(2nd plenary meeting) Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons — Ninth Biennial Meeting of States

Okay.
Colleagues, thank you very much indeed for regrouping.
I apologize.
I'm a couple of minutes late myself as a consequence of a commitment, but we call to the second meeting of the Biennial meeting of states to consider the implementation of the program of action to prevent combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.
We are resumed.
And as I discussed before we broke, the meeting will continue its consideration of agenda item seven.
Colleagues, I wonder if I could have your attention, please.
Agenda item seven.
But before opening the floor for statements, and as I foreshadowed before we broke, we will hear a presentation by the Secretariat entitled implementation of the POA and ITI trends, challenges and opportunities based on national reporting and the study on obliterated markings and methods for marketing recovery in the context of the International Tracing Instrument, which if nothing else, is an extraordinaly long title for our presentation.
It's my pleasure to give the floor to Dan Sheinberg senior Political Affairs Officer at the Conventional Arms Branch of the UN Office for Disarmment Affairs.
Miss Weinberg, we're in your hands.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Let me jump right in.
Excellency, as distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to brief you today on three different points.
First, the trends, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
This presentation is based on analysis and information provided by you member states through the 2026 national reports covering the 2024, 2025 period, as well as regional reports.
Second, overall progress on the participation of women at RevCANV.
And three, an update on the study on obliterated markings and methods for marking recovery in the context of the International Tracing Instrument.
Let me jump straight to the national reporting trends.
As you can see on the presentation, we can see a Donoir trend in reporting levels.
In 2018, 120 states submitted national reports, the highest level to date.
In 2026, the number stands at 83.
This decline is visible across all regions with particularly low reporting in Asia Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Despite this decline, the benefits of reporting remain clear.
National reports allow us to measure progress, identify gaps, and communicate needs for international assistance.
They also contribute to global monitoring of SDG target 164 and reaffirm member states political commitment to the PUA process.
The cycle introduced also a new function in the online reporting tool that allows no member states to actually compare their 2024 and 2026 report, helping track progress over time.
Moving on on regional reporting.
Seven reports were submitted and the seven reports highlight persistent challenges, porous borders, weak tracing systems, and continued donor dependence, often tied to project based rather than institutional support.
They also underscore the scale of the issue.
More than 60 million weapons in Africa, mostly civilian held, and over 3,500 annual armed violence cases in the Western Balkans.
In terms of opportunities, the reports underscore the value of regional roadmaps, pooled funding mechanism, and the importance of partnering with regional organizations.
Looking now and moving to the trends in implementation and particularly diversion destructions and collection, diversion remains a central concern.
Approximately half of reporting states collect diversion related information either on transfers or national stockpiles.
Increases were noted in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Weapons destructions remains consistent and significant.
41 states reported destruction activities with more than 200,000 weapons destroyed annually.
Collection efforts also remains substantial.
Over 464,000 weapons were collected by 52 member states and more than 70% of these were recorded or destroyed, an important safeguard against recirculation.
Marking of state owned weapons continues to improve.
Reporting increased from 81% in 2024 to 89% in 2026.
This is one of the clearest achievement of international assistance, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
International tracing is also showing encouraging progress.
69 states now have tracing procedures in place and 54 cooperate with Interpol.
Tracing activity has increased dramatically.
2022-2025, tracing request issued rose by 400% and request received increased by 200%.
Matching rates are improving from 42% in 2024 to 47% in 2025, but remain uneven.
In some categories, match rates are as low as 6%.
This underscores the need for strengthened national capacity and regional cooperation.
Looking at technology and gender, more states are considering developments and manufacturing technology and design, moving from 34% to 43%.
Gender consideration continued to show remarkable progress.
In 2026, 70% of reporting states indicated the integrate gender perspective in their small arms control efforts.
Six desegregated data collection also increased.
This reflects sustained momentum since 2018.
Moving on on progress in specific POA and ITI implementation.
Across the reporting cycle, we observed measurable progress in several areas when member states move from a no category in 2024 to a yes category in 2026.
This includes consistent progress in policy developments, six new national action plans, six states establishing national targets, notable progress in international transfers, 21 states improving end user certificate identification, 14 strengthening export risk assessment.
We also saw enhanced operational measures with 12 destroying surplus stocks, seven improving marketing practices, and seven member states improving marking technologies.
We also see improved data collection when it comes to diversion and also the integration of gender considerations.
These developments demonstrate that many states are advancing the implementation in very concrete ways.
Moving on to challenges.
Despite the progress, some challenges persist.
First, diversion data remains limited.
54% of states either do not collect diversion data or keep it confidential.
This significantly constraints our ability to understand and collectively address illicit flows.
Second, tracing data remains sparse.
Only 22 countries reported tracing related data and matching rates remain low in some categories.
Thirdly, nearly half of states, 45% are not ready to consider developments in marking technologies, including those needed for modular, polymer, and three D printed weapons.
Finally, demand for international assistance remains high.
The highest demands are marking, record keeping, and tracing.
Looking forward to some opportunities and recommendations.
First, increasing national reporting level is essential.
Without reporting, we cannot fully understand implementation gaps or direct assistance effectively.
Second, expanding national target setting currently undertaken by 28 states can help integrate small arm control into national planning, budgeting, and development frameworks, including SDG implementation plan.
Third, strengthening diversion data collection and improving tracing match rates will significantly enhance operational effectiveness.
Fourth, update national marking standards so they remain effective for new types of weapons such as modular, polymer, and three D printed systems by using modern marking technology like laser engraving, QR codes, and chemical tag ins that ensure durability, stability, and recoverability.
Fifth, regional funding mechanism and sub regional roadmaps continue to demonstrate strong results and could be replicated across region.
Finally, gender consideration should continue to expand, particularly through improved sex desegregated data collection, which further contributes to the SDGs.
Moving on to the second part of this presentation, a quick update on women's participation in RevCON four.
We had around 35% of women delegates and 27% heads of delegations and 21% of speakers in RevCON for general debate were women.
Finally, the third point of this presentation is an update on the study on obliberated markings that was also mandated by RevCON four.
The study draws on responses from 38 member states, interviews with 15 forensic labs, four police agencies, manufacturers, and an analysis of more than 11,000 weapons across 28 countries.
I Very quickly, I think one key finding is that obliteration is a global phenomenon in both conflict and criminal context.
Maybe two points that I would like to underline here is that 90% of responding states reported seizing weapons with obliterated markings with higher preventance rates in parts of Central and South America.
Pistols are most frequently reported globally while rifles and carbines are more common in Africa.
Most obliteration use low tech tools, grinders, drills, and hand tools, so more advanced method also exist.
I'm not going to go into the details of the findings because you have two opportunities to actually hear much more details with in depth presentation of the recommendations.
At two different moments this week on Wednesday, there will be a dedicated side event, and then on Thursday, the OETG thematic panel in the afternoon session will also further discuss this.
In closing, excellencies distinguished delegates.
These findings reflect both the progress made and the challenges that remain in implementing the PUA and the ITI.
We hope that this analysis supports your deliberation at BMS nine and inform future priorities for assistance, cooperation, and capacity building.
Thank you.
I thank miss Sheinberg very much indeed for that very informative presentation.
If any delegation wishes to intervene in relation to that presentation, you're most welcome to do so, indicate a desire to speak.
Otherwise, we will resume our consideration of agenda item seven.
But is there any delegation who wishes to speak in relation to the presentation that we've just heard? I don't see anybody, in which case we will proceed.
Thank you very much indeed.
We will proceed to resume our consideration of agenda item seven, where we left off just before we broke for lunch.
I have two group speakers listed, Guyana for Cracom and the European Union.
And then just let me briefly identify those who I have on my list who've requested the floor.
It would be Moldova, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Canada, Cotivvoi, Algeria, Bulgaria, Congo, Nigeria, Cambodia, and Poland.
Those who have currently requested the floor, obviously, those who wish to add their names to that list, we will clearly respect that.
But if I might now, I'd invite Ghana to take the floor.
Thank you.
On behalf of Cacon.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean community, Carcon.
I will deliver an abridged version of this statement.
The full version will be provided for circulation.
We congratulate you on your election as chair and commend the collaborative, inclusive, and facilitative approach undertaken during the preparatory process.
We also congratulate Ambassador Ku on his election as chair of the open ended technical expert group and look forward to contributing to a robust discussion during the sessions of the OETG.
Carcom reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the UN POA and ITI.
For our region, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a profound threat to peace, security, and sustainable development.
We are particularly concerned by the persistent flows of illicit firearms into the Caribbean, usually facilitated through diversion from legal markets, weak stockpile management, and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods.
Carcom therefore underscores the need to address this challenge through strengthened international cooperation, shared responsibility, and enhanced accountability among all states.
CCM also underscores the importance of preventing and detecting diversion at every stage of the life cycle of small arms and light weapons.
We call for strengthened controls over marking, record keeping, and tracing in full accordance with the ITI.
Effective tracing remains an essential tool in disrupting illicit supply chains and bringing greater transparency to global arms flows.
While innovations such as digital record systems and improved marketing technologies can significantly enhance implementation, emerging risks require urgent attention.
Caricom supports continued dialogue on how to responsibly leverage technology while addressing its potential misuse in facilitating illicit traffic and diversion.
Capacity constraints remain a major challenge for many Caricom member states.
We therefore stress the importance of sustained, predictable, and targeted international assistance, including technical support, training, and resource mobilization to strengthen national control systems, law enforcement capabilities, and border security.
Enhancing regional cooperation mechanisms is equally vital, including through information sharing and coordinated operations.
Caricm further underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that situates implementation of the POA and ITI within border efforts to address transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking and other illicit networks connected to the illegal arms trade.
In closing, Com reaffirms its steadfast commitment to strengthening the implementation of the UN POA and ITA.
I thank you.
I thank the permanent representative of Guyana speaking on behalf of Carcom and I invite representative of the European Union to take the floor.
European Union, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU and its member states with the alignment of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia, Herzegvina, Georgia, and Iceland.
Allow me first to commend you, your team, and you and ODA for the inclusive and transparent preparatory process.
Let me use this opportunity to share the relevant developments in the EU actions since the RFC in 2024.
The EU operates and continuously strengthens its own framework to prevent diversion and illicit trade in solve.
In 2025, the EU common position on arms exports was amended following review process open for views by the civil society, industry, and researchers.
Some amendments directly translate into goals of the POA, such as the obligation of member states to assess the risk of aggravating conflict, violence, and illegal activities due to the specific nature of items to be exported, in particular with respect to the risk of diversion of self.
