United Nations Conference on the

Illicit Trade in Small Arms

1^st Meeting (AM)

SMALL ARMS CONFERENCE URGED TO FORGE COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN

Fifteen Speakers Address Opening Session

There were an estimated 500 million small arms and light weapons in circulation -– one for every 12 people on earth -– Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette told the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as it began its general exchange of views this morning.

The two-week Conference was convened, by General Assembly resolution 54/54 V of 15 December 1999, to address the increasing threat to human security from the spread of small arms and light weapons and their illegal trade.  It was expected to conclude on 20 July with 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 Deputy Secretary-General said that a significant number of those weapons ended up in the hands of irregular forces, criminal and terrorists.  Even in societies not torn by conflict, the proliferation of small arms had contributed to a culture of violence and crime.  Their illicit proliferation eroded the authority of legitimate but weak governments; undermined respect for international humanitarian law and the rule of law; contributed to the displacement of innocent civilians; and made peacekeeping that much more difficult.

Following his election as President of the Conference, Camilo Reyes Rodriguez (Colombia) said that, while it was critical that Member States take concerted action against the illicit trade in small arms as soon as possible, the Conference and its outcome must be understood as only first steps in a process.  The problem of the illicit trade had a notable effect on development, mainly due to an increase in violence that destabilized nations, regions and communities.  Indeed, it tore at the fabric of all our societies -- the family.

Harri Holkeri (Finland), President of the fifty-fifth session of the General Assembly, said that the uncontrolled spread and easy availability of small arms and light weapons currently killed more than 500,000 people each year in wars, civil strife and crime.  It undermined respect for international humanitarian law and disrupted social, political and economic development.  It caused the displacement of millions of innocent people and benefited terrorists, as well as the perpetrators of organized crime.  People all over the world were looking to the Conference for meaningful steps towards enhancing human security and preventing further suffering.

Mozambique’s Minister of Interior and State Minister for Defence and Security Affairs said that the impact of the illicit trade (initially perceived as affecting developing countries –- particularly those on the African continent) was increasingly

being felt worldwide, threatening individual and collective security of States, fuelling conflict and undermining democratic institutions and good governance.

In that connection, and in order to reduce the potential of violence, the Government of Mozambique had defined as a priority the identification and disposal of arms caches and the ultimate destruction of the weapons.  Since 1995, the country had conducted operations resulting in the identification of 533 arms caches, as well as the destruction of 17,941 firearms, 574,036 rounds of ammunition and over 18,000 types of ordnance.

The United States Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs stressed his country’s belief that the responsible use of firearms was a legitimate aspect of national life.  All small arms and light weapons were not the same, nor were they all problematic.  While he strongly supported measures in the draft programme of action, such as effective export and import controls and restraint in trade to regions of conflict, there were several elements that he could not support as they went beyond the scope of appropriate international action. 

Those included measures to constrain the legal trade and legal manufacturing of small arms and light weapons, the promotion of international advocacy activity by international or non-governmental organizations, and measures to prohibit civilian possession of small arms. 

The Conference then elected the remaining members of its bureau.  Its Vice-Presidents are Mozambique, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Australia, Belgium, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. 

It proceeded next with the appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee.  Acting without a vote, it decided that the Committee should have the same membership as that for the fifty-fifth regular session of the Assembly, namely, the Bahamas, China, Ecuador, Gabon, Ireland, Mauritius, Russian Federation, Thailand and the United States.

In further action this morning, the Conference adopted without a vote its rules of procedure, as orally revised, as well as its agenda and organization of work.

In addition, the Conference confirmed the appointment of João Honwana, Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch of the Department for Disarmament Affairs, as Secretary-General of the Conference; and of Mohammad Sattar, Senior Political Affairs Officer of the Department of General Assembly Affairs and Conference Services, as Deputy Secretary-General.

Also addressing the Conference this morning were the Vice-President and Minister of Defence of Colombia, as well as high-level government ministers of Belgium (on behalf of the European Union and associated States), Netherlands, Iran, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Brazil and Andorra.  In addition, the representative of Qatar spoke, on behalf of the Arab Group.

The Conference will continue its general exchange of views at 3 p.m. today.

