1st Meeting, Preparatory Committee of the 7th Review Conference CCW

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, Uganda had the pleasure to serve as chair of the meeting of the High Contracting Parties in 2025. In this capacity, It is my honour to welcome all delegations and participants to this meeting and declare open the Preparatory Committee of the Seventh Review Conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, you should have before you the provisional agenda for the Preparatory Committee. which was issued as an official document under the symbol CCW stroke conf dot VI I stroke PC stroke one on 10th July 2026. We'll now turn to agenda item two. Election of the chairperson. The 2025 meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention decided to nominate a representative of the Group of the Non-Aligned Movement, NAM, as the President-designate of the Seventh Review Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention. As the Group of the NAM was not in the position to present a candidate, and in accordance with the established principle of geographical rotation of officeholder positions within the Convention, The Western European and Others Group, WEORG, was subsequently invited to nominate a candidate for the position of President-designate for the Review Conference. On 17 June 2026, the WEORG nominated Ambassador Julian Thoni, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, as President-designate of the Seventh Review Conference of the Convention. On 24 June 2026, this nomination was endorsed by the High Contracting Parties via written silence procedure. In line with this decision, I would like to invite the Preparatory Committee to confirm the election of Ambassador Julian Thorne as Chairperson of the Preparatory Committee of the Seventh Review Conference. May I take it that the Preparatory Committee wishes to proceed accordingly? It is so decided. I congratulate Ambassador Tony for his election as chairperson of the Preparatory Committee of the seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. I invite him to the podium to assume this important role. And wish him all the best in discharging his duties in guiding this committee towards a successful outcome. Très bien.

Excellences, distinguished delegates, colleagues. At the outset, I'd like to thank Ambassador Cafaro and President of the Meeting of High Contracting Parties for having opened this meeting and presiding over my election. It is a great honor for me and the country I represent to guide the work of the Preparatory Committee for the Seventh Review Conference to the CCW, which is a major important step for our joint work. I'm honored the trust that you have shown in me by giving me this responsibility, and I'll do everything I can to respond to your expectations. The Preparatory Committee plays a crucial role in the preparation of the Seventh Review Conference. Our objective is to review some organizational procedural questions and also have a first exchange of views on questions of substance in order to facilitate the work of the High Contracting Parties when they will meet in November at the Convention. Its protocols represent an essential framework to respond to humanitarian concerns related to the use of certain conventional weapons. The role it plays is especially crucial today, taking into account the evolution of the global security situation, and also important technological military developments, stress the importance to continue our open and constructive dialogue under the framework of the Convention in order to guarantee that we may continue to respond to current and future challenges. During this meeting, I intend to proceed with the first exchange of views on questions of substance and identify areas where additional work may be required. These discussions will relate both to the implementation of existing protocols and also future priorities in the work under the Convention, including questions related to emerging technologies in the area of laws. I encourage all delegations to participate in our discussions in a constructive and pragmatic manner in order to be able to better prepare the seventh review conference. We have quite a lot of work to do over the upcoming three days, and I urge all the High Contracting Parties to use this time in order to be able to work in the most effective manner. I count on your understanding and your cooperation in order to ensure the successful results of this meeting that may require compromise and certain flexibility, and I will do everything I can in order to ensure that our work is crowned with success. I'm convinced that thanks to our collective efforts, our responsibility, and the spirit of cooperation, we will achieve tangible progress in the preparation of the seventh review conference. I thank you all in advance for your cooperation. I wish all of us a productive meeting.

Before proceeding to the next agenda item, I would like to ask the Secretariat to play a video message addressed to the Preparatory Committee by the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates.

I am honored to address the Preparatory Committee of the.

Seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, CCW. Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to Ambassador Toni of Switzerland, Chair of the Preparatory Committee, for his leadership and dedication in guiding preparations for the review conference. The Seventh Review Conference comes at a critical moment for international peace and security. Around the world, armed conflicts continue to inflict profound human suffering, with civilians bearing the heaviest consequences. At the same time, rapid developments in science and technology are transforming how wars are fought and raising important questions regarding the application of international humanitarian law to evolving means and methods of warfare. Against this backdrop, the CCW remains a uniquely important instrument. For more than four decades, it has brought together states to address the humanitarian consequences of certain conventional weapons and to strengthen the application of international humanitarian law to emerging weapon systems. The Seventh Review Conference provides a critical opportunity to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Convention and its existing protocols, to review progress achieved and identify priorities for future work. In doing so, it helps ensure that the Convention remains responsive to new technological developments and capable of addressing current and future disarmament challenges. In this regard, the Preparatory Committee has an important role to play. Over the coming days, your task is to lay the foundations for a successful Review Conference.

This includes.

Addressing outstanding organizational and procedural issues so that the Conference itself can focus on substantive deliberations and decisions on the future direction of the Convention. Equally important is the opportunity to begin discussions on the key substantive issues that require attention at the Review Conference.

Among these.

Addressing emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems remains a pressing priority. Building on the important work of the Group of Governmental Experts over the past three years, I encourage you to engage with ambition and a sense of urgency, both this week and in the months ahead, and to demonstrate the political leadership needed to establish effective international guardrails.

The United Nations Secretary-General and the.

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross have jointly emphasized that the Review Conference offers the clearest path available for States to decide to move to negotiations on a legally binding instrument on laws.

I urge you to seize this opportunity. Distinguished delegates.

At a time when multilateralism is under considerable strain, the value of dialogue, compromise and collective action cannot be overstated. The strength of the CCW has always rested on the willingness of states to engage constructively, bridge differences and to seek solutions to complex humanitarian and security challenges. I encourage you to use this meeting to advance that spirit of cooperation and to prepare the ground for a productive and successful Seventh Review Conference. You can count on my full support and that of my office in the months ahead. I wish you productive discussions and every success in your work. Thank you very much for your attention.

So, on behalf of the High Contracting Parties to the CCW and all the participants in the meeting, I thank the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for her message of encouragement and support. Let us turn to item 3 of the provisional agenda titled "Adoption of the agenda of the Preparatory Committee". The draft of the provisional agenda for meeting was circulated on 30 June 2026 ahead of our first informal consultations, which took place on 8 July 2026. During these first consultations, High Contracting Parties broadly supported the suggested provisional agenda. The provisional agenda was then issued as document CCW/CONF.7/PC/1 on 10 July 2026. The document is available on the UNODA Meetings Place page of the Preparatory Committee meeting. The provisional agenda has been prepared with a view to reflecting the mandate of the Proprietary Committee and the established practice from previous review conference cycles. Allow me to briefly walk you through the agenda. As you are aware, the Committee has already completed the opening of the meeting under agenda item 1 and the election of the Chairperson under agenda item 2. We are now considering organizational arrangements of the Preparatory Committee, including the adoption of the agenda under agenda item 3, and the organization of its work under agenda item 4. This will include the adoption of the program of work, as well as the confirmation of the rules of procedures. As in previous review conference cycles, Agenda item 5 provides for a general exchange of views on expectations for the Review Conference. Under agenda item 6, the Preparatory Committee will consider the organizational arrangements for the Review Conference. Under agenda items 7 and 8, we will respectively address the preparation for Main Committee I and Main Committee II of the Review Conference. Delegations will be invited to share their views on key issues to be addressed by Main Committee I and on the future work on lethal autonomous weapons systems under the Convention in Main Committee II. Under agenda item 8, the Chair of the GG on Laws, His Excellency Mr. Robert van den Bosch, will be invited to present the final report of the Group and its works since 2024. Agenda item 9 will provide an opportunity to exchange views on the financial situation of the Convention, including a presentation by the Secretariat on the financial status of the Convention. Agenda item 10 will be devoted to any other business. Under agenda item 11, the Preparatory Committee will be invited to adopt its report to the seventh review conference. Finally, under agenda item 12, I will close this meeting. Before we adopt the agenda, is there any delegation wishing to take the floor at this stage? I now invite the group to adopt the agenda as contained in document CCW/CONF.7/PC/1. Thank you. The agenda is adopted. I now invite you to consider item 4 of the provisional agenda, titled Organization of the Work of the Preparatory Committee. As per established practice, we will first confirm the rules of procedure previously adopted by the Sixth Review Conference, which are contained in document CCW/CONF.5/4. The rules of procedure can be found on the webpage of this meeting. It is understood that certain rules, such as the submission of credentials, are not applicable to the work of the Preparatory Committee, and therefore propose that Rules of Procedure be applied mutatis mutandis, taking into account the nature and mandate of the Preparatory Committee. With this in mind, I now invite the Preparatory Committee to confirm the Rules of Procedure contained in document CCW/CONF. 5/4, with the understanding that in conducting our work, I will ensure the discussions remain focused on the matter before the committee. I recognize the distinguished representative or delegate of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.