Member states shall also deny export licenses if approval would be consistent with their commitments under the global framework on ammunition.
Likewise, the level of stockpile protection, self assessed by potential recipient states with the help of the EU funded tool, arms and ammunition Management Vidation System is now recognized in the EU users Guide for licensing officers as a relevant factor in assessing diversion risks.
The EU Council conclusions on arms export control that set directions for actions until 2030 also establish a number of tasks contributing to the objectives of the POA.
First, to continue exploring ways to support tracing, including through marking of arms and tagging of ammunition, employing innovative technical solutions for tracing, and further development of the global reporting mechanism on conventional arms and their ammunition Trace.
The EU funding for TRC was extended until 2029.
The EU appreciates the willingness of governments to establish cooperation with TRS on territories of their states and looks forward to seeing its operational benefits.
Second, to support capacity building of third countries for arms and ammunition stockpiles management.
And third, the EU encourages willing EU member states and third countries to explore together cooperation in end user verification and monitoring as a diversion prevention tool and to work towards developing best practice of member states.
In addition, the EU emphasizes the importance of appropriate safeguards for the protection of military items from diversion, including salf and ammunition delivered free of charge to third countries under the European Peace facility assistance measures, including through stockpile management and pulse shipment controls.
The current works of the EU that aim to contribute to the objectives of the POA also include legislative deliberations to seek the harmonization among the EU member states of definitions and penalties related to firearms related offenses, inter alia trafficking, and to improve data quality and availability to better understand and address such threat.
The EU is also exploring ways of supporting digital solutions for secure conventional ammunition stockpiles in the EU neighborhood to prevent diversion.
The EU also remains engaged in global and regional actions.
We continue to support the states of Western Balkans in their efforts to tackle self trafficking related consequences of the armed conflict that ended 30 years ago, a stark reminder of the longevity of such threats in the absence of prevention.
In this vein, we cooperate extensively with Ukraine to assist in preventing and countering threats of self trafficking stemming from full scale illegal war of aggression by Russia.
Our military support has strong safeguards against diversion.
We praise the efforts of Ukraine, appreciate assistance by our international partners, and call upon all actors to take actions in recognition of their shared responsibility.
It's also time to recognize the challenges of South proliferation in and around Syria after the fall of Assad's regime and to take collective action to support the government of Syria in addressing them.
This is a shortened version and the full version will be provided to statements.
Thank you so much, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you, European Union.
I now have on my list Suriname, Cambodia, Moldova, followed by Venezuela, Suriname, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, at the outset, Surina extends its sincere congratulations to you and your team on your election and wishes you every success in guiding the work in this ninth bin annual meeting of States.
Surina also wishes to align itself with a statement delivered by Carom and wishes to add the following in its national capacity.
Although our nation is limited in scale in geographical terms, we are still significantly affected by the illicit trade in firearms.
Firearms are not only trafficked through Sama, but are also used in criminal activities within the country.
In this regard, Surinama greatly values the support provided by the United Nations in cooperation with regional organizations in strengthening firearms and ammunition storage facilities, enhancing firearms legislation, and supporting capacity building initiatives in the area of small arms and light weapons.
Sura wishes to emphasizes that the sharing of best practices is a paramount importance.
Only through effective cooperation and strong partnership we can successfully address these challenges.
Furthermore, Sura underscores that the effective implementation of the POA is a critical importance for safeguarding the security and stability of the Caribbean region.
Strengthening implementation of the POA is essential in combating the illicit trafficking of firearms and firearms related crime, both in which have far reaching consequences that adversely affect not only public safety, but also the economic development and prosperity of the entire region.
So NAMA would also like to highlight that it is currently undertaking measures to strengthen its national legislation framework.
These efforts include the introduction of provisioning for the marketing of firearms and the conduct of ballistic testing with the objective of enhancing the traceability of firearms and supporting more effective law enforcement and criminal investigation.
In addition, Sunaa remains committed to promoting the meaningful participation of women in the implementation of the POE and the decision making processes related to small arms and light weapons.
As can be seen from Sdunam representation and engagement in this field, the inclusion and participation of women in both implementation and policy making are already being actively promoted.
While we recognize there is still progress to be made before achieving our desired objective, we are encouraged by the concrete step being taken and remain committed to advancing this I agenda.
In conclusion, Sri a reaffirms its commitment to international and regional cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons through continued collaboration, information sharing, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices.
We can strengthen and collective effort to enhance security and sustainable development in our region.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Surinam.
I now give the floor to Cambodia, followed by Moldova and then Venezuela, Cambodia, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair.
For Cambodia, the issue of SALW is deeply connected to our journey and commitment to sustainable peace and security.
Our past experience has shown that the uncontrolled circulation of weapon can prolong violence, deepen insecurity, and undermine development.
Cambodia therefore regards regulation as a peace, security and development priority.
In Cambodia, we continue to strengthen efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade or armed smuggling in small arm and live weapons through law enforcement cooperation, border management, stockpile security, public awareness, and coordination among relevant national authority.
At the regional level, Cambodia is honored to serve at the voluntary lead Shepherd of the Asean Senior official meeting on Tnational Crime Working Group on armed smuggling.
Last year, Cambodia supported regional cooperation on armed regulation through Asean related processes and partner supported initiative.
This promoted the implementation of the Asean Declaration on combating armed smuggling and strengthen regional attention to the link between illicit armed flow, organized crime, border security, terrorism, and armed violence.
This year, Cambodia continue its leadership role to advance fellowship F up action related to the declaration through supporting dialogue with Asean member states and partners on improving coordination, national capacity building and connecting Asean efforts with relevant global instruments.
Cambbodia believed that the declaration provide an important regional foundation for collective action and reflect Asians shared commitment.
Cambodia also wish to express appreciation for the support provided through the UnskA through nonviolent international South Asia.
Unska has helped support practical initial that strengthen national and regional capacity to implement the POA and related framework.
It reflects It flexible and partnership based approach is especially valuable for country and region facing capacity constraints and complex security challenges.
We encourage member state in position to continue and increase contribution to OSCAR.
Mr.
Chair, SALW illicit trade remains a serious threat and affect the most vulnerable community.
Including women, children, and people living in the border and conflict affected area.
Cambodia therefore supports stronger international cooperation in the area of marketing, record keeping, tracing, stop management, border cooperation, reporting, and Thank you, Cambodia.
I now give the floor to Moldova, followed by Venezuela and then Costa Rica, Moldova, you have the floor.
Excellency distinguished colleagues.
The Republic of Moldova aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity.
At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador James Larson of Australia on your election as chair of the NIE Biennial Meeting of States.
We assure you of our full support and express appreciation for the transparent, inclusive, and constructive manner in which the preparatory process has been conducted thus far.
The Republic of Moldova remains firmly committed to the effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument as essential frameworks for preventing combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.
The national level, my country continues to strengthen its national legislative and institutional framework in line with international obligations and European Union standards.
Although the Republic of Moldova has no domestic manufacturers of weapons or ammunition, we remain fully committed to preventing illicit trafficking and strengthening control over civilian firearms, ammunition, and related materials.
Mr.
Chair, the regional security environment continues to present significant challenges, increasing pressure on border management systems and heightening risks related to organized crime and illicit firearms trafficking.
In response, the Republic of Moldova remains committed to strengthening tracing mechanism, improving stockpile security, and enhancing national and international cooperation.
We continue to develop the State Register of weapons to ensure traceability, accountability, and oversight of civilian firearms.
While reinforcing capacities for the seizure tracing and destructions of illicit firearms and ammunition.
In 2025, Moldova conducted its ninth firearms destruction exercise, eliminating more than 2,100 firearms with the support of the European Union and CSAC.
Nationwide operations in 2025 and early 2026 also resulted in the removal of over 310 firearms and more than 6,300 rounds of ammunition from illegal circulation.
Mr.
Chair, the Republic of Moldova believes that effective implementation of the POA and the ITI requires sustained international cooperation and assistance, including technical support, training, information sharing, and institutional capacity building.
We remain committed to working constructively with you all.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the Republic of Moldova and I give the floor to Venezuela to be followed by Costa Rica and Cotivi.
Venezuela, you have the floor.
Mt.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela congratulates you on your election to chair the BMS nine, and we very much value your leadership of this process.
Mr.
Chairman, the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons is a serious danger for international security.
It has adverse and worrying consequences for international peace and stability.
Venezuela supports the United Nations program of action to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.
As well as its international tracing instrument as part of an internationally agreed framework.
In turn, Venezuela considers that the charter of the United Nations should constitute the fundamental basis of the international fight against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, specifically when it comes to unquestioned respect for the sovereign equality of states, non interference in internal affairs, and the right to self defense.
Mr.
Chair, when addressing these matters, we believe it is important to evaluate the relationship and interaction between the various different instruments of the United Nations and their possible overlaps.
To achieve meaningful progress in the fight against this international scourge, it is essential that there be a tangible and sustainable commitment on the part of countries that possess the major arms industries and that can have an impact on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Venezuela recognizes that the development, manufacturing technologies and designs of small arms and light weapons present significant challenges for the implementation of the program of action.
Therefore, it is even more necessary to address the technology gap between states.
International cooperation that is governed by the principles of international law is the cornerstone of this fight against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
These initiatives are essential in order to supplement national efforts, and they should respect the sovereign right of states to determine their own priorities and needs.
To conclude, Venezuela reiterates its full readiness to work with determination to contribute to the success of this meeting and the adoption by consensus of a balanced outcome document, which reiterates states firm commitment in this area.
Thank you very much, Chair.
I thank the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and I give the floor to Costa Rica to be followed by Cotivvoi, Costa Rica, you have the floor.
Senor President.
Mr.
Chair, Costa Rica congratulates you on your appointment and we wish you every success in steering this ninth Biennial meeting of States.
My delegation joins in recognizing the 25th anniversary of the program of action, an instrument that continues to serve as the universal political framework of reference for preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.
For Costa Rica, this meeting also holds particular resonance.
Together with Australia, we were part of the group of states that in 2001 promoted the adoption of the resolution that gave rise to this process.
Likewise, my country had the honor of presiding over the fourth Review Conference in 2024.
With regard to the dialogue that we begin today, Costa Rica wishes to highlight three ideas.
First, we believe that the program of action should not be understood in isolation.
Its implementation must be linked to other relevant United Nations agendas and instruments, including the promotion of a culture of peace, the 2030 agenda, the Secretary-General New Agenda for Peace, and the women Peace and Security and youth peace and security agendas.
