Position paper for Argentina
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
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| Position on Reducing Space Threats Through Norms, Rules, and Principles of Responsible Behaviors I. SUMMARY Argentina approaches the issue of reducing space threats with a unique and urgent perspective, informed by our firsthand experience with inadequate oversight of foreign space operations on our territory. While we support the creation of binding international norms to promote responsible behavior in outer space, we must emphasize that any framework should address not only state-to- state interactions in orbit but also the sovereignty and security concerns of host nations regarding ground- based space infrastructure. Our stance emphasizes transparency, verification mechanisms, and the protection of national sovereignty in bilateral space efforts agreements. II. NATIONAL INTERESTS AND CONCERNS A. Sovereignty and Transparency in Ground-Based Space Facilities Argentina’s experience with the Chinese deep space tracking station in Neuquén Province exemplifies the critical gaps in current space governance frameworks. Established in 2014, this facility operates with minimal Argentine oversight, and our National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) has access to only 10% of operational time, equivalent to less than two hours daily. The agreement lacks clear definitions of civilian versus military use and contains no effective verification measures. This arrangement challenges traditional norms of sovereignty and international space law, particularly Article VI of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Argentina was exempted from international responsibility for Chinese government activities conducted within our territory. This precedent raises profound questions about jurisdiction and accountability that any new normative framework must address. B. Dual-Use Technology and National Security The Neuquén station is operated by China’s Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC), part of the People’s Liberation Army’s Strategic Support Force. Its location in a remote Patagonian area with restricted access—a 62-mile exclusion zone requiring Chinese approval—and the lack of transparency raise legitimate concerns about potential telecommunications espionage and military use. Argentina finds itself caught between two major powers—China and the United States— amid rising geopolitical rivalry. Our long-standing policy of neutrality has not always produced positive results, and we understand that smaller nations like ours face serious security threats from this great power competition. C. Economic Development and Space Cooperation Despite these concerns, Argentina recognizes the economic importance of space cooperation. We are committed participants in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and value the “comprehensive strategic partnership” established in 2014. However, economic partnership should not come at the expense of sovereignty, transparency, or Argentina’s national security interests. III. POLICY OBJECTIVES Argentina seeks to advance the following objectives in negotiations on space threat reduction: 1. Establish verification and oversight mechanisms for ground-based space infrastructure that protect host nation sovereignty while enabling legitimate scientific cooperation 2. Clarify the boundaries between civilian and military space activities, with particular attention to dual-use facilities and technologies. 3. Strengthen transparency requirements for bilateral space agreements, including mandatory disclosure of operational parameters, data collection purposes, and control arrangements. 4. Develop liability and dispute-resolution frameworks that cannot be waived through bilateral agreements and/or exempt from international law responsibility. 5. Ensure equitable access for host nations to space infrastructure located on their territory. 6. Address the accountability gap regarding private and military actors operating space facilities in foreign territories. IV. POSITION ON KEY ISSUES While Argentina appreciates the flexibility of voluntary guidelines such as the Guidelines for Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, the current space security environment demands more robust, binding commitments. Voluntary norms have proven insufficient to address concerns about sovereignty and dual-use technology risks. We support efforts to transform key voluntary guidelines into binding international obligations. The growing role of private actors in space activities creates unique challenges. Argentina supports the Space Law for New Space Actors program and encourages the development of international norms that hold both states and private entities accountable for irresponsible behavior in space. V. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION Argentina commits to working constructively with: ● Latin American partners to develop regional approaches to space infrastructure governance that protect sovereignty while enabling scientific advancement. ● COPUOS to strengthen existing frameworks and develop new guidelines addressing ground-based infrastructure concerns. ● Like-minded states that share concerns about transparency, sovereignty, and verification in bilateral space agreements. ● Major space powers to find balanced solutions that enable legitimate space cooperation without compromising host nation security or sovereignty. VII. CONCLUSION Argentina’s stance on reducing space threats is guided by experience with the gaps in current governance systems. We offer a unique perspective as both a space-faring nation and a host for foreign space infrastructure. Our aim is not to hinder legitimate space cooperation or scientific progress, but to make sure that pursuing these goals does not threaten national sovereignty, security, or the rule of law. We stand ready to collaborate with all Member States to develop norms, rules, and principles that enhance the safety and sustainability of outer space while protecting the rights and security of all nations—especially those whose territories host the ground-based infrastructure essential for space exploration. The precedents established today will influence space governance for generations. Argentina is dedicated to ensuring these precedents uphold sovereignty, promote transparency, and serve the interests of all humanity—not just spacefaring nations. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
