Statement by Sweden in the General Debate.
Mr President,
We would like join others in warmly thanking you, your team, and the ATT Secretariat for the skilful and efficient way in which the Eight Conference of States Parties has been prepared. I can assure you of the full support from the Swedish delegation.
In addition to the statements delivered by the European Union, I would like to make the following brief remarks in a national capacity.
The Arms Trade Treaty is a key achievement for international peace and security. Its universalisation and full and effective implementation remain as important as ever. Since the seventh CSP, we have reached an even higher number of States Parties. We join others in welcoming the Philippines as the one hundred and eleventh State Party, and we call on others to follow their example. It remains crucial to continue our engagement with those who have not yet joined, not least with major exporters and importers.
Mr President,
Sweden wishes to thank and congratulate the chairs, co-chairs and facilitators of the working groups and sub-working groups, as well as the members of the Management Committee, who have worked hard and helped lay the ground for important progress. We also welcome the continued positive development with regard to the Voluntary Trust Fund and its management.
In the working groups and sub-working groups, ambitious multi-year work programmes have been developed. We are supportive of these, while also being mindful of the principle of national implementation. For Sweden, the focus on gender and gender-based violence also remains a priority in need of continued attention.
This CSP also marks the first meeting of the Diversion Information Exchange Forum, chaired by Mr. Alba Fernández of Mexico. We look forward to forthcoming discussions and cooperation in this new meeting format, which provides a valuable addition to our collective efforts to prevent diversion.
Mr President,
As a longstanding supporter of actors from civil society, we wish to acknowledge the active participation and valuable contributions of NGO:s in the ATT process, including by promoting effective implementation, transparency and universalisation of the Treaty. We also recognise the important contributions from industry representatives to our discussions in several areas, and we hope that this exchange will continue.
Lastly, Sweden would also like to add its voice to the States that have expressed their concern regarding the financial situation of the ATT. We reiterate the importance of all States Parties paying their contributions in full and on time, as this is fundamental for the stability and functioning of the Treaty and the ATT Secretariat. It is therefore crucial that all States Parties, signatories and observers respect the Financial Rules of the Treaty which have been agreed.
Thank you, Mr President.