Position paper for United Kingdom
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| The persistent threat of nuclear weapons is gravely concerning. While their use has been
limited, the existence of these arsenals continues to endanger global security and stability. It
is imperative for the international community to unite in the pursuit of eradicating chemical
weapons and to fulfill our commitments to non-proliferation while embarking on a path
toward partial nuclear disarmament. Only through collective action can we hope to secure a
safer future for all of humanity.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has been a strong advocate for global security and disarmament, playing a leading role in international efforts to limit the impact and potential dangers of chemical and nuclear weapons. The Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which the UK helped establish as a signatory, remains a cornerstone in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. We continue to support the International Atomic Energy Agency in safeguarding nuclear facilities and materials globally, maintaining transparency, and ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Since the 1960s, we have considerably reduced our nuclear arsenal and consistently supported international agreements such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We have actively participated in nuclear security summits to prevent nuclear terrorism and safeguard nuclear materials. Arms control measures are required for the production and storage of nuclear weapons in accordance with the UN charter and NPT. Member States must strictly adhere to the principles of holding nuclear stockpiles solely as a deterrent and ensure that non-proliferation is emphasised and practised by other Member States. This can only be achieved through diplomatic resolutions and discussions on the global stage. The United Kingdom remains committed to actively participating in such efforts to endorse non- proliferation and promote a world free of the threat of nuclear warfare. | |
| 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 catastrophic impact of chemical weapons is evident when examining history and
persists even today, resulting in unimaginable suffering. These weapons have robbed
countless innocent individuals of their right to breathe clean air.
The United Kingdom fully supports the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which has significantly contributed to the elimination of chemical weapons. The United Kingdom has destroyed its chemical weapons stockpiles and remains strongly committed to enhancing international norms against chemical weapons. Moving forward, the United Kingdom believes it is crucial to build upon the success of the CWC by developing strategies to address the growing threat posed by non-state actors and ensure compliance with these treaties. Support for global disarmament has been a core principle for the United Kingdom, having taken significant steps to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. As a founding signatory of the CWC, the United Kingdom completed the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile in 2007, being within full compliance with our CWC obligations. We continue to collaborate closely with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), contributing to global efforts to investigate and prevent the use of chemical weapons. Domestically, we have enacted stringent legislation to prevent chemicals from being misused for weapons development. The United Kingdom stands tall in emphasising transparency, international cooperation, and the reinforcement of global norms to ensure both national and global security for all. The United Kingdom has established industrial regulations to limit the production and distribution of chemicals used in chemical weaponry and looks forward to providing resources and knowledge to other Member States to establish watchdogs in their respective chemical industries. OPCW mandates to verify and monitor compliance of Member States to CWC also need to be strengthened via improved investigative abilities to ensure the eradication of chemical weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| Agriculture and nutrition are paramount to the survival and security of many Member
States. As a state comprising three-fourths of farmland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland understands firsthand that food security is an issue of life and death in
an interconnected world plagued by war and instability and threatened by the perils of
drought, famine, and climate change. According to the World Health Organization, around
2.3 billion people face food insecurity globally. Warming global temperatures, desertification,
and political instability threaten to worsen the situation if the international community does
not take action. Furthermore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted much of the
world's grain production and threatens to drive up food prices as well as deprive much of
the global south of much-needed wheat. Countries must cooperate to end conflicts and fight
climate change to combat hunger effectively.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is committed to further investing in agriculture and protecting farmers at home and abroad. Food quality protections should be established and strengthened to ensure that food sustains populations rather than poisoning them. The United Kingdom supports the expansion of initiatives such as the World Food Program to accomplish the United Nations' second development goal of ending world hunger. Despite the outsized domestic role of our farmlands, the United Kingdom itself faces issues related to agriculture. Farmers represent an aging, highly specialized demographic in the United Kingdom and much of the developed world. To prepare an adequate fight against climate change, farmers must not be forgotten. As a major investor in agriculture and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the United Kingdom knows that farming cannot be abandoned as developing Member States advance. The international community must come together to take action to end hunger. