STATEMENT BY MS BERENICE LOW, FIRST SECRETARY (POLITICAL), PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE 2023 SESSION OF THE DISARMAMENT COMMISSION, 3 APRIL 2023

Thank you Mr Chairman.

1 My delegation congratulates you on your election as Chair of the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC). We also congratulate the Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica Mr Kurt Davis and Ms Szilvia Balazs of Hungary on their election as Chairs of the Working Group on Nuclear Weapons and Working Group on Outer Space respectively.

2 Singapore aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN. We would like to add the following comments in our national capacity.

3 We reaffirm the role of the UNDC as the sole, specialised, deliberative body to consider and make recommendations on disarmament issues. We welcome the convening of the UNDC as an opportunity for Member States to continue constructive dialogue and propose concrete action on disarmament. Against the backdrop of a deteriorating international security environment, and the transnational nature of nuclear proliferation, a multilateral approach is essential to address these issues. Singapore reiterates our full commitment to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

4 Given that this is the third and last session of this cycle of the UNDC, I would like to make three suggestions on how we can take concrete steps forward. First, we must renew and strengthen our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which is the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We reiterate our disappointment at the failure of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT in August 2022 to adopt a final document, which marked the second consecutive time the NPT Review Conference failed to do so. Nonetheless, Singapore remains committed to the objectives and the three mutually-reinforcing pillars of the NPT. To uphold the legitimacy, relevance, and credibility of the NPT, we must make concerted efforts to overcome the divisions and mistrust between Nuclear Weapon States and non-Nuclear Weapon States, as well as among Nuclear Weapon States at all relevant fora. As we start a new NPT review cycle this year, we urge all Member States to show strong political will and make a collective effort to fulfil their commitments to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation within a specified and reasonable timeframe. We also welcome the establishment of the working group on further strengthening the NPT review process, and look forward to participating in discussions ahead of the First NPT Preparatory Committee in July this year.

5 Second, we must redouble our efforts towards the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). We are encouraged by the six Member States who ratified the CTBT in 2022 and urge all countries, in particular the eight remaining Annex II States, to ratify it as soon as possible. Pending the CTBT’s entry into force, States should also refrain from actions that go against the objective and purpose of the Treaty.

6 Third, the establishment of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones have been useful building blocks towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Singapore will continue to work closely with our ASEAN partners and the Nuclear Weapon States to resolve outstanding issues in accordance with the objective and principles of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, for the Nuclear Weapon States’ signing and ratification of the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty without reservations. Singapore also welcomes the efforts to establish a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction and encourages further efforts to achieve genuine and lasting peace in a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East through open and constructive dialogue involving all relevant parties.

Mr Chairman,

7 Singapore supports the UNDC’s continuing deliberations on issues in the field of outer space as we face emerging and complex threats and where there is limited strategic trust between the major spacefaring nations. As human activity in outer space continues to grow and we become increasingly reliant on space-related applications for essential services, it is crucial that outer space remains a peaceful global commons. We reiterate the importance of further discussions on an open and inclusive international framework to ensure security and long-term sustainability in the use of outer space. We welcome the ongoing work by the Open Ended Working Group on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours, as well as the establishment of the Group of Governmental Experts on Further Practical Measures for the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space by General Assembly resolution 77/250, as part of these efforts.

8 To conclude, Singapore will work constructively with other Member States over the next few weeks to achieve a successful outcome addressing the critical issues of nuclear weapons and outer space. Thank you.

.     .     .     .     .