UN: EU Statement on Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light weapons
The United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made on the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
New York, 7 July 2006
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kari Kahiluoto, Permanent Representative of Finland to the Conference on Disarmament, on behalf of the European Union.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and the Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania.
Small arms and light weapons are the real weapons of mass destruction of today. Small arms kill thousands every day, they are instrumental in depriving human rights of millions, they undermine development of many nations, and fuel conflict, crime and terrorism. We have committed ourselves to tackling this problem through the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. This undertaking was confirmed at the highest level during the United Nations Summit last year.
Since the adoption of the Programme of Action in 2001, small arms issues have gained wide recognition as a central issue in terms of human security as well as conventional arms control. Our understanding of small arms issues has significantly increased through ongoing action-oriented research and it is underpinned by active support from civil society. Side events during this conference have provided an extremely useful opportunity to further our understanding. In these terms this meeting has been a success.
This meeting has also succeeded in focusing political attention on small arms issues. Over hundred national statements and many significant statements by international and regional organisations are a clear signal of the political importance attached to the small arms issues and full implementation of the Programme of Action.
The European Union underlines its engagement in the implementation of the Programme of Action both at the level of Member States and at the Community level. Our strong political commitment was witnessed by the presence of representatives of all key EU institutions including the European Parliament. EU's continued financial and operational support to the implementation of the Programme of Action remains steadfast: the EU funding through member states and the European Development Fund and Common Foreign and Security Policy resources is one of the main sources of financial assistance to implement the Programme of Action. The EU's small arms activities are guided by the European Union Strategy on Small Arms and Light Weapons, adopted by European Union Heads of State and Government in 2005.
The European Union came to this conference with the following key priorities reflecting our assessment of the most pressing needs to effectively tackle the small arms problem:
• improve controls over transfer of small arms and light weapons
• initiate a comprehensive process within the United Nations on the issue of ammunition
• enhance implementation of the International instrument on marking and tracing
• step up United Nations action against illicit brokering of small arms and light weapons
• mainstream the small arms issues into development and poverty reduction strategies
• continue structured national, regional and global follow-up to the Programme of Action
Mr President,
The European Union, committed to effective multilateralism, is deeply disappointed by the lack of results of the Conference. The European Union deplores the lack of progress on our priority areas, as well as on issues such as the role of civil society, civilian possession, gender issues, non state actors, stockpile management, Manpads and human rights considerations. They are of fundamental importance for many states and regions. In all these issues this conference has been a missed opportunity to make a real difference in our common fight against the scourge of illicit small arms and light weapons. The European Union regrets that some delegations have not been willing to make significant progress.
The European Union also finds it regrettable that the momentum created by the civil society was not matched by the flexibility by some states. The real victims of our failure are the thousands of men, women and children dying daily as a result of small arms violence.
Mr President,
Notwithstanding the lack of results, we recognise the value of this conference in reaffirming our commitment to the principles, measures and objectives of the Programme of Action. This commitment continues to be transformed into concrete action on a national, regional and global level.
We will need to assess together our efforts, achievements and shortcomings. This review starts at the national level, but necessarily requires being global in order to seriously address the nature of the small arms problem. We look forward to coming together in a biennial meeting, as established both in the Programme of Action and in the International Instrument on Marking and Tracing. The review cycle should culminate in a Review Conference.
The EU will remain in the forefront of our common fight and practical work to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. This practical work continues in close partnership with civil society.
Mr President,
The European Union will continue to work for wider understandings between States on the need for global guidelines for transfer controls on the basis of the common understandings developed at this Review Conference.
I should like to thank you and your team for your stewardship and tireless work before and during this Review Conference. Throughout the Conference your humour and strong professionalism have guided us through our difficult work.
Thank you, Mr. President.