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| The illicit small arms trade is a significant issue with a global impact. Over one billion small arms were found to be in circulation from the Small Arms Survey in 2018. With just over eight billion people in the world, that is around one gun for every eight people. This is a genuine issue when they are in the hands of criminals. In the past and present there has been a large push for stricter and more thorough tracing and tracking of firearms, such as with the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). There has also been a push for firearm restrictions and bans. This can be extremely expensive for countries to operate and can limit the freedoms of the people. On the other hand, these restrictions can also be seen as a restraint on the sovereignty of nations, and their ability to govern their own people. Argentina recognizes the serious issue of the illicit arms trade, and its impact on the civilians of the world, but Argentina believes that the implementation of strict standards and restrictions by the UN is not the best possibility. Each member state should make it their own prerogative to stop these crimes, but to force states to collect information and data on their population, and giving it to the UN, would be forcing them to infringe on the liberty and privacy of their citizens. We recently reverted our ban on assault rifles, and our legal framework of licenses and permits for firearms brings in revenue for our government. It is not the firearms that commit these crimes, but the firearms in the hands of bad men. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
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As the global economy continues to churn, we see a clear correlation between the domestic economy and state stability. Economic decline, inflation, and debt are straining an increasing number of states. Economic sovereignty is vital to a nation’s ability to govern and develop in an age of economic interdependence. Post-colonial states are now given the chance to close the gap in development and enter the global market as equals. However, these journeys are not without interference, for better or worse. Some may argue it’s the responsibly of the UN to provide aid to underdeveloped states, to promote a more economically stable and socially equal global network. This is often achieved through funding sustainable projects as well as setting guidelines for how its member states should operate their economies. Others, however, may point out that external intervention in directing economic policy will often neglect the unique political, cultural, and economic needs of a state. UN restrictions or mandates weaken the sovereignty of elected governments. Weakening democratic accountability and the ability of a state to address its own issue network, creating dependency and, or, weaker domestic industry. This suppresses the development strategies and independence of underdeveloped states. Argentina takes the stand that true international cooperation is built only on the ideals of individual sovereignty rather than structured oversight. It is Argentina’s opinion that the UN should subside its efforts to enact development guidelines for its member states, as seen in the 2030 Agenda and other initiatives. As we see it, limiting UN interference is not the refusal to cooperate in the free market, but rather the opposite. As we view it as self- enabling our and other states’ right to capitalize on their own resources, experiment with their own policy, as well as restore and grow their economic strength on their own terms. Argentina asks all its fellow members to stand with her and ensure the UN allows the developing world to construct itself without interference. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
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Climate change is an ongoing human emergency that requires the intervention of all states around the globe. Global temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius as a result of human activities. The cause of climate change is the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and methane, with the main sectors contributing to these emissions being energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use. Policies and actions have been relevant to reducing climate, and Argentina has supported the initiatives introduced by the United Nations. People’s perspectives are that acting now is necessary to limit global temperature increases and prevent catastrophic consequences for the environment, human livelihoods, and the future. Climate change requires international cooperation to help developing countries move toward a low-carbon economy. However, the economic states of countries should be acknowledged in this perspective. To assess economic development, Member States should be allowed to regulate their own policies on climate change because further restrictions can pose heavy drawbacks in certain economies, specifically, developing and underdeveloped states trying to stabilize their economy. Argentina is on the stance that initiatives like the one to reduce climate change are essential, and even though member states may receive assistance, they should be given the leverage to set their own policies, implement, and develop them to suit their economy. Thus, set their own commitments to climate action and still contribute to achieving a sustainably developed world without following stringent measures that may not support their economic development goals. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
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| I. Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Argentina recognizes the universal right to self-determination as an urgent and fundamental matter, particularly for populations still under colonial oppression. Self- determination, as defined by Article 1 of the 1966 International Covenant on Human Rights, is the right of peoples to “freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” Argentina commends the considerable efforts of the United Nations to promote and pursue self-determination. Firstly, the establishment of the 1945 UN Charter, under Articles 1(2) and 55, recognized self-determination as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of international peace and security. The 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Resolution 1514) also condemned colonialism, with Argentina among the 89 countries that voted in favor of its adoption. This led to the establishment of the Special Committee on Decolonization in 1961, paving the way for the independence of over 80 former colonies. Argentina further recognizes the United Nations’ continued assistance and mediation in contemporary self- determination referendums and disputes. Despite these successes, achieving universal self-determination remains a complex and nuanced challenge, evidenced by the UN's