Security Council Open Debate: WMD proliferation

Statement by Ambassador Michael Grant, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations

New York, August 23, 2016

Mr. Chair,

I have four main points to make on challenges in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery.

First, on UN Security Council Resolution1540: For the past 12 years, it has contributed greatly to international peace and security. But, more must be done to ensure that 1540 is fully implemented by all Member States and adapts to emerging challenges.

As part of the 31-member Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, Canada has helped partner countries meet their 1540 obligations, providing more than $1.2 billion in the past decade to prevent proliferation of WMDs and related materials globally.

Unfortunately, as we underscored during the Open Consultation on the Comprehensive Review of 1540 this past June, assistance requests received through the 1540 Committee almost always lack the specificity required for willing countries to provide assistance. If 1540 is to be fully implemented, the Committee should establish an implementation support unit dedicated to helping Member States develop detailed, actionable assistance requests.

Second, with respect to enhancing Nuclear Security, Canada is strongly committed to maintaining our own robust domestic regime and providing international assistance. At the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, Canada committed $42 million for nuclear and radiological security worldwide, and with Spain and the Republic of Korea led a Joint Statement to encourage universal implementation of 1540. To continue implementing these nuclear security commitments, Canada is proud to be convening the first meeting of the “Nuclear Security Contact Group” on the margins of the September 2016 International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference.

Third, full implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention will greatly help prevent non-state actors from obtaining chemical and biological weapons. All Member States should ensure effective national control of chemistry and life science research to prevent its use for terrorist purposes, while realizing its important peaceful benefits. We call on all Member States to join these important conventions and demonstrate their commitment to preventing proliferation of biological and chemical weapons.

Mr. Chair,

Finally, let me underline Canada’s commitment to progressive and pragmatic efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons, draw down existing stockpiles, and eliminate them verifiably and irreversibly. This step-by-step approach includes the negotiation of an Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) that bans production of nuclear explosive materials – which is the next logical step in advancing non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament goals. Ending fissile material production will clearly help counter WMD proliferation. We strongly believe that negotiations of an FMCT should commence as soon as possible, and continue to work toward this goal.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.