Topic: Emerging Nuclear States and the Global Nuclear Framework
Country: Honduras
Delegate Name: Josh Hagemann
School: Kalamazoo Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Honduras position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Ever since nuclear weapons were deployed in anger against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it became clear what humanity’s greatest threat was; the nuclear weapons that are capable of such destruction. While some other states within the United Nations would argue that nuclear weapons bring the promise of security, the nation of Honduras, as well as many others, see them as a threat to humanity’s survival. In the past, we have opposed nuclear weapons being spread into Central America, South America and the Caribbean. We will continue to be an advocate for the survival of our species and oppose the spread of nuclear weapons further. It is deeply concerning to us that nations currently in conflict are beginning to develop into nuclear states, and continue to build their nuclear weapons programs despite their threat to humanity as a whole.
Already, the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America, or the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which we have signed, has banned any and all nuclear weapons from the Caribbean as well as Central and South America as of February 14th, 1967. Through the Tlatelolco System, nations like Honduras has been able to promote only peaceful usage of nuclear energy, at the same time greatly reducing the risk of nuclear war in any member states. The treaty has also applied to nuclear states with territories in the areas in which the treaty affects. Along with the banning of nuclear weapons, we,under Article 1 of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This means that we seek to expand our nuclear energy program to promote the well being of our citizens as well as grow the economy.
To further push back the threat of nuclear war, we signed, along with 190 other UN member states, the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It was a treaty designed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and their development while promoting peaceful, and cooperative use of nuclear energy with the overall goal of complete disarmament. It is our view, that as a collection of sovereign nations who have joined together as equals in the best interests of the people; it is a failure that not every nation has signed this treaty. For this reason, the people of every nuclear-free nation has lived in fear of a possible attack, fallout, or any other sort of endangerment that is consequence of a nuclear attack.
In the opinion of the Delegation of Honduras, the reality remains; nonproliferation is a good idea. If it were within our power to exterminate nuclear weapons, we would. Unfortunately, this is not the reality we are facing. There are nations, such as DPRK and Pakistan, not party to NPT, and have no intention to change this. It is our view that since this is our reality, NPT has failed in it's mission, but it is not a lost cause. If we are going to ensure security for the future of our world, we must address the concerns of nations not party to NPT so that an agreement that benefits everyone can be met. We cannot stick our heads in the sand, with the "I'm right and you're wrong" mentality any longer. We must discuss this issue seriously, and put disputes aside to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons the best way that we can; come to a resolution that maintains the usefulness of NPT, as well as accommodate those not party to the treaty.
