Statement General Debate of the First Committee

Chair, 

Sweden aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and the statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic countries. The following remarks are made in a national capacity.

Let me join others and congratulate you on your appointment as chair of the First Committee. You can count on the full support of my delegation.

Chair,

Our disarmament and non-proliferation architecture has been weakened and undermind the latest years, including through increasingly high tensions and a resurgence of nuclear rhetoric. Aggression, together with low levels of trust and growing uncertainty, has led to a new era of rearmament.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is well into its’ fifth year. It strikes at the heart of the very principles upon which the United Nations was founded. Sweden condemns the aggression in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Russia’s actions, including its’ recurring attacks on civilians and civilian objects, are flagrant violations of international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression, for other crimes under international law, and for breaches of the Chemical Weapons Convention - both on and off the battlefield.

Chair,

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains appalling. Safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access is urgently needed. Hamas must fully disarm and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. The Comprehensive Peace Plan must be implemented in accordance with international law, including UN Security Council resolution 2803. Israel must reverse its settlement policy and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which are illegal under international law. A two-state solution remains the only viable way for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, freedom, and democracy.

Sweden renews its call on DPRK to to abide by the resolutions of the UN Security Council. The DPRK’s persistent development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities violate multiple such resolutions and is done with active and passive consent of some permanent UN Security Council members. A first positive step would be for the DPRK to sign and ratify the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty without further delay.

Furthermore, we have for many years expressed our concern by Iran’s nuclear programme and its lack of transparency. Reduced access for the International Atomic Energy Agency has seriously undermined international oversight. Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, and it must immediately return to full cooperation with the Agency, in accordance with its’ NPT and safeguard obligations.

In addition, China’s rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal contributes to this complex situation and to our concerns, and we encourage China to take further steps towards enhanced transparency and risk reduction.

Chair,

Given this situation, it is even more important to push forward and strengthen the norms and instruments we already have.

The NPT remains the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Despite the absence of a consensus document at the review conference this spring, State Parties expressed the profound value of - and their continued commitment to -  the Treaty.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. Sweden’s current function as co-president of the Art XIV-process is a testimony to our firm belief in the Treaty and its crucial role. The CTBT has already achieved a lot, but its current normative strength cannot substitute for the permanent, non-discriminatory, verifiable, and legally binding prohibition on all nuclear weapons test explosions, that will be established upon its entry into force. Once it enters into force, further verification measures would also be available, with a possibility for on-site-inspections.

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation already gathers 145 States, sharing information and notifications on test launches. This is an important confidence building instrument and Sweden calls on others to join, not least contries that are developing and testing ballistic missiles.

We welcome the growing cross-regional support for risk reduction measures. Such measures are pressing and should be in the interest of all with the aim of improving trust and decrease tensions, thus creating possibilities for concrete progress on disarmament. This is why Sweden, together with a number of countries from different regions, is making efforts to uphold momentum to advance risk reduction.

Chair,

Measures to reduce risks are also urgently needed in space. Societies rely heavily on space for essential services, but space is becoming increasingly congested and contested.

We urge all States to uphold their international obligations, including under Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty not to place in orbit any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction.

Chair,

Emerging technologies is developing at a rapid pace, influencing all ways of life, also our field of work. Sweden welcomes the successful conclusion of the Governmental Group of Experts (GGE) on Leathal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), agreeing on a set of elements of an instrument, without prejudging its nature. The agreement on the characterisation; on the application of and the need to ensure compliance with IHL; on elements relating to specific prohibitions, requirements, and risk mitigating measures - especially those relating to the human element; and on accountability and responsibility is encouraging.

Chair,

My remarks today have mainly focused on geopolitics, nuclear weapons, space security and emerging technologies. However, the illicit flow, accumulation, and misuse of arms and ammunition- particularly small arms and light weapons -  require our ongoing attention. These weapons cause the most deaths and suffering, perpetuating gender-based violence. The universalization and full implementation of key instruments like the Arms Trade Treaty are essential. All countries should have effective control systems and responsible export control is crucial.

Chair,

Let me conclude by highlighting the importance of inclusivity. Opposition to gender equality is on the rise, including in matters of peace and security and disarmament. Rights once gained can be lost. Freedoms do not defend themselves. It is up to us to protect them.

Furthermore, for us to be effective, we must also engage with younger generations and allow the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, industry, and academia, in our work.

Thank you!