A more integrated approach will strengthen system wide coherence and broaden the preventive impact of our work.
Second, recent experience shows that illegal online transactions as well as the electronic circulation of designs, blueprints and manufacturing data facilitates the illegal production on a scale previously unimaginable.
States are addressing issues such as three D printed weapons and weapons with polymer components with seriousness, although the digital dimension of the illicit supply chain has not been sufficiently analyzed.
This is a gap that deserves greater attention, especially in light of the emergence of privately manufactured weapons in conflict and criminal settings across different regions.
Third, we believe that this meeting should pay particular attention to regional and sub regional initiatives and instruments.
We note with particular satisfaction the conclusion of the Central America and Dominican Republic roadmap to prevent the illicit trafficking and proliferation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The synergies among these instruments, the program of action and the ITI, merit greater attention and interest.
This biennial meeting is an opportunity to exchange good practices, implementation, lessons, and concrete experiences at the regional level.
Mr.
Chair, in closing, Costa Rica wishes to reiterate that we will only be able to achieve the objectives of the program of action through strong international cooperation, the sustained strengthening of the capacities of all states, and predictable and effective assistance and financing mechanisms.
Thank you.
Thank you, Costa Rica.
I have Cortov followed by Algeria, followed by Bulgaria.
Cotiva, you have the floor.
My President.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Chair Kurtva congratulates you on your election to preside over this ninths biennial meeting.
We also thank the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs for the quality of the preparations for this meeting.
My country aligns itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the African group and in our national capacity, we would like to say the following, Mr.
Chair, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons remains one of the main factors of instability, transnational organized crime, terrorism, and violent extremism in our region.
The fight against this phenomenon is therefore for Côte D'ivoire a matter of security, but also a requirement for sustainable development and peace building.
That is why my country is determinedly continuing its efforts to implement the POA and the ITI.
We have also strengthened our marketing, registration and tracing of arms instruments.
We've improved our stockpile management, and we are continuing our awareness raising and community disarmament activities.
My country attaches particular importance to preventing the deviation of arms to non authorized users.
Achieving this objective requires effective controls throughout the life cycle of arms and greater exchange of information among states as well as a strengthening of cross border cooperation, particularly in areas exposed to the activities of criminal and terrorist groups.
Mr.
Chair, Cotiv is also concerned by emerging challenges linked to the illicit manufacturing of weapons including artisanal non regulated small scale production and new technologies which could circumvent traditional control and tracing mechanisms.
With this in mind, the National Commission against the proliferation and illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons intends to carry out a national study into the artisanal production of firearms so as to better understand this phenomenon to identify the actors that are involved and to develop adapted responses.
Côte D'ivoire, therefore calls for technical support, the sharing of experiences and expertise from interested international partners.
Lastly, my delegation would like to reaffirm that building national capacities remains an essential condition for the effective implementation of the program of action.
Mr.
Chair, to conclude, my country calls for more predictable, sustainable international cooperation that is adapted to the needs expressed by beneficiary states with full respect for the principle of national ownership.
Thank you.
Thank you, Cortivvoi.
I have Algeria followed by Bulgaria, followed by the Congo, followed by Nigeria.
Algeria, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
First, I would like to congratulate you on your election to steer our work, as well as the other members of the Bureau of which my delegation has the honor to be part.
I also congratulate Ambassador Ku on his election to chair the open ended technical expert group.
Chair while emphasizing the voluntary nature of the UN program of action, Algebra remains firmly committed to its full implementation, as well as that of the International tracing instrument.
We reaffirmed that governments bear the primary responsibility to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit armed trade.
A holistic approach is essential.
Nationally, this requires a strong connection between competent services.
Internationally, it requires close cooperation to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of illicit trafficking.
Preventing the diversion of small arms and light weapons to unauthorized recipients, including terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, and organized crime networks is of paramount importance.
Cher the security threats posed by illicit weapons proliferation in our region, Africa.
Require that addressing the root causes must be central to the work of this meeting and the outcome document should reflect this reality explicitly.
Reinforcing regional cooperation is essential, but supporting organizations like the African Union cannot be achieved without adequate, predictable and unconditional international assistance.
Chair, regarding the open ended technical expert group, we stress that any future recommendations must account for the stark technological gap between states.
As well as the financial and technical capacities of developing countries.
Finally, on the draft outcome document, we appreciate the early and transparent consultations undertaken, which have certainly helped build conversions with a view to reaching a consensual and progressive outcome.
Algeria stands ready to continue working constructively to achieve such an outcome.
Due to time constraints, we will submit our full statement in writing for publication.
I think you.
Thank you, Algeria.
I have Bulgaria, followed by Congo, followed by Nigeria.
Bulgaria, you have the four.
It's not working? Yes, it's come on now.
It's working.
It's working.
Yeah.
Thank you.
I would like to start by congratulating you, Mr.
Chair, on the assumption of the chairmanship of the BMS nine and to assure you of my delegation's full support.
As you already gave me support, just a few moments.
Thank you.
Bulgaria Alliance itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity.
Mr.
Chair, the illicit trade of arms and light weapons continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security, undermining sustainable development, fueling organized crime and terrorism, and contributing to instability and human suffering in many regions of the world.
Therefore, Bulgaria remains deeply committed to the full and effective implementation of the UN program of action, which is even more important in the current security environment, marked by increased geopolitical tensions and persistent regional conflicts.
This is precisely why in our work in the following days, we must focus on a number of key areas in terms of keeping the POA adequate and able to respond to the new realities and emerging threats, including the significant developments in the technology design, manufacturing, and trade of solve.
To this end, sorry, To this end, it is essential to ensure that robust and effective export control systems are established where they are not yet in place and that existing mechanisms are implemented rigorously as they remain indispensable instruments for preventing illicit arm flows and the diversion of SO.
Particular attention should be devoted to promoting responsible arms export control practices, including effective NTU certification, as well as strengthening risk assessment capacities and enhancing international cooperation and information sharing amongst states regarding identified cases of diversion and trafficking routes.
We should continue to promote synergies with other relevant international and regional instruments that complement and reinforce the implementation of the program of action, including the arms Trade Treaty, the firearms protocol, the OSC document of so and others.
More coordinated and streamlined reporting process together with strengthened Exchange of best practices and exercise can provide practical basis for the synergies and enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of implementation efforts.
We welcome this week later this week the first convening of the open ended technical expert Group established by the Ford Review Conference in 2024.
This is another step in the path to ensure full and effective implementation Thank you, Bulgaria, very much indeed.
I have Congo, followed by Nigeria, followed by Poland.
Congo, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
At the outset, allow the Congolese delegation to congratulate you on your election to chair the ninth Biannuial meeting of States devoted to the United Nations Program of action on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Rest assured you have our full cooperation in the conduct of our work.
We align ourselves with the statement by Nigeria on behalf of the African group, and we would like to say the following in our national capacity.
Mr.
Chair, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to be a threat to international peace and security in that its irresponsible management and the irresponsible management of stocks continues to wipe out efforts to achieve peace and calm, to achieve institutional stabilization, and it continues to postpone the development processes of developing countries.
We welcome efforts that have been undertaken by the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs and the group of experts in order to successfully organize this meeting.
In this context, we encourage the following We encourage the implementation of binding treaties, programs of action, and regional conventions aiming to improve marking, tracing, and the control of transfers, namely the arms trade Treaty which has been in force since 2014, the Protocol on firearms, the United Nations Program of action that was adopted in 2001, the International Tracing Instrument adopted in 2005, the African Union's silencing the Guns program, which in Central Africa takes the form of the Consta Convention adopted in 2010, which entered into force in 2017.
In that regard, Congo encourages the promotion and implementation of all strategies aimed at sparing humanity from the trade in arms, terrorism, and the climate of insecurity.
To conclude, Mr.
Chair, Congo remains committed to international cooperation to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and reiterates its determination to support the implementation of the relevant program of action.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Thank you, Congo.
I have Nigeria, followed by Poland, followed by Thailand, Nigeria, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, Nigeria congratulates you on the election as Chair of the Ninth BNN Ming of States and assures you of our full support.
We also congratulate Ambassador Canu Nigeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African group.
25 years after the adoption of the program of action, the illicit trade, proliferation and diversion of small arms and large weapons remain among the greatest threats to peace, security and sustainable development, particularly in Africa.
For Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, these weapons continue to fuel terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and transnational organized crime with devastating humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences.
Mr.
Chair, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinambu Niger has intensified efforts to combat terrorism and other forms of insecurity through a comprehensive approach that combines security operations, regional cooperation, border management, and strengthened control of small arms and weapons.
A significant milestone in this regard was enactment of the control of small arms and weapons Act 2024.
Established the National Center for the Control of small arms and light weapons as Nigeria's national coordination body and national point of contact for the P of action and International Trading Instrument.
These are strengthened national coordination, accountability, marking, record keeping, tracing, and stockpile management, while enhancing cooperation among relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
Nigeria believes that preventing diversion must remain at the heart of international efforts.
We therefore call for stronger stockpile management, enhanced tracing cooperation, robust end user controls, and improved information sharing mechanisms to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists and criminals.
Mr.
Chair, Nigeria is increasingly concerned by emerging challenges posed by polymer, modular, and three D printed weapons.
We therefore support the work of the open ended technical expert Group and emphasize the need for practical recommendations accompanied by technology transfer, capacity building, and technical assistance for developing countries.
International cooperation remains indispensable.
We call for predictable, sustainable and needs driven assistance.
As we deliberate this week, Nigeria remains committed to working constructively towards a balanced, action oriented and consensus based outcome.
I thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Nigeria.
I have Poland followed by Thailand, followed by Liberia.
Poland, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Mr.
Chair, at the outset, let me congratulate you on your skillful leadership so far.
Poland highly appreciates your dedication as well as transparent and inclusive preparations in the run up to this meeting.
Poland aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the European Union.
Now, I would like to add the following remarks in my national capacity.
Mr.
Chair, Poland is deeply concerned about the illicit flows of small arms and light weapons as they continue to claim far too many victims.
These weapons pose a serious threat to the efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability, including their protection of civilians, most notably women and children from the effects of armed conflicts.
This concern led us to support the establishment of the OETG in 2024.
We felt compelled to consider measures to strengthen the POA and its ITI in terms of technological challenges related to the production of polymer and modular weapons, as well as the illicit production of weapons or parts using freely printing technology.
Developing these measures, particularly addressing illicit freely production of weapons, is of utmost importance.
On the other hand, we should not forget that new technologies can help enhance the tracking and detection of illicit small and light weapons and parts.