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is a major world investor, committed to pursuing the well-being of middle-income countries within the world economic system. Middle-income countries house much of the world's poorest population despite having advanced, often increasingly industrialized economies. This point makes it difficult for many middle-income countries to qualify for grants and economic assistance. As such, the UK recommends the adoption of new language surrounding aid initiatives to allow Member States with stronger economies but larger poor populations to qualify for aid. Additionally, the UK supports working with Member States to increase investment in human capital so that more skilled workers are able to enter the workforce in an effort to eliminate poverty. The United Kingdom supports strategies directed at aiding local communities in addition to country-based approaches. Additionally, the global community should be careful to avoid predatory investment practices within middle-income countries. Policies such as large loans that can not be repaid as a means to seize valuable infrastructure represent a form of modern colonialism that is drastically harmful to the development of states, especially that of developing states. Having learned from our own colonial past, the UK recommends working with middle-income states to develop sustainably rather than proposing industrial projects or loans that cannot be feasibly repaid. We recommend that aid be provided through the sharing of technology, and such aid must not be immediately terminated should middle-income states reach higher development benchmarks. Additionally, investments centered around promoting education and economic development are better suited to sustainably assist underprivileged societies rather than income redistribution efforts which do not address the root causes of poverty. Middle-income countries represent an increasingly important part of the global economy. Care must be taken to avoid exploiting these states and risk pushing them back into poverty. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has promoted and will continue
to promote the rights of Indigenous peoples across the globe. Indigenous people make up
approximately 6.2% of the Earth's population, yet they steward nearly a quarter of Earth's
landmass. These communities face an uphill battle: they are forced to contend with the loss
of ancestral lands and sovereignty as well as the worsening effects of climate change.
Additionally, encroachment on ancestral land and centuries of discriminatory laws has
threatened language loss.
As such, the United Kingdom would like to extend our support of those working to retain their Indigenous languages, citing the United Kingdom's internal work with restoring languages. We would also like to enhance our support for the natural world, promoting sustainable practices at local levels that align with traditional Indigenous practices in order to ensure that individual needs are met. A broad approach lacks the ability to tailor solution measures to unique communities and cultures. Instead, an approach to ensuring the stability of Indigenous lands for future generations, as well as promoting global health, reiterates all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and requires an open dialogue between Member States and local Indigenous communities. The Delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland stresses the need for Member States to adhere to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) guidelines when addressing this issue and to acknowledge the sovereignty of Indigenous communities over their land. This is imperative in order to ensure a sustainable future for everyone. The Delegation of the United Kingdom hopes to work with fellow Member States in ensuring Indigenous rights globally. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains deeply
committed to Education For All (EFA). Education is a fundamental human right, and higher
literacy drives sustainable development and is interwoven in a multitude of global issues and
solutions. Therefore, the international community must remain steadfast in its commitment
to achieving set goals, including those outlined in the Dakar Framework and Sustainable
Development Goal 4, expanding quality education. Despite substantial progress, one in ten
people worldwide remains illiterate. This issue disproportionately impacts certain regions.
The United Kingdom has taken proactive steps to address these disparities, including
fostering partnerships between government, industry, and the volunteer sector to close the
gender gap in literacy and address the growing issue of digital literacy.
Thus, the Delegation of the United Kingdom implores Member States not only to recommit to prior frameworks but to expand them to reflect modern demands. These frameworks must be localized to address the diverse barriers to literacy, including education systems disrupted by conflict or natural disasters. Moreover, it is crucial that Member States prioritize marginalized communities, addressing inequalities across gender, class, race, and age. In the 21st century, the definition of literacy must take into account digital literacy, as effective participation in today's world requires digital and media fluency. Strengthening internet infrastructure is vital for expanding education systems to rural, remote, and conflict- affected areas. Increasing funding for international education can achieve these goals, especially within low-income Member States. The Global Partnership for Education exemplifies such funding, as do partnerships with the private sector and Non-Governmental Organizations. The Delegation of the United Kingdom hopes fellow Member States will take these elements into account when addressing efforts to enhance literacy for life. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Environmental crises have rapidly worsened alongside the expansion of large corporations
over the last decade, with increasing threats against the right to a healthy environment now
raised as a human rights issue. The activities of forty-five percent of companies are projected
to increase global temperatures by at least 2.7 degrees Celsius globally.
