“The unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons is one of the greatest challenges facing international politics. Small arms and light weapons threaten world peace and development, as well as democracy and human rights”, said State Secretary Hans Winkler at today’s conference in New York called to monitor the United Nations’ action programme to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
The conference, which ends on 7 July, is one of the priorities set by the Presidency in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, and will examine progress made in implementing the UN action programme approved in 2001 and determine further steps to be taken. “With this conference, we do not wish to curtail the national sovereignty of states by limiting their right to self-defence, or to interfere with their responsibility for security. The conference is geared more towards dealing with the illicit trade in weapons and combating corrupt organisations, terrorists and other groups responsible for the death and suffering of many people worldwide. The misuse of such weapons has devastating consequences. Most victims are innocent civilians and children. Our combined efforts must be targeted towards promoting a culture of resolving conflicts amicably. Violence cannot settle conflicts; however, the will to resolve them through peaceful negotiations can”, emphasized the State Secretary.
Since the action programme was adopted in 2001, the EU has actively sought its implementation and financed numerous projects aimed at curbing small arms and light weapons, such as those undertaken in the Balkans, Ukraine, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire and Cambodia. The Union’s progressive stance has made it one of today’s leading actors in the process of stemming the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Each year, the illegal use of such weapons causes the death of thousands of people worldwide. Africa is the main concern, including parts of Latin America, Central and East Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East. Against this background, Winkler underlined the key role played by NGOs in implementing the action programme and raising international awareness.
Email Service
Accreditation
Hotel Reservation
Route Planner
Weather