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At The First Committee of the 70th
Session
of the General Assembly
- Thematic Debate: Conventional Weapons -
26 October 2015,
New York
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to begin my
statement by congratulating the Mexican Presidency on a successful outcome of the
1st Conference of States Parties of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) held
in August this year. It is major progress that basic frameworks for the implementation
of the Treaty, such as the Rules of Procedure and Financial Rules, were agreed
upon in that Conference. I would like to commend the able guidance and strong
leadership of the Mexican Presidency, especially those of Ambassador Lomónaco. I
would also like to welcome the establishment of the Management Committee, whose
role will be particularly important until the ATT Secretariat will become
functional.
Administrative arrangement of
the ATT Secretariat and reporting mechanism remain central issues to be addressed
further. The administrative arrangement should comprise of a small Secretariat that
will efficiently carry out the responsibilities based on the Treaty. It is
essential that we agree on this arrangement at the extraordinary session of the
Conference of States Parties, to be held in early 2016, in order to promptly put
the implementation of the Treaty on track. Japan believes that a reporting
mechanism is conducive to ensuring transparency, and expects that further discussions
will be explored next year at the 2nd Conference of States Parties.
Moreover, universalisation of
the Treaty is an important challenge, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan will work towards a wider adherence to the Treaty in cooperation with
other states and civil society. In this regard, international cooperation
should be strengthened for states in need in order to facilitate their capacity
building efforts in implementing the Treaty obligations.
Mr. Chairman,
With respect to small arms
and light weapons, Japan appreciates the useful discussions that took place at
the 2nd Open-ended Meeting of Governmental Experts (MGE2) in June
this year, concerning the full and effective implementation of the Programme of
Action (PoA), including the implications of recent developments in
manufacturing, technology and design for effective marking, record-keeping and
tracing. I commend the Chair of that Meeting, Ambassador Vlad Lupan of Moldova,
for his stewardship. I would like to note that the outcome document of the 5th
Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the PoA (BMS5),
held last year, gives emphasis to the enhancement of stockpile management, international
cooperation and assistance, and the role of women. It also includes various
measures as a “Way Forward.” Japan is dedicated to working closely with other states
and civil society on these important issues.
In this connection, I call on
all Member States to extend their support to the annual resolution on small
arms and light weapons drafted by Colombia, Japan, and South Africa, so that it
will be adopted again by consensus.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan attaches importance to mine
action programmes and has donated approximately 622 million US Dollars in 50
countries and regions since 1998. Japan will continue its support with an
emphasis on the clearance of unexploded ordinance, risk reduction education, and
especially the role of women.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan welcomes the success of
the 1st Review Conference of the Cluster Munitions Convention (CCM)
in Dubrovnik in September, as evidenced in the adoption of the outcome
documents, in particular the Dubrovnik Action Plan. It is important to
implement this Action Plan steadily in the next 5 years. Japan attaches particular
importance to universalisation of the Treaty and international cooperation and
assistance.
Finally, Mr. Chairman,
Japan recognizes the growing interests in the international
community regarding the issue of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), and
commends the leadership of Germany in the 2nd informal Meeting of
Experts which deepened our understanding on this issue through an interactive
exchange of views. However, regarding the main elements, like the definition of
LAWS, we need to deepen our understanding through discussion. Therefore, Japan
supports the further discussion for the forthcoming 5th CCW Review
Conference in 2016.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.