Mr. Chair,

Germany aligns itself with the Statement of the European Union.

Recent progress achieved in the field of small arms and light weapons and respective ammunition underlines that progress in arms control is still possible – despite the challenging security environment and growing polarisation.

Following the review conference in 2024 the UN Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons remains on an encouraging path: The successful PrepCom this year of the Global Framework Agreement for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management has underlined the near universal consensus on the importance to contribute to safety and security of our citizens by addressing gaps in through-life ammunition management. We are honoured to present to this committee together with France and South Africa the respective resolution.

As in previous years Germany funded SALW-related projects all over the world with a combined volume of over 20 million USD. We thank our implementing partners, UN agencies and the UNSCAR fund as well as all NGO-partners for their excellent work. Germany will remain committed to actively support SALW efforts this year and beyond.

Ongoing military conflicts and their grave humanitarian consequences once again underline the urgency of protecting civilians in armed conflict. The CCW and its Protocols, the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention are essential instruments addressing the devastating humanitarian impact on civilians due to the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons. We thank Costa Rica for hosting the Second International Conference on the EWIPA Declaration later this year. We will continue to contribute towards broadening support and actively engage in the follow-up process.

While recent withdrawal announcements showcase the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine even on humanitarian arms control, the importance of the APMBCs norms and obligations remain as important as ever. In 2024, Germany again allocated 80 million USD for the clearance of cluster munitions, mines and other explosive remnants of war as well as for victim assistance and risk awareness activities and stockpile destruction.

Germany greatly appreciates the active engagement of the distinguished chairperson of the GGE on LAWS, Ambassador in den Bosch, as well as the constructive discussions held by the group and the various regional initiatives. Germany will continue to actively support the GGE’s work and calls upon all GGE members to work towards the fulfilment of its mandate.

To conclude I would like to ask for delegation’s support for two resolutions which aim at strengthening indispensable transparency: the resolution on “Objective information on military matters, including transparency of military expenditures”, tabled by Germany and Romania as the resolution of the Netherlands on “Transparency in armaments” which Germany is proud to co-sponsor.

I thank you.