(3rd plenary meeting) Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons — Ninth Biennial Meeting of States

Okay, ladies and gentlemen.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd be kind enough to take your seats.
Colleagues, if you'd be kind enough to take your seats.
Very good.
I call to order the third meeting of the ninth Biennual 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, the meeting is resumed.
So where we left off on Monday, you'll recall, I thought we had a super productive discussion and I thank all delegations for their constructive and positive engagement and consideration.
I think we made good progress on our agenda, and that gives us an opportunity, I think, to think creatively about how we use the available time that remains to us.
So I would ask you to think carefully about your interventions and where you can make the greatest difference.
We also have an opportunity, we will definitely have an opportunity to hear from international organizations and civil society.
Our agenda as published had us progressing, I think in formal session throughout the whole of today.
What I would very much like to do because we made good progress on Monday and we concluded agenda item seven and I think we made good progress on agenda item eight, I would like us to be able to conclude agenda item eight by a mid morning, if we can possibly today, and then move to interventions by international organizations, civil society and others.
I think that provides us a tremendous opportunity then to regroup this afternoon in an informal session to progress work on the language of our draft outcomes document.
Obviously, I will be guided by member states on all of that and it depends on the engagement we have and the contributions that you wish to make.
But I think if we are able to deliver some efficiencies in that regard, it will be beneficial for all of us.
With that, of course, I want to formally advise that we'll resume shortly our discussion on Agenda item eight, 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.
We had a number of delegations who took the floor on that issue, I think we possibly had a relatively small number of delegations who wished also to further contribute.
But if you would indicate, I haven't retained a list of any outstanding member states who wish to intervene on agenda item eight.
If you wish to indicate your interest in doing so, do so in the usual way, please, by pressing your button.
But before we embark on the substantive discussion of agenda item eight from member states, I would like to confirm that we'll be hearing 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 as we foreshadowed before we concluded on Monday.
Accordingly, it's my pleasure to give the floor to Mr.
Emmanuel Martinez Morales, program Management Officer at the Conventional Arms branch of the UN Office for Disarmment Affairs.
Mr.
Morales, the floor is yours.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Good morning, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues.
It is my pleasure to brief you today on the implementation of key mandates from the fourth Review conference by the Secretariat.
This presentation today will focus on three areas, the structure procedure for assistance, the dedicated funding mechanism, and the fellowship training program.
Let me begin with the structured procedure for assistance.
Rev conform mandated the Secretariat to establish a mechanism to match needs, offers, and expertise more effectively, thereby strengthening international cooperation.
The objective is to move towards a more systematic, transparent, and responsive approach to assistance under the POA and the ITI.
Progress has been made in designing this mechanism.
However, implementation in 2026 has been affected by the UN liquidity situation and budgetary adjustments, including the abolition of two posts originally foreseen for this function.
Despite these constraints, a conceptual design has been developed project proposal template has been circulated to member states on June 1st, and this template is to be integrated into the POA online reporting platform.
In the long term, this mechanism is envisioned as a clearing house enabling matching between needs, funding, and expertise.
The template itself is designed to be user friendly and comprehensive and it is fully aligned with the POA and ITI reporting requirements, the existing ones, and it is a structure to support project development, monitoring, and transparency.
As you will see in the template, it includes sections on project design, funding requirements, risk management, and measurable outputs, and we have invited member states to provide feedback to ensure that the tool is fit for purpose.
Turning now to the dedicated funding mechanism, fourth Review conference requested the establishment of a mechanism under the UN Trust Fund for global and regional disarmament to mobilize voluntary contributions in support to small arms control.
This mechanism is designed to complement existing instruments such as USCAR and salient and provide targeted support to priority needs identified by member states.
The mechanism has now been both conceptualized and formally launched.
No Verval has been circulated as well, informing member states that the mechanism is open for contributions.
At this stage, the full operationalization will depend on voluntary funding coming in to the trust fund, which will enable it to support concrete assistance projects and reinforce the structure procedure I just described earlier.
Let me now turn to the fellowship training program, which is perhaps the most advanced element of this mandate.
The fellowship training program was established by member states and it aims to strengthen technical and operational capacity of government officials, particularly from developing countries in implementing the POA and the ITI.
Despite financial constraints in 2025 and 2026, the program has been successfully rolled out.
However, a number of adjustments were required.
First, the launch of the program could only be materialized in summer 2025, and the in person component of the training had to be reduced from four weeks as originally envisioned to three with additional content delivered online.
Importantly, in 2026, we will achieve full delivery in the number of additions, and this is the four regional additions mandated per year.
The fellowship is built around three core pillars.
