Position paper for Sierra Leone
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Sierra Leone advocates for the future use of outer space to be exclusively
peaceful and utilized as a “global common.” Any weaponization or militarization to this domain
will lead to strong opposition and is deemed as “totally unacceptable.” Primary concerns are to
secure an environment that is beneficial to all countries, especially for improvement of
education, health, and national development.
Sierra Leone urges compliance to the existing framework governing outer space and its usage,
this includes the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and laws established in current UN protocol.
Registered launches, responsibility, and clean-up of space debris adherence continue to be a
serious concern.
It is equally important that all states receive access to and have an equal voice concerning space
development, policies, and access to technological advancements in this field, not limited only to
countries with advanced space programs.
In order to mitigate and reduce potential threats to this endeavor, Sierra Leone is a firm
supporter of responsible adherence to the pre-existing Norms established as precedent.
Furthermore, it is vital for the implementation of any policy to include Voluntary vs Legally
Binding documents, and clear transparency.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone urges improved cooperation among African States and the
International Community through proper UN channels which is crucial for peaceful coordination
for successful teamwork and implementation. Space is valuable resource, its security,
governance, and development are top priorities. Together, the world can strive to maintain and
establish a harmonious, sustainable environment in outer space, bequeathing it as a prosperous
legacy to future generations of humankind.
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| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| Sierra Leone believes that the illicit trade of arms needs to be stopped, and that the states that
continue to commit these illicit trades threaten the peace and security of every state. When the
Arms Trade Treaty was brought to the UN, we started to take action to help international peace.
Even though some states signed on to the Arms Trade Treaty, they are still actively going against
the terms and sending arms into conflict zones, as well as continuing to stockpile them, showing
their noncommitment to the cause while hurting international peace and security for every
state. In 2010, Sierra Leone established the "Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms"
(SLeNCSA) to have more governmental control over who is making and who is possessing small
arms. In 2023, it was changed to the "Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act,"
which expanded to more than just small arms through light weapons as well. It also focused on
the imports and exports of small arms and light weapons (SALW), and how to go about
penalizing those who do not follow the rules set. Sierra Leone has been working with the Small
Arms Survey on making a National Action Plan (NAP) about small arms. This NAP is wanting for
arms control not to be its own problem, but to incorporate it in other efforts to strengthen both
efforts. This is allowing Sierra Leone to serve as an example to other nations in Africa that are
having problems on how they can help solve their problems.
| |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Sierra Leone recognizes that globalization is a key driver of economic growth
and stability in Member States, but also acknowledges that, as it mainly benefits more
developed Member States, economic disparities may increase for developing countries. As a
country that was colonized and later gained independence, the United Nations' guidance has
been crucial in our development into a more advanced and prosperous nation. Therefore, it
is our duty to remind Member States of the importance of inclusive globalization efforts. Our
development plans for our nation’s economy and human capital development align with the
Sustainable Development Goals and recent resolutions, such as 77/175, which stress the
need to make globalization fair, inclusive, and sustainable, as well as urging Member States to
pursue economic reforms, foster innovation for inclusive growth, and strengthen
international cooperation for an open global economy to maximize the positive effects of
globalization.
We urge the United Nations and Member States to uphold their development declarations
and resolutions to ensure that globalization and independence benefit everyone, such as The
Declaration on the Right to Development 41/128, which states, in Article 4, “States have the
duty to take steps, individually and collectively, to formulate international development
policies with a view to facilitating the full realization of the right to development,” as well as
the UN Charter, chapter IX, which states, “the United Nations shall promote: higher standards
of living, solutions of international economic and related problems, and universal respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
This subject is important for the Republic of Sierra Leone because member states as a whole
need to address historical injustices and improve the representation of underrepresented
groups. Sierra Leone is prepared to collaborate with Member States to ensure that
globalization promotes prosperity and inclusion for everyone. A more equitable economy is
essential for all countries to succeed, especially as the world continues to progress.
| |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| For decades, the world has been well aware of the impending doom that is climate
change. Yet, despite this knowledge, the global community has continued to fail in bringing
global warming under control. Global temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius, and
99 percent of the world’s population suffers from dangerous levels of air pollution every
single day. Sierra Leone views this reality as unacceptable and stands steadfast in its
support of United Nations (UN) initiatives on climate change. Therefore, the delegation
from Sierra Leone strongly supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and UNGA
Resolution 70/1, viewing climate action as essential to achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals. The delegation also reaffirms its support for Resolution 76/300, which
formally recognizes the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Member
states should remain committed to scaling back the use of fossil fuels and expanding
investments in renewable energy. At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Sierra
Leone warned of the existential threat of climate change and urged that it is the moral
responsibility of the global community to mitigate its effects.
