S/PV.9509Resumption1 Security Council

The President (spoke in Spanish): I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Flashing lights on the collars of the microphones will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after four minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland.

Mr. Szczerski (Poland): At the outset, I would like to thank your delegation, Madam President, for organizing this timely discussion on the impact of the excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons on international peace and stability. I also want to thank today’s briefers and to stress that Poland continues to strive to achieve the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes. We believe it is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for women in all decision-making processes, including on matters related to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, particularly as they are so closely related to the prevention and reduction of armed violence and armed conflict. We believe that the Security Council could play a more significant role in addressing the threats and potential consequences of illegal flows of small arms and light weapons and should give special attention to the issue of the diversion of such weapons. All States should conduct any transfers of small arms and light weapons as responsibly as possible and ensure the physical security of such weapons by managing their stockpiles in line with international standards. The same applies to the safe management of stockpiles of conventional ammunition. Existing measures such as the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines should be strictly followed. The effective implementation of safety measures and standards contributes to decreasing the probability that small arms and light weapons may be misused or diverted. The proper management and control of flows of small arms and light weapons is not only an internal affair of States but also entails close cooperation with external partners. In Poland’s experience, cooperation with or within regional organizations such as the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has had a great impact. Regional groupings possess the know-how and resources that individual States may not have at their disposal or may find difficult to generate. That regional potential can contribute to strengthening control over small arms and light weapons and their circulation and possession, particularly with regard to stockpile management and physical security. The United Nations plays a leading role in coordinating the prevention of illegal transfers at the global level and mitigating the negative influence of illicit small arms and light weapons on the livelihoods of our communities. While we have come a long way since the third Review Conference of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, which took place in 2018, negative trends with regard to the misuse of small arms and light weapons and the instability they create have nonetheless been rising since then. In that context, we look forward to the Programme of Action’s fourth Review Conference, to be held next year. Countries that are ready and have the capacity to do so should be encouraged to increase their support for States emerging from conflict that are affected by these issues and should help them build sustainable capabilities in the area of the national management and control of small arms and light weapons. Such support would encompass assistance in developing legal instruments, addressing technical aspects and training, as well as the exchange of experiences. We would also like to stress that strong ownership on the recipient’s side significantly improves institutional capacity and effectiveness. Allow me briefly to touch upon the challenges resulting from the specific manufacturing methods or technology applied, such as illicitly converted small arms and light weapons — replicas, blank-firing or toy guns — and more advanced weapons manufactured through additive 3D printing. States should continue to highlight the existing and potential challenges and share their experiences and views on how to address them in the most effective manner. To conclude, we would like to underline that any external aggression against a sovereign country, such as Russia’s ongoing brutal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, will inevitably lead to a massive use of small arms and light weapons and further exacerbate the negative trends that we have been discussing in this room today.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Ms. Quintero Correa (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I thank our sister nation, Ecuador, for convening this open debate, in addition to the one held on 7 December (see S/PV.9497). The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, excessive accumulation, diversion to unauthorized recipients and misuse continue to be of concern and a threat to peace, security, sustainable development and global stability, owing to its contribution to the intensity and prolongation of conflicts, its humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences and its link to violence — including gender-based violence — organized crime and other crimes. As the Secretary-General points out in his most recent biennial report to the Security Council (S/2023/823), the widespread availability and misuse of these weapons and their ammunition contribute to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Women and children continue to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict and suffer a persistently high number of serious violations committed by means of small arms and light weapons. Such weapons also have an impact on the facilitation and perpetration of conflict-related sexual violence. Similarly, the New Agenda for Peace recognizes that these weapons and their ammunition are the leading cause of violent death in the world. According to the most recent Global Study on Homicide by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Americas have the highest homicide rate in the world, and firearms were used in 75 per cent of the murders recorded in 2021. This global problem calls for the strengthening of coordinated action and international assistance and cooperation, particularly in the areas of border and customs control, stockpile management, marking, record-keeping and tracking, and for the identification of the groups or individuals involved. In its regular debates on the subject, the Council has recognized the crucial nature of measures against diversion at all stages of the life cycle of small arms and light weapons and its ammunitions, and transparency in their production and transfer, together with the effective implementation of international instruments to prevent their illicit trade and diversion. Colombia welcomes the success of the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument. We see in the forthcoming review conference an opportunity to strengthen implementation of the Programme of Action. We also welcome the adoption this year of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), and we look forward to making prompt progress on its implementation. Colombia also appreciates other instruments and initiatives. However, there are many current and emerging challenges that we must address quickly, including recent advances in weapons manufacturing, technology and design and 3D printing. It is necessary to integrate efforts in the implementation of the Programme of Action and other instruments in the field with those aimed at implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, taking advantage of existing synergies and promoting women’s full, equal and effective participation and the participation and cooperation of civil society. It is also essential to strengthen the key component of international cooperation and assistance, including capacity-building, knowledge and technology transfer, information exchange and best practices. Colombia also attaches importance to the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General’s report to the Council. No country is removed from or immune to the trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons, which continue to claim lives, destroy families, affect communities and undermine peace and development efforts. The goal of reducing the human suffering caused by this scourge and of increasing respect for human life and dignity through the promotion of a culture of peace allowed us to adopt the Programme of Action in 2001. That remains our purpose and our collective responsibility, and it must continue to guide our deliberations and our action. We must make every effort to do all we can to mitigate this global tragedy.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. Prabowo (Indonesia): I thank Ecuador for hosting this important meeting and the briefers for their invaluable insights. Indonesia welcomes the Secretary-General’s biennial report (S/2023/823), which emphasized our concern about the deteriorating global security environment and increased military spending. Escalating militarization and the surge in weapons transfers pose greater challenges to countering illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW), including in peacekeeping operations. The Secretary- General’s report also notably highlighted the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, which Indonesia is proud to support. Amid the fragile security landscape, the illicit trade in SALW remains a significant obstacle to the maintenance of peace and security. As illicit arms, ammunition and explosives continue to reach terrorists, armed groups and non-State actors, peacekeeping is becoming more dangerous, while peacebuilding becomes more elusive. In that context, the Security Council must focus on three key points. First, the Council must promote synergy between regional and multilateral initiatives. The New Agenda for Peace has highlighted the importance of developing and strengthening regional and subregional instruments to address challenges related to diversion, proliferation and misuse. That is exactly our approach. Under Indonesia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we continue to collaborate through platforms such as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, the ASEAN Regional Forum and meetings of ASEAN police chiefs. Such collaborative efforts serve as a crucial building block towards fully implementing the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Indonesia looks forward to engaging constructively during the fourth review conference, to be held in 2024. Secondly, it must advance a comprehensive approach, particularly in conflict-affected countries. The misuse of SALW poses a direct threat to our peacekeepers, among others. With the multitude of conflict situations, it is pivotal for the Council to identify and prioritize disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and security sector reform. This should align with a framework of nationally driven peacebuilding and development. That will enable the host Government to increase the participation and ownership of different stakeholders in implementing policies to combat the illegal trade of SALW. Thirdly, it must mainstream the women and peace and security agenda in addressing challenges stemming from SALW in conflict areas. It is important to advocate for women’s inclusion in peace and reconstruction process. The role of women would contribute to the prevention of and relief and recovery from conflict-related sexual violence and violations of women’s rights in conflict situations. We could also further strengthen the role of women peacekeepers by providing targeted training and capacity-building programmes on preventing and combating the illicit trade in SALW in missions.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Jordan.

Mr. Hmoud (Jordan): It is my pleasure to begin by welcoming the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador and by thanking her and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations for organizing this important open debate. Our thanks also go to the Under-Secretary- General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for her briefing to the Security Council, as well as to the other briefers. The issue of the diversion, illicit trafficking and the misuse of small arms and light weapons has a direct impact on international security. Active multilateral engagement and a multifaceted strategy are necessary elements of an effective approach towards the issue of small arms and light weapons in the context of evolving conflicts. Such efforts should take into account the legitimate interests of States in acquiring, managing and transferring small arms and light weapons for their self-defence and security needs. In that context, we take note of the Secretary- General’s biennial report on the issue of small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823), which was issued last month in accordance with resolution 2220 (2015). The report underpins the need to address collectively the threats arising from the misuse, illicit transfer and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons. We therefore stress the importance of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. In order to advance international efforts on issues related to small arms and light weapons, we would like to stress that international engagement should focus on key elements, including the strengthening of international cooperation and border security, as well as the provision of technical assistance and capacity- building support to countries in need. In that context, effective engagement with various intergovernmental organizations is essential. In Jordan, we have proactively established partnerships with the League of Arab States, the European Union, INTERPOL, the World Customs Organization and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with the goal of halting illegal activities related to small arms and light weapons. It is also essential to share and exchange intelligence information, especially with neighbouring countries, concerning the smuggling of conventional weapons and to track their routes, as well as to identify the source and destination parties of such weapons. Jordan has adopted a strategy that aligns with that approach which has proven its effectiveness. Conflicts,whetherinternationalor non-international, are the main source of demand for small arms and light weapons. It is incumbent on the Security Council to address the root causes of conflicts that fuel demand for such weapons. Additionally, supporting disarmament efforts, implementing effective arms embargoes and investing in conflict prevention and resolution can contribute to a more comprehensive response. We are aware of the fact that this is a challenging task, but a collaborative and integrated approach is essential. The Security Council should also engage in dialogue with affected and concerned States regarding the national and regional implementation of arms embargoes. In addition, we should further advocate for the full and meaningful participation of women in arms control and at all levels of decision-making, in accordance with resolutions 1325 (2000), 2122 (2013) and 2242 (2015). That also highlights the need to further engage the youth in arms control, disarmament efforts and conflict prevention and resolution, in accordance with resolution 2250 (2015). In conclusion, the threats posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons, along with their ammunition, are grave challenges that demand immediate and collective action. Such activities, not only contribute to the eruption of armed conflicts and the strengthening of terrorist and criminal groups, but also undermine international peace and security. As we navigate such a complex landscape, it is imperative for the international community to strengthen collaboration, enhance monitoring mechanisms and implement effective measures to curb the illicit trade in small arms. By doing so, we can foster a safer and more secure world, where the devastating impact of those weapons is mitigated and the foundation for lasting peace is strengthened for generations to come.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Chile.

Mr. Vidal (Chile) (spoke in Spanish): Chile thanks Ecuador for convening this open debate, which is particularly relevant to our region. We take note of the statements delivered. Latin America has historically faced significant challenges with regard to the trafficking and proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. Several factors, such as the presence of criminal groups, political instability, armed conflicts, corruption and weak arms control systems, have contributed to that problem in the region. The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in the hands of civilians has led violent deaths to skyrocket in recent decades, and people want to provide themselves with security measures that States are not able to provide. Globally, 40 per cent of such deaths is caused by firearms, but in South America firearms account for 71 per cent of such deaths. The proliferation of weapons does not generate more security, but rather more crime and violence. The increase in armed violence perpetrated by organized crime in Latin America is having profound effects on women. As violence against women increases, women are being pushed out of public spaces and out of decision-making processes. The masculinization of politics is leading to the regression of our societies. Women’s departure from public spaces reduces civic space for them, reinforcing the work assigned to private spaces on the basis of gender stereotypes. We must pay attention to discourse that encourages the use of arms by civil society. In Latin America there is a growing tendency to promote the liberalization of controls on small arms and light weapons, as well as their possession and carrying, through political speeches that claim to address, with such measures, the growing impact of transnational organized crime. The challenge to the legitimate monopoly of State violence by private actors does not create safer societies; on the contrary, it puts vulnerable populations at risk, facilitates the diversion of weapons and their destabilizing accumulation, endangering society as a whole and the continuity of the State itself in the long run. The Security Council can respond to the problems for international peace and security posed by the misuse, illicit transfer and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons through the sanctions regimes enshrined in Article 41 of the Charter, either by adding that issue to existing regimes or by creating ad hoc mechanisms to establish arms embargoes for weapons for certain countries or regions, imposing economic sanctions and financial restrictions on companies and individuals who facilitate the diversion and trafficking in small arms and light weapons, their components and ammunition. The Council can also encourage cooperation among Governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations to establish common standards, exchange information and coordinate efforts in the collection and analysis of comprehensive and continuous data on weapons used in crimes that have been recovered or traced. That is necessary to understand the patterns of persistent and emerging flows of criminal weapons to other countries. It can also promote the development of strategies to disrupt markets for illegal small arms and light weapons, their components and ammunition. Finally, it is imperative to improve the collection of data related to the misuse, illicit transfer and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons, and incorporate a gender approach in it, in order to guide public policies in the area of prevention and protection. The compilation of statistics related to arms with a gender perspective should involve a thorough breakdown of information, such as purchase, type and possession of firearms; details on the links between the victim and the perpetrator; related crimes and elements of intersectionality that may increase the vulnerability of specific groups of women.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

