Topic:
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Marie Schafer
Nuclear Warheads have been causing mass controversy for years. Even though it’s assumed that a mere five countries have possession of these weapons, their size of storage is astronomical. Several attempts have been made throughout the years, starting just after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to disarm nuclear warheads, and prevemt their creation as a result of their devastating effects. One mere bomb, of the thousands present today can wipe out an entire city, not only incinerating everything in its path, but mutilating the environment, and the generations of citizens for years to come. Such attempts at nuclear disarmament include the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The first being an agreement between 191 countries, serving to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, while promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. This is seen as the superior treaty as it has been signed by the 5 nations wielding nuclear weapons. The TPNW however is not seen quite as reliable considering none of the 5 nations have signed. This treaty serves to adapt a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.
Colombia, like many of the nation states, has a Constitution that prohibits the manufacture, importation, and use of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological and chemical), or importing nuclear or toxic waste into the national territory (Article 81 of the Constitution). They have signed both the NPT as well as the TPNW, however they are still in the process of ratifying the TPNW. Colombia has also joined with many Latin American countries to create a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (or the Treaty of Tlatelolco) which prohibits Latin American parties from acquiring or possessing nuclear weapons and storing and deploying weapons from other states on their territory. Colombia does not want to take the chance of putting the country’s safety at risk, and therefore is proud to be a part of such treaties, refusing to store other countries’ weapons.
Going forward, Colombia would like to continue connections with fellow Latin American countries who are in a similar position to them. While heavily encouraging the states that have nuclear weapons to slowly disarm them, Colombia also understands that recommendations can only go so far, and due to national sovereignty, they cannot force a country to abide by the goals of the committee as a whole. Considering this, the UN could consider creating a resolution in which all of the countries pledge that they will not be the first country to use a nuclear weapon against another country. As a result of this, if nobody is initiating a war, then part of the problem is solved. Knowing that 191 countries have already signed an agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear technology reassures the Colombian delegation that the majority of the group is sharing similar thoughts.
