Thank you, President.

New Zealand is firmly committed to the universalisation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Convention embodies a powerful international norm against cluster munitions, one that places humanitarian considerations at the centre of disarmament efforts.

Broadening the CCM's membership is essential to consolidate and strengthen this global norm. The Convention's objectives cannot be fully realised while significant numbers of states remain outside it.

Universalisation is not simply a matter of increasing membership. It is about strengthening protections for civilians, preventing future harm, and reinforcing the global rejection of weapons that cause unacceptable humanitarian consequences.

Every new accession strengthens the stigma against cluster munitions and reinforces the expectation that these weapons should never be used, produced, transferred or stockpiled.

Therefore, we welcome Timor-Leste's accession to the Convention earlier today. New Zealand calls on all states that have not yet joined the Convention to follow this example and accede without delay, including in the Pacific.

At present, Pacific membership of the CCM lags behind other parts of the world, despite general awareness of the dangerous legacy of unexploded ordnance from past conflict. New Zealand encourages others in the Pacific region that have not done so to join the Convention. We stand ready to provide assistance to this end. We recall model legislation [CCM/MSP/2011/WP.6] we previously developed for use by small states with no history of use or contamination, which we would be happy to share.

New Zealand welcomes the efforts undertaken by other States Parties, international organisations, and civil society to promote adherence to the Convention. We pledge to continue working with you to promote understanding of the Convention's humanitarian purpose and practical benefits.

Thank you.

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