Ms. Pavļuta-Deslandes (Latvia): Latvia welcomes Ecuador’s leadership in organizing this open debate. Small arms and light weapons remain one of the main causes of civilian casualties, not only in conflicts but also in peacetime. We therefore firmly believe that this matter demands consistent attention from the Security Council and the international community. Latvia stresses the need to continue developing an effective international framework to address illicit small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition. In that regard, we applaud the adoption this year of the Global Framework for Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), which diminishes a regulatory gap in that area. It is equally important to strengthen the existing instruments, such as the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Arms Trade Treaty. Next year’s Programme of Action Review Conference will present an opportunity to assess and strengthen the functioning of that instrument. Having served as a Vice-Chair in two meetings leading to the Review Conference — namely, the seventh and eighth Biennial Meetings of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action — Latvia considers that preparations are on track. We welcome the nomination of the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica as President of the Review Conference. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of the work done at regional levels to contribute to the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. Combating the illicit trafficking in small arms and conventional ammunition is an integral part of early warning, conflict-prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. Sharing good practices and lessons learned contributes to ensuring effective national controls over the full life cycle of small arms and light weapons, including their stockpile management. Latvia considers that new technological developments should be one of the main areas of focus in the efforts to address illicit small arms light weapons. For instance, the use of polymer frames and the manufacturing of modular weapons and 3D-printed weapons are causing challenges for the marking, record-keeping and tracing of small arms and light weapons. A collective response is required to effectively address those developments. It is important to note that technology not only presents challenges but also creates opportunities to control and trace arms through innovative means such as laser-marking and chemical tagging. Finally, we stress the need for a substantial strategy to address the disproportionate effect that the use of illegal arms has on women. As highlighted in the latest report of Secretary-General on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823), women possess a minor share of firearms and remain significantly underrepresented in the field of firearms control. Yet, both in and out of conflicts, women suffer the most from sexual violence, often enabled by firearms. That stark reality calls for a consistent approach, first of all, by recognizing the link between illicit small arms and light weapons and gender-based violence, and, secondly, by taking proactive measures. For example, particular efforts should be taken to prevent the diversion of small arms and light weapons to conflict and post-conflict zones where conflict-related sexual violence is widespread. We are committed to contributing to those efforts through Latvia’s active role both in international arms- control mechanisms and formats focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women, including the Commission on the Status of Women and UN-Women.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

Mr. Greco (Italy): I would like to congratulate your country, Madam President, on convening this timely open debate. My country aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. As stated in the Secretary-General’s biennial report on this topic (S/2023/823), published in November, the increasing trends on illicit transfers of small arms and light weapons, including through unconventional channels such as the dark web, remain a significant concern for the international community. The implications of the misuse of such conventional weapons are dire, resulting in the loss of countless lives and in the exacerbation of armed conflicts, while fostering an alarming culture of violence. Multilateral efforts aimed at curbing illicit transfers and the destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons must be prioritized to ensure security and stability, especially for developing countries. In the context of the New Agenda for Peace, Italy firmly believes in an inclusive approach that harmonizes security concerns with gender-sensitive considerations and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. Noting especially the disproportionate impact on women and children, we support the recommendation outlined the Secretary-General’s report to enhance peace operations’ capabilities to address the issue of small arms and light weapons. Italy is committed to engaging constructively in the implementation efforts related to the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument. We attach the utmost importance to the universalization and effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. Moreover, having provided our national experiences in countering firearms trafficking and illicit financial flows in the context of the United Nations Firearms Protocol, we stand ready to contribute to the definition of good practices related to weapons and ammunition management. Despite the escalating challenges within the geopolitical landscape, we believe that the United Nations initiatives on small arms and light weapons are a valid example of effective multilateralism. Our conviction was further strengthened by the General Assembly’s adoption, on 4 December, of resolution 78/47, entitled “Through-life conventional ammunition management”, co-sponsored by Italy, which adopts the final report for 2022-2023 of the Open-ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition and formally initiates the path towards the implementation of a new political arms-control framework to fill the existing regulatory gap and promote the safety, security and sustainability of conventional ammunition management. Italy commends the United Nations initiatives that tackle the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and ammunition, especially the Assembly’s adoption of resolution 78/46, entitled “The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all of its aspects”, which welcomed the inclusion of small arms and light weapons within the scope of the Arms Trade Treaty. Our dedication remains resolute in undertaking concerted multilateral efforts to promote the enforcement of small arms embargoes, at both national and regional levels, acknowledging the nexus between small arms light weapons, organized crime and armed violence in order to enforce effective prevention strategies and responses. Our collective decisions will shape peaceful and inclusive societies, fostering lasting peace and sustainable development.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Austria.

Mr. Marschik (Austria): I too would like to thank Ecuador for organizing today’s open debate. It is important for the threat posed by small arms and light weapons to be taken into account in the work of the Security Council, even if it is on a Friday afternoon. We appreciate the Secretary-General’s biennial report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823), as it clearly demonstrates that the misuse, illicit trafficking and diversion of such weapons remain significant drivers of conflict and armed violence. Those weapons undermine peace and security, sustainable development, good governance and crisis-management efforts. They also have devastating humanitarian consequences for civilians and compromise access to education, health care, justice and other civil rights. In short, the misuse and trafficking of small arms weakens crucial progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — which we have all committed to achieving. As we know, small arms and light weapons have a disproportionate impact on children, women and other vulnerable groups, a fact that must be fully taken into account in all measures to counter those effects. In that respect, we must also fully implement the women and peace and security agenda and mainstream a gender perspective throughout the work in this area. The full and equal participation of women and men in all relevant processes is crucial. Austria actively contributes to those efforts, and this fall, with the participation of all regions, we recently conducted the United Nations SaferGuard Training on the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines for Women Ammunition Technical Experts together with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. For more than a decade, Austria has also been active in the field of weapons and ammunition logistics, including in the Western Balkans, with a focus on the safe and secure storage of weapons and ammunition and the promotion of regional cooperation. While all those measures are important, we must not forget the overriding relevance of strengthening the existing disarmament and arms-control regimes and ensuring their effective implementation in order to effectively contribute to conflict- and violence-prevention. Austria is a staunch supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty and the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, and we welcome the adoption of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), which contributes to countering the diversion of conventional ammunition and, in turn, to harm reduction. Facing the risk of the current multilateral non-proliferation and arms-control regimes further eroding, we must do more to save their integrity and make a credible contribution to preventing harm and reducing human suffering. We welcome the Secretary- General’s policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace and its focus on small arms, which provides a set of recommendations to step up our collective efforts and address diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons comprehensively. In our work, we should build on the strong and trustful partnerships with United Nations entities, regional and international organizations and non-governmental organizations and seek synergies among the instruments available, where feasible, to prevent the proliferation of arms and armed violence.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Costa Rica.

Mr. Zavala Porras (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): At a time when armed conflicts seem to be spreading like wildfire from Ukraine to the Sudan, and when transnational organized crime, violent extremism and gender violence are coming together to alter the nature and magnitude of firearms-related violence, it is urgent to find comprehensive and cooperative regional responses to address this phenomenon. Costa Rica wishes to highlight three points in this respect. First, the New Agenda for Peace gives us an opportunity to reduce violence in general and, in particular, violence caused by small arms and light weapons. Costa Rica supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation to develop and strengthen regional, subregional and national instruments and road maps. Building on the success of the Western Balkans road map and the progress of the regional Caribbean Firearms Road Map, my country welcomes the initiative of the Organization of American States and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop a road map for Central America. Costa Rica urges the Council to support similar road maps in other parts of the world and to establish national and regional objectives to measure progress through data collection so that the relevant agencies are in a position to adapt and respond accordingly in a timely manner. Secondly, to confront violence related to firearms, we must identify the conditions and situations that facilitate their trafficking, distribution, possession and use, including from a gender perspective. In that regard, national action plans on women and peace and security must incorporate measures that address discriminatory norms and stereotypes in order to amplify the impact of national efforts to control these types of weapons. The progress made on gender in both the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management, which was adopted this year (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), and the process for which Costa Rica had the honour of leading together with Germany, must be extended in the coming year and beyond. Not all small arms and light weapons originate in conventional factories. This aspect leads me to the third and final point. It is imperative that we urgently collaborate to address the challenges related to the marking, tracking, registration and record-keeping of modular weapons, those manufactured through 3D printing and improvised explosive devices. These types of weapons also represent a serious threat to sustainable development and international peace and security. For all these reasons, development and conflict prevention and management strategies must have whole-of- Government approaches that also include the control of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Belgium.

Mr. Lagatie (Belgium): I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Benelux countries, namely, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Luxembourg and my own country, Belgium. The Benelux countries warmly welcome the initiative of Ecuador to organize this meeting. The illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons has devastating consequences on peace and stability in numerous countries. Action on this issue by the Security Council is therefore crucial. Building on resolutions 2220 (2015) and 2616 (2021), it is worth it to take a closer look at current challenges. Effective prevention of illicit arms flows calls for a clear picture of diversion routes and weaknesses in supply chain control. United Nations peace missions can step in if they have the mandate and technical capacity to record and support tracing efforts of all weapons recovered or seized during their operations. The creation of arms embargo cells within missions that collaborate with panels of experts has also proven to be an effective tool to collect relevant information on arms flows through a combined civilian-military effort. Moreover, peace missions are uniquely placed to provide assistance to the host country on the safe and secure management of stockpiles and on the collection and destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition. We are highly satisfied to see that these type of measures have already been implemented in a series of United Nations peacekeeping missions, as demonstrated in the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/823). We specifically commend the role of the Mine Action Service in providing weapons and ammunition management training to troop-contributing countries before their deployment. United Nations panels of experts have a complementary role, since they monitor respect for arms embargoes, and their reports provide invaluable information about traffickers and trafficking routes. Here, the build-up of a readily available institutional memory should be encouraged, and cross-referential research should be facilitated. Panels of experts and United Nations peacekeeping operations should closely collaborate in their efforts to chart arms flows and trace the origin of illicit small arms, which requires dedicated resources and skilled staff. The findings of the United Nations panels of experts should also be followed up, especially through outreach towards countries of the region, since they are often the last step before a diversion occurs. The year 2024 is a reporting year for the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, and we encourage all States to submit their biennial reports, including requests and offers for assistance. It is also an opportunity to include remarks on the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in national small arms and light weapons control processes. As we know, women and men are differentially affected by the violence resulting from illicit arms flows, especially when we talk about sexual violence. This differential impact must be taken into account in our response to small arms and light weapons trafficking. We therefore support the idea expressed by the Secretary-General to request a report on gender equality in national, regional and international institutions and organizations working on conventional arms control and disarmament to track the implementation of resolutions 2122 (2013) and 2242 (2015). Benelux and other like-minded countries delivered military equipment to Ukraine, including small arms and light weapons and ammunition in order to support Ukraine’s right to self-defence, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. These transfers of equipment are a legitimate response to the unjustifiable attack against Ukraine and are in full compliance with Benelux’s international commitments. The Benelux countries will support Ukraine as long as necessary in its fight to liberate its country. Action by the Security Council should go hand-in-hand with action taken elsewhere. For instance, the Arms Trade Treaty holds annually its session of the Diversion Information Exchange Forum. This provides State parties with a dedicated forum to exchange information in a confidential setting, allowing for greater mutual trust while sharing sensitive information. This forum can help to identify diversion routes and methods and therefore strengthen the arms export assessment procedures. While the Arms Trade Treaty may not be a universal instrument, it will nevertheless reinforce the implementation of other instruments like the Programme of Action, as well as United Nations arms embargoes decided upon by the Council. The issue of ammunition has been specifically mentioned in the title of this meeting, and it is indeed a very important one. Ammunition is the fuel of conflicts and is sometimes overlooked. We welcome the recent adoption by the General Assembly of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (General Assembly resolution 78/47). It is an important step to better protect stockpiles from accidental explosions and avoid diversion cases. We are also convinced about the great opportunities provided by new technologies to identify arms and ammunition diversion patterns and actors, as referenced in the report of the Secretary-General with regards to the work of Tech4Tracing.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Romania.

