Position paper for Belarus
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| Jaeden Knopf
Country: The Republic of Belarus
First Committee of the General Assembly: Disarmament and International Security
Topic I: Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours The Republic of Belarus recognizes outer space as a shared and vital domain for the scientific and economic development of all humankind. Belarus reaffirms that space must remain exclusively for peaceful purposes and calls on all nations to refrain from weaponizing space or taking actions that could lead to instability and militarization. Belarus additionally calls on all nations to take concrete steps towards implementing the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) agenda and to further negotiations on the proposed Treaty on Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (PPWT). The PAROS initiative seeks to prevent the deployment of weapons in orbit, halt the growing militarization and weaponization of space, and promote transparency and cooperation in outer space activities. The PPWT provides a necessary, legally binding framework that would fill the gaps left by the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which only prohibits weapons of mass destruction, and not conventional weapons or anti-satellite weapons. The Republic of Belarus has consistently supported international efforts to limit the weaponization of space, including being a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and voting in favor of related General Assembly resolutions. The Republic of Belarus remains committed to advancing multilateral negotiations to ensure that outer space is preserved as a peaceful and cooperative domain for all nations. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| Topic II: The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
The Republic of Belarus recognizes the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons as a persistent threat to international peace, stability, and civilian safety. Belarus supports the implementation of the UN Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, and has continually cooperated with other nations within these programs. Belarus must stress, however, that measures must not interfere with states’ sovereign right to manufacture, export, and import arms for legitimate defense purposes. Belarus is concerned that the Arms Trade Treaty may impose uneven restrictions and assessment criteria that could disadvantage non-NATO and non-EU countries. While the Republic of Belarus is not a signatory to the ATT, it has cooperated within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) framework to enhance border controls and prevent illicit arms flows. Belarus also contributes to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) initiatives on the marking and tracing of small arms. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Topic 1: Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination The Republic of Belarus supports self-determination as a fundamental right which the United Nations Charter and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) have established. International law requires nations to exercise self-determination for maintaining peace and stability and upholding their sovereign status. The Republic of Belarus supports self-determination but believes this right should not serve as a pretext for foreign intervention or separatist activities that endanger national unity and territorial integrity of independent states. The government of Belarus supports self-determination through democratic internal processes which respect national constitutions and promote dialogue between people who live within existing states. The government of Belarus supports self- determination through social unity and economic growth and cultural appreciation between different communities. Belarus supports worldwide efforts to defend human rights and promote sustainable development and equal global participation in decision-making processes. The right to self-determination should apply to all people who live under foreign control of foreign powers and colonial rule according to United Nations resolutions that address this issue. Belarus advocates for increased UN dialogue to support sovereignty protection and non-interference principles and develop peaceful conflict resolution systems. The achievement of universal self-determination requires nations to respect each other while working together under international law which protects both personal rights and collective rights of humans. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| Topic 2: Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas The Republic of Belarus reaffirms its support for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and particularly in rural communities. Anchored on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Belarus recognizes that the development of rural women is crucial to attaining sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The rural women and girls are crucial for agriculture, rural development, and preservation of traditional culture. National programs of Belarus, such as the State Program on Sustainable Development of Rural Areas, aim to enhance education, health, employment, and social protection of rural residents. The state promotes female participation in local government bodies, business, and agricultural cooperatives in order to provide them with equal contribution to the economy of the country. Despite these efforts, there are still issues the nation has to deal with, including denial of access to contemporary technology, funds, and professional training. Belarus highly values global cooperation and knowledge exchange to overcome these limitations. The digital divide between cities and rural areas must be solved through investment in infrastructure and certain programs that equip women and young women with digital competencies and vocational skills. Belarus is committed to the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, such as UN Women and FAO, and their efforts in supporting programs that empower rural women everywhere. The Republic promotes greater development assistance, access to equitable trade opportunities, and elimination of discriminatory practices that hold women back. Through the promotion of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, Belarus believes that rural women can become influential agents of social progress, ensuring equality, prosperity, and sustainable development for all communities. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Topic 1: Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination The Republic of Belarus supports self-determination as a fundamental right which the United Nations Charter and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) have established. International law requires nations to exercise self-determination for maintaining peace and stability and upholding their sovereign status. The Republic of Belarus supports self-determination but believes this right should not serve as a pretext for foreign intervention or separatist activities that endanger national unity and territorial integrity of independent states. The government of Belarus supports self-determination through democratic internal processes which respect national constitutions and promote dialogue between people who live within existing states. The government of Belarus supports self- determination through social unity and economic growth and cultural appreciation between different communities. Belarus supports worldwide efforts to defend human rights and promote sustainable development and equal global participation in decision-making processes. The right to self-determination should apply to all people who live under foreign control of foreign powers and colonial rule according to United Nations resolutions that address this issue. Belarus advocates for increased UN dialogue to support sovereignty protection and non-interference principles and develop peaceful conflict resolution systems. The achievement of universal self-determination requires nations to respect each other while working together under international law which protects both personal rights and collective rights of humans. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Topic 2: Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
The Republic of Belarus reaffirms its support for gender equality and the empowerment
of women and girls, and particularly in rural communities. Anchored on the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action, Belarus recognizes that the development of rural
women is crucial to attaining sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030
Agenda.
The rural women and girls are crucial for agriculture, rural development, and preservation of traditional culture. National programs of Belarus, such as the State Program on Sustainable Development of Rural Areas, aim to enhance education, health, employment, and social protection of rural residents. The state promotes female participation in local government bodies, business, and agricultural cooperatives in order to provide them with equal contribution to the economy of the country. Despite these efforts, there are still issues the nation has to deal with, including denial of access to contemporary technology, funds, and professional training. Belarus highly values global cooperation and knowledge exchange to overcome these limitations. The digital divide between cities and rural areas must be solved through investment in infrastructure and certain programs that equip women and young women with digital competencies and vocational skills. Belarus is committed to the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, such as UN Women and FAO, and their efforts in supporting programs that empower rural women everywhere. The Republic promotes greater development assistance, access to equitable trade opportunities, and elimination of discriminatory practices that hold women back. Through the promotion of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, Belarus believes that rural women can become influential agents of social progress, ensuring equality, prosperity, and sustainable development for all communities. | |
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