UNGA Disarmament Index 2020: H-R

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 75th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 22 - 29 September 2020.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Haiti
H.E. Jovenel Moïse, President
24 September 2020

No relevant references

Holy See
H.H. Pope Francis
25 September 2020

Cyber: “The current crisis has also demonstrated that solidarity must not be an empty word or promise. It has also shown us the importance of avoiding every temptation to exceed our natural limits. “We have the freedom needed to limit and direct technology; we can put it at the service of another type of progress, one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral”.This also needs to be taken into careful consideration in discussions on the complex issue of artificial intelligence (AI).”

Conventional weapons/WMD: “Conventional weapons are becoming less and less “conventional” and more and more “weapons of mass destruction”, wreaking havoc on cities, schools, hospitals, religious sites, infrastructures and basic services needed by the population.”

Arms race/nuclear weapons/militarism/LAWS/disarmament/NPT: “We must ask ourselves if the principal threats to peace and security – poverty, epidemics, terrorism and so many others – can be effectively be countered when the arms race, including nuclear weapons, continues to squander precious resources that could better be used to benefit the integral development of peoples and protect the natural environment.

We need to break with the present climate of distrust. At present, we are witnessing an erosion of multilateralism, which is all the more serious in light of the development of new forms of military technology, 16 such as lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) which irreversibly alter the nature of warfare, detaching it further from human agency.

We need to dismantle the perverse logic that links personal and national security to the possession of weaponry. This logic serves only to increase the profits of the arms industry, while fostering a climate of distrust and fear between persons and peoples. Nuclear deterrence, in particular, creates an ethos of fear based on the threat of mutual annihilation; in this way, it ends up poisoning relationships between peoples and obstructing dialogue. That is why it is so important to support the principal international legal instruments on nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation and prohibition. The Holy See trusts that the forthcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will result in concrete action in accordance with our joint intention “to achieve at the earliest possible date the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to undertake effective measures in the direction of nuclear disarmament”.

Ceasefire: “...the recent adoption of a global cease-fire during the present crisis is a very noble step, one that demands good will on the part of all for its continued implementation.”

Honduras
H.E. Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references

Hungary
H.E. János Áder, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references

Iceland
H.E. Mr. Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development
29 September 2020

Ceasefire: “Let me thank the Secretary-General for his leadership in calling for a global ceasefire; a call which all nations should support, not least those that hold power to influence the situation on the ground”

Disarmament: “Too many seek to apply the principles and values of the UN Charter selectively, tilting the balance between rights and responsibilities – in international trade, rule of law, human rights, disarmament and in preventing conflicts and atrocities.”

India
H.E. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
26 September 2020

Arms trafficking: “India will not hesitate in raising its voice against the enemies of humanity, human race and human values – these include terrorism, smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money-laundering.”

Indonesia
H.E. Joko Widodo, President
22 September 2020

No relevant references

Italy
H.E. Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

Ceasefire: “In many parts of the world, the pandemic has descended upon situations of conflict and severe crises, with potentially devastating consequences. This is why we have immediately supported the Appeal, launched by Secretary-General Guterres in March for a “Global Ceasefire”. “

Armed conflict/militarism: “We must give back primacy to politics, politics with a capital P, diplomacy, dialogue and – allow me to underscore, compelled by my legal background – international law over military options. We should do so not only to fulfill our natural aspirations toward peace, but because history – the most recent even more so than earlier chapters – shows that the recourse to arms is not sustainable nor lasting.”

Iran
H.E. Hassan Rouhani, President
22 September 2020

JCPOA: “And in 2015, we achieved the JCPOA as one of the biggest accomplishments of the history of diplomacy and remained faithful to it in spite of persistent violations by the United States.”

Militarism/WMD: “They [U.S.] claimed they came to our region to fight Saddam Hussein—the very monster they had themselves created, nurtured, and financed in his imposed war against Iran, equipping him with chemical weapons and the most sophisticated war machine.”

Nuclear Weapons: “They [U.S.] accuse us—without any foundation—of trying to build nuclear weapons, and they impose sanctions on others under the pretext of nuclear proliferation. This is while they have the infamy of being the sole user of atomic bombs in the history of humanity; and while the only possessor of nuclear weapons in West Asia is running their non-proliferation theatre.”

Military spending/Arms control: “They [U.S.] have sold hundreds of billions of dollars of weapons to their clients turning our region into a powder keg. Yet, they try in vain to deprive Iran of its minimum defense requirements, and disregard international law and global consensus in order to extend arms restrictions against Iran in contravention of the letter of UNSCR 2231.”