Distinguished President, I'd like to congratulate you on your nomination to this post and wish you full success in your work. The Russian Federation expresses its readiness to provide you with necessary assistance during the work of the Preparatory Committee and also other work related to the preparation of the Seventh Review Conference. The key condition for the successful holding of the Preparatory Committee and the Seventh Review Conference in general is to ensure that they work in a constructive and non-politicized manner. We find it unacceptable when those non-governmental entities that are able to participate are meeting, participating as observers, are involved in accusatory, politicized statements against States Parties, especially since such accusations are far-fetched. We would like to prevent the repetition of the sad example when such abuse of prerogatives was carried out by observer States and observers. We saw that in 2022, 2023. We also saw attempts to politicize our discussion, to use the opportunity to participate in this forum, not to present any constructive suggestions for the work of States Parties, but rather to undermine the work. And we find that that is not what observers should be doing and does not contribute to strengthening the Convention. In this connection, we would like to once again draw the attention of delegations to the questions related to the implementation of chapter 10 of the Rules of Procedure related to the participation of non-governmental entities, including regional entities. This is a question that has been discussed in detail since 2023 during the meetings of States Parties to the Convention and also during annual meetings related to AP II and Protocol V. But despite all of the efforts of participants and the efforts of the Bureau, decisions that would satisfy everyone and would help us resolve the situation is something that has yet to be found. We also would like to point out specifically the relevant work that was carried out by the chairman of the annual conference of states parties to AP2 and the constructive proposal that was made as a possible solution to resolve this question. A question that unfortunately was not received, well, especially by countries of the European Union. Well, this means that the question is still a timely one and requires States Parties to take decisive action in order to overcome the current situation. And we reaffirm once again that the position of the Russian Federation on this question has not changed. We believe that Chapter 10 of the Rules of Procedure does not by default give non-governmental entities any automatic possibility to take the floor during plenary sessions during events related to the CCW. Moreover, any activities of such organizations as observers, including in terms of submitting working documents, should be strictly limited to the field of their competence and be aimed at introducing a constructive and positive contribution to the work of States Parties and not to politicize our discussions. The Russian Federation overall is not against the participation of non-governmental entities in the work of the different forum under the CCW, especially those that relate to technical questions. In particular, we are not against the participation of non-governmental entities in the work of this preparatory committee. We believe that, in light of the very technical nature of this meeting, their expertise may contribute to the preparation of the seventh review conference. Taking into account what I just said and the technical nature of the work of the Preparatory Committee, we are ready to confirm the Rules of Procedure with the understanding that non-governmental entities that are referred to in chapter 10 of the Rules of Procedure can participate in the meetings of this forum, introduce working documents, and take the floor only on questions that they specialize in and in a non-politicized manner, and not making any accusations against states parties. This relates both to working documents, but also to the statements they make during plenary sessions. If such an approach is ignored, the decision on the confirmation of the rules of procedure will be null and void, and this question will require additional consideration by the preparatory committee. In all of that, this understanding does not create any precedence for any future work under the Convention and is related purely to the specific nature of this preparatory committee. This solution will only apply to this session of the Committee and will not create any precedence for any future events related to the CCW. At the same time, we do hope that the search for the optimal solution related to the implementation of Chapter 10 of the Rules of Procedure will be continued by States Parties as part of the work of this Preparatory Committee, but also on the sidelines of the Committee and during the period of time remaining until the seventh review conference in order to be fully prepared for the seventh review conference without any outstanding issues, including questions related to procedure. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I take note of the remarks made by the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. And let me assure him that I intend to chair this meeting with a clear eye on having a substantial debate on the matters before the Preparatory Committee and exercising the powers conferred upon me under the Rules of Procedure while upholding the rights of delegations. So may I take it that the Committee wishes to confirm the Rules of Procedures? I see no objections. It is so decided. Thank you. I would now like to call your attention to the adoption of the programme of work. Like the provisional agenda, the draft provisional programme of work was circulated on 30 June 2026 ahead of the first informal consultations, which took place on 8 July 2026. During these first consultations, high contracting parties supported the suggested provisional programme of work. I would like to indicate that this provisional programme of work is indicative and that I will work on the basis of a rolling agenda. Once the discussion under an agenda item is exhausted, I will move to the next agenda item, even if it was initially planned to be discussed the next day. I therefore encourage delegations to be prepared to discuss all agenda items. The provisional programme of work was issued as document CCW/CONF.7/PC/2 on 10 July 2026. The document is also available on the UNODA Meetings Place page of the preparatory committee meeting. The provisional programme of work seeks to provide sufficient time for delegations to address both organizational matters and substantive preparations for the Seventh Review Conference, including dedicated discussions relating to the work of Main Committee I and Main Committee II. It also includes annotations intended to facilitate consideration of the various agenda items. With this introduction and explanation, may I take it that the Committee adopts the programme of work? I see the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, distinguished Chair. The Russian Federation overall does not have any objections related to the draft programme of work that you just presented to us, Chair, and we are ready to agree with the proposed draft. Now, with that, we would like to ask you, distinguished Chairperson, in the context of the organization of the work of this Preparatory Committee, to ensure that statements can be made on different agenda items first to States Parties to the Convention, and only after that to give the opportunity for statements by observer organizations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, and this is the practice that has been established for a long time. Thank you. I see no objection. It is so decided. Thank you. I will now briefly go over the main aspects of the organization of the work of the Preparatory Committee for the three days ahead. I wish to remind delegations that the meeting is being broadcasted live on UN Web TV, which allows viewers to follow the proceedings remotely in all six UN official languages. The link to the live broadcast has been made available on the webpage of the Preparatory Committee meeting on UNODA Meetings Place. The video recording will also be available on the website of UN Web TV shortly after the meeting's end. All relevant information on the session and relevant documents, including working papers and conference room papers, will also be shared on the UNODA Meetings Place webpage of the Preparatory Committee meeting. Please note that statements will be posted on the meeting webpage only if they have been submitted to the CCW ISU. Therefore, if your delegation wishes to have its intervention made available online, kindly submit it to ccw@un.org. I would also like to remind delegations to send all their prepared statements to speeches@un.org prior to their delivery, as this will be important for the crucial work of the interpretation services. May I also request that speakers maintain a measured pace to facilitate accurate interpretation. Additionally, a fully automated speech-to-text fast service will be provided. so that text of the proceedings can be found on Indico following the conclusion of the meeting each day. This is a machine-generated text and does not constitute an official record of the meeting, nor is it checked for accuracy by the Secretariat. Regarding Rule 24 of the Rules of Procedure, on the right of reply, I would also like to inform delegations at the outset that given the time constraints we are facing, I will limit the rights of reply to two minutes each and to a total of maximum three per delegation. To further facilitate our work, rights of reply will be heard at the end of each morning and afternoon session. Let's now turn to agenda item 5. This takes us to.

Item 5 on the agenda, which is the exchange of general views. As indicated in the programme of work of the Preparatory Committee, delegations are invited to limit their statements to five minutes. I will have to interrupt statements that exceed that time limit. Given the considerable workload ahead of us and the very short time we have for this meeting, I would like to thank you ahead of time for your cooperation. Given that this is a preparatory meeting for the Review Conference, I would like to invite delegations to focus their statements on organizational, administrative, and procedural points that we must address during these days, as well as their expectations regarding the Seventh Review Conference and the results that they wish to achieve on that occasion. With that, I would now like to give the floor to delegations wishing to speak during this general exchange of views. the distinguished delegate of China has the floor, to be followed by Sri Lanka and France. Delegate of China, you have the floor.

Mr. President, my delegation would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the meeting. You can count on our commitment to advancing the preparation of the RevCon of CCW, along with other delegations.

Mr. President.

The current international security situation remains complex and challenging, along with escalating geopolitical tensions and excessive accumulation, indiscriminate use, and irresponsible transfer of conventional weapons, causing further regional tensions and causing rise to international humanitarian crisis. New and emerging technologies such as AIs are gaining rapid development and are being used extensively in military fields.

This may change.

The, as a important legal instrument in the field of conventional arms control, CCW is playing a irreplaceable role in addressing the humanitarian concerns caused by indiscriminate use of conventional weapons It also offers an important platform to regulate the military use of new and emerging technologies. 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of the Convention's opening for signature. We are about to hold a seventh review conference. We support using this occasion to comprehensively review the implementation of the Convention, assess its applicability to the current situation and its future orientation so as to jointly increase its universality and effectiveness, and to create a favorable international environment for conventional arms control. Mr. President, last September, China advanced global governance initiative to promote a more equitable and reasonable international governance system in order to meet effectively global challenges. This initiative will also guide us in our efforts to work with all delegations to implement the initiative, and we'd like to make the following proposals for the Seventh Review Conference preparation. Firstly, we should adhere to multilateralism based on dialogue and exchanges. CCW covers many issues and has to deal with different security concerns and regional diversities. As such, it is quite difficult to handle. All countries should seek joint consultation, joint efforts, and SHARE seeks to share benefits in order to appropriately consider the various issues linked to this convention and fully consider the diversity of regions and countries. We support equal participation of all countries in the discussions, especially by enhancing coordination and information exchange in policies and law enforcement, and enhance capacity building. Secondly, we should encourage international rule of law and improve international rules. We support strengthening the role and the responsibilities of states in addressing in a balanced way.

Security concerns and humanitarian concerns.

On that basis, we should increase the abilities of countries to control the various sectors and segments of the conventional weapons while encouraging those countries which have not done so to join the convention as soon as possible. At the same time, we are in favor of regulating setting up new rules to regulate new and emerging technologies. We hope that based on the report of the GGE on laws, we will reach a commonly acceptable plan of work for the next stage of its work. Thirdly, we must emphasize on action-oriented international cooperation. We support international exchanges and cooperation and the combination of North and South cooperation and South-South cooperation in order to enhance the effectiveness of international cooperation, including demining assistance, and encourage developed countries to expand their international assistance by exploring innovative and wider sources of financing as a way to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation, including demining. At the same time, we would like to encourage developing countries, especially those mine-affected countries, to enhance the capacity building for autonomous action and to ensure the sustainability of mine actions. Mr. President, China is ready to work with all delegations to make a positive contribution to address the humanitarian concerns caused by indiscriminate use of conventional weapons and regulate new and emerging technologies, so as to jointly usher in a world full of security for all.

Thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished delegate of China, and especially for speaking within the five minutes. and now I'd like to give the floor to the representative of Sri Lanka you have the floor.

Thank you Mr. chair at the outset Sri Lanka warmly congratulates his Excellency Julian Tony permanent representative of Switzerland to the conference on disarmament on assumption of chairmanship of this preparatory committee as well as the seventh review conference we are full confident in your leadership as We lay foundation for a successful seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons in November this year. You may be assured of Sri Lanka's constructive cooperation and engagement throughout this session. Mr. Chair, the seventh review conference of the CCW arrives at a pivotal juncture in global security. We are witnessing rapid advancements in military technology alongside escalating conflicts that severely impact on civilian populations and civilian infrastructure. In this context, the CCW remains an indispensable legal instrument to prohibit and restrict the use of specific weapons that cause excessive injury or have discriminatory effects. Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law and humanitarian disarmament. We emphasize that all weapons, regardless of their technological sophistication, must strictly comply with the core principles of IHL, including distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack. Mr. Chair, turn into lethal autonomous weapon systems. Sri Lanka wishes to reiterate its consistent position that human judgment and control is essential throughout the life cycle of such systems to maintain the legal, ethical, and operational integrity and to ensure compliance with IHL. Machines must never be delegated the authority to execute life and death decisions without human intervention. We take note of the multi-year discussions conducted within the Group of Government Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems and its report adopted last Friday. Sri Lanka strongly advocates for the seventh review conference to establish an explicit negotiating mandate for a legally binding instrument on lethal autonomous weapon systems. Such instruments should strictly prohibit autonomous weapon systems that operate outside human control or those that target human beings directly and which do not comply with the IHL. Mr. Chair, to ensure that the upcoming seventh review conference achieves meaningful outcome rather than procedural stagnation, Sri Lanka would like to make the following constructive proposals. The review conference must move beyond generic exploratory work program and adopt clear time-bound negotiating mandates, particularly regarding lethal autonomous weapons system. Two, while consensus is important, we believe that it should not be an obstacle to achieve progress. We urge high contracting parties to exercise flexibility, mutual understanding, compromise to ensure procedural rules facilitates progress. Three, we emphasize the focus on strengthening international assistance, technology transfer and capacity building under amended Protocol II and Protocol V to assist affected States in demining, clearance of unexploded ordnance and victim assistance. Four, it would be vital to introduce formal annual review checkpoints during the 2026-31 period to monitor progress of the Convention and its Protocols and mechanisms to monitor emerging military applications of artificial intelligence. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, the Seventh Review Conference offers a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the human element in disarmament and demonstrate that international law can effectively adapt to modern security challenges. Sri Lanka stands ready to work alongside you and all High Contracting Parties to deliver a forward-looking outcome. Thank you very much.

I would like to thank the distinguished Ambassador, delegate of Sri Lanka, and now I'd like to give the floor to France. You have the floor, Ambassador.

Sir, allow me, first of all, to congratulate you on your appointment and to thank you for having agreed to chair the seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. I would like to warmly commend the preparatory work, which was both transparent and inclusive, conducted by you. I would also like to pledge my delegation's full confidence and support as you carry out your duties. France is fully committed within the CCW, which is an essential instrument of international humanitarian law. It provides a unique framework An evolving framework which allows us to address various concerns, both humanitarian and security-related. Also, an inclusive framework which brings together complementary military, legal, humanitarian expertise to address the issues that arise. The review conference will provide guidelines for our work for the next five years. My delegation wishes to emphasize three priorities. First, the regulation of lethal autonomous weapons systems. We are particularly proud that the group of government experts has fulfilled its mandate. Early Saturday morning, we agreed on a substantive report, which included a set of elements for an instrument. This was no easy task. But the efforts made by delegations over the past three years paid off. Now we have a solid foundation upon which we can continue our work. We therefore hope that the review conference will be able to endorse the report containing the set of elements for an instrument and then adopt a new mandate to discuss a future instrument. Our second priority is combating improvised explosive devices, IEDs. These weapons continue to pose a threat. Every year, they cause a growing number of casualties, very often civilians. They are quite often an obstacle to peace and development and are increasingly sophisticated. Our efforts to counter them must therefore constantly evolve and adapt. The work of the Group of Experts on IEDs under the amended protocol therefore remains particularly relevant. It enables substantive exchanges on states' best practices in areas such as detection, disposal, and assistance to victims. These exchanges must continue and evolve. Our, we have two ambitions for the review conference with regard to IEDs. At the political level, to continue highlighting the issue of IEDs. And at the technical level, to advance the work of the group of experts. Finally, our third priority is the universalization of the convention. Our convention should benefit as many states as possible. In order to encourage states to join it, our advocacy efforts can emphasize both dimensions of the convention as a treaty of international maritime law and as a framework for discussion. As a treaty, the implementation of the convention's protocols protects civilian populations. And as a framework for discussion, the group of experts give all delegations a voice. enabling them to exchange best practices and participate in the development of new regulations. France will continue to support efforts for the universalization of the Convention. Sir, France will support you in your work and wishes you every success. Thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished delegate of France, the Ambassador. And now I would like to give the floor to the Russian Federation, followed by the United States of America, and then by New Zealand. The distinguished representative of the Russian Federation has the floor.