Mr. Feruță (Romania): Romania remains fully committed to preventing and curbing the diversion and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition worldwide. We thank the Secretary- General for his renewed commitment in his 2023 report (S/2023/823) and for advocating the universalization of relevant legally binding instruments, such as the Firearms Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). We also welcome the focus on the implementation of politically binding instruments, such as the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as the new Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. We recognize the complementarity among all those international instruments and urge all States to implement effective national measures in fulfilment of their related international obligations and commitments. Political will is the fundamental first step. Romania has been entrusted to preside over the tenth Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, and 2024 will mark 10 years since its entry into force. The ATT is the first legally binding international agreement that encapsulates the highest possible international standards for regulating international trade in conventional arms and for preventing and eradicating their illicit trade and preventing their diversion. Moreover, the ATT was the first international agreement to identify and address the link between conventional arms transfers and the risk of serious acts of gender-based violence and violence against women and children. The importance and role of the ATT in the control and unlawful transfer and use of small arms and their ammunition is recognized annually through the resolution on the Arms Trade Treaty, adopted again this year by the General Assembly (General Assembly resolution 78/48), with vast cross-regional support. The resolution highlights the importance of the universalization and effective implementation of the ATT. We call on all States to ratify or accede to the Treaty and comply with their obligations therein. The Romanian ATT presidency will promote a thematic discussion on the role of inter-agency cooperation in the effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, which is also particularly important, in the context of our debate, for advancing effective responses to existing challenges. Romania co-chairs the global network of national focal points on women and peace and security, and it is our firm belief that gender equality and women’s leadership is a prerequisite for sustainable peacebuilding, laying a solid foundation for more inclusive and resilient societies and preventing conflicts. Further exploring the linkages between the two agendas could enhance effectiveness and sustainability by both addressing the challenges related to small arms and light weapons and implementing the women and peace and security agenda. Romania will continue to carefully listen to the concerns of partners around the globe, including Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. The recently launched national strategy, “Romania-Africa: Partnership for the future through peace, development and education”, acknowledges the African Union’s flagship initiative — Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030. Romania stands ready to further share its expertise and experience in post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction and to support capacity-building of African States in the fight against organized crime and trafficking. We continue to support efforts aimed at preventing violent extremism and radicalization, including by addressing the threat posed by diversion, illicit trafficking and the misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. In conclusion, we remain committed in words and deeds to reducing human suffering and contributing to peace, security and stability.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Germany.

Mr. Zahneisen (Germany): At the outset, I want to thank Ecuador for highlighting the important issue of small arms and light weapons and putting it on the agenda of the Security Council today. I would also like to echo others in thanking the briefers for their presentations and very thoughtful insights today. Support for non-proliferation and small arms control, in particular, have for many years been key priorities for Germany. They were also central to our recent Security Council tenure in 2019 and 2020. While on the Council, we tried to encourage the mainstreaming of those issues in the Council’s agenda — highlighting, for instance, the interlinkages between small arms proliferation, climate change and peace and security. Just last week, at the General Assembly (see A/78/PV.42), 176 Member States endorsed the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47). I take pride in the German chairmanship, together with Costa Rica, of the open-ended working group that drafted and paved the way for that ground- breaking framework. With €20 million annually, Germany is also one of the leading financial contributors in this field. Our support extends to the United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation, the Saving Lives Entity and various organizations operating across diverse regions, such as Africa, the Caribbean and Central Asia. Returning to work of the Security Council, I would like to share three very short reflections on how the Council could enhance its actions against the harm caused by the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. First, very much in line with what my Belgian colleague just said, when mandating peace operations, the Security Council should give greater consideration to weapons and ammunition management. Building on the significant contributions of resolution 2616 (2021), adopted as a result of Mexican leadership, peacekeeping missions could, for instance, assist host countries in the safe and secure management of weapons and ammunition, thereby significantly reducing the risk of diversion. Secondly, the Security Council should give greater recognition to the importance of regional processes. Just as the Council, in 2019, widely recognized African leadership through resolution 2457 (2019), on the Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative, regional frameworks such as the Roadmap for Implementing the Caribbean Priority Actions on the Illicit Proliferation of Firearms and Ammunition across the Caribbean in a Sustainable Manner by 2030 and the Western Balkans road map could also guide Council action. Finally, the Security Council should forcefully address the gendered impact of small arms and light weapons. The equal and meaningful participation of women and young people as actors and leaders can only strengthen the effectiveness of all disarmament programmes.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.

Mr. Gaouaoui (Algeria) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to sincerely thank Ecuador for convening this meeting on an extremely important topic, namely, addressing the threat posed to peace and security by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. I also thank the briefers for their comprehensive and valuable statements in that regard. The issue of monitoring arms trafficking and combating the illicit proliferation of weapons is not something new to Algeria. That was always one of our national priorities because it is linked to transnational organized crime, especially since Algeria is one of the States that confront that phenomenon due to the deteriorating security in our region as a result of ongoing conflicts and the fact that illicit armed groups obtain weapons. That poses a real threat to security and peace at the national, regional and international levels. Algeria therefore attaches great importance to that issue and uses all the necessary financial, technical and human resources under our national legislation to that end. Algeria has also been implementing a strict legal framework that classifies weapons, their transfer and control. We control all activities related to weapons and their munitions, including the manufacturing, import and export of weapons and their components. Furthermore, Algeria has joined the efforts of the international community to combat illicit trafficking in weapons by acceding to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary Protocols, including the Firearms Protocol. We also implement the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as the International Tracing Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. At the regional level, Algeria facilitates the settlement of conflicts in some States by peaceful means in order to restore the peace, security and stability needed to focus on addressing challenges of economic and social growth. In addition to attaching priority to restoring peace to the countries of the region and improving their socioeconomic growth, Algeria believes that continuing to fight terrorist and criminal groups, including weapons- and drug-trafficking networks, is an important part of our collective commitment to creating a space for development and solidarity. Our approach is also based on the exchange and sharing of experiences and expertise within Arab and African regional mechanisms, including the African Police Cooperation Organization and the African Centre for Studies and Research on Terrorism. It is clear that the misuse and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons undermine international peace and security by fuelling and prolonging conflicts. The Security Council became aware early on of the importance of effectively addressing the threat posed by the diversion and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as reflected in the many resolutions it has adopted on the subject. In that regard, I would like to highlight the following points that could contribute to addressing the issue effectively. First, there is a need to ensure the implementation of the various frameworks aimed at combating the trade in small arms and light weapons, in particular the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its accompanying International Tracing Instrument. Secondly, the level of coordination and coherence between national, regional and international mechanisms must be raised, taking into account national specificities. Thirdly, it is essential to build the capacities of countries, especially developing countries, in order to ensure that they can implement international action plans effectively. International partners must increase their technical and financial assistance to ensure that the objectives of road maps and regional action plans are achieved. Fourthly, the work of United Nations peace operations must be strengthened by ensuring that they are provided with the necessary mandates and means to achieve the goals set forth. Fifthly, it is important to ensure the effectiveness of the measures taken to prevent arms from reaching sanctioned entities, as it is the duty of the Security Council to see that the arms embargoes it decides are implemented. Sixthly, a proactive approach that makes it possible to reduce armed conflicts is essential with a view to drying up one of the most important sources of demand for weapons. We therefore believe it is important for the Council to consistently support regional efforts, as it does through its resolution 2457 (2019), which supports the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Peñaranda (Philippines): The Philippines appreciates the leadership of Ecuador in convening this important meeting, and we thank the briefers for their invaluable insights. First, on the urgency of addressing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, as a country committed to disarmament and non-proliferation the Philippines emphasizes the critical need to address the illicit trade in such weapons. That is in line with our role as Chair of the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in 2021, ably supported by the gentleman on my right. Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the Arms Trade Treaty, we remain determined to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, recognizing that they exacerbate conflicts, undermine development and hinder the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the first State member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty last year, the Philippines demonstrates the importance of urgency and its firm commitment to upholding international standards in regulating the illicit transfer of conventional arms. The Philippines welcomes the recommendation of the Open-ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition for a global framework to manage conventional ammunition, which is a key complement to the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, addressing critical gaps in ammunition control. Secondly, the commitment to collaborative and comprehensive strategies is crucial. In preparation for the fourth Review Conference to Review Progress Made on the Implementation of the Programme of Action by the First Committee in June 2024, we reaffirm that commitment. Drawing on our experience with the eighth Biennial Meeting of States, we underline the importance of international cooperation, transparency and responsible arms-trade practices. We also emphasize the need to integrate a gender perspective into our approach, advocating for active participation by women in disarmament, in line with the women and peace and security agenda. Thirdly, the Philippines also recognizes the significant regional challenge posed by the nexus between small arms and light weapons and transnational organized crime. We stress the need for enhanced regional and international cooperation, intelligence-sharing,andcapacity-building. Strengthening legal frameworks such as the Programme of Action is essential. We also prioritize fortifying border control, enhancing inter-agency coordination and combating corruption, which facilitates illicit arms trafficking. We stress the importance of continued support for capacity-building in developing countries to effectively address challenges related to small arms and light weapons, emphasizing the role of economic and social development in reducing demand for small arms and light weapons and promoting stability. We urge the Security Council to address immediate concerns, including the promotion of national and regional implementation and the enforcement of arms- control measures, addressing the links between small arms and light weapons, organized crime and armed violence, and ensuring the implementation of existing legal instruments for a coordinated global response. As we approach the fourth Review Conference, and in view of the deteriorating geopolitical situation in various parts of the world, the Philippines urges the Security Council to redouble its efforts to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Our commitment to the cause is steadfast, and we are ready to continue collaborating with the international community in order to build a safer and more secure world for all.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Mrs. Blokar Drobic (Slovenia): It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair today, Madam President. I would like to align my statement with that made this morning on behalf of the European Union, and to add the following in my national capacity. I first want to thank the briefers for their valuable insights. According to the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2023/853), small arms and light weapons are a significant cause of civilian casualties in armed conflicts. We need to prevent the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms to reduce violence and terrorism. Additionally, we need to ensure that the availability of small arms and light weapons does not lead to sexual violence or hinder sustainable peace and development. While the report notes that the international community and the Security Council have taken initial steps, further efforts are necessary to ensure that no weapons end up in the wrong hands. In that respect, I would like to make the following three points: First, we should strengthen the normative framework and synergies between the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the Arms Trade Treaty, the Firearms Protocol and the Sustainable Development Goals and foster the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in arms control. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendation to strengthen the linkages between the women and peace and security agenda and disarmament, including through the convening of specific meetings on the topic. Secondly, we need to ensure the effective physical security and management of national weapon stockpiles. Inadequately maintained stockpiles constitute serious humanitarian hazards and have a negative impact on peace and security. Inadequate physical security can also result in the diversion of small arms to illicit markets, including to non-State actors such as armed groups, terrorists and transnational organized crime groups. Thirdly, we should promote efforts to improve and widen national reporting by submitting biennial reports on the status of the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument by including small arms and light weapons in our reports for the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, and by promoting synergies with other related international instruments. Slovenia is contributing to these efforts through the ITF Enhancing Human Security organization, which is implementing several projects focusing on physical security and stockpile management, including assisting Governments in disposing of aging and unsafe ammunition in an environmentally responsible manner. Slovenia welcomed the General Assembly’s recent adoption of resolution 78/47, on conventional ammunition management. The fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made on the Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action offers an opportunity to take stock of our work, discuss recent technological advances and include ammunition within the framework of the Programme of Action. Implementing those measures will contribute to international peace and security, reduce human suffering and foster cooperation, transparency and responsible action.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal.

Mr. Ferreira Silva Aranda (Portugal): At the outset, allow me to commend Ecuador for convening this timely debate, following up on last week’s discussion on transnational organized crime (see S/PV.9497). Small arms and light weapons are by far the main vectors to spread violence at the global level. Their diversion and illicit trafficking fuel the actions of armed groups, terrorist groups, perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence and transnational organized crime networks. They are therefore a significant threat to international peace, security and stability, which the Security Council has long identified, and they consequently stunt development, hindering the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The majority of firearms used for illicit purposes stem from illicit origins, be it illicit manufacturing, modification, transformation, theft or robbery, among other sources. The promotion of effective methods to prevent the diversion of legal firearms and the transformation/creation of illegal firearms is thus imperative, and the ability to trace weapons and ammunition is a critical success factor. Current trends, such as the transformation of alarm and signal weapons, or the construction of hybrid and ghost firearms through 3D printing methods, are particularly concerning, as they can greatly increase the volume of small arms and light weapons available for illicit purposes and are by nature much more difficult for States to trace. In that context, the Security Council could seek synergies with legally binding and political instruments that address those challenges, including in the context of peace operations and in the implementation and enforcement of arms embargoes. The Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), ratified by 113 Member States, are essential instruments in that regard. The Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace is clear: we need to strengthen and, perhaps most importantly, we need to implement existing instruments and road maps related to the diversion, proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Such implementation efforts may include setting national and regional targets to measure progress and should be part of a whole-of- Government approach. Portugal strongly supports the universalization, implementation and reinforcement of such mechanisms. We are also regular contributors to the Arms Trade Treaty voluntary trust fund, thus contributing further to the implementation of the ATT. The control of small arms and light weapons can play an important role in advancing the women and peace and security agenda. It is clear, on the one hand, that women and girls are acutely affected by the misuse of such weapons, namely in the context of conflict- related gender-based violence, as a majority of those crimes involve small arms and light weapons. And it is also clear, on the other hand, that for any arms control measure to work, women must be involved at every stage of policy design and implementation. The gender dimension of this debate is widely recognized in the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Arms Trade Treaty. Portugal is fully committed to the implementation of those provisions, including through the mainstreaming of gender considerations in its national initiatives for small arms and light weapons control. Lastly, we believe that the effective and permanent control of firearms and their ammunition will make a strong contribution to reducing generalized illicit use, including against women, thus promoting greater peace and security. Sharing information on firearms and ammunition on a permanent basis is essential so that investigations can be carried out more effectively and efficiently, and with a greater chance of success. Through a technical network for sharing information on firearms and ammunition and the use of compatible ballistic tracing and comparison systems, Member States can cooperate more effectively. An exchange of best practices regarding national legislation could also be beneficial. In conclusion, the Security Council should continue to address the role of the diversion, illicit use and misuse of small arms and light weapons in generating and amplifying threats to international peace and security, including in conflict zones, and to use the work of its subsidiary bodies to better understand and combat those phenomena, namely as they relate to the violation of sanctions regimes and embargoes. The Security Council can thus contribute to a synergistic approach with other existing mechanisms related to small arms and light weapons, without prejudice to their respective compositions and mandates.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Uruguay.

