Position paper for Senegal
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| Senegal's international stance on public disarmament underlines its commitment to the promotion of world peace and security and protection of human rights. While being active in participation in international and regional efforts against disarmament, Senegal actively supports the UN and AU in trying to regulate the spread of arms. As a signatory to landmark treaties like the NPT, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Biological Weapons Convention, whose strong pillars call for the outright elimination of WMDs, there has never been an easy way out of this legally binding obligation. Additionally, Senegal supports the ATT on the international stage, which regulates the international trade in conventional arms in order to prevent illegal transfers of these weapons. It is also a party to a number of regional initiatives to control the dissemination of SALW in West Africa through the ECOWAS Convention. On the regional level, Senegal has played a key role in promoting peace and security within the African Union and in the Economic Community of West African States, including efforts to combat arms trafficking and reductions of military expenditures. The Senegalese policy regarding disarmament also deals with its humanitarian one: protection of civilians in armed conflicts and alleviation of the humanitarian consequences due to misuse of arms. Senegal is also an active promoter of disarmament in relation to its linkage with human rights, such as the Ottawa and Oslo Conventions banning landmines and cluster munitions, respectively. Senegal also relates disarmament to sustainable development; it believes that a decrease in armament is needed for the fulfillment of the UN SDGs pertaining to peace, justice, and strong institutions. Thus, Senegal tries to achieve better living conditions that may ensure more peaceful and developed coexistence on the national and international levels through public awareness and with the help of civil society. | |
| 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: | |
| Senegal's stance is unwavering and strong in the rejection of the use, development, and proliferation of chemical weapons. A party to the Chemical Weapons Convention that came into force in 1997, Senegal fully supports international efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and to avoid their usage in wars. The CWC is the first multilateral treaty in disarmament that comprehensively prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of chemical weapons and their destruction. Senegal ratified this treaty, and hence, it placed its national policy into conformity with international norms that seek protection for civilians and combatants alike against the devastating humanitarian impact of chemical weapons. The country is committed to the full implementation of the provisions of the CWC and actively participates in efforts at strengthening the framework of the said convention. Senegal strongly advocates the universalization of the CWC, encouraging all states, particularly those outside the treaty, to join in prohibiting chemical weapons. Use of such weapons, in its view, constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of human dignity and human rights. It is on the basis of this that Senegal continues to strongly condemn all uses of chemical arms in armed conflicts and appeals to the international community for their persecution through mechanisms provided by the CWC and the United Nations. The Government of Senegal reiterates that international cooperation and transparency are at the heart of disarmament involving chemical weapons, since such an important process is impossible without concerted action by States. The active participation of Senegal will be an assurance of its contribution towards a world free from chemical weapons, with increased security in promotion of humanitarian goals, as contemplated under international law. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Senegal recognizes the importance of fostering agriculture development,
food security, and nutrition, especially in developing economies. Agriculture is a critical
instrument for economic growth and reducing poverty. However, as climate change
continues to change the dynamics of agriculture, bridging gaps in technology and
agricultural development has never been more important.
