POSITION PAPEROF THE

REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA

Republic of NicaraguaPosition Paper for the 2018 ESMOAS Summit of the Americas

I. GENERAL STATEMENT

The republic of Nicaragua is honored to be a part of this year’s Summit of the Americas for the Organization of American States (OAS). As the oldest regional organization in the world, the nations of the OAS strive to create multilateral solutions to longstanding issues concerning security, development, human rights, and democracy within the region. Chapter 1, Article 2(g) of the OAS charter states that an essential purpose of the OAS is “[to] eradicate extreme poverty, which constitutes an obstacle to the full democratic development of the peoples of the hemisphere.”i Seeing the struggle of millions across the western hemisphere to afford the basic necessities of life, the Republic of Nicaragua would like to take the opportunity to focus on this key facet of the OAS charter. Alleviation of poverty and its related concerns is possible through strategies focused on mitigating climate change and human trafficking, and by promoting safe and legal migration.

Having surmounted a history of colonialism, revolution, and natural disasters, the Republic of Nicaragua has transformed into a nation of democratic values, with the peace and prosperity of the Nicaragüense people as it’s foremost concerns. Nicaragua has contributed agriculturally to the western hemisphere for decades, producing world-renowned coffee, as well as bananas, sugarcane, rice, and other crops best suited to a tropical climate. The climate of Nicaragua is also ideal for fostering biodiversity. The republic of Nicaragua is situated in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world and is home to endangered species such as the tapir and jaguar.ii This, along with its rich cultural traditions, makes Nicaragua an ideal destination for tourists looking to experience the best of what Central America has to offer.

Since his first inauguration in 1984, President Jose Daniel Ortega Saavedra has been especially interested in implementing programs to support the most underprivileged in society. Ortega’s Hambre Cero Food Production Program has strengthened subsistence food production by bringing Food Production packages to women in rural and semi-rural areas.iii Ortega and his current administration are working to expand the reach of social programs in Nicaragua. Earlier this year, Ortega announced the development of more than 40 programs which will be implemented over the next three years.iv These programs include creating more housing, financing small businesses, improving infrastructure, and addressing the needs of Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities. The Republic of Nicaragua is also concerned about climate change and the consequences that Central America is already facing. Nicaragua is proud to have joined the Paris climate agreement and is further addressing the environment through its new social programs.v Finally, Ortega’s support of the Bolivarian Alternative for the People of Our America (ALBA) is rooted in his concern for the economic wellbeing of Central and South America, as ALBA is the “most advanced, Christian and fairest project” in the Americas.vi

Because of its multifaceted nature, poverty has been difficult to eradicate in the region. Despite the shocking condemnation from other member states, the Republic of Nicaragua will continue to cooperate with the OAS on social issues within the region. The Republic of Nicaragua knows that the combined powers of the OAS have the capability of improving quality of life for every individual within the western hemisphere. Nicaragua seeks to educate the children of rural and low-income urban families in order to guard against human trafficking. The

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Republic of Nicaragua also urges the members of the OAS to not only to share best practices to prevent climate change, but to acknowledge the damage that has already been done and protect at-risk communities from the resulting natural disasters. Finally, the Ortega administration is looking forward to working with other members of the OAS to ensure the humane treatment of migrants in the hemisphere. Through taking a critical eye to these issues, which disproportionately affect the impoverished, Nicaragua and the OAS as a whole will ensure a better future for the hemisphere.

II. PARTICULAR STATEMENTS

A. Committee: General Committee (GC)

Topic A: Addressing the Rights of Migrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers

The Republic of Nicaragua encourages international cooperation within the region to promote the safety of irregular migrants. According to the OAS charter, Chapter 2, Article 3(j), one of the principles of the OAS is that “social justice and social security are bases of lasting peace.”vii The Republic of Nicaragua insists that an integral part of social justice is the fair treatment of migrants and is appalled by the lengthy stay of detainees within detention centers in the hemisphere. As such, the delegation of Nicaragua will address the rights of migrants by proposing hemisphere-wide standards for the maximum length of detention for asylum seekers.

