Second Preparatory Meeting of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions - Agenda Item 5 (a) Exchange of views on the preparation of documents for the Third Review Conference

Mr. President,

The Holy See Delegation would like to express its appreciation for the Lao PDR’s commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and to acknowledge the hard work carried out in preparation for this Third Review Conference. Your team’s diligent efforts to streamline the draft documents to be adopted in Vientiane, while carefully considering diverse perspectives, are particularly commendable. 

By placing the human person at the center, this Convention embraces the true humanitarian spirit of caring for and defending the needs of the weakest and those who suffer innocently from the cruelty of conflicts. This proves the inextricable link between disarmament and integral human development. With this consideration the Holy See seeks to advance the implementation of the Convention, while remaining loyal to the spirit that motivated the drafting of this document. 

It is important to acknowledge that this Convention has made a real difference to victims affected and to those it has prevented from becoming victims. Therefore, it is essential to maintain its focus and renew the imperative for universalization. In this regard, my Delegation particularly appreciates the efforts undertaken by the Lao PDR’s Chairmanship. Regrettably, many States Parties and non-Parties to this Convention are all too aware that the deadly legacy of cluster munitions continues to affect many innocent lives. As a “family of nations”, we should view assistance to victims as a shared responsibility rooted in their needs.

Mr. President,

With regard to the merits of the proposed Draft Review Document 2.0 on the implementation of the Lausanne Action Plan (2022-2026) and the status and operation of the Convention, my Delegation notes with concern that certain expressions and formulations remain in the text, to which we have consistently objected, both during the first preparatory meeting, in informal consultations, and in bilateral engagements, as well as through the specific amendments proposed by my Delegation in written submissions.

In particular, I am referring to certain non-consensual expressions such as “gender and diversity” (cf. para. 169), “gender considerations” (cf. paras. 166, 168, 169, 173, 174, 176, 183, 184, 187), and “gender mainstreaming” (cf. Section XI). Similarly, allow me to reiterate my Delegation’s our objection to the inclusion of references to frameworks that exceed the scope and subject matter of the Convention (cf. 136 “WPS Agenda”).

The inclusion of such references is problematic for many other States Parties. It has also come to our attention that this is also a source of concern for some States that have signed to the Convention but are not yet party to it. Therefore this may become an additional barrier preventing their ratification or accession, with implications for the universalization of the Convention. 

The effective implementation of the Convention and an authentic spirit of multilateralism require clarity and agreement on the words and concepts employed, so as to avoid ambiguity.

Mr. President,

Pope Leo XIV places the  utmost importance on building “a peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering.”^[1] My Delegation is convinced that the Convention on Cluster Munitions can contribute significantly to this goal through its human-centered approach, providing support to those affected and acknowledging their sufferings. The upcoming Review Conference in Lao PDR will provide an excellent opportunity to continue working in this direction.

The Holy See wishes to reiterate its commitment to the Convention, and is willing to continue working you and your team to reach a consensus on the documents to be adopted.

Thank you.