1C: Cluster 4, Conventional Weapons

Statement delivered by First Secretary Fredrik Brogeland Laache

Chair,

As we speak, new and emerging technologies are altering the dynamics of modern warfare. Autonomy in weapons systems poses serious legal, ethical, humanitarian and military concerns. Systems that can target humans raise particular questions. It is urgent to clarify and elaborate norms and rules before this technology fully matures. We must ensure meaningful human control.

We believe that a combination of prohibitions and regulations is the right approach. We support the work of the GGE on LAWS to draft a set of elements of an instrument to this end. However, there is growing impatience, and rightly so. We must accelerate and prove that the CCW is fit for purpose by agreeing in 2025 on a set of significant elements of an instrument to regulate LAWS. It is time to demonstrate flexibility and compromise.

Chair,

Established norms and rules of warfare are being challenged by a lack of compliance in several armed conflicts. This is unacceptable. And we must push back firmly. Attacks against UN personnel and humanitarian workers are inadmissible and of particular concern.

Use of explosive weapons in populated areas causes enormous suffering and widespread civilian harm. When wars move into urban areas, civilians have few places to hide. The direct and indirect effects last for decades, even lifetimes. Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine are current cases in point.

In this context, the Political Declaration to strengthen the protection of civilians against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) is absolutely key. If fully implemented and broadly endorsed, it can improve the way we conduct military operations, address the needs of victims and ensure compliance with IHL. The first follow-up Conference in Oslo six months ago provided a roadmap and reaffirmed States’ readiness to translate commitments into tangible actions. We strongly encourage all states to endorse the declaration.

Norway welcomes efforts to address the risks associated with small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Pact for the Future. SALW are the leading cause of violent deaths globally. Norway supports strengthening existing national prevention strategies to sustain peace and address root causes of violence and armed conflict.

Chair,

The Conventions on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and Anti-Personnel Landmines (APLC) have been hugely successful in reducing human suffering.

Norway is deeply concerned by the reported increase in casualties from new use of cluster munitions and anti-personnel landmines. We condemn the use of these indiscriminate weapons by any actor under any circumstance.

Disarmament conventions are not just commitments that apply in peace time. They are even more important when countries are at war. In a time of rearmament and rising global tensions, adherence to these norms is crucial. We must not lose sight of the humanitarian imperatives that led to the prohibition of these weapons. We encourage all states that have not yet done so to sign and ratify these conventions.

The upcoming Review Conference of the Mine Ban Convention in Cambodia, is an opportunity to make progress. Assisting affected states in clearing contaminated land remains a priority.

Chair,

Norway remains a dedicated supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty. The current increase in armed conflicts heightens the risks of diversion, illicit trade of arms and human suffering. In addition to multilateral export control regimes, the ATT is the most effective tool to counter these risks. Building capacity, sharing best practices, and strengthening cross-border cooperation should be one of the treaty’s main objectives.

We call on our fellow UN Member States to join the ATT.

Chair,

Dialogue on disarmament cannot be the prerogative of states only. Active and meaningful participation of international organizations, civil society and academia plays a significant role in moving us forward. We must strive to ensure gender balance and integrate diverse perspectives in disarmament processes. Inclusion is not just the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing to do.

I thank you, Chair.