Distinguished Chair, we're grateful to you for the efforts you're taking to prepare the seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, and the Russian Federation is ready to provide you with all the necessary assistance in order to ensure the successful preparation of the upcoming event. We're grateful to you for preparing a balanced agenda and program of work of the seventh review conference, and also a substantive contribution to its final declaration. We pay special importance to a result-oriented conference, and we do hope that States Parties will be able to achieve mutually acceptable and effective agreements on all questions on the agenda. A key condition for successful holding of the Review Conference is ensuring a constructive and non-politicized functioning of the meeting. The Russian Federation reaffirms its full commitment to the obligations under the convention, and we're in favor for full compliance of the convention by all states parties, compliance with all of the provisions of the convention and its protocols, and we call for their universalization. We're convinced that the CCW is one of the most important instruments of international humanitarian law. On this platform, we can ensure a reasonable balance between humanitarian concerns and the legitimate defense interests of national security of States Parties on the basis of decisions that will be taken by consensus. Supporting such a balance is especially timely and necessary in light of the growing attempts by certain countries and representatives of civil society to use humanitarian concerns very often invented ones, as an imperative for introducing prohibitions and restrictions on specific types of weapon systems. the regime of the CCW in practice has confirmed in practice to respond to humanitarian concerns and the high level of adaptability to the ever-changing conditions of military operations. We believe that the resolution of problems related to the use of conventional weapons lies purely in full compliance with the existing provisions of the CCW and the relevant protocols, and also international humanitarian law. In general, we urge all States Parties to fully comply with their financial obligations under the conventions and make their contributions in a timely fashion and fully. We are in favor of giving priority to financing the contracts of staff of the Implementation Support Unit. We're ready to continue the discussion of separate questions related to new technologies or emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapon systems. Overall, distinguished Chair, the Russian Federation counts on a successful preparation and holding of the seventh review conference of the CCW, and we will contribute to it in every possible way and help you in your work. Thank you.

I would like to thank.

The distinguished representative of the Russian Federation and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, and good morning, colleagues. I would like to start by congratulating you, Ambassador Tony, on your endorsement as president-designate of the Seventh Review Conference and your election as chair of the Preparatory Committee. We greatly appreciate you taking on these vital roles, and we have every confidence in your leadership. And we assure you of our support as we work toward a successful review conference between now and November. We also want to thank the CCW Implementation Support Unit for all of their work in preparation of this meeting, as well as the support they will be giving us this week, particularly with this meeting coming right on the heels of the Law's GGE session last week. Turning to the laws GGE, I join others in welcoming our collective success in achieving a consensus and significantly substantive GGE report early Saturday morning. We not only delivered on our mandate, but also did so in a way that reflects important advancements in our collective thinking about how existing international humanitarian law applies to emerging technologies in the area of laws. The GGE success was not a foregone conclusion. The issues are complicated, and finding common ground, given the range of high contracting party positions on and understandings of the issues, has proved challenging. But our success demonstrates the value of multilateral discussions of laws in the CCW process. It is in the CCW that we have the legal, military, technical, and policy expertise, and all of the key countries that are needed to further our common understandings on this important issue. International organizations, the ICRC, and civil society representatives actively participate in discussions, bringing important perspectives and enriching our deliberations. The CCW remains, in our view, the best and most credible forum for continuing to advance international efforts on laws. But the GGE's success last week was not due solely to the efforts of the high contracting parties. It was also due in large part to the tremendous leadership of Ambassador Robert Indenbosch of the Netherlands, and we want to thank him for his years of service at the helm of this important process and look forward to his presentation of the GGE's work tomorrow. Chair, the United States remains committed to a financially sound and well-functioning CCW. We commend the important progress made through the 2021 financial reforms, and we look forward to a full update on their implementation ahead of the seventh review conference. Sound financial stewardship is a shared responsibility of all high contracting parties, not the burden of a few. The United States encourages all high contracting parties to support UNODA's continued efforts to strengthen implementation of the Convention's financial rules and welcomes further informal consultations to clarify roles, improve transparency, and ensure the CCW's institutional processes operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a member of all five protocols, the United States looks forward to engaging with all high contracting parties on ways to promote implementation and universalization of the CCW and its protocols this week and during the seventh review conference in November. The United States underscores the value of the CCW as an important forum with a common goal of addressing humanitarian concerns in armed conflict, including the post-conflict clearing of explosive remnants of war, such as unexploited artillery shells, mortars, and abandoned munitions. We remain the world's largest supporter of conventional weapons reconstruction. Last year, we provided over $385 million towards this effort. So, Chair, as we turn to this week, we are focused on ensuring a successful review conference. For us, that means adopting a new mandate that carries forward and builds upon the successful outcome of the laws GGE. In this respect, we are grateful to Ambassador Salcedo of Peru for volunteering to chair Main Committee II. and we welcome the high contracting party's endorsement of him for that role. We know he will ably guide us in that challenging work. Chair, we look forward to hearing from all of you on how we envision that mandate and the future work of the CCW in general.

Thank you.

I'd like to thank the distinguished delegate of the United States of America for his statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. New Zealand would like to make brief remarks on three issues: autonomous weapons systems, incendiary weapons, and mines other than anti-personnel mines. On autonomous weapons systems, New Zealand considers the seventh review conference an important crossroads for advancing multilateral efforts to address the legal, ethical, security, technological and humanitarian challenges that these weapons pose. The international community has discussed this issue for more than a decade, and we can see the development and use of autonomous weapons accelerating. It is now high time to move from deliberation towards the negotiation of an effective, binding regulatory framework on autonomous weapons systems. We were encouraged by the group's discussions during the last expert session under the current mandate, and thank the chair for his leadership in facilitating those exchanges over the past three years and guiding us to a consensus outcome. It is important that we build on the foundations that the agreed set of elements have established, and ensure that the outcome of the review conference moves us forward in a meaningful way towards specific rules on autonomous weapons systems, in view of their characteristics and the challenges they pose for ensuring IHL can be upheld. Turning to incendiary weapons, New Zealand continues to regard Protocol III as an important component of the Convention. We remain concerned that dedicated discussions on this issue have been stymied in recent years, despite evidence of their use in conflicts. Given the ongoing reports of use of these weapons and the devastating effects they can have on civilians and civilian objects, we believe there is a clear case for sustained attention to the implementation and universalization of Protocol III. New Zealand condemns any use of incendiary weapons against civilians or civilian objects and any use inconsistent with international humanitarian law, including the obligations contained in Protocol III. We strongly support efforts to promote universal adherence to the Protocol and its full implementation. As we prepare for the Seventh Review Conference, we encourage States Parties to consider how the Convention can better address the humanitarian concerns associated with these weapons and reaffirm our collective commitment to the objectives of the protocol. Mines other than anti-personnel mines continue to have significant humanitarian consequences, including civilian casualties and causing restrictions on freedom of movement and impeding humanitarian access, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in various conflict and post-conflict environments. We recognise that states hold differing views regarding the military utility of these types of mines. At the same time, the continuing humanitarian impact of these weapons demonstrates the importance of sustained consideration within the CCW framework. New Zealand believes there is value in exploring practical ways to reduce the risks posed to civilians while taking account of legitimate security and military considerations. This is unfinished business from two decades ago, when the CCW last considered proposals for a protocol. We therefore support continued dialogue on measures that can mitigate humanitarian harm and improve responsible practice in the use of these weapons. Finally, Chair, New Zealand looks forward to working constructively with all High Contracting Parties throughout the preparatory process and at the Seventh Review Conference itself. Ensuring that the Convention remains relevant and responsive to contemporary challenges is a shared responsibility. We stand ready to engage pragmatically and constructively in that effort. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished.

Representative of New Zealand, and now I give the floor to Austria, to be followed by Japan and Germany. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Mr. President. We fully align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. At the outset, let me congratulate you upon your appointment as President of the upcoming Review Conference and assure you of Austria's fullest support in your tasks ahead. The Convention and its protocols are a key pillar of the disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation architecture, as well as for international humanitarian law, and therefore deserves our full support and care. The CCW is a highly important platform for dialogue, deliberations and negotiations in the sphere of multilateral disarmament. It is an instrument firmly rooted in the humanitarian spirit strongly present here in Geneva. a spirit that needs to be revived and strengthened. At the pace of technological progress we currently face, it should be clear to everyone that such a forward-looking instrument is not only urgently needed, but requires sharpening. Austria is fully committed to the CCW and all its protocols. The current review process is a crucial opportunity to strengthen the implementation, as well as to highlight the CCW's relevance in the context of IHL. We are determined to promote its universalization and call on all States not yet parties to the Convention to adhere to the Convention and its five protocols in the shortest possible time. Universalization is a shared obligation of all high contracting parties. In our view, the review conference should be used to discuss concrete measures in this regard. Mr. President, as one of our priorities for the work under the CCW, we need to reaffirm the importance of Protocol III and its provisions. The impact of incendiary weapons and the suffering and unacceptable humanitarian consequences inflicted by them are of utmost concern to us. It is our firm belief that the implementation of Protocol III should remain under firm review. In order to ensure a structured debate on the protocol, it is important to reestablish a dedicated agenda item and the allocation of sufficient meeting time. In the course of our discussions, we support the deliberations of forward-looking and creative solutions to strengthen the implementation of this protocol and its universalization. It will come as no surprise that we want to put a particular focus on the outcome of the GG laws achieved last week. It is vital for our efforts' credibility that the set of elements agreed by consensus now serves as a basis for negotiations. We still have the unique opportunity to take action and prevent unintended consequences by adopting a negotiation mandate at the review conference to draw the line between the acceptable and the unacceptable. For Austria, this is a legal, ethical, and moral imperative. I would like to echo other delegations or actually, I would like to talk about the Moutappen. Austria shares concerns with others about the humanitarian impact and reiterates its support for continued and deepened work on this issue within the CCW. Austria in 2025 presented a working paper to the meeting of high contracting parties concerning other emerging issues and technologies not yet discussed in the framework of our convention. The Convention plays a key role in monitoring ongoing and new developments in weapons, means and methods of warfare that may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects, as acknowledged in the 2016 RefCon outcome document. The Convention also has to ensure its continued relevance and integrity with regard to new developments in science and technology. In this vein, Austria would encourage continued work under the Convention to achieve a better understanding among High Contracting Parties on current, future and future trends and developments, and intends to submit a working paper on this issue for the Review Conference. Finally, we support all efforts to secure a more stable financial footing of the Convention. Financial obligations cannot be neglected, but at the same time, we need to stress that the administrative and procedural side of the Convention should not overburden the agenda of the Review Conference. and leave us sufficient time to address substantive issues under the Convention. I thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of Austria. Now I give the floor to the Ambassador of Japan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to start by congratulating you, Ambassador Tony, on your election and expressing our sincere appreciation to you and the Secretariat for the dedicated efforts in preparing for the Preparatory Committee and the Review Conference. You have my delegation's full support. The CCW Review Conference will provide a valuable opportunity to share the good practices of high contracting parties over the past five years and to consider further steps to strengthen the implementation of the Convention. Japan attaches great importance to the CCW as a multilateral framework for addressing regulations, restrictions and prohibitions concerning certain conventional weapons. It allows us to consider these issues from a broad perspective, taking into account technological, military and security aspects. Japan will continue to contribute actively to the universalization of the CCW, as well as to the development and effective implementation of international rules through the convention. One of the key issues before the upcoming review conference is lethal autonomous weapons systems. Japan attaches particular importance to developing norms that are both universal and effective. We highly appreciate the adoption of the report at the GGE session last week, reflecting the discussions over the past three years. Its adoption sends a clear message to the international community on the determination and the common understanding among states on this matter. We highly commend Ambassador Inden Bosch, the chair of last GGE, for his leadership, tactful conduct of the discussions and tenacity at the last phase, all indispensable for successfully bringing us to this remarkable outcome. The debates on laws are, by their very nature, complex and wide-ranging. The intensive discussions within the GGE have contributed to foster common understanding among states. It is important to recognize that states have been able to identify many areas of convergence despite diverse national positions. Building on this progress, it is essential that we continue our discussions within the CCW, with its 128 high contracting parties, including major players. Through this process, we should further our common understanding of laws and work towards rules that can command consensus. This will help ensure the effectiveness of such rules and to strengthen the universal implementation of international humanitarian law. Japan therefore considers it essential to continue substantive discussions on laws under the CCW framework. We strongly hope that the upcoming review conference can form a common ground to enable the GGE to advance its work based on its achievements to date. Japan will spare no effort towards formulating universal rules on roads and support the Chair in this endeavor. Implementation of the existing protocols is equally important. Japan has long supported international efforts in mind action as one of major donors. We will continue to contribute to efforts to promote the implementation of AP2 as well as relevant international frameworks, in particular the APMBC and CCM. Japan strongly encourages all high contracting parties to fulfill their financial obligations under the Convention. We also attach importance to ensuring transparency in budget preparation, collection of contributions and financial reporting. We look forward to constructive discussions on the Convention's future financial provisions. In closing, we look forward to constructive and substantive discussions at the upcoming review conference and express our commitment to contributing to its successful outcome.

