Chair,
Norway is committed to international humanitarian law and safeguarding
humanity in warfare. Protecting civilians from the devastating
consequences of war is a lodestar.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to undermine
international humanitarian law and erode long-standing achievements in
conventional arms control and disarmament.
Humanitarian workers and UN personnel are protected by international
humanitarian law and must never be attacked. The latest example of
Russia’s drone strike against a UN convoy in Ukraine demonstrates utter
disregard for civilian lives and core international obligations.
Chair,
Norway is concerned by ongoing and new use of anti-personnel mines, an
indiscriminate weapon that causes unacceptable civilian harm. Norway
condemns any use of these indiscriminate weapons by any actor, under any
circumstance.
We are concerned by withdrawals from the Conventions on Cluster
Munitions and Anti-Personnel Landmines. These treaties are widely
recognised as global successes, and annual UN votes show support well
beyond formal States Parties. In times of growing insecurity, we must
reaffirm—not retreat from—our collective obligations.
Chair,
The use of explosive weapons in populated areas causes widespread
civilian suffering—from Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan and beyond. The
Political Declaration on EWIPA remains a cornerstone for change. Its
principles must be integrated into military policies, training, and doctrines.
Norway urges all States to endorse and implement the Declaration.
Chair,
Autonomous weapons systems raise serious concerns. We must clarify and
elaborate rules and norms to address them. We welcome the progress at
the GGE on LAWS. The Chair’s rolling text offers a sufficient basis for
elements for an instrument to fulfil the mandate of the GGE. When the
mandate expires, the CCW Review Conference should move us towards
negotiations of an instrument containing these elements.
Chair,
The Arms Trade Treaty is an essential tool to prevent arms from fueling
conflict or violating international law. As conflicts multiply, the risks of
diversion and illicit trade grow. By building capacity, sharing best practices,
and strengthening cross-border cooperation, we can keep the ATT effective.
All Member States should join and fully implement the Treaty.
Finally, disarmament is a shared responsibility. The participation of civil
society, international organizations, academia, and affected communities
enriches and sustains progress. We must strive to ensure gender balance
and integrate diverse perspectives in disarmament processes.
Thank you.