Mr. Amorín (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank Ecuador, as President of the Security Council, for convening this open debate on such an important and timely issue on the international security agenda. Preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects is a concern that my country has underscored in many forums within this Organization. For Uruguay, the Security Council must continue to assess the implications of small arms and light weapons for national and regional contexts, including through mandates relevant to peacekeeping operations, as it recently did the case of Haiti with the adoption of resolutions 2700 (2023) and 2653 (2022). In Latin America and the Caribbean, the proliferation of firearms and their circulation and possession by civilians is a reality that exacerbates violence, thus affecting the peaceful lives of civilian populations, and that has even more dire consequences for children and women. In recent years, there has been an increase in crime, including homicides and femicides, linked to the illegal possession of those types of weapons. Although men are more likely to be the perpetrators and victims of armed violence, many more women than men are intimidated, injured and killed by firearms in cases of domestic violence. Uruguay is well aware that women play a fundamental role in disarmament, arms control and security and therefore supports incorporating a gender perspective in this area. The Security Council’s adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security highlighted the need to include women in all disarmament and arms control processes. And resolution 2242 (2015) sought to strengthen the protection of women and girls in conflict situations and increase the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution. Strengthening national regulations and administrative procedures, including border and customs controls, is a priority when it comes to combating the scourge of the diversion of conventional weapons from conflict zones. For that reason, Uruguay has stepped up security measures at the national level. However, it is also imperative to strengthen dialogue, coordination and cooperation at the bilateral, subregional and regional levels, and work is being done in that area on an ongoing basis. In that regard, we require the support afforded by international cooperation at all levels to identify new routes of circulation and share information in order to improve border controls. The outstanding work of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean is particularly noteworthy in that regard. We also acknowledge the participation of civil society organizations, which we thank for their support in that struggle. Uruguay appreciates the work of the open-ended working group to elaborate a set of political commitments as a new global framework that will address existing gaps in through-life ammunition management. We support the establishment of a universally accepted regulatory framework for the life-cycle management of ammunition throughout its useful life from the point of production to its disposal or use. My country believes that we must maintain a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs of countries of the global South for assistance, cooperation, capacity-building, technology transfer and know-how. A global framework that does not apply to small arms ammunition is an instrument that is both incomplete and inconsistent with the commitments we undertook at the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Finally, the report of the Secretary-General on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823) under resolution 2220 (2015) recognizes that small arms and light weapons and their ammunition are the leading cause of violent death in the world and affirms that arms control is a fundamental tool for preventing conflict and violence and for maintaining peace. Uruguay supports the Secretary-General’s vision and trusts that, through the joint efforts of Member States, we will achieve the goal of a more peaceful and secure world for all.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of El Salvador.

Ms. Rodríguez Acosta (El Salvador) (spoke in Spanish): We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this debate on the threats posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons, as well as their ammunition, parts and components. We value the presentations given by today’s briefers, who have contributed significantly to the debate. Such threats pose enormous challenges to security at the national, regional and international levels. They generate and perpetuate armed violence, take innocent lives, damage civilian objects, disintegrate the social fabric and facilitate human rights violations. Furthermore, they exacerbate sexual and gender- based violence in conflict environments, impeding the fulfilment of sustainable development commitments. Small arms and light weapons, along with their ammunition, are unfortunately the leading cause of violent deaths around the world in both conflict and non-conflict contexts, undermining efforts to consolidate international peace and security. My country expresses its appreciation to the Security Council for its proactive role, especially through resolutions aimed at reducing armed violence through embargoes on small arms and light weapons, as well as combating their illicit trafficking and diversion, the destabilizing effects of which are undeniable. In line with the recommendations presented in the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace, we support renewed actions for the control of small arms and light weapons, including those led by the Security Council. We firmly believe that disarmament and arms control are fundamental to the maintenance of international peace and security. To that end, we call for the adoption of a holistic approach integrated into violence prevention and common development initiatives, affording special attention to the gender perspective. It is imperative to address the differentiated effects of armed violence and to collect and process disaggregated data to formulate targeted public policies so as to ensure the full, meaningful and equal participation of women and young people in negotiations on disarmament and conventional arms control. We appreciate the processes mandated in other spaces within the Organization, such as the fourth Review Conference of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument, in which we will actively participate to examine progress made. We draw attention to the importance of considering ammunition as an integral part of the small arms and light weapons ecosystem. Ammunition is an essential element that renders those weapons lethal, and it is the responsibility of Member States to properly manage them throughout their life cycle to prevent their diversion and illicit use. Furthermore, we call for the consideration of the full life cycle of such weapons, including their brokering and transfer and end users. In addition, we want to highlight emerging trends in the field of conventional weapons, such as new technologies in the manufacturing and design of small and light weapons, especially polymer and modular weapons, as well as those manufactured through three-dimensional printing, including those manufactured privately. We also see the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in the military, which poses additional challenges. We call for greater international cooperation to address those challenges and discuss the possible ramifications of emerging technologies in the field of small arms and light weapons in the relevant forum at the United Nations. However, it is crucial to highlight the various ways in which technology can contribute to preventing the diversion and facilitating the detection, investigation and control of small arms and light weapons, as well as the integration of technological advances into international standards and national controls to prevent diversion and illicit trafficking. Against that backdrop, we recognize the important work of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, which provides Member States with a variety of manuals, practical guides and research as resources to address the challenges linked to the trafficking and illicit use of small arms and their ammunition. In conclusion, we reiterate our renewed commitment to advance the relevant instruments that seek to mitigate the devastating impact of those weapons, along with their ammunition. Those weapons continue to claim innocent victims, cause damage, sow insecurity and perpetuate violence. We welcome the Council’s attention to the matter.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Guatemala.

Ms. Del Águila Castillo (Guatemala): Guatemala acknowledges the outstanding leadership of the Ecuadorian delegation and welcomes the convening of this open debate, as well as the valuable presentations by the briefers earlier today. The diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition has persisted over time and continues to undermine peace and security at the national, regional and global levels, making it impossible for countries to advance towards sustainable development. Small arms and light weapons, their proliferation and illicit trafficking cause the deaths of hundreds of people around the world every year, fuelling armed conflict and exacerbating violence, including gender-based violence, organized crime, drug activity and terrorist acts, as well as abuses and violations of human rights. In a world where gun violence has become pervasive, it is critical that we join our voices and efforts to address the issue, which robs innocent people of their lives and tears communities apart. When discussing the dangerous nature of small arms and light weapons, it is essential to first address the issue of ammunition. Special attention should be paid to the danger they pose as an essential element used to fire a weapon. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to take measures to reduce the threat they represent and to monitor their manufacture and possible diversion to illicit markets. We consider it pertinent to mention the management of arsenals, as well as the establishment of measures to prevent illegal diversions through the constant destruction of surpluses and weapons linked to illicit activities. We must promote the construction of databases on weapons and ammunition and their owners, which would allow us to ensure the rights of those who use and trade arms, but also to establish permanent controls that prevent the illegal and violent use of such weapons. It is essential to collect disaggregated information on the impacts of firearms in order to determine the extent of the problem and take prevention and protection measures in line with accurate and updated information. For that reason, the Open-ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition has been of crucial importance for my country, and we welcome the creation of the Global Framework on Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. It marks a crucial step in explicitly incorporating small calibre ammunition and the differentiated impact it has on men, women, boys and girls. Only in that way can we comprehensively address the proliferation and illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition and put an end to the conditions that lead to the normalization of sexual violence in conflict situations. In that connection, my delegation recognizes the crucial role that women play as peacebuilders. It is pertinent to incentivize and encourage their participation in the tasks of prevention and reconstruction and in the quest for peace. Guatemala recognizes the importance of complementarity between treaties as an essential tool to effectively address the scourge of small arms and light weapons and to provide a framework for international cooperation. We endorse the Secretary- General’s recommendations in the New Agenda for Peace aimed at strengthening, developing and implementing regional, subregional and national instruments and road maps to address the challenges related to the diversion, proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. Lastly, I would like to repeat the words of my Foreign Minister when he addressed the Security Council on 7 December. In order to address these challenges threatening international peace and security, he said, “[i]t is crucial to strengthen cooperation between countries, improve law-enforcement capacity and develop comprehensive strategies that include preventive, repressive and rehabilitative measures” (S/PV.9497, p. 25). The magnitude of the challenge of maintaining peace calls for strategic and operational partnerships, involving both national Governments and other key stakeholders. Only then will we achieve sustainable peace.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Kpukumu (Sierra Leone): I thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s important open debate, and I congratulate you and your delegation on your effective conduct of the Security Council’s business during the month of December. I also thank the briefers for their important contributions. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/823) highlights the ongoing misuse, illicit transfer and destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition that have continued to undermine peace and security at the national, regional and global levels, derailing States from their path towards sustainable development. In addition, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has underscored that small arms and light weapons were the second highest cause of conflict-related civilian deaths in the reporting period, accounting for 14 per cent of such deaths. Sierra Leone calls on the Council to encourage Member States to work with United Nations country teams to integrate considerations of small arms and light weapons into their country analysis frameworks and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Illicit flows of arms and ammunition, including those violating arms embargoes, remain a major concern. Sierra Leone welcomes Member States’ pledges to substantially reduce illicit arms flows as a control measure aimed at attaining Sustainable Development Goal 16. Sierra Leone further welcomed the Council’s adoption of resolution 2616 (2021), which addresses the issue of the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and diversion of arms and related materials in violation of Council-mandated arms embargoes, as well as the Council’s commitment to considering, during the renewal of mandates, how peace operations could support national authorities in combating illicit arms flows in violation of arms embargoes. In her briefing to the Council on 6 October 2021 on the threat posed by the illicit flow of small arms in peace operations, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said, “In contexts where United Nations peace operations have been mandated, illicit flows and the easy availability of arms can exacerbate and sustain conflict dynamics, render arms embargoes ineffective, endanger peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and local populations and complicate the implementation of peace agreements” (S/PV.8874, p. 2). In that vein, Sierra Leone notes the incorporation of arms-related provisions into the mandates of United Nations peace operations and emphasizes that weapons and ammunition management should continue to be integrated into the work of peace operations. The Council should call on Member States, the relevant United Nations entities and intergovernmental, regional and subregional organizations, in a position to do so and where appropriate, to assist in building States’ national and regional capacities. In addition, the Council should take the following actions to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. First, it should encourage regional land, air and maritime cooperation, as applicable, to detect and prevent violations of Council-mandated arms embargoes and to report cases of violations to the corresponding Sanctions Committees in a timely manner. Secondly, it should encourage Member States to undertake due-diligence measures concerning the export of the commercially available components of weapon systems to States under Council-mandated embargoes that may be used by designated individuals and entities or armed groups in contravention of the respective embargoes. Thirdly, it should request the full cooperation of Member States, in particular those under Council- mandated arms embargoes, with the corresponding Panels of Experts, and should continue to stress the importance of allowing such Panels of Experts, whenever and wherever possible, to conduct inspections or be provided with samples of seized military equipment transferred illicitly, in contravention of the respective embargoes. Fourthly, it should establish targeted sanctions regimes, including targeted arms embargoes, travel bans and assets freezes on designated individuals and entities involved in activities prohibited by Council- mandated embargoes, including the diversion, proliferation and misuse of small arms, light weapons and their ammunition, as in the case of Haiti. Finally, when the Council evaluates the possible lifting of an arms embargo, it should consider the capacity of the State concerned to prevent its existing arms and ammunition stockpile and future imports from being diverted to the illicit market. We want to point out with concern that the trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their criminal use are closely intertwined with armed violence and various forms of transnational organized crime and other illicit activities, in particular drug trafficking, gang criminality and the illegal mining and trafficking of natural resources. A comprehensive approach is needed to effectively address the interlinkages between the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and transnational organized crime. Sierra Leone calls on the Council to encourage Member States to adopt integrated criminal-justice responses that support investigations and prosecutions of firearms trafficking offences, while aiming to disclose and dismantle organized crime groups and networks and recover their illicit assets. We also call on the Security Council to urge Member States, the relevant United Nations entities and intergovernmental, regional and subregional organizations, in a position to do so and where appropriate, to cooperate and share information with States that are potentially affected, as well as the relevant United Nations entities, on suspected traffickers and trafficking routes, suspect financial transactions and brokering activities for small arms or light weapons or diversions of such weapons, in order to prevent such transactions by organized criminal groups. Our efforts to control flows of small arms and light weapons play a crucial role in advancing the women and peace and security agenda. The outcome document (A/CONF.192/BMS/2022/1) of the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects stressed the highly gendered nature of small arms and light weapons and the need for the full, equal, meaningful and effective participation of women. However, in technical roles, women face significant political, policy, legal and institutional barriers. Less than half of national action plans on women and peace and security include specific actions on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. We encourage Member States to remove all barriers to and ensure greater harmonization between national strategies for implementing the women and peace and security agenda and regulating small arms and light weapons. Sierra Leone welcomes resolutions 2122 (2013) and resolution 2242 (2015) calling for the full and meaningful participation of women in arms control and at all levels of decision-making and encouraging their empowerment to participate in the design and implementation of such efforts. Sierra Leone also welcomes the establishment of the Women Managing Ammunition Network under the SaferGuard programme, which is a positive development in that regard. Recent research has highlighted a strong connection between sexual violence and small arms. In concurrence with the Secretary-General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2023/413), Sierra Leone notes that, in countries with available data, approximately 70 to 90 per cent of incidents of conflict-related sexual violence involve small arms and light weapons and underscores the role played by the proliferation and illicit circulation of small arms in facilitating and perpetrating conflict-related sexual violence. The framework for the prevention of conflict- related sexual violence launched in 2022 identified arms control and disarmament as a key approach to preventing conflict-related sexual violence. The implementation of arms control treaties and instruments can help to prevent conflict-related sexual violence by preventing the diversion and trafficking of small arms and light weapons in conflict and post-conflict zones where conflict-related sexual violence is widespread and systematic. Sierra Leone encourages Member States to implement the Programme of Action on Small Arms, the Arms Trade Treaty and other relevant instruments to minimize the risk that the transfer of arms or the illicit trafficking of weapons will enable conflict- related sexual violence, and it further recommends that the Security Council include sexual violence as a stand-alone designation criterion for targeted sanctions regimes. In conclusion, the Security Council should leverage, strengthen, promote and implement legally binding and political instruments universalizing relevant legally binding instruments, such as the Firearms Protocol and the Arms Trade Treaty, as well as the implementation of politically binding instruments, such as the Programme of Action on Small Arms and the International Tracing Instrument.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. Ahmadi (Islamic Republic of Iran): I congratulate Ecuador on its Council presidency for this month, and I thank the presidency for convening this important open debate. I also congratulate China on the successful completion of its presidency in November. The illicit diversion and trafficking of small arms and light weapons carry profound socioeconomic ramifications and jeopardize the peace and security of countries. They perpetuate conflicts, intensify violence, harm civilians, contribute to displacement, undermine humanitarian law and fuel crime and terrorism. The Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects acknowledges the challenges associated with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. As a nation dealing with the challenges posed by foreign-backed terrorism and the looming threats of organized crime and drug trafficking connected to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, the Islamic Republic of Iran places considerable emphasis on the Programme of Action on Small Arms. The Programme, as a consensus-based process within the United Nations, has significantly reinforced international efforts to combat the illicit trade in small arms. The Programme of Action on Small Arms underscores the primary responsibility of States in combating illicit trade and emphasizes the need for a balanced and effective implementation that considers the diverse situations, capacities and needs of States and regions. A key focus is on providing developing countries with sufficient financial support, technical assistance and technology transfer. That assistance, including the transfer of related technology, should be sustained, sufficient, non-discriminatory, non-political, non-selective and unconditional. In specific cases, the Security Council may find it appropriate to consider and address the impact of the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons or their diversion to unauthorized recipients, particularly in conflict situations. However, the Council’s efforts must remain strictly confined to aspects directly related to proven and serious adverse impacts of diversion and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons within conflict settings. In addressing the repercussions of small arms and light weapons on civilian populations, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Over the past two months, Israel, the occupying regime, has waged war against defenceless Palestinian civilians — a clear violation of all relevant norms of international law, including humanitarian and human rights principles. The relentless bombardment continues, inflicting terror upon innocent civilians day and night. That regime, committing all international crimes against the people in Gaza and shamelessly utilizing all available means, is indiscriminately causing harm to women and children, displaying a complete disregard for the lives of the defenceless people in Gaza and the West Bank within occupied Palestine. Iran categorically rejects the baseless accusations put forward by the representative of the Israeli regime during this meeting. The Israeli regime cannot absolve itself of responsibility by groundlessly pointing fingers at Iran. That regime is undeniably responsible for the grievous loss of innocent lives resulting from its ongoing military aggression against civilians in Gaza. In conclusion, the assertions made by the representative of Ukraine in her statement regarding Iran’s alleged transfer of unmanned aircraft to Russia, purportedly in violation of resolution 2231 (2015), are baseless and devoid of substantial evidence.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

