Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Chair.
I take the floor to explain New Zealand's vote on resolution L.66 on “Report of the Conference on Disarmament”. New Zealand abstained on this resolution.
As we are often reminded, the Conference on Disarmament is supposed to be the international community's primary multilateral disarmament negotiating forum. Yet its working methods – particularly the application of strict consensus, including on procedural matters – have created a situation in which the Conference has persistently failed for decades to do what it was established to do.
The continued abuse of consensus in the Conference has extended to blocking observer participation in the work of the Conference. New Zealand strongly disapproves of such actions. We are also of the view that Conference membership should be open to all States wishing to join.
Chair,
New Zealand supports substantive discussion within the Conference, including through subsidiary bodies. However, discussion cannot substitute indefinitely for negotiations and tangible outcomes.
Our abstention reflects our concern that the Conference is not fulfilling the role entrusted to it by the international community. At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, growing military competition and rising nuclear risks, its continued deadlock is increasingly difficult to understand, let alone justify. Members must demonstrate the political will and flexibility needed to overcome that deadlock, including by addressing the working methods that have allowed it to persist.
Thank you.