Thank you.

I thank the Ambassador of Japan. And now I give the floor to Germany. The Ambassador of Germany. You have the floor.

Dear colleagues, first of all, Germany would like to thank Switzerland and you, Mr. President-designate, Ambassador Julien Tourney, for your leadership and for taking over the presidency of the seventh review conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Switzerland's readiness to assume this important responsibility underscores once more Switzerland's important role as a strong supporter of disarmament and arms control. Germany would like to assure you of our fullest cooperation and support in your work. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank all those countries who are taking over the responsibility to chair meetings in the framework of the Convention. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. Please allow me to add some additional remarks in our national capacity. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its protocols are a shared commitment to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict. These instruments are built on the conviction that even in war, there must be limits. With a view to the multitude of wars and armed conflicts today, the CCW and its protocols, together with the Convention on Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, remain indispensable pillars of the international humanitarian arms control architecture. Meetings of States Parties and this Review Conference in particular provide an essential forum for addressing the devastating humanitarian impact of armed conflict on civilians, including through the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons. Germany therefore emphasizes the importance of ensuring a focused and successful Review Conference, with priority given to its substantive work over procedural questions. Germany calls upon all States to fully comply with their obligations under the CCW and international humanitarian law, and remains firmly committed to strengthening the CCW and encourages all High Contracting Parties to actively engage in its framework, including in the Meeting of the High Contracting Parties and at this year's Review Conference. To facilitate the participation of states with limited financial resources, Germany has contributed 50,000 euro to the CCW sponsorship program this year. Inclusive participation is essential for the effectiveness and universality of the CCW, and we remain committed to ensuring that all voices can be heard. Mr. President-designate, Germany thanks the Implementation Support Unit for its most valuable support in advancing the implementation of the CCW and in assisting the Presidency. The full timely payment of annual contributions by the High Contracting Parties is indispensable for the work of the Implementation Support Unit and to the effective functioning of the Convention and its Protocols. Germany therefore calls upon all High Contracting Parties to pay their contributions regularly and in a timely manner. Germany would like to express its sincere appreciation to all delegations actively contributing to the work of the Convention, as well to those that supported us in the role as WIIOG coordinator. Mr. President-designate, the CCW provides a crucial forum for addressing emerging challenges to international humanitarian law, including those arising from technological developments. Therefore, Germany highly values the excellent work accomplished by the Group of Governmental Experts on Laws. We commend the GGE's chairperson, Ambassador Innenbusch, for his effective leadership and thank him and his team for their tireless efforts and their substantive contributions, which have significantly helped to move this discussion forward. We thank the chair, his team, and the ISU for the tireless work in the GGE Laws. particularly last week, and congratulate CCW and its high contracting parties for the consensus accomplished over the report of the GGE laws. We think its positive outcome sends the right signal at what high contracting parties just called, what the high representative Nakamitsu just called extremely difficult and challenging times. We are looking very much forward to moving on in this very important matter in the positive spirit of multilateralism, finding consensus on matters of common and mutual interest in a very complex issue. Mr. President-designate, Germany remains fully committed to the CCW and to the success of the Review Conference. We call upon all high contracting parties to engage constructively and in the spirit of cooperation throughout the CCW process. Thank you, Mr. President-designate.

Thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of Germany. Now I give the floor to the following delegations: first, Panama, then Peru, and the State of Palestine. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you, Chair. On behalf of my delegation, I'd like to congratulate you on your nomination. You can count on our support in order to ensure that our exchanges over the next three days will be fruitful. Panama recognizes that the CCW and its protocols represent a dynamic legal framework for the protection of civilians and the environment against the effects of weapons used in armed conflicts. Nevertheless, we're concerned with the impasse that has characterized the work of this forum during this review cycle, caused by polarization, the reinterpretation of the rules of procedure and the instrumentalization of consensus as a power of a veto. This is why I believe that the seventh review conference gives us the appropriate opportunity to overcome these obstacles and respond to the most important challenges that face the international community in order to prove new protocols for the before the related to development of new weapons in the spirit would like to share the following considerations the only adequate and timely response to deal with the humanitarian ethical and legal concerns related to the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems is through the adoption of Protocol 6 of the CCW that includes prohibitions and relevant restrictions in line with the joint appeal of the UN Secretary-General and President of the ICRC. It is inadmissible that more than 10 years of discussions have not led to the beginning of negotiations on this instrument due to the lack of political will of certain high contracting parties. The current situation demands that we move from words to action. In times of reduced budgets, we have to ensure in an urgent way the rationalization of the use of resources devoted to the GGE. Also, we have to look at other possible instruments that are provided to us by the CCW, for example, Article 8, as has been stated in paragraph 13.8 of the working document presented by Belgium, France, Germany and Singapore, technological advances that we're seeing today are not limited to autonomy of systems. And this is why, during our future meetings, we have to have a separate agenda item where we can look at other progress in the area of science and technology that are relevant to CCW and its protocols in order to anticipate risks related to these developments and guarantee that we can be step in step with the evolution of the way hostilities are conducted. Among these key technologies that we have to take look at is nanotechnologies, quantum technologies, directed energy, weapons, neurotechnology. And we also support the continued dialogue on IEDs as part of AP2 and also structured debates to evaluate the implementation of Protocol 3 on incendiary weapons and Protocol 4 on blinding laser weapons. Four, we need to promote the significant and meaningful participation of women and young people in the implementation of the CCW and its protocols, and also to ensure the integration of the gender perspective, age, and disability to analyze the impact of certain conventional weapons on civilian populations, especially in terms of victim assistance and preventive measures and the reduction of risks. Chair, we wish you full success as you guide the work of this meeting and reiterate our readiness to participate constructively in this process. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Panama, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Thank you very much, Chair. I'd like to start by congratulating you, Ambassador Tony, for assuming the work related to guiding this preparatory committee to the seventh review conference of the CCW. You can count the full support and cooperation of the delegation of Peru. pay special importance to the Convention and its protocols as fundamental components of the multilateral architecture of IHL and conventional disarmament. Its objective to prohibit or restrict certain types of weapons that may be considered exceptionally injurious or have indiscriminate effect remains highly timely in light of current humanitarian challenges. The upcoming review conference represents, for this reason, an opportunity to reaffirm the relevance of the Convention, strengthen its implementation and universalization, and make sure that it is still capable to respond in an effective way to the evolution of the means and methods of warfare. Peru is a high contracting party to the Convention since 1997, and we have aimed at contributing effectively to the objectives of the Convention, including the effective implementation of Amended Protocol 2 and Protocol 5. In particular, during the last several years, we have remained firmly committed to the implementation of Amended Protocol II, and we have been commemorating yet another anniversary of this protocol, the 30th anniversary. Between 2003 and 2025, Peru assumed the responsibility to coordinate the work related to improvised explosive devices. And this experience confirmed the very serious nature of the humanitarian consequences of these types of devices, and also the usefulness of having a multilateral platform to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation, and promote measures that make it possible to deal in a more effective manner with risks associated to these improvised explosive devices. We will continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening the effective implementation of the Convention and its protocols, as well as its universalization. I would like to also refer, Chair, to the significant result achieved just a couple of days ago of the GGE on laws. After three years of work and very intense negotiations, the group managed to adopt by consensus a set of elements of an instrument without prejudging its nature. For Peru, this result is a very relevant and significant step forward. The agreed text includes significant substantive elements and represent an important foundation for our work and progress. Also, this shows that this is a very important experience and achievement, especially in a very difficult international context. And it shows that multilateralism can produce results when political will, perseverance, and readiness to compromise exist. We recognize in this respect the work carried out by the chairmanship, Robert van den Bos, Ambassador van den Bos, and the team of the Netherlands that helped us achieve that result. Now it's up to the seventh review conference how we can use this very important work and how we can move forward. Peru will participate constructively in those discussions. In this respect, Chair, we reiterate our full readiness to work with all other delegations to achieve substantive and balanced results that will strengthen the Convention in line with its objectives and its purposes. Thank you very much.

I would like to thank the distinguished.

