Disarmament

Explosive weapons kill children in conflict

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:10:33 GMT

«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.

Need for robust regulations on arms trade

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 04:48:21 GMT

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.

Convention on Cluster Munition enters into force

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:17:07 GMT

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.

Towards an Arms Trade Treaty

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:32:34 GMT

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.

Norway welcomes agreement on disarmament

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:03:45 GMT

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 destruction in the Middle East. The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomes this agreement.

UK-Norway: Research into the Verification of nuclear warhead dismantlement

Tue, 25 May 2010 22:36:52 GMT

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.

High expectations for the NPT Review Conference

Wed, 05 May 2010 20:48:44 GMT

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.

UN debate on disarmament and non-proliferation

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:00:03 GMT

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”.

The ban on cluster munitions highlighted in New York

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:35:54 GMT

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 19 February.

The ban on cluster munitions to take effect

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:59:00 GMT

“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.

Norway welcomes start of negotiations on new arms trade treaty

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:53:32 GMT

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.

The threat of conventional weapons

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:03:20 GMT

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.

Preventing the spread of WMDs

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:10:37 GMT

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).

More Countries Join Cluster Munition Ban

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:23:07 GMT

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.

Norway Wins Recognition for Ban on Cluster Munitions

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:17:50 GMT

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).

Norway Wins Recognition for Ban on Cluster Munitions

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:22:04 GMT

Nations Sign Cluster Munition Treaty

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:17:14 GMT

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

Norway Vote to Explore Consequences of Use of Depleted Uranium in Weapons

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:17:41 GMT

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.

Banning Cluster Munitions – Making It Happen in Oslo

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:17:21 GMT

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

Norway Deeply Deplores Any Use of Cluster Munitions in the Georgia Conflict

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:18:03 GMT

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.