Conference on Disarmament Holds Thematic Discussion on Nuclear Risk Reduction

Concludes Discussion on Nuclear Disarmament Verification

The Conference on Disarmament today held a thematic discussion on agenda item 2 of the Conference on prevention of nuclear war, focusing on nuclear risk reduction.

Ambassador Yuri Borissov Sterk of Bulgaria, President of the Conference on Disarmament, said that in recent years the issue of nuclear risk reduction seemed to be back on the radar of the international security debate. To consider and reflect on what might constitute major risks for a deliberate and/or accidental use of nuclear weapons and how the Conference could contribute towards a better understanding and mitigation of those risks, they would hear today from Wilfred Wan, Lead Researcher in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, and Jenifer Mackby, Senior Fellow for International Security at the Federation of American Scientists.

Wilfred Wan, Lead Researcher in the Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme at United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, said it was important to increase understanding of how doctrines, policies, modernisation efforts, and activities taken ostensibly to deter aggression and reduce risk from a national security perspective could be perceived externally. In order to reduce nuclear risks, States should increase strategic engagement; preserve, formalise, and develop policies of restraint; enhance use of notifications, signals, and crisis communication channels; and commit to reduce nuclear risks.

Jenifer Mackby, Senior Fellow for International Security at the Federation of American Scientists, said cyber threats to nuclear weapons and related systems increased the risk of unauthorised use of a nuclear weapon, increased the risk of nuclear use as a result of a false warning, and could undermine confidence in nuclear deterrence, affecting strategic stability. Capacities to conduct cyber operations for espionage, covert operations and attacks were attractive for many reasons. All should be concerned that nuclear weapons might be used due to miscalculations or as a result of interference by third party actors.

In the discussion, speakers said there was an urgent need to eliminate the role of nuclear weapons in strategic doctrines and security policies to minimise the risk that these weapons would ever be used again and to facilitate the process of their elimination. It would be useful for States to consider what role the Conference could play in nuclear risk reduction and how it could potentially contribute to risk reduction initiatives. Quoting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, speakers stressed the need to foster dialogue to avoid the risks of miscalculations and misinterpretations. Strategic risk reduction, while not a substitute for disarmament, was best achieved through a three-pronged approach: building trust and confidence; increasing mutual understanding; and effective crisis management.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Wan said risk reduction could not substitute for disarmament, as the risk of nuclear weapon use existed so long as nuclear weapons existed. Still, risk reduction could help to revitalise arms control and disarmament efforts, including by refocusing attention on existing disarmament obligations and commitments.

Ms. Mackby said several delegations had mentioned advanced technologies in cyberspace and outer space, and the implications on strategic stability. She hoped those discussions would continue in the Conference, and that it would be able to adopt a work programme soon.

Speaking on agenda item 2 were Iraq on behalf of the G21, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Spain, Argentina, Japan, China, France, South Africa, Netherlands, Pakistan, Norway, Republic of Korea and India.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Conference concluded its thematic discussion on item 1 of its agenda on the cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament, with a focus on nuclear disarmament verification.

Speakers stressed the importance of addressing nuclear disarmament in a balanced manner, considering the sensitivity of information. Attempts at establishing a universal verification regime were unrealistic. The Russian Federation and the United States should reduce their nuclear arsenals irreversibly and verifiably, some speakers said. Transparency, verification and irreversibility should be core principles of nuclear disarmament verification. Verification mechanisms lacked capacity at the global level; capacity-building programmes were needed to bridge the gap between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States regarding disarmament verification capacity.

Speaking on item 1 were China, Indonesia and Venezuela.

The United States spoke in right of reply.

The Conference on Disarmament will next meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 20 May, to continue its thematic discussion on prevention of nuclear war.

Conclusion of Discussion on Nuclear Disarmament Verification

The Conference on Disarmament started its thematic discussion on item 1 of its agenda on cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament, with a focus on nuclear disarmament verification, last week and summaries can be found here and here .

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