Thematic Discussion on Nuclear Weapons

Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Rosemary McCarney, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Office of the United Nations and to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva

73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly - First Committee

New York, 17 October 2018

Mr. Chair,

The rules-based international order provides the foundation for our collective security and prosperity. It has endured for over seven decades, despite numerous threats and challenges. Canada puts a priority on promoting peace and stability through working with cross-regional partners to uphold the rules-based order.

In this regard, our ongoing work to advance nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is essential. We recognize the challenges we currently face, which are causes for deep concern. These include heightened tension between states possessing nuclear weapons, and growing polarization within the international community.

While Canada welcomes the recent easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula and supports continued dialogue, we note that significant security risks remain. In particular, North Korea has yet to take meaningful steps to dismantle its WMD and ballistic missile programs. Until such steps are taken, we must continue to implement rigorously the global sanctions regime against North Korea, counter its proliferation networks, and forge a credible path towards our common objective of a stable, secure, and denuclearized Korean peninsula.

Canada also remains concerned about Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions, but believes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is an important measure that constrains Iran’s nuclear program through verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Despite the current challenges, Canada remains engaged to find a concrete path forward. We cannot let existing nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms, grounded in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), be further eroded, with destabilizing consequences for international peace and security.

A key step in this path is the negotiation of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT), which is essential to help bridge the divide between nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states and for achieving our common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. The recent FMCT Preparatory Group and its associated informal consultations reinforced the critical value of an FMCT and we hope that the Group’s consensus final report will inform future discussions in the Conference on Disarmament. Canada is ready to work with all UN Members to build upon the near universal support that has been expressed for progress towards an FMCT.

The international non-proliferation legal framework is buttressed by instruments that strengthen nuclear security. In December 2017, Canada co-hosted an event for the 10^th anniversary of the entry into force of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The universalization of such instruments is critical for preventing nuclear terrorism.

In closing, Mr. Chair, Canada remains focused on a practical and inclusive approach toward nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. This includes advancing progress toward an FMCT, building global capacity to address the technical challenges of nuclear disarmament verification, and strengthening nuclear security.

Thank you.