In this context, close cooperation between law enforcement agencies is crucial to prevent smuggling of freely printed weapons by criminals and terrorists.
Poland recognizes the need to exchange information on new weapons production technologies drawing on industry expertise.
Mr.
Chair, we should, particularly in the OETG discuss current practices regarding the marking of plastic frames and receivers, including the extent to which applying markings metal might better support durability and identification of small and light weapons.
OETG could also use insight from industry and other stakeholders to address the specific challenges of plastic labelings.
Our focus is also on modular weapons.
We could examine measures taken by states to improve the identification of modular weapons, including for tracing and record keeping purposes.
Cognizant of various national capabilities and practices, we should discuss the means of integrating technology into strategies aimed at countering illicit arms flows in various regional circumstances.
Mr.
Chair, creation of the OETG is a result of our joint perception of new challenges.
Thus, we should use this forum to operationalize the POA and ITI in face of rapid technological advances in small and light weapons.
To that end, leveraging various forms of international cooperation on countering illicit diversion of these weapons is crucial.
To conclude, we look forward to the discussions over the next days, and we believe they will advance the implementation of both the POA and ITI.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Poland.
I have Thailand, followed by Liberia, followed by Canada and the United States.
Thailand, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
At the outset, Thailand would like to congratulate Your Excellency, Ambassador James Larson on your election as chair of the ninth BMS and would like to express our full support to you and your team as the illicit trade and proliferation of small arms weapons continue to threaten peace security and development.
Recent developments in their manufacturing and design have created new challenges for arms control efforts.
Thailand believes that the POA remains important for strengthening trust and transparency among all stakeholders, particularly through the regular submission of national reports.
Thailand encourages all states to continue supporting such efforts.
Each states, Mr.
Chair, as each state bears the primary responsibility to prevent the misuse of weapons and ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands.
In this regard, there's an increasing concern regarding recent developments in the manufacturing technology and design of the SALW.
At the national level, Thailand continues to strengthen regulatory mechanism, law enforcement and measures to prevent the diversion of weapons to unauthorized recipients.
Priority has been given to developing database systems and utilizing appropriate technologies to improve arm control measures.
Combating illicit SALWB trafficking and illicit firearms manufacturing remains an urgent priority.
Continuously pursued by Ministry of Interior, Royal Thai Police, and other relevant agencies.
In this regard, Thailand has published and disseminated handbooks to share information and raise awareness among local firearms registrars and law enforcement officials regarding the existing challenges posed by three D printing technology with a view to enhancing preparedness and preventing the illicit manufacture of firearms through such technologies and how to work with communities.
Thailand also values cooperation with foreign partners and make sure that our implementation is in line with Asean guidelines and measures and also work to explore and acquire modern technology and welcome assistance from our international partner.
In conclusion, Thailand will continue to work closely with the international community and to prevent the proliferation and misuse of SALW.
Thank you.
Thank you, Thailand.
I have now on my list, Liberia, Canada, the United States, followed by Kenya, Liberia, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chairman, Liberia congratulates you on your election as chair of the in Pioneer Meeting of State on the P of action and assures you of its support.
We also congratulate So Lu on its election as chair of the open ended Technical Expert Group.
Liberia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Nigeria on behalf of the African group and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity.
Liberia remains committed to the effective implementation of the POE and the international trading instrument.
In this regard, we are strengthening our legal and regulatory framework.
Mark and record state owned firearms, commence the registration and licensing of civilian held firearms, conducted capacity building, activities for security institutions, assessed state armories and storage facilities, enhance interagency coordination, and recover more than 1,000 firearms, ammunition, explosive and related materials for eventual destruction.
Despite this progress, Libera continues to face significant challenges, including resource constraint, porous border, limited border management capacity, and inadequate maritime surveillance, all of which increase vulnerabilities to illicit trafficking and diversion.
Liberia is also concerned about the growing use of emerging technologies in the manufacture of arms and ammunition.
We believe that addressing these challenges requires strengthening regional cooperation and responses tailored to national and regional context.
In conclusion, Libera calls for enhanced international cooperation, technical assistance, and sustained support to help developing countries strengthening their capacity to effectively combat the illicit trade in small arms and live weapons.
Thank you.
Thank you, Liberia.
Canada, followed by the United States, Canada, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
And congratulations on your election.
Canada reaffirmed its strong and enduring support for the UN program of action.
Small arms and light weapons remain a weapon of choice for conflicts around the world and their illicit transfer and misuse fuels armed conflict, crime, and instability.
To address these issues, it is crucial that states take concrete actions to combat the illicit manufacture, trade, and use of SAL.
To this end, Canada is actively engaged in providing international assistance to support states to combat the illicit manufacture, diversion, and trafficking of SAL.
Canada continues to maintain its longstanding support for the UN Regional Center for Peace Disarmment and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean's work in the region, including the continued implementation of the Caribbean firearms Roadmap.
Chair, new and emerging technologies pose an ongoing challenge to our collective efforts to address the illicit spread of SL.
Modular weapons, the use of polymmersion manufacturing and three printing technologies each pose unique challenges to our nonproliferation efforts.
To address these challenges, Canada strongly supports the work that the OETG will begin this week to address developments in so manufacturing technology and design.
I'll now switch briefly to French.
Monsieur President.
Mr.
Chair.
Canada underscores the boards of policies and programs regarding arms control.
Canada is happy to cooperate on the gender aspects elaborated with a number of states Canada recognizes differentiated indexes based on gender and the impact of small arms and light weapons.
The document seeks to enhance coordination, a gender sensitive approach as part of the program of action, as well as in the national and regional programs of small arms and light weapons.
Chair, Canada, indeed, I was pleased this year to participate in the first European iteration of the UN fellowship training program on small arms and light weapons.
We thank you NOTA for the work on this program and encourage all states to consider nominating national experts to future iterations of this fellowship.
Canada stands ready to work constructively with delegations to advance practical, inclusive, and forward leaning outcomes at this biannual meeting.
Together, we can strengthen the implementation of the program of action and make meaningful progress towards reducing the human suffering caused by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Thank you.
Thank you, Canada.
I have the United States.
United States, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
As this is our delegation's first time taking the floor, let me congratulate you on your election as chair and assure you of the United States commitment to supporting a productive meeting.
Chair, the United States remains opposed to divisive language related to gender in paragraphs 11 and 50.
We believe that the consensus language used in paragraph four represents a better formulation and urges the deletion of contentious language of mainstreaming of gender perspective and gender responsive policymaking and programming.
We also remain opposed to the inclusion of paragraph 48 as it represents new language not generally agreed to by states.
We thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for the suggested compromise language, and we look forward to seeing that proposal in writing.
We also support adding language indicating that all actions undertaken while implementing the POA should be consistent with their respective constitutional and legal systems of states.
Language to that effect appeared in the outcome document for the fourth review conference.
We are happy to work with colleagues to identify an appropriate place for this note in the text.
The United States also has substantial concerns with paragraph 35.
While states have previously noted that diversion risks exist at each stage of the so called lifecycle of a weapon, it is different to commit to take steps to address such risk.
For instance, the state's capacity to prevent diversion of weapons from stockpiles located in another state's territory is limited.
Therefore, we believe this paragraph should be deleted.
In paragraph 42, we believe the paragraph should begin to consider establishing the implementing process instead of to take steps.
This would better reflect the approach of states to developing such methods and practices.
In paragraph 43, we have concerns with the technical feasibility of implementing this work.
We request adding in line with domestic law and practice to acknowledge the role such systems play in the marking of firearms.
We would also recommend replacing welcoming the study with noting the study.
Finally, Chair, we would question whether the new text in Paris 61 is appropriate, both as a matter of emphasis for our work and with a view to streamlining the document.
We can remain flexible here, but underscore our support for your aim to keep the document as slim as possible.
I thank you, Chair, and we look forward to working productively with colleagues over the coming days.
Thank you, United States.
I have Kenya on my list.
At the moment, Kenya is listed as the last speaker under agenda item seven.
If there's any other delegation who wishes to intervene in relation to this agenda item, now would be a great time to put your name forward.
But in the absence of that, Kenya, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
It is in my honor to address this nine bennal meeting of States on behalf of the Republic of Kenya.
This reflects our shared determination to strengthen global peace and security by addressing the challenges posed by the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons.
KDE remains steadfast in this commitment to the United Nations Program of action and other related instruments.
We recognize that the proliferation of small arms undermines development, fuels conflict, and threatens the safety of our communities.
For us, this is not an abstract issue.
It is a lived reality that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Chair, over the past two years, Kenya has strengthened legislation to regulate arms possession and trafficking.
Again, enhanced border control through regional cooperation with the neighbor states, invested in community programs to reduce demand for illicit weapons and promote peace building, advanced data and collection, to improve transparency and report under the program of action.
Chair, again, we acknowledge that these efforts cannot succeed in isolation.
The illicit arms at is transnational and so must be our response, Kenya, therefore, to calls for stronger international cooperation in information sharing and joint operation, increased technical and financial support to build a capacity in affected states.
Opportunity to learn lessons on best international practices to leverage technology in addressing emerging small arms threats.
Chair, announced lessons also on accountability through timely reporting.
Renewed commitment to the principle of multi mutalism and collective responsibility.
Excellence.
The ninth Aarian Meeting of States is not merely a forum for dialogue, it is a platform for action.
Let us leave this meeting with resolved to translate our commitments into tangible results.
Kenya stands ready to work with all partners to ensure future generation inherit a safer and more secure world.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Kenya very much indeed.
I have no other delegation seeking to take the floor in relation to Agenda Item seven.
If no other delegation wishes to take the floor in relation to agenda item seven, we will move to open for consideration agenda item eight relating to consideration of international cooperation and assistance, including capacity building for the full and effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
Before we do that, however, I am going to suspend the meeting for 1 minute because I have to administer an eye drop and absent any other intervention, that then concludes our consideration of agenda item seven.
So thank you very much indeed.
The meeting is suspended.
Okay, colleagues.
Thank you very much for your patience.
If I may, the meeting is resumed.
Thank you very much indeed.
The meeting should now take up agenda item eight, consideration of international cooperation and assistance, including capacity building for the full and effective implementation of the POA and the ITI.
I now open our discussion on Agenda Item eight and give the floor to those delegates who wish to speak.
At for the moment, I don't have any delegation seeking to intervene on agenda item eight, but I very much encourage you to do so.
Wonderful.
I have the Islamic Republic of Iran Iran, you have the floor.
Distinguished delegates, we firmly believe that one of the principal challenges in the implementation of the POA and ITI remains the inadequate level of international cooperation and assistance.