Background

The United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects began this morning.  It was expected to elect its President and begin a general exchange of views.  For further background, see Press Release DC/2782 of 5 July.

Statements

Following his election as President of the Conference, CAMILO REYES RODRIGUEZ (Colombia):  By convening the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the international community is pledging itself to finding a global solution to a problem that has dire consequences for all humankind.  Small arms and light weapons are currently responsible for nearly 90 per cent of the deaths in conflicts around the world.

While it is most critical that Member States take concerted action against illicit trade in small arms as soon as possible, the Conference and its outcome must be understood as only first steps in a process.  The problem of illicit trade in small arms has a notable effect on development, mainly due to an increase in violence that destabilizes nations, regions and communities.  That trade also affects health, environment, property, freedoms and democratic institutions.  Indeed, the illicit trade in small arms tears at the very fabric of all our societies:  the family.

This Conference will aim to establish and enhance policies destined to favour the essence of survival for all humankind.  While those policies may seem abstract, the international community must do its utmost to stem the tide and ultimately eradicate the illicit trade in small arms.  My election as President of the Conference carries with it the enormous responsibility of ensuring a successful conclusion.  To assist in that task, the Conference has before it the draft programme of action defined by the Preparatory Committee.  You may be assured that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Conference identifies concrete and applicable measures to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which has caused suffering in my country, as well as countries around the world.

HARRI HOLKERI (Finland), President of the fifty-fifth session of the General Assembly:  The holding of this Conference reflects our collective awareness of the severity of the problems associated with this illicit trade, as well as our determination to solve them with a programme of action.  It is also an important part of the follow-up to the Millennium Summit.  It is important to note that joint efforts by the United Nations, governments and civil society have moved the issue of small arms to the centre of the international agenda in a matter of just a few years, a relatively short period in multilateral disarmament.

In its action to date, the United Nations has made it clear that the uncontrolled spread and easy availability of small arms and light weapons currently kills more than 500,000 people each year in wars, civil strife and crime.  It undermines respect for international humanitarian law and disrupts social, political and economic development.  It causes the displacement of millions of innocent people and benefits terrorists, as well as the perpetrators of organized crime.

The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons must ultimately be eradicated.  This Conference provides an opportunity for the international community to agree to an effective programme of action.  It must contain unambiguous political commitments and practical and firm measures.  People all over the world are looking to this Conference for meaningful steps towards enhancing human security and preventing further suffering.  I urge all participating States to build on the hard work to date of governments, subregional and regional organizations, the United Nations system and civil society.  We must now demonstrate the maximum political will for the common good of all people and especially those who have suffered immensely from the illicit trade in small arms, and who will continue to suffer if immediate action is not taken.

Deputy Secretary-General LOUISE FRÉCHETTE:  There are estimated to be at least 500 million small arms and light weapons in circulation –- one for every

12 people on earth. A significant number of these end up in the hands of irregular forces, criminal and terrorists.  Even in societies not torn by conflict, the proliferation of small arms has contributed to a culture of violence and crime.

Small arms cause big losses.  As the weapon of choice in 46 out of 49 major conflicts since 1990, they contributed to rougly 4 million deaths –- about 90 per cent of them civilians, and 80 per cent women and children.  As the Secretary-General said in his Millennium Report, small arms “could well be described as ‘weapons of mass destruction’”.  Small arms are also big business.  The secrecy that veils the illicit arms trade makes it difficult to estimate, but the Small Arms Survey suggests a market size of roughly $1 billion annually.

Small arms are also linked to bigger issues, such as peace and security.  Their illicit proliferation erodes the authority of legitimate but weak governments; undermines respect for international humanitarian law and the

rule of law and contributes to the displacement of innocent civilians and makes peacekeeping that much more difficult.

I see three areas where immediate progress in reducing the weapons already in circulation and preventing future accumulations is possible.  We still lack a framework of binding norms and standards to eliminate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.  This Conference can be a significant step in that direction.  In addition, last March, negotiators agreed on a Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime that includes internationally recognized standards for marking firearms and controlling their import and export.  The Secretary-General urges Member States to sign and ratify this Protocol without delay.