Representative of Peru and recognize the representative of the State of Palestine. You have the floor.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you on your appointment and assure you of my delegation's full support in the work ahead. Mr. Chair, the State of Palestine considers this Convention a cornerstone instrument of international humanitarian law, one that exists to prevent and reduce human suffering. We see the upcoming review conference as an opportunity to take stock of how the Convention and its protocols are being implemented in practice, and we hope that sufficient time will be devoted to a substantive discussion on compliance. For our delegation, this is not an abstract or theoretical matter. We must place on record the reality this Convention exists to address, which the Palestinian people continue to live through, and our expectations of the Conference in that regard. Let me start with explosive weapons in populated areas. In 2022, the State of Palestine was proud to be among the first States to announce that they would endorse the political declaration on AWIPA, and we were hopeful that the declaration would meaningfully strengthen the protection of civilians from the use of AWIPA. Four years later, we stand disappointed after having witnessed in Gaza since 2023 what independent monitors have characterized as one of the most intense, sustained, and destructive bombing campaigns in modern history. More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 21,500 children, and findings of genocide have been made by the UN Commission of Inquiry, UN special rapporteurs, and countless human rights organizations, legal experts, and genocide scholars worldwide. Despite this, during this time, a number of signatories to the declaration have contributed through arms transfers, political or diplomatic support to the use of AWIPA in Gaza. This is wholly unacceptable. The credibility of the political declaration is dependent upon it being implemented by states in all circumstances and not just when convenient or politically expedient. Turning to explosive remnants of war, Israel's use of Ewipa in Gaza has scattered explosive remnants throughout the strip under rubble, inside damaged buildings, along roadsides, and in areas where families have returned to rebuild their lives. These continue to kill and maim Palestinian civilians, including children collecting firewood, playing, or simply returning home. Onus officials estimate that the true scale of contamination will not be known for years and that clearance and reconstruction in Gaza will take a decade or more. This is not a peripheral matter for this Convention. It is precisely what Protocol V exists to address, and it is precisely why the upcoming review conference must address the reality of Gaza. Another of our priorities is in relation to Protocol III. Given the cruel and indiscriminate effects of incendiary weapons, it is a humanitarian imperative that states at the review conference condemn their use, particularly in concentrations of civilians, and adopt an effects-based definition of incendiary weapons, one that also covers multipurpose munitions, notably those with white phosphorus. This, once again, is not a theoretical concern for our delegation. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both independently documented instances of use by Israel of white phosphorus over densely populated areas of Gaza. Last but certainly not least, on autonomous weapons systems, we thank the Chair of the GGE and his team for their tireless work. The State of Palestine reaffirms its view that all weapons should remain under meaningful human control. In this regard, autonomous weapons systems that cannot be meaningfully controlled must be prohibited. In addition, all systems designed or used to target human beings are wholly unacceptable and must be ruled out. All autonomous weapon systems should be regulated. As we have noted in sessions of the group, we remain deeply concerned by the pattern whereby such technologies, along with other new weapons and targeting systems, are developed and tested predominantly on populations of the Global South, including on the Palestinian people, before being marketed internationally as battle-tested. We believe that the only credible outcome for the upcoming review conference is the adoption of a negotiation mandate for an ambitious and forward-looking legally binding instrument, and failing that, the convening of a dedicated conference on autonomous weapons systems under Article 8.2 of the Convention. Mr. Chair, the State of Palestine approaches the seventh review conference wanting it to matter, to produce a substantive outcome that closes the gaps this convention has long tolerated and that finally aligns itself, its implementation, with the humanitarian purpose it was created to serve. We stand ready to work with you and with all delegations to that end. I thank you.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine and would now like to give the floor to the three following delegations: Italy, Belgium, and then India. Ambassador of Italy, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment, and secondly, assure you of my delegation's full support. Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union, but let me add a few remarks in my national capacity. Italy has always valued the CCW and its annexed protocols as essential instruments for the protection and promotion of international humanitarian law. The unique composition of the CCW makes it the appropriate forum for addressing current and, in particular, emerging issues relating to weapons development and use. We are deeply convinced that universal adherence to the Convention and its protocols is a key objective that should continue to receive strong support. Italy also attaches particular importance to transparency and confidence-building measures and to the provision of technical and financial assistance. Let me remind you that since 2001, Italy has allocated more than 100 million euros to assistance programs, in particular for clearance and destruction of explosive remnants of war, landmines, cluster munitions, victim assistance, risk education and awareness-raising activities. Mr. President, the upcoming review conference will provide an important opportunity to take stock of the developments in our work over the past five years and to establish a clear roadmap for our engagement during the next review cycle. We do support the proposed structure of the work of the next three days. Among the many issues addressed within the framework of the CCW, Italy attaches particular importance to the IEDs. We share the international community's grave concern regarding the growing political and humanitarian impact of their use. In this context, addressing the use of explosive weapons in populated areas remains a pressing challenge. We are pleased to renew our commitment to the objectives and principles of the political declaration in San Jose last year. Mr. President, with regard to mines other than anti-personnel mines, we consider it crucial to restrict their use and to incorporate international military doctrines and plans a number of the precautions reflected in the Amended Protocol II and its technical annexes. We believe that this important issue merits further discussion and should remain on the CCW agenda. Finally, we have often underlined that, given its inclusive composition, the CCW is the natural forum in which to explore the characteristics and implications of laws. And we do commend the consensus adoption last week of a set of elements of an instrument, in particular the personal work of Ambassador Ine Bos. look forward to agreeing on further steps following this important achievement at the EU Conference. All the best from our side, and thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to thank the Ambassador of Italy for his statement, and now I would like to recognize the distinguished representative of Belgium. You have the floor.

Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you on your nomination as President. You have my delegation's full support. Deliberations under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons on lethal autonomous weapons systems are entering a decisive phase. More than a decade of discussions under the CCW have generated a substantial corpus of agreed language. The review conference will now face the important tasks task of enabling progress towards the effective multilateral governance of laws. Together with France, Germany, Singapore and my own country, Belgium, we have submitted a working paper titled "Avenues to address lethal autonomous weapon systems in the context of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons", which can be found online on UNODA Meetings Place as working paper 1 and was also circulated as advanced copy via e-mail. This document looks at possible decisions the review conference could take on a future mandate and considers different options for an instrument and possible measures to address loss. This working paper does not prejudge on substance or advocate for a given preferred outcome on behalf of its authors. Its aim is to help delegations prepare for the refcon by outlining different avenues in an impartial manner. This paper focuses exclusively on possibilities within the framework of the CCW and disregards options outside the scope of this Convention. We hope that this product may prove useful to delegations when preparing their national positions in the run-up to the review conference. Delegations that are interested to learn more about this working paper are welcome to attend our side event today at 1:15 in room 5. sandwich lunch will be served. I thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of Belgium for his statement. And now I would like to give the floor to the Ambassador of India. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation congratulates you on your election as the chairperson of this Preparatory Committee and assures you of India's full cooperation. Mr. Chair, this Preparatory Committee for the Seventh Review Conference takes place in the backdrop of profoundly uncertain geopolitical and security environment. Rapid technological advances with potential military applications are reshaping the security landscape and have raised new questions. These developments should strengthen our resolve and commitment to the disarmament instruments, including the CCW. Mr. Chair, India underlines that CCW and its protocols remain important instruments of IHL. The Convention's enduring strength lies in the fine balance it strikes between military necessity and humanitarian imperatives, and in its ability to bring together within a single framework states with diverse security interests. India remains committed to the CCW and the humanitarian principles enshrined in the Convention. Universalization of the Convention is critical for its full and effective implementation. Equally crucial towards the success of the CCW and its protocols is the implementation of the compliance mechanism. India supports putting the Convention on a more predictable and sustainable financial footing. The seventh review conference should serve as an opportunity to take stock of implementation across the Convention and to identify practical steps to strengthen it further. Mr. Chair, India firmly supports the approach enshrined in Amended Protocol II, which strikes a balance between humanitarian concerns relating to landmines and the legitimate defence requirements of States, particularly of those with long borders. India has fulfilled its obligations under the protocol including the non-production of non-detectable anti-personnel mines and the rendering detectable of all our existing anti-personnel mines. Information on our obligations under AP II continues to be regularly disseminated to our armed forces. India believes that AP2 also serves as an appropriate framework for addressing the issues of IEDs, which continue to be deployed with devastating effect by terrorists and non-state actors, including against India for nearly four decades. India's Centre of Excellence for training on IEDs has organized several training courses, and we remain committed to extending further capacity building and assistance. Mr. Chair, India remains cognizant of the grave humanitarian concerns posed by explosive remnants of war. India attaches importance to the full and timely implementation of obligations under Protocol V, including on recording and transmitting of information on the use of explosive ordnance, which is central to facilitating both clearance and civilian risk awareness. The provision of assistance to victims of explosive remnants of war is important. India stands ready, upon request, to extend further capacity building, victim assistance and rehabilitation support to friendly countries, including through the framework of United Nations peacekeeping operations, to which India remains a leading troop contributor. We welcome the seventh review conference revisiting these themes with a view to sharing good practices and strengthening the protocols, full implementation and universalization. Mr. Chair, India welcomes the consensus adoption during the last week of the report of the GG on emerging technologies in the area of laws under the able chairmanship of Ambassador Robert Inden Pausch. We consider the agreement for the first time on a working characterization of laws together with the set of elements built around the two-tier approach to be an important accomplishment. India remains convinced that the CCW is the appropriate forum for this work and looks forward to the seventh review conference consideration of groups' recommendations, including on the modalities for its future work. I want to note that Member States inhabit differing security realities. Discussions on a specific instrument on laws should, therefore, endeavour to find a common ground without leading to a fragmentation of the normative sphere. Mr. Chair, India remains committed to working constructively with all delegations in the spirit of consensus towards a successful Seventh Review Conference that strengthens the CCW across all of its protocols and reaffirms its continuing relevance to the challenges of contemporary armed conflict. My delegation also places on record its appreciation for the sustained and valuable contribution of non-governmental organizations, in particular the ICRC, to the work of this Convention. ICRC's advocacy and expertise have consistently enriched our deliberations across every protocol. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank you, Ambassador. for your statement.

And now we have the next three delegations, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. The distinguished representative of Argentina has the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. First and foremost, I would like to commend you on taking on the leadership of this process. I would like to pledge the full support and cooperation of the delegation of Argentina as you discharge your duties. Argentina gives this convention core importance within the architecture of international humanitarian law. Its structure, which combines a framework convention with capable protocols to address the evolution of the means and methods of war, makes it a particularly fitting tool to address the challenges presented by emerging technologies. and the concerns arising from them from the perspective of international humanitarian law. It is precisely this flexibility and bringing together around one same table the main stakeholders in this topic that makes of the CCW, in our view, the right forum for these discussions. Sir, among my country's expectations for the seventh review conference, I would like to highlight first the universalization and implementation of the Convention and its five protocols, as well as its full implementation. The rhythm of accession has been slowing down in recent years, and for that reason, the review process ought to be a strong call to states that have not yet done so to join the Convention. into the high contracting parties that are not yet parties to all protocols to do so in short order. It is also important to encourage the contracting parties to present in due time and form their yearly reports and to maintain their national focal points up to date. The effective implementation is such an important part for the health of the regime as the number of its members. Secondly, my delegation would also like to highlight the importance of the report adopted by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems at the end of the last session last week. In the adverse multilateral context, that the group had fulfilled its mandate and arrived by consensus to a substantive output is an achievement worthy of being recognized as such. which is why I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Ambassador Robert Inderhandt for the exemplary way in which he led the group during his entire mandate, and for the patience, the transparency, and the negotiating acumen with which he led these discussions up until their conclusion. Argentina reiterates that the CCW is the right forum to give this debate further life. The work built by the Group over the years, and particularly the report adopted last week, are an excellent foundation upon which we can project future work. But my delegation wishes to be clear: it is necessary to raise the admission level. The Seventh Review Conference must agree on a mandate that is guided towards adopting an instrument that will lay down clear rules and specific measures on how to regulate this area. And we trust that this preparatory committee will know how to lay down the foundation to go down that path. We would like to thank Ambassador Salcedo and Peru in this regard for having chosen to guide our work for the Second Committee, and we pledge our delegation's full support. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I would like to thank the distinguished delegate of Argentina for his statement and recognize Brazil. Distinguished Representative Yaloffor.