Ms. Persaud (Guyana): Guyana thanks Ecuador for convening this open debate on the threat posed by illicit flows of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2023/823) and the briefers for their valuable insights. Guyana is gravely concerned about the deleterious consequences of the illicit proliferation, transfer, diversion and trafficking of small arms and ammunition, cognizant of the heavy social, economic and health costs associated with their diversion and use and the grave impact that they have on peace, security, stability and sustainable development. We welcome ongoing global, regional and subregional efforts to address the multifaceted challenges associated with such weapons and offer the following points for consideration. First, curbing the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons must be addressed at political, policy and operational levels and must start with full compliance with obligations and commitments. Regional and subregional organizations play a critical role in promoting action through road maps and action plans, such as the Road Map for Implementing the Caribbean Priority Actions on the Illicit Proliferation of Firearms and Ammunition across the Caribbean in a Sustainable Manner by 2030 and the declaration of a war on guns or the African Union’s flagship Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative. Those must be supported. Through dialogue and cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, the Council can leverage, strengthen and promote the implementation of existing instruments on small arms and light weapons. Secondly, the responsibility for mitigating diversion risks must be upheld. Guyana echoes the call for transfers of arms and ammunition to include effective pre-transfer risk assessments and post- shipment controls, such as on-site inspection and end- user verifications. Compounding the challenges in this area is the rapid development of new technologies, such as the use of polymers, 3D printing and modularity in weapon design, which presents new challenges to traceability and impedes efforts to strengthen control systems and regulate the international trade in conventional weapons. Guyana adds its voice in calling for mainstreaming perspectives that take into account the disproportionate impact of illicit arms flows on women and children in arms-control policymaking and implementation processes. We also support the development of national action plans on women and peace and security and highlight the importance of ensuring evidence-based and gender-responsive policymaking and programming. In conclusion, Guyana highlights the importance of the full implementation of the existing international and regional instruments to address the problem of illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Mr. Mnguni (South Africa): South Africa notes with appreciation the convening of this open debate on addressing the threat posed to peace and security by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. Small arms and light weapons continue to be the weapons of choice in destabilizing communities by fuelling conflict and crime, often with catastrophic effects on civilian populations, including women and children. Regionally, South Africa remains steadfast in its resolve on the African continent, with the support of the international community, to making concrete progress on the implementation of the African Union (AU) Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, within the context of the AU’s Agenda 2063. As today’s debate also includes the aspect of ammunition, we would like to highlight that our delegation was actively involved in the deliberations of the Open-ended Working Group to Elaborate a Set of Political Commitments as a New Global Framework that Will Address Existing Gaps in Through-life Ammunition Management. We are pleased that those negotiations resulted in the adoption by the General Assembly of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47), a comprehensive and concrete set of political commitments, as a new global framework on the issue. We believe that the follow-up mechanism on the Global Framework is imperative for ensuring its effective implementation. One of the stated purposes of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is to contribute to international and regional peace, security and stability. The scope of the ATT covers small arms and light weapons, and its provisions include prohibitions on ammunition transfers. Those objectives include setting the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms, and to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and light weapons. The Treaty’s provisions also apply to the establishment and maintenance of national control systems on ammunition-transfer authorizations. In order to further strengthen that global norm on the conventional arms trade, South Africa calls on all States that have not yet done so to ratify or accede to ATT as a matter of priority. We also look forward to the convening of the fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, and we trust that substantive progress will be made to advance the full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action. South Africa was one of the co-authors, along with Colombia and Japan, of the annual General Assembly resolution entitled “The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all of its aspects” (General Assembly resolution 78/46), which is regarded as the implementation road map for future substantive work in furthering the aims of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. While we believe that the matters being considered in today’s open debate are best addressed in the more-inclusive forum of the General Assembly, for the purposes of this debate, we would like to make the following points. First, we call on the Security Council to encourage support for initiatives undertaken at the national and regional levels that are consistent with the policy on small arms and light weapons, not only in material support but also on information exchange, technology transfer and, importantly, in capacity-building. To ensure that countries are able to take ownership of controlling this scourge and threat, we should address the challenge at its root to enable an effective response. Secondly, South Africa also supports efforts to bring the work of the Council in line with, and complementary to, all other initiatives to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, thereby further operationalizing the Programme of Action and supporting the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. The focus on the Council’s support for the implementation of the broader United Nations initiatives, and not primarily on a punitive approach, for example, through arms embargoes — which have proven to be ineffective and reactive — will prove valuable. For my third and final point, I call for the equal, full and effective participation of women, including in leadership roles in all policy, planning and implementation processes, around efforts to address the impact of small arms and light weapons. That is especially important given the disproportionate impact of the use of those arms on women and children. We must address the fuel that sustains the fire of violent armed conflict and threatens international security. We therefore once again appreciate the attention placed on small arms and light weapons, including their ammunition, in our meeting today.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Mr. Sekeris (Greece): At the outset, we would like to commend Ecuador for organizing this open debate, and we thank the briefers for their very interesting interventions. My country fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union (EU), and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Greece considers this issue to be one of the most important challenges to peace and security on the national, regional and global levels. The Secretary- General’s biennial report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823) should be the bedrock of all relevant discussions, including, of course, the one happening today in the Chamber. Moreover, Greece believes that the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its Protocols, to which my country remains fully committed, should also guide our efforts. Let me recall that the Convention sets the framework for the compliance of military practice with international humanitarian law. Greece, in supporting all multilateral efforts to promote arms control in the area of conventional weapons, would like to contribute two main suggestions focusing on the regional and socioeconomic aspects of the issue we are discussing here today. Having noticed how the changing nature of armed conflict affects the legal framework crafted over the past decade by the United Nations disarmament instruments, we believe that there is indeed a need to adapt that framework in order to address the challenges stemming from regional crises. The EU strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition of 2021 could be an instrument of value. Specifically referring to the Western Balkans region, we support the implementation of the road map for a sustainable solution to arms control in the Western Balkans by 2024, and we commend the work by the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. In addition, concerning the situation in Africa, it is of the utmost importance to support the African Union’s Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of relevant arms-control instruments and regimes, especially those related to small arms and light weapons, in the African context. Secondly, the socioeconomic implications of the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition may have never been studied thoroughly enough until today. The initiative of Ecuador’s presidency could therefore pave the way for the creation of an international coordination mechanism under United Nations auspices. In that connection, I would like to stress the efforts undertaken by the EU and my country over the past 30 years for the socioeconomic revitalization of the Western Balkans. We are ready to support more international initiatives aimed at the economic development of the region, focusing mostly on projects relevant to the promotion of new technologies, green development and addressing the impact of climate change. In conclusion, Greece stands ready to work on this issue as an elected member of the Council for the 2025–2026 term, should our candidacy at the upcoming elections be successful.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Liechtenstein.

Ms. Oehri (Liechtenstein): We are gathering at a time of worsening armed conflicts, mounting violations of international human rights law and eroding respect for international humanitarian law — all of which come at a high cost for people and the planet. Insecurity, violence and war are being perpetuated by unrestricted flows of arms. Small arms and light weapons once again represent a leading cause of death and account for 14 per cent of fatalities related to conflicts and almost 40 per cent of those that are not. With a 53 per cent increase in civilian deaths across the 12 deadliest conflicts in 2022 caused by light and heavy weapons, the illicit flow and misuse of small arms and light weapons are in clear contradiction to the goals we have set ourselves, including that of achieving more peaceful, just and inclusive societies, as laid out in Sustainable Development Goal 16. In that respect, Liechtenstein would like to point to States’ legal obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty, which provides a minimum standard for legal arms trading, as well as those under the Firearms Protocol of the Palermo Convention and other relevant instruments. International humanitarian law, too, is clear about the obligations of States, including the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict. The Security Council, with its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, also has a special duty to prevent and respond to illicit flows of small arms and light weapons, such as in the case of Haiti, where the overall security situation has deteriorated due to gang violence, including kidnappings and killings. Resolution 2700 (2023), prohibiting the supply, sale or transfer of small arms, light weapons and ammunition to Haiti, is an important first step, and its implementation will be crucial to a peaceful and inclusive future for the country. We also expect the Council to follow the General Assembly in preventing the flows of the weapons that are being used by the military junta to attack civilians in Myanmar. Disarmament and the prevention of the illicit arms trade require a broad vision of human security. That vision should also consider the disproportionate impact that such weapons have on women, especially at a time of shocking reports of sexual and gender- based violence in conflict, which is often inextricably linked to small arms and light weapons. Women and girls constitute a majority of victims of the violence caused by those weapons, which also serves as a tool to reinforce patriarchal power disparities, both inside and outside conflict. Accordingly, our analyses of and responses to the suffering caused by small arms and light weapons must be gender-sensitive. The full and effective implementation of the women and peace and security agenda is a necessary step to that end. The work that bodies such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research are doing on the relationship between masculinities and small arms can help us better understand how guns are closely embedded in expectations of men as providers, protectors of their communities and at times violent actors. And we are hopeful that the New Agenda for Peace and the Pact for the Future will further advance the disarmament and human security agenda, including the security of women and girls.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Myanmar.