The United Nations has previously established the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 goals, which provides target goals for Member States to reach that concern the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. In efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Kingdom has taken a role in implementing climate change mitigation measures by being the first national legislation in the world to set legally binding climate targets. The United Kingdom is a leader in setting climate targets, stepping in with regulations stated in the Environment Act of 2021 and a 25- year Environment Plan which outlines a long-term plan to ensure future generations have the right to a clean and healthy environment. The United Kingdom is a strong advocate for solid frameworks to be established among Member States regarding the right to a clean and sustainable environment. More specifically, we would like to encourage the creation of more specific target goals and action plans for Member States with greater adherence to climate targets and an increase in collaboration to achieve these objectives. We also hope that there will be stronger partnerships among Member States and international organisations like the World Health Organization to reduce environmentally damaging activities of large corporations and ensure global public health. There is strong support for widespread educational outreach programs to allow consumers to participate in efforts to terminate unsustainable proceedings by large corporations, which would protect the human right to a clean environment. It is for this reason that schools, youth programs, and public campaigns must speak on these issues directly, and such initiatives must be implemented globally. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| The safety and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of United Nations (UN)
personnel is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. In 2024 alone, we are
witnessing alarming trends, with 172 aid workers already killed since August 7th, according
to the Aid Worker Security Database. Many more have been injured or kidnapped while
delivering essential aid. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)
recognises the urgency of addressing this growing threat to those working in conflict zones.
Past UN resolutions and actions have emphasised the importance of protecting humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. Key resolutions, such as UN Security Council Resolution 2286, specifically condemn attacks on medical and humanitarian workers, urging member states to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, especially as outlined in the Geneva Conventions. In addition, as a key member of the Ministerial Group for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel (MGPHP), the UK is committed to fostering international collaboration and supporting initiatives to enhance security and safety frameworks for humanitarian operations. The delegation of the United Kingdom proposes several solutions to strengthen the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel. One solution involves developing a centralised global survey and information exchange hub to track and record incidents of violence against aid workers, which would provide insights into trends of violence in high-risk areas and allow organisations to adapt their strategies accordingly. Additionally, the UK supports training programs that train workers in handling security threats and building better coordination with local and international partners. We call on more Member States to join these efforts and ensure that no more humanitarian lives are lost in the line of duty. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom (UK) had a voter turnout of only 60% of the population in the 2024
British House of Commons General Election. This lack of citizen participation in politics
affects many of the Member States in the United Nations (UN). Specifically, the continuous
struggle against racism and gender inequality that characterizes much of the current global
political sphere inhibits citizens from flourishing under and influencing their respective
governments.
In response to these issues, the United Kingdom passed the Equality Act of 2010, which outlawed direct and indirect discrimination as well as harassment and victimization based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other factors. As a member of the international community, the UK passed the International Development (Gender Equality) Act of 2014. This resolution is part of a larger initiative to develop and aid Member States in South Asia and Africa, as well as strengthen the UK's focus on extending education, empowerment, and ending violence in struggling UN Member States. The UK shares a modest position that aims to center the needs and desires of developing states at the forefront of our efforts. Rather than solely providing leadership support, the UK is committed to building international alliances through the British International Investment Fund. We are committed to advance ideals of equity in a way that supports the protection and promotion of agency by utilizing tools for effective governance, while addressing systemic issues that further limit human rights such as climate change and biodiversity loss. It is vital that intersectionality plays a role in our solutions so that no issue goes unnoticed in the fight for equality. We also identify transparency as key to this process to encourage citizen participation and promote government accountability. The UK continues to recognize the importance of sovereignty and hopes to protect this ideal in our pursuit of effective governance. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Science, technology and innovation for development |
| Paper text: | |
| Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are critical in enhancing a state's economic security,
playing a vital role in the development and overall dissemination of information. STIs provide
an opportunity to have cost-effective solutions in addressing international issues such as
climate change and a platform for cross-cultural exchange. Yet, despite these benefits, many
Member States are deeply impacted by the digital divide. When technology becomes
inaccessible, it furthers the separation between developed and developing nations.