The second area is in greater international cooperation.  The Organization of African Unity (OAU) has mapped out a continent-wide strategy for tackling the problem.  An inter-American Convention against illicit manufacturing and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives and other materials has entered into force.  European nations have agreed on a code of conduct for arms exports.  Such and other cooperation should be intensified.  The United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs also has a key role to play.

The third area is that of practical disarmament measures.  The collection and destruction of weapons are integral parts of many peacekeeping operations.  Such enterprises need to be better funded.  There is also great potential in schemes that offer non-monetary incentives for the voluntary surrender of weapons. Cash payments may stimulate arms imports from neighbouring countries.  But in some countries, individuals have received tools and construction materials, and entire communities have been provided with new schools, health-care services and road repairs.  We should also enlist the help of manufactures, who can make weapons easier to trace by marking them clearly, and by selling them only through registered brokers.

This Conference is only a beginning.  The effort to crack down on the illegal arms trade raises many complex issues.  You must distinguish between the licit and illicit trade.  You must take account of national sovereignty, the responsibilities of States to provide security and the right of States to self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter.  I hope you will agree on the strongest possible programme of Action.

GUSTAVO BELL LEMUS, Vice-President and Minister of Defence of Colombia:  the international debate on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is taking place amid the many conflicts being waged throughout the world.  It is, therefore, essential to combat the illicit trade that fuels violence and exacerbates conflicts.  While small arms and light weapons are not the principal cause of conflicts, their ready availability and illicit trade contribute significantly to expanding conflicts and generating greater violence and instability.

In Colombia, combating individuals and organizations that trade in war material is one of our foremost national priorities.  However, the large number of small arms and light weapons and other materials seized or confiscated represents only a portion of the arms brought illegally into the country.  Small arms and light weapons, given their size and low cost, are generally the most widely used in the illicit trade that feeds criminal activities and internal conflicts.  These arms require simple technologies, in comparison with those used to manufacture the heavy weapons on which the international community has centred its efforts to achieve transparency and to prevent proliferation. 

In the Americas, we have given this problem our highest priority.  Thus, we have negotiated and swiftly adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Related Materials.  With the entry into force of this Convention, the countries of the hemisphere are helping prevent crimes from being committed with such weapons.  Nevertheless, since the illicit trade in arms is a phenomenon of global proportions, the step taken by our countries requires the cooperation of the international community as a whole to achieve the total eradication of this trade. 

The draft programme of action now under consideration takes into account the proposals made by many delegations and the positions taken on those proposals.  However, there are still some differences of opinion between countries, which are the result of their own circumstances and experiences with small arms and light weapons.  Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons poses a common threat to international peace and security.  In order to prevent and combat it, there must be coordination of global efforts to eliminate the conditions that have driven this trade for so many years.

LOUIS MICHEL, Vice-Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium, speaking on behalf of the European Union, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway:  More that 500 million small arms and light weapons are currently in circulation.  Eight out of 10 casualties in armed conflicts are civilians, and small arms and light weapons are provided to young people and even children.  We have to act now if we want to combat this scourge.

Most of the victims are involved in armed conflict, but victims of terrorist and criminal acts should not be neglected.  Small arms and light weapons represent a threat to peacekeeping forces and non-governmental organization (NGO) members working in the field.  It is our duty to reduce this threat.  The European Union has adopted numerous measures, such as a programme for the prevention of the illicit traffic in conventional weapons and a code of conduct.  The Union has been involved in drafting the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) document on small arms and light weapons, which represents a step forward in dealing with the problem. 

It is our duty to consider the legal aspects involved in the illicit trade.  Regional measures should be taken, but other problems require action on the global level.  As producers of small arms and light weapons, the European Union countries are resolved to prevent arms reaching the wrong hands.  Problems connected with small arms and light weapons are complex.  We are prepared to share our experience to help other countries set up a framework of appropriate measures, taking into account specific circumstances.  Key areas are: implementation of export controls, instruments on marking and tracing, brokerage, management of stockpiling and destruction, assistance in implementation of the measures adopted, and follow-up.

Export measures are crucial, and tracing is an essential element for enhancing the effectiveness of national authority.  Brokerage is an important problem requiring a legally binding instrument.  In addition, transport and financing must not be overlooked.  Effective control of stocks and reduction of surpluses are also necessary.  Countries must be encouraged to make information on exports and imports available.  Control and reduction measures should also be part and parcel of future developments. 

