U.S. Delegation to the Conference on Disarmament (CD)
The mission of the U.S. Delegation to the Conference on Disarmament is to advance U.S. national security through energetic multilateral diplomacy. It seeks to negotiate and implement effective nonproliferation and disarmament agreements.
The Conference on Disarmament is the world’s sole standing multilateral disarmament negotiating body, with 65 member states and 38 observer states. It was established in its current form by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979; the CD and its predecessor bodies have negotiated such landmark treaties as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The U.S. CD Delegation also heads U.S. participation in meetings under the Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention, and plays a major role in U.S. participation in meetings under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and in annual meetings of the UN General Assembly’s First (disarmament) Committee. It additionally supports bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and the Russian Federation on strategic weapons, notably the recently signed New START treaty.
The permanent staff of the U.S. CD Delegation comprises eight officers and two staff. The Delegation enjoys the management services which are shared with the U.S. Mission to the UN and the U.S. Mission to the World Trade Organization.
Ambassador Robert Wood: Statement During the UN First Committee General Debate
United Nations First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) General Debate Speech Ambassador Robert Wood U.S. Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, U.S. Special Representative…
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(e)
Possible options for addressing the humanitarian and international security challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of LAWS
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(d)
Review of potential military applications of related technologies
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(c)
Further consideration of the human element in the use of lethal force and aspects of human-machine interaction in the development, deployment and use of emerging…
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(b)
Characterization of the systems under consideration in order to promote a common understanding on concepts and characteristics relevant to the objectives and purposes of the…
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Agenda item 5(a)
An exploration of the potential challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of LAWS to International Humanitarian Law
Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) – Opening Statement
Opening Statement Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Statement September 21, 2020 Thank you Mr. Chair for stepping in to lead the…
Ambassador Robert Wood: Remarks At the Final Plenary Meeting of CD’s 2020 Session
The United States has shown much flexibility during this negotiation. And we will continue to work with you and other delegations to pass a final…
Ambassador Robert Wood: Remarks at the Conference on Disarmament Plenary
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the United States, I congratulate you on your assumption of the CD Presidency and assure you of my…
Ambassador Robert Wood: Statement at the Conference on Disarmament
Every CD Member State, indeed, Mr. President, every nation on Earth, should insist, as a matter of international peace and security, that China engage on…
25th Anniversary of the Extension of the Non-Proliferation Treaty
On May 11, 1995, States Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons decided that the Treaty, known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or…
Report of the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team Regarding Incidents in Ltamenah, Syria
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) released a report attributing 3 instances of chemical weapons use to the Assad regime
New Report Showcases U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance, Conventional Weapons Destruction
The United States is the world’s single largest financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction, investing over $3.7 billion in more than 100 countries since 1993.
IAEA Reports Nuclear Concerns in Iran
Secretary Pompeo: "The United States remains committed to denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon."
U.S. General Statement at the 2019 BWC Meeting of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the United States would like to see this Meeting of States Parties (MSP) adopt at least some modest decisions or recommendations…
CCW: U.S. Statement on Implementation of and Compliance with the Convention and its Protocols
The United States does not support adding a separate item on Protocol III to the agenda of next year’s meeting or amending Protocol III.
CCW Meeting of High Contracting Parties – U.S. Statement on Emerging Issues
Urban areas are admittedly complex operating environments during war, but existing IHL appropriately governs the use of explosive weapons, like all weapons, including through principles…
U.S. Statement at Conference of High Contracting Parties to CCW Protocol V
The United States greatly values Protocol V as an instrument that brings together States with the common goal of minimizing the risk and effects of…
CCW: U.S. Statement on Consideration of the GGE Report on LAWS
The United States places great value in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) as an international humanitarian law (IHL) treaty framework that brings together…
CCW: U.S. Statement on Improving the Financial Stability of the Convention
The United States is prepared to join consensus on the creation of a Working Capital Fund to provide liquidity for CCW staff costs over the…
U.S. Statement at Conference of High Contracting Parties to Amended Protocol II to the CCW
The United States values the opportunities the meeting of experts provide for High Contracting Parties to voluntarily share humanitarian mine action best practices and other…
On the Eighteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission Under the New START Treaty
The eighteenth session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.-Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva from November 6-13, 2019.
