The Conference also made progress on institutionalizing the Convention by developing a mechanism on international cooperation and assistance and another to review technological and scientific developments. The Conference established a working group to identify, examine and develop measures to strengthen the Convention and its implementation, with no issue off the table - including compliance, verification and possible legally binding measures. The participants agreed on a clear roadmap for the entire four-year review cycle, leaving open the possibility of an “early harvest” in 2025. Other priorities were facilitating cross-regional dialogue and inclusiveness.Īs a result, the Conference broke the deadlock that had prevented any progress on the Convention’s implementation for more than 20 years. The Conference prioritized exercising maximum self-discipline and focusing on what mattered to reach consensus. However, from the beginning, the Conference tried turning this limitation into an opportunity, especially for proposals on the table for quite some time. The lack of a consensus final document from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)’s tenth Review Conference added to general pessimism. Prospects for an agreement at the Conference were not promising. While deadlock on disarmament dates back years and is rooted in long-standing cleavages, the war in Ukraine exacerbated divisions. LEONARDO BENCINI (Italy), President of the ninth Review Conference on the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), noted that the Conference took place in an international context that hardly could have been more challenging. The First Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m., Wednesday, 18 October, to continue its thematic debate on weapons of mass destruction. In that vein, Germany’s delegate denounced the Russian Federation’s false allegations against Ukraine’s biological threat reduction projects as an abuse of the Conventions on Biological and Chemical weapons, as well as another futile attempt to justify its war of aggression.Īt the outset, the President of the ninth Review Conference on the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) briefed the Committee on its work. However, other speakers - such as the Czech Republic’s representative - questioned the credibility of this condemnation, stating that the Russian Federation continues to spread disinformation about the “Syrian chemical dossier” and an alleged “military-grade biological programme” in Ukraine. The Russian Federation’s delegate, speaking on behalf of a group of 14 States, condemned the use of chemical or biological weapons as repugnant to humankind’s conscience. All those responsible for their use must be held accountable. The risk of a nuclear war is not zero, and the assumption that it would be possible to contain the fallout is a “pipe dream”.Īs the Committee concluded its thematic debate on nuclear weapons and proceeded to discuss other weapons of mass destruction, several speakers reiterated that all such weapons - including biological and chemical weapons - must not be used by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstance and at any time. Two major nuclear Powers have suspended bilateral strategic dialogue and disagreements are increasing. The representative of Colombia echoed the deep concern about the fragile premise that nuclear defence and deterrence systems provide security. “We are on the brink of an abyss”, she said. Relying on deterrence for security only perpetuates a cycle of fear, where mutually assured destruction looms over the world community, he said. Their destructive power has fueled international tensions and created an uncertain, unsafe world. Nuclear weapons have no place in the modern world, and there is no justification for their proliferation, testing and stockpiling. Zambia’s speaker warned of a “probable risk” of nuclear war, as long as retention persists. Decisions made today will impact the planet left to future generations, she cautioned. Their sheer existence, capable of unimaginable harm to humanity and the planet, creates a temptation and risk of use. Nuclear weapons, the most inhumane and indiscriminate weapons ever created, remain a constant spectre of destruction, Namibia’s representative warned. Thematic Debate Begins on Other Mass Destruction Weaponsĭisarmament is not a lofty ideal, but a practical imperative, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today as it concluded its thematic debate on nuclear weapons and began debating other mass destruction weapons.
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