Commitments undertaken under these instruments must be translated into concrete, timely, predictable, sustainable, and non discriminatory support, including technical and financial assistance, transfer of technology, capacity building, and the provision of necessary equipment through the meaningful involvement of developed countries as well as the private sector and industry.
Despite nearly 25 years of implementation, significant gaps remains in aligning the needs and priorities of developing countries with available resources and capacities, while the demand for international cooperation and assistance continues to be high as underscored by the Secretary's presentation.
Many affected states continue to face serious challenges in strengthening border management, tracing illicit weapons, securing stockpiles, improving customs controls, and combating cross border trafficking networks due to insufficient access to the required technologies, training, and financial resources.
Facilitating the non discriminatory transfer of technologies and equipment necessary to prevent and combat the illicit trade and trafficking in a small arms and defense, such as X ray machines, full body scanners, advanced border control radar systems, detection technologies, and tracing related equipment is essential for strengthening the capacities of member states to effectively implement the POA and the OTI.
Closing technologies gaps and ensuring equitable access to modern technologies must therefore remain a priority of international assistance.
We further emphasize that international assistance should remain free from political conditionalities.
In this regard, unilateral coercive measures are inconsistent with the spirit and objective of the POA and the ITO as they impede states access to technologies, equipment, financial resources, and international cooperation necessary to effectively prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Such measures undermine implementation efforts and should therefore be rejected.
The establishment of the OETEG with its clear mandate to identify practical and concrete measures for enhancing international cooperation and assistance, together with the implementation of the fellowship training program and the early operationalization of the new United Nations funding mechanism for the implementation of the PA and ITI can play an important role in enabling developing countries to fully implement their commitments.
We will send our specific inputs on Rev two in writing to the Secretariat.
Thank you.
Thank you, Iran.
I next have the European Union, followed by Colombia and then Egypt.
European Union, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU and its member states with the alignment of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Hezevina, Georgia, and Iceland.
The EU is a staunch supporter of capacity building in conventional non proliferation and disarmament through international assistance, itself funding several programs to support global and regional self control, non proliferation export controls, and implementation of the ATT.
Since the last ref Co in 2024, the EU continued several projects with a focus on voluntary civilian disarmament campaigns, collection and destruction of surplus sulf and diminution, physical security and stockpile management, and capacity building for marking, record keeping, and tracing of sulf.
They included support for the UN POA implemented by UN ODA, extended 2025 until 2028, which benefits Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean and the Asia Pacific through three UN regional Centers for Darmament.
Notably in 2025, the extension also broadened the thematic coverage to address also the implementation of the global framework on ammunition.
Many of the EU projects over this period have been implemented by regional organizations.
For instance, in Latin America and the Caribbean, the EU collaboration with the OIS continued and was extended until 2028.
The member states and Secretariat of the League of Arab States continued to benefit from the EU support under a project with funding secured until 2027.
The EU also committed to continuing to support Ukraine, building up robust capacity to monitor the stocks, the acquisition and possession of firearms itself, to investigate and prosecute the illegal possession and trafficking, to support international cooperation and assistance and designation, development, training, and equipment of appropriate state agencies.
The EU and Ukraine also remained committed to actively exposing and countering information manipulation in this area.
That cooperation continued guided by joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine of June 2024 and the EU action plan on firearms trafficking.
The EU funded projects have been implemented by the OSC, CSAC, and Conflict Abment Research.
Southeast Europe also remained in focus of the EU.
We continue to support activities by CSAC and OSC in the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova.
The EU backed efforts by CSAC to assist in implementation of the roadmap on South in the Western Balkans.
We welcome the extension of the roadmap until 2030.
Globally, TRACE, our reporting mechanism on illicit South and other illicit conventional weapons and auntion is continuing operations in conflict areas in the Middle East, Western East Africa, the Gulf, Central Asia, and Ukraine, assisting efforts to disrupt illicit trade in arms and diversion of uncontrolled and dual use items to unauthorized military use.
Since 2020, the EU has been funding the development of AMVS, the self assessment tool for capacities to protect arms intervention stockpiles from diversion developed by ICHG Amt.
It is designed to be user friendly and to deliver actionable conclusions without compromising sensitive data to third parties.
The AMVS will be very soon made available free of charge to all willing states.
We encourage states, regional organizations, and other stakeholders to recognize AAMVS as a means to contribute to the implementation of the POA.
The EU in recognition of the role of the ATT in the establishment of robust national systems to prevent the diversion of Slf also maintained its capacity building support to countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeastern Central Asia under the ATT outreach project implemented by German and French agencies and through the EU funded activities of the ATT Secretariat.
The EU also continues to promote effective arms export controls in South and East Europe, Caucasus, Middle East, and North Africa, as well as Central Asia under Corm Outreach project implemented by German agency Baffa.
Supporting and advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women are at the core of our policies.
The EU systematically applies gender mainstreaming in the design of new projects against gun violence and for self control in general.
The EU invest significant funding and expertise in supporting third states.
We stand ready to consider identified needs in planning of our actions as appropriate to further contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the UN POA.
This is shortened version and the full version will be submitted.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you, European Union.
I have Colombia, Egypt, Japan, and Tonga.
Colombia, you have the floor.
We check it out.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Illicit trafficking of small arms and weapons is a transnational phenomena that highlights the profound asymmetries in capacities, resources, and levels of implementation among states.
These gaps directly condition the effectiveness of the plan of action on the ITI.
Illicit arms circulate through networks that cross borders and are linked with other illicit economies.
In this context, international cooperation is not an option, but rather a shared responsibility.
A weakness in one country has an impact that goes beyond its borders, and while there are multiple cooperation initiatives, there are still significant gaps in access to technical assistance to sustainable resources, exchange of information, transfer of technology, and capacity building, especially in developing countries.
In the face of this situation, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation in various areas.
First of all, in the prevention and identification of diversion through strengthening exchange of information, improvement of international traceability, and greater transparency in the transfer of weapons.
This includes timely and reliable responses to requests for tracing, judicial and police cooperation and mechanisms that make it possible to identify routes, modalities, and patterns of trafficking.
Secondly, capacity building.
This implies supporting in a sustained way the creation and modernization of systems of tracing, registering, and marking and providing institutional strengthening.
Thirdly, The adaptation in the face of new technologies, the proliferation of components, modular weapons polymers, and new methods of production requires not only exchange of good practices, but also mechanisms of cooperation that are more agile and timely technical assistance.
Fourthly, Colombia would like to underscore the importance of addressing in a comprehensive way the issue of munitions.
As well as parts and components, traceability of munitions raises particular challenges for their production in large volumes and fragmented circulation, which requires specific technical cooperation, better marketing standards, effective controls throughout their supply chains.
Mr.
Chairman, for Colombia, international cooperation must be based on shared responsibility, solidarity, and respect for national priorities.
Must furthermore be strategic, predictable and geared towards measurable results with the goal of closing real gaps and supporting capacity.
Thank you.
Thank you, Colombia.
I have Egypt followed by Japan, Egypt, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair and allow us to congratulate you, first of all, on your chairmanship and thank you for all your efforts.
Over the previous months, we have been following your leadership.
That said, I wish to share those six points of observations and excuse me for sharing a couple of points in the previous section, but I'll be very brief.
First on paragraph seven, share that this is agreed language from previous RevC.
However, when we refer to the socioeconomic factors and environmental drivers in the current language that's in the text, it might give the impression that that's always the case that illicit trade of small arms and weapons has always a factor related to environmental changes and as well socioeconomic factors.
Our proposal is maybe to add a caveat that says, for example, if they exist or where they exist, because the current formulation again gives the sense that it's always the case, all illicit trade incidents have a factor of environmental aspects or socioeconomic factors.
That's our small caveat we propose in Paris seven.
On P nine, although in the middle of the paragraph there is this caveat of inconsistency with national laws, and as appropriate, we see that the last two lines are not covered by this.
Our proposal is to move the last two lines when it refers to concerted efforts and effective information exchange to the beginning of that sentence.
That's covered by national applicable laws.
That's the second point.
Our third point is to support the proposal by the US to remove the references to gender perspective from both paragraphs 11 and 15.
We see this aspect is already well covered by the text in different references.
We also support the US proposal to include additional emphasis to the word in accordance with national laws, maybe in the chapos of each section.
I know it's already present in so many paragraphs, but it will not be a problem to it in the chapot so we're covered in any case.
Fifth point, we support the Brazilian compromise language in paragraph 48.
We see it reasonable.
It covers the meaning, it does not change the message you want to send.
And finally, on paragraph 51, when it comes to international cooperation, Chair, our position here is that when we reaffirm the need to work is different than we reaffirm the work itself.
In paragraph 191 of the Rev fourth RevC, we reaffirm the to work particularly on creating some modes of international cooperation.
We propose the removal of the word need as it dilutes and weakens the meaning and the commitment to work on achieving some tangible measures and outcomes in international cooperation.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Egypt.
Japan followed by Tonga, Japan, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Japan recognizes the importance of ICA for the implementation of POA and ITI, and we appreciate added reference to the saving lives entity in paragraph 58 of the draft outcome document as a major contributor to the fund.
That said, in para 59 on the structured procedure, there is new language on the necessary administrative and financial resources to ensure a sustained operationalization.
My delegation would like to request explanation if this new language requires additional resources from the UN budget or PBI.
Thank you.
Thank you, Japan.
I have Tonga followed by Mexico and then Morocco.
Tonga, you have the floor.
Conger is not there.
Mexico, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chairman.
My country considers that international cooperation and assistance are essential elements for the full and effective implementation of the POA and the ITI, given that no state can confront alone the challenges represented by trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons.
In this context, international cooperation must be geared towards strengthening national capacities to prevent, detect, and investigate diversion of weapons throughout their life cycle.
This includes strengthening systems of marketing, registering, and localization, the secure management of arsenals, exchange of information, controls over transfer, and the development of operational capacities by the relevant authorities.
Mexico considers It's particularly important that assistance should respond to the needs identified by the beneficiary states, and it should be based on the principles of national appropriation sustainability and capacity building.
The transfer of equipment or technology must be accompanied by training, transfer of knowledge, and institutional strengthening that enables states to maintain and use these sustainably.
Mexico would like to highlight that in Latin America and the Caribbean, we have made important progress in the framework of the Inter American Convention Against the manufacture and illicit trafficking of firearms, munitions, explosives, and other related materials.
Likewise, the roadmap adopted in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Dominican Republic constitute concrete examples of approaches geared towards action that could contribute towards translating political commitments into tangible results.
