Position paper for Somalia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The Federal Republic of Somalia asserts the principles of responsible behavior regarding space travel and exploration, affirming that space travel be peaceful without discrimination of any kind or towards any nation state. Somalia also rejects the notion of an arms race conducted in outer space, thus jeopardizing the concept of international peace, as highlighted in resolution A/RES/79/22 which Somalia helped to pass in December of 2024. Furthermore, Somalia believes in the role of the rules of international law and the Charter of the United Nations to guide nation states in their space exploration, as stated in the same resolution. However, Somalia also believes in state sovereignty in its entirety and believes that it is imperative that nation states maintain state identity. Somalia also agrees with several Sustainable Development Goals, such as 16.3 and 16.4 as they pertain to endorsing and following international law and reducing illicit financial and arms flows. Somalia has also advocated for resolution A/RES/75/240 in which the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) was established, ensuring that member states would meet and discuss the crucial prevention of an arms race in outer space. It also affirms that space travel and exploration be used primarily for the good of mankind. Somalia has also expressed explicit approval for the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) who work towards analyzing the risk of an arms race in outer space and figuring out what measures to take in order to prevent it. This group consists of 25 nation states chosen based on geographic equity, one of which being the nation state of Somalia. In affirming the rights for nation states to peacefully participate in space travel whilst maintaining state sovereignty, the nation of Somalia would like to propose a committee of member states to receive and analyze self-reporting of armament distributed in space. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
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| The nation state of Somalia believes in the elimination of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. However, it also believes strongly in state sovereignty and nation states having and maintaining national identity. This ideology is outlined in the UN International Tracing Instrument (ITI), which outwardly denounces the illicit trading and acquisition of small arms and light weapons, but also works to ensure that the rights of nation states to manufacture, transfer, and retain are not infringed upon. Furthermore, due to Somalia’s strict crackdown on internal crime and ammunition management, the UN has recognized Somalia as a responsible nation state despite concerns about further proliferation. Somalia also believes in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlighted in the 16th goal, “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institution.” These specifically include SDG 16.4 with the aim to significantly reduce illicit firearms by 2030. Somalia has also taken steps to fully commit to the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA). This framework reduces the illicit trade of weaponry by guiding member states towards implementing national, regional, and international measures to curtail the trading. The United Nations also takes actions within Somalia which combat the misuse of small arms and weaponry trade. This is known as United Mission Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which supports efforts nationwide to limit or eliminate the illicit trading of small arms and weaponry. The nation state of Somalia looks forward to working with other nations to create a system or committee that strives to preserve national identity and sovereignty while also combating the illicit trade of firearms and light weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
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| The Federal Republic of Somalia affirms the United Nations' commitment to development through global cooperation and understanding in a complex world. The delegation of Somalia’s progress depends on partnership, strengthening, and inclusive integration within the global economy. Somalia faces numerous challenges shaped by its difficult landscape. Despite significant progress in recent years, Somalia remains highly vulnerable. The UN’s Humanitarian Resources Plan for Somalia outlines coordinated efforts to address critical needs while also linking them to broader development goals. These efforts emphasize building resilience, self-reliance, and ensuring safe and equitable access to livelihoods and essential services. The delegation of Somalia emphasizes the importance of reducing poverty, reducing global hunger, and access to quality education within the United Nations as well as to help the Somalian people. In 2024, the Federal Republic of Somalia sustained favorable precipitation which improved agricultural production and as a result, led to better food security and higher private consumption. The delegation of Somalia approved investors and investment protection law on March 1st, 2023. The approval of these laws protects both foreign and domestic investments within Somalia and may be applicable to future UN engagement. The delegation of Somalia would like to emphasize with great respect that when there is increased globalization and interdependence, there will be economic, social, and political growth. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