The United Kingdom has already taken steps in aiding the international community with STI, aligning itself with the UN's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, particularly the Giga initiative. Internally, the UK utilizes the Good Things Foundation which hopes to promote technological skills. The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, UNESCO's Global Education Coalition, and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Process are only a few of the many organizations the UK has taken part of to create policy for solving the digital divide. It is necessary to promote equity and inclusion to ensure there is equal access to STIs. As an international community, the UK encourages more developed states to be a part of bridging the financial barriers that are inhibiting widespread access to technology. Recognizing the financial constraints, the United Kingdom supports the expansion of technological refurbishment and e-waste recycling. It is essential to center education and safety in this process; while technologies are important, we must also recognize the negative environmental impacts they carry. Marginalized communities often bear the brunt of the consequences of e-waste on top of lacking access to digital literacy. Hence, solutions must work on mitigating the effects of e-waste and increasing access to these technologies. | |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland views the conflict within the
Middle East as a pressing concern. The greatest option for peace would be an immediate
ceasefire since force does not act as a sustainable solution in a multifaceted and historical
conflict. The United Kingdom also views the provision of aid and access to aid as of the
utmost importance to protecting injured populations within the conflict zone. This means
opening boundaries for the entry of humanitarian organizations to help mitigate human
loss. This also includes the involvement of Member States in providing personnel, funds,
transportation, and necessities for human life to impacted areas. Previously, the UK had
signed onto UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2728 that called for a ceasefire and the
release of hostages, but it was not implemented. The UK also encourages Member States to
help develop media that is freely run and unimpeded in the face of violence given the
troubling closure of Al Jazeera's offices in conflict zones.
The UK stands committed to negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, considerations for the progress of Palestine's statehood are necessary for a long-term, sustainable ceasefire. We support the new Palestinian Authority in setting up necessary reforms for the region and ensuring a path towards a two-state solution. When considering how to move forward from the conflict, we must remember that Palestinians need to be at the center of reconstruction and revitalization efforts. Immediate ceasefire is necessary and should involve the consent of both sides as well as a third party in negotiation efforts and humanitarian aid. Only by mediation can we get to solutions for a conflict that has become so dastardly. | |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The Situation in Ukraine |
| Paper text: | |
| As Russia's illegal war on Ukraine continues, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland feels the need to stress the de-escalation of conflict and the removal of
Russian forces from Ukrainian territory with respect for Ukrainian sovereignty. The United
Kingdom has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, donating over £12.8 billion to support
reconstruction and war efforts. Member States need to confront the past actions of
colonialism and imperialism and work towards building positive relationships with previous
colonies, respecting their sovereignty as Member States. The UK has had experience with
rebuilding in Ukraine through programs such as UK-Ukraine TechBridge and the Partnership
Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU), and we aim to expand these programs with the help of
the international community.
The United Kingdom also condemns the actions of other Member States in assisting Russia's escalation of the conflict through military cooperation, undermining the global nonproliferation regime. The UK aims to secure a just and sustained peace to the conflict which follows principles outlined in international law. This includes holding Member States accountable for war crimes they have committed. Additionally, providing defensive resources to Ukraine may act as a protective shield for the civilians who are inhumanely targeted. Member States should take this into consideration when recognizing the lack of negotiation of involved parties in conflict resolution. The UK asks Member States to recognize that applying sanctions against Russia and its conspirators can act as a method to condemn these states' actions against Ukraine. This aims to pressure Russia into diplomatic engagements and should act as incentivisation to enter a ceasefire. | |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The Situation in the South China Sea |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are conscious that the South China Sea must be protected to ensure free and open trade routes. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), sixty percent of global shipping passes through the Indo-Pacific, with the South China Sea accounting for a third. This issue must be seen as a priority for the world's growing economy. With competing claims of sovereignty over the seven regions of the South China Sea, the UK remains neutral to parties of the disputes. We condemn dangerous practices that interfere with a Member State's freedom of navigation and sovereignty. Unilateral attempts to circumvent, coerce, or destabilize bordering States out of the status quo for the region are not acceptable. The United Kingdom urges all parties to refrain from raising tensions and to behave in accordance with their international obligations such as the commitment to upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is a critical system of reference. Undermining decisions by the Tribunal and international law at any level has the potential to disrupt global governance towards peace and security. The UK emphasizes the need for international collaboration as vital in mitigating this conflict. We highlight the work of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promoting dialogue on key issues in addressing this conflict and the multilateral initiatives of coordinating joint training, search and rescues, and environmental protection in the region. Specifically, establishing a code of conduct in the region that is agreed upon and upheld by all parties is essential to the future. The Delegation of the United Kingdom hopes to work together with fellow Member States to ease tensions in this region and prevent conflicts from escalating. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | Equal access to justice for all |
| Paper text: | |
| Equal access to justice has been a longstanding focus for the UN. The strive for equal access
has been hampered by corruption, court backlogs, and an increase in crime.
