Chair,

In addition to the statement delivered by the European Union, I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity.

Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Last year, around one thousand people were killed or severely injured by cluster munitions, both from direct attacks and from unexploded remnants. This is one of the highest figures in recent history, and for the fourth consecutive year, Ukraine suffered the highest number of casualties. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, it has used anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions in an indiscriminate manner, turning Ukraine into the most mine-contaminated country in the world. This is a deeply concerning trend and demands our continued commitment to humanitarian disarmament. We therefore welcome the Vientiane Capital Action Plan and the Vientiane Political Declaration as important outcomes of the CCM Review Conference, renewing political commitment and providing a concrete roadmap to advance the Convention’s implementation.

What further stands out is the disproportionate impact these weapons have on civilians. In 2025, civilians accounted for 87% of all recorded casualties from cluster munitions. The protection of civilians must therefore remain at the heart of our arms control and disarmament efforts. The Netherlands remains firmly committed to both the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. We demonstrate this commitment through our financial support as well: a total of 146 million US dollars for the period 2025–2030 for demining operations worldwide.

Chair,

While we recognize the opportunities and, in some contexts, the military utility of autonomous capabilities, their design, development and use must always remain firmly grounded in international humanitarian law. 
Therefore, as Chair of the GGE LAWS, I wish to thank everyone who contributed over the past three years to the work of the Group in this area. The final report, adopted by all 128 High Contracting Parties, including major military powers, and containing a set of elements of instrument, without prejudging its nature, and other possible measures, represents a significant milestone in the international regulation of LAWS. This outcome shows that progress is still possible. 
In light of the accelerating development of LAWS, their use in current conflicts, and the institutional momentum we have generated together as international community, it is important to keep up the momentum and take a meaningful next step, in the CCW, to address emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems, building on the previous work of the GGE, in particular its latest report.
I thank you.