Iraq
H.E. Barham Salih, President
23 September 2020

No translation available

Ireland
H.E. Micheál Martin, Taoiseach, Ireland
26 September 2020

Chemical weapons: “We have seen the veto repeatedly abused over recent years, to prevent the Council from taking necessary actions, including on access to vital humanitarian relief and in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”

Cyber: “The UN’s work on human rights, international development, disarmament, trade and economic cooperation, terrorism and crime, the use of technology and safety of cyberspace, remains critical.”

DPRK: “The Democratic People's Republic of Korea must abandon all nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.”

JCPOA: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme must be implemented in full - it is the most effective mechanism for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran must also end destabilizing activities in the region, to create a context for an alternative future of economic cooperation and development.”

Nuclear disarmament/TPNW: “We played an important role in negotiating the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and are proud to have become the 41st country to ratify it, this year. Nuclear proliferation must remain at the heart of the Council’s work.”

Small arms: “Crucially, we must address the factors underlying conflict, including insecurity, hunger, poor governance, climate change, violations of human rights, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

Jamaica
H.E. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Economic Growth and Job Creation
26 September 2020

Cyber/digital: “The pandemic has forced schools and workplaces to close and people to practice social distancing. The internet has become our public square to meet and access critical information. However, approximately half of the world’s population is still not connected to the internet. With school, work, healthcare, commerce and religious worship going online, persons without access to a reliable internet connection may be marginalised and disconnected entirely. Now more than ever before it is imperative that the “digital divide” not only be closed, but that countries are enabled to provide universal access to connectivity as well as the tools to allow their societies and economies to capture the power of digital technologies.”

Japan
H.E. Suga Yoshihide, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

DPRK: “Japan seeks to normalize its relationship with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensively resolving the outstanding issues of concern such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues, as well as settlement of the unfortunate past. As the new Prime Minister of Japan, I am ready to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un without any conditions. Establishing a constructive relationship between Japan and North Korea will not only serve the interests of both sides but will also greatly contribute to regional peace and stability. I will miss no opportunity to take actions with all my dedication.”

Nuclear disarmament/NPT: “This year marks the 75th anniversary since the first use of nuclear weapons. Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. With this resolve, Japan will spare no effort in realizing a world free of nuclear weapons while firmly upholding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which serves as the cornerstone of the international regime for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. I wish to emphasize once again the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Treaty. We, as the international community, need to stand united to work on arms control and disarmament of conventional weapons, or “Disarmament that Saves Lives.””

Jordan
H.M. King Abdullah II
22 September 2020

No relevant references

Kazakhstan
H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President
23 September 2020

WMD/BWC: “Last but not least, in light of the global pandemic, launching of a biological weapons control system is becoming more acute than ever. Kazakhstan proposes to establish a special multilateral body – the International Agency for Biological Safety – based on the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and accountable to the UN Security Council.”

Nuclear weapons/disarmament/CTBT/NWFZ: There are two more crises that are looming right behind the pandemic. One of them is the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament crisis. Kazakhstan has been the role model of a responsible state by willingly abandoning its nuclear arsenal and shutting down world’s biggest nuclear test site. However, continuous erosion of the non-proliferation regime leaves us in a dangerous position. Kazakhstan, therefore, expects all Member States to join its appeal to nuclear powers to take necessary and urgent measures to save the humankind from a nuclear disaster. In this respect we appreciate an active role played by relevant UN institutions including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. We believe that legally-binding negative security assurances should be given to every non-nuclear-weapon state. That is why we urge all P5 countries to ratify the respective Protocols to the Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaties, including Semipalatinsk Treaty."

Kenya
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President
23 September 2020

Ceasefire: “The Secretary-General’s recent appeal for a global ceasefire also includes a humanitarian call for the roll-back of international sanctions and to reinforce the efforts of vulnerable, fragile and conflict-affected countries, to deal with the impact of COVID-19. I state today that Kenya stands behind this initiative.”

Kiribati
H.E. Taneti Maamau, President
25 September 2020

No relevant references

Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

No relevant references.

Kyrgyzstan
H.E. Sooronbai Zheenbekov, President
23 September 2020

No translation available.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic
H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister
26 September 2020

Disarmament: “International laws and treaties have been gradually enhanced and served as a tool to prevent and resolve various issues in areas such as disarmament, racial discrimination, religion and cultural differences, promotion and protection of human rights, and gender equality, to name a few.”

Latvia
H.E. Egils Levits, President
22 September 2020

Cyber: “Recover better” also means that in going digital, we must take even greater care with data collection and use, especially in regard to privacy. When governments, international companies and other entities digitally collect more information about a person than he or she is aware, this creates a considerable threat to personal freedom. It also makes a person much more vulnerable to manipulation. 3 To be more concrete and direct – digital tracing and profiling, which are very difficult to evade, endanger a person’s fundamental freedom. This is a serious challenge for society. By resolving the legal framework and investing in technologies that factor in respect for privacy, I believe we can create human-centred technologies with much bigger potential. We all need to address this challenge together, at the national, regional and global level, with full respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms. I want Latvia to be a global role model for a human-centred multilingual digital economy, to support developing economies in going digital, and at the same time to elaborate digital standards for the respect of privacy and to promote them internationally. V Infodemic Mr President, Latvia is concerned that among other negative consequences, COVID-19 has created a breeding ground for misinformation, disinformation, fake news and hate speech. It is critical that states counter misinformation and provide access to free, reliable and science-based information through free media. This is a universal human right that we must respect and help each other to exercise. Latvia has credible expertise and can contribute to this end. In June at the United Nations, Latvia together with a cross-regional group of 130 countries called for action to fight misinformation and disinformation, or the so-called “infodemic”, in the context of COVID-19. The statement complements the “Verified” campaign announced by the UN SecretaryGeneral, as well as the UNESCO response to this negative trend. Free, objective and pluralistic media plays an indispensable role in informing the public during the ongoing pandemic. Technology companies and social media platforms need to be more accountable for addressing online disinformation. Social media is not merely a platform where people and diverse information meets. The technology, the algorithms, the business models that drive the advertising market and attention economy all play a large part in the distribution of disinformation. Our priority must be to protect both privacy and freedom of expression in the digital domain. The exponential increase of misinformation, disinformation, fake news and hate speech in recent years is dangerous not only in the context of the pandemic. It is a general threat to world peace, it is a general threat to efforts to solve global issues such as climate change and environmental pollution. In short – it is a general problem of humankind to find rational solutions to the challenges of our time. These threats should be taken seriously both on the national and international level.”

Lebanon
H.E. Michel Aoun, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references.

Lesotho
H.E. Moeketsi Majoro, Prime Minister
26 September 2020

Armed conflict: “The determination of Africa to address, through the AU, the problem of conflicts on the continent should not be misconstrued as absolving the United Nations from its responsibility for peace and security where Africa is concerned.”

Arms trade/nuclear proliferation/WMD: “As we stop to ponder and reflect on the past, a new pattern of ethnic intra-state conflagrations are emerging and new dimensions have become increasingly important in international security. These include; proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, illicit arms trade and trafficking, drug trafficking, strains on the conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, threats of social and economic injustice and the plight of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons.”

Ceasefire: “The energy towards a global ceasefire during the pandemic is worthy of special mention.”

“On this note we commend the Secretary General for calling for a global ceasefire in all corners of the world.”

Liberia
H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references.

Libya
H.E. Faiez Mustafa Serraj, President
24 September 2020

No translation available.

Liechtenstein
H.E. Dr. Katrin Eggenberger, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Culture
26 September 2020

Militarism/cyber: “In particular we will continue promoting the respect for the rules that govern the use of force between States – the Charter provisions are clear in this respect, but they are increasingly diluted in practice, in particular through the manner in which the rules concerning self-defense are interpreted. This is particularly dangerous in an era of increased militarization and of cyberwarfare. We are working with our partners to help develop a clear understanding how international law applies to the cybersphere.”