official recognition of 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories yet to achieve full self-determination. Argentina identifies two primary causes for this ongoing dilemma: i) The conflict between Self-Determination and Territorial Integrity: The 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law clarified that self- determination should not be used to undermine the sovereignty of states, emphasizing the need for both principles to coexist. However, balancing the two has proven difficult, as through the pursuit of self-determination, the territorial integrity of a state may be threatened. ii) Ambiguity Over Who Qualifies as a “People”: The United Nations has never clearly defined what constitutes a “people” entitled to self-determination, leading to varying interpretations and inconsistent international recognition of new states. Argentina recognizes self-determination as a fundamental principle of international law. However, we emphasize that it does not take precedence over the principle of territorial integrity. As expressed in our statement before the UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) in September 1964, Argentina applies self-determination primarily ‘to peoples subjected to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation, and foreign occupation’. Nevertheless, we maintain that state sovereignty, defined as a state’s supreme authority to govern its territory free from external interference, must be preserved, particularly in cases where claims to self-determination arise from settler colonialism or ongoing foreign occupation. Argentina calls upon the General Assembly to address the root causes of ongoing disputes by establishing clearer definitions of (i) self- determination and (ii) the “peoples” entitled to exercise it. Moreover, Argentina affirms that claims to self-determination must continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Argentina stands ready to collaborate within the framework of the Special Committee on Decolonization and other relevant UN bodies to not only advance constructive dialogue in self-determination cases, but also implement firm, practical, and non-violent mechanisms to enforce proposed resolutions. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
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| II. Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas Argentina recognizes the improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas as a critical and vital matter. Rural women and girls represent a pivotal yet vulnerable role in society, greatly contributing to agricultural productivity and food security in rural economies, accounting for over 40% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. However, these women are facing many barriers due to poverty, lack of education, and entrenched gender norms. Addressing their rights is thus crucial for social justice and achieving many of the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. On the one hand, the United Nations has made great progress in promoting gender equality through instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) and the Beijing Platform for Action (1995). More recently, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) dedicated its 62nd session to the empowerment of rural women and girls, emphasizing access to education, healthcare, technology, and decision-making roles. These initiatives have provided a strong foundation for action and encouraged member states to adopt gender-sensitive policies. Similarly, the Argentine government has implemented several of its own national initiatives. The 2016 National Plan to Prevent and Combat Violence Against Women coordinates efforts among ministries of agro-industry, health, and social development to raise awareness and provide direct services to victims, especially in rural areas. Similarly, the National Institute of Women (INAM) has worked to strengthen local gender equality offices, providing resources and interdisciplinary support to victims of gender-based violence. Furthermore, Argentina has also collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and MERCOSUR on campaigns like “Mujeres Rurales” (Rural Women) to highlight women’s contributions to rural development and promote social recognition. Lastly, Argentina’s Ministry of Health has adapted reproductive health programs to rural contexts, raising awareness on issues such as adolescent pregnancy and ensuring reproductive autonomy for women across provinces. On the other hand, despite these initiatives, inequality remains, as despite the UN’s establishment of strong normative frameworks, it has struggled to translate them into practical measures on the ground, especially in rural or indigenous regions where resources are limited. In alignment with the Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda, Argentina has prioritized three key areas of improvement: (i) Autonomy over their bodies and the prevention of gender-based violence, (ii) Economic empowerment, and (iii) Participation in political and decision-making processes. Argentina believes that rural women and girls deserve the same rights, opportunities, and dignity as their urban counterparts. As a federal nation, Argentina faces difficulties in harmonizing national gender policies across provinces with diverse social and cultural conditions. Thus, Argentina calls upon the international community to strengthen technical cooperation and resource-sharing mechanisms to uplift localized gender equality initiatives. Moreover, Argentina proposes the creation of community-based mechanisms for access to justice for rural and indigenous women. Such initiatives aim to establish local agencies that provide legal information, receive complaints, and promote alternative dispute resolution methods. Argentina remains determined in its belief that gender equality requires collective commitment. As the 2018 G20 Presidency, Argentina integrated gender mainstreaming across all policy areas, emphasizing women’s participation in employment, education, science, and technology. Argentina urges the Third Committee to reaffirm the rights of rural women and girls, enhance UN support for capacity building, and promote global solidarity in achieving gender equality. The empowerment of rural girls is not only a matter of justice, but a staple of sustainable and inclusive development for all. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