Mr. Tun (Myanmar): Myanmar thanks Ecuador for organizing today’s open debate. I also want to thank all the briefers for their insights. We share the view that legal sales and transfers of arms are important to all States Members of the United Nations for purposes related to their legitimate national security needs, as stipulated in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. However, we continue to see persistent threats all over the world created by the diversion and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons into the wrong hands, particularly transnational organized criminal syndicates and terrorist organizations. Their destabilizing accumulation and misuse have serious economic, social and humanitarian consequences. Preventing the flow of arms into those organizations, including through the effective enforcement of Security Council-mandated arms embargoes and accountability for violations, plays a key role in combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime. While we emphasize the importance of preventing arms from reaching terrorists and criminal syndicates, they are not the only ones misusing deadly weapons. In my country, Myanmar, the military, which is supposed to defend the country and protect its people, has been doing the exact opposite. The illegal military junta uses its weapons to kill civilians. It first disregarded the democratically expressed will of the people of Myanmar in 2021 by perpetrating an illegal coup against the democratically elected Government. It then brutally killed peaceful protesters, tortured detainees, arbitrarily arrested thousands of democracy proponents and summarily executed political and democracy activists. The illegal military junta has committed multiple massacres all over the country. It has grossly and systematically violated in a widespread manner the fundamental rights, including the right to life, of the people of Myanmar. The junta’s illegality, self- interest at the expense of the people, severe oppression and inhumane brutality have compelled the people of Myanmar to resort to the legitimate exercise of their right to self-defence and to try to overturn the military dictatorship. Facing the growing nationwide resistance to its illegal attempted coup, and with morale sinking among the rank and file, the illegitimate junta has been deploying indiscriminate heavy-weapon attacks and aerial bombings in civilian areas. The junta has also been deliberately burning residential buildings wholesale. The result has been the displacement of more than 2.6 million people in Myanmar. International and regional cooperation is essential to the prevention of the diversion of arms and dangerous technology, including dual-use technology, to terrorists and organized criminal organizations, simply because of the serious threats they pose to people. The same reasoning should apply to the Myanmar military junta, which has been committing serious international crimes with blanket impunity. The evidence of those crimes has been collected and preserved by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. While the people of Myanmar have not received protection from the international community for their lives and communities, the minimum they do expect from Member States is that States should not enable the junta to continue to commit atrocities against them. Member States have a responsibility to assess whether the weapons they export are being used for legitimate defence purposes or to perpetrate atrocity crimes against people. In the case of Myanmar, there is an abundance of evidence of the gross misuse on a daily basis of weapons, including heavy weapons and jet fighters, by the military junta against the civilian population throughout the country. We appreciate the efforts of individual Member States that have already imposed arms embargoes or restrictions on the junta, including on jet fuel, and I urge others to do so. The restrictions need to continue until Myanmar has a professional military accountable to the people through democratic civilian oversight. And limiting the junta’s ability to continue to commit atrocities against the people is crucial not only to the protection of civilians but also to the creation of conditions that are conducive to a sustainable solution. In conclusion, it has been almost a year since the Council’s adoption of resolution 2669 (2022), on Myanmar. Sadly, the unspeakable tragedy is still unfolding. We urgently need a follow-up enforcement resolution to save lives in Myanmar. I urge the Security Council to take action now. At the same time, I call on all individual Member States to seriously consider the deteriorating humanitarian crisis that the weapons they are exporting to the military junta are causing. To echo the General Assembly’s resolution 75/287 on Myanmar, adopted in June 2021, I appeal to all Member States to refrain from enabling the military junta to terrorize and kill the people of Myanmar, by preventing the flow of arms and munitions, including jet fuel and other supplies relevant to surveillance technologies, into the illegitimate and inhumane junta’s hands. Humanity matters most. Please save lives.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mrs. Liolocha (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): My delegation would like once again to welcome the Ecuadorian presidency of the Security Council for this month of December and to say how pleased we are with the way you are leading the work of this organ, Mr. President. The convening of this open debate of the Security Council on this important and topical theme reflects our common aspiration towards peace and the defence of the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations, our Organization. I also wish to thank His Excellency Secretary-General António Guterres for his biennial report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823). As underlined in the Secretary-General’s report, the misuse, illicit transfer and accumulation of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition have continued to trigger, aggravate and sustain armed conflicts, widespread violence and the perpetration of criminal and terrorist acts, thus undermining peace and security at the national, regional and global levels and impeding the sustainable development of States. My delegation would like to reiterate here that the illicit transfer and diversion of small arms and their ammunition have a cross- cutting adverse impact on the development, security, humanitarian and socioeconomic aspects of nations. For several decades now, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has had to confront the activities of armed groups in its eastern part, and that situation is contributing to the proliferation of arms and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. My country therefore remains concerned about the threat posed by the diversion of those weapons to unauthorized users. That is why my delegation would like to draw the Security Council’s attention to the impact of the continuing flow of small arms and light weapons to armed terrorist groups that benefit from the sponsorship of certain neighbouring States. The increase in the volume and quality of small arms acquired by those terrorist groups is a repeated reminder that they cannot exist without State sponsorship or support. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that is the case with the Movement du 23 mars (M-23), utilized by Rwanda to destabilize the east of my country. That phenomenon has not escaped the attention of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which have acknowledged the military superiority of the M-23, a terrorist movement with more sophisticated weapons than a conventional army. Given that illicit flows of arms and munitions fuel conflicts, it is essential that the Security Council enforce arms embargoes and that Member States strictly respect and apply those embargoes, while strengthening measures against illicit arms transfers. If not, how could those armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to be active on the ground despite the embargoes against them? My delegation calls for MONUSCO and other United Nations peace missions to be provided with adequate resources and expertise to help host countries build their capacity to maintain and safely manage weapons, including those recovered from non-State actors. My delegation encourages the Security Council to support regional, subregional and national efforts in the field of conflict prevention and arms control, such as the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as the International Tracing Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons and all disarmament and arms control instruments; the African Union’s Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative; and the Central African Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. My delegation believes that all solutions that contribute to resolving the issue of illicit transfers, accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition require a firm political commitment on the part of States, given the transnational nature of the circulation of arms and all its geopolitical and economic implications. It is time for vigorous measures to be taken to break the vicious circle of conflict fuelled by weapons acquired through the illicit trade in minerals and transnational crime. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where armed groups have been active for more than 25 years without a lasting peace, should be a cause for concern. I would like to stress here that the Democratic Republic of the Congo neither produces nor exports arms, but it is its men and women, girls and boys, young and old, who pay the price. I would like to take this opportunity before the Council to give voice to the cries of pain and distress of the women and girls who have been raped and the children who have been orphaned or separated from their families and who would like to see concrete measures taken to make amends. In conclusion, my delegation believes that in order to promote effective approaches and responses to prevent the acquisition of arms and ammunition by criminal groups, the Security Council must encourage arms manufacturers to mark ammunition casings at the factory gate. Manufacturers will thus be obliged to provide the importer with the technology to trace the ammunition. In the same way that marking weapons enables us to track down diverted weapons in order to find out where they came from, tracing ammunition will also enable us to find out where it came from and limit its diversion, to some extent.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Mr. Rae (Canada): I thank you, Mr. President, for providing us this forum today to discuss a critical issue — the illicit trade, diversion and trafficking of small arms and light weapons. We are hearing very clearly from our colleagues around the world — from Latin America and the Caribbean, from Africa, Myanmar and many other regions — that this is a major problem for all of us. We must take concrete steps to address it. Canada is active at the international, regional and subregional levels and in many forums, to tackle this problem. I would stress that we also take this problem very seriously at home, which I believe we all need to do. In Canada, all permit applications to export controlled items, regardless of their destination, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under a robust risk assessment framework. That includes an assessment against the Arms Trade Treaty criteria, which are actually enshrined in our domestic law — the Export and Import Permits Act. To put it simply, we assess the risks at home, and we assess the risks abroad. We assess them with binding laws, and we would encourage all States to do the same. Where a risk of diversion is identified and cannot be mitigated, the export permit application is denied. We believe that all States must enforce and apply adequate national controls to the entire life cycle of small arms and light weapons, which, as pointed out in today’s meeting, are getting easier and easier to produce. That must be done in accordance with national legal frameworks in order to minimize the risk of their diversion and illicit international transfer.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Mr. Jadoon (Pakistan): We congratulate Ecuador on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month and organizing today’s debate. The illicit flow, excessive accumulation and misuse of small and light weapons aggravate conflicts, hinder sustainable development, bolster terrorism and threaten international peace and development. The devastating consequences of easy access to both small and heavy weapons by terrorists and criminals is too well known to be recounted at length. Suffice it to say that the hundreds of thousands of human lives lost each year, the decimation of economies and societies and the terrible suffering inflicted on the vulnerable segments of the population make it incumbent upon the international community to adopt all practical measures to eliminate the scourge of illicit weapons proliferation. The United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the International Tracing Instrument and the Firearms Protocol provide solid normative frameworks to address the regulation of those arms. All States need to intensify efforts to fully implement those mechanisms. For developing countries, the role of international assistance and cooperation, as the principal enabler of efforts to regulate those arms, is critical. We therefore call for stronger commitment from the international community to mobilize resources to that end. Pakistan is deeply concerned about the possession and use of modern and sophisticated arms and weapons, such as guns with laser, night-vision devices and thermal sighting systems, by the terrorist group Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is designated by the United Nations as a terrorist organization. This week, we have witnessed the havoc wreaked by the TTP in a heinous and cowardly terrorist attack against our security forces, killing more than 23 personnel. While we successfully neutralized all those involved, the possession of sophisticated weaponry by those terrorists, none of which they have the capability to manufacture, indicates a bigger problem today. Terrorists and criminals do not manufacture those arms. They acquire them from illicit arms markets or receive them from entities that want to destabilize a particular region or country. It is therefore the responsibility of all States, the Council and the United Nations to take measures to prevent the illicit trade, transfer and diversion of these arms. We demand an investigation into how the TTP acquired such sophisticated weapons being used against Pakistan’s border and other posts. We must take immediate action in opposing the criminals who use such arms and effectively dismantle the networks that supply them with those killing machines. Pakistan will continue to work closely with the international community towards exposing those who are responsible for supporting, financing and externally sponsoring such operations. Arms control must extend beyond small arms and light weapons to cover conventional weapons. The huge accumulation of conventional and related capabilities in cyberspace, outer space and other domains is creating dangerous imbalances, which can trigger conflicts. The Final Document of the tenth special session of the General Assembly on disarmament (General Assembly resolution S-10/4) provided a robust road map for the limitation and gradual reduction of conventional weapons within the framework of general and complete disarmament. Regrettably, that agreed vision has not been realized. Instead, we find ourselves amid a persistent increase in global military expenditures. Many destabilizing developments are evident in South Asia, where one State’s military spending vastly exceeds that of all others. The generous supply of conventional weaponry to that State, together with its strategic capability, is fuelling instability, jeopardizing the delicate regional balance, hindering the resolution of long-standing disputes, reinforcing its sense of impunity and hegemonic designs and impeding the realization of durable peace and sustainable development in the region. That conventional imbalance can also lead to the outbreak of conflict between nuclear-armed States, owing to the inherent danger of escalation. Therefore, the policy of double standards towards South Asia, based on narrow strategic, political and commercial considerations, must be eschewed. Pakistan, for its part, is committed to the establishment of a strategic restraint regime in South Asia, which includes an element of conventional force balance. Pakistan neither wants nor is engaged in an arms race in the region. Lastly, it is our firm view that peace and stability in South Asia can be achieved only through, first, the resolution of disputes in accordance with Security Council resolutions, and secondly, the maintenance of a balance of strategic and conventional military forces.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Paraguay.