Mr. President-designate, my delegation congratulates you, Ambassador Giuliantoni, for your appointment as President-designate of the Seventh Review Conference of the CCW. We trust that under your able and wise leadership, the Conference will achieve a successful and meaningful outcome. and we are encouraged by the competent and determined efforts you have already undertaken to ensure that goal. Brazil reaffirms its strong commitment to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its annexed protocols as essential instruments of international humanitarian law. This conference provides an opportunity not only to reaffirm the enduring principles and objectives of the Convention, but also to equip it to respond effectively to the challenges of the coming review cycle. Brazil attaches particular importance to a substantive, balanced, and forward-looking outcome of the seventh review conference. Brazil supports a final outcome that reaffirms the central role of the CCW as an instrument of international humanitarian law, strengthens universalization, national implementation, and compliance, promotes international cooperation and assistance, and preserves the Convention's capacity to respond to developments in weapons, means, and methods of warfare. We believe that the final documents should translate our deliberations into concrete action. In this regard, we welcome the fact that the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems successfully fulfilled its mandate, adopting a substantive report that contains a set of elements of an instrument on this issue. We appreciate and commend the efforts of the Chairman of the GGE LOS, Ambassador Robert van den Bos. While the report has important shortcomings, it provides a solid foundation for our future efforts on this issue, and in particular, for negotiations of an instrument on LOS. During the last session of the GGE, Brazil delivered a statement on behalf of 47 states, co-drafted with Ireland and Norway, in which the aspiration of using the results of the GGE as a basis for negotiations in the CCW was clearly expressed. We cannot let that call be unanswered. Brazil firmly believes that the Review Conference should take a meaningful step forward and provide a mandate for such negotiations to start, using the GGE report as its basis. Our strong preference is that such negotiations lead to the adoption of a legally binding instrument in the form of a new protocol to the CCW. Mr. President-designate, After several years in which procedural issues have constrained substantive discussions, this review conference offers an opportunity to restore the Convention to its full and effective functioning. Brazil stands ready to engage constructively with all high contracting parties towards this objective. Regarding the negotiations on the final documents, Brazil believes we should seek an outcome capable of commanding the broadest possible support while ensuring that our working methods enable, rather than prevent, the Convention from fulfilling its humanitarian purpose. Our objective should not be merely to preserve the CCW, but to strengthen its relevance, effectiveness and capacity to respond to contemporary realities. Brazil stands ready to contribute to that objective. Thank you, Mr. President.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for his statement and now recognize the distinguished representative of Mexico. You have the floor.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to begin by congratulating you on your election to preside over our work. You can count on the full support and constructive contributions of the Mexican delegation as we crown this preparatory session with success. Mexico reiterates a strong commitment to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, as well as the principles and standards of international humanitarian law. From our perspective, continues to be a fundamental instrument to reduce human suffering arising from the use of certain conventional weapons, as well as to improve protection of civilian populations and all those affected by armed conflict. The CCW is, further, an opportunity that we should fully leverage in order to move forward in the disarmament objectives as well as in strengthening and developing international humanitarian law. Which is why Mexico believes that it is indispensable to preserve and strengthen the dynamic nature of the CCW. The convention ought to maintain its responsibility to effectively address the changes and methods and means of war, the fast technological developments, and the transformations in which hostilities are carried out. Mexico will continue to support the progressive development of international law when necessary to prevent and reduce the humanitarian consequences arising from the use of excessively harmful weapons or indiscriminate effects, as well as to preserve and strengthen the integrity of international humanitarian law. Mr. President, This matter becomes particularly important given the developments related to the autonomous weapons systems. Mexico wishes to recognize the very arduous work and the commitment of all delegations that participated in the Group of Government Experts on Autonomous Weapons Systems, whose work concluded last Friday. We also recognize the leadership and the efforts of Ambassador Robert Inderbosch of the Netherlands conducting this group, as well as his efforts to facilitate dialogue and to find common ground on a particularly complicated matter. The work done ought to allow us to continue to move forward using a different modality. Mexico is willing to work with all delegations in order to build upon the foundation of the progress made and the various perspectives shared during this process. Here, an international, clear, effective, and legally binding framework that sets forth prohibitions and regulations that can be applied to autonomous weapons systems. For Mexico, the human element must remain at the core of this effort. to preserve human judgment and control is essential, not just to guarantee that international maritime law is enforced and respected, but also to guarantee responsibility and accountability. With a view to the seventh review conference, Mexico will be constructively participating with the expectation that we will be able to attain substantive results that will strengthen the convention and its ability to address both current challenges and those that are emerging. The Review Conference is an opportunity which we should take full advantage of in order to revitalize the work of the CCW. This means that we need output that reflects contemporary humanitarian concerns and that allows us to move forward in areas in which there is room for improvement of norms, procedures and mechanisms of the Convention. For Mexico, the effectiveness of this system does not depend solely on the robustness of its legal instruments. It also hinges on the political will of states to fully meet their obligations, to preserve the humanitarian purpose of the convention, and to guarantee that it continues to address the realities of armed conflict. It is important to show that this framework is able to evolve when circumstances and the protection of individuals so require it. The work of these three days ought to lay down a foundation to attain that goal.

Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Mexico for her statement. And now I would like to give the floor to the following delegations, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines. Sweden, you have the floor. Distinguished representative of Sweden.

Mr. President, let me begin by congratulating you on your appointment as president of the upcoming review conference. I can assure you of the full support from the Swedish delegation. Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. I wish to add the following remarks in a national capacity. Mr. President, Sweden remains committed to the CCW and its protocols. We believe in the Convention's capacity to balance security needs and humanitarian concerns. We urge all States who have not joined the Convention or its protocols to do so without further delay. Sweden believes that the CCW and its protocols remain effective and relevant instruments for addressing both current and future developments in weapons technology. In this regard, Sweden welcomes the successful conclusion of the work of the GGE LOS and the consensus outcome achieved. This is an accomplishment that demonstrates that CCW remains a relevant and effective forum for addressing emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems. We especially commend the GGE Chair, Ambassador Innamboch, and his team for their tireless efforts to reach an agreement, as well as all delegations for their constructive engagement. And we look forward to build on this achievement at the seventh review conference. Mr. President, we would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring the Convention's financial stability. Important measures were agreed during the Sixth Review Conference, and we look forward to their full implementation. The sustainability and effective functioning of the Convention require the full and timely payment of assessed contributions by all High Contracting Parties. Furthermore, Sweden remains firmly committed to advancing gender equality. We are convinced that the systematic integration of a gender perspective across arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes strengthens both the effectiveness and inclusiveness of our collective efforts. Let me also underline the importance we attach to the participation of civil society organizations and their valuable contributions to the CCW and our continued work. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden for that statement. And now I give the floor to the Ambassador of South Korea. You have the floor.

Mr. President, at outset, I'd like to congratulate you on the assumption of the presidency of the seventh review conference of the CCW. My delegation has full confidence in your able leadership. in guiding this preparatory committee and upcoming review conference to a successful outcome. I'd like to assure you my delegation's continued support in your endeavors. The Republic of Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the CCW, which plays an indispensable role in balancing security and humanitarian considerations in armed conflict. Korea remains fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under the convention and its protocol, including through the regular submission of national report. We welcome and appreciate the effort undertaken by the President to promote wider adherence to the Convention. The universalization still remains an important unfinished task. We therefore encourage states that have not yet acceded to the Convention to do so at the earliest opportunity. Mr. President, we commend the work of the coordinators for Amended Protocol II and Protocol V, including the work on improvised explosive devices, as we share grave concern regarding the devastating effects of such weapons on civilians. However, my delegation deeply regrets that in recent years, the meetings of the High Contracting Parties and annual conferences on AP II and Protocol V have fallen short of their purpose. These annual meetings serve as vital platforms for the exchange of views and for further strengthening the CCW framework. We sincerely hope that the current political impasse can be overcome at the upcoming review conference, restoring the full functioning of these annual meetings. We would also like to highlight the important contributions of observers, including intergovernmental organizations, the ICRC, and civil society, to the work of the Convention. The Republic of Korea supports the full participation of all observers. Mr. President, a unique strength of the CCW is its flexibility to adapt to an evolving security landscape. In this regard, the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems provides an important forum for High Contracting Parties to address emerging technologies that may shape the nature of armed conflict in the future. My delegation welcomes the adoption of the final report of the Group, which culminates three years of intensive and substantive discussions. The elements adopted by consensus represent a remarkable milestone in the history of the CCW and the broader disarmament community. This outcome demonstrates that our community can make meaningful progress in addressing emerging challenges despite geopolitical tensions. We look forward to constructive deliberations on how to carry this important work forward at the review conference. My delegation wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the chair of the group, Ambassador Robert Inden Bosch of the Netherlands, for his able leadership. The consensus report would not have been possible without his meticulous, tireless, and tenacious work. We also commend Team Netherlands and ISU for its important contribution to this outcome. We will make a more detailed statement regarding the future mandate of the GGE during our discussion under Main Committee II. At this stage, we would like to highlight our view that the GGE is the most appropriate forum and the future discussion on laws should continue to take place within the CCW framework. Mr. President, to continue our crucial work within the CCW framework, is vital to maintain the Convention's financial integrity and sustainability. Alongside the implementation of consolidated financial measures adopted at the sixth review conference to the full and timely payment of assessed contributions by all high contracting parties would be essential to strengthening the CCW's financial standing and ensuring the effective functioning of its mechanisms. To conclude, The CCW is the cornerstone of the rules-based international order and multilateralism that has contributed to international peace and security for decades. I sincerely hope that our collective wisdom can find a way forward based upon the common ground we have already found. Thank you.

I thank the ambassador. of the Republic of Korea for his statement. And now I give the floor to the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Philippines would like to congratulate you, Ambassador Tony, for taking on the role of leading the seventh review conference of the CCW. We are confident in your ability to steer the conference in an effective and substantive manner. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons is an important tenet of humanitarian disarmament. The Philippines' commitment to this convention is firmly anchored on our constitutional renunciation of war as an instrument of policy and our unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law. This review conference comes at a critical juncture. The global security landscape faces multiple armed conflicts, increasingly sophisticated warfare, and an erosion of multilateralism. As these conflicts intensify, the core principles of humanitarian disarmament are increasingly put to the test. Against this backdrop, we urge substantive discussions that prioritize the voices of communities directly impacted by conventional weapons. In our region, improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war continue to threaten livelihoods, safety, and human security. Meaningful exchange is therefore vital to our delegation. To achieve this, we urge the efficient and structured use of our time to address all essential facets of the Convention. Mr. President, with the conclusion of the mandate of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, we look forward to the conference deciding on a forward-looking mandate to govern these existing technologies. Establishing a negotiating mandate for a legally binding instrument and laws represents the necessary next step for high contracting parties. Furthermore, we recommend that adequate time be allocated to thoroughly review and finalize the draft report of the review conference. Given the ongoing use of weapons that violate IHL across current conflict zones, the Philippines hopes the outcome of this conference will provide clear, actionable momentum for the regime. On administrative matters, we call for the transparent management of the Convention's financial resources. The Philippines remains fully committed to fulfilling its assessed contributions in a complete and timely manner. Transparent financial stewardship is an obligation we owe to the constituents we serve. Our delegation stands ready to engage constructively and fully supports your leadership, Mr. President, in guiding us toward a successful outcome.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for her statement. And now I give the floor to the following delegations. They're the last on my list. So we may be able to conclude with the segment devoted to the statements. Israel, Cuba, Ireland, and South Africa. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Israel.

