Position paper for Burundi
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Burundi recognizes that the militarization of outer space threatens the
security and prosperity of all nations. Although Burundi does not possess launch or
satellite capabilities, it depends on space systems for communication, agriculture,
education, and disaster response. The increasing number of debris objects and the testing
of destructive anti-satellite weapons place these vital systems at risk. For developing
countries, the peaceful use of space is essential to achieving sustainable growth and
resilience. Protecting this shared domain is therefore a matter of both national and global
importance.
The United Nations has consistently affirmed that outer space must remain a domain devoted to peaceful purposes. Resolutions such as A/RES/76/231 and A/RES/78/246 have promoted confidence through transparency and the prevention of an arms race in outer space. In addition, the UN has advanced initiatives such as the Early Warnings for All program, which improves climate and disaster preparedness through satellite data. This has supported the African Union's Agenda 2063 to ensure equitable access to space technology. Together, these actions demonstrate the UN's commitment to fostering responsible behavior and cooperation among Member States in orbit. To further this progress, the Republic of Burundi supports the creation of binding international norms that prohibit destructive weapon testing and require transparent reporting of space activities. We call for stronger collaboration among spacefaring powers to share data on debris mitigation and orbital traffic. Burundi endorses the work of the African Space Agency and supports regional satellite projects that strengthen weather forecasting and early warning systems. Our government believes that space should remain a shared domain dedicated to peace and sustainable development. We urge this Assembly to convert voluntary guidelines into enforceable commitments that prevent the weaponization of space and preserve its benefits for all humankind. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Burundi faces persistent challenges from the illicit trade in small arms and
light weapons, which continues to destabilize the Great Lakes Region and threaten
national security. The uncontrolled movement of arms across borders empowers non-
state groups to fuel violence and displaces communities. Renewed fighting in neighboring
states of North and South Kivu, including the resurgence of the M23, has forced more
than 90,000 refugees into Burundi. Our government recognizes that lasting peace cannot
be achieved while the refugee crisis unfolding before us continues unchecked.
The United Nations has made significant progress in addressing the threat of small arms through instruments such as the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument. These frameworks have encouraged Member States to maintain transparent records of arms transfers and strengthen export controls. Regional initiatives such as the Nairobi Protocol and the work of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa have also advanced coordination among African nations to reduce the spread of illegal weapons. Burundi commends these efforts as essential foundations for regional security. Building on these initiatives, the Republic of Burundi has strengthened its National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons and worked with UNREC to improve data collection and border monitoring. Mapping missions have enhanced our capacity to trace and report illegal weapons, yet technical assistance remains limited. We call upon the international community to expand programs for tracing technology and intelligence sharing. Along with the reintegration of former combatants, we believe that citizens must view disarmament as a path to safety and stability, not vulnerability. Burundi urges all Member States to show solidarity with nations most affected by illicit arms and to support practical, local initiatives to restore peace across the Great Lakes Region. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The world is increasingly interconnected due to trade and information pathways, and
globalization has been on the rise in recent years which can be highly attributed to
technology. Many Member States are currently experiencing unprecedented economic
growth due to the interconnectedness and increased trade. This growth is unfortunately
not evenly distributed across the Member States. Some States are gaining economic
presence, while others, specifically less developed countries, are losing ground. The
Republic of Burundi is unfortunately experiencing the negative effects and losing ground
economically.
The UN has intervened in different ways over the years, and supports the Republic of Burundi through peacebuilding, security efforts, and socio-economic programs. In other sectors, the UN has remained vigilant in their efforts to recognize this unequal distribution of wealth. There was specific mention of this gap in multiple UN resolutions, but it was specifically labeled as an issue in the 2007 and 2008 assembly resolutions. We stand firm on a position that the global market requires active changes and adaptations in order to ensure that no country is left behind economically. We rely heavily on agriculture as a country, specifically coffee and tea exports. With 80% of the population being employed in the agricultural sector the continuance of our involvement in the global market is vital. Fluctuations in the global market impact us significantly, and without these exports we will begin to struggle. With limited structure and growth, we face challenges competing in the global market. We stress the urgent need for mechanisms and reform in the market in order to show fairer participation of underdeveloped countries in the market. We are committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and express our support and commitment to this, as well as the East African Community. To improve the market, we propose fair trade agreements to make a more stable economy and guarantee exports to stabilize our economy. We also believe that there should be a greater call to attention and focus on expanding international aid and initiatives to expand where our current infrastructure lacks. Finally, would be the support of debt relief, as well as providing financing that could be used toward development initiatives. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| In recent events there have been drastic increases in global temperatures, and record
breaking heatwaves. The state of the global climate is steadily decreasing, and headed
toward irrevocable changes. Shifting weather patterns threaten food production and the
safety of humanity.