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| The Federal Republic of Somalia emphasizes its support for the protection of global climate for present and future generations of humanity and urges the need for an answer to the increasing influence of climate change. The United Nations in Somalia had set up many task forces for the areas of Climate Adaptation and Water Management, Droughts, and Floods, intending support and improve information-sharing. The delegation of Somalia emphasizes the importance of UN aid in this regard and has implemented domestic measures to aid in further affirming this principle. For example, the delegation of Somalia has adopted the Federal Republic's Nationally Determined Contribution – which acts as the country’s primary litigation regarding climate mitigation and reconstruction, connecting climate change and a course for peace. Furthermore, the director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has finished a four-day trip to Somalia and made the alarm for the critical climate and crisis unfolding in the area. With this in mind, the delegation of Somalia is looking forward to helping communities and setting up policies that will help future generations. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
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| The United Nations principle of self-determination has been long valued topic, and the Federal Republic of Somalia recognizes the responsibility of allowing citizens to freely determine political, social, cultural and even economic distinctions, voting recently in favor of self-determination rights on A/RES/42/95: “Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights.” This has been a fundamental issue and continues to be of upmost importance to the United Nations. The Somalian government ensures its commitment to its citizens and continues to maintain a strong identity as a nation. The Federal Republic of Somalia has long supported the right of peoples to self-determination, specifically in territories such as Palestine and those under colonial rule and or foreign occupation. Making efforts as a nation through legislation as well in unity, Somalia as a nation seeks federalism upholding international community and to then uphold the right of self-determination. The Federal Republic of Somalia proposes that the United Nations can help monitor progress in the implementation of self-determination but also ask for respect from the international body of the United Nations that all member states maintain the right to maintain state sovereignty. Somalia looks forward to discussing the right of self-determination and navigating innovative solutions to ensure it is upheld requesting funding for improvement of the resolution, suggestions of both economic aid as well as developmental aid for outreach programs to aid the principle of self-determination amongst the citizens of the Federal Republic of Somalia. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
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| In rural areas in all aspects of the world, women and girls deal with gender-based violence and female genital mutilations, affecting their way of life. The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly supports improving the situation of women and girls in rural areas. UN Resolution A/RES/79/225 aims to eradicate rural poverty, working with the Food and Agriculture Organization on the implementation and follow-up on the issue of rural poverty. The Federal Republic of Somalia rose in support of this resolution, as many women and girls are in poverty due to issues with gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, along with the lack of human rights. Getting rid of rural poverty helps with gender inequality. Domestically, the Federal Republic of Somalia supports the improvement of this issue via our constitution, which aims to provide women and girls with equal opportunities within the country. Article 15 of the Constitution states that each person within the Federal Republic of Somalia has the right to personal security. It further disagrees with the circumcision of women, also known as female genital mutilation. These laws show the Federal Republic of Somalia’s commitment to improving the situation of women and girls in rural areas by directly addressing gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, whilst still maintaining the grounds of state sovereignty. The Federal Republic of Somalia wishes to combat this issue further by increasing funding for UN Women to help prevent gender- based violence and female genital mutilation within rural areas of the world. The Federal Republic of Somalia is hopeful to improve the situation via collaboration with other countries. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| In line with UN Security Council Resolution 2608 (2021) and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) framework, the Federal Republic of Somalia views its extensive coastline and unused Exclusive Economic Zone as fundamental to national development and food security. The biggest challenge to realizing our "Blue Economy" potential is rampant Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by foreign ships, a criminal activity valued at hundreds of millions of dollars and directly undermining our sovereignty and coastal communities. Somalia urges the international community to support our Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) capabilities and impose stringent penalties on flag states engaged in IUU fishing in Somali waters. We also seek specialized foreign investment in critical fisheries infrastructure such as cold storage and processing facilities to enable a sustainable harvest at home and gain access into high-value overseas export markets, thereby promoting accountability and economic stability. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Acknowledge the continued concern expressed by the General Assembly in resolutions such as A/RES/60/219 (2005) on the humanitarian assistance to Somalia, Somalia remains in a state of complex and protracted humanitarian emergency, brought about by the paralyzing intersection of chronic climatic shocks and chronic internal conflict. With nearly four million internally displaced persons (IDPs), effective and effective coordination is most essential. Somalia advocates for a wide-ranging reform of the coordination system towards national leadership and localized action, such as the prioritization and direct financing of national and sub-national disaster management institutions, such as SoDMA, and the enhancement of key local women-led organizations. Furthermore, humanitarian action needs to be harmoniously integrated in the long-term development and peacebuilding activities—the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus—to address the drivers of displacement and vulnerability. Coordination mechanisms must seriously prioritize the protection of most vulnerable groups such as IDPs, women, and children and increase responsibility to deliver assistance to most needy ones. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly supports the universal principles of nuclear disarmament, responsible management of radioactive materials, and peaceful use of atomic energy to advance sustainable development. The Federal Republic Somalia’s commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free world is evident in its consistent support for relevant United Nations resolutions, including signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) on September 10th, 2023, which aims to eliminate nuclear testing and enhance global security. The CTBT prohibits all nuclear explosions, promoting international peace and stability. The Federal Republic of Somalia consistently votes favorably in the UN General Assembly on initiatives promoting nuclear disarmament, encouraging all member states to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| Domestically, the Federal Republic of Somalia became a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024, which marks an evolutionary step with the country’s engagement with nuclear science and international regulatory frameworks. This policy decision involves the Federal Republic of Somalia into a framework of international oversight and technical support, fostering peaceful nuclear technology applications, improving healthcare infrastructure, and developing safe uranium resource management. The Federal Republic of Somalia’s uranium resources remain unused; however, the country intends to manage any future developments under tough safety and security standards, with technical assistance of international partners such as the IAEA and the World Bank. Despite its limited regulatory infrastructure and lack of a dedicated nuclear oversight body, the Federal Republic of Somalia has prioritized establishing a framework for safe supervision of radioactive materials and is actively building technical capacity in partnership with the IAEA. The Federal Republic of Somalia would support the creation of a centralized international committee under the IAEA to monitor regulatory progress, facilitate funding for technical capacity building, and ensure transparent reporting and accurate data collection, while still prioritizing respect for state sovereignty and local needs in the decision-making process. The Federal Republic of Somalia seeks cooperation, aiming for both structural support and financial investment, with preference for solutions balancing international coordination and domestic autonomy. The Federal Republic of Somalia looks forward to collaborating with all member states and partners to strengthen nuclear security and unlock benefits of atomic energy for every nation in accordance with international best practices. The Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirms its support for collective solutions that advance global weapons reduction and sustainable development for all. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | War on Gaza: tenets and essential elements for sustainable recovery |
| Paper text: | |
| The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly believes that the sustainable recovery of the war on Gaza is imperative to the viability of the self-governing occupied territory of the Gaza Strip. The Federal Republic of Somalia became a member of this organization in 2023, thus allowing full access to the resolutions affirming the care that needs to be taken to ensure sustainable recovery in the territory of Gaza. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11, specifically 11.2, 11.3, and 11.5, the delegation of Somalia affirms and reaffirms that finding ways to sustainably develop cities and environments, specifically for women, children, and the disabled, is absolutely fundamental. Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Somalia believes strongly in harnessing technology to promote sustainable goals in the recovery of the territory of Gaza. This is outlined in resolution E/ESCWA/C.8/2022/11, wherein data from the Government Electronic and Mobile Services (GEMS) system was acquired to monitor the progress of technologically-driven sustainable recovery. Similarly to the SDGs, the delegation of Somalia also believes and participates in the United Nation Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) which highlights, supports, and tracks nations in need of sustainable recovery in accordance with the SDGs. The Federal Republic of Somalia also has implemented the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Framework within their own domestic policy. This works to combat medium and long-term climate change in prioritized nation states. In order to preserve sustainable recovery, the Federal Republic of Somalia recommends implementing further sustainable forms of energy, such as harnessing wind or solar power in order to combat climate change. Furthermore, the delegation affirms its support in meeting sustainable recovery in the territory of Gaza, and looks forward to collaborating with other nation states in order to reaffirm and uphold the principles of environmental awareness within and throughout the international body. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | Economic governance: market competition challenges in the Arab Region |