And good morning, colleagues. Mr. Chair, at the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador, for your election as President-designate on the seventh review conference of the CCW, and to express our delegation's full cooperation and support in the discharge of your duties. We wish to thank the ISU members for the intensive efforts in preparation for this meeting and for the upcoming meeting in November. Mr. President, Israel attaches great importance to the CCW and its commitment and ability to strike the appropriate balance between military and humanitarian considerations. Now, more than ever before, the importance of our work here is demonstrated in its clearest form. We convene this meeting in the midst of troubling geopolitical times. The international community is unprecedentedly challenged by the malicious behavior of rogue states and terrorist groups who serve as their proxies. Mr. President, international law was developed in order to try to minimize the terrible consequences of war. It is the international community's collective responsibility to address the abuse of international law by terrorist organizations, also in the context of using conventional weapons. Mr. Chair, allow me to take the opportunity to congratulate and express our gratitude to the Ambassador of the Netherlands, His Excellency Mr. Robert Inderbosch, and his team for his skillful leadership of the GGE on Laws, which has allowed us to reach a significant milestone in this highly important topic. This achievement by the GGE is the most recent example of why the CCW is the most appropriate forum to continue our discussion on the topic. The final report is a result of multilateral discussions conducted under a clear mandate that has brought us to an outcome that indeed does not prejudge the nature of our agreed recommendations and possible elements, and it should be viewed as such. We stand ready to continue the constructive discussion in a future mandate as determined by the CCW High Contracting Parties in November. Mr. President, we look forward to engage constructively with the important work of this body. We wish you, your team, and all participants a successful meeting.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you very much, Chair. My delegation would like to thank you for this opportunity to take the floor during this preparatory meeting to the seventh review conference of the CCW. We congratulate you on your nomination as the chair of this conference. Cuba as a party to the convention to also AP2 original and other protocols remains fully committed to this instrument. The full compliance with these documents will ensure the right balance with the legitimate defense of our territory and will not affect the purely defensive nature of our defenses. So any questions related to full compliance with the original protocol two is no longer valid. A treaty can only be distinguished on the basis of agreement by all countries. Cuba respects the sovereign decisions of countries to adhere to AP2, but we remain committed to the original instruments. Any attempts to force us to change this position will be an error. On the question of laws, Cuba remained loyal to its position that IHL fully applies to these systems, but that is not enough and does not ensure meaningful human control over these weapons. We need additional legal measures. An algorithm cannot replace the ethical judgment and the obligations of states and individuals under IHL. After a decade of discussions, The GG achieved a very valuable result, but it's not sufficient in the face of this challenge. The review conference should be a turning point in this respect. We urge countries to strengthen the mandate of the group with a focus on specific results and to start without any delay negotiations on a legally binding instrument that will ban laws and regulate semi-autonomous weapon systems. in line with IHL and human rights law. This position is fully in compliance with the position of Cuba, shown in our support to the relevant resolutions on laws. We must achieve a legally binding framework on these issues. The CCW is the appropriate forum to move forward on these questions, and we hope that the review conference will reflect in its results both priorities. Thank you.

Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Cuba. And now I'd like to give the floor to Ireland, to be followed by South Africa and then Spain. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, President-designate. Ireland aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in a national capacity. At the outset, please allow me to congratulate you on your appointment as President-designate of the Seventh Review Conference and to assure you of my delegation's full support. Ireland is committed to supporting the universalization of the Convention and the implementation of its protocols. We firmly believe that the Convention and its protocols represent a crucial instrument of international humanitarian law and a vital tool to further the protection of civilians, combatants and peacekeepers during and after conflict. We reiterate Ireland's strong support for inclusive participation in this forum, including the meaningful engagement of civil society and gender-responsive approaches to disarmament. Ireland has a number of priorities for the upcoming Seventh Review Conference, the first being with regard to addressing the urgent challenges posed by autonomous weapons systems. We commend the work of Ambassador Robert In 't Veld of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the impressive efforts of him and his team, as well as the ISU, that led to consensus adoption of a substantive outcome document late last week. While the final product may not have been as ambitious as we and other delegations may have wished for, it is a welcome sign of progress particularly on characterizing laws and further defining the human element needed for compliance with international law and armed conflict. We need to build on such momentum. In this vein, we wish to see advancement of negotiations within the CCW on an instrument on lethal autonomous weapon systems at the forthcoming seventh review conference. This call echoes the widespread urgency voiced around the world to move forward, including at last week's final GGE session, through the joint statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of the African states, high contracting parties to the CCW, and likewise the joint statement delivered by Brazil, coordinated together with Norway and Ireland on behalf of 47 states, which called on using the outcome of the GGE as a basis for future negotiations. After over 10 years of discussions and with concerning reports of the use of these systems in contemporary conflicts around the world, negotiations are overdue. We have more than enough material and common understandings to begin negotiations in which outstanding issues can and should be discussed. President, mines other than anti-personnel mines remain an issue of humanitarian urgency. Ireland reiterates that expert discussions within the CCW on this issue would benefit all and contribute to reduced humanitarian harm. President, I conclude by conveying Ireland's deep concern over reported use of incendiary weapons and weapons with incendiary effects in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. We reiterate that all parties must strictly comply with IHL, including the general prohibition for weapons, means or methods of warfare with indiscriminate effects. In light of the severe humanitarian concerns around the use of incendiary weapons and uses of weapons with incidental incendiary effects, We reiterate that it is overdue for the CCW to return to meaningfully discussing the implementation of Protocol III, as well as to consider measures to bolster its universalisation. President, Ireland is determined to ensure that the CCW fulfils its role in strengthening international humanitarian law as the means and methods of warfare rapidly develop, posing new and complex challenges. We will play our part in ensuring a successful seventh review conference in November, the response to these challenges and strengthens its humanitarian objectives. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa. You have the floor.

At the outset, South Africa wishes to congratulate you on your appointment as the President-designate. of the Seventh Review Conference. You can count on South Africa's full support throughout this process. South Africa aligns itself with the objectives and provisions of the CCW and its annex protocols, to all of which South Africa is a high contracting party. The convention remains a cornerstone of international humanitarian law and has, for more than four decades, provided an important framework for addressing the humanitarian impact of certain conventional weapons while balancing military necessity with humanitarian considerations. My delegation wishes to commend Ambassador Robert Indenbosch and his team for the outstanding leadership in steering the work of the GGE on laws. Under his stewardship, the group successfully navigated a challenging international environment and achieved consensus on a substantive report, thereby fulfilling a mandate entrusted to it by high contracting parties. At the same time, when geopolitical tensions continue to affect many regions of the world, this achievement demonstrates the enduring value of multilateralism, dialogue and compromise. Mr. President, building on this progress, South Africa attaches great importance to the future mandate on laws. Our delegation believes that the momentum generated by the GGE must be preserved and that discussions should continue in a structured manner until agreement is reached on a negotiating mandate on an instrument. We remain convinced that the CCW provides the most suitable forum for these deliberations and express the hope that we will see even stronger participation from African High Contracting Parties in future discussions on this important issue. While emerging technologies remain an important area of focus, South Africa also believes that there is merit in broadening our discussions within the CCW to reflect on the continued relevance, implementation and global impact of the Convention and its annexed protocols. The CCW framework has made a significant contribution to strengthening respect for international humanitarian law, reducing human suffering and enhancing civilian protection in armed conflict. A comprehensive reflection on how the Convention and its annex protocols continue to respond to contemporary security and humanitarian challenges would be both timely and valuable. South Africa further wishes to express its appreciation to the ISU for its support to high contracting parties. We acknowledge that the importance of the role played by the sponsorship program in promoting universalization and facilitating broader participation in the work of the Convention. As preparations for the seventh review conference continue, South Africa looks forward to engaging constructively with all high contracting parties to strengthen the Convention and advance its implementation and ensure that it remains responsive to the current and future humanitarian challenges.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa and I give the floor to the Ambassador of Spain. You have the floor, Madam.

Thank you very much, Chair. At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statement that will be made by the European Union later during this general debate. Just like other colleagues, I would like to start by thanking you and by congratulating you on having accepted the chairmanship of the seventh review conference of the CCW. Spain has been a high contracting party to this convention and we are really committed with all of the articles and the work carried out. This convention is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. And what we'd like to see is that all High Contracting Parties, the Secretariat and yourself can in the upcoming weeks and months to take additional steps that we find really necessary to contribute to the universalization of the Convention. And just like other States that mentioned this before, me, Spain gives special importance to the contributions made by civil society, the ICRC and other international organizations, the contributions to the work that we carry out here as we prepare for the Seventh Review Conference and also during the Review Conference. So we're looking forward to their contributions. Just like other colleagues, we would also like to highlight and thank Ambassador of the Netherlands, Robert 'm den Bosch, and thank his team and the secretariat for the work carried out last week in the GGE on laws, an extremely important forum, and the work that was carried out, as well as the approval on the basis of consensus of the elements. Elements that were approved last Friday are absolutely crucial for us and for the future work on this issue. And we believe, just like others who spoke before me, the success of the work of the GGE on laws is the success of the presidency, the chair, but also of all of us. And this is yet another demonstration of support to multilateralism. And this was a multilateral forum where we've seen the political will of everybody. And we achieved results last week. So we do hope that this is an area where we can make progress in the future under the CCW. And it is indeed the platform where we should continue our work in the upcoming weeks and months. And finally, Chair, in connection with the seventh review conference for Spain, it is important to ensure that the conference Just like this preparatory committee work that helps us prepare the work that we'll be carrying out in November, we need to ensure that it is a conference of substance where decisions can be taken, substantive decisions. And for that, you can count on the constructive work of my delegation We will participate constructively in the entire review conference. So we wish you good luck as you carry out your mission.

Thank you.

I thank the Ambassador of Spain for her statement. And with this, we have concluded the statements of high contracting parties. I see that Norway would like to take the floor. Please, I invite the distinguished representative of Norway.