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| I. Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility Ocean conservation is very important to the nation of Argentina, as rising sea levels due to global warming put at risk our global coastal habitats, biodiversity and human communities. Argentina has strived to create marine protected areas such as the Patagonian Sea in addition to committing to the High Sea Treaty. Argentina has a total of 31 marine protected areas and 3 designated marine protected areas that cover a significant marine territory. Conservation of species includes the bottlenose dolphin and the franciscana. The MPAs are designed to safeguard marine biodiversity, including various invertebrate and marine mammals, and to mitigate the impacts of human activities such as fishing and shipping. Ongoing research and monitoring are essential for understanding the effectiveness of these protected areas and for making informed management decisions. Despite the establishment of MPA’s, challenges remain in effectively managing these areas and ensuring they meet conservation goals. Argentina combats illegal overfishing by increasing naval patrols, cooperating with international partners like the United States, and using advanced technology to monitor vessels in its exclusive economic zone. There is a need for better integration of migratory corridors and more comprehensive coverage of marine ecosystems. Which all strive to lengthen and preserve our ocean ecosystems for generations to come, and Argentina expresses its upmost concern with this issue due to the fast- progressing degradation of ocean ecosystems due to the negligence of the international community in this area of concern. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
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| II. Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations The strengthening of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations is an important topic for the nation of Argentina. Argentina’s role in emergency humanitarian assistance is primarily as a member of the state that has sponsored and voted for resolutions. Argentina shows commitments to the goals and principles outlined in these resolutions, addressing issues such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other crises. Argentina has co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance, indicating its commitment to improving the system. These resolutions often focus on ensuring safe and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel, addressing root causes of emergencies, and promoting international burden-sharing. In Argentina’s history of assistance in humanitarian aid, Argentina has also provided aid to its neighboring countries in times of need after natural disasters. In May 2025, Argentina provided assistance to Chile following their magnitude 7.4 earthquake by deploying field hospitals to support the recovery of civilians and those affected most harshly by the earthquake. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
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| Introduction:
The peaceful use of nuclear energy is extremely important for the international
community, both in maintaining nuclear security and promoting scientific applications.
The misuse of nuclear materials poses a serious threat to international peace and
prosperity. However, when used safely, nuclear energy can support modern technological
opportunities such as artificial intelligence. Cooperation among member states with this
delicate technology is critical and should be reaffirmed by the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) in its 2026-2029 Nuclear Security Plan.
As a country with a growing civilian nuclear energy sector, Argentina supports the
continuation of the current international standards set by the IAEA. These frameworks
should strengthen nuclear security and encourage the growth of nuclear-related
technology and science among its member states.
1. Nuclear Security: Since the founding of the IAEA, the international community has made great strides in ensuring that nuclear technology is only used in a safe and peaceful manner. Nonetheless, threats against nuclear security continue to evolve as cyber, terrorist, and insider attacks grow more sophisticated and numerous. Argentina stands with the international community in building a secure nuclear future through the IAEA. While it is essential for member states to retain the ability to pursue a peaceful nuclear program, Argentina believes that this should coincide with international cooperation to ensure that nuclear technology is used in accordance with international law and IAEA safeguards. Argentina is a proud signatory of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) since 1995 and the Treaty of Tlatelolco in 1967, which established Latin America and the Caribbean as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. As for the Nuclear Security Plan 2026– 2029, Argentina believes that the IAEA should take a proactive role in assisting developing countries to modernize their nuclear facilities against emerging threats, including cyberattacks, drones, and insider risks. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
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| Introduction: The peaceful use of nuclear energy is extremely important for the international community, both in maintaining nuclear security and promoting scientific applications. The misuse of nuclear materials poses a serious threat to international peace and prosperity. However, when used safely, nuclear energy can support modern technological opportunities such as artificial intelligence. Cooperation among member states with this delicate technology is critical and should be reaffirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its 2026-2029 Nuclear Security Plan. As a country with a growing civilian nuclear energy sector, Argentina supports the continuation of the current international standards set by the IAEA. These frameworks should strengthen nuclear security and encourage the growth of nuclear-related technology and science among its member states. 2. Strengthening the Agency's Activities Related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications: Argentina supports the secure pursuit of civilian nuclear energy advancements and its applications. Argentina supports the collaborative effort of the international community in the pursuit of nuclear emerging nuclear technologies. Additionally, Argentina supports a state’s right to pursue the safe mining and enrichment of uranium for civilian use. Argentina stands with the United States of America and their contributing partners in the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
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| When it comes to promoting alternative development as a development oriented drug
control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive, Argentina fully supports alternative
strategies.
