooperation Design, Implementation, and Documentation project cycle, have been instrumental in guiding efforts for both MICs and LLCs alike. Yet, the Republic of Rwanda recognizes that gaps still exist in terms of capacity building, recourse allocation, and equitable access to technology transfers. Programmes that focus on SSTC such as the UNOSSC's South-South Galaxy and UNIDO's South-South Cooperation Strategy both outline strategies to pursue the interests of low- and middle-income countries. As a G77 Member States, The Republic of Rwanda believes that focusing on the development of and impact of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) and due to their strategies towards achieving the SDGs through financing for development by leading and supporting UN guided principles. The Republic of Rwanda believes that in order to increase the economic development of middle- income Member States, NGOs alongside UN bodies and programmes is crucial towards making rapid progress in areas of need rather than lengthy processes that are typical of multilateral work between UN subsidiaries.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is one of several key international agreements advocating for the rights of indigenous populations. Indigenous populations struggle with lack of basic rights. The Republic of Rwanda emphasizes the importance of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination for marginalized populations, as reflected in Rwanda's participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). However, to fully grasp the complexities surrounding indigenous rights, the international community must critically reexamine the profound and lasting consequences of colonization on African Member States like Rwanda. Colonization, along with the socio-economic changes that followed, deeply disrupted the traditional Rwandan way of life, and the international community's neglect did not cease with decolonization. In 1994, during one of the most horrific periods in Rwandan history, the international community all but abandoned Rwanda for nearly 100 days. It is through unity, work, and patriotism that Rwanda is now rising. Rwanda has recommitted to the law that all Rwandans born in Rwanda may remain equal in rights and freedoms. Furthermore, the Rwandan constitution directly states its responsibility in protection from discrimination for all of Rwanda. Discrimination of any kind for whatever reason is prohibited and punishable by law in Rwanda. In 2010 Rwanda established the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) which directly assists in funding paid maternity, community-based health insurance and long-term saving programs. The RSSB is a social protection program available to the whole population with an emphasis on assisting those most vulnerable and marginalized communities. To further promote a united Rwandan way of life, Rwanda calls for financial assistance for social protection programs and campaigns for economic integration and community-based initiatives. For Rwanda to keep rising it needs to be united, and the United Nations can foster that unity for the next generations by providing its resources.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
The Republic of Rwanda considers education as a means of human development and economic growth, particularly focusing on improving literacy rates. Despite achieving a considerable primary school net enrollment rate of 98.8%, the country faces significant challenges in literacy and numeracy, which are critical for national development. Globally, literacy is a key for socioeconomic progress, enabling individuals to participate fully in society. Unfortunately, according to UNESCO, about 763 million adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills, which limits their opportunities and lowers economic growth. In Rwanda, literacy rates have improved, reaching 77% for both males and females from 2004 to 2008. However, the rate of secondary schooling remains low at just 31%. On average, Rwandans complete only 3.3 years of education, lower than the Sub-Saharan African average of 4.5 years. Rwanda has strived to enhance its education system, including implementing policies for mandatory primary education and investing in initiatives like the Rwanda Education Commons, funded by USAID, which promotes the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education. Nevertheless, disparities in teacher qualifications persist, with only 36% of lower secondary and 33% of upper secondary teachers being adequately trained. This lack of qualified educators severely limits students' literacy development. The United Nations has underscored the importance of literacy in its Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure equitable quality education for all. Rwanda is committed to these objectives, but to overcome existing literacy challenges, the country needs increased funding and determined planning for its education system. To tackle these issues, Rwanda calls for sustained financial investment in teacher training, resource allocation, and educational infrastructure. The UN should support efforts by facilitating international cooperation and providing resources. Prioritizing literacy initiatives can empower future generations, reduce poverty, and pave the way for sustainable development in Rwanda.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Paper text:
Air pollution is a very common issue nationwide leading to 6.8 million deaths a year. Poor air quality may limit people's ability or opportunity to be physically active. People with preexisting medical conditions such as asthma (28 million people have asthma), emphysema or COPD are at greater risk from poor air quality. Good air quality is an important livability indicator for a healthy community. The UN General Assembly declaration on working on a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, ways they plan on putting that into action is by creating The Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the CDM is a program under the Kyoto Protocol that allows countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn certified emission reduction, Rwanda signed the Kyoto protocol in 2004 and continues. To recognize the fundamental human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a cornerstone for the well-being of its people. Rwanda has faced many environmental issues due to pollution, the serious issue that Rwanda has faced with pollution is the death of 1,220 Banyarwanda due to lack of pollution control. Rwanda exposure to outdoor PM2.5 has infused the creation of The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) The goal of REMA is to supervise and monitor environmental management and ensure that issues relating to the environment receive attention in all national development plans, since REMA has been created Rwanda's economy has grown rapidly, with an average GDP growth of 8% per year, and Rwanda remains fully committed to tackling environmental challenges through international cooperation, policy enforcement, sustainable development, ensuring for a cleaner, healthier future for all while supporting global initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol as well as Rwanda encourages members states to uphold international commitments, and to help continue with increasing participation with Kyoto Protocol.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Paper text:
The Republic Of Rwanda Believes that topic 2 The Security of humanitarian aid workers is in the best interest for all member states because our country has suffered a genocide and with a lack of humanitarian Aid workers we weren't able to receive we believe that these humanitarian crises can lead to destabilizing regions if we aren't able to secure our humanitarian workers. One of the Secretary General's key recommendation reports calls for the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) to "complement the responsibility of host countries for the safety and security of personnel within their borders." The UN has taken several steps to improve the security of humanitarian aid workers, including passing Security Council resolutions that condemn attacks on them and promote their protection under international law. It advocates for the safety of aid workers through the UN Department of Safety and Security, which provides risk assessments and security training. The UN also tracks incidents of violence against aid workers and works to negotiate safe access in conflict zones. Additionally, the UN promotes humanitarian principles like neutrality and impartiality, while continuing to call for stronger protections through campaigns like World Humanitarian Day. Rwanda has worked to protect humanitarian aid workers by cooperating with the UN and other international organizations, creating laws to ensure their safety, and maintaining peace and security within the country. The government's focus on stability helps provide a safer environment for aid workers, and Rwanda also works with neighboring countries to promote their safety in the region. Overall, Rwanda calls on the UN for the Protection of Humanitarian Workers.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
Between 2020 and 2024, Rwanda has decreased the time it takes for citizens to receive healthcare from 95 minutes to under 47 minutes through innovative healthcare investments. As one of the first ratifiers of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Republic of Rwanda recognizes the importance of Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health on the global stage, and applauds the international community for coming together to address the ongoing shortcomings in healthcare for these vulnerable groups. These are issues that continue to impact global communities and worsen their quality of life and our progress towards achieving SDG 3. In particular, Rwanda sees SDG 3.9 as a concern of the inequalities that should be addressed. Various WHA and World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives such as the Global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections for the period of 2022-2030, the WHO global strategy on health, environment and climate change, and many others are an excellent start to addressing inequality in the healthcare sector of the global community. It is Rwanda's belief that these initiatives should continue to be supported by the WHA. As well, Rwanda sees the continuing of rural initiatives to be a primary concern for the global community to pursue. Such initiatives that Rwanda will recommend are things such as the 1000 Health Posts in the Land of 1000 Hills program that Rwanda, WHO, United Nations in Rwanda, and multiple other UN programs have developed for the country. Rwanda also suggests that the WHA continues to support states in policy making through documents and toolkits such as the WHOs Increasing access to health workers in remote and rural areas through improved retention. Rwanda looks forward to collaborating with fellow member states to continue to devise solutions to this problem that plagues us all.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
"There is nothing good in drug abuse, drugs have physical, psychological consequences and they hinder development while youth drop out of school." -Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, former Minister of State for Primary and Public Healthcare. The Republic of Rwanda recognizes the troubles that drug use has on populations and welcomes the international community coming together to support the healthcare sector in reducing the impacts of the international drug problem. Rwanda believes that support for the healthcare sector is a necessary step to furthering our progress towards SDG 3 target 5, as it will provide support for citizens who require support to break the cycle of addiction. Rwanda also acknowledges the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's efforts through the Opioid Strategy and Synthetic Drug Strategy to dampen and reduce the effects of the crisis, however, Rwanda believes that further work can be done to improve healthcare sectors worldwide. Rwanda has over the past decade been working to reduce the impact of drug and other substance abuse among Rwanda's citizens. "The government of Rwanda has set up strategies to fight against drug trafficking and abuse; these include inventing rehabilitation centres that also offer vocational skills to former drug abusers, organizing campaigns to sensitize the general population, involving the civil society in the fight as well as decentralizing mental health services." Rwanda has also utilized other programs such as the 1000 Health Posts in the Land of 1000 Hills programs to improve access to healthcare for those who require it in support of their journey and fight against drug addictions. Rwanda encourages fellow member states to collaborate further and develop novel and impactful solutions that will one day help everyone with their issues with substance abuse.

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