Senegal has a predominantly rural population, a large portion of which is reliant on subsistence agriculture. These subsistence farmers struggle to adapt to ever-changing climate conditions stemming from centuries of CO emissions. It is important to recognize who is responsible for climate change today. Developing countries do not have the funding, technology, or means to keep up with rapidly changing technology, including genetically modified seeds, to adapt to drastic changes in the climate. Furthermore, despite Senegals efforts to invest in its agricultural industries, the tremendous investment by large, developed countries into their agricultural sectors essentially makes it impossible for developing economies to be competitive in international markets. These subsidies crowd out domestic producers in the developing world, leading countries, such as Senegal, to run incredible trade deficits, further exacerbating developing countries ability to invest in their agricultural industry. The Republic of Senegal is determined to pursue practical, equitable, and tailorable solutions. Senegal seeks to work alongside a diverse group of member states to pursue resolutions that strengthen the voices of the developing world. Senegal seeks to be a voice for the greater developing world and apply its personal experiences to ensure equitable resolutions are met. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Senegal believes that to increase development cooperation with middle- income countries, it is imperative to recognize each states individuality. Every state is unique, meaning that each states journey of economic development must be approached with this in mind. For too long, the developed world has imposed what it believes to be the best model of development on the developing world. Although their intentions may be noble, these states and individuals often lack the knowledge of the individual, nuanced contexts of the states that they are trying to aid. Often, these models are based on the individual experiences of states in the late stages of development. However, these states developed decades ago in a vastly different world, and their experiences will not be the same as developing states today. No two countries experiences are the same, nor should they be, and it is vital to accept this as a fact. Beyond recognizing the distinctive experiences of each countrys development, it is important to recognize the lasting impacts of colonialism, especially on the African continent. Colonial policies decimated the African economy, turning African states into cash cows with no regard for setting up a sustainable economy. To this day, many African economies are still reliant on the toxic relationships between our precious resources and neocolonialist powers. Lastly, climate change disproportionately affects the global south, although it is the global north that has contributed to the overwhelming majority of carbon emissions. The Republic of Senegal is committed to solutions that will highlight the individuality of each states development process. Senegal seeks to strengthen the voice of middle-income countries, hold states accountable for the widespread repercussions of their actions, and enshrine autonomy of development. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| Senegal has long demonstrated a commitment to the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, supporting frameworks that protect indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and empowerment. By adopting UNDRIP in 2007 and ratifying the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in 1982, Senegal has publicly aligned with these priorities. The constitution enshrines respect for cultural diversity, recognizing numerous ethnic languages, while the Ministry of Culture organizes festivals and promotes traditional arts and languages. To advance indigenous rights, the Delegation of Senegal proposes several initiatives. For health, an Indigenous Health Equity Fund would pool resources to support mobile clinics, vaccination efforts, and health education with indigenous communities. Additionally, a healthcare training program would offer scholarships and training for indigenous health workers. Economic empowerment initiatives, such as the Indigenous Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, would provide small grants and mentorship, while mentorship programs would connect indigenous youth with global leaders. Senegal also emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and environmental development. A UN Indigenous Language Preservation Fund would support language documentation and digital resources, increasing language revitalization. Furthermore, Senegal supports climate initiatives that incorporate indigenous environmental practices such as a program that would provide climate-resistant seeds and sustainable agriculture training to indigenous communities, respecting traditional methods while improving food security. Through these comprehensive policies, Senegal reaffirms its commitment to preserving indigenous heritage and promoting equitable development. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| Senegal recognizes literacy as a central pillar for socio-economic growth, development, and education. Senegal committed to the education for all (EFA) goals outlined in the Dakar Framework of the World Education Forum in 2000, where we adopted the theme of Education for African Renaissance in the Globalized Economy, Communication and Culture. In the following UN Literacy decade implemented by UNESCO in 2003, Senegal made literacy a state responsibility codified in our Constitution, and increased the budget allocated to literacy. As a country facing both rural-urban divides and the challenges posed by the growing digital landscape, Senegal emphasizes that the path toward universal literacy requires tackling global and regional inequalities, the barriers to girls education, and the rapid digital transformation affecting the education sector. To promote growing availability to the right of literacy the Delegation of Senegal advocates for the creation of UN Community Based Literacy Hubs with digital integration to achieve higher literacy rates in rural communities through coalescence of multilingual education in pre-existing social centers and gender-sensitive schools. Additionally, a Digital Equipment Teacher Training program which provides educators with practical skills in digital literacy systems and a variety of language programs would provide them the skills necessary to respect traditional tribunal learning facilities while equipping their students for futures in the digital age. For immigrant communities, the Mobile Literacy Initiative would pool resources from existing NGOs such as RELIT and Read@Home to provide displaced persons with literature for learning to read and write in several languages, as they are without permanent location and require mobile services for opportunity. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Under Article 8 of our Constitution, the Republic of Senegal rules that all of our citizens have the right to a clean environment that protects and insures their health and well- being within their lives. Based on our current environment, we face multifaceted challenges that may inhibit us when it comes to providing a healthy and sufficient environment for our peoples wellbeing. This includes global warming, environmental issues, disease outbreaks, and food and water issues that generally involve security and sanitation. With climate change, Senegal is the most vulnerable country to global warming. Therefore, through the Plan Senegal Environment, we developed a strategy by acknowledging the transition to an ecological green economy in order to express our advocacy in prioritizing our peoples health and well-being. To strengthen our support for our peoples health and well-being, we are also in consideration on increasing renewable energy and its supply through Power Africa. Since more than 55% of rural households have little to no access to electricity, it is crucial that we provide a gas-to-power strategy and clean energy project in the long run with Power Africas assistance. Furthermore, under the Plan Sénégal Emergent, we are planning on reducing the carbon emission up to 29.5% by 2030 in hopes to not only lower diesel dependency and air pollution, but also expressing our endorsement towards renewable energy in converting to a green economy that may benefit our peoples future lives. Meanwhile, the water supply and its quality have been inadequate for our peoples basic needs. In particular, we have concentrated in water security through its sanitation and sustainability. Thus, this specific issue includes the concern of increased wastewater and waterborne diseases to be the risks towards our peoples health and well-being. Through Senegals Water Resources Management (WRM), we are providing goals to increase equitable and diversification of water accessibility and availability for our people. Therefore, we believe that a circular economy approach may provide beneficial reuse in supporting water sustainability and security to further water infrastructure and its quality within it. With this plan in mind, this may reduce the health risks and disease outbreaks by providing a clean environment for our people to prosper from the basic need of high quantity and quality of water. However, we are concerned that these goals require a high amount of investment in order to achieve them in the long term. On the other hand, food sanitation issues involve bacteria cross-contamination and other harmful chemicals on food which can trigger many health risks, infections, intoxication, and foodborne diseases that may result in a hundred thousand deaths per year to our people. On top of that, theres also limited waste removal services and the lack of cold storage equipment for perishable foods which may further the danger and risks towards public health. With support from WHO, we have launched the Healthy Food Market Project to resolve these particular issues by implementing food security, food hygiene regulation, and accessible basic training and education in practicing food safety to our people. With these potential protocols, this could initiate an effect to prevent future disease outbreaks, encourage food sustainability from reduction of food waste, and improve the overall health and well-being of our people significantly. Since food and water issues have an impact in producing many disease outbreaks, the delegation of Senegal has recognized the importance of disease surveillance where many of our people have generally suffered from malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Therefore, we have been working with CDC where we focus on expanding our health systems to provide accessible quality health resources to our people in order to prevent more disease outbreaks from occurring in the future. With the CDCs support, we invest in laboratory systems with effective patient management and informed surveillance systems, providing free vaccine-preventable diseases, and expressing implementation on medical training, mentorship, and technical collaboration through the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). Moreover, the CDC as well as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency has aided us in creating the Public Health Emergency Operations Center to further provide active responses to our people's health as our main priority. As such, we wish to move forward on the basic rights and well-being of our people as our top priority when it comes to giving them a clean and suitable environment. Furthermore, we recognize that other countries are going through these similar situations and therefore are aware that this is a crucial issue to be taken action towards. We welcome and encourage other countries and nations to contribute in mitigating and actively discussing these situations. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| As reevaluated in resolution 72/131, the delegation of Senegal reserves the right to the safety and security of its humanitarian personnel as well as the protection of its United Nations personnel. This includes improving the general global security environment by addressing the root causes of insecurity. Specifically in Senegal and its surrounding Sahel region, millions of people are in need of humanitarian aid. This, along with political polarization and violence lead to issues regarding the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. In many areas of conflict, there is no regard for international humanitarian and human rights law. Because of this, humanitarian personnel face significant threats, including harassment and intimidation, criminality, and direct and indirect attacks. In 2017, there were 322 attacks on health care, an increase from 302 in 2016. More recently, The war in Ukraine has had a direct effect on Senegals economy. Before the Russian invasion began in February 2022, the combination of climate change, the COVID- 19 pandemic, and other conflicts were already impacting the socio-economic situation in Senegal. Now, since the invasion of Ukraine, prices of global food and fuel have been rising, pushing more Senegalese citizens into hunger and therefore causing political instability. Today, more than 100,000 United Nations peacekeepers are serving in the cause of peace around the world, doing so at great personal risk and in harsh conditions. In places such as the Central African Republic and South Sudan, peacekeepers save thousands of lives, protect civilians against violent attacks and support the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance. Senegal has partnered with the UN Peacekeeping to participate in peace operations in numerous hotspots. Currently, Senegal is the eighth largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping, with more than 3,000 troops and police across six missions. Historically, many Senegalese personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in service to peace. The safety and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel is of the utmost importance to the delegation of Senegal. It is our duty and the worlds to protect those that fight to protect us, which is why the root causes of humanitarian crises such as insecurity in resources, food, and politics must be immediately addressed. Only then can Senegal along with the rest of the United Nations create protection for UN/ humanitarian personnel and citizens alike. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality |
| Paper text: | |
| As the world progresses into the 21st century, more focus has been placed on creating an
inclusive, equitable world, with countries and local governments alike prioritizing policies
that empower all individuals, regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status. The
movement has aimed to build resilient societies where everyone has the opportunity to
contribute to and benefit from shared progress, but there is still work left to be done.
The United Nations has long recognized the importance of inclusivity, equality, and empowerment as pillars for sustainable development. Milestones such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979 and the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995 have strengthened the international framework for gender equality. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 5, 8, and 10, emphasize the necessity of empowerment and inclusivity in achieving a better world. However, persistent gaps in access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and representation remain significant barriers to fulfilling this vision. Since it declared its independence in 1960, Senegal has had a long-standing commitment to fostering social cohesion, equality, and inclusivity, with those values deeply rooted in its history and culture. Guided by the values of teraanga (generosity) and solidarity, Senegal has worked diligently to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion. Policies like the Parity Law of 2010, mandating equal representation of women in political offices, the National Strategy for Gender Equality addresses disparities in education, health, and employment, and the Family Security Grants Program for low- income families reflect Senegals commitment to building a society where everyone can thrive. Another ambitious blueprint, Senegal's Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE) is aimed at reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities, with specific provisions for vulnerable groups. Propelled by its status as a leader within West Africa and the Sahel, Senegal will continue to advocate for similar frameworks across the region, believing that true stability and development require the empowerment and inclusion of all societal groups. In marked contrast to a number of its neighbors, Senegal seeks to create spaces where women and other marginalized individuals can create their own paths to success and is committed to preserving those opportunities for future generations. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Science, technology and innovation for development |
| Paper text: | |
| Science, technology, and innovation (STI) serve as a critical tool to the sustainable
development and socio-economic transformation of developing countries. By utilizing
new innovations, developing economies have the potential to close the gap on economic
inequalities throughout the world. Crucial to this development is the need for proper
social and political environments in place to foster and maintain technological
advancements in least developed countries (LDCs). While the United Nations has taken
action to aid LDCs in their growth, further action must be taken to ensure a sustainable
and equitable future for all.