In addition to North South cooperation, South South and triangular cooperation are additional instruments to share experience, knowledge, uh, technical knowledge and good practices adapted to the realities and needs of developing countries.
This is why we welcome the references to this in two of the final document, BMS nine.
Lastly, it's important to strengthen cooperation in all points of entry and exit of the supply chains, in particular, customs authorities, police authorities, border authorities, and judiciary authorities.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mexico.
I have Morocco, followed by Malaysia, Morocco, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
International cooperation remains a structural condition for collective effectiveness.
Illicit arms flows know no borders, and our response must also transcend those borders.
As a supporter of South South and triangular cooperation that shows solidarity and is effective.
For Morocco, regional security is based on sustainable long standing partnerships and in this regard, Morocco has identified four priorities for the outcome document of BMS nine first, making technical assistance a genuine pillar of cooperation and a capacity building tool.
The mechanism of national reports should pave the way to a coordinated and rapid response from donors.
We need to strengthen the link between national reports, the identification of needs, and the mobilization of resources.
Two, facilitating police and judicial cooperation between states thanks to harmonious legislation in criminalization and repression and punishment that is compatible with international marketing, registration labeling and information exchange mechanisms.
Three, Further invest in regional capacities and in data collection and analysis, UREC and sub regional mechanisms play an irreplaceable local role.
Strengthening states ability to identify trends and to share information ensures longstanding regional ownership of the program of action.
Four, assistance needs to encourage the transfer of digital tools and artificial intelligence for the sake of tracing, stocks management, interconnected databases, and all of this, of course, without once again, increasing the gaps between states while also strengthening their ability to deal with new threats, including modular weapons, three D printing, postal trade, and the darknet.
To conclude, Mr.
Chair, Morocco remains convinced that a solid architecture of international cooperation is the best investment one can make for peace and security.
We are contributing to that and we call upon all of our partners to do the same.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Morocco.
I have Malaysia, followed by El Salvador, followed by Mali.
Malaysia, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
The pursuit of international cooperation and assistance at an adequate level and in a measurable, sustainable and timely manner remains an integral factor underpinning the full and effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
Malaysia recognizes that technological advances in the manufacturing, design, and circulation of small arms and light weapons present both challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the POE and ITI.
Developments such as polymer frames and receivers, modular weapons, and illicitly three D printed firearms have made marking, record keeping, tracing, and diversion prevention more complex.
At the same time, new technologies can strengthen our collective capacity to detect, identify, and trace illicit weapons provided they are practical, affordable, and suited to national contexts.
Malisia therefore supports focused and technically sound discussions under the OETG anchored in existing POA and ITI commitments.
For many developing countries, however, the challenge is not only technological but also financial, institutional and capacity related.
Effective life cycle management of SALW requires trained personnel, reliable databases, forensic capability, equipment, and sustained access to technical expertise.
In this regard, MLI underscores the importance of international cooperation and assistance that is predictable, needs based, and nationally owned.
We welcome continued efforts to strengthen capacity building, including through the fellowship training program on SALW control with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.
MLSI also supports deeper cooperation with relevant international and regional partners, including Interpol, the World Customs Organization, UN ODA, ANPol, and other regional mechanisms.
Such cooperation is essential to strengthen information sharing, law enforcement coordination, border control, marking, record keeping, and tracing.
In line with UR's observations, Malaysia also sees values in engaging relevant technical experts from government, industry, academia, and civil society, particularly where practical solutions are needed on polymer markings, modular components, threeD printed firearms and technologies to counter diversion.
Moving forward, Malaysia believes that international cooperation and assistance must be measurable in impact and responsive to real needs on the ground.
Limited resources should be directed towards program that build sustainable national capacity, narrow technological gaps, and support effective implementation of the POA and ITI.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Malaysia.
I have El Salvador, followed by Mali, followed by Germany.
El Salvador, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
For El Salvador, international assistance and cooperation continue to be essential elements for guaranteeing the full and effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
Many states continue to face structural, technical, and financial challenges that limit their national abilities to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
We therefore believe it is essential to strengthen sustainable, predictable mechanisms that are adapted to national needs.
In that context, we appreciate the references included in the outcome document on capacity building, technical assistance, and effective mechanisms for linking national needs to available experience and resources.
Moreover, we believe it is important to recognize the value of national implementation reports as useful tools for identifying specific cooperation needs and specific needs for international assistance.
Chair, we are aware that the current international context presents significant challenges for the mobilization of resources, that notwithstanding, it is precisely faced with the magnitude and complexity of this scourge that we call for a re doubling of cooperation and assistance efforts between states in order to build national capacities to prevent and combat the trade in small arms and light weapons.
In this regard, El Salvador believes it is important to promote cooperation in areas related to technological developments applicable to the prevention and detection of the illicit trade, including capacities related to marking, tracing, register maintenance, and data analysis.
We also stress the importance of promoting inclusive approaches to international cooperation, including the full effective and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth perspectives.
We also recognize the important role played by international and regional organizations, academia, research centers, civil society, and other relevant actors in supporting the implementation of the program of action and its ITI.
Lastly, we reiterate that international cooperation should contribute not only to building institutional capacities, but also to supporting comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing the structural causes and the differentiated impacts of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, El Salvador.
I have Mali followed by Germany and then China.
Mali, you have the floor.
President Mr.
Chair, I would like to reiterate the congratulations of the delegation of Mali on the excellent way in which you are conducting our work.
Chair.
The security situation that our region is facing demonstrates that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is feeding terrorism, organized crime, violent extremism, and community conflict.
Terrorist armed groups are exploiting the shortcomings in border control mechanisms and a transnational criminal organizations are weakening institutions and they are procuring arms illicitly.
The proliferation of SALWs is a complex phenomenon with extremely serious consequences for the security of our population and our country.
Faced with this shared threat, no nation can act alone.
That is why Mali remains convinced that international cooperation and technical assistance constitute essential pillars for the effective implementation of the United Nations program of action.
It is with this in mind that the government of the Republic of Mali has made significant efforts to strengthen its national toolkit for combating the illicit trade in arms.
These efforts focused in alea on strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework, improving marking registration and tracing mechanisms, securing stocks and arms depots and ammunition, building the operational capacities of the defense and security forces, and developing sub regional and international cooperation.
However, there are still significant challenges given our vast territory, our porous borders, and the constant evolution of criminal networks.
For that reason, Mali once again calls for strengthened international partnership rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Mr.
Chair, Mali reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive and coordinated approach that combines state institutions, civil society organizations, women, young people, and local communities and brings them together in initiatives to prevent and combat the proliferation of SALWs.
Recent experience in Mali as part of the Silent Project in partnership with UREC have demonstrated that regional cooperation, technical dialogue, and support for national mechanisms can make a significant contribution to strengthening human security, social cohesion, and peace building.
For that reason, we call for the continuation and strengthening of international assistance mechanisms to support states efforts to implement the commitments under the program of action and the ITI.
We also congratulate the UNODC for the remarkable work that they are doing in our West African region.
Mr.
Chair, Mali also feels it is essential to strengthen regional cooperation, including among the states of the Sahel and West Africa to better coordinate actions against trafficking and trade networks that are operating beyond national borders.
Thank you very much indeed, Mary.
I have Germany, followed by China, followed by Austria.
Germany have a four.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Germany filled the alliance with the statement of the European Union.
Allow me to share the following points in our national capacity.
Germany remains a staunch supporter of efforts to strengthen small arms control all over the world.
Germany's new federal government understands humanitarian arms control and disarmament as a pillar of our foreign and security policy as a concrete contribution to our security, freedom, and welfare.
Hence, and despite shrinking budgets, Germany continued to support small arms and control projects with a combined volume of about 15 million euro last year.
In addition, Germany also contributes technical expertise and implementation support through specialized training, advisory and capacity building activities delivered by the German armed forces in the fields of small arms, light weapons, and conventional ammunition in close cooperation with international and regional organizations alongside implementing partners, including the Bonn International Center for Conflict Studies.
Mr.
Chair, distinguished colleagues, not only in times of increasingly strained budgets, we need to continuously strive for increasing efficiency and effectiveness to ensure taxpayers funds generate the highest possible impact to strengthen the implementation of the UN POA and ITI across the globe.
Whenever possible, Germany partners with other donors and jointly funding projects via trust fund contributions.
Germany is among the biggest contributors to the UNODC Global Firearms Program, to the OSCE Self repository Fund, and the multi partner Trust Fund in the Western Balkans.
Germany makes use of the trust fund instrument also in supporting activities with other key partners, including UN ODA, UNDER, and UNIC.
Let me highlight one additional trust fund mechanism.
Unskar, the UN Trust Facility Supporting cooperation Arms regulation, combines two priorities for Germany, better cooperation and pooling of resources and supporting civil society and NGOs in contributing to the POA's implementation.
In this context, allow me to flag Wednesday's side event by Unskar that will showcase achievements and outcomes from UnskR funded projects.
For Germany, another funding approach that has proven to increase efficiency through cooperation and coordination remains supporting regional initiatives such as dedicated roadmaps.
Regional roadmaps are particularly effective in addressing the transnational nature of self diversion, illicit manufacturing, and proliferation.
Mr.
Chair, Germany is looking forward to continue working together toward our common goal of strengthening international efforts to prevent the illicit manufacture diversion and trafficking of small arms and net weapons.
I thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Germany.
I have now China followed by Austria, followed by Bulgaria.
China, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Chair, China effectively supports international cooperation in the area of control of SOR.
China believes that the current priority is to provide practical assistance to developing countries enhancing their capacity building efforts, narrowing gaps in policy and law enforcement among countries, and addressing the risks and loopholes associated with the illicit trafficking of SO.
China has been working closely with the UN through the China UN Peace and Development Fund to implement capacity building programs under the control of SSO for African countries, thereby assisting them in advancing DDR efforts and in maintaining stability in the public order.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce that China UN Africa training Course on capacity building for the Control of SSO will be held in China soon.
This Training will be facing the Great Lake countries and it is a practical training.
It will last about 20 days.
And the training program will cover legislation, law enforcement, IT development, firearms management, firearms classification, international standards and regulations governing SSO destruction of SSO, border management and joint patrol operations.
China hopes that this training will become a positive beginning for further expanding and ranching international cooperation and control of SSO.
China supports that all parties step up cooperation, and we call upon countries with capacity to provide technology and also funding.
To explore more trilateral and South South cooperation modalities.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, China.
I have Austria, Bulgaria, Cuba, Tonga.