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons might also have a negative impact on development, even cancelling out efforts for sustainable development.  The important contribution of civil society in preventing and reducing the destabilizing accumulation of small arms and light weapons should be recognized.  We favour convening a review conference in 2006, as well as a biannual meeting of participating States.

ALMERINO MANHENJE, Minister of Interior and State Minister for Defence and Security Affairs of Mozambique:  The proliferation, excessive and destabilizing accumulation, and illicit use of small arms and light weapons pose a serious global threat to humanity.  Initially perceived as affecting developing countries –- particularly those on the African continent -– the negative impact is increasingly being felt worldwide, threatening individual and collective security of States, fuelling conflict and undermining democratic institutions and good governance.  Illicit trade in small arms is also associated with other evils such as violent crime, terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and money laundering.

The global magnitude of the illicit proliferation and illicit use of firearms is directly linked to Mozambique’s history -- one characterized by long years of armed conflicts that have resulted in severe destruction of the economic and social fabric, where the possession of firearms has ultimately become a means of survival for many citizens.  As a result of the General Peace Agreement and the establishment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mozambique (UNOMOZ), the process of collection and destruction of firearms used during conflict has been initiated.  As the Mission was fazed out, however, we soon realized that there was an increase in the circulation of arms, as well as hidden arms caches.  Firearms are now finding their way into the hands of unauthorized citizens and pose a threat to security, peace and stability.

To reduce the potential of violence, the Government has defined as a priority the identification, disposal of arms caches and the ultimate destruction of the weapons.  Since 1995, we have conducted operations resulting in the identification of 533 arms caches, as well as the destruction of 17,941 firearms, 574,036 rounds of ammunition and over 18,000 types of ordnance.  Such activities required substantial financial resources, and the close cooperation of South Africa is of paramount importance, not only for their continuing success, but also for creating a clear example that such regional cooperation can flourish.  The Government of Mozambique has also encouraged the participation of civil society in that regard, urging the promotion and consolidation of a culture of peace and non-violence.

The regional dimension of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons led to the adoption of a Declaration on Firearms, Ammunitions and Other Related Materials by the Summit of the Heads of State of the Governments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).  The Declaration presents the African vision of how to eradicate the illicit proliferation of small arms on the continent.  We welcome the holding of the Conference and encourage Member States to further the steady political will and flexibility demonstrated thus far by the international community, towards producing a realistic and pragmatic plan of action. 

The draft programme of action before the Conference is a balanced proposal, and we look forward to its adoption with minor amendments to strengthen its effectiveness.  To ensure the successful implementation of the plan of action, we should focus on national and regional initiatives, as they have a major impact on affected communities.  The establishment of an effective follow-up mechanism is also important.  Finally, on the international weapons destruction day, Mozambique has destroyed the symbolic number of 1,511 arms of various types to show its unequivocal determination to build a society free of illegal arms and violence, where the culture of peace and tolerance can prevail.

JOZIAS VAN AARTSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: Ambition.  That should be the hallmark of our multilateral action programme to counter the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons.  An ambitious action plan should involve more than their destruction -– it should target the mechanisms and incentives behind their uncontrolled spread.  We must track down and stop all illegal arms flows.  My Government strongly supports the elements of the draft programme of action recommended by the European Union.  The illicit trade cannot be tackled without considering the legal arms trade:  we must further regulate such trade, small arms included, in order to prevent “spill over” into the illegal arms arena.  Coordination between all parties is a precondition for success, because the uncontrolled spread of small arms is not a national or regional problem, it is a global one.

We can enhance transparency in legal trade by improving labelling and registration of weapons, by implementing stricter export rules and by regulating arms brokers.  Enhancing that transparency should also involve prohibition of small arms supply to non-State actors.  Those elements must find a place in the programme of action.  Both within the OSCE and the European Union and elsewhere, instruments have been developed that will allow us to prevent the illegal arms trade from benefiting for such trade.  The overall number of small arms and light weapons should be reduced.  That should involve not only responsible management of stockpiles and the destruction of surpluses, but the collection of illegally held small arms.  Collections schemes should be an integral part of post-conflict programmes.  Perhaps Cambodia could serve as an example of how efforts to collect and destroy small arms can be linked to a country’s reconstruction and development.