The first one being technical knowledge transfer, combining online and in person training, including simulations, practical demonstrations, and field exercises.
The second one is the community of practice, which aims to connect practitioners across regions and partners and institutions.
The third one is what we call idea incubation through individual projects developed by each fellow to address real national challenges.
Together, these three pillars ensure that the program is not only educational, but also operational and impact oriented, and in particular, pillar three on individual projects.
We see this as a direct link to the POA political process.
In terms of technical depth on Pillar one, knowledge transfer, the fellowship has delivered over 450 hours of technical content covering core areas related to illicit arms, including, but not only normality frameworks, marking, record keeping and tracing, stockpile management, transfer and border control, and emerging risks.
Very importantly, over 30% of the training is practical and it includes, as I mentioned earlier, simulations, field visits, and operational exercises, as you can see on the screen.
In terms of the second pillar, the program has already created a global network with more than 70 fellows from across institutions, but predominantly from police, ministries of Defense, armed forces, and security and interior and and all our fellows have developed an equal number of individual initiatives or projects elaborated during the training with instructors, mentoring and peer support.
As you can see on the screen, these ideas or these projects include forwarding or developing digital registries, marketing, record keeping and tracing procedures, or advancements and alignment on practices on stockpile management and destruction.
They represent a pipeline of implementable solutions and all of them are grounded on national ownership.
Of course, a key strength of the program.
This pilot is its whole of sector approach, let's say, more than 80 specialized sessions were delivered and led by UN institutions, national institutions, and international and technical partners, many of them are present today in the room, and we believe that this diversity ensures the technical content but the credibility and the relevance of the content.
I would like to acknowledge our partners present here today.
In terms of the I Program reach since the launch in summer 2025, the fellowship has been implemented globally, first in the Caribbean, in Trinidad and Tobago.
Subsequently in Africa, in Togo, and Benin, and this year in Asia the Pacific, in India, and in Europe for We and Eastern European Group in Italy and France.
All UN regional groups have been covered, and I can't emphasize this enough once again, this would not have been possible without the work and close cooperation with UDA regional centers and a number of core partners such as Unitary Unity, UNODC, the African Union, Interpol, and many specialized and civil society organizations.
I Very briefly, across the four regional editions in the Caribbean, the focus was mainly on maritime security, law enforcement responses and forensic ballistics and we hosted the training with our partners in the National Security Training Academy in Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain.
In the Africa edition, the focus was more on stockwl management, marking, secondary marketing practices, and national coordination and was hosted by Ung, the peacekeeping training center in Togo, and the mining Center in Benin.
In Asia and the Pacific, the emphasis was placed on physical security and stockpile management, destruction, regional cooperation, and different aspects of supply chain security, and it was hosted by the Military College of Materials Management of the Indian Army.
In the last edition, less than a month ago in Europe, we addressed export controls, emerging technologies in depth and tracing cooperation and the training was hosted at the UN staff College and Interpol headquarters.
The program is result driven and all fellows undertake entry and exit assessments which show an average increase of knowledge of around 12%, double digits there and consistent improvement across all technical areas in the training.
These demonstrates the program measurable effectiveness, and I'm also happy to report that in terms of feedback and satisfaction levels by fellows, the measure is either excellent or very good mainly, and it has increased over time.
Now, finally, looking ahead and in terms of our next steps for second half of 2026, the program management capacities will be consolidated in UN ODA office in Vienna and new editions of the training will expand linguistic and regional coverage, so we will be delivering our first iteration in French, for French speaking countries in Africa, that will happen in Togo and Benin in August, and then our first iteration in Spanish for Latin American states, and that will happen in Peru in November.
Of course, we will continue refining our design and delivery of the program as we move on.
In conclusion, the first year of the fellowship has been, um, has demonstrated that the program is a powerful tool for capacity building.
In terms of the structure procedure and the funding mechanisms, we are taking steps for them to take shape despite some budgetary constraints and together, these elements strengthen both the upstream and downstream implementation of the POA and ITI and the health of the political process.
The Secretariat remains committed to working closely with the member states to translate the mandates into practical action on the ground.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Thank you so much for that super interesting presentation and congratulations, I think on the program.
I attended the side event on Monday, which I thought was really interesting and quite inspiring, well done.
Now, if somebody will press my screen so I can see a list of states, we will resume our consideration of agenda item eight.
As I said, I'd invite all delegations who wish to speak to indicate they wish to do so in the usual way.
