31 Oct 2016
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
1. I am taking the floor to explain my delegation’s vote in favour of the draft resolution L.7/Rev.1 on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction”, and the draft resolution L.22 on “Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”.
2. Singapore voted in favour of the draft resolution L.7/Rev.1 on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction”. Our position on anti-personnel landmines has been clear and open. As in the past years, Singapore supports and will continue to support all initiatives against the indiscriminate use of anti-personnel landmines, especially when they are directed at innocent and defenceless civilians. With this in mind, Singapore declared a two-year moratorium in May 1996 on the export of anti-personnel landmines without self-neutralising mechanisms. In February 1998, Singapore expanded the moratorium to include all manner of anti-personnel landmines, not just those without self-neutralising mechanisms, and extended the moratorium indefinitely. We also support the work of the Convention by regularly attending the Meetings of the States Parties to the Convention.
3. Singapore also voted in favour of the draft resolution L.22 on “Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”, as we support initiatives against the indiscriminate use of cluster munitions, especially when directed at innocent and defenceless civilians. With this in mind, Singapore declared an indefinite moratorium in November 2008 on the export of cluster munitions. We also support the work of the Convention on Cluster Munitions by regularly attending the Meetings of the States Parties to the Convention.
4. At the same time, like several other countries, Singapore firmly believes that the legitimate security concerns and the right to self-defence of any State cannot be disregarded. A blanket ban on all types of anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions may therefore be counter-productive.
5. Singapore supports the international efforts to resolve the humanitarian concerns over anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions. We will continue to work with members of the international community towards a durable and truly global solution.
6. I thank you, Mr Chairman.
. . . . .