Today -- Small Arms Destruction Day -- we have taken a further step in raising awareness.  Our call for action in the United Nations forum is being amplified by the actual destruction of small arms and light weapons in countries like Brazil, Mali, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone and Cambodia.  This two-week conference must be a success, and an energetic follow-up will be critical.  We strongly support the recommendation of the European Union to organize a follow-up conference every two years.  We have to look to involve civil society in this implementation.  We cannot afford to lose the momentum created by our efforts. 

KAMAL KHARRAZI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran:  The main task before us, as set out in the Charter, is “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.  Therefore, curbing the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons should be viewed as a genuine international effort for this purpose.  The issue of small arms and light weapons is a multifaceted one.  In our view, the relation between proliferation and circulation of such weapons and drug trafficking is an important aspect.

Practical measures at national, regional and global levels should be based on three main aspects of the illicit trade, namely, production, marking, and stockpiling.  On production, due consideration should be given to both supply and demand.  The developed countries, which are the main producers of such weapons, bear special responsibility for reducing the production of small arms and light weapons.  All producing countries should undertake to mark small arms and light weapons.  Regarding the issue of demand, all countries should regulate and effectively ban the transfer and import of small arms and light weapons outside the authorized channels.  On stockpiling, countries must adopt necessary measures to prevent theft from national police or armed forces stockpiles.

Least developed countries, which are particularly exposed to the consequences of illicit small arms, should be assisted in enforcing and strengthening their national controls.  Rehabilitation programmes and job-creating institutions are necessary to prevent ex-combatants from taking up arms again.  My country has enforced and continues to enforce effective measures to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.  Perpetrators are prosecuted.

The nature and broad scope of the problems associated with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons require new national, regional and global measures.  We strongly maintain that, in the long run, peace-building and promotion of a culture of dialogue, supported by education and public awareness, can best meet the concerns of the international community.  By such means, the established mindsets of individual decision-makers in tribes, groups, countries or even of military alliances could be changed.  Arms are not a key to all problems.  Resorting to armament, beyond legitimate defence requirements, would seriously impede socio-economic progress in developing countries.

JOHN R. BOLTON, Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs of the United States:  Small arms and light weapons, in our understanding, are the strictly military arms -– automatic rifles, machine guns, shoulder-fired missile and rocket systems, light mortars -– that are contributing to violence and suffering around the world.  We separate these military arms from firearms such as hunting rifles and pistols, which are commonly owned by citizens in many countries.  The United States believes that the responsible use of firearms is a legitimate aspect of national life.  We, therefore, do not begin with the presumption that all small arms and light weapons are the same, or that they are all problematic.  It is the illicit trade in military small arms and light weapons that we are gathered here to address. 

The transfer of all military articles of United States origin is subject to extremely rigorous procedures.  All United States exports of defence articles and services must be approved by the State Department.  All commercial exporters of arms in the United States must be registered as brokers and submit each transaction for government licensing approval.  Our brokering law covers citizens and foreign nationals in the United States, and also United States citizens operating abroad. 

We strongly support measures in the draft programme of action calling for effective export and import controls, restraint in trade to regions of conflict, observance and enforcement of Security Council embargoes, strict regulation of arms brokers, transparency in exports, and improving security of arms stockpiles and destruction of excess.  These measures, taken together, form the core of a regime that could greatly mitigate the problems facing us.

There are, however, aspects of the draft that we cannot support.  Some activities inscribed in the draft programme of action are beyond the scope of what is appropriate for international action and should remain issues for national lawmakers.  We do not support measures that would constrain legal trade and legal manufacturing of small arms and light weapons.  We do not support the promotion of international advocacy activity by international or non-governmental organizations, particularly when those political or policy views advocated are not consistent with the views of all Member States.  Neither do we support measures that prohibit civilian possession of small arms.  This is outside the mandate for this Conference, set forth in General Assembly resolution 54/54 V. 

Further, we do not support measures limiting trade in small arms solely to governments.  This proposal is both conceptually and practically flawed.  In the absence of a clear definition of small arms and light weapons, it could be construed as outlawing legitimate international trade in all firearms.  The United States will also not support a mandatory review conference, nor will we commit to begin negotiations and reach agreement on any legally binding instruments, whose feasibility may be in need of review over time.