Thank you, President Teich, for giving me the floor. First, congratulations on your nomination, and thank you for the work that you, your team, and the ISU have undertaken in the preparation of the Seventh Review Conference. The CCW remains an important instrument for addressing the humanitarian and security implications of conventional weapons and emerging technologies. At the same time, the protection of civilians and the strengthening of international humanitarian law rely on a broader framework of treaties, norms and political commitments. Instruments such as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, the Cluster Munitions Convention and the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas complement the work undertaken under CCW and contribute to reducing human suffering caused by armed conflict. Across the world, civilians continue to live with the effects of mines, explosive remnants of war and other conventional weapons that kill, injure and constrain lives long after conflicts have ended. Addressing these human costs and strengthening the protection afforded by international humanitarian law should remain at the heart of our deliberations. President-designate. Not only is the CCW a central body of international law itself, providing layers of humanitarian protection, it has repeatedly proven to be an important venue for states and experts to come together to discuss and address emerging humanitarian challenges and concerns related to weapons, means and methods of warfare. The CCW is a dynamic instrument. It gives us a tool to tackle new developments. It has been an incubator for the emergence of new important norms. Norway aims to use this RevCon to advance universalization of our Convention, to assess implementation and compliance to date, devise new means to strengthen implementation, as well as to provide an action-oriented agenda for work in the years to come. I would like to highlight the following issues. First, we need to establish a framework for sustained and regular attention to Protocol III, like we have for Protocols II and V. Second, mines other than anti-personnel mines have significant humanitarian impact. We aim for this Review Conference to set up a framework for sustained attention to this issue. Third, The GGE on LAWS successful conclusion of a substantive report containing elements of an instrument on lethal autonomous weapons systems provides us with the basis that we finally need to begin negotiations on an instrument on LAWS within the CCW. While the final report had clear shortcomings, we believe that it provides us with a sufficient basis to start negotiations in which all outstanding questions can and will be addressed. Our priority for this RevCon is to establish a mandate for such negotiations, as called for in two widely supported joint statements the last week. Fourth, the CCW has been mired in procedural issues in this past review cycle. We do not want to see a repetition of last year's meeting of High Contracting Parties without substantive work. This review conference is our opportunity to address these issues decisively, to ensure the full and effective functioning of our machineries in the years to come. President-designate, we also underline the importance of ensuring broad and meaningful participation in the work of the Convention. International organizations, the ICRC, civil society and other observers bring expertise and perspective that strengthen our deliberations and contribute to better informed outcomes. Their participation should be free from undue subjective constraints from the side of the High Contracting Parties. President-designate. Norway looks forward to working constructively with all delegations in the preparations ahead.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. And now we will turn to observers. On the list, I apologize, says the Chair, I see the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for your nomination. We remain at your disposal in living up to the mandate given by this body. Bangladesh attaches great importance to the seventh review conference of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, to be held in November this year. The review conference provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the continued relevance of the convention as a key framework for addressing the humanitarian consequences of emerging weapons technologies. It promises to strengthen its effectiveness and ensuring that it remains responsive to evolving technological developments. From Bangladesh's perspective, the CCW's consensus-based approach remains particularly valuable. Strengthening the convention requires preserving its humanitarian purpose ensuring the effective implementation of its existing provisions. In this context, Bangladesh recognizes the important contribution of the group of governmental experts on emerging technologies in the area of laws. The GGE's mandate to consider and formulate by consensus elements of an instrument without prejudicing its legal nature provides a critical avenue for developing common understandings and practical measures on laws. The recent progress and consensus achieved in identifying elements for a future instrument represent an important foundation for further work. We are grateful to the leadership of the Netherlands and Ambassador Bos for his very painstaking job over the years. Bangladesh believes that the outcome of the GGS work should be carried forward with ambition and translated into meaningful decisions at the review conference. The seventh review conference should therefore provide clear political direction towards the commencement of negotiations on an effective international instrument to regulate laws. It is very urgent to ensure that States and human beings remain responsible and accountable for decisions concerning the use of force. Bangladesh stands ready to engage constructively with all States to strengthen the CCW and advance a balanced, inclusive and humanitarian response to the challenges posed by lethal autonomous weapons systems. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. Now I'd like to give the floor to observers. On my list, I have the delegation of the European Union, then International Humanitarian Law Youth Initiative, and Institute for Global Negotiations. The European Union, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President-designate. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. At the outset, the EU wishes to convey its deep appreciation for all your efforts in paving the way for a successful and substantive outcome of the seventh review conference. We pledge our full cooperation and support for achieving an ambitious outcome and a solid plan for future work during the next review cycle. This will require common efforts of all high contracting parties. The EU recalls that the CCW and its protocols are key instruments for an integral part of an international humanitarian law and reiterates its commitments of the EU and its member states respecting and fully complying with IHL, as well as to continue to adhere fully to the EU guidelines on the promotion of compliance with IHL. We underline that CCW is a unique international forum gathering diplomatic, legal, and military expertise and an appropriate forum to respond to fast-paced developments in the field of weapons technology, thus, by its mandate, contributing to preventing and reducing the suffering of both civilians and combatants. Ensuring that the effectiveness of the convention in the future is preserved and that it further strengthened including by keeping the Convention responsive to new developments and emerging technologies, should be a priority for the review conference. The EU emphasizes the importance of the universalization of the Convention and its protocols and recalls the EU efforts in this regard. In view of enhancing the strength and effectiveness of the Convention and its protocols, we encourage all States that have not yet done so to join the CCW and its protocols without further delay. We stress the importance of inclusive CCW discussions with the active participation of all stakeholders and the technical expertise by observers playing a pivotal role in broadening the scope of CCW debate and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues under consideration. Mr. President, the review conference provides an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the Convention as well as its protocols. We hope that the appropriate time will be allocated to allow for a structured debate on the most relevant issues. We regret that Protocol III issues were removed from the CCW agenda and request to have them back, since a structured debate on the implementation of the Convention should occur on all of its protocols. On amended protocol two, we express concern over the ongoing use of mines, boby traps, and other devices causing human suffering and harm, including continued severe global impact of improvised explosive devices and their indiscriminate use and effects. We value the work done on this issue within the framework of Amended Protocol II, and we remain committed to continuing to work in the CCW to address the issues of IEDs. Mr. President. We wish to recall that many High Contracting Parties have expressed continuing concern over the humanitarian impact of the heavy consequences, social and economic developments arising from indiscriminate and disproportionate use of mines, other anti-personnel mines. While acknowledging that MOTAMP are legitimate weapons, parties to the Convention are obliged to ensure that they are used in accordance with IHL, including by taking all feasible precautions protect civilians from the effects of these weapons. We believe that MOTAP should remain on the CCW agenda for further discussions in order to ensure that High Contracting Parties cannot continue to consider the matter in a constructive and transparent manner. Another area which requires our attention is emerging technologies in the area of loss. The EU welcomes the work conducted in the framework of CCW over the past years and acknowledges the important contribution by GGG on LOS. We would like to thank Ambassador Inden Bosch and his team for all the efforts and excellent leadership as chair of this group. We highly appreciate his positive leadership that was instrumental in building the necessary momentum, which has resulted in a substantive product in front of us. The agreed set of elements of an instrument without prejudging its nature and other possible measures to address emerging technologies in laws represent an important milestone. The EU and its member states remain fully committed to building on this positive outcome. The EU calls on the importance of integrating and mainstreaming a gender perspective into all non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control work. in line with resolution 1325 of the Security Council and the United Nations and related resolutions, including through promoting women's full, equal, meaningful participation in providing integrated support. Mr. President, as far as administrative, financial, and organizational matters are concerned, the payment of annual contributions by high contracting parties in full and on time remains essential to ensure the effective functioning of the Convention and its protocols. as well as the work of the Implementation Support Unit. The Council therefore calls upon all High Contracting Parties to meet their financial obligations in a timely manner. Finally, the EU expresses its support to the Administration and implementation of the CCW and its protocols, in particular the Implementation Support Unit. In this regard, the EU renewed last year its financial support to UNODA by 1.3 million euros over three years. This builds on earlier EU funding to the CCW and aims at strengthening states' capacities.

I would like to ask the delegate to finish his declaration because you have extended the five minutes.

Mr. President. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the European Union.

And now I give the floor to LYI. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and good morning to all distinguished delegates and civil society representatives present in the room. This is Juan Jose Ruiz on behalf of the International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative. Before delivering our statement, I would like to sincerely congratulate Switzerland for its leadership of this committee and thank your delegation for facilitating a fruitful discussion. We also thank the Secretariat of the CCW for its continued support. As we prepare for the seventh review conference in November, We would like to highlight the importance of including the voices of young people in these critical discussions. We particularly appreciate delegations such as Panama that have called for meaningful youth participation. For us, the future of conventional weapons, and particularly lethal autonomous weapons systems, is not only about technological development. It is about the kind of world future generations will live in, and about the rules that will define the limits of the use of force against human beings. Young people have closely followed these discussions within the GGE on laws and have contributed our perspectives on international humanitarian law, human control, human responsibility, and the humanitarian ethical risk associated with autonomy in weapons. We also express our appreciation to the chair of the GGE for their efforts to bring different perspectives together through the process. We believe that the consensus of the adoption of the final report represents an important step forward. However, it cannot be the end point. At the seventh review conference, we must build on this progress and translate these understandings developed through the SDG into concrete measures. These measures should strengthen meaningful human control and ensure that responsibility and accountability remain clearly within human beings. We therefore look for the seventh review conference to establish clear and effective prohibitions and restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems. We also call for rules ensuring that these systems are predictable, reliable, traceable and subject to appropriate legal review through their life cycle. These are not merely technical requirements. They are safety guards for the protection of human life and dignity, which should remain the starting point and the ultimate objective of these discussions. We do not want future generations to live in a world where responsibility for lethal force becomes divided between the developer, the operator and the system itself, leaving no one clearly accountable for the outcome. We therefore believe that the Seventh Review Conference should be a starting point for negotiations towards a legally binding instrument containing specific prohibitions and restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems. For young people, meaningful participation does not simply mean being heard. It means contributing to the rules that will shape our future. Thus, the decisions that states will take in November will not remain within this room. They will affect generations who will live with the consequences. Our message on behalf of the youth is simple. We want a future in which technology serves humanity, not a future in which humanity must adapt to the decisions of the machines. We want rules to be established before harms occur. not after. And we want autonomy in weapons to never to mean autonomy from responsibility, from the law. Mr. Chair, the time has come to turn years of discussion to clear rules that protect human life and dignity. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of International Humanitarian Law Youth Initiative. And now I give the floor to Institute for Global Negotiations. You have the floor.

Chair, thank you for giving us this opportunity to take the floor. And I'd like to thank the Secretariat for all the efforts in preparing this preparatory committee, especially after all the efforts taken last week in the GGE on laws. I'd like to use this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Inden Bosch, his team, and the high contracting parties for all the work that was carried out and the ability to reach agreement.

A Swiss-based organization has developed an initiative which we call a global negotiation support, which comes in support to chairs, facilitators, negotiating bodies on a range of issues where we can leverage negotiation tools when it comes to process design, when it comes to process management, and this at a critical juncture where multilateralism is at times questioned and where we can deliver in terms of forging agreement as long as we mobilize all the tools that are available for all states in the negotiation toolbox. We work in collaboration with or as a complement to secretariats. In the light of the discussion this morning and in preparation of the seventh review conference, it seems that there will be discussions on the possibility to set in motion a new process when it comes to lethal autonomous weapons systems. And without prejudging, obviously, the discussions and what states may decide, we believe that it is extremely important at this juncture and early on to reflect on the modalities for such negotiations, on process design, on the various formats and the various ways to mobilize and leverage negotiation tools. This drawing, obviously, on the experience and what has worked and what could be also built on when it comes to the group of governmental experts on lethal autonomous weapons systems, where, as it's been said, much has been done as well to build trust among states on this issue, a very complex issue. So we stand ready to engage and support you, Mr. Chair, and engage with all States, high contracting parties, with a view to ensure that if and when States decide to set in motion a new process, we have also the ability collectively to leverage all negotiation tools. The way we operate is that we deliver our impartial negotiation expertise. We do not take any position on the substance of the issues. We also deliver our activities in a very confidential manner because we know, and I was a diplomat myself, that many issues are very sensitive, so confidentiality of information and contacts. but we also make it known that we are ready to engage in the backstage and this in the period also running to the review conference, convene discussions, engage as appropriate and when needed to allow for progress on reflections when it comes to the process design, process management of any new process being set in motion if states decide to go in such direction.

Could I ask the delegate to come for your conclusion of your statement, please?

I was about to conclude, Mr. Chair, and just to thank you very much for this opportunity. Thank you.

I thank the delegate of the organization, Institute for Global Negotiations. And now, since.

I do not see any other delegation that would like to take the floor, I see that we are reaching the conclusion of our consideration of agenda item 5, a general exchange of views. I'd like to thank all delegations for their statements, and it was very useful that you managed the time well and kept your statements to five minutes. So we will be back in this room at 3 p.m. and before adjourning the meeting, I'll make an announcement. There is a side event organized by Belgium, "Avenues to address lethal autonomous weapons systems in the context of the CCW". This side event will be promoting first working document, co-sponsor Belgium, France, Germany, Singapore, same title. And this side event is open to everyone and will take place 15 to 14:45 in room 5, building A of the Palais des Nations. Thank you for your attention, and we resume our work at 3:00 p.m.