Mister Chair,
I thank High Representative for the Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for her remarks, reminding us of the importance of resolution 1540 (2004) for the global non-proliferation architecture, in preventing non-State actors from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction.
I thank Mexico for giving the opportunity to all members and stakeholders, to share our views on the implementation of resolution 1540 and recommend new and practical ideas for the improvement of its implementation. We are encouraged by the significant progress achieved so far.
The participation of international and regional organizations and members of civil society and academia, will certainly contribute for a more meaningful discussion.
I take this opportunity to congratulate with the Panel of Experts for their very professional work. The results speak for themselves. We welcome your innovative efforts, with the introduction of the IT toolkit and dedicated website. It will make the reporting process much more practical and user-friendly for the entire membership.
Mr. Chair,
Allow me to highlight the following issues from the background paper of the Comprehensive Review.
We are encouraged that the number of the reporting countries has increased. Still, 8 countries have not provided their first national report. We call on them to increase their efforts in providing their matrices as soon as possible, to make the reporting process on the implementation of 1540 resolution a universal common effort to the maintenance of peace and security.
To help outreach and further assistance, creating a focal point remains important. Training programmes and visits of the Committee and its Group of Experts are excellent accelerators for the implementation and reporting process by countries. It is very encouraging that these visits have resulted in the drafting of the report or the Voluntary National Implementation Action Plan.
We take note that during the COVID-19 pandemic here have been less visits and in person exchanges between the states and the Committee. On-line platforms have been very helpful in filling the gap.
We would propose to make more efficient use of these technologies. While visits allow for an in-depth cooperation, e-meetings may be considered as excellent boosters for follow-ups, additional update, training, technical or legal assistance for the drafting and implementation of the resolution at national level.
As was highlighted by the Member States guidance or a template is useful for the preparation of the report. Some states have introduced only matrices, while other reports are in a narrative format. A clarification or guidance on this point would be welcomed.
Assistance by other states, the Committee, GoE or regional and other international organizations is indispensable. It includes guidance for the focal points, training, funding, exchange of expertise, legal advice for the implementation process and many other forms. The 1540 Committee’s role in facilitating technical assistance for the implementation of the resolution by engaging in matching offers and requests for assistance is crucial.
Cooperation with stakeholders, including civil society, private entities, academia could bring benefits in raising awareness about the gravity of threats posed by the use of WMD. We welcome proposals of Norway and Mexico that promote the advancement of gender perspectives in disarmament and non-proliferation agenda including in the implementation process of 1540 resolution, thus also contributing to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that, aware of the necessity of having a national legal framework that focuses on the use of weapons of mass destruction by non-states actors, Albania adopted in 2020 a National Strategy to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its Action Plan. We submitted a revised updated matrix on the status of implementation of the 1540 SC resolution by November 2020, providing a thorough detailed information on our national capacity.
I thank you.