Every year, 21.5 million people leave their homelands due to the effects of climate
change and, oftentimes, the populations most affected by climate change are already
vulnerable due to poverty and/or ongoing conflicts. As such, Sierra Leone voted in favor of
Resolution 76/300 recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable
environment. As the world has learned, climate change further exacerbates existing
problems, like violent conflicts, poverty, food insecurity, underdevelopment, mass
migration and much more. Sierra Leone discussed this compounding of problems in its
2023 statement to the UN Security Council’s open debate on climate, peace, and security,
where Sierra Leone emphasized that climate change acts as a “threat multiplier” for fragile
states. It is time that Member States stop underestimating and downplaying the dangers of
climate change and truly commit themselves to meaningfully contributing towards a
solution. For these reasons, Sierra Leone urges Member States to heed the UN’s Call to
Action on Extreme Heat and begin transitioning towards renewable energy. Climate
Change and its effects cannot be controlled—much less reversed—by any single nation;
the global community must come together to ensure a healthier future for humankind.
| |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| As internationally agreed upon, peoples should have the right to self-determination. Meanwhile,
we as citizens of the world, must be able to keep sovereignty as a human right as well. We must
find a balance between both to ensure stability and peace among all nations. Sierra Leone
understands the interests to be self-governed and independent as this was the basis our country
was established on itself. We stand for respecting territorial integrity, sovereignty of each nation,
and want nothing but peace in the world. Concerning the Republic of Congo, the Ukrainian War,
and any other current war, we support peacekeeping operations as innocent civilians are being
targeted. No one’s territory or culture shall be erased through another nation. As mentioned in
our draft resolution from October 1990, we have always highlighted the importance of the
universal realization to the right of peoples to self-determination. Therefore, we support the
principles of the United Nations Charter as well as the resolution of the United Nations including
the exercise of the right to self-determination by peoples under colonial and foreign domination.
We are pleased to remind everyone that we, as a nation, are strongly committed to unity and
lasting peace worldwide. However, we stand united for a country’s sovereignty as a right as well.
Therefore, in the example of the Ukraine, we support their fight for keeping their territorial
ground and their culture as we understand the importance of having authority over your own
nation. We, as Sierra Leoneans, strongly highlight that self-determination does not imply the
dissolution of existing nation-states and cannot be misused to justify it. Consequently, we urge
the United Nations to strengthen the right of self-determination while respecting the sovereignty
of states and international peace. Finally, we strongly advise the United Nations to keep and
spread more peacekeeping operations where needed.
| |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Sierra Leone recognizes the indispensable contributions of rural women
and girls to sustainable development and global equality. As a proud State Party to the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and
a firm supporter of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, Sierra Leone
reaffirms its unwavering commitment to empowering, educating, and protecting rural
women and girls worldwide. Despite their vital role, rural women continue to face systemic
barriers to land ownership, inheritance, education, healthcare, and participation in
decision-making processes, challenges further intensified by harmful practices such as
child marriage and gender-based violence. Sierra Leone commends the United Nations’
efforts, particularly through General Assembly Resolution 76/146 (2021), to address these
inequities and calls upon the international community to transform these commitments
into measurable and lasting progress. The delegation emphasizes that improving the
condition of rural women must begin with strengthening their legal, social, and economic
status by guaranteeing equal property rights, ensuring access to quality education and
healthcare, and advancing participation in climate-resilient agricultural initiatives.