Mr. Pereira Sosa (Paraguay) (spoke in Spanish): The delegation of the Republic of Paraguay appreciates the opportunity to take the floor in this debate and congratulates the Republic of Ecuador as President of the Security Council for bringing this sensitive issue before the Council for a very timely debate, which we hope will be beneficial to all. We would also like to thank the briefers for their detailed presentations. With the burden of achieving and maintaining international peace and security, the Council is also collectively responsible for facilitating the realization of the three pillars of the work of the United Nations. The threat posed to peace and security by the diversion, illegal trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition is not a minor one, but is a burdensome, pervasive and persistent element that erodes our democracies, facilitates the weakening of national institutions, promotes the corruption of State officials in the national security and justice sectors and creates instability and conflict. The international community and the Council are fully aware of the danger posed by the links between the diversion of small arms and light weapons that end up in the hands of criminal organizations involved in human trafficking and illegal drug trafficking, the diversion of weapons of mass destruction and criminal gangs dedicated to creating insecurity among the population. The illegal possession of weapons by such illegal organizations enables them to resist law- enforcement agencies and facilitates both organized crime and actions related to transnational organized crime and terrorism. Besides that, both State and non-State actors use the illegitimate proceeds from their crimes, including through cryptocurrencies, to avoid the control of States and international organizations while infiltrating conventional national financial systems and exercising illegitimate influence over political decisions all over the world. The Security Council has acknowledged the existence of such situations, for which it has established committees, and it should continue to collaborate with other United Nations bodies and agencies in addressing, mitigating, preventing and eradicating those threats. The diversion of small arms and light weapons has a negative effect on the implementation of gender policies, as the violence that such weapons fuel directly affects women and girls. That should ring continuing alarm bells and demands coordinated efforts on the part of the Security Council and organizations dedicated to the advancement of gender equality, both at the United Nations and at the regional level. The issue of the recruitment of children in armed conflict deserves special mention. Small arms and light weapons contribute significantly to the commission of grave human rights violations against children, such as their illegal recruitment and use in armed conflict, as well as killings, maimings, rape and other forms of sexual abuse, in addition to abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of access to humanitarian aid. The Council must ensure that its resolutions include specific actions designed to prevent such terrible abuses. Our region is closely following developments in the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, under the auspices of the United Nations, which the Council approved in October through its adoption of resolution 2699 (2023), and we hope that will help the Haitian Government improve its response to the surge in murders and the emergence of criminal gangs there, enabling it to reduce the level of armed violence. Every country in Latin America and the Caribbean is feeling the consequences of the instability in that brother nation. All of us, including the Council, together with the relevant bodies of the United Nations and the regional organizations and States concerned, should continue to work to prevent the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition that enables non-State actors to grow in strength. Paraguay believes that strengthening national firearms and ammunition control systems is a cornerstone in preventing the diversion of arms for civilian use and for ensuring that they are used exclusively by our countries’ security forces. We would therefore like to highlight the work that Paraguay is doing with regard to its work with the Global Firearms Programme of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which we hope will continue to yield positive results. We believe that international cooperation and multilateralism are the way to achieve global objectives based on the principle of shared but differentiated common responsibility. We underscore that our concerted compliance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, its 1972 protocol and its 1971 and 1988 amendments is a necessary complement to the international arms-control conventions such as the Arms Trade Treaty, at the international level, and inter-American arms-control conventions such as the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials and the Inter-American Convention on Transparency in Conventional Weapons Acquisitions, which the Council should take into account in carrying out its work. In conclusion, we also stress the recent adoption of agreed nomenclature on firearms within the framework of the South American Common Market Working Group on Firearms and Ammunition, and as an example of the work we are pursuing, we would also like to mention Operation Dakavo, which dismantled a criminal network involved in the diversion and illegal trafficking of firearms affecting several countries in the region, through the combined efforts of the security agencies and justice systems of Paraguay, Brazil and the United States.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritania.

Mr. Mohamed Laghdaf (Mauritania) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to thank your delegation, Mr. President, for convening today’s open debate on the threat posed to international peace and security by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report to the Security Council on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823), both for the very valuable information it contains and for the Organization’s efforts to strengthen international and regional efforts aimed at controlling small arms, light weapons and their ammunition. Given the close relations between terrorism and organized crime, and the ease with which some non-authorized entities obtain small arms, light weapons and their ammunition, and in the context of my country’s efforts to promote peace and security in the Sahel in particular and in Africa in general, Mauritania attaches great importance to the issue of combating the illicit supply and trafficking of small arms and light weapons. In that regard, we believe in the importance of international cooperation within the United Nations, in particular through its Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects as a consensus tool for promoting cooperation to eradicate this issue, which in our view is a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development in developing countries. However, international cooperation on the issue should not affect the legitimate right of States to obtain, manufacture and import conventional weapons for self- defence in line with the Charter of the United Nations. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to insist on ensuring that we do not confuse combating illicit trafficking in conventional weapons with imposing political or monopoly restrictions on States’ sovereign right to trade in conventional weapons. Since our countries still urgently need to build their capacities to counter the illicit trafficking and smuggling of small arms and light weapons in order to implement the Programme of Action and the international tracing of such weapons, the United Nations and in particular the Security Council have a critical role to play in combating the unprecedented proliferation of conventional weapons and their use by unauthorized entities in many parts of the world. It appears that in some regions, particularly in Africa, governmental and official parties are involved in trading such weapons on behalf of terrorist or separatist parties with a view to prolonging or worsening crises. That is a violation of international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2370 (2017). Addressing that phenomenon through international cooperation and sovereign national efforts to secure stockpiles and border controls must be matched with stricter and more deterring regulations on manufacturing companies and arms brokers who nurture an economy that will continue to flourish as long as armed conflicts persist in the world. While my country welcomes the progress made by the Open-ended Working Group on Ammunition regarding the development of a global framework to manage conventional ammunition, which concluded its work in New York this year, we call for the need to differentiate between that framework and the relevant United Nations Programme of Action. We look forward to the fourth Review Conference of that Programme, to be held next year. We hope that the Programme of Action will achieve the goal of limiting illicit proliferation and trafficking in small arms and light weapons as soon as possible.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Peru.

Mr. García Toma (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): On behalf of the Republic of Peru, I congratulate those responsible for convening this open debate for allowing us to exchange ideas on a topic of relevance to international security. A new and grave danger looms over vast sectors of humankind, with violence and intimidation at the service of transnational crime and even for the supposed “resolution” of disputes, whether just or unjust, on the streets. That is the scenario presented to us by the illicit trafficking and diversion of small and light weapons, as well as their ammunition, the clandestine use of which is already a threat to peace and security and public order. Furthermore, if urgent measures are not adopted, such a scenario could jeopardize the full exercise of State functions in our countries, particularly developing ones. The illicit trade in those weapons also undermines investment, economic growth and labour activity and generates deep and lasting impacts on the daily lives of our citizens. Those who believe that the problem can be resolved only with greater police efficiency are mistaken. This is, on the one hand, a State issue in the broader sense, since it involves all public powers; on the other, it is a substantive part of a multilateral agenda — the uncontrollable spread of the trafficking of such goods in the service of crime and the formation of transnational gangs demand it. If we do not take firm action today on both fronts, we will soon have free-for-all areas alienated from traditional ideological reason and preoccupied instead with interests that transgress the most precious rights, goods and values of life in coexistence. The problem that concerns us today already significantly affects our country in terms of national security and especially citizen security. Transnational organized crime has established a foothold through drug trafficking, terrorism, contract killings, human trafficking, illegal mining and street crime. I am sure that, for many of our peoples, that threat is already an undeniable reality. A clear example in our region is that of Haiti, where weapons and ammunition enter illicitly through land and sea routes and reach the hands of gang members. That has facilitated a worrisome increase in the commission of human rights abuses, including sexual violence. Given that situation, we welcome the establishment by the Council of a sanctions regime that includes an arms embargo directed at designated individuals and entities. We also appreciate that, when renewing that regime, measures were put in place for the Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti to manage and supervise its weapons and ammunition appropriately, which includes reporting any diversion due to causes such as loss or theft. Along with those measures, it is crucial that the countries of origin of transfers of that type of weapons act decisively to implement measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating. As no State can face the challenge alone, our national prevention and control policies must have a synergistic connection with all institutions, be they police, prosecutors’ offices, judiciaries, parliaments or municipalities. It is important to promote the broad participation among civil society, in particular within the foreign policy agenda. A key aspect is the implementation of international instruments such as the Arms Trade Treaty, which regulates the international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons. Cooperation between States, particularly those that share a border, is also essential. Along those lines, Peru already has established binational mechanisms with Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador. Within that framework, coordinated activities are carried out to reinforce border controls and prevent the illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives. Those mechanisms will foster harmonized multilateral responses, as well as coordinated work on the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty and other international agreements such as the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument. Peru reaffirms its commitment to tackling the problem and remains firm in its determination to work collaboratively with the international community, including, of course, with the relevant bodies of the United Nations system. The stark reality warns us that, if we do not solve the issue in a timely manner, we will soon be in danger of having our communities taken over by transnational criminal organizations. It would be a cruel paradox in the history of our peoples if the integration for which they have tirelessly fought came to us in the form of subjugation to crime and not general well-being.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Georgia.

Mr. Dvali (Georgia): I would like to thank the Ecuadorian presidency for convening today’s open debate on such an important topic, as well as all the briefers for their valuable contributions. We also thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823). Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of European Union, and I would like to make some additional comments in my national capacity. Georgia shares the view that the problem of the excessive and destabilizing accumulation, uncontrolled proliferation and possession of small arms and light weapons represents a threat to human security and has extremely negative implications for regional and global peace and stability. The illicit spread of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition is a complex challenge that no single country can tackle alone, and therefore effective international cooperation is principally important. Georgia implements its commitments under the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons with due responsibility. We fully participate in the relevant information-exchange mechanisms, and we have made substantial progress in improving small arms and light weapons control over the past few years. Maintaining an effective strategic trade control system that keeps pace with evolving proliferation threats and rapid technological and scientific developments is vital. In that context, the Arms Trade Treaty is a unique instrument, defining common State responsibilities for different stages of arms transfers, that serves as an important preventive mechanism. While voicing our support for joint efforts aimed at strengthening control and prevention, we should not forget that conflict environments immensely increase the risks of the widespread availability and proliferation of arms and ammunition. Georgia recognizes the risk of small arms and light weapons proliferation posed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The international community needs to remain vigilant and ready to face up to those challenges and address them in a resolute way. Regrettably, the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia continue to represent a major challenge in that regard. Considering Georgia’s transit role and potential, there is a danger that the occupied territories could be used for illegal activities, such as trafficking and trade in arms, components of weapons and dual-use materials, which can be used for terrorist and criminal purposes. Moreover, Russia is continuing its military build- up in the occupied territories of Georgia and is further isolating those areas from the rest of the country, in total disregard of its commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The illegal military bases in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali are heavily militarized with various sophisticated offensive weapons. The force structure and posture of those deployments, including the type and quantity of their military hardware, serve only to project power across the entire Black Sea region and the Mediterranean. In that regard, we are deeply concerned about the recent statements regarding the deployment of the naval base in the Ochamchire district of the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia as another provocative attempt to destabilize an already dire situation on the ground and in the Black Sea region, particularly in the light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In conclusion, while we reiterate our commitment to the non-proliferation and effective prevention of the misuse of small arms and light weapons, I would once again like to call on the international community to urge Russia to cease its provocative actions in the illegally occupied regions of Georgia and start fulfilling its international obligations — first and foremost, the European Union-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Mrs. Kamboj (India): I thank you, Mr. President, for holding today’s meeting on an important topic. In the interests of saving time, I will make four quick points. First, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and related ammunition is a key enabler for sustaining conflicts involving armed and terrorist groups. That demands that States coordinate their efforts to limit such actors’ ability to acquire small arms and light weapons. It is therefore important that the Security Council takes a zero-tolerance approach to terror actors and their sponsors and their possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Secondly, having fought the scourge of terrorism for a number of decades, India is aware of the perils of the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non-State actors and terrorists. We have suffered immensely as a result of the cross- border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones. The increasing volume and quality of the arsenal acquired by such terrorist organizations reminds us time and again that they cannot exist without the sponsorship or support of States. Thirdly, international cooperation is essential to strengthening existing mechanisms for information exchange in identifying diversion points, trafficking routes, customs control, cross-border cooperation and so forth, in order to prevent the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. India accordingly supports redoubling efforts at the national and global levels to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument, including through national legislative measures and enforcement, export controls, information-sharing and capacity-building. Here I would like to add that India participated actively in the deliberations on the establishment of a Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management, which we actively support and hope will strengthen safe, secure and sustainable ammunitions management. Fourthly, United Nations peacekeeping missions could support host countries in addressing the issue of the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons by strengthening the capacities of law-enforcement and security agencies in the safe handling, upkeep and stockpile management of arms and weapons, including those that have been recovered from non-State actors. As I conclude, I want to say that India attaches great importance to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The Group of 20 leaders’ declaration adopted at the New Delhi summit on 10 September emphasizes international cooperation among States to combat the illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons. India regularly submits its national reports on the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. We have also put in place a strong legislative and administrative mechanism at the national level to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, and we maintain strict export controls on all munitions and related items, including small arms and light weapons. Our commitment is also reflected in India’s participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement. As Plenary Chair for 2023, India remains committed to working to further strengthen the global non-proliferation architecture, including in the area of small arms and light weapons.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria.