Lithuania
H.E. Gitanas Nausėda, President
22 September 2020

Armed conflict: “More than a decade has passed since Russia invaded Georgia. One fifth of Georgian territory remains occupied by 4 Russian forces in an evident violation of the international law. The situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is worsening due to renewed ‘borderization’ activities, restricted movement and illegal detentions of local people. Furthermore, for the sixth-year Russian forces are occupying Ukrainian Crimea and continuing military actions in Eastern Ukraine. Lithuania welcomes Ukraine's efforts to negotiate an end to the war and calls on Russia to move closer to a sustainable political resolution. Any future agreement should fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity – no other solution is possible. My country continues to support Georgian and Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders. No occupation, be it Crimea and Sevastopol, or Abkhazia and South Ossetia, will be forgotten or forgiven! Restoring justice is the only way forward. At the same time, we are witnessing a deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and Africa. It comes with lower respect for human rights and democratic standards, loss of life, social unrest and largescale migration flows. Despite all the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, including his global ceasefire call, no major war or conflict has seen a credible halt in fighting. Libya suffers upticks in violence; Yemen, as well as parts of Syria, rebel-held areas and camps for the displaced, face the worst humanitarian disaster; in Sahel, people encounter the many dangers of terrorism. It is our common responsibility to stop this worrying trend!”

Chemical weapons: “These are the troubled times. The ongoing conflicts continue to devastate many regions around the world. Millions of people are still suffering, some of them – in Lithuania’s immediate neighborhood. As the recent case of Alexey Navalny’s poisoning shows, in some countries the pressure directed against opposition voices quickly turns into a deadly physical action.”

Nuclear: “Nuclear accidents respect no borders. Even the best technology can fail, if an unsuitable location is chosen or the basic construction and operational requirements are not followed. Any irresponsible cost cutting might have disastrous effects. Therefore, Lithuania urges the international community to seek the implementation of the highest nuclear and environmental standards for all nuclear objects around the world. The global security depends on our efforts to ensure nuclear safety.”

Luxembourg
H.E. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister, Minister of State, Minister for Communications and Media and Minister for Religious Affairs
25 September 2020

Armed conflict: “I do not wish to make a list of active or potential conflicts in all regions of the world. It would be much too long. It is clear that the hotbeds of tension are multiplying and that the emergence of new players on the international scene does not always go well, far from it, in the sense of appeasement.”

Ceasefire: “The Security Council took a little long to vote on the call for an immediate, global, ceasefire launched in early spring by the UNSG. Thanks to the persistence of some of its members, it finally did but, it must be said, the obstacles encountered in this process are unfortunately emblematic of the Council's difficulty in mobilizing and deciding, even in the most urgent situations.”

JCPOA: “While Iran’s action in the region is cause for concern, the abandonment of the Nuclear Agreement with Iran is not likely to improve the situation. This Agreement remains in force and cannot be both denounced and to claim it.”

Madagascar
H.E. Christian Ntsay, Prime Minister and Head of Government
26 September 2020

No relevant references.

Malta
H.E. Robert Abela, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

Ceasefire: “Aside from hunger, COVID-19 also posed another serious obstacle to the wellbeing of the already vulnerable civilian populations of war-stricken countries. As the Prime Minister of a country that advocates peace and has a neutrality clause in its Constitution, I cannot but reiterate the message for all parties involved in such conflicts to desist from ongoing hostilities.”

“Against this background, Malta welcomes the announcements made by the Libyan President of the Presidential Council, His Excellency Fayez al-Serraj and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, H.E. Aguila Saleh, for a ceasefire in Libya. This is an instrumental and constructive step to overcome the current stalemate and terminate all foreign interference in the country. Now is the time to translate the outcomes of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee into a permanent ceasefire to enable the resumption of talks with a view to achieve a successful political transition under the auspices of the United Nations.”

Malaysia
H.E. Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, Prime Minister
26 September 2020

No relevant references.

Malawi
H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President
24 September 2020

No relevant references.

Maldives
H.E. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2020

Cyber: “We have to work together to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, especially in light of advances in social media and digital technology”.

Marshall Islands
H.E. David Kabua, Head of State
23 September 2020

Nuclear weapons: “As a former strategic UN Trusteeship, the Marshall Islands knows all too well the consequences of inaction by the international system. Between 1946 and 1958, 67 large-scale nuclear weapons were tested in the Marshall Islands including many authorized by two UN resolutions. This remains a lasting legacy which is also a contemporary challenge passed down through generations as a significant human rights challenge. No other people should ever have to bear the burdens which we know from nuclear exposure. We remain a beacon for stronger international effort to reduce and eliminate nuclear risk. Real results, not symbolic lip service, is needed to unpack and address the often complex situations which often accompany nuclear risk. In particular, we remain alarmed over recent events in North Korea, and call for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.”

Mauritania
H.E. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2020

No translation available.

Mauritius
H.E. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, and Minister for Finance and Economic Development
26 September 2020

No relevant references.

Mexico
H.E. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President
22 September 2020

No relevant references.

