May I reaffirm at the outset that Australia takes seriously our responsibilities under the existing legal framework for reviewing new weapons under Article 36 of Additional Protocol I of 1977 to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We fully support and adhere to the obligation to undertake a review of any proposed new weapon, means or method of warfare to determine whether its employment would, in some or all circumstances, be prohibited by international humanitarian law or other international law applicable to Australia. We encourage others also to undertake Article 36 reviews and look forward to hearing about the processes other States undertake to conduct a Review.
Australian Statement: General Debate Exchange of Views (CCW Meeting of Experts on LAWS, 11–15 April 2016) 1