Owing to the belief that backlogs can not be reduced while crime remains high, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) echoes the struggles with the international court backlogs and commends the efforts of the 13th UN Congresses on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which focuses on reducing crime to reduce judicial backlogs and ensure better treatment of all. The UK specifically encourages Member States to focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 aiming to improve education to empower people with higher quality education, and SDGs 10 and 11 which are focused on reducing inequality and increasing safety. The UK believes implementing more specified actions to meet the targets of SDGs 4, 10, and 11 are instrumental in reducing judicial backlogs. The UK considers corruption a critical threat to all judicial systems, which necessitates greater efforts to address it. There must be continued and enhanced efforts to adhere to the UN Convention against Corruption, specifically Article 15 (focused on bribery) and Article 25 (focused on obstruction of justice). With crime reduction, the UK believes conducting international surveys on sentencing policies of various states may be beneficial, especially with the widespread implementation of policies that have worked well in some states. Parts of the UK have also employed the Crime Survey, a means to assess true levels of crime to allow for more targeted and effective crime prevention measures. Implementing crime assessment measures similar to this on a global scale may allow for a better understanding of true crime levels and take unreported crimes into account. The UK believes that, with collaboration, equal access to justice for all can be attained. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption |
| Paper text: | |
| Transnational organized crime groups (TOCG) have plagued Member States with crime,
casualties, and conflict. These TOCGs have directly caused violence, instability, and mistrust
across Member States.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) is particularly concerned by the international trafficking of weapons. The UK believes that these arms, which strengthen criminals into taking more destructive action, only empower TOCGs with funds and firepower. The UK continually backs the efforts made by the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the eradication of arms trafficking and echoes the 2006 UN Resolution 61/89 and the 2013 Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. The UK seconds its commitments made through The Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms to counter the homemade manufacturing of weapons. Another aspect of TOCGs the UK is concerned with is financial crime. Financial Intelligence Units have been globally combating the financial revenues of TOCGs through International Controller Networks aimed at dismantling money laundering networks. The UK reinforces the actions of the UNODC and the UN Convention against Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, UN Global Programme against Money Laundering, and the Proceeds of Crime, and the Financing of Terrorism, as these are critical pathways for funding of TOCGs. There must also be enhanced collaboration among Member States to counter the activities of TOCGs, specifically by coordinating expertise to assist with operations and investigations, supporting training and capacity building within vulnerable Member States to combat TOCGs, as well as enhancing information exchange among Member States to better understand and predict the activities of TOCGs and prevent crime and conflict from occurring. The UK strongly believes all these actions can help cease criminal proceedings of TOCGs. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| Infant mortality remains a persistent issue in the 21st century. In the year 2000, the
maternal
and neonatal mortality rates in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
were 11 deaths and 3.77 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. Maternal mortality
statistics represent a significant public health challenge faced by all Member States. The
United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to overcome this problem by supporting The Global
Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health.
The United Nations has implemented the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 to this end, focusing on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. These goals spurred the UK's commitment to resolve issues surrounding women's and children's health and encouraged the mitigation of maternal, newborn, and child deaths by ensuring adequate healthcare. With a strategy following Sustainable Development Goal 3 "ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all" the UK delivered its support for this initiative by pledging 500 million GBP to global health in 2023. The development of strong societies begins with healthy mothers and children, which requires ending all preventable deaths of women, children, and adolescents within a generation. The United Kingdom is pursuing this goal through the Maternal Disparities Task Force, which ensures that all mothers have access to adequate healthcare by focusing on the problems that created the social determinants in the first place, specifically through tackling disparities in maternity care among underprivileged and ethnic women, enhancing preconception health education, and developing digital frameworks to support women in making informed decisions during labor. Through audits and confidential inquiries, the UK has been investigating the deaths of mothers and children in hopes of finding preventative solutions. These solutions have proven effective against maternal and neonatal deaths, and similar approaches can be applied on an international scale to prevent maternal and neonatal deaths. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| The world drug problem severely affects all Member States in ways both recognizable and
hidden. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is heavily affected by illicit
drugs. Class A drugs, such as cocaine, were responsible for over 5000 deaths in 2022. The
rate of drug poisoning deaths rose from 46.5 per million people in 2012 to 84.4 per million in
2022 and continues to increase. Due to the loss of innocent lives, rising gang violence, and
persistent drug-related crime, the United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to stop the problem at
its core.
The United Kingdom has pushed to strengthen our Border Force to prevent drugs from entering the country and to increase the punishment for creating and distributing drugs in the UK based on drug class, with class A drugs receiving higher sentences. The United Nations, through its Office on Drugs and Crime (ODC), monitors the flow of illegal drugs, educates the population about the dangers of illicit drugs, assists in criminal justice, and strengthens international laws. The delegation of the United Kingdom advocates for a focus on international cooperation among Member States to stop drugs before they leave their country of origin. The UK has done this by combining resources providing training, equipment, and support to our international partners in countries such as Colombia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to tackle production and reduce the drug supply. We extend this as a solution to the international community. Our delegation also advocates for the adoption of early emotional educational initiatives to prevent future drug use, such as the United Nations ODC program, Listen First. The delegation of the United Kingdom endorses cooperation between Member States to address the threat of drugs and pushes for Member States to take action to increase education and reduce drug supply. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1961 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Paper text: | |
| The continued militarization of the Caribbean region, whether through direct or indirect measures, is a substantive issue that could lead to further conflicts and destabilize the area. At the same time, it is essential to recognize that the international community should be dedicated to a united effort to lessen international manipulation. The recent rise of the new Cuban government under Prime Minister Fidel Castro warrants a diplomatic response. First, it is crucial to acknowledge the continuing influx of violence to the region in its many forms and contributing factors. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has emphasized the need for international cooperation as colonies gain independence. Recent action taken by foreign powers in the Caribbean region endangers our de-colonial missions and those of our allies. Given the present armament situation, it is imperative that we seek a diplomatic solution rather than a violent one. Any increase in the presence of military forces in the region would only exacerbate the tension. The international community should rally to support the Cuban government. The Delegation of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland strongly recommends that the Castro government remain non-aligned to facilitate the continuation of peace in the region. By encouraging regional neutrality and international cooperation in Cuban affairs the Delegation of the United Kingdom aims to build up the state of Cuba in its developmental period while aiding the present government under Prime Minister Fidel Castro. This delegation believes that an internationally cooperative effort is possible without conflict or bloodshed and could serve to connect states that have for some time now been non-aligned in international goals and unfriendly in interactions. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1961 |
| Topic: | The Situation in the Congo |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland commends Belgium for the granting of
the Congo independence in June 1960. The United Kingdom respects Belgium's willingness to
listen to the will of the Congo public following the Leopoldville Riots and a large number of
soldiers' mutiny. Although gradual de-colonization is ideal, the United Kingdom understands
the special circumstances under which the Belgians were put. The United Kingdom wishes to
provide its experiences used in the decolonization of India to aid the Belgians in this
situation.
The United Kingdom supports the maintaining of the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Congo but also respects the opposition to Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. The United Kingdom denounces the violence of both groups associated with the Republic of the Congo as well as the separatist groups of Katanga and South Kasai. Nonetheless, the United Kingdom would like to press for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the Congo; the army of Moise Tshombe includes thousands of British citizens from both the United Kingdom and The Federation of Central Africa, a British Colony. Therefore, we are unable to support a peacekeeping operation to Katanga unless extremely compelling circumstances arise. The delegation of the United Kingdom would itself like to negotiate a free trade agreement with The Republic of the Congo as it is in the interest of both parties to continue trade; the furnaces in Lubumbashi rely on Rhodesian coal, just as the Rhodesian economy depends on Congolese exports. The United Kingdom favors a diplomatic solution to the rebellion in Katanga that would be overseen by international observation groups. Recent success in Lebanon with the United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL) demonstrates that this proposal has a recent and successful precedent. | |
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