Micronesia
H.E. David Panuelo, President
25September 2020

Cyber: “The Federated States of Micronesia recognizes Secretary-General Guterres’ road map for digital cooperation and the gaps made clear by the COVID-19 Pandemic. A digital inter-dependent World has the potential to advance our social and economic aspirations or leave many of us behind. Through assistance provided from partners such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations, and the United States of America, Micronesia is hoping to build an inclusive digital economy, develop human and institutional capacity, protect human rights, promote digital trust, and foster global digital cooperation. I am hopeful that global digital cooperation can help us combat evils such as human trafficking, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and promote positive efforts such as online education and tele-health programming. There is much work that needs to be done in this area, and the challenges are immense. While we are working hard to democratize knowledge through making internet and cellphone access more accessible and more affordable, there remain significant technical and capacity gaps. Micronesia wishes to strengthen existing partnerships, and develop new ones, in its effort to build a digital future.”

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Igor Dodon, President
23 September 2020

Armed conflict/ceasefire/arms race: “Conflicts and crises of varying intensity continue to be a threat to peace, security, and development around the world. The Republic of Moldova supports the UN Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire. In the context of a global crisis, armed conflicts aggravate the situation and intensify the destructive effect of the armament race.”

Arms race/nuclear weapons/conventional weapons/disarmament/arms control: “At the same time, the Republic of Moldova expresses a deep concern regarding the scale of the armament race through the excessive accumulation of conventional weapons and nuclear weapon modernization programs. We regret the persistent uncertainty of the situation related to the existing disarmament and control agreements of strategic armaments.”

Military spending/ arms trade: “On the background of emergence and escalation of increasing armed conflicts, we note globally enlarged military spendings and the weapons trading. In this respect, the international climate, marked by the use and threat of use of force, accentuates the insecurity of the international environment.”

Monaco
H.H. Prince Albert II
24 September 2020

No relevant references.

Mongolia
H.E. Battulga Khaltmaa, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references.

Montenegro
H.E. Srđan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2020

Ceasefire: “We strongly support the Secretary General's call for a global ceasefire during the current pandemic, in order to give diplomacy a chance and create conditions for delivering humanitarian aid and support to the most vulnerable population.”

WMD/arms control/disarmament: “We face serious challenges to international security and stability, caused by a number of factors, such as the expiration of some of the most important agreements on limiting and controlling conventional and weapons of mass destruction, the return of Cold War tensions—now further complicated by the lack of constructive dialogue between key actors. Montenegro fully supports the implementation of relevant international instruments in the field of disarmament and arms control, as well as the Secretary General's Agenda for Disarmament. We emphasize the importance of universalization of the most important documents in this area, in order to preserve international peace, security and stability, and to create preconditions and conditions for a world without weapons of mass destruction.”

Mozambique
H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references.

Myanmar
H.E. U Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister, Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor and Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2020

Ceasefire: “We welcome the SecretaryGeneral’s global ceasefire appeal which will contribute to peace and stability in conflict areas and encourage solidarity to overcome our common enemy, COVID-19. In response to this appeal, Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s Armed Forces declared a ceasefire from 10 May to 31 August 2020. It also announced that the ceasefire will be applied in all areas except where terrorist groups have taken position. This ceasefire has been extended to 30 September 2020. The Government has also invited all ethnic armed organizations to work together for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in those areas which are not yet under total Government control. This kind of cooperation contributes to confidence-building between state institutions and the ethnic armed organizations. Despite the temporary disruption of commercial flights to Rakhine State, the Government continues to ensure health and humanitarian assistance to all affected communities without discrimination.”

Namibia
H.E. Hage Geingob, President
22 September 2020

Nuclear weapons: “An effective, rules-based multilateral system is our insurance policy against existential threats such as wars, nuclear proliferation, pandemics and climate change.”

Nauru
H.E. Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, President
24 September 2020

No relevant references.

Nepal
H.E. K.P. Sharma Oli, President
25 September 2020

Arms race: “Challenges such as arms race, climate change, and disasters impede the prospects of peace and sustainable development.”

Armed conflict: “Protracted conflicts inflict painful miseries to the innocent civilians. Nepal calls for peaceful resolution of all such conflicts, led and owned by the people of the respective countries.”

