Gabon's Policy Statement

Madame Chair, distinguished delegates of the General Assembly, Gabon wishes to extend a warm welcome to you all. It is Gabon’s greatest wish that these proceedings will be advantageous to the needs of all countries in attendance and that this meeting will generate resolutions both organized and practical.

As the issue of human trafficking has become increasingly prevalent on a global scale, specifically for the purpose of forced labor, Gabon feels that steps must be taken to reduce this problem. Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked over international borders each year. The traffickers will promise families money to send citizens of other countries, usually women and children, abroad. However, once those trafficked reach their destination, no payment is ever received for the forced labor in which the immigrant is often abused. These atrocities must stop. Previously, measures have been taken by the United Nations to remedy this crisis, though they have been ineffective as of yet. Gabon has implemented programs for increasing awareness both in Gabon and the surrounding countries. These programs would be beneficial if enacted on a global scale.

In acknowledging that kidnapping has become globally relevant, Gabon believes that proactive measures should be used in combating this issue. Visitors to impoverished countries are increasingly becoming the victims of kidnapping for ransom. The kidnappers are usually of low income, causing the kidnappers to turn to drastic measures. As a low income often directly correlates to a lack of education and education inversely relates to the rate of crime, an increase it public education would be extremely beneficial in the resolution of this topic.

The issue of immigration has become increasingly ubiquitous in the world today. This matter is also rising in importance within Gabon itself as the population has become 17.7% immigrants. In Europe in particular, the issue has incited much debate concerning the jobs which have been allotted to immigrants. On many occasions, immigrants come as guest workers, briefly working a job then returning to their home country with the money they have made. When this occurs, the money made is taken from the country which the immigrant has been working, preventing the money to be recycled into that nation’s economy. To remedy this issue, Gabon suggests that a universal permanent immigration policy be implemented.

With the increasing importance of the above stated issues, it is critical that all the countries of the world turn to United Nations for guidance. Gabon would like to reiterate its hope that the dealings of this conference will be beneficial to all.