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| The Federal Republic of Somalia is sympathetic to the open and free market challenges within Arab countries. However, this delegation believes strongly in preserving cultural values and protection against the imposition of Western values. This belief stems from the necessity of state sovereignty and the preservation of cultural ideals. This lines up with United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) belief that cultural property is the product and witness of cultural traditions and thus must be preserved. This is particularly evident in Eastern countries, as when state sovereignty is jeopardized, it enables Western culture to acquire financial and capitalistic gain over other Member States. Furthermore, the Federal Republic of Somalia further affirms Resolution A/76/214, which highlights the fundamental relationship between sustainable development and preservation of culture. This resolution, which Somalia affirms to be true, also suggests that culture need be taken into consideration when talking about overall consumption. While the delegation of Somalia recognizes the importance of market competition in the Arab Region, they also emphasize the importance of sovereignty and the fundamental maintenance of cultural traditions and practices. This principle is also outlined similarly in A/HRC/RES/49/7, which calls for the protection and representation of cultural heritage, along with the importance in its preservation. The Federation of Somalia recognizes the importance and concept of a free and open mark in the confines of economic government, but also urges culturally-minded nation states to work towards state sovereignty. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | The Russia-Ukraine War |
| Paper text: | |
| The Federal Republic of Somalia wholly asserts that the core principles of state sovereignty, collective security, and territorial integrity are upheld when the United Nations -- and subsequently, this Security Council -- prioritizes their preservation. Since 2022, the current state and ongoing progressions of Russia’s war in Ukraine have remained a central, formative issue within the United Nations Security Council, as Russia’s conduct in this conflict threatens the validity of these core principles. The Federal Republic of Somalia is wholly committed to upholding the principles of collective security and peace, and to the call for cessation of Russian action in Ukrainian territory -- evident, in Somalia’s support of UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1 (2022): “Aggression against Ukraine,” in which Somalia was among 141 other countries to censure the progression of the war, and to advocate for an expeditious withdrawal of Russian troops. The preservation of collective security and territorial integrity, within the international body, relies on the Security Council to uphold its rightful applications and to ensure accountability across Member States. As a Member State that has experienced years of external impediments to internal stability and sovereignty, the Federal Republic of Somalia enthuses the immense significance of the rightful application of international law -- to protect internal, state sovereignty and to ensure collective, international security. In light of these principles, the Federal Republic of Somalia implores this body to unite and reaffirm the principal, foundational tenets of sovereignty for Ukraine, to call for unimpeded humanitarian protections for citizens within Ukraine, and to earnestly urge the Security Council to push for mediation, rather than abide the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine War. | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Israel-Palestine Conflict |
| Paper text: | |
| Historically, the Federal Republic of Somalia has supported the people of Palestine in advocacy and solidarity of their pursuit of self-determination, evident in the support given for Security Council Resolution 2712 (2023), calling for humanitarian cessations in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and Resolution 2720 (2023), which advocated for further aid to the people of Gaza. The current escalation of the conflict in Gaza has allowed for immense deprivations for the people of Palestine -- regarding access to food and water, to medicine and treatment, to shelter, and ultimately, to safety. The current state of the Israel-Gaza conflict violates the primary humanitarian principles of the international community and cannot proceed as it has. In efforts to preserve these foundational principles and to protect civilians in Gaza, the Federal Republic of Somalia petitions this body to conclusively call for an immediate ceasefire of military operations in Gaza, to significantly create and foster humanitarian aid resources (food and water deliveries, medical services) for those living in the Gaza strip, and to more critically evaluate and call for the creation of a successful, two- state solution by building parallel with the plan established in Resolution 2334 (2016). | |
| Committee: | SC-A |
| Topic: | Nuclear Non-Proliferation |
| Paper text: | |
| The topic of nuclear non-proliferation is one that exists and is perpetually ongoing, as a topic of discussion and resolution within the Security Council, due to the immense impact on collective security, international cooperation, and civilian safety that nuclear weapons can possess when handled incorrectly. The Federal Republic of Somalia recognizes the importance of strengthening non-proliferation principles and the significance of ensuring accountability for nuclear Member States, regarding disarmament obligations, as evident in Somalia’s vote of favor for Resolution 2231 (2015) and the return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In addition to the importance of non- proliferation, the Federal Republic of Somalia also recognizes the significance of sovereign rights of these Member States to enact and employ peaceful, productive nuclear energy programs. Bearing the cruciality of both non-proliferation principles and state sovereignty in consideration, the Federal Republic of Somalia implores this Security Council to further pursue solutions that acknowledge the inherent complexity of this issue, while ensuring nuclear security in the international body -- such as revitalizing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure a restoration of compliance with its terms. The Federal Republic of Somalia encourages this council to foster diplomatic re-engagement with the nation-state of Iran, which is currently not in compliance with the JCPOA, to ensure adherence to the principles of non-proliferation while also respecting the sovereignty of each Member State to pursue peaceful and responsible nuclear programs. | |
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