Topic: 2026 – Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Alekya Velaga
Position Paper
Committee: Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles
Country: Republic of South Africa
Topic Background:
The Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles refers to the rapid increase and spread of advanced weaponry spreading throughout various regions, allowing many countries as well as both nations and non-state actors to gain access to these dangerous weapons. This problem is most commonly seen in regions throughout Eastern Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East in which missile development has increased tensions between the neighboring countries. The spread of these weapons is impacting the civilians of each region due to the potential dangers caused by the mass destruction of the missiles.
Past International Action:
One of the United Nations most important treaties to help the proliferation of ballistic missiles is the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, which was established on November 25, 2002. Even though it doesn’t directly have a ban on ballistic missiles, it calls out countries to cease the testing, export, and development of ballistic missiles for the purposes of controlling the proliferation of weapons from mass destruction. As of 2026, over 130 countries including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Korea, Japan & many others are signatories.
Another important resolution of the UN is the UN Security Council Resolution 1540, that was adopted on April 28, 2004. The UN Security Council Resolution 1540 makes it obligatory for countries to prevent the proliferation of chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons, their delivery systems and key equipment to non-state actors along with ballistic missile technology.
There are two perspectives to this matter. Some countries believe that there is a requirement to control and contain the proliferation of ballistic missile technology to ensure security and stability, while other countries may view the attempt to control the proliferation of this technology as interfering in their security and right to develop their own military technology.
Country Policy:
The Republic of South Africa views ballistic missiles as a major threat to world peace, considering that they have the potential to cause tensions and further wars between nations. Since South Africa has experience in how missile technology, the country has shifted to export regulation and has become a supporter of the restriction of missile technology internationally. South Africa has implemented many measures to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles, including implementing strict export controls on all missile technologies and materials, and monitoring research activities.
The South African leaders also spook out strongly against these weapons. According to Nelson Mandela, South Africa must never again use its “resources, scientists, and engineers to be used to support an ideology by producing weapons of mass destruction,” which reveals how much South Africa is committed to maintaining global peace.
Possible Solutions:
The Republic of South Africa believes that existing non-binding arrangements like the Hague Code and the MTCR are useful, but they are not fully effective. Since countries are not bound to follow international law to these treaties, some countries have been known to violate to a degree.
One possible solution is to establish regional councils that would monitor missile development and testing. These councils would report regularly to the United Nations. South Africa also supports strengthening the role of the UN in investigating the incidence of such violations, imposing sanctions on countries that are violating, ensuring the effectiveness of non-proliferation regulations.
South Africa also thinks that history has a lot to teach us delegates. The world is threatened by unsafe weapons under the control of unstable governments. Therefore, strong global laws and regulations are necessary to ensure security across the nation.