MIGUEL MARIN BOSCH, Under-Secretary for Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United Nations of Mexico:  My Government is committed to the cause of disarmament, beginning with the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and including the battle against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.  The global dimension of this problem is closely linked to both organized crime and the intensification of conflicts.  The development and strengthening of international cooperation at all levels is needed.

This Conference must elaborate a set of measures with a view to drastically reducing the availability of small arms and light weapons at the national, regional and global levels.  Existing subregional and regional agreements, such as the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Other Related Materials must be complemented with agreements taken by this Conference.

Mexico has supported and promoted, within the United Nations and at the bilateral and regional levels, all actions aimed at combating the illicit manufacture of and trafficking in arms.  Each State should adopt measures to reduce and control the manufacture and ownership of arms and the national and international trade in arms -- in particular, in those cases when civilian ownership has not been prohibited.

The Conference must address the responsibility of recipient States, as well as that of countries which manufacture small arms and light weapons.  The participation of civil society is indispensable in the international efforts, in particular, in the area of education.  The Conference should lead to the negotiation of legally binding instruments to confine the manufacture and trade of small arms and light weapons to manufacturers and brokers duly licensed or authorized by governments.

SEIKEN SUGIURA, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan:  At the outset of the twenty-first century, it is regrettable that we continue to witness conflicts in various parts of the world.  Ethnic or religious antagonism, with the excessive accumulation of small arms, easily turn into armed conflict.  As we witness such problems as the arming of civilians and the recruitment of children as soldiers, the spread of small arms and light weapons poses a threat to human security.  We must tackle the excessive accumulation and illicit transfer of small arms, which are truly “peace-destroying weapons”.

Japan has been actively pursuing arms control and disarmament.  We do not permit export of arms to any country and strictly control the possession and the use of small arms by civilians in Japan.  We hope that as many other countries as possible will likewise control the export and possession of small arms.  Japan has proposed the resolution to the General Assembly which has led to the convening of this Conference.

Small arms create tremendous obstacles to social and economic development.  It is of the utmost importance to build a society where small arms are no longer necessary.  Japan has implemented a “weapons for development project in Cambodia with the European Union.  Arms are collected in exchange for assistance for improving social infrastructure and public order.  But what is most important are the aspiration and will of the people in the affected countries and regions to create a society free of small arms.

Japan intends to cooperate with other like-minded countries.  In Cambodia, we will continue and expand the current project.  We are also considering the introduction of similar projects in other regions, such as the Balkans, various Asia-Pacific countries, and African countries.  We ask the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) to assess the successes and failures of past projects, which should serve as a guide for future efforts.  We believe it is important to convene a follow-up meeting.  Japan is ready to host a follow-up meeting at the beginning of next year.

JAVIER GARRIGUES, Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs of Spain:  Small arms and light weapons caused some 3 million casualties between 1990 and 1995.  Such weapons have also been exclusively used in over 100 conflicts during roughly that same period.  Such a flat pronouncement of the cold facts of the small arms problem cannot compare to the pain daily experienced by those harmed by their continued proliferation.  How many of these deaths and injuries could have been avoided?  How can we prevent such deaths in the future?  These questions highlight why we are here.  We must obtain final results that will be effective and will enable coordinated international action to prevent the spread of such weapons.

While the main responsibility will fall on States, civil society must play a decisive role, providing solutions, implementing them on the ground and acting as a catalyst for government thinking.  This Conference should adopt a comprehensive approach to the problem rather than consideration of just one part of the situation.  In the arms trade, there are no such things as “watertight compartments”. The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons must be approached from all sides.  In that regard, we believe that establishing criteria for exports is extremely relevant, since it would allow for differentiation between legal and illegal operations.  It would also not be advisable to ignore the question of brokers, and we should have in place a reliable marking and tracing system that could prevent the flow of arms to illegal actors.

My country will hold the presidency of the European Union during the first half of next year and will have a special responsibility in the implementation of the programme of action.  We will remain in contact with all interested States, so that the political momentum of the Conference can buttress the action of the wider international community.  This Conference is not a point of arrival, but a point of departure.  The programme of action will entrust us with the task of establishing a sphere of specific objectives and working to reduce the deaths and injuries caused by small arms.  Spain, both nationally and as a Member State of the European Union, is ready to play an active role in all such efforts.

