Statement by Sri Lanka
2024 Meeting of High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW)
Agenda Item 7 – General Exchange of Views
14 November 2024
Mr. President,
Let me begin by congratulating you on the assumption of the Presidency of the 2024 Meeting of High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. Please be assured of the fullest support and cooperation of the delegation of Sri Lanka for arriving at the desired outcome of this important forum.
Sri Lanka attaches great importance to the relevance of CCW in addressing current issues of the global disarmament landscape. Throughout the year we have, and continue to witness the blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in several parts of the world and the resultant suffering brought upon civilians including children and women as well as the devastating impact on civilian life and infrastructure. We also experienced gaps in international multilateral efforts and challenges in addressing such issues in the real-world scenario. Sri Lanka also remains deeply concerned about the ongoing use of explosive weapons in populated areas, resulting in unbearable harm to civilians. We urge all the parties to armed conflicts to fully comply with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and ensure the protection of civilian populations.
Mr. President,
Undoubtedly, the rapid development of emerging technologies carries an unprecedented impact on modern warfare. In this context, Sri Lanka believes that one of the CCW's most crucial mandates is to address the issues related to emerging weapon technologies through the work of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (GGE LAWS).
Sri Lanka reaffirms its consistent commitment in this area. We continued as a main sponsor of the First Committee Resolution on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems this year as well, which is in full complementarity with and supportive of the fulfilment of the mandate of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE).
We also take this opportunity to re-iterate Sri Lanka’s consistent position of supporting and promoting negotiation of a legally binding instrument on lethal and autonomous weapons systems and addressing the issues related to all aspects including humanitarian, legal, security, technological and ethical perspectives.
In this regard, we strongly believe that the mandate of the Group of Government Experts (GGE) on Lethal and Autonomous Weapons (LAWS) should be operated in a forward-looking perspective, considering the rapid development of arms technologies which integrate Artificial Intelligence.
Elaborating our commitment towards this important goal, Sri Lanka dedicated a separate session to the ‘Promotion of Humanitarian Principles in Warfare’ at a national event held in August in the lead up to the Summit of the Future. The session highlighted the implications of IHL in the development of LAWS, and the urgent need for an international legally-binding instrument.
Mr. President,
For a number of reasons, we believe that this forum is important and timely in the current global context. The CCW and its Protocols remain key instruments of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) that codifies IHL and customary international law while seeking to regulate the conduct of all parties to a conflict, both in international and non-international context. As a framework which covers not only conflict situations but also post-conflict environments, we note that the relevant Protocols of CCW aim to protect civilians from the effects of explosive ordnance even in post conflict situations. Due to this broader perspective and extensive coverage, adherence to the CCW and its Protocols is crucial to uphold the principles of IHL for the sake of humanity in the current global context. We also believe that the universalization of CCW and inclusivity is vital to achieve the goal of complete disarmament.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the Pact for the Future adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year, which contains several key elements that are relevant and important to achieve CCW objectives and its future work. We recall the action points "protect all civilians in armed conflict" and “redouble our efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts” which align with broader objectives of CCW in mitigating the impact of armed conflicts and banning or restricting weapons that may cause unnecessary suffering or have indiscriminate effects on civilians.
The Pact for the Future also calls for “a new beginning in multilateralism” based on reinvigorated international cooperation. This reminds us that the United Nations and other key multilateral fora including the CCW framework can deliver a better future for the people and the planet, while addressing new and emerging challenges.
As we know, the existing International Humanitarian Law (IHL) had not been designed to address the complexities of modern warfare which is digitalized and powered by Artificial Intelligence. Therefore, Sri Lanka believes that CCW is an effective platform to introduce specific new laws to avoid massive destruction and violations of IHL in future. We also believe that it is imperative in future to focus on mitigating the devastative impact on the natural environment and human health which are direct threats to the right to life.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, let me reiterate that Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to realize the objectives of this Convention and its Protocols and we wish successful and constructive deliberations ahead.
Thank you
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