Military Spending/arms race/outer space/cyber/nuclear weapons/NPT/WMD/disarmament: In 2019, the world military expenditure amounted to US dollar 1.9 trillion. Even a fraction of those resources could bring respite to the millions of people suffering from poverty, hunger, and deprivation. The arms race, weaponization of outer space, and cyber warfare inflict a huge cost on humanity. We all know what is more important at present- nuclear weapons or accessible vaccine against COVID-19! The world needs more masks, not muskets; more protective equipment, not destructive weapons; and more social spending to save lives, not military spending to destroy lives. Even when disarmament related processes including the NPT Review Conference are postponed due to the pandemic, the concerned parties must continue to fulfill their treaty obligations to make the world safer. We reiterate our call for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction. Regional approaches to disarmament complement the global initiatives. As the host country to the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, we underline the need to strengthen such regional approaches including the ‘Kathmandu Process’.”

Cyber: “Progress in technology has been a major drive for development and change. Addressing digital divide and capacity constraints of LDCs is crucial for realizing a fair share of benefits of e-commerce and technology dividend. They must have an easy and affordable access to technology.”

Netherlands
H.E. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

No relevant references.

New Zealand
H.E. Craig J. Hawke, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
29 September 2020

Ceasefire: “We should rally behind the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire so we can all focus on prevention and recovery.”

Nuclear weapons: “At recent events to mark the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we recalled the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. The testing of nuclear weapons has also had a disastrous impact in the Pacific region. We know that no state or organisation can prepare for the unimaginable suffering in the wake of a nuclear holocaust.If we cannot prepare, we must prevent. That is why New Zealand has signed up to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We urge all others to join this landmark Treaty, and we welcome its imminent entry-into-force. The Treaty’s global prohibition on nuclear weapons is a necessary step on the way towards their total elimination. As we will also emphasise in New Zealand’s statement delivered later this week on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, it is time for global negotiations involving all nuclear weapons possessors to take place in order to achieve ‘nuclear zero’.”

Niger
H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, President
24 September 2020

Ceasefire: “Niger appreciates [the UN Secretary-General’s] personal commitment to a global ceasefire because of Covid-19 and his initiatives for the climate and stability in the Sahel and in South Africa.”

Nigeria
H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President
22 September 2020

Arms trade/SALW: “Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons, particularly on the continent of Africa. Page 8 of 15 27. We urge the international community to renew efforts to stem this traffic and promote the Arms Trade Treaty in order to codify accountability in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and acts of piracy.”

“In the area of human rights, Nigeria has passed a number of human rights-related bills into law. The bills include:..the Comprehensive Treatment and Care for Victims of Gun-Shot Act…”.

Nuclear disarmament/TPNW: “Nigeria is commited to universal nuclear non-proliferation. In this connection, we recall the adoption of the landmark Treaty on The Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which opened for signature on 20 September 2017. Nigeria participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption and was an early signatory and ratifier. 32. With less than ten ratifications needed for the TPNW’s entry into force, we urge other member states who have not done so to quickly ratify the Treaty for the actualization of its important objective.”

North Macedonia
H.E. Stevo Pendarovski, President
23 September 2020

Ceasefire/Nuclear weapons/arms control/arms race: “The Republic of North Macedonia joins the Secretary General’s call for a global truce and full respect for international humanitarian law in these extraordinary circumstances. My country, within its capabilities, is an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions, but also within regional organizations such as the OSCE, the European Union and the missions of the North Atlantic Alliance. In this context, we support the efforts for a new nuclear arms control treaty and believe that the efforts of our strategic partners to include new nuclear forces therein is an important contribution to greater efficiency in preventing a new race for armament."

Norway
H.E. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister
26 September 2020

No relevant references.

Pakistan
H.E. Imran Khan, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

Arms race/militarism: “International agreements are being flouted and set aside. Renewed great-power rivalries are leading to a new arms race. Conflicts are proliferating and intensifying. Military occupation and illegal annexations are suppressing the right of human beings to self-determination.”

Militarism/nuclear: “In order to divert attention from its illegal actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a nuclearized strategic environment.”

Nuclear weapons: “According to respected Professor Noam Chomsky, mankind [sic] is at even a greater risk than it was before the 1st and 2nd World Wars in the last century because of the increased threat of nuclear war, Climate Change, and sadly the rise of authoritarian regimes. We must come together to prevent such a catastrophe.”

Ceasefire: “Despite constant Indian provocations and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary targeting innocent civilians, Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint. We have consistently sensitized the world community about a 'false flag' operation and another ill conceived misadventure by India.”