Due to unrest in Central America, the number of migrants in the western hemisphere is rising. Between 2013 and 2015, more individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador applied for asylum in the United States than the previous 15 years combined.viii Looking South, Costa Rica and Panama each have a large proportion of migrants living within their borders. Nicaragua itself apprehended 4,579 illegal migrants in 2017, most of whom were from Africa or the Middle East.ix Many, if not most, of the western hemisphere is experiencing large amounts of irregular migration, and because of this, have created or expanded detention centers to process these migrants. The delegation of Nicaragua notes with concern the number of vulnerable groups being held in detention centers for lengthy periods of time. Maximum lengths of detention range from less than a week to indefinite within the hemisphere for vulnerable groups who require speedy processing.x

Nicaragua has only one detention center, located in the capital Managua. According to Nicaraguan migration policy, asylum seekers can only be detained for a maximum of 3 days, and children are sent to shelters instead of the detention center.xi Nicaragua is also interested in the safe and humane treatment of its citizens abroad. As of August 2018, the Republic of Nicaragua is cooperating with the United States of America to ensure the safe return of thousands of Nicaraguan migrants who had lost their protected status within the US. Nicaragua acknowledges the dangers and difficulties associated with irregular and illegal migration, and believes it is necessary to implement quick and effective processing of these migrants.xii

In light of the massive amounts of irregular migration and abhorrent treatment of migrants within detention centers in the western hemisphere, the delegation of Nicaragua proposes a hemisphere-wide maximum length of detention for asylum seekers. The specific maximum,

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which is not to exceed 6 months, will depend on the volume of refugees and the capabilities of the state as determined by a demographer assigned by the OAS. It is expected that, upon reaching this maximum, these individuals will have either been granted their special status or deported to their origin country. An individual may have their detention extended if pending an appeal. Through this hemispheric standard, the OAS can coordinate to protect vulnerable migrant groups within the region and halt irregular migration.

Topic B: Hemispheric Standards on Protection of Journalists and Freedom of the Press

The Republic of Nicaragua is outraged at the clear use of press and media in coup-mongering within the state. Currently, a social security problem inherited by Ortega’s predecessor has become the pretext for an attempted coup, the majority of which has been instigated through the use of social media and the press.xiii Nicaragua condemns the acts of these criminals, who have caused the deaths of many police officers and countless bystanders and remain unapologetic as the death counts rise. The Republic of Nicaragua is also critical of foreign media outlets which have fanned the flames of this conflict by propagating incorrect information related to the coup attempt. In order to quell these violent protests, the Republic of Nicaragua will continue to offer the National Dialogue as a peaceful means of discussing opposing views and encouraging collaboration of opposing groups within the state. Nicaragua will also continue supporting the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (IGIE) as well as the Special Follow up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI) in their investigations of the violence resulting from these protests.xiv

While Nicaragua has supported and will continue to support freedom of the press within the hemisphere, as a sovereign nation Nicaragua claims the inherent right to defend its democratically-elected government against violent deposition. Nicaragua reiterates Chapter IV, Article 13 of the OAS charter, which states that “the State has the right to defend its integrity and independence.”xv Because the Republic of Nicaragua will continue to defend the integrity of its government against these criminals, the delegation of Nicaragua refuses to support any resolution that will provide amnesty, protection or validation of the use of press or media by these criminals. The delegation of Nicaragua urges member states of the OAS to respect the sovereignty and self-determination of the Republic of Nicaragua in restoring peace and security without foreign interference.

B. Committee: Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI)

Topic A: Hemispheric Cooperation on Climate Change Initiatives

The Republic of Nicaragua is honored to be a part of such important global efforts to end climate change. Many of the OAS nations are vulnerable to the rising effects and dangers of climate change and the whole of the world is in a state of insecurity.xvi Given the implications that climate change has for the natural geography of these nations, as well as the agricultural products that are the backbone of so many American economies, many nations are in peril. The Republic of Nicaragua acknowledges that extreme action needs to be taken quickly and responsibly to reverse the onset of climate change.xvii

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International efforts have been made to encourage hemispheric cooperation on climate change initiatives. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) plays a significant part in the global agenda against climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has created many efforts to combat climate change, for example the Kyoto Protocol to reduce gas emissions and The International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) to encourage emission trades. The Republic of Nicaragua has already taken some integral steps to combat climate change internally and internationally. Namely by joining the Paris Agreement, aimed at regulating greenhouse gas emissions globally and under the UNFCCC. President Daniel Ortega has openly supported these steps and reaffirmed Nicaragua’s continued place within these efforts.xviii

The Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. Its unique geography and landscape may allow for many agricultural crops to flourish, but it also allows for many natural hazards including earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides – all things that will increase as climate change worsens. The Republic of Nicaragua acknowledges that it and other Central American neighbors are some of the most susceptible to climate change and will have to weather the most devastating of effects. The Republic of Nicaragua recognizes that what Central and South America needs in order to combat climate change effectively, is adequate internal infrastructure and development of alternative energy sources.xix The Republic of Nicaragua recognizes the tricky position Central and South America are in concerning sustainable energy sources and would like to propose a resolution that would create a committee made up of countries that are ready to take action to incentivize alternative energy routes in the long term, and promote cleaner and more preventative measures with the currently existing energy infrastructures.

Topic B: Creating Mechanisms to Encourage Free and Fair Trade

The Americas have had a long history with implementing both free and fair trade and the Republic of Nicaragua would like to continue spreading the economic and humanitarian aid that can be provided with free and fair trade opportunities.

In the early 2000s many new international agreements and alliances were created to encourage free and fair trade across the globe. The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) was put in place to eliminate trade barriers, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) was proposed by our OAS neighbor Venezuela to encourage economic integration between socialist leaning nations, and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) was put in place to unite the economies of all North, Central, and South Americas.xx The Republic of Nicaragua is a proud member of all of these international efforts.

Independently, the Republic of Nicaragua has already taken steps to encourage free and fair trade internally and internationally. In 2005, Nicaragua joined the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and Prime Minister, Azucena Castillo remarked that the agreement was an opportunity to create jobs and attract foreign investment.xxi SOPPEXCCA is a small internal organization that acts as a union for some 60 farmers in northern Nicaragua whose mission is to

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education about and integrate sustainable agricultural production techniques into communities and promote a stable economy.xxii

The delegation of Nicaragua would like to encourage the ongoing momentum of free and fair trade in the region by proposing a resolution that would mimic the intentions of groups like SOPPEXCCA. By creating a committee to have control over routine campaigns to specific and desperate locations, the OAS can provide struggling workers all over the Americas with education opportunities and business loan opportunities, as well as create set time and spaces for professional strategizing and managing of future campaigns.

C. Committee: Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS

Topic A: Combating Human Trafficking in the Hemisphere

The Republic of Nicaragua would like to recognize all members of the OAS for their substantial hard work and effort into combating human trafficking in the western hemisphere. Human trafficking within the hemisphere brings much indignation for Nicaragua. The Republic of Nicaragua shares strong values with the OAS charter of Article 106, which reiterates the principle “to promote the observance and protection of human rights”.xxiii Combating human trafficking inside the Republic of Nicaragua has always been an important focus for the country. As the rise of impoverishment and internal violence in Central America escalates, the problem with human trafficking has become more apparent to our delegation. Human trafficking is not only a major issue for the Republic of Nicaragua, but for the western hemisphere as well and should be addressed adequately for the prosperity of the people.

With the passing of the 2nd Work Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Western Hemisphere 2015-2018xxiv, the OAS continues to implement efforts to counter human trafficking. The work plan declared improvement for human trafficking victims in concern to their need of enhanced “psychological, social, medical, and legal” assistance.xxv These concerns, as the Palermo Protocol requires of member states, help bridge the gap between the private (governmental) and public (including NGOs) sector in tackling the issue of human trafficking in the hemisphere. The Palermo Protocol, which was the first binding legislation to recognize human trafficking established by the United Nations (UN), already inquires the “Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children” as part of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.xxvi

The adherence to policy concerning human trafficking by the Republic of Nicaragua has improved greatly over the years. The country works tirelessly to prevent and protect victims and suppress criminals involved in human trafficking. Taking the problem of human trafficking into consideration, the Republic of Nicaragua promotes a new Educational-Hemispheric Security Initiative for Human Trafficking (EHSI). The EHSI is a commission founded on the fundamental fact that impoverished countries and communities face a greater threat of being a victim of human trafficking. In accordance with Article 3(n) which states “the education of peoples should be directed toward justice, freedom, and peace.”, the enactment of EHSI in the OAS would provide a refined and superior educational awareness for children and adults who are at risk due to impoverishment.xxvii The objective of the newly proposed ESHI will productively work to

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advance justice, freedom, and peace; while combating the alleviation of poverty and human trafficking in the hemisphere.

