Meeting of High Contracting Parties to the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons

New Zealand General Statement, delivered by H.E. Lucy Duncan, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva.

Thank you, Chair,

You have my delegation's full support.

New Zealand is pleased to welcome Trinidad and Tobago as the newest High Contracting Party to the CCW.

For New Zealand, the CCW has continued value in setting international rules on specific weapons, and providing a platform to exchange views, develop proposals.

We cannot avoid the fact that we are discussing an instrument of international humanitarian law at a time when civilians are suffering intolerably in several places around the world.

We reiterate that all CCW High-Contracting Parties must comply with their obligations under the CCW Protocols they are bound by. At a fundamental level, all parties to armed conflict are bound by the rules of international humanitarian law.

We take this opportunity to highlight the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. As conflicts waged in urban areas worsen and civilians are disproportionately impacted, we call on all States to join and give practical effect to this Declaration in their own policies and practices.

In addition, New Zealand seeks to highlight two specific aspects of the CCW's work.

First, on Protocol Three on incendiary weapons, we refer to the joint statement to be delivered by Ireland, and accompanying language proposal, which New Zealand is pleased to join again this year. It is essential that High-Contracting Parties can consider the implementation and universalisation of this Protocol at our Meetings. We encourage all delegations to join this statement, in support of the effective functioning of the CCW.

Second, on autonomous weapon systems and the GGE. We thank the Chair for his efforts throughout this year, and indeed this week, to build consensus and deliver on our mandate.

New Zealand again supported Austria's resolution on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, which gained broad support in the UNGA First Committee. The open informal consultations established by this resolution are complementary to the work of the GGE, and will add momentum and inclusivity to these efforts.

To close, as our Prime Minister said earlier this year: "The idea of universal rules, of doing the right thing, has long been at the core of New Zealand's national identity and the way that we act in the world." New Zealand will continue to demand respect for international law, especially international humanitarian law, as we remain committed to support for the rules and institutions that aim to lessen the suffering of those caught up in conflict.

We look forward to a productive set of meetings in the days ahead.

Thank you.

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