The Paris Agreement, which was proposed and drafted by 195 parties during the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris was affixed in order to reduce the implications of climate change. We have ratified and complied with the Paris Agreement, as well as made multiple steps toward sustainability. However, our efforts against climate change are constrained by limited resources and require the assistance of international organizations. We stand firm on our view that climate change is an existential threat to sustainable development, and without bold action toward the contraction of the issues that have emerged. Severe weathers, floods, soil erosion, and more affect the livelihood and security of communities. Although we have a very insignificant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions which have contributed to the rising temperatures, our country bears some of the most significant backlash of it. Due to our landscape and geographical features, we experience heavy droughts and flooding which negatively impact agriculture, and in turn, our economy. It is estimated that we lose 5.2% of land annually, and 1.6% of annual GDP. We request increased contributions to the Green Climate Fund, as well as an increased investment in sustainable energy, reforestation, and land management. We also call that the UN strengthens climate programs, and works to improve the situations and livelihood of countless vulnerable groups including women and children. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| As a central ideal of the United Nations, self determination is integral to the ability of
peoples to maintain political and social freedom. Self determination remains threatened by
foreign military occupation, continued presence of colonial administering powers, and
further obstacles to liberty, rule of law, and freedom from slavery.
Burundi affirms the universal realization of all peoples to self determination. It also expresses that the right to self determination should be applied specifically within decolonization situations, in which international law recognizes the right of an entity to their independence. It further demonstrates a firm opposition to aggressive military operation outside of national borders, which has resulted in repression and maltreatment against many peoples. As a result of acts of foreign military involvement, millions of refugees and displaced persons are unable to return to their homes, a deplorable situation. Burundi would issue a reminder of the dignity with which it has received thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and iterates their support of the building of peace processes in the DRC’s complex space of conflict. Burundi also affirms its choice to close its border in 2024, in efforts to maintain peaceful relations with its neighbor Rwanda in the face of DRC’s continued unrest. Within its borders, Burundi continues to commit to the democratic rights of peoples, as declared within its Constitution, and continues its action for shared power across ethnic lines. It affirms that national sovereignty belongs to the people that exercise it, and that the respect of human rights is essential in the conservation of culture and the preservation of independence. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| change needed for sustainable development. Their empowerment is key to improving the
wellbeing of rural communities and improving overall economic productivity, given
women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce. Producing much of the world’s
food, women are instrumental in maintaining stability in the face of climate change,
economic crises, and food challenges. Simply by closing the gender gap in agriculture, the
global GDP would be raised by $1 trillion or more.
Burundi continues to commit to walking a path of open cooperation in support of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and are encouraged by progress within its borders to meet such goals. Inclusive is an acknowledgement of the comparative advantage of UN Women in Burundi for the development of a National Action Plan following the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) for social cohesion and conflict prevention. This has included the adoption laws targeting sexual violence, improvement in education equality, and the promotion of micro-finance systems. We are encouraged by the support of development partners as Burundi advances its 2018-2027 National Development Plan, with focuses on national agricultural investment, proposed in response to Burundi’s vulnerabilities in a highly agricultural environment. These efforts will encourage greater involvement from women and girls. Burundi draws attention to international solidarity within this effort, and the support it has received in the face of conflicts and shocks. Burundi encourages member states in the adoption of agricultural policy and items supporting the rights and capacities of rural women. Women are at the center of agricultural development and environmental protection and must be included in efforts towards change. By enhancing the financial inclusion of rural women, granting entrepreneurial opportunities, and promoting participation in leadership and governance, women will better be able to build long term security for themselves. Burundi encourages monetary support and further solidarity as they continue advancement within their own borders and promotes partnership and advocacy among member states while the issue remains prominent globally. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| We, the nation of Burundi, believe in the importance of working to protect the ocean and
strengthen the international commitment towards this shared goal. We reaffirm our
commitment to the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United
Nations Charter and the responsibility of each of its Member States to safeguard the
environment. Although Burundi is landlocked, we still face the escalating impacts of
climate change and rapid population growth that threaten ecosystems and shared water
resources. To safeguard our environment, we have enacted Article 239 and The
Environment Code of Burundi (Law No. 1/010), as well as strengthening enforcement and
cooperation through the Ministry of Environment. However, we call for full cooperation of
Member States to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development.
