New York, 23 November 2021 (TDI): The Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Robin Geiss mentioned that arms trafficking is an integral factor in undermining peace. The Director addressed the Security Council on 22 November. The Council met under the chairmanship of Mexican Foreign Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard.
Arms Trafficking
Robin Geiss mentioned that arms trafficking destabilizes communities and creates insecurities. Consequently, there is a violation of human rights law along with international law. He mentioned that there are direct effects like death, injuries along with the displacement, and psychological harm.
There are also long-term socio-economic consequences. For instance, the access to humanitarian services and the protection of civilians is disrupted. He also underlined that this illicit trade is also multi-faceted. The Director mentioned that the unrestricted flow of weapons continues to fuel violence. There is an urgent need to seek solutions to this problem.
Solutions
A UNIDIR review of 200 documented cases highlighted the importance of preventing diversion. From 2015 to 2020 the UNIDIR supported 11 states in conducting assessments on weapons along with ammunition management. Robin Geiss stressed that arms trafficking is recognized as a fundamental component of conflict. Moreover, there is a need for solutions to prevent armed violence.
Geiss mentioned that this is “an opportune moment” for international dialogue. There is a need to strengthen multilateral, regional, along national policies and practices.
At today’s Security Council Open Debate, chaired by @m_ebrard (@SRE_mx), UNIDIR Director Robin Geiss urged States to adopt a more inclusive, participatory & gender-sensitive approach that can strengthen multilateral, regional & national policies on weapons & ammunition management pic.twitter.com/oS9H26Pdoj
— UNIDIR, the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (@UNIDIR) November 22, 2021
Arms Trade Treaty
Council Members were also addressed by María Pía Devoto, a representative of Argentina’s Coalición Armas Bajo Control. It is a coalition of 150 civil society organizations. This Coalición will implement the Arms Trade Treaty.
According to this treaty, governments are the central providers of security. Moreover, it is their responsibility and it should be in conformity with the rule of law. The treaty also underlined the responsibilities of importers and exporters.
For instance, they need to ensure that weapons are stored and transferred safely and they do not end up in the wrong hands. Governments have a responsibility to ensure public safety and that arms ownership does not enter illicit circuits.
María Pía Devoto mentioned that the devastating effects of arms trafficking are felt more acutely in conflict-affected regions. These weapons perpetuate a vicious cycle of insecurity along with violence.
UNIDIR Director, Robin Geiss urged States to adopt a more inclusive, participatory & gender-sensitive approach that can strengthen multilateral, regional & national policies on weapons & ammunition management
