Statement by H.E Leslie Norton - Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and to the Conference on Disarmament at the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

August 3, 2022

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Dear Mr. President,

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was established over 50 years ago.

It is as relevant today as it was half a century ago.

Canada stands by the centrality of the Treaty, which serves as our guide in our quest for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide.

How do we achieve a world free of nuclear weapons? By doing it. Together—by advancing our shared goals in this Treaty and implementing it universally. 

Canada calls on all states to join the Treaty. And we call on all States Parties to fulfill their obligations and commitments.

Words must be matched by meaningful action.

The stakes could not be higher. The risk of nuclear weapons use is ever-present. Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, its irresponsible threats regarding the possible use of nuclear weapons and seizure of nuclear facilities have shaken the foundations of the international world order. North Korea’s unprecedented missile testing and nuclear activities are a direct threat to international peace and security.

We are deeply concerned by Iran’s continued violations of its nuclear commitments and obligations, and urge Iran to accept an offer to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, for the benefit of all countries.

There is only one way to reverse these trends: by kick-starting disarmament; by expanding arms control agreements; and by addressing regional proliferation crises.

Nuclear weapons threaten all of humanity. Ending this threat is an enormous undertaking. But we can do it. We can find lasting solutions by embracing the diverse perspectives and experiences of all those involved.

This means ensuring the full, fair and meaningful participation of women in our efforts.

It means listening to and engaging with youth.

And it means engaging with civil society partners.

In this spirit of cooperation, Canada wishes to highlight the following.

Nuclear disarmament

On nuclear disarmament, nuclear-weapon states bear a special responsibility to come forward this month with proposals for credible and incremental steps towards progress. But all states can help drive progress.

Canada is proud to be a member of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI); the Stockholm Initiative on Nuclear Disarmament; and the Vienna Group of 10.

These cross-regional groupings have worked tirelessly to develop concrete proposals to advance all Treaty pillars.

I wish to highlight the Stockholm Initiative’s “stepping stones” and risk reduction package; the NPDI’s “Landing-Zone” paper; and the Vienna Group of 10 paper on “Addressing Vienna issues”.

The proposals set forth by these groups can provide a solid basis for a successful conference outcome.

One concrete step forward would be the immediate commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT). This is long overdue. All necessary preparatory work has been done – what we need now is political will to break the stalemate. There is consistently strong support for the FMCT resolution led by Canada at First Committee.

The five nuclear-weapon states have declared their readiness to begin these negotiations. All States Parties can and should contribute to this effort.

Non-proliferation

On non-proliferation, this conference must address the proliferation crises in Iran and North Korea.

We must also reaffirm the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in implementing nuclear safeguards to ensure that States comply with their treaty commitments.

The Additional Protocol is a vital component of the safeguards system. The system must continue to evolve to address proliferation risks.

Peaceful uses of nuclear energy

We also recognize the essential role of the Treaty in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology.

Peaceful uses of nuclear energy can help us achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. They can also help us overcome global challenges such as climate change and zoonotic threats.

In fact, Canada is a leader in nuclear research and development in many areas. These include nuclear medicine and pharmacology, environmental protection and wastewater treatment and next-generation power reactors and nuclear energy systems.

Conclusion

Canada’s ultimate goal is to work toward a more secure and healthy world, free from nuclear weapons.

It is a daunting task, and we have experienced setbacks.

But for the sake of current and future generations, we must live up to our collective responsibility.

Together, we can achieve a meaningful and sustainable outcome in support of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Thank you.