Disarmament

«The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas is a threat to our duty to protect children at all levels», Ambassador Geir O. Pedersen stated in a panel debate on the impact of explosive weapons in populated areas. Read more

We have a common responsibility to come up with a strong and legally binding Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). That was the message from Norway’s Minister of International Development at the start of the month long negotiations taking place at the UN in New York. The goal is a deal that has leads to real change by limiting the human suffering caued by armed violence. Read more

The date - August 1, 2010 - will forever be significant in the international humanitarian calendar. That’s when the Convention on Cluster Munition entered into force. Norway helped kick start the work on the Convention three years ago. Read more

Today the first preparatory talks on negotiating an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) concluded at the United Nations in New York. Norway is working for an agreement that can prevent violations of international humanitarian law and human rights by requiring states to have stringent rules for the trading in arms. Read more

On May 28 in New York, agreement was reached between 189 countries on the way forward for disarmament efforts. This includes concrete steps to eliminate nuclear weapons, strengthen non-proliferation efforts and create a platform that respects the right of all countries to peaceful use of nuclear technology. Agreement was also reached on the first steps towards a zone free of weapons of mass... Read more

On Thursday May 13, Norway and the UK presented work on their joint initiative to the 2010 NPT Review Conference. The UK-Norway Initiative is a unique collaboration between a Nuclear Weapon State (UK) and a Non-Nuclear Weapon State (Norway). The non-governmental organisation VERTIC is providing independent observations. Read more

The atmosphere has never been better in terms taking dramatic steps towards nuclear disarmament. Norway stands ready to act. This was the main message in State Secretary Gry Larsen’s statement at the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York on Tuesday May 4. Read more

The UN General Assembly on Monday 19 April held a thematic debate on disarmament and non-proliferation. Deputy Permanent Representative Mona Juul moderated the first discussion panel under the theme: “Disarmament and world security: Challenges for the international community and the role of the United Nations”. Read more

Burkina Faso and Moldova delivered their instruments of ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions to the United Nations this month. That means the necessary 30 states has been reached for the treaty to enter into force August 1st, 2010. The occasion was marked by the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations with a reception at the United Nations Headquarter Building, Friday 1... Read more

“It’s finally clear that the ban will take effect. Through this convention we’ve contributed to making the world safer, we’ve strengthened international humanitarian law and those affected will now finally get help,” says Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. Read more

Norway supports a resolution in the UN General Assembly’s First Committee calling for the immediate start of negotiations on a new international arms trade treaty. “An effective, robust framework that regulates the conventional arms trade would be an important step forward in efforts to combat armed violence,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Friday 30 October. Read more

The Norwegian government is strongly committed to humanitarian disarmament. Its engagement in the fields of landmines, cluster munitions, small arms and other related areas is motivated from the unacceptable harm to civilians caused by the use of these weapons. Read more

Norway welcomes this week’s review of the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540. That resolution looks at ways to prevent non-state actors from attaining weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Read more

Today two more countries, Lao PDR and DR Congo, ratified (LPDR) and signed (DRC) the Convention on Cluster Munitions when United Nations held an event for countries interested in committing to the treaty. Since Norway launched an initiative in 2007, that led to negotiation and formal adoption of the treaty, now 96 countries have signed, including five that have also ratified. & Read more

Norway`s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, and Ministry official Steffen Kongstad, who led the negotiations on the cluster munitions ban, have been voted persons of the year by the prominent disarmament organisation Arms Control Association (ACA).  Read more

Norway`s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre, and Ministry official Steffen Kongstad, who led the negotiations on the cluster munitions ban, have been voted persons of the year by the prominent disarmament organisation Arms Control Association (ACA).  Read more

125 states are taking part in the signing ceremony in Oslo City Hall today. Four of them, including Norway, have already ratified the Convention. Read more

The resolution, that highlights concerns over the military use of uranium, was passed with 127 against 4 votes (34 abstained). Last time the First Committee voted on the resolution Norway abstained, but this year Norway changed the voting pattern. Read more

Foreword to the Convention on Cluster Munitions Signing Conference, Oslo 2 - 3 December 2008. Read more

It is very serious if reports that cluster munitions have been used on both sides of the Georgia conflict is correct, Norwegian government say in a press release today.   Read more