ICC’s position on Arctic defence projects

The following are some of the principles in the ICC’s Principles and Elements for a Comprehensive Arctic Policy:

• “The continuation of the arms race has serious negative consequences for peace, development, and the social advancement of nations and peoples, especially those most in need”;

• “Cooperative agreements among States to establish… defence arrangements should expressly specify that participation in these activities does not involve any commitment to take part in an active ballistic missile defence arrangement”;

• “Strict adherence is required to… the 1972 Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems.”;

• “Environmental and social impact assessment procedures must be mandatory for proposed defense-related projects or activities, which may cause adverse environmental or social impacts within Inuit circumpolar regions.”