Statement by Ambassador Wood: The Threats Posed by Russia and China to Security of the Outer Space E
The United States has explained in detail, many times our concerns about definitions and about verification related to objects in outer space and especially related…
Ambassador Robert Wood’s CD Remarks on Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
Ambassador Wood: "One of the essential steps toward the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons is an end to the production of fissile…
U.S. Withdrawal from the INF Treaty on August 2, 2019
The United States provided its six-month notice of withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty due to the Russian Federation’s continuing violation of the…
INF Myth Busters: Pushing Back on Russian Propaganda Regarding the INF Treaty
INF Myth Busters: Pushing Back on Russian Propaganda Regarding the INF Treaty.
Timeline of Highlighted U.S. Diplomacy Regarding the INF Treaty Since 2013
Timeline of Highlighted U.S. Diplomacy Regarding the INF Treaty Since 2013.
Deputy Secretary Sullivan, Senior Officials, Brief NATO Allies on U.S.-Russia Strategic Security Dia
The dialogue is a continuation of U.S. and Russian discussions on a broad range of strategic security issues.
Deputy Secretary Sullivan’s Participation in Strategic Security Dialogue with Russian Deputy Foreign
The Strategic Security Dialogue is the latest in a series of meetings the United States has conducted with Russian officials to build on Secretary Pompeo’s…
U.S. Statement at the 2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Wood: "Today is the day many members of the Conference on Disarmament have been waiting for since May 27: the end of the disastrous…
2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament: U.S. Statement
The United States therefore condemns, in the strongest terms, Venezuela’s presidency of this body while it is represented by members of the illegitimate Maduro regime. …
Arms Control and International Security: Lessons From Disarmament History for the CEND Initiative
When we emphasize the degree to which the CEND initiative learns lessons from the past about how it is futile — and can be counterproductive…
Nuclear Disarmament Colloquium: Closing Remarks
As we work with international partners to make this emerging dialogue a reality, I think the approach and the insights that animate today’s colloquium are…
U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance and Conventional Weapons Destruction
Today’s release of the 18th edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety, the Department of State’s annual report summarizing the accomplishments of the U.S.…
Convention on CCW GGE: Possible Options for Addressing Challenges Posed by LAWS
We, like all States, desire a successful outcome to this GGE. We have sought to contribute to a successful outcome by participating actively in these…
Convention on CCW GGE: U.S. Practice in the Assessment of Weapons Systems
The United States would like to supplement its remarks during yesterday’s session on IHL challenges by responding to a few points raised by our colleagues…
CCW GGE: Potential Challenges Posed by Emerging Technologies in the Area of LAWS to IHL
Mr. Chair, let me briefly address some of the questions in the program of work before expounding in a bit more detail how legal reviews…
Convention on CCW GGE: Consideration of the Human Element in the Use of Lethal Force
The key issue for human-machine interaction in emerging technologies in the area of LAWS is ensuring that machines help effectuate the intention of commanders and…
Our Vision for a Constructive, Collaborative Disarmament Discourse
Assistant Secretary Christopher Ford: "The United States is in the process of developing implementation plans for a pathbreaking new initiative aimed at bringing countries together…
Convention on CCW GGE: Characterization of the Systems under Consideration
The United States Supports identifying general characteristics of systems that should be under the GGE’s consideration.
U.S. Statement on LAWS: Potential Military Applications of Advanced Technology
The United States believes that discussion of the possible options for addressing the humanitarian and international security challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area…
Statement by Assistant Secretary Poblete at the Conference on Disarmament
"Let me reiterate that the United States remains committed to arms control efforts and remains receptive to future arms control negotiations if conditions permit."
