Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, President.
New Zealand extends its appreciation to you for your leadership. Throughout your tenure, the Philippines has ably guided our work. In particular, the Presidency’s efforts to create opportunities for dialogue and engagement in support of the Convention have been valuable.
I also take the opportunity to convey my delegation’s appreciation to the Implementation Support Unit and to civil society, particularly the team behind the Cluster Munition Monitor, for their tireless work.
New Zealand reaffirms its commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and to its humanitarian objectives. The Convention was founded on the basis that any military utility of cluster munitions was far outweighed by the pattern of harm they cause, a pattern extensively documented by the humanitarian demining community. Indeed, this propensity to cause harm means that it is difficult to use cluster munitions in compliance with international humanitarian law. A comprehensive rejection of this entire class of weapon reduces the risk of actions incompatible with IHL.
Over the past 17 years, the Convention has made a significant impact. Its implementation has saved lives and limbs, contributed to the clearance of land, supported survivors, and strengthened the international norm against the use of these unacceptable weapons.
While the norm remains strong, it is also under significant pressure. Only with the concerted efforts of all States Parties, in partnership with civil society and affected communities, can we respond to the pressures faced by the Convention and protect it.
New Zealand is deeply concerned by the new and continued use of cluster munitions in conflicts around the world.
These weapons continue to cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Research from the Monitor tells us that in 2024, 42% of recorded casualties from cluster munition remnants were children.
New Zealand unequivocally condemns the use of cluster munitions, by any actor, under any circumstances. We urge all states to cease the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of these weapons immediately.
We continue to deeply regret Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Convention. We urge Lithuania to reconsider its decision and call on all States Parties to remain resolute in upholding their CCM obligations. Withdrawals from humanitarian disarmament instruments threaten to undermine the protections the international rules-based system affords civilians.
In this context, we reaffirm our obligations under Article 21 and call on all States Parties to actively promote the norms and objectives of the Convention. We commend Vanuatu for acceding to the Convention, illustrating the Pacific region’s global leadership on disarmament.
While New Zealand is geographically distant from many current conflicts, we stand in solidarity with affected communities and remain committed to supporting advocacy, clearance, victim assistance, and risk education.
We warmly welcome the Lao People's Democratic Republic as President-designate of the Third Review Conference. As a country that experiences the long and devastating legacy of cluster munitions firsthand, Lao PDR brings a powerful voice and perspective to this important role. New Zealand affirms its support for Lao PDR, and stands ready to provide support and assistance.
President, in closing let us continue to work together to strengthen our Convention, uphold its humanitarian core, and consign cluster munitions to history.
Thank you.