Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Chair.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand remain deeply concerned by the civilian suffering caused by armed conflict. From Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan and Myanmar, conventional weapons are destroying lives and essential services, while explosive remnants of war prevent communities from returning home.
As just one example, the Cluster Munition Monitor recorded more than 1,000 people killed or injured by cluster munitions in 2025. Eighty-seven per cent were civilians. These weapons continue to cause harm long after fighting has ended.
Chair, international humanitarian law, or IHL, provides the legal foundation for protecting people affected by armed conflict. All parties must comply with its rules, including those governing distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. Violations by one party do not release another from its obligations.
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Convention on Cluster Munitions and Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons give practical effect to this protection by prohibiting or restricting particular weapons. These Conventions have saved lives, enabled the destruction of stockpiles and helped communities reclaim contaminated land.
Recent withdrawals from humanitarian disarmament treaties risk weakening these achievements. Growing insecurity makes their protections more important. CANZ reaffirms its commitment to these instruments and urges States parties to implement their obligations fully, particularly during conflict. We urge universal adherence and call on all States to refrain from actions that undermine the norms these treaties establish.
The Arms Trade Treaty also has a vital role. Its implementation requires rigorous export risk assessments and compliance with its transfer prohibitions. Decisions must take account of the risk that arms could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL.
We call on all States to support the First Committee resolutions promoting these instruments.
We also encourage all States to endorse and implement the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, the Safe Schools Declaration, the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and to support and engage with the ICRC Global IHL initiative. These political commitments complement States’ existing legal obligations to guide policy and practice, helping to protect civilians, safeguard access to education and keep humanitarian personnel safe.
Implementation requires sustained investment, including in training armed forces to better understand their obligations under IHL, to prevent incidental loss of life and injury to civilians and ensure accountability for violations. It also requires support for mine clearance, risk education and victim assistance. Programmes must respond to the different needs of all persons, including persons with disabilities, and involve affected communities in their design.
Chair, protecting civilians requires consistently upholding and respecting international humanitarian law, as well as international human rights law, and sustaining support for those living with the consequences of conflict. That remains our shared responsibility.
Thank you.