The Republic of Nicaragua supports the establishment of institutions from the OAS and UN, such as the Department of Public Security, Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons, and Inter-American commission on Human Rights, as well as other anti-trafficking programs acknowledged by member states of the OAS.xxviii The Republic of Nicaragua applauses the OAS for the initiatives it has taken in the past, and recognizes the cruel and inhumane problem that is human trafficking. With this newly proposed initiative ESHI, the Republic of Nicaragua will address the need for further investigation (provided by the EHSI commission) to help combat human trafficking in the hemisphere, in addition to alleviating poverty for all member states.

Topic B: Improvement of Food Security & Sustainable Forestry and Fisheries

The OAS charter declares that each member state “agree that equality of opportunity, the elimination of extreme poverty, equitable distribution of wealth and income” is a top priority for the security of the citizens in the hemisphere.xxix The Republic of Nicaragua recognizes the OAS concern on food security for countries in the hemisphere, and supports all initiatives being taken to improve food security along with sustainable forestry and fisheries among the member states. As section j of Article 34 of the OAS charter states, the focus regarding food security should be for the prosperity, along with “proper nutrition especially through the acceleration of national efforts to increase the production and availability of food” among the states.xxx

Food security ensures that all people have both physical and economical access to sufficient, nutritious, and safe food that can promote all dietary and health needs.xxxi A country that is food secure does not face problems of impoverished families living in fear of hunger.xxxii The United Nations report on Food Security and Nutrition shows that over 815 million people in the world are undernourished and suffering from hunger.xxxiii Shockingly, this is an increase from the previous year’s 777 million people; with 42 percent of this figure being in Latin America. Latin America has also faced an increase of 2.4 percent than the previous year.xxxiv Food insecurity is a huge complication to poverty among member states and has proven to influence the advancement of developing countries negatively. The Republic of Nicaragua is no stranger to the reality that is facing complications regarding food security.

The Republic of Nicaragua takes serious precautions with regards to undernourished and impoverished people among both Nicaragua and the other member states in the hemisphere. The Republic of Nicaragua has been proactive in improving food security with the help of the FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Nicaragua has been able to launch the Fisheries and Aquaculture department by the initiative of the Nicaraguan Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture (INPESCA).xxxv Supported by the FishCode STF project of the UN, INPESCA has successfully developed strategies to combat food security while addressing poverty reduction within the country. FishCode STF, or the Strategy for improving information on status and Trends of capture Fisheries was created by the FAO and complies with any

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member state and entity.xxxvi Seeing the objective to improve a countries knowledge of sustainable fishing resources, the Republic of Nicaragua advocates the FAO’s strategy to provide a sustainable source of food for impoverished communities and peoples.

The Republic of Nicaragua upholds the OAS core values of Integral Development listed among Articles 30, 31, and 32.xxxvii The articles of the OAS charter summarize the idea of joint responsibility among all member states to cooperate and contribute resources and ideas that constitute “economic, social, educational, cultural, scientific, and technological” success within the hemisphere.xxxviii Western Hemispheric countries are one of the world’s highest food producing regions with a thriving agricultural industry because of the geographic provisions.xxxix The ability to produce the amount of food needed to combat impoverished and undernourished people groups is not impossible among the member states. The underlying issue is the undernourished and impoverished inhabitant’s ability to gain access to food sources among the member states. The Republic of Nicaragua believes that food security and sustainable food developments can be met with greater OAS commitments. The sharing of ideas such as INPESCA among OAS assemblies and conventions can greatly contribute to the fight against hunger, food insecurity, and poverty. Continued development is needed among the member states in the hemisphere to foster more unified democracy in the OAS. Thus, the Delegation of Nicaragua looks forward to working with all member states to further discuss cooperative implementations for improved food security and sustainability in the hemisphere.

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