Ms. Dakwak (Nigeria): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today’s debate to address the threats posed to peace and security by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. I would also like to express my delegation’s appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report (S/2023/823) and to the other briefers for their insightful and valuable contributions to the discussion. Whatever the causes of conflicts, they are fuelled by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, widening and entrenching insecurity and violence. That hampers socioeconomic development by increasing or creating poverty and suffering. The catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled access to conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons, are being witnessed around the world today. Millions of civilians have been displaced by conflicts, losing homes and livelihoods. The loss or violent disruption of family life and the destruction of essential infrastructure have led to a loss of dignity for millions. The consequences of the devastating impact of the illicit transfer and trafficking of weapons across Africa can be seen in its protracted armed conflicts, insurgency and terrorism. The persistent threat to security in the region, and to international peace, demands collective action and approaches by regional actors as well as the international community. Strengthened national, regional and global responses are needed. Major producers and suppliers of small arms and light weapons must be effectively prohibited from selling their wares to unregistered or unregulated entities. Nigeria has experienced the painful consequences of the illicit trafficking, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of criminal gangs, terrorists and armed bandits. The influx of illicit small arms and light weapons into the hands of bandits and militias has caused two decades of devastation in our country, affecting every facet of life, including schools, farms, places of worship and markets. Nowhere is off limits. Those groups’ activities have unquestionably further weakened the socioeconomic development of our country and the region and pose a growing threat to global security. Nigeria has used, or modified, its policies to better address the challenges posed by the wanton misuse of small arms and light weapons in terms of proactivism, better coordination and support to victims. We have always acted in concert with partners in the region and beyond to thwart bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements, and we have also collaborated with the United Nations and other international partners to enhance protection, especially against sexual violence. Furthermore, the Government of Nigeria has continued to condemn all forms of violence against women and children and is taking all possible measures to counter terrorism and extremism in all their forms. It is for those reasons that Nigeria has redoubled its efforts across its borders and strengthened its cooperation within the West African subregion and beyond against the illicit trafficking of weapons. Nigeria is the first country to both sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). It is committed to the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Nigeria supported the General Assembly’s adoption of the landmark ATT resolution 67/234 and welcomed the successful outcome of the ninth Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, which took place in Geneva, and urges States parties to implement it. Our commitment is further demonstrated by the signing and ratification of relevant international, regional and subregional instruments, as well as by establishing and sustaining robust partnerships with the African Union, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa and other relevant organizations. In conclusion, we call on the international community to support the laudable initiative of Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the African Union Master Road Map of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, which clearly underscores that peace, security and social development are threatened by the illicit transfer of weapons in Africa. Expanding capabilities for disrupting illicit arms flows is important for curbing their proliferation and misuse. We welcome the Secretary-General’s recommendation to include the illicit trafficking of arms on the Security Council’s agenda and call on all members to support that initiative.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Iraq.

Mr. Al-Fatlawi (Iraq) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, your able stewardship of the Council’s work and your initiative in convening this open debate on small arms and light weapons and ways to address the threat posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons to international peace and security. I would like to welcome Her Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador and thank her for presiding over the Council this morning. I also thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for her support in that area and for her briefing on the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 2220 (2015) (S/2023/823). Iraq aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of the Group of Arab States. Iraq is of the view that the unprecedented deterioration in security, the exacerbation of conflicts and tensions and the increase in regional and international security crises at the international level, along with the continued rise in military expenditures, which reached a new record of $2.24 trillion in 2022, and the increase in global transfers of conventional weapons, confirm the urgent need to redouble efforts by the international community and summon the political will to address the phenomenon of illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, owing to their catastrophic impact on the security of States and societies, which negatively affects the economies and development of States. The victims of that phenomenon are often civilians, older persons, women and children, whose numbers increased last year by 53 per cent compared to 2021, according to the report of the Secretary-General. That may have been the reason for the introduction of international initiatives, resolutions and conventions to reduce that dangerous phenomenon and eliminate its effects, which are no different from the catastrophic impact of weapons of mass destruction. In that regard, Iraq has continued to support all relevant international initiatives, conventions and resolutions and has taken effective and tangible national measures at both the legislative and executive levels, including the adoption of Arms Law No. 51 of 2017 aimed at adopting national legislation that addresses the developments in that field, as well regulating the mechanism for carrying weapons. The Standing Committee for the Regulation of Weapons was formed by the Prime Minister and is supervised by the Minister of Interior. That Committee has taken several practical steps and measures to limit and control weapons, as well as to reduce their use, in line with national legislation. The Committee has also carried out awareness campaigns on arms control. We have closed more than 300 websites and 119 stores selling firearms have been shut down, thereby contributing to the promotion of security and stability in Iraq. More than two decades after the adoption of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the random proliferation of those weapons and their misuse in many regions of the world continue to threaten international peace and security, cause the death of many people and destabilize security and stability. Iraq reiterates the need to begin the fellowship training programme on small arms and light weapons to build the capacities and expertise in particular in developing States. Iraq also calls on support for all efforts aimed at ensuring a successful Review Conference of the Programme of Action, to be held in 2024, with a view to reaching a consensus outcome that meets the needs of all States. Iraq welcomes the multilateral efforts of the Open-ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition, established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/233 of 2021. That has led to the Group’s recommendation to the General Assembly for adoption of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (see General Assembly resolution 78/47). That Framework should fill the technical gap between developing and developed countries to confront the challenges of modern technologies in the area of conventional ammunition and to limit the negative impact of non-effective management of conventional ammunition while promoting international cooperation and unconditional assistance in order to enable developing countries to implement their commitments. In conclusion, Iraq stresses the need to avoid any overlap in the mandates between that Framework and other relevant international instruments in order to achieve the purposes and objectives for which they have been established.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Australia.

Mr. Larsen (Australia): Australia thanks Ecuador for introducing this important topic. The statistics in the Secretary-General’s November report (S/2023/823) are very concerning, and Australia is committed to working with Member States to curb the illicit transfer and misuse of those weapons. Our commitment is enduring. Australia is proud to have introduced, during its 2013 presidency, the very first resolution on small arms and light weapons adopted by the Security Council, resolution 2117 (2013). That resolution highlighted the grave threat illicit small arms and light weapons pose to civilians, peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and civil society organizations. It is fitting that, through this occasion, we are also able to mark the tenth anniversary of the resolution. In 2013 as well, Australia presided over the Final United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, which ultimately led to the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty — an important tool in preventing the diversion of conventional arms. Despite our efforts, the challenges posed by small arms and light weapons continue. Those weapons are intrinsically linked to terrorism and conflict-related sexual violence; they impede peacebuilding efforts. The illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons can also lead to serious violations of international law, including Security Council resolutions and arms embargoes. We therefore call on all States to implement relevant Security Council resolutions and abide by their commitments under international law. We know gun control laws work — that firearm- related harm can be significantly reduced by taking steps to regulate lawful firearm ownership and track firearm movements. Both at home and abroad, Australia is working for the security of all. Australia is proud of its strong record on firearm management. For example, on 6 December, Prime Minister Albanese of Australia announced its commitment to establishing a National Firearms Register. That will facilitate national tracking of licit firearms and parts in near real time. It will enable interjurisdictional sharing of firearms-related information within Australia, building a safer community. Notwithstanding the serious challenges caused globally by the trade in illicit weapons, we are encouraged by the recent tangible steps forward. Last year’s hard-won consensus outcome of the eighth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects places us in good stead to achieve further progress at the Review Conference of the Programme of Action to be held next year. The General Assembly’s adoption on 4 December of the Global Framework for Through-life Ammunition Management (General Assembly resolution 78/47) is a positive step forward for arms control, notwithstanding the difficult strategic landscape. Australia was pleased to participate in another successful Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty in August. We will continue to contribute to the universalization and implementation agenda, including as Vice-President of the 2024 Conference. International cooperation and assistance are vital for the effective implementation of the Programme of Action and the Arms Trade Treaty. We support both the Treaty’s Voluntary Trust Fund and the United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR). Just as resolution 2117 (2013) marks its tenth anniversary this year, we are pleased that UNSCAR also marks 10 years in operation. As a founding donor, we support its continued efforts to help build the capacity of States and encourage the valuable work of civil society. In the decade since Australia introduced resolution 2117 (2013), our commitment to addressing the threats posed by illicit small arms and light weapons remains unwavering.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. Alrowaiei (Bahrain) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to thank the delegation of the Republic of Ecuador for convening today’s open debate on a very important topic, especially in the light of the persisting conflicts in various parts of the world. I would also like to thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and the other briefers for their valuable insights. The Kingdom of Bahrain aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of the Group of Arab States. The Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the importance of addressing the serious threat posed by the diversion, illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons, as those actions contribute to the escalation of conflicts, in addition to exacerbating violence and endangering the stability of States. The illicit trade in those weapons fuels terrorism, organized crime and armed violence. Addressing those challenges effectively is therefore not only a moral duty but also a practical necessity to build a safer and more secure world for current and succeeding generations. In that context, the Kingdom of Bahrain supports the efforts of the United Nations to establish standards that implement the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects along with the International Tracing Instrument, which is one of the important initiatives undertaken by the United Nations to address those risks and mitigate their severity. The Kingdom of Bahrain also stresses the importance of developing the proposal for a United Nations fellowship programme aimed at capacity-building for developing countries in relation to small arms and light weapons, which was referred to in the outcome document of the eighth Biennial Meeting of States of the Programme of Action. The Kingdom of Bahrain also emphasizes the need to differentiate between combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and legitimately trading in conventional weapons among Governments, according to the sovereign assessment of every Government and the nature of the security threats it faces, as well as the legitimate right of States to provide for their needs for conventional weapons in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. Given the cross-border threat posed by the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, it is crucial to strengthen intelligence-sharing and experience-sharing and to provide the necessary resources to effectively combat illicit arms trafficking, as well as to secure countries’ land and sea borders. In that regard, the Kingdom of Bahrain actively participates in regional and international initiatives to address the challenges associated with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, and we work to strengthen partnerships with countries and relevant regional and international organizations on responsible arms-trade practices with a view to strengthening collective efforts aimed at preventing the diversion of small arms and light weapons. My country is also working tirelessly to enhance effective border control and implement strong border control measures to intercept and prevent attempts to illegally divert weapons with a view to disrupting supply chains that support criminal networks. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain believes that addressing the threat posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons requires a comprehensive and cooperative approach that takes into account the specificities of countries, geographical regions and national capabilities.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I now give the floor to Ms. Courtois.

Ms. Courtois: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is grateful for the opportunity to address the Security Council and welcomes the attention given to the impact of the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition on peace and security. Every day, the ICRC witnesses the immense human suffering caused by armed violence and conflict, fuelled by the widespread availability and misuse of arms and ammunition. Poorly regulated or inadequately controlled arms flows can lead to grim humanitarian consequences — people killed or suffering life-altering injuries and trauma — and to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. It may jeopardize access to, or completely halt the delivery of, medical and humanitarian assistance. It also prolongs conflicts, drives displacement and negatively affects the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the use of small arms and light weapons has differentiated humanitarian impacts, with women, men, girls and boys affected in particular ways. Small arms are also used to commit or facilitate sexual and gender-based violence. In line with its mandate, the ICRC deploys all possible efforts to protect and assist the people affected by war and violence and to promote international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. In times of armed conflict, the ICRC can succeed in its mission only if the parties strictly abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. And States that supply arms to those parties have obligations as well: they must do everything reasonably in their power to ensure that the recipients of those arms respect international humanitarian law. They must exert greater diligence in assessing the risks posed by the arms they transfer, and they must implement timely, robust and practical measures that can realistically offset risks. Where there is a distinctly clear risk that arms would be used to commit violations of international humanitarian law, States must refrain from transferring them. The ICRC encourages States that have not yet done so to adhere to the instruments regulating small arms and light weapons, as well as other conventional arms, including the Arms Trade Treaty. The faithful implementation of those instruments is a humanitarian imperative and will go a long way in preventing serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. The findings of the latest report of the Secretary- General on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823) are worrisome: small arms and light weapons, as well as heavy explosive weapons, are one of the leading causes of civilian casualties in armed conflicts. There is a gap between the obligations assumed by States under international law and the prevailing practices in the use and transfer of small arms, light weapons and other conventional arms. We urge States to take an honest look at how their actions and inactions perpetuate violence, insecurity and suffering. The New Agenda for Peace underscores the necessity to confront challenges associated with the diversion, proliferation and misuse of small arms, light weapons and ammunition. Now more than ever, the international community must restore a vision of disarmament and arms control as a crucial path towards sustainable peace and security.

The President (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank everyone for their participation and cooperation in today’s meeting. The meeting rose at 6.20 p.m.