Thank you Mr. Chairman,

Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM).

The timeless and fundamental values of peace and non-violence continue to guide Nepal’s disarmament policy. We have always maintained that the world deserves to remain peaceful without any threat of weapons of mass destruction.

As a State party to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention and Biological Weapons Convention and the host to the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for the Asia-Pacific, Nepal is a staunch supporter of general and complete disarmament of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction.

Nepal is free from all types of WMDs and their delivery system. We do not produce, possess, import or export any WMDs or nor do we intend to do so. We denounce the production, stockpiling and proliferation of such weapons.

We believe that the use of WMDs by whosoever at whatever circumstances against innocent people is a crime against humanity, and therefore, the perpetrators should be held accountable.

Mr. Chairman,

Needless to say, we have come a long way since the entry into force the conventions such as NPT, CWC and BWC. However, the project to free the world from the use of WMDs still remains unfinished.

We have a challenge to prevent the re-emergence of such weapons. And, given the acts of international terrorism in recent times, we must ensure that WMDs do not fall into the hands of terrorists and non-states actors.

Nepal firmly believes that international peace and security depends on the faithful adherence to the international disarmament instruments.

Nepal expresses its satisfaction over the effective operation and verification mechanism of the CWC as well as on the promotion of the use of chemicals for peaceful purposes. We appreciate the role of the OPCW in this regard.

The use of chemical materials in Nepal is limited to medical and other peaceful purposes. However, we have always extended and will continue to extend our full cooperation and support in international efforts to eliminate the production, use, stockpiling and proliferation of chemical weapons.

Mr. Chairman,

Unprecedented advances in biological science and technology have brought immense opportunities for humankind. But at the same time, there are concerns of their potential uses contrary to the provisions of the Convention.

Effective implementation of the BWC cannot be overemphasized for ensuring effective tackling of the possibilities of wrong hands finding it easy to develop and misuse for ulterior motives.

We need a common understanding and collective efforts directed towards maximizing the opportunity provided by the Convention through well-regulated and controlled mechanism for the welfare and advancement of humankind.

Despite their unwavering commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation, some least developed countries still lack adequate technical and financial resources as well as enforcement capability to comply with the provisions of different disarmament-related treaties and resolutions.

International support including in their capacity building and promoting peaceful uses of chemical and biological technologies is critical.

In closing, Mr. Chairman, my delegation underscores the importance of enhanced level of international cooperation and support in disarmament. Therefore, Nepal calls for the promotion of international cooperation for strengthening the institutional capacity of the countries in need.  International cooperation is also required, for example, as per the provisions of CWC and BWC, to promote the peaceful use of dual-use materials for the benefit of humanity.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman