1C: Cluster I (nuclear)

Chair,
Further to our general statement we will focus on five additional issues:

First: High levels of tension and instability commands attention towards risk reduction.
This is not instead of disarmament – it helps ensure there is a future in which to disarm.

Dialogue is essential. All nuclear-armed states must engage. The three with the largest
arsenals bear particular responsibility. We urge Russia and China to accept the US’
invitation to strategic dialogue without preconditions. We also call on all states to adhere to the Hague code of Conduct. We were encouraged to see China notifying its ICBM launch in the Pacific last year and hope to soon see China among the signatories.

Second: It is high time we launched Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty negotiations. Ending
fissile material production for nuclear weapons would ease arms race pressures, build
confidence, support non-proliferation, and ultimately disarmament. Especially if existing
stocks are included. Meanwhile, all nuclear-armed states should declare voluntary
moratoria on such production.

Third: An effective ban on nuclear tests is vital to irreversible disarmament and non-proliferation. We urge all remaining Annex II states to promptly ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Fourth: Three interrelated principles are recognized as essential for successful nuclear
disarmament: transparency, verification and irreversibility. Advancing them builds
confidence, engages key actors, and supports future negotiations. The work does not
replace disarmament – it enables it, by laying practical foundations for the steps ahead.

We are advancing the work on verification with the resolution we have tabled together with Brazil. Irreversibility remains the least explored. Together with the UK, we launched an initiative at the 10th NPT Review Conference to examine it more closely. We invite you all to join.

Fifth: UN Security Council Resolution 1540 remains a key non-proliferation instrument,
with the IAEA verifying that nuclear materials are not diverted for weapon use. We call for universal adherence to the amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, and full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

Finally, chair,
I end on a congratulatory note – to us all – on the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325 and encourage the use of a WPS lens in all our work in this committee