Ambassador Robert Wood’s Remarks before the Conference on Disarmament Plenary Session
I’m taking the floor to put on the record my government’s strong opposition to a representative of the former Maduro regime occupying the seat reserved…
U.S. Chairs Mine Action Support Group Meeting
The United States currently holds the chairmanship of MASG, a group of over 30 donor states working together to coordinate humanitarian mine action programs and…
Remarks by Ambassador Wood to the Mine Action Support Group
"We are happy to host you and the Mine Action Support Group (MASG) again this year. The MASG serves a very important role in the…
U.S. Intends To Withdraw from the INF Treaty February 2, 2019
"The United States remains committed to effective arms control that advances U.S., allied, and partner security; is verifiable and enforceable; and includes partners that comply…
U.S. Statement by Ambassador Wood at the 2019 Session of the Conference on Disarmament
Today, I would like to speak with you about the importance of compliance with arms control obligations and the consequences when states violate arms control,…
Statement by Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea L. Thompson
Today we held talks with a Russian delegation on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Secretary Pompeo’s Remarks at the United Nations Security Council Meeting on Iran
Secretary Pompeo: "Our goodwill gestures have been futile in correcting the Iranian regime’s reckless missile activity and its destructive behaviors. No nation can dispute that…
Briefing on the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
We’ve discussed our concerns about Russia’s longstanding violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty for many years now.
Statement on Venezuela at the 2018 BWC Meeting of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the United States cannot accept the choice of Venezuela as one of the Vice Chairs of the BWC Meeting of States…
U.S. General Statement at the 2018 BWC Meeting Of States Parties
Ambassador Wood: "Mr. Chairman, the BWC is confronted by a range of substantive challenges arising from the threat of biological weapons."
Remarks at the Fourth Special Session to Review the Operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention
One of the founding principles of the CWC is to “exclude completely the possibility of use of chemical weapons, through implementation of the provisions” of…
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War
The U.S. Delegation appreciates Iraq’s efforts to focus our discussions this year on the clearance of explosive remnants of war, or ERW. The United States…
Explanation of Votes in the First Committee on Resolutions L.3 and L.68 / Rev.1
Although the U.S. delegation voted against these resolutions, our votes in no way detract from our longstanding support for voluntary transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs)…
Explanation of Vote in the First Committee on Resolution: L.50, “No First Placement of Weapons
The United States, France and the United Kingdom look forward to continuing to engage constructively and pragmatically with other UN Member States in order to…
Arms Control and International Security: Remarks at UN General Assembly First Committee Discussion
Mr. Chairman, the United States is a High Contracting Party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and all of its Protocols. We view…
Ambassador Wood’s Remarks at UN General Assembly First Committee Discussion on Regional Disarm
States base their decisions regarding deterrence and defense on their perceptions of the security environment. The U.S initiative on “Creating the Conditions for Nuclear Disarmament”…
Sixteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission Under the New START Treaty
The Sixteenth Session of the Bilateral Consultative Commission under the U.S.–Russia New START Treaty was held in Geneva from October 10–18, 2018.
Joint Statement on Syria’s Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Wood: "This joint statement reflects the great concern a number of countries have about the damage Syria’s CD presidency has done to Conference.”
Assistant Secretary Poblete Addresses the Conference on Disarmament
United States Remarks at the Conference on Disarmament As delivered by Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Yleem D.S. Poblete Geneva,…
Joint Statement of President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un at the Singapore Summit
President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic…
Syria has Neither the Credibility nor the Moral Authority to Assume the Presidency of the CD
Ambassador Robert Wood: Simply put, it is a travesty that the Syrian regime – which continues to indiscriminately slaughter its own people with weapons banned…
After the Deal: A New Iran Strategy
Secretary Pompeo: "We'll continue to work with allies to counter the regime's destabilizing activities in the region, block their financing of terror, and address Iran's…
NPT PrepCom: Closing Statement by U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood
Closing Statement by the United States Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of…
Ambassador Robert Wood: NPT PrepCom Cluster 3 – Specific Issue Strengthened Review Process
The United States remains committed to the 1995 decision related to Art VIII on strengthening the review process.
Ambassador Robert Wood: NPT PrepCom Cluster 3 – Specific Issue-Withdrawal
As we review the implementation of the Treaty, it is important to consider the current challenges and how we can adapt and respond to preserve…
U.S. Statement at NPT PrepCom in Cluster 3: Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
As we approach the NPT’s 50thanniversary, the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with Article IV…
International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons
Ambassador Wood: "The international community is at a critical juncture in the fight to uphold the international norm against chemical weapons use."
