Introduction of draft resolution A/C.2/71/L.21 “Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea”
Mr. Chairman, Dear colleagues, I have the honour to introduce today draft resolution A/C.2/71/L.21 entitled "Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea", which has been sponsored by all Member States of the European Union, Monaco and San Marino. This resolution is a follow-up to the Resolution 68/208 adopted in this Committee by consensus on 20 December 2013 and subsequently, by the General Assembly.
The current draft resolution continues to reflect concerns by many states about the potential long-term environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea, including their potential impact on human health and safety, as well as on the marine environment and resources.
This year’s resolution is building on the report of the Secretary General A/71//190 of 25 July 2016 that reflects the views of Member States, relevant regional and international organizations on issues relating to the environmental effects of waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea and on the modalities for international cooperation.
In light of the views reflected in the Secretary General’s report, the draft resolution encourages to continue outreach efforts to assess and increase awareness of the issue, calls for voluntary sharing of information, and invites Member States, in a position to do so, to consider providing assistance and sharing relevant expertise.
The resolution invites the Secretary General to continue seeking views on issues related to the environmental effects of chemical weapons dumped at sea, in particular with a view to exploring the possibility of establishing a database that would contain voluntarily shared information. It also asks the Secretary-General to submit recommendations for identifying appropriate intergovernmental bodies within the United Nations system for further consideration and implementation of the cooperative measures envisaged in the resolution.
We look forward to working with all delegations on the draft resolution and invite all interested Member States to co-sponsor the resolution. We thank all those Members States which have already done so.
I thank you.
