02 Nov 2021
Thank you, Mr Chair,
1 I am taking the floor to explain my delegation’s votes in favour of the draft resolutions L.5 “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction”, and L.41 “Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”, that have just been adopted.
2 Singapore’s position has been clear and consistent. We have traditionally voted in favour of the resolution “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction”. We support all initiatives against the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel landmines. In May 1996, Singapore declared a two-year moratorium on the export of anti-personnel landmines without self-neutralising mechanisms. The moratorium was expanded in February 1998 to include all manner of anti-personnel landmines. This moratorium has since been extended indefinitely.
3 Singapore also voted in favour of the resolution “Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”, as we support initiatives against the indiscriminate use of cluster munitions, especially when directed at innocent civilians. It was for this reason that Singapore declared an indefinite moratorium in November 2008 on the export of cluster munitions.
4 Singapore supports the work of the aforementioned Conventions by regularly attending the Meetings of States Parties to these Conventions. At the same time, as a small state, Singapore is firmly of the view that the legitimate security concerns and the right to self-defence of any State cannot be disregarded. A blanket ban on all types of cluster munitions and anti-personnel landmines may therefore be counter-productive.
5 Singapore supports international efforts to resolve humanitarian concerns over the use of anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. We will continue to work with the international community towards a durable, and truly global, solution.
Thank you.
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