Statement on behalf of the Delegation of the Republic of Latvia
General Debate
First Committee of the 79th UN General Assembly
New York, 9 October 2024
Madam Chair,
Please, allow me to congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the First Committee and assure you of active cooperation of the Latvian delegation, including in our capacity as a bureau member. Latvia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and would like to make a few remarks in its national capacity.
Madam Chair,
Latvia acknowledges the intricacies of our interconnected world, where tensions, crisis and conflicts in different regions, including Europe, Middle East and Africa have profound impact on global peace, security and stability. Despite the myriad of destabilizing geopolitical developments, our approach must be consistent and rooted in upholding the principles of international law, including the UN Charter. Arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament is an integral part of this approach and continues to play an instrumental role in promotion of international peace and security.
For the third year, Russia continues its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine in flagrant violation of the UN Charter. Latvia reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s actions in the strongest possible terms. We call for the immediate cessation of Russian aggression, the withdrawal of Russian forces, and the full restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Russia’s aggressive actions, including its irresponsible and dangerous nuclear rhetoric, announcement to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus as well as de-ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and unwillingness to comply and engage in dialogue on strategic arms control pose significant threats to global security. Russia’s forceful seizure and militarization of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, greatly undermines nuclear safety. Latvia calls on Russia to cease its aggressive actions, to reverse its irresponsible steps and to return to full compliance with its international obligations and commitments. We also expect China to enhance transparency about its nuclear capabilities and engage in dialogue on strategic stability.
Madam Chair,
We are witnessing unprecedented erosion of the global arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament architecture which raises serious concern. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must be upheld as it remains the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime. We are witnessing concerning pattern of disruptive behaviour and breach of consensus in various disarmament formats. Latvia is of a strong opinion that ensuring full compliance and enforcement of existing agreements must be non-negotiable.
In particular, the threat of nuclear proliferation urgently requires coordinated international action. Latvia emphasizes the IAEA's role in verifying Iran's adherence to safeguard obligations and calls for Iran to restore verification activities and to fully cooperate with the IAEA. Likewise, DPRK's nuclear weapons program and missile capabilities pose serious threats and are an unacceptable violation of international law. Latvia supports the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and urges DPRK to engage in complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization.
Latvia condemns the transfer of ballistic missiles and weaponry from DPRK and Iran to Russia, fuelling its illegal war in Ukraine. Russia's veto in the UN Security Council, blocking the Panel of Experts on DPRK sanctions, is a deplorable attempt to evade accountability that undermines international non-proliferation efforts.
Madam Chair,
Latvia recognizes the growing importance of outer space and is concerned about the risks associated with its militarization. Committed to the Outer Space Treaty, Latvia advocates for maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes. Strengthening norms and principles of responsible behaviour is crucial for ensuring its peaceful use and preventing an arms race in this domain.
Cyberspace is being constantly contested by both state and non-state actors. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to establish a permanent UN mechanism dealing with cybersecurity matters. The main task of this mechanism should be further implementation of the UN framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, based on international law. Latvia welcomes the efforts of Singapore as the chair of the Open-Ended Working Group to advance this goal. It is important to ensure that this process is in line with the Programme of Action to Advance Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace (PoA), which has received wide cross-regional support.
Madam Chair,
While new and emerging technologies, including AI, offer huge potential for development, international community also has to consider their implications for international security. Therefore, Latvia supports efforts to address these issues, including aspects related to lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), within the framework of the CCW.
At the same time, the emerging challenges are not replacing, but adding to already existing threats. We advocate for the full implementation of the Programme of Action to address Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). Latvia undertook the role of vice-chair of the Fourth Review Conference in June, contributing to its successful outcome.
Latvia also continues actively engaging in global arms control and export control frameworks, particularly the Arms Trade Treaty, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the Wassenaar Agreement. We actively support capacity building efforts in this area by providing assistance to other countries in drafting new national export control legislation in the past year and stand ready to continue to share our experience.
Madam Chair,
Latvia underscores the critical importance of implementing and further advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Sexual violence against girls and women is being weaponized in wars and conflicts across the globe and requires more active international engagement to establish preventative measures and provide practical support to the survivors of these heinous crimes. The implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 also entails women’s full and meaningful participation in decisions related to international security. In other words, “don’t just count women in, make their voices count”.
Finally, Latvia welcomes the outcome of the Summit for the Future, which has translated in concrete action the aims set out in the Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace. We need to use this momentum to strengthen arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and enhance peacekeeping and peacebuilding initiatives.
Thank you, Madam Chair.