First Preparatory Meeting. Third Review Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC CCM), 30.03.2026.
Agenda point 7 (a) - Review of the operation
and status of the Convention 2021-2026
Statement by Norway, delivered by
Mr Kristian SVANES
First Secretary, CD / Humanitarian affairs
Check against deliveries
30.03.2026
President,
Norway thanks the Presidency for the draft Review Document. The document provides a comprehensive overview of progress and challenges since the Second Review Conference.
Norway welcomes the progress reflected in the report, including on stockpile destruction, where States Parties have collectively reached an important milestone. At the same time, the document shows that challenges remain. This is particularly true for survey and clearance, where progress is still uneven. Sustained efforts, efficient methodologies, and adequate funding will be essential to meet obligations in a timely manner.
We also welcome the increased attention to environmental considerations in mine action. This was an important addition in the Lausanne Action Plan. It is important that the review document clearly reflects progress in this area, as a basis for further strengthening these efforts in the next action plan.
We further underline the importance of reflecting progress on gender-, age-, and disability-responsive implementation. Integrating these perspectives was a key advancement in the Lausanne Action Plan. This should remain visible when assessing implementation over the review period.
We believe that including these perspectives are key to effectively implement the convention both in the review document and the other documents on the agenda.
Cluster munitions affect people in different ways, influencing exposure to risk, access to assistance, and long‑term socio‑economic recovery. Gender‑ and age‑responsive approaches in clearance, risk education and victim assistance ensure that programmes reach those most affected, address real needs on the ground, and make the best use of limited resources.
On international cooperation and assistance, we note the ongoing discussions. This includes the work of the APMBC Working Group tasked with a feasibility study on the possible establishment of a voluntary trust fund.
Finally, on universalization, the report points to both progress and serious challenges. Developments such as withdrawal from the Convention, and the continued use of cluster munitions, underline the importance of maintaining a strong, credible, and clearly articulated norm.
On the document’s form, we believe it would benefit from further streamlining. A shorter, more focused text, with less repetition, would strengthen both clarity and impact. Clearer baselines in some sections would also make it easier to assess developments over the review period, and to highlight both progress and remaining challenges.
Thank you.