Statement by Canada – Thematic Debate: Conventional Weapons – 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly – First Committee

New York, October 23, 2025

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Mr. Chair,

Canada remains deeply concerned by the erosion of the global disarmament framework across multiple treaties and conventions. This erosion is exacerbated by Russia’s continued threatening behaviour which poses serious risks to regional and global security and undermines disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control norms. To counter this trend and to prevent harm to civilians, governments must work together to strengthen efforts to prevent the illicit transfer, possession and proliferation of conventional weapons.

Canada recognizes the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons as a significant threat to international security and human rights, with differentiated impacts on women, men, girls and boys. We continue to advocate for a gender-responsive approach to combatting the illicit trade, diversion and proliferation of these weapons, including through the UN Programme of Action. We look forward to advancing these efforts at next year’s Biennial Meeting of States.

Canada is an active party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which represents an essential international norm—including its unique attention to gender-based violence. As the Treaty reaches a critical juncture, States Parties must ensure its sustainability to meet our shared goals of reducing human suffering and contributing to peace, security and stability. Canada supports the UK-led initiative to develop a 5-year strategic plan to coordinate implementation efforts.

Canada remains committed to eradicating anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war, given their devastating humanitarian impacts. We welcome the Siem Reap – Angkor Declaration and Action Plan and commend Cambodia for successfully hosting the 5th Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention. Regrettably, we have witnessed withdrawals from the Convention for the first time—decisions we attribute to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its threatening behaviour toward other neighbouring states. We urge all states to uphold international humanitarian law and to support the Ottawa Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). We also congratulate Lao PDR on presiding over next year’s 3rd Review Conference of the CCM and reiterate our support.

Canada remains concerned by procedural blockages within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), which have hindered progress across the Convention and its Protocols. The CCW remains a critical instrument to address weapons with severe humanitarian impacts. We strongly encourage observer participation and believe discussions should expand to include broader implementation and universalization of Protocol III on incendiary weapons.

We thank Norway, Ireland and Costa Rica for championing the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) and look forward to further implementation discussions in San José. Protecting civilians remains central to Canada’s disarmament engagement.

Canada is also encouraged by progress made under the three-year mandate of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). We appreciate the leadership of the Dutch Chair in guiding consensus-oriented discussions. Canada reaffirms that all weapons used in armed conflict—including LAWS—must comply with international humanitarian law.

Our collective security depends on protecting and reinforcing the norms we have built together. Canada urges all states to remain steadfast in upholding these commitments and preventing further erosion of global disarmament architecture.

Thank you.