Moreover, Sierra Leone applauds the continued efforts of UN Women, the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) for their advocacy and technical support to rural communities. The Republic further
urges Member States and UN agencies to enhance cooperation in eliminating child
marriage, in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 29/8 (2015), and to
promote inclusive community engagement that empowers rural women as agents of
change. Ultimately, Sierra Leone believes that sustainable progress depends on both legal
reform and expanded opportunities for education and leadership and remains steadfast in
supporting international cooperation that guarantees the full realization of the rights and
potential of rural women and girls as a foundation for peace, equality, and sustainable
development worldwide.
| |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| Sierra Leone recognizes that the world’s oceans are essential to life on Earth. The
oceans regulate the world’s climate, support biodiversity, and help sustain billions of
people through the trade of food, technology, and raw materials. However, they continue to
face growing threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing. As a coastal
West African nation with over 400 kilometers of coastline, Sierra Leone believes that
protecting the seas is not just an international duty but also a moral one shared by all
nations.
Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS) and supports Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water,
which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the world’s oceans and marine
resources. Sierra Leone has also ratified the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) to help
protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The nation understands
that global cooperation and science-based action are key to building a sustainable future.
Like many developing coastal states and as a nation where 10% of the GDP is from the
fishing sector, Sierra Leone faces severe impacts from illegal, unreported, and unregulated
(IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and coastal erosion. These issues threaten food security
and economic stability for thousands of citizens who rely on the ocean for their daily
livelihood. To address this, Sierra Leone urges the international community to strengthen
support for developing nations through capacity-building, technology transfer, and funding
programs that allow states to better monitor and protect their maritime zones.
Sierra Leone supports the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the reduction
of harmful fishing subsidies, and the development of regional monitoring systems across
West Africa to track IUU fishing more effectively. The Republic also backs initiatives under
the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) that
encourage cooperation between nations to share research and promote innovation in
marine management.
At home, Sierra Leone continues to take steps toward protecting its coasts through
mangrove restoration, plastic-waste reduction, and community-based cleanup projects
that promote a healthier and more resilient “blue economy.” These local efforts reflect
Sierra Leone’s belief that the global ocean crisis can only be solved through shared
responsibility and equal participation from every member state.
Sierra Leone calls on all nations to work together to restore and protect the world’s oceans,
not as a favor to one another but as a necessity for humanity’s future. The Republic stands
ready to cooperate with the United Nations, regional partners, and non-governmental
organizations to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are clean, sustainable,
and life-giving.
| |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Sierra Leone understands the importance of the United Nations Humanitarian efforts. While
receiving aid during the civil conflict and disease outbreak, Sierra Leone knows the necessity of
the United Nations efforts. The assistance that can be provided to countries in times of crisis is
critical in the interest of the country and the world as a whole. As a country we also understand
the magnitude of effective aid, and what that can look like as the United Nations moves forward.
This is why as a country Sierra Leone has offered support in peacekeeping missions, responses
to health crises, and advocated for justice measures to be put in place. Sierra Leone
acknowledges the underfunding issue restricting the United Nations efforts. It is believed that if
countries provided what was laid out in the financial commitment of Article 17 of the United
Nations charter then there would not be such a large issue. When countries are supported in
times of need, it can help the overall global economy. While funding is a current priority, so is
effectiveness. Sierra Leone believes that aid should be given in a manner that leads to self-
sufficiency rather than dependence on the United Nations. This could be done through
partnerships in leadership with countries instead of adding resolutions onto a broken system.
This needs to be built on the foundation of Article 56 of the United Nations Charter. Sierra Leone
also urges the United Nations to be proactive, rather than reactive in humanitarian efforts. The
United Nations needs to invest in areas where crises occur frequently, as well as taking
preemptive measures to prevent them from occurring. It is more effective to invest in proactive
solutions than a reactive crisis response. Sierra Leone believes that the United Nations has room
to grow and evolve in humanitarian efforts. We urge countries to support these efforts through
support and finances. There needs to be a solid response to disaster, partnerships built with
countries, as well as action taken to prevent further disaster. The United Nations humanitarian
efforts have great potential, it is time to put these plans into action.
| |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| Sierra Leone recognized that strengthening global nuclear security is essential to making
international peace and preventing the misuse of nuclear or other use of nuclear materials.
