Disarmament & non-proliferation
Top of the international security agenda is the establishment of a results-oriented response to the threat posed by the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) both by individual states and non-governmental actors, including terrorist groups. Current dossiers like Iran and North Korea demand constant attention and ongoing efforts to find diplomatic solutions. Since non-proliferation and disarmament are inextricably linked, Belgium adopts a global approach, striving for balanced progress in both domains. At the same time any elements that could raise the spectre of proliferation also need to be taken into account. Special attention is paid to the respective regional context of proliferation. An effective multilateral approach offers the best response to such challenges. Common positions taken up by the EU are particularly relevant because they greatly enhance the impact of our efforts. This is borne out by the implementation of the EU’s strategy, which has already reached cruising speed and is making a genuine contribution to the approach adopted worldwide. On top of the nuclear threat, which is being handled within the bounds of Non-Proliferation Treaty, thought must also be given to preventing the use of chemical or biological weapons and monitoring developments in missile technology. Such matters are governed by treaties and other binding international agreements.
The threat of WMDs must not make us forget that we still face some major challenges in the domain of human security. The key issue here is personal security (often the most vulnerable kind), both during and after conventional conflicts. We must not forget that in many countries - and definitely in Africa - the threat posed by WMDs is overshadowed by everyday dramas caused by clashes involving the use of conventional arms. With this in mind, Belgium’s diplomatic service has built up a prominent profile regarding human security, which enables our country to continue playing a leading role in the application of the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines. Belgium also made a major contribution to the establishment of a new treaty on cluster munitions. We not only support the battle against illegal arms trading, but are also advocating an International Arms Trade Treaty (IATT). Furthermore, Belgium is making sure that the problems associated with child soldiers feature on the international agenda. The adoption of a credible international security policy should ensure that such problematic issues do not fall by the wayside. After all, security is an all-or-nothing issue that requires realistic, global investments and unwavering diplomatic efforts.
