Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On Draft Resolution L. 41: “Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions”

First Committee, UNGA 76

New York, 1 November 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

I have taken the floor to explain the vote of my delegation regarding the draft resolution L.41 on the “Implementation of Convention on Cluster Munitions”.

My delegation abstained in voting on draft resolution L.41 due to the following:

First, my delegation did not participate in its negotiations and is neither a signatory nor a party thereto;

Second, we cannot support an instrument negotiated outside of the UN that is in disregard of the security concerns and interests of many States.

As a general principle, we believe that negotiations on disarmament subjects, due to their nature which addresses vital issues such as the security concerns and interests of States, requires not only a balanced and comprehensive approach but also a progressive, transparent and all-inclusive process that incorporates consensual decision-making procedures. This is essential “to ensure the right of each State to security and to ensure that no individual State or group of States may obtain advantages over others at any stage” as stressed in the SSOD-I Final Document.

We continue to share the view of many delegations that the Cluster Munitions Convention was negotiated and concluded in an exclusive process outside of the United Nations disarmament machinery, disregarding the interests of many States. Therefore, circumventing the United Nations disarmament machinery should not be allowed, and such a process should not be encouraged or promoted by the UNGA.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.