The government of Sierra Leone believes that nuclear purity is a share global responsibility. It
requires separation transparency and upholding of international law. Sierra Leone has
consisted of efforts by the international atomic agency and the United Nations to promote
the peaceful use of nuclear weapons and technology, while making sure that materials are
not used for military or terroristic purpose.
Sierra Leone is a state party for the Convention of the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material
and also supports it’s due that the five amendment which sets illegally binding standards for
protecting nuclear materials in its facilities, secretly own also helped with the International
Convention for the Suppression Act of Nuclear Terrorism, and the 2005 amendment which
helps set legal standards. This country has also help ratify the international convention for
the suppression of act of nuclear terrorism and reaffirmed. It is commitment to you and
security council resolution 1540, which helps all member states to prevent access for
weapons of mass destruction. Sierra Leone has worked closely with the IAEA to ensure for
transparency and making sure that all international safeguards are followed. The recent
amendment for its small quantities protocol helps prove Sierra Leone’s commitment to
accountability and making sure nuclear weapons will not fall to the wrong hands.
Looking ahead, see Leone has asked all member states to enhance global cooperations under
the IAEA nuclear security plan and it’s upcoming 2026–2029 plan that will help in capacity
building cyber security and the protection of nuclear facilities in conflict prone regions, Sierra
Leone encourages developing nations to expand technical assistance and training programs
that strengthen the abilities for countries to secure nuclear. Last but not least Sierra Leone
has made it dedication to disarming and help go through with the ratification of the treaty on
the prohibition of nuclear weapons and calls for renewed international dialogue to make sure
that nuclear technology remains a force for peace, safety, and a sustainable development.
| |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| The Republic of Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful uses of nuclear
technology, grounded in Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(1968), which ensures the right of all States Parties to benefit from nuclear science for
development. Sierra Leone recognizes the essential role of the IAEA in managing technology
transfers and technical cooperation.
As a proud member of the African Group and the Group of 77, Sierra Leone reinforces that
fair access to nuclear technologies is a pivotal issue of global justice. The U.N. delegation
notes encouraging successes in nuclear medicine, agricultural innovation, water resource
management, and other peaceful applications under existing IAEA programs. Yet, many
developing states, including Sierra Leone, remain constrained by inadequate infrastructure
and inconsistent funding streams, thus hindering full participation in scientific advancement.
To bridge these gaps, Seirra Leone proposes the following: 1) Enhance Voluntary
Contributions & Transparency: Encourage member states to increase contributions to the
Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF) and adopt clear, fair allocation mechanisms. 2) Promote
Digital Safety and Cooperation Platforms: Co-sponsor initiatives for virtual nuclear education,
peer exchanges, and accessible safety training modules. 3) Strengthen National Nuclear
Security Capacities: In accordance with the IAEA’s Nuclear
Security Report 2024 (GC(68)/7), Sierra Leone supports enhanced training and technical
assistance for developing states to establish secure and transparent nuclear infrastructures.
Sierra Leone is willing to work with like-minded delegations in co-sponsoring resolutions that
bolster capacity and just uses of nuclear technology. Sierra Leone further aligns itself with the
outcomes of the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future
(GC(68)/INF/6), reaffirming that collective innovation and shared learning are vital to achieving
a secure and equitable global nuclear landscape. We call upon the IAEA and member states to
adopt a vision of shared scientific progress, one in which every nation has equal chances to
obtain nuclear technologies for sustainable development.
| |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | The Situation in the Sudans |
| Paper text: | |
| When looking at the current position of Sierra Leone on the situation of the Sudans, we argue
for the pro-humanitarian route of aid. We fully back Security Council Resolution 1591— a
resolution to resolve the situation in between Sudan and South Sudan. In it, we reaffirmed our
commitment to lasting peace in the Sudans by stressing the urgency of securing an immediate
end to the current conflict, calling for the prioritization of dialogue between the major factions to
resolve their ideological differences, and protect the respect of civilians. We have advocated for
in the past and continue to advocate for the need for increased humanitarian access, but with
coordination with the Sudanese government. We ask for a stronger United Nations position
against external actors who are fueling the conflict; primarily those out of compliance with the
arms embargo from the UN. We also advocate for the need for a strongly coordinated
negotiation and mediation process with central roles from both the African Union and the
United Nations. We are strongly in favor of Security Council action that ensures that South
Sudan continues to have the assistance it needs to prepare for the elections while addressing
other challenges facing the country. Our position is that we, as the United Nations, should do
whatever we can to make sure that the Sudanese people have their fair, democratic election.
Our priorities are in the peace and the well-being of people in the region, while also not allowing
dictators to be put in charge.
| |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question |
| Paper text: | |
| Sierra Leone unequivocally condemns the brutal terror attack of October 7, 2023, which claimed
1,200 lives and seized 251 hostages—grave breaches shattering Israel's peace. Yet Israel's
retaliation has ignited a firestorm, clamping a merciless siege on Gaza's 2 million souls,
unraveling their right to exist in a humanitarian abyss of starvation, displacement, and relentless
bombardment. As a majority-Muslim nation, Sierra Leone decries this systematic oppression—
withholding water, fuel, food, and medicine, targeting aid workers—as bearing the hallmark of
genocide.
Sierra Leone prioritizes two key points. First, the man-made famine crushing Gaza: by
September 2025, 2.1 million face acute food insecurity, with Israel blocking 100,000 metric
tonnes of aid, dwindling World Food Programme reserves to two weeks. This defies UN Security
Council Resolution 2720 (2023) and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres' March 18, 2024,
warning of imminent famine for 1.1 million—a crisis now confirmed. Second, Israel's defiance of
International Court of Justice orders (January 26, March 28, May 24, 2024) to halt Rafah
operations and enable relief, eroding global order amid 1.9 million displaced and West Bank
ethnic cleansing.
Sierra Leone demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, unfettered aid access via all
crossings, unconditional hostage and detainee release, and International Criminal Court
accountability. We support arms transfer restrictions to halt atrocity crimes and reinvigorated
two-state pursuit per the Arab Peace Initiative. The international community must enforce these
under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. As Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu declared at the UNSC
on August 27, 2025: inaction is complicity. Peace cannot rise from genocide's ashes—it demands
restoring dignity to a people on the brink.
| |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Threats to International Peace and Security |
| Paper text: | |
| In contemporary times, the world is witnessing a significant increase in international conflict.
With the subject of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Secretary General António Guterres warns the
UN about how this will influence more international disputes. That was from 2023; now, in
2025, issues are rampant. Now the UN is facing concerns with Iran, Israel, and the United
States, while at the same time, it is still dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict. This rise in
conflict has resulted in unstable international peace and security. The role of the UN Security
Council is to promote and advocate for World Peace. Mentioned in General Assembly
resolution 39/11, the UN declared people’s rights to peace. Going forward, we must continue
to promote policies and resolutions that work towards this goal. The current conflict with
Israel and Palestine has resulted in political violence, with two assassinations of leaders of
Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel also launched an attack on Iran's Nuclear Base in late April of
2024. The Iran Nuclear Deal outlines their ability to build nuclear weapons. In June of 2025,
the United States would announce that it had dropped bombs on Iran’s nuclear base, joining
Israel, because they claimed they were too close to producing nuclear weapons, which was
stated in S/2025/426. Going forward, the Security Council needs to address these actions and
put a stop to the violence, if we plan to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, which specifically calls for peace. Sierra Leone has experienced violence
through terrorism and will not stand for any act. We call for the UN and the Security Council
to take action and put an end to international conflict. Sierra Leone stands for the
disarmament of nuclear weapons, as we feel it will continue unnecessary conflict. We remind
member states of A/RES/71/258, Taking forward multilateral nuclear disarmament
negotiations, which calls for the total disarmament of nuclear weapons to achieve a nuclear-
free world. This will allow for an outline to achieve world peace. Sierra Leone feels that it’s
important to discuss these topics because we want to ensure that actual progress is being
made to achieve world peace. We are fully confident with the fact we won’t achieve this
without the proper cooperation with other member states on this topic. Sierra Leone will
participate and cooperate with other member states to sponsor and create resolutions to end
issues of unnecessary violence and work to promote the end of international conflict and the
start of world peace.
| |
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