Moreover, we wish to stress the need for the full cooperation of the international
community in these matters. We believe that the previously listed issues should be the
action plan at the conference. With that in mind, Burundi recognizes its personal
responsibility to manage upstream forests, rivers, and wetlands that directly affect shared
water resources. We have signed the BBNJ Agreement under the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea and urge all others to do so as well. The eradication of
ocean pollution and ecosystem degradation must begin with those nations with direct
access to the oceans and the wealthier nations. Burundi supports Sustainable
Development Goal 14, which recognizes the environmental issues that transcend national
boundaries, and calls for partnerships aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of water
resources, reducing pollution, and promoting clean and accessible water.
We urge all Member States to continue working to join and interact with regional and global frameworks to increase international partnerships and address environmental challenges before it is too late. Only through unified and immediate action can we preserve our planet’s waters for future generations. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Humanitarian needs in Burundi are especially high and continue to soar as a significant
number of people are displaced from their homes due to the influx of refugees from the
DRC and climate-related disasters. We are also experiencing severe flooding, crop
destruction, and underdevelopment due to climate change. There are currently more than
60,000 refugees that have severely strained our already fragile systems of food security and
shelter. They also primarily consist of women and young children who now also do not have
access to shelter, basic food needs, or clean water. We are deeply saddened by the current
state of our nation and the suffering experienced by the majority of our citizens. These
challenges have strained national capacities, leaving over one million Burundians in need of
emergency assistance. Given this context, we urge the Global Humanitarian Overview and
the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF), to provide emergency funds and deploy emergency food assistance to bolster
protection for vulnerable populations and restore our nation. Furthermore, we are calling on
all Member states to help us in creating and supporting a plan that will provide immediate
relief, as well as the UN’s WASH services, in order to improve and save our health, dignity,
and safety, especially for women and children.
In order to effectively eradicate poverty, Burundi believes that the United Nations must begin to act on a global level with the help of the United States to increase humanitarian aid. We firmly believe that in order to provide our citizens with a home to sleep in and food on the table, we need our current environmental state to be stabilized. This can only be done through a shared responsibility and action to ensure a sustainable future where no citizen is left in insecurity or poverty. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Burundi affirms its commitment to addressing the world drug problem
through a balanced and humane approach that prioritizes public health, human rights,
and sustainable development. For decades, international drug control has focused on
repressive measures, such as forced crop eradication. This method has proven ineffective
in the long run and often exacerbates the poverty that drives illicit cultivation. In contrast,
alternative development (AD) offers a promising, evidence-based path forward. AD is
more than simple crop substitution; it involves providing comprehensive, sustainable, and
inclusive rural development in areas affected by or vulnerable to illicit drug crop
cultivation. By addressing the root causes of illicit crop production, such as poverty, lack of
market access, and state fragility, AD creates legitimate and viable economic opportunities
for farming communities. The long-term success of AD is integral to achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction,
gender equality, and building peaceful and inclusive societies.
