New York: Amid growing concerns over the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, United Nations and civil society leaders have called for more robust international controls. As they briefed the Security Council, they highlighted the urgent need to address the sophisticated trafficking networks and emerging technologies that are exacerbating global security challenges.
According to EMM, Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo noted that over 1 billion firearms are currently in circulation worldwide, contributing to multiple security crises. He cited the Secretary-General's latest biennial report, which underscores the ongoing challenges in controlling arms proliferation despite some progress at international and regional levels.
The illicit trade in small arms is fueling violence, terrorism, and organized crime, particularly in regions like Libya, Yemen, and Haiti. Weapons diverted from national stockpiles or manufactured illicitly, including 3D-printed arms, are increasingly available on black markets. The proliferation of these arms often results in human suffering, with at least 48,000 conflict-related civilian deaths reported in 2024 alone.
Mohamed ibn Chambas, High Representative for the African Union's Silencing the Guns initiative, emphasized that while small arms do not cause wars, they can prolong and exacerbate conflicts. He highlighted the devastating impact of illicit arms flows across Africa, from the Sahel to the Great Lakes region, and called for stronger continental frameworks to address these challenges.
Roraima Ana Andriani from INTERPOL warned about the financial links between illicit arms trade and transnational organized crime. With the advancement of 3D printing technology, criminals can now produce untraceable "ghost guns," using the Internet as a marketplace and manual for manufacturing these weapons.
Arnoux Descardes of Volontariat pour le développement d'Haïti painted a grim picture of the situation in Haiti, where an estimated 500,000 small arms circulate, most of them illegally. The country's political instability hampers efforts to control arms flows, despite the Security Council's extension of an arms embargo.
Throughout the Security Council debate, delegates stressed the need to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of gangs and terrorist groups. They shared national and regional examples of best practices and called for more action in areas severely affected by arms flows, such as Africa, Latin America, and Ukraine.
The representative of Slovenia highlighted the daily impact of small arms, which fuel violence in various settings long after peace agreements are signed. Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, emphasized the importance of comprehensive arms management systems, drawing from his country's post-conflict experience.
Several speakers urged the Council to incorporate effective arms control measures in its resolutions, emphasizing the role of women and youth as peacebuilders. They also stressed the importance of responsible arms export policies and international cooperation to curb the illicit arms trade.
Despite differing views on the effectiveness of the Arms Trade Treaty, many delegates recognized it as a key component of the global non-proliferation framework. They called for its full implementation, alongside regional initiatives, to turn the tide of violence fueled by illicit arms.