As I also indicated at the outset, I'd very much like us to be in a position to conclude agenda item eight if we can by mid morning and that will then enable us to move on to international organizations, NGOs and civil society with the ambition, and of course, it is only an ambition at this stage, but with the ambition of concluding today's formal proceedings by lunchtime and thereby freeing up the afternoon for an informal exchange on the draft outcome document because I think we have some work to do there.
Right.
I have a good list in front of me, and I will initiate proceedings by inviting Guyana to speak on behalf of Cracom.
Following Guyana, I have Nepal, Tim Orste, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chile and Brazil.
Guyana, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean community, Carom.
Caricom remains deeply concerned that illegal firearms continue to be a primary driver of criminality across our region.
Adré the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons is therefore a central priority for our member states.
We underscore the importance of strengthened support for the full and effective implementation of the POA and the ITA.
We take the opportunity to highlight the Caricm Firearms roadmap as a practical and forward looking regional model bringing global commitments with concrete national delivery.
We commend the support extended to our countries, including through the co custodians of the roadmap, Carm Impacts and URL.
We reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with all partners to combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
Collective responsibility is evident in the consensus based approach adopted within these frameworks.
Recent evidence from our region also reinforces the need to frame firearms violence more broadly, not merely as an issue of domestic crime, but as a multidimensional challenge with implications for transnational security, public health, governance, and sustainable development.
Addressing it effectively therefore requires integrated responses that bring together security, justice, prevention, public health, and development policies.
In this respect, we remain supportive of the need for the full equal and meaningful participation of women in all decision making processes.
The Caribbean community would like to highlight the following key priorities for our region.
We call for strengthened international cooperation and assistance, including technology and knowledge transfer to support prevention, risk profiling, early warning, and operational coordination.
We also emphasize the importance of continued support for national implementation alongside sustained investment in regional mechanisms that pool expertise, harmonized standards, and facilitate intelligence sharing.
Without strong regional architecture, national efforts, risk fragmentation and diminished impact, we further underscore the need to enhance real time information exchange, including crime gun intelligence sharing, ballistic cooperation, and coordinated cargo and passenger risk management.
We also call for sustained assistance for physical security and stockpile management, as well as weapons and ammunition management, safe disposal, and ammunition safety in line with established international standards.
Finally, we stress that prevention must remain at the core of our efforts.
Strengthened international cooperation should support the integration of women and youth engagement and broader social resilience into small arms and light weapons implementation frameworks.
Echo the sentiment expressed by the High Representative of Disarmament affairs to allocate specific financing to empower community based organizations that champion the inclusion of women and children into these efforts.
Carm would also like to thank those delegations that have expressed their willingness to work with other member states and coordinate relevant training and other forms of assistance.
Carrico reaffirms its commitment to working in partnership with the international community to advance a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable response to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
I thank you.
Thank you, Go on behalf of Cracom and I now have Napole followed by Tim Oleste and colleagues, I still have a vision issue, if I'm not looking at you, it's because I can't see you, so I do apologize for that, but I can't hear you.
Napole, you have the floor.
Thank you for the floor, Mr.
Chair.
Nepal recognizes that the effective implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument contributes positively to advancing peace and security, human dignity, and sustainable development as reflected in target 16.4 of Azenda 2013.
However, fulfilling the commitments under the POA and ITI requires strong institutions, adequate capacities, and sustained support.
Many member states, particularly developing and least developed countries, face constraints to fulfill their obligations under the POA and ITI.
Strengthened partnerships are therefore essential.
Enhanced financial, technical, and capacity building assistance can help reinforce national institutions responsible for border management, stockpile security, customs administration, law enforcement, tracing mechanisms, and the adoption of modern technologies for marking, record keeping and tracing.
Equally important is strengthening national statistical capacities to collect, analyze, and utilize deseggregated data for evidence based policy making and effective implementation.
Mr.
Chair, the primary responsibility for addressing the challenges arising from illicit trade of SALW rests with the states.
Adequate, predictable, and sustained assistance within the existing policy framework is necessary to implement the agreed commitments.
Technological gap has constrained the ability of many developing countries to address new developments in SALW manufacturing, design, and transfer, in particular, polymer and modular weapons and firearms produced by three D printing.
In this regard, greater cooperation through the sharing of expertise, technology, equipment, and best practices, as well as continued efforts to raise awareness is crucial.
Nepal supports building complementarity between regional and global approaches to arms control and nonproliferation.
We commend the valuable contribution of the United Nations regional centers in assisting member states through training, outreach, and technical support for the implementation of the POA and ITI.
We also welcome the establishment of a dedicate fellowship training program on SALW as a timely step to strengthen technical expertise and knowledge sharing for effective POA and ITA implementation.
In conclusion, Mr.