Austria, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair and please at the outset, allow me to congratulate you and please be reassured that you have our full support as you steer us for this biannual meeting.
Austria fully aligns with the statement delivered by the EU and I would like to highlight four national priorities.
First, Austria supports the continued work on the implications of new and emerging technologies for SOL control, including for an open ended and inclusive expert process.
Technological developments must be addressed to ensure that our frameworks remain effective and future proof.
Second, addressing ammunition remains indispensable.
Without effective management and control of conventional ammunition, efforts to curb the illicit trade in SOL will remain incomplete.
Thirdly, Austria underscores the importance of integrating gender perspectives across all aspects of SOL control in line with the women peace and security agenda.
Armed violence continues to disproportionately affect women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Austria will continue its cooperation with UN ODA, including through the UN Safeguard Women Ammunition Expert Network and related training initiatives.
Finally, we must, and I think this is what we'll be doing here, also, we must strengthen complementarity between the POA and the ITI and other relevant instruments, in particular, the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Firearms Protocol, and the global Framework for F Life Convention ammunition Management.
Coherent implementation across these frameworks is essential to prevent diversion and reduce illicit trafficking.
Chair, Austria remains firmly committed to working with all partners to advance effective implementation of the POA and the ITI and to reduce the human suffering caused by the illicit trade in small arms and lead weapons.
Thank you.
Thank you, Austria.
I have Bulgaria, Cuba, Uruguay, Pakistan, and Equatorial Guinea.
Bulgaria, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Bulgaria recognizes the essential role of international cooperation and assistance, including capacity building and supporting the full and effective implementation of the POA and ITI.
We recognize the value of synergies, relevant international and regional processes.
States investing significant resources in multiple disarmament and arm control frameworks should be able to maintain engagement in mutually reinforcing and compatible manner.
More synchronized and stream aligned reporting together with enhanced exchange of best practices and expertise can provide a practical dimension to such synergies and contribute to more efficient implementation efforts.
Bulgaria remains committed to constructive dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening international efforts to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trait of solving all its aspects.
Thank you.
Thank you, Bulgaria.
I have Cuba, followed by Uruguay, Pakistan and Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
We believe it is essential that cooperation and international assistance efforts fully respect the agreed mandate of these instruments and take into account the priorities capacities and needs that are specific to each state.
The effective implementation of the POA cannot be rooted in uniform one size fits all approaches nor the imposition of single models that ignore national and regional realities.
The differences in institutional, technical, and financial capacities between states makes it clear that there is a need to strengthen genuine international cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and non interference internal affairs and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
International assistance and capacity building must be focused in particular on supporting developing countries through the transfer of technologies, the exchange of experience, technical capacity building, and the provision of adequate resources to effectively implement the program of action and the International tracing instrument.
Cuba believes that any initiative aimed at establishing national targets or regional targets in this area should be strictly voluntary in nature and should be adjusted to the priorities and legal frameworks of each country.
We reiterate that new tools are not needed that would require greater financing or administrative burdens from developing countries.
To effectively address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, it is essential that we address the root causes, including socioeconomic inequalities, poverty, and exclusion.
Mr.
Chair, in the current international context marked by growing geopolitical tensions, unilaralism, unilateral coercive measures, blockades, the spread of military doctrines, and the use of the threat of the use of force, This is a serious obstacle to the strengthening of international cooperation and the consolidation and strengthening of international security.
Cuba rejects interventionist policies and threats of the use of force against sovereign states, including constant threats of military aggression by the United States against our country, which would have incalculable consequences not only for Cuba, but also for the United States and the entire region.
We reaffirm the need to preserve multilateralism, respect for international law, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations charter.
We reiterate our commitment to the preservation of the Latin America and Caribbean as one of peace which was adopted at Celaec in Havana in 2014 as an expression of regional commitment to the peace settlement of disputes, recognizing that there can be no peace without development or cooperation between states.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Cuba.
I have Uruguay followed by Pakistan and Ecuador, Guinea.
Uruguay, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
International cooperation and assistance are essential factors for the effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
There's no doubt that these joint efforts are essential for all states to advance in combating illicit trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons, especially in a context where technological challenges and new developments in the design of weapons raise new challenges that require coordinated and specialized responses.
In a practical approach, Uruguay would like to highlight the importance of strengthening existing assistance frameworks through a dialogue structure between donors and beneficiaries that maximizes good practices, exchange of experience and available resources.
Cooperation should involve multiple actors, including civil society and long term programs that are based on participation.
Also, the transfer of technology should be incorporated into a broader framework that uh that includes specialized developing special capacities, especially in the face of new types of weapons, including polymer, modular weapons and others.
It's important also to receive technical assistance to to be able to monitor P's borders using mans technology.
Also, it's important to enhance capacities at the regional and sub regional level through programs such as the uh such as various programs in the Latin American region and other programs and the initiative supported by the UNODC.
Specific experiences together with the efforts of training, transfer of technology offers tangible instruments to work to effectively deal with the challenges of the illicit trafficking of weapons.
Thank you.
Thank you, Uruguay.
I have Pakistan, followed by Equatorial Guinea, Pakistan, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you and your team for the manner in which you are conducting and you have conducted the preparatory process so far, and we wish to extend our support.
Chair, I would like to have three very brief points.
One, we recognize that in the document, there are references to terrorism and terrorists, which are very important in terms of, illicit arms, but we think that it is also important to explicitly mention the UN proscribed, entities with UN arms embargo.
Um, it could be done in one or two paragraphs, and we will supply the proposal in writing to the chairs team.
Hopefully, it will be taken on board.
Secondly, we would like to highlight the um, you know, important aspect of destabilizing accumulation of illicit arms, especially in the hands of non state actors as well as transnational organizations, which pose serious threats, and this is something that has been highlighted by a number of delegations already.
Um, and again, we will propose a very brief language and share it with your office.
And lastly, we would like to extend our support to the proposal made by Egypt in paragraph 51.
Thank you.
Thank you, Pakistan.
Before I pass to Equatorial Guinea, can I just make the point that I have no further speakers on my list requesting the floor.
If you do wish to speak, we won't conclude agenda item eight today.
We will resume agenda item eight when we meet on Wednesday.
But those who would like to use the time available this afternoon, which is considerable, we have another 1 hour of translation interpretation.
Um, please do put your names for it if you're in a position to speak.
But for the moment, let me pass to Equatorial Guinea, followed by Ghana and Dominican Republic.
Equatorial Guinea, you have the floor.
En Presidente.
Thank you, Chair.
I'd like to start by congratulating you on your election as well as the other members of the Bureau.
I'd like to wish you success in the conduct of our work.
Mr.
Chairman, frequently we speak of the need to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
However, we must ask ourselves the fundamental question, where do these weapons come from? The immense majority of terrorist groups or illegal armed groups do not possess, capacities to produce weapons, nor do countries of the South have capabilities.
That is why it's legitimate to ask how these weapons reach the hands of those who fuel violence, terrorism, and insecurity.
We must acknowledge that the responsibility is not only on the shoulders of those who use these illicit weapons, but those who produce them, commercialize them, transfer them, or allow that they wind up in illicit markets.
Well, the economic benefit a prevails over international cooperation, it will be difficult to achieve lasting results.
If there is true political will, it will be possible to strengthen controls, improve traceability, prevent diversion, and demand greater accountability throughout the entire supply chain.
Ectorial Guinea hopes that this conference goes beyond simply declarations and seeks concrete, effective and balanced measures.
Victims of armed violence do not require new pledges, they require results.
Thank you.
Thank you, Equatorial Guinea.
I have Ghana, followed by Dominican Republic, followed by France.
Ghana, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
From the Ghanian perspective, international cooperation is key in the implementation of the POA.
Ghana, just like its neighbors in the sub region have serious issues to do with illegal mining.
But in the document shared, it looks like that has not been highlighted.
Ilegal mining is fueling a lot of illicit trafficked firearms in the sub region.
And illegal mining in Ghana, which is popularly called Galmse has led to a lot of confrontation between the security agencies in Ghana and those who traffic these weapons into these mining areas.
Ghana has adopted an interagency collaboration which is led by the Interior Ministry and also the national security.
Training and more training is key in the area of fighting illicit weapons in Ghana.
And so we have received some support from the German government through the BICC and that has helped us in securing a weapon detection system, the only one of its kind we have in the country.
And so international support to donors here could also be looking at some support and training for Ghana.
Once again, international cooperation, if you ask me, Mr.
Chairman, an assistant in the context of Ghana will require transparency and fairness and accountability.
Ghana is now preparing, Mr.
Chairman, to destroy thousands of weapons that were surrounded during an amnesty program between late last year and early this year, and that is likely to be done on the 25th of June, on the 9th of July, which is the UN day for destruction of weapons and would use this opportunity to invite all of you on the said day for this destruction.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you very much indeed, Ghana.
I have Dominican Republic, followed by France, followed by Switzerland.
Dominican Republic, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Chair.
The Dominican Republic is grateful for the presentation during the session on international cooperation and assistance as well as other relevant issues for the effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
My delegation reaffirms that effective international cooperation, as mentioned in paragraph 51, must be predictable, sustainable, and most importantly, it should be based on national priorities.
For countries such as the Dominican Republic, it is essential that technical assistance is aligned with national realities and contributes to tangible and lasting results by strengthening institutional capacities and operational capacities.
With this in mind, we strongly support strengthening the partnership described in paragraph 51, particularly in critical areas such as border control and customs control, marking, registering, and tracing, as well as the safe management of arsenals.
These elements are fundamental to prevent the diversion of weapons towards illegal markets and no authorized actors.
This is a phenomenon that disproportionately affects our region.
Likewise, we agree with the appeal in paragraph 53 to promote south south and triangular cooperation without this substituting North South cooperation.
Regional experience demonstrates that exchange of good practices and knowledge among countries with similar challenges can generate solutions that are more effective and more adapted to realities.
The Dominican Republic would like to highlight in this context, the importance of regional roadmaps, in particular, the roadmap of Central America and the Dominican Republic and the roadmap of the Caribbean.
These strategic frameworks make it possible to operationalize international commitments by facilitating regional cooperation, capacity building, and mobilization of resources in a more efficient and coherent way, consistent with the specific needs of each region.
With regard to international assistance, we support efforts described in paragraph 54.
256 to strengthen national capacities in the area of marking, identification, and tracing.
We underscore the importance of closing technological gaps between developed countries and developing countries, especially in the face of rapid progress in the manufacturing of weapons.
