Statement by H.E. Mr. Mari Amano

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan

to the Conference on Disarmament

Fourth Review Conference of the High Contracting Parties

to The Convention on Prohibition or Restriction on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects

Geneva, 14 November 2011

Mr. President,

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the chairmanship of the Fourth Review Conference of the CCW.  I wish to assure you of the full support and cooperation of my delegation.

Mr. President,

This Review Conference provides a precious opportunity for States Parties to take stock of the past activities within the CCW as well as to produce a positive outcome which will strengthen both the credibility and the reliability of the CCW.  Japan believes that the CCW process has been the most relevant and appropriate multilateral forum to discuss issues related to the regulation, restriction or prohibition of certain types of conventional weapons.  Moreover, it is the only universal, legally-binding instrument that addresses the urgent needs of protecting civilians and combatants from the effects of certain types of weapons, by striking a balance between humanitarian concerns and security requirements.  For this reason, Japan attaches particular importance to the implementation of the Convention and its protocols, in addition to the respective work within the framework of the CCW. Based upon this concept, Japan has maintained active involvement in the relevant activities of the Convention. 

Mr. President,

One of the most important issues Japan has been actively supporting within the framework of the CCW over the past years is the establishment of an effective and meaningful cluster munitions protocol that includes the major producers and possessors of this weapon.  In this regard, it is regrettable that there is still a difference of opinion over some important points among the States Parties, and that we have not reached an agreement on a new protocol which responds appropriately to the humanitarian concerns caused by cluster munitions.  Nevertheless, Japan remains hopeful that intensive but constructive discussions over the course of this Review Conference will lead the States Parties to conclude the negotiations by putting a priority on our main objective of ending civilian suffering caused by this inhumane weapon.

Mr. President,

What is also vital for Japan is the promotion of universal adherence to the CCW.  Since the third Review Conference, 11 countries have become States Parties. We consider this to be a very positive step for all parties. Broad and comprehensive participation by countries is an essential element for increasing the effectiveness of the CCW.  In this context, Japan has been actively engaged in activities to promote the universalization of the CCW with a particular focus on the Asia Pacific region.  Japan will thereby continue to make its utmost efforts to extend the coverage of the CCW to more countries.  In parallel with promoting further universalization, Japan will also pay close attention to other relevant treaties that regulate similar types of weapons, such as the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. 

Mr. President,

Japan sincerely hopes that this Review Conference will be productive and contribute to the further reinforcement of the CCW.  We remain committed to participating in and contributing to the discussions which will take place during this Conference, with a belief that the sincere efforts of the international community can result in a valuable outcome which will reflect the spirit of the CCW.

Thank you very much for your attention.