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Hague Code of Conduct
On 25-26 November 2002, the Netherlands hosted
a conference
in The Hague to inaugurate the International Code of Conduct against
Ballistic Missile Proliferation, re-named The
Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC).
The purpose of the Code is “to prevent and
curb proliferation of Ballistic Missiles systems capable of delivering
weapons of mass destruction,” and is to date the most advanced
initiative taken by the international community to address the proliferation
of ballistic missiles.
This recent initiative calls on all 109 subscribing
states “to exercise maximum possible restraint in the development,
testing and deployment of Ballistic Missiles capable of delivering
weapons of mass destruction, including, where possible, to reduce
national holdings of such missiles.”
Although The Code is not a legally-binding treaty
with which members must formally comply, all subscribing states
agree to oblige to transparency measures of their national ballistic
missile policies and space launch programs, including the announcement
of launches in advance and providing annual reports on the amount
and type of ballistic missiles launched each year.
More information:
Paul Kerr, "Code
of Conduct Aims to Stop Ballistic Missile Proliferation,"
Arms Control Today, January/February 2003.
777 UN Plaza - 6th Floor - New York, NY - 10017 - Ph: 212.682.1265 - Fax: 212.286.8211 - info@reachingcriticalwill.org
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