Globally, the amount of people using and/or addicted to drugs continues to increase, seeing a roughly 30% and 15% increase respectively, in use in the last decade. There are several factors that tie into this beyond just drug trafficking, such as the mental health of drug users, support systems, legal repercussions, and social/environmental pressures. Basic solutions such as just cracking down on illegal trafficking and prosecuting drug users and traffickers will do little to truly curb drug issues. These policies, while effective, only target the drugs themselves and make little to no progress on the individuals struggling with addiction while also potentially risking extremely harsh penalties to relatively minor mistakes (such as first time/small possession of illicit drugs). Additionally they fail to account for the factors driving people to drug use and addiction, such as financial hardships or social pressure, and often fail to provide addictswith the support systems and help they need to get and stay sober. Drug control itself needs to be considered as a possible cause with more thought and consideration put into the possibility of more limited control, especially on more minor drugs such as marijuana. In regards to all the issues contributing to drug use and addiction, Argentina supports continued pursuits of illegal drug traffickers, while also lightening drug control and improving support systems, in order to sustainably limit illicit drug use and addiction while also targeting the most root causes of continued growth in addiction. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
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| The topic of promoting comprehensive and scientific-evidence based early prevention is
incredibly important to Argentina. Drug addiction has increased roughly 15% in the last
decade from around 55.7 million (2013) to 64 million (2023) with a drug use disorder.
While controlling drugs and pursuing traffickers cuts down on addiction it fails to address
all other causes of addiction besides the possession itself. Most drug addicts don't
become addicts just because they used drugs, but rather factors causing them to
continually use drugs. Financial, familial, social, emotional, political, and even biological
factors and pressures have been proven to be major reasons why someone is repeatedly
using drugs, and influences for someone to start drug use.
In recent years there has been some proof that providing proper support to people struggling with emotional/financial/social/etc issues has prevented people from using drugs and possibly becoming addicts. Additionally, while jail/prison time and rehab force addicts back to sobriety, they don't always provide proper support and/or maintain that support. Also people qualified to treat and support someone through addiction are not common everywhere, leaving many sobriety and support systems/groups not properly equipped to treat addicts, especially on a large scale or addicts of less common (today) drugs, such as PCP, the many synthetic drugs, hallucinogens, etc. Argentina supports the discussion and hopefully implementation of general support services to prevent drug use, and improvement/implementation of sobriety support services and groups offered/provided to current and former addicts to prevent continued drug use and drug use by people in vulnerable situations, ultimately providing an increase in early prevention of drug use and addiction. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| Background The dissolution of Yugoslavia has resulted in a devastating conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This war has led to widespread human suffering, mass displacement, and repeated violations of international humanitarian law. In light of this , the United Nations Security Council responded by establishing the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) to safeguard civilians in designated safe areas. Over time UNPROFOR has been granted more expansive Rules of Engagement (ROE) to successfully fulfil its mandate. Current Situation Attacks on civilians continue to deteriorate humanitarian conditions for every day the conflict continues. The international community faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while working toward a resolution of the underlying political disputes driving the violence. Lack of resources and personnel mean that UN Position of Argentina The delegation of Argentina expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis and calls for increased action from the Security Council and the broader international community. Argentina urges the allocation of greater military and humanitarian resources to effectively promote and protect human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Current levels of support are insufficient to safeguard civilians or facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Recommendations • Increase troop contributions to UNPROFOR to ensure the protection of designated safe areas and civilian populations. • Expand humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies, and shelter for displaced persons. • Continue to monitor and report violations of international humanitarian law, holding perpetrators accountable. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | Peacekeeping and the United Nations |