JOSE GREGORI, Minister of Justice of Brazil:  In Brazil, the trafficking in and circulation of small firearms are associated with increasing rates of crime and violence.  Our National Public Security Plan, launched in June 2000, was the culmination of a succession of initiatives undertaken to provide a response to the problem of violence in Brazil.  The Government has also promoted the destruction of firearms in public ceremonies.  In Rio de Janeiro, approximately 100,000 weapons were destroyed in the largest public arms destruction ceremony in the world not linked to a post-conflict situation.

But efforts cannot be confined to individual country initiatives.  Brazil has taken part in initiatives both in the context of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and in the Organization of American States (OAS).  The Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition promises to strengthen international cooperation in efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking, and should be stressed in the Conference’s follow-up process.

Bearing in mind the complexity of the issue and different regional realities, the programme of action to be adopted must necessarily be comprehensive and balanced.  With respect to follow-up, we favour establishing mechanisms that would allow for a dynamic, multilateral and universal process in monitoring the implementation of the measures contained in the programme of action.

Our cause is the protection of life, the edification of the future.  Nothing can be more backward than violence, than and the industry of death that prevents the exercise of citizenship and the enjoyment of the most elementary rights.  Nothing can be juster than the preservation of life; nothing can be more modern than peace.  I propose that we annually renew our support for combating the illicit trade by celebrating every 9 July as Small Arms Destruction International Day.

NASSIR ABDULAZIZ AL-NASSER (Qatar), also speaking on behalf of the Arab League of States:  Arab countries have actively contributed to the preparatory work during the run-up to the Conference.  We have very clear positions, and we welcome the convening of the Conference as a good opportunity to work for the elimination of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.  It is important that we not go beyond the mandate of the Conference, which is fully respectful of the sovereign integrity of States.  It is also important to note that the convening of this Conference does not mean that the international community should abandon its general commitments to overall disarmament, particularly nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.  It is our firm belief that any outcome document should contain reference to that agreed responsibility, as well as to the promotion of international peace and security.

The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons particularly affects nations and countries dealing with ethnic turmoil, remnants of colonialism or forms of foreign occupation that could spark political and military conflicts.  We believe that the preamble to the outcome document should include a clear reference to the root causes of conflict.  We also believe that the document should include a reaffirmation of the right of peoples to self-defence and self-determination, particularly those suffering under colonialism or foreign occupation, as set out in the Charter.  Arab countries consider the Conference a first step on the road that will lead to the elimination of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.  In that regard, we need a viable and applicable programme of action.  We confirm our total availability to cooperate with all efforts to ensure the success of the Conference.

JULI MINOVES-TRIQUELL, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Andorra:  What can Andorra, a country of 65,000 inhabitants that has lived in peace since 1278, contribute to this Conference?  Precisely because the desolation caused by any armed conflict is so far from our society, we believe that this Conference needs

the support of all the Members of the United Nations to achieve results.  Only a pooling of efforts will yield a solution.

For these reasons, the effort of drawing up a programme of action for breaking this illicit trade should be rewarded by the adoption of a final text showing our firm resolve to achieve effective measures at national, regional and international levels.  These measures must enable sales to be controlled, a follow-up of weapons manufactured and a strengthening of international cooperation to avoid the illicit trade. 

Over the past few years, my country has adopted various initiatives aimed at collecting weapons and at awareness raising.  In 1998, we financed part of the project to collect weapons in Albania because we shared the view that if incentives are offered to remove weapons and improve people’s lives, then we shall also succeed in eradicating a mindset dominated by violence and militarism.

In 1999, we cooperated in financing the exhibition “Taking Aim at Small Arms:  Defending Children’s Rights”, organized by the Department for Disarmament Affairs and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  The exhibition travelled around various countries, and its stay in Andorra raised awareness of the problems posed by small arms, from which all schools profited.  These initiatives add enormously to other small arms-control efforts, since they enable the civilian population to become more aware of the issues.  This is why we have decided to ensure that the exhibition may be updated and on display during the Conference.  I invite you all to visit it.

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