The United Nations has long since recognized the importance of STI on development, dating back to the United Nations Scientific Conference for the Conservation and Utilization of Resources in 1949. At the forefront of this conversation is the desire of developed countries to protect their intellectual properties, contrasted by an ambition of LDCs to obtain technologies that could serve vital to their futures. In 2013, the Committee for Development Policy urged for the consideration of STIs that fulfill basic needs as non- exclusive, disrupting the longstanding practice of respecting exclusive intellectual property rights (IPR). As the world becomes increasingly digitized, new technologies face the risk of misuse and the threat of cybersecurity, stressing the need for cooperation and unilateral action in development. Since Senegal declared its independence from France in 1960, Senegal has utilized STI to evolve as a nation. With agriculture playing a critical role in Senegals economy, Senegal has adopted digital agricultural innovations such as mAgri, providing information on weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural advice. Also, Senegals commitment to sustainable energy has been displayed in recent years. In 2016, Senergy 2, the first grid-connected solar plant in Western Africa was established, creating sustainable energy and reducing reliance on foreign fossil fuels. Senegal also uses STI to improve educational opportunities; initiatives such as the One Laptop per Child program strive to reduce educational disparities by enabling children in low-income and rural communities with access to technology, coming equipped with pre-loaded content aligned with the national curriculum. Driven by a dedication to sustainability and equity, Senegal will continue to strive to improve socio-economic development across the Western Africa region, understanding that cooperation is vital in this challenge. Senegals position as a leader in Western Africa will serve as a beacon to LDCs that the use of STI is key in a bright future. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| For too long have the wellbeing of the women, children, and adolescents of the developing world been disregarded by the economic elite. Despite consistent and rigorous efforts by the UN, many NGOs, and governments from across the globe, a litany of serious problems remain - many of which are seemingly getting worse. Ongoing right now on the African continent is a brutal war between military factions which has decimated the country of Sudan. While the conventional horrors of combat have been made apparent to the international community during this war, the delegation of Senegal wishes to convey to this body a sense of utter condemnation at the pervasive rape and abuse of women, adolescents, and children in this conflict. At a time when we should be talking about expanding medical care to low-income families, improving economic conditions, ensuring public sanitation and disease control, and increasing access to education, we are instead faced with the task of defending the most basic forms of dignity and security for those made vulnerable by conflict and extremism. Let us not forget the commitments we have collectively made through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. These should guide us in all we do when this committee convenes in the near future. Senegal is a country that shows great promise in advancing the prosperity of its people, with women, children, and adolescents being no exception. Specifically, we believe that our efforts in conjunction with UNICEF to prevent the furtherance of inhumane yet pervasive practices like female genital mutilation can serve as an example of the type of work that ought to be occuring more across the African continent and the world as a whole. Likewise, we wish to maintain well-cherished aspects of our culture, and acknowledge that many other countries wish to maintain cultures of their own which may not align with a universal set of moral or aesthetic values. This is a potential point of contention Senegal looks forward to addressing in this committee. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| It is critical for this body to recognize that the production, trade, and usage of illicit drugs is a scourge of the modern day which affects all countries. This is not an issue exclusively of the Global South, nor is it a mere consequence of affluent overindulgence. Instead, illicit drugs have created a multifaceted public health crisis globally. We say multifaceted, as not only does direct use of illicit drugs have the potential to inflict immense and even fatal harm on users, but the production and trade of such drugs also carries systemic and socially corrosive risks. When trading in highly valuable yet illegal substances, the likelihood for social unrest and violence is often immense. Too often we have heard reports of armed confrontations in Colombia, brutal executions in Mexico, and the accidental killing of children in the United States - all of which were motivated by the trade of illegal drugs. The delegation from Senegal is no stranger to these sorts of tragic occurrences, as Senegal is currently struggling with the trade of illegal drugs, particularly heroin and cocaine. Moving forward, the delegation from Senegal implores the global community to take decisive action on eliminating the global trade of illicit substances. We must fight the powerful forces of coercion and corruption which have enabled this trade to exist for what now seems like an eternity. All in all, there are few beneficiaries of the status quo with regards to the global illicit drug trade. To build a safer world where public health and order is no longer threatened by the trade, there must be no question in the mind of the delegates in this committee that no type of support for the production and distribution of illicit drugs can be tolerated at any level by any government. | |
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