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| Background Established in 1946, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was given 4 mandates: to maintain international security, to develop friendly relations among nations, to cooperate in solving international problems and promoting respect for human rights, and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations. However, the structure of the council and the tensions surrounding the Cold War meant that the council was often hamstrung in its ability to accomplish its mandate. Many of the threats to international security and human rights law have come from the With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the security council has become freer to act in line with its mandate. In pursuit of this goal, this body has established several peacekeeping missions in the last 3 years. Current Situation Currently, there are 3 notable peacekeeping missions at the time of writing: United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Nations Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR), and United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNISOM II). UNPROFOR’s mandate is to protect designated safe zones for civilians. UNAMIR’s mandate is to assist Rwanda in its peace process, following a long ethnically driven civil war. UNISOM II’s mandate is to provide a secure environment for humanitarian assistance “by all necessary means”. Despite the noble goals of these peacekeeping missions, they have oft been marred by lack of funding and troop allocation. In addition, peacekeepers are often restricted by Rules of Engagement (ROE) that are not fit to the situations they are put in. Argentina’s Position Argentina strongly believes in the mandates of the UNSC. We also strongly believe that the peacekeeping missions should reflect the highest ideals of the United Nations. In light of this, Argentina calls for the international community at large to renew their funding and troop allocation to active peacekeeping operations. Additionally, the international community should continue to actively monitor areas of instability around the world and be prepared to spend the resources necessary to restore security and stability should the need arise. Recommendations • Renew funding and troop allocation for extant peacekeeping missions • Continue actively monitor areas of instability around the world • Remain ready to act decisively to protect human rights and peace | |
| Committee: | HSC-1994 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Rwanda |
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| Background Since independence in 1961, the Republic of Rwanda has faced enduring and profound divisions between the Tutsi minority—historically identified as the nation’s monarchic leadership—and the Hutu majority. Colonial administration initially institutionalized these divisions, which have been further intensified by successive Rwandan governments. Consequently, a significant segment of the Tutsi populace has sought refuge in neighboring states, particularly in Uganda. In exile, members of the Tutsi community established the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). In late 1990, the RPF initiated an incursion into Rwanda from Ugandan territory, seeking to address the grievances of displaced Tutsis and challenge the government in Kigali. Following intervention by French forces, the RPF was compelled to retreat to the Ugandan border. Several intermittent clashes between the RPF and the Rwandan government have occurred since. In August of last year, both parties entered into a power-sharing agreement known as the Arusha Accords. In order to support the implementation and monitoring of these accords, both the RPF and the Rwandan government requested the assistance of the United Nations. In pursuit of this, established the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Current Situation Overall, UNAMIR has played a constructive role in facilitating the peaceful transition of authority to the Broad Based Transitional Government (BBTG). The mission’s presence has enabled the orderly withdrawal of French forces from Kigali, thereby reducing external influence and supporting Rwanda’s sovereignty. Nevertheless, there remain concerns regarding the adequacy of UNAMIR’s current mandate and troop levels to effectively deter or respond to potential widespread conflict in the region. With just 1,300 personnel deployed—barely exceeding half of the mission’s authorized strength—the limited contributions from member states pose a significant challenge to UNAMIR’s operational capacity. Position of Argentina The Delegation of Argentina reaffirms its steadfast support for the mandate and ongoing efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Argentina recognizes the positive contributions UNAMIR has made toward the peaceful transition of authority and the implementation of the Arusha Accords. However, we express concern regarding inadequate personnel allocation to UNAMIR, which may undermine the mission’s capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate. We support the continuation of the peace process and advocates for a timely and peaceful transition to the Broad Based Transitional Government in accordance with international law. In light of these considerations, Argentina strongly endorses the upcoming vote to renew UNAMIR’s mandate in April and urges this Council to consider increasing the authorized troop strength to ensure that UNAMIR is adequately equipped to meet its objectives. Proposed Solutions • Renew UNAMIR in the upcoming vote in April 1994 • Expand authorized troop strength of UNAMIR to better ensure its objectives are met • Continue monitoring the situation to ensure a peaceful transition in accordance with international law | |
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