Delegate Represented by Haifa Nesheiwat

The Togolese Republic California State University, Northridge

Position Paper for the General Assembly Delegate

The topics before the General Assembly are Privacy in the Digital Age and Assistance to Palestinian
Refugees. The Togolese Republic sees this infringement on security and rights to privacy in accessing the
Internet as restraining the economic development causing restrictions on citizen’s privacy rights, such as
freedom of the press, of speech and the freedom to gain access to political information. In addition, Togo
directs all aid available to treat the Palestinian refugees. Therefore, the Togolese Republic respects the
international contributions to reach a standard and a legal framework for protecting the press and access to
websites.

I. Privacy in the Digital Age

In 2015, The Togolese Republic was included amongst the ten most censored countries on national
security. Togo expresses grave concern regarding rights in this digital age since Internet use can hold
personal information that may be detrimental economically, socially, and politically. Togo stresses the
level of heavy censorship has gone out of control, causing a threat to national security. Togo has signed
onto multilateral agreements and supports the GA consideration in seeking further facilitation on
international human rights law and practices. Togo believes that the developments of drafting a code of
ethics serve as a fundamentally grounded foundation respecting the rules for the profession and have it
recognized by all expressive forms of media. Being a fundamental right for every citizen to be able to
access, express, and collect truthful information, the Togolese Media Observatory (OTM) verified a firm
pledge for all journalist to follow as he/she seeks to collect, print, promote, and distribute the information
on media outlets. Togo values the Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) as the primary focus in stressing
the importance of internet censorship plus underlining the laws of human rights which are not equally
enforced or practiced, potentially risking national security. Togo appreciates the work of the Observatory
for Democracy and Good Governance (OMDG) in establishing regulations preventing any media outlet
possibly harming a person's reputation in the digital age

The Togolese Republic emphasizes the human right to protect privacy in a digital age because it is essential
for all human rights as it acts as a critical resource. Togo believes in their constitution as it concludes
enforcing protection of privacy rights promotes the full protection of the freedom of expression, press, and
speech. Togo believes the digital age could be educating for politically active citizens. Togo refers to the
UNHRC and reiterates A/HRC/23/40 in promoting the protection of privacy rights considering digital
freedom in those opinions, and expressions are permissible. Togo believes by reemphasizing the GA
resolutions 68/167 adopted on December 18, 2013, and 69/166 on December 18, 2014, the right to privacy
might be protected by the privacy in the digital age especially including the impact from remote
surveillance sources on oversight. Togo firmly believes in resolution 20/8 adopted on July 5, 2012, and
26/13 on July 14, 2014, regarding the promotion and protection of humans right on the Internet respecting
privacy rights.

The Togolese Republic appreciates being informed from the Reports Without Borders (RSF) as soon as
official news websites became blocked through limitless censorship recognizing the political analysis of the
national security telecommunications. Togo recognizes the active role in foreign policy relations in the
West African Affairs and the African Union (AU). In promoting universal awareness of the Human Rights
contributions, Togo delegates to undertaking new measures such as precautions leading to preventing any
further violations. Togo believes this could stimulate a practical action that may result in an easy carry out
of safeguarding rights on the Internet. The Togolese Republic calls all countries to address this
international security infringement of privacy rights that of which include digital media, television, radio,
newspapers, and journals.

II. Assistance to Palestinian Refugees

From the late 1960’s to the end of the 2000’s, The Togolese Republic had received more than 2,800
refugees and 420 asylum-seekers that are currently living in rural and urban areas in Togo. Togo promotes
its support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) proposals on Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in addressing the fundamental demands of the Palestinian refugees considering these programs
promote peace and advertise the beauty of stability both economically and politically. Togo firmly believes
in building a clear definition of what defines a "refugee" as "someone who is unable to return to the
homeland for fear of bad reasons and persecution.

The Togolese Republic believes in Article 13b of the Universal Declaration of Human rights that everyone
has the right to leave and to return to their homeland freely. Refugees displace in 2015 will continue
receiving protection and assistance, and UNHCR continues in the pursuit of an active solution strategy for
long-stay refugees in Northern Togo. With the current increasing number of widespread displacement of
the Palestinian refugees, The Togolese Republic reiterates the resolution adopted by the GA 194 (III) in
1948 affirming Palestinian refugees who wish to return to their homeland could do so as soon as possible.
Togo brings to attention A/68/450 that questions whether the Palestinian refugees can be an asset to the
economic growth once settled in with a steady job and made a living for the present time. Togo believes in
the economic growth and by promoting A/RES/302 (IV) provides opportunities for employment of all ages
as well as building current justices and respect for the IDPs. Togo also appreciates the 1961 Convention in
Article 15 of the UDHR conducting a framework readdressing everyone entitlement, as an international
human right, to a nationality.

By collaborating with local governments, Togo acknowledges that continued aid, although necessary for
survival, must be compensated for any property lost during the displacement. In readdressing resolution
60/103, Togo believes that protection for the rights and the interest of the Palestinian refugees may manage
the completion of identification for citizenship. With a massive influx of Palestinian refugees fleeing
persecution, the high number of IDP’s requires legal protection and require international document for
proof of identification. Togo is confident that the UN is getting closer to resolving this current crisis. This
is of critical importance that all IDPs continue to have access to essential services and basic needs followed
by education programs that provide legal advice to persons of concern and educate refugees on existing
laws and policies regarding citizenship and protection in their new homes.