Militarism: “I have consistently maintained over the past two decades that there is no military solution to the-decades-old-conflict in Afghanistan. The only way forward was and is a political settlement which involves the full spectrum of Afghanistan's political actors.”

Oman
H.E. Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Foreign Minister
23 September 2020

No relevant references.

Palau
H.E. Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., President
23 September 2020

Nuclear weapons: "We were among the first countries to ratify the Paris Agreement and the Nuclear Ban Treaty, after actively contributing to their negotiation."

Palestine
H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President
25 September 2020

No relevant references.

Panama
H.E. Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, President
23 September 2020

No relevant references

Papua New Guinea
H.E. James Marape, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

No relevant references.

Paraguay
H.E. Mario Abdo Benítez, President
23 September 2020

Nuclear weapons: “Today's world presents us with problems that cannot be tackled in isolation. For this reason, the deepening of multilateralism is an effective tool to respond to the needs we share, such as the search for peace, the protection of human rights, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the protection of the environment, the fight against climate change and international trade based on principles and rules, thus highlighting the value of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a roadmap that should guide us towards a more equitable world for future generations.”

Peru
H.E. Martín Vizcarra Cornejo, President
22 September 2020

Ceasefire: “As a founding member of the United Nations, Peru has an unalterable commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. This has guided our recent and constructive membership in the Security Council in 2018-2019. Consequently, we support the Secretary General for an “Action for the maintenance of peace,” as well as the call for a global ceasefire.”

WMD/CWC/Nuclear Weapons/TPNW: “Equally firm is our commitment to the general and complete disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. We are part of the Chemical Weapons convention and a member of the main international regimes on conventional arms control and nuclear non-proliferation. We are in the process of ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we are convinced that the prohibition of nuclear weapons and tests remains a moral imperative for the planet and humankind.”

Philippines
H.E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President
22 September 2020

Nuclear weapons: “Given the size and military might of the contenders, we can only imagine and be aghast at the terrible toll on human life and property that shall be inflicted if the “word war” deteriorates into a real war of nuclear weapons and missiles.”

Nuclear weapons/WMD/NPT/TPNW: “But no aspiration nor ambition can justify the use of weapons that destroy indiscriminately and completely. There is no excuse for deaths that a nuclear war could cause nor the reckless use of chemical and biological weapons that can cause mass destruction. These weapons of death put us all at mortal risk, especially if they fall in the hands of terrorists without a shred of humanity in their souls. We call on all Member States to fully implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the Chemical and the Biological Weapons Conventions. I have asked the Philippine Senate to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Importantly, we were among those to sign it first.”

Poland
H.E. Andrzej Duda, President
23 September 2020

Armed conflict: “The fact that we have managed 6 to avoid another global armed conflict in the last 75 years should doubtlessly be deemed as one of the success stories of the international community. Simultaneously however, one can hardly say that those were the years of global security and global peace.”

“It is indispensable to ensure cooperation among states in a situation when the fundamental norms of international law are violated, for instance in case of the aggression of the Russian Federation on Georgia or Ukraine.”

Chemical weapons: “Another concerning phenomenon refers to the violation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons, which was repeatedly the case in recent years. Poland did not and does not accept the fact that chemical weapons are still in use. On top of that, and that is even more concerning: the infringement of the Convention in 2018 coincided with the violation of the fundamental principle of international law: sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is upon our shoulders: those of the UN, the Security Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that the responsibility rests to communicate to the world our strong opposition in this matter.”

Portugal
H.E. António Costa, Prime Minister
25 September 2020

Ceasefire: “Despite the pandemic, many wars and conflicts persist. This is why we support the recent appeal of the Secretary General to a global ceasefire.”

Cyber/ICTs: “Second, new areas are emerging that require multilateral solutions in the definition of regulatory regimes and cooperation. The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution is both a challenge and an opportunity. Whether it's artificial intelligence and robotization, implementation of intelligent networks and management of 5G infrastructure and data or the restructuring of whole sectors of the economy, the impact of new technologies - in the economy, in the world of work, in relations between States - will demand new rules of conduct at the international level. The United Nations must play a central role in their definition, by providing compromise solutions in order to defend the general interest.”

JCPOA: “We believe...that the nuclear agreement with Iran must be preserved and fully respected by all parties…”.

