Statement delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren.
President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
I am honored to address the Conference on Disarmament at this year's high-level segment. Sweden fully supports the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. I would like to offer the following national remarks.
The historic significance of the Conference on Disarmament is undeniable. Many of the milestones in international disarmament and non-proliferation sphere have been agreed upon right here, by our predecessors.
However, for almost three decades, the CD has not seen any major breakthroughs or even serious negotiations. Nor has it been able to reach consensus on updating the Rules of Procedure to make them gender-neutral and aligned with the 21st century. In addition, the consensus rule is abused and viewed as an absolute veto even on procedural issues, including related to observer states. These shortcomings are not inevitable or due to lack of effort, but rather a lack of political will.
It is up to us to break this cycle and allow the Conference to advance substantively. The credibility of the disarmament architecture and the Conference is at stake.
President,
The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains the cornerstone of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Sweden will continue to promote the full implementation of all NPT obligations, including Article 6. Concrete progress is needed more than ever to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.
Sweden wished for a more ambitious outcome of the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee last year. However, the adoption of the Chair’s Factual Summary and useful discussions on working methods are all welcome steps that can pave the way for concrete progress.
Reducing the risk of nuclear conflict is urgent and of utmost importance. Transparency, accountability, and other confidence-building measures can decrease tensions, increase trust, and dispel misconceptions, thus improving conditions for disarmament and complementing disarmament efforts. Sweden is part of a cross-regional effort aiming to bring this topic to the forefront with concrete suggestions to be presented at the upcoming NPT PrepCom. While risk reduction is in no way a substitute for disarmament, we must explore every avenue possible in reducing the risk of a nuclear weapons use.
Through the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament, Sweden, together with a cross-regional group of partners, continues to emphasize the necessity of further progress in disarmament. Stressing that disarmament commitments from earlier NPT review conferences remain valid and must be implemented, the Initiative has put forward proposals to mobilize political support and advance disarmament. The Initiative will continue its efforts and present further ideas to be explored in the lead up to next year’s NPT Review Conference.
We must not take the NPT for granted but instead harness the strength of our joint commitments and build on prior achievements during this 11th Review Cycle. The upcoming meeting of the Preparatory Committee later this spring is an opportunity we must seize.
President,
Almost exactly three years ago, Russia launched its illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. Sweden condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s brutal invasion and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Russia’s aggression is a flagrant violation of International Law, including the UN Charter, and its threats to use nuclear weapons are irresponsible and unacceptable. Targeting of civilians and civilian objects is, in complete disregard of International Humanitarian Law. We urge Russia to immediately cease all military activity in Ukraine and withdraw its troops from the entire territory.
President,
International peace and security are the responsibility of all states. Yet, Nuclear Weapons States bear a special responsibility for nuclear arms control and disarmament. We deeply regret Russia's suspension of its obligations under the New START Treaty, and call on Russia to reconsider its position. At the same time, we encourage continued US efforts to resume activities within New START and to launch negotiations on a new arms control framework. In this regard, we also encourage China to constructively engage in discussions on arms control.
The entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and the conclusion of negotiations of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty remain tasks for the international community to deliver on. Sweden urges all remaining annex 2 states to ratify the CTBT and condemns Russia's unprecedented decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT. Pending entry-into-force, existing moratoria on nuclear test explosions must be maintained. Additionally, pending an FMCT in force, we call on all concerned States, including China, to declare and uphold an immediate moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices. Later this year Sweden will take over the co-presidency of the CTBT Article XIV process, together with the Philippines, and we look forward to collaborating with all of you on the important task of entry into force of this landmark treaty.
President,
Outer space is a global common, to be used for the benefit of all. Sweden underlines the applicability of international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, to all activities in outer space in accordance with article III of the Outer Space Treaty. We continue to work with partners to reduce space threats and promote responsible behavior in space, both in multilateral settings and bilaterally. We welcome the establishment of an open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects and look forward to constructive discussions aimed at advancing measures that can enhance space security.
Our work on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation does not exist in a vacuum. Therefore, we must continue to engage the younger generation, stand up for gender equality, as well as the right of civil society to participate in our joint efforts without undue restrictions and make their voices heard.
In conclusion, in the deteriorating security environment we find ourselves today, we must be ambitious but realistic. It’s time for the CD to take its responsibility, show political will, and overcome the divide that has marked our work in the past years.
Thank you.