We also value the program of fellowships on control of small arms and light weapons mentioned in paragraph 57 as an essential instrument to strengthen technical knowledge in developing countries and ensure their sustainability.
As far as the financial mechanism mentioned in paragraph 58, the microphone is going to be switched off.
Thank you, Dominican Republic.
I have France followed by Switzerland.
France, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chairman.
France in particular supports regional and sub regional cooperation and assistance.
I would like to in particular mention two relevant initiatives in this area.
First of all, France would like to express its support for the Center for streamlining post conflict activities of demining in Benin Ida Benin.
This is a regional academy.
It's an academy that offers training for managers of weapon munitions storehouses as far as training in de mining, as well as the physical management of stockpiles.
In 2025, the center trained ten technicians from the West Africa region.
We provide annual financing to this school and also provide to it several of our military experts.
Secondly, France would like to express its support to the roadmap for combating trafficking of small arms and light weapons in the Western Balkans in order to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the authorities of the region, to improve coordination with donors and to undertake new actions to better combat arms trafficking.
France provides a financial contribution to this initiative through its stakeholder multilateral fund, MPTF And we also provide direct expertise in the area of cofil capacities and deactivation of weapons.
Thank you.
Thank you, France, Switzerland, followed by Italy, Switzerland, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
As this is the first time Switzerland takes the floor, allow me to congratulate you on your election to chair BMS nine and to ensure you of my delegation's full support and cooperation as you guide us towards a consensus outcome this week.
Switzerland thanks you and your team for ref two.
It moves us in the right direction and we commend the skill with which you have protected the broad support the previous draft enjoyed while keeping the text concise.
We can support the large majority of the changes and are ready to work constructively this week.
We will have more substantial remarks on the outcome document during the next agenda item.
More generally, a functioning international cooperation and assistance mechanism is a core priority for Switzerland.
Matching genuine needs with available resources and expertise and ensuring that assistance is predictable, nationally owned, and sustainable is what allows states to translate these commitments in these instruments into real capacity to act.
Our overriding objective remains the one at the heart of the program of action to actively prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit flows of small arms and light weapons that fuel armed violence and conflict.
We see ref two as advancing that objective.
Given the limited time available to us here in New York, Switzerland also attaches importance to a meaningful intersectional period.
Several of the questions before us, in particular, the more technical ones will not be exhausted in two days.
We therefore welcome the recognition in paragraph 17 of the open ended technical expert group and its mandate to continue developing consensus recommendations between now and BMS ten.
We see this as the right vehicle to carry forward discussions that we cannot conclude this week.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you, Switzerland.
The final delegation seeking to speak on my list is Italy.
If anybody else wishes to intervene on this item today, now would be a great time to indicate your interest in doing so.
But now I pass the floor to Italy.
You have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, thank you.
Italy confirms its unwavering support towards international cooperation and capacity building in the field of prevention contrast and the eradication of illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.
Mr.
Chair, Italy aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.
I would like to add some few remarks in my national capacity.
Mr.
Chair, when we discuss about cooperation and assistance in contrasting illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, we cannot underestimate how discord is strictly connected to the one of organized crime.
Italy proudly promotes its expertise in tackling these challenges and expertise founded on our core principles and values, also through several initiatives of legal diplomacy, reaching partner states through the harmonization of law and standards, training programs, and capacity building activities.
In 2020, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Palermo Convention, the Falcone Borcellino program was launched.
Operating on a regional basis, this program pursues the same objectives as the convention by strengthening cooperation between Rome and the countries of Central and South America in the fight against organized crime.
This full Italian funded legal and security diplomacy initiative complements and announces similar actions already undertaken at the European level.
Our programs promote an innovative approach to international cooperation in the fight against organized crime founded upon the broad sharing of investigative information and a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics that characterize criminal organization with the aim of strengthening the operational response capacities of all of enforcement agencies.
In addition to national programs, CTA actively participates in third party initiatives demonstrating its commitment on multiple fronts.
As a virtuous example, within the Pacam program de asistencia control the arms Munitions in the Caribbean, my country supported concrete actions in Barbados, Bizez, Dominican Republic, Sam Santa Granadin aimed at strengthening national capacity to prevent and combat illicit trafficking of weapons.
Mr.
Chair, international cooperation and assistance means also contributing to address the root causes of the proliferation of small arson and light weapons and its connection with the cycle of violence that burdens many regions of the world.
Through our cooperation to development and flagship programs like the Mate Plan for Africa, Italy has promoted the paradigm shift, which consists in building partnership on an equal footing, moving beyond the traditional donor beneficiary approach and generating mutual benefits and opportunities.
My government commitment within this framework of cooperation development is also directed at addressing the deeply rooted causes of violence and small armment like weapon proliferation, while providing support and relief to the population most affected by this phenomena.
Mr.
Chair, Italy will continue to provide its support, expertise and resources to improve the international cooperation and capacity building in preventing, combating, eradicating the illicit trading sold.
Italy will keep contributing to meet the key objectives of the program of action and.
Thank you, Italy.
In fact, I do have an additional delegation seeking to speak, India, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
At the outset, our delegation congratulates the chair on the chairship of this extremely important deliberation.
We are also very happy that the Indian proposal to have emerging technology as both challenges as well as attributing factors and the ways to mitigate the risk has been considered for the theme of this BMS nine, and we're very happy to note that.
On the same note, we would also like to add that we would probably be a little more encouraged if we have addition of certain technological aspects which have been mentioned in the Rev co four, but do not find mention in BMS nine.
For example, technological challenges, dark web and digital transfer to name a few.
The second point I'd like to make Chair, is that for India, cross border terrorism is a major area of concern.
We note that terrorists have been listed as unauthorized recipients in addition to unauthorized recipients in three paragraphs of the BMS nine, however, about 12 paragraphs have only the words unauthorized recipients.
We would suggest that we could add terrorists to that list.
Also, we note that in paragraph 48, we've spoken about industry code We would suggest that we delete that as it is already in consonance with the national laws.
In fact, in India, we have the NDALAIS a national law in which we have digitized all our licensing and registration processes, and we would be very happy to help anybody in this aspect.
In the NDLALS, we have unique ID numbers, electronic licenses, effective tracing, secure supply chain management, accurate forecasting and weeding out of non moving inventory.
Resulting in better life cycle management.
The next point I'd like to make is the link between SALW and the global framework on ammunition.
We're very encouraged by the fact that distinguished delegates from Finland, El Salvador, and Brazil have brought that out.
The last two points I'd like to make, Chair, are about migrants versus trafficking.
We believe that both would mean similar aspects, and therefore we could consider deletion of migrants as trafficking is already mentioned.
We also do not understand the exact link between exact reason for adding violent extremism, which does not have an exact definition at the moment.
Until we have a specific definition, we may reconsider addition of that.
At the end, Chair, I would like to bring out that India hosted the first UN fellowship for the Asia Pacific region, and we're very happy to cooperate in that further as we go by.
Thank you.
Thank you, India.
I have no other delegation seeking to take the floor on this agenda item.
There are a couple of things that I would suggest with your broad agreement.
First of all, Japan had an inquiry in the course of an intervention earlier which I can invite the Secretariat to speak to and I'll do that in just one moment.
Then I suggest, as I've said before, we will resume our consideration of agenda item eight at 10:00 A.M.
On Wednesday as scheduled.
But we also have something 30 minutes of interpretation this evening and so with broad agreement of colleagues, I think we might adjourn this meeting in a moment, the formal proceedings and meet in an informal setting with interpretation to consider the outcome document if colleagues are agreeable to that and very very happy to take interventions on that.
I have Saudi Arabia seeking the floor.
Saudi Arabia can ask, is that in relation to what I've just proposed or are you seeking to a speak on agenda item eight more broadly.
Sad, you have the floor.
We wish to speak, Mr.
Chair.
We thank you and we express our support for the proposals put forth by the US and Egypt.
Regarding the importance that all measures adopted remain within the implementation of the POA, in line with national legislations, we believe that this principle is an extremely important element within the POA.
We also note that similar language was included in the outcome document of RevCMV.
We believe that underscoring this principle in the current document would be in line with previous agreed precedents.
We also support the proposal to include this in the chapot of every paragraph in the document.
This means that it would be coherent, it would apply on every part of the text without a need to repeat that in every single paragraph.
We remain ready to commit and to cooperate constructively with all delegations and with you, Mr.
Chair, in order to determine the best placement for this language.
We also look forward to contributing to achieving a balanced and consensual outcome document.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Saudi Arabia, very much indeed.
I have no other delegations seeking the floor, in which case, I'll now turn to the Secretariat to respond to the query raised by Japan earlier in this afternoon's proceedings.
I will.
Thank you, Chair.
The distinguished delegate of Japan made reference to paragraph 59 of the CRP one in front of you.
The Secretariat I would like to clarify that the language in that paragraph is not a new mandate.
It's a reiteration of a mandate from Rev Co four on the need to establish the structured procedure which the Secretariat has not been able to establish fully.
I mean, to have it operate.
You would hear more on this particular issue on Wednesday when we take the floor to make presentations on the various mandates that have been addressed to the Secretariat.
To summarize, chair, that language is not for a program budget implication.
Thank you so much, much appreciated.
In the absence of any delegation seeking the floor on agenda item eight, which is currently open for consideration and noting, of course, that we will resume considerations under agenda item eight on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
I would propose that we adjourn the formal portion of these proceedings and then resume in an informal setting until 6:00 P.M.
So the proposed approach is that we shall adjourn the formal meeting now, formal consideration of agenda eight, item eight now, and then we will resume on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M.
In this room for the further formal consideration of agenda item eight, and then the balance, of course, of the agenda before us and has just been mentioned, the opening proceedings of agenda Item eight, the opening of the proceedings on Wednesday, we'll hear a presentation by the Secretariat on mandate implementation, the small arms and light weapons fellowship training program, the structured procedure, and the new funding mechanism, and of course, look forward to seeing more colleagues there.
I also mention in the same vein as I mentioned, side events earlier just before we broke for lunch.
There is in fact a proposed side event tomorrow, Tuesday, 2nd of June, which would be a report launching the arms transfers under pressure, preventing diversion in a changing global landscape that will be hosted by UN IDIR, UNODC, UNODA and UNDP, and that will be in room s1519 or online at 9:00 A.M.
Tomorrow morning.
With those remarks, unless any delegation wishes to raise an issue in these formal proceedings or the Secretariat for that matter, I'll formally adjourn our proceedings, noting that we will resume on Wednesday formally with that presentation and for a resumption of our consideration of agenda item eight and the meeting is therefore adjourned.