The Republic of Burundi recognizes that implementing alternative development as a sustainable and inclusive drug control strategy requires assistance to bolster legitimate economic opportunities to reduce reliance on illicit activities. While the United Nations and other development partners support community-based projects in the country, the fight against drug trafficking is hampered by the Republic of Burundi’s persistent governance issues and corruption. Thus, the Republic of Burundi firmly supports the promotion of alternative development as a sustainable and inclusive development- oriented drug control strategy, recognizing our need for cooperation and support from the Global North. Our position is guided by the following principles: We recognize that illicit drug crop cultivation is a symptom of underlying development deficits. Our policies advocate for AD programs that integrate sustainable rural development, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced access to education, healthcare, and social services. This holistic approach ensures that affected communities are equipped with the tools to build resilient and thriving economies. We also recognize that a truly successful AD program must be both sustainable and inclusive. This requires long-term commitment and funding, as evidenced by successful programs in Thailand that have taken decades to mature. Inclusivity is paramount and involves empowering all members of the community, especially women, youth, and indigenous groups, to participate in the planning and execution of programs. We believe that market-driven approaches are essential to creating viable and long-lasting economic alternatives. What’s more, the The drug problem is a global issue that requires a coordinated and balanced approach based on the principle of shared responsibility. We are committed to strengthening international cooperation through partnerships with affected countries, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. We encourage international financial institutions to increase their long-term, flexible funding for AD initiatives. Despite the challenges facing our country specifically, we recognize that the above strategy can be pursued given the examples of existing development projects in Burundi. These provide a foundation for promoting legitimate and sustainable livelihoods that can serve as an alternative to illicit drug activities. The French Development Agency (AFD) has been active in Burundi since 1978, focusing on strengthening human capital through education, vocational training, and healthcare. The World Bank and its partners are financing initiatives like the Integrated Community Development Project (known locally as PRODECI-TURIKUMWE). This project offers nutrition, basic services, and economic opportunities in targeted areas; supports microenterprises and encourages climate- resilient activities in agriculture and livestock; involves both refugees and host communities in income-generating activities; Ripple Effect, a non-governmental organization, supports climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation in Burundi. Its projects also include specific initiatives on nutrition and gender equality, which can address underlying vulnerabilities; the Burundian Association of People who Use Drugs (BAPUD), supported by the Global Fund, helps with harm reduction, care services, and advocating for key populations. However, government repression has limited the broader capacity of civil society organizations to operate independently. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention
Burundi, situated in East Africa, is confronting multiple public‐health and social challenges
-- including the risks of illicit drug access, use and associated harms among youth and
vulnerable populations. Although the scale of drug use in Burundi is less well documented
compared with some countries, available evidence underscores that early and preventive
action is urgent. The Republic of Burundi recognizes that drug‐use prevention must be
grounded in scientific evidence, targeted at youth and communities, and supported by
multisectoral cooperation.
Drug use remains heavily criminalized and stigmatized in Burundi. According to a policy brief, there are no national harm-reduction policies formally adopted in Burundi: needle/syringe programs (NSPs), opioid substitution therapy (OST), naloxone distribution remain extremely limited or absent. A 2019 rapid assessment found injecting drug use hotspots in Bujumbura, with high levels of syringe‐sharing (e.g., one syringe being used by many people) and elevated HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (~10%) in identified hotspots. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) emphasizes that for the prevention of drug use, programs should be multisectoral, evidence‐based, youth and gender responsive. Globally, the World Drug Report states that prevention of drug use aims to delay initiation, prevent transition to use disorders, and that early interventions are critical. Burundi seeks to implement such guidelines domestically and welcomes cooperation with regional and international partners (e.g., UNODC Eastern Africa, WHO, civil society networks) to build capacity in prevention research, programming and evaluation. For example, UNODC’s Eastern Africa regional program emphasizes evidence-based drug prevention. The Republic of Burundi encourages donor and technical assistance to support pilot programs in Burundi focusing on youth, schools, underserved communities, with rigorous evaluation and scalability. We believe there is a need to promote exchange of best practices with other African countries, particularly South-South learning, e.g., as Burundi has done in harm-reduction policy learning from Kenya. Burundi calls for advocacy for inclusion of prevention of drug use in broader development frameworks (education, employment, poverty reduction, youth empowerment) in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, Burundi supports the creation of regional measurement, indicator frameworks for prevention of drug access/use so that countries in East Africa can benchmark and learn from each other. | |
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