Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Juan Ramon de la Fuente Ramirez for his briefing and for his and his team’s work since assuming the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540. I also wish to commend the dedicated and professional work of the 1540 Committee Group of Experts. Their expertise and knowledge provide great support to the work of the Committee and has been instrumental in strengthening the implementation of the resolution.
The risk of terrorists or other non-state actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction is a real and serious threat to international security. The use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq by the ISIL, the proliferation of missiles and its components to non-state actors in the Middle-East are some of the recent reminders of the risks involved.
Resolution 1540 remains one of the most critical instruments to prevent and counter these threats. Over the years, it has demonstrated its relevance in guiding Member States to take all necessary measures to prevent non-State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons or the equipment necessary for their production. We need to ensure that the resolution and its implementation remains effective and strong.
In this context, it is encouraging to see that the number of states that have submitted their first reports to the Committee have reached 184. We encourage those states that have not submitted their reports yet to do so without delay. We also agree with the Chair of the Committee that the National Implementation Action Plans are useful tools in identifying gaps and vulnerabilities in regulations and control mechanisms so that necessary and appropriate action can follow. We like to see that States continue submitting their national implementation plans as well as sharing their best practices.
Effective implementation of resolution 1540 can be further improved by assistance and cooperation measures. We welcome the work the Committee has done in facilitating provision of assistance by matching requests of States with offers of assistance from other States or international, regional and subregional organisations. We equally welcome the active engagement and cooperation with UNODA, international organisations, such as IAEA, OPCW, INTERPOL, and with civil society, industry and academia. The biannual Wiesbaden conferences provide a good example on how private sector engagement can provide support in identifying measures to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
Mister President,
Despite of the disruptions caused by covid-19 pandemic, we are hopeful that the Committee can finalise the comprehensive review on the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 soon. The comprehensive review is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the scope of the resolution, on the mandate of the Committee and its Group of Experts. Estonia stands ready to ensure that the review process is inclusive, thorough and substantive and that it takes into account the evolving nature of risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As terrorists and non-state actors adapt to new realities and technologies, and the threats landscape is evolving, our responses must evolve too.
Resolution 1540 is an essential part of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. Estonia remains fully committed to support and contribute to the work of the 1540 Committee.
I thank you.