Qatar
H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Amir
22 September 2020

Ceasefire: “Regarding the Libyan issue, we reiterate welcoming the ceasefire agreement and activating the political process in accordance with the Skhirat Agreement and all its outcomes, to achieve a comprehensive political settlement that will maintain Libyan sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and stem the bloodshed of its people and preserve its wealth. It is beneficial for all to understand the impossibility of imposing a military regime by force in Libya.”

Republic of Korea
H.E. Moon Jae-In, President
22 September 2020

DPRK: The Republic of Korea has been steadfast in seeking inter-Korean reconciliation and is making relentless efforts to achieve denuclearization and establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.

…

At the UN General Assembly last year, I presented the three principles to resolve issues related to the Korean War – zero tolerance for war, a mutual security guarantee and co prosperity, and set out my vision to transform the Demilitarized Zone into an international peace zone. However, peace on the Korean Peninsula is still in the making and changes that used to brimming with hopes have stalled. Yet, the Republic of Korea will continue the dialogue. What all of us need to do is to take one more step forward. My belief remains unchanged that we can achieve denuclearization and bring lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula with international community’s continued support and cooperation.

Cyber: “Today, the world is expanding the concept of security from traditional security of preserving 5 territorial integrity to comprehensive security. The world has been joining forces to respond to non-traditional security threats from disasters and catastrophes to terrorism and cyber security, and to fight international crimes.”

Romania
H.E. Bogdan Aurescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2020

Cyber: “Digital Technology is central to almost every aspect of the response to the pandemic and a prerequisite for the achievement of the SDGs. The development and use of Digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, based on ethical principles, must be human-centred. The promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, good governance, accountability and the rule of law must be provided offline and online. Thus we need a universal political commitment to digital security. The UN should galvanize the digital cooperation at global level and contribute to mobilizing all actors to ensure open, secure and affordable access to digital infrastructure for all.

The digital sector in Romania amounts to 6% of the GDP and is an important driver of growth and innovation. We see digitalization as an opportunity for everyone and a key component of our economic development. Romania’s digital transformation aims to make our country less bureaucratic, more resilient, and more attractive for foreign investment. It also has the potential to turn Romania into a regional innovation hub. The COVID-19 crisis has proven that disinformation and hostile actions in the information environment are threatening both international and human security, and they have to be effectively addressed. This crisis demonstrated the crucial need for access to reliable, accurate and science-based information. Thus, it has confirmed the role of free, independent, accountable and pluralistic media in strengthening transparency, accountability and trust.”

Arms control/non-proliferation/disarmament/nuclear weapons: “Romania remains firmly committed to maintaining a rules-based international order, to consolidating the global architecture of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament, while taking into account the security context. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons) in 2020, Romania encourages all parties to take a forward-looking approach, doing everything possible to achieve compromise in order to strengthen the integrity of the NPT in all its pillars.

Russia
H.E. Vladimir Putin, President
22 September 2020

Cyber: “...like any other innovations, digital technologies tend to spread uncontrollably and, like conventional weapons, can fall into the hands of all sorts of radicals and extremists, not only in zones of regional conflicts, but also in quite prosperous countries, giving rise to huge risks. In this regard, issues of cybersecurity, the use of advanced digital technologies also deserve the most serious discussion at the UN platform. It is important to hear and perceive the fears of people - to what extent their rights will be protected in the new era: rights to privacy, property, security. We must learn to use new technologies for the benefit of humanity, find the right balance between incentives for the development of artificial intelligence and justified restrictive measures, and jointly come to an agreement on regulation that would exclude potential threats, and not only from the point of view of military and technological security, but also traditions, law, morality of human communication.”

Arms Control/WMD/nuclear weapons/New START: “Despite all the disputes and disagreements, sometimes misunderstandings and even mistrust of some colleagues, we will persistently propose constructive, uniting initiatives, primarily in the field of arms control, strengthening the treaty regimes operating here. This also applies to the prohibition of chemical, biological and toxin weapons. The priority issue that can and must be resolved promptly is, of course, the extension of the Treaty of Russia and the United States on Strategic Offensive Arms, which expires in February 2021, very soon. We are conducting such negotiations with our American partners. In addition, we look forward to mutual restraint in the deployment of new missile systems. Let me add that since last year - I want to emphasize this - since last year Russia has already declared a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range ground-based missiles in Europe and other regions of the world, as long as the United States of America refrains from such measures. Unfortunately, we have not yet heard a reaction to our proposal either from our American partners or from their allies.”

Rwanda
H.E. Paul Kagame, President
22 September 2020

No relevant references