Chair, preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons requires not only commitments, but also capacities, global cooperation, and collective resolve.
NPL firmly remains committed to working with member states and partners to translate our commitments into meaningful and forward looking action.
I thank you.
Thank you, Nicole.
I have Tim Oleste followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tim Oleste, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, since this is the first time Tim Oleste takes the floor, we wish to convert to you, Mr.
Ambassador, on your leadership on the ninth Bennal Mion of States.
The illicit circulations of small arms remains a significant risk for peace, development, and human rights.
For countries like ours, it has potential to destabilize societies and end dangerous communities, especially women and youth.
Timor-Leste underscore that international cooperation, sustainable capacity building and reliable technical assistance are indispensable for enabling state, particularly small and resources constrained nations to reinforce national control systems, and has border management, improve stack balance security, and advance effective tracing mechanism.
In this spirit, we highly value continued partnership among member state, regional organizations, and all relevant holders whose collective efforts remain essential to achieving our shared collective We therefore wish to recommend the following the Mosa encourages strength in long term capacity building support for small and least developed countries, particularly in the stockpile management, border control, and expression systems.
We recommend expanded regional cooperation and south south partnership to help small island state and LDCs shared expertise, improve information exchange and access technical assistance more efficiently.
Third, to more or less the calls for greater international assistance to ensure that LLCs can access affordable market record keeping and tracing technologies supported by predictable and sustainable funding.
As a small nation that has experienced conflict, T has recognized the importance of promoting peace, dialogue, and community resilience.
We remain committed to strengthen our national institutions and legal framework to prevent the illicit circulations of weapons and to promote a culture of peace and security.
Mr.
Chair, implementation of program of actions would also contribute to the achievement of the EGCs, particularly goal 16 peaceful and inclusive societies.
Adré the illicit flow of small arms is not only core elements of collective security, but also a development and human rights priority.
In conclusion, Mr.
President, team more or less reiterate its support for multilateral efforts to combat the illicit trade and small arms like weapons and stand ready to engage constructive throughout this meeting.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Thank you, Tim Oles.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Chile and then followed by Brazil.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
We commend the ongoing efforts.
Made by the international community aimed at preventing combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.
This is necessary for sustainable development and security, in particular in regions affected by armed conflicts.
The DIC is doubly being hit by the illicit and uncontrolled flow of small arms and light weapons, which are exacerbating insecurity, fueling conflicts, and thwarting stabiliz efforts, especially in the east of the DRC, faced with the situation, my country remains resolutely committed to and self control.
For that reason, we are endorsing and making significant measures to strengthen our institutional legal framework for arms control, stockpile management, record keeping, tracing and marking.
We are promoting a DDR program as well, demobilization Darnment and integration.
We are engaged in international and regional cooperation so as to better combat illicit trafficking networks.
Thanks to the Kinshasa Convention in Central Africa, as well as the protocol on firearms, ammunition, and related material, as well as the silencing the Guns Initiative of the AU.
Through these initiatives, the DRC has reiterated its commitment to the implementation of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
We call for enhanced cooperation between states, regional organizations, and international partners so as to bridge existing gaps and ensure effective implementation of the aforementioned instruments.
Especially as technologies emerge, we must, of course, commend the contribution they make to program implementation.
However, we must promote the responsible use of the aforementioned technologies.
We must avoid them being potentially diverted for illicit trafficking purposes.
We'd like to emphasize the need to prevent and detect diversion at each stage of the ammunition and small arms and light weapons life cycle.
We need to properly register them digitally.
This throughout the entire chain.
We need to improve control marking.
We need records of all of these weapons and ammunition.
We need tracing.
Effective tracing is absolutely necessary to break these illicit supply chains and ensure greater transparency in global weapons flows.
We wish to insist on an inclusive approach taking into account development and the humanitarian dimension, especially the role of women and young people in peace and security initiatives as well.
But we have conclusion, through our 2024, 2028 National Action Plan, the DRC remains fully committed to working side by side with the international community.
The speaker's micphone is being cut off.
Thank you so much, Democratic Republican Condo.
Just a reminder to all colleagues, the time limit is being strictly enforced.
Although we're not actually doing it here, the technicians will turn off the speaker.
I have Chile, Brazil, Dibouti followed by Australia.
Chile, you have the floor.
Presiden Thank you very much, Chairman.
Please allow me to congratulate you for your leadership in this ninth biannual meeting.
We recognize your efforts in order to help us advance towards consensus on a final document.
Chile remains firmly committed to the prevention and the combating of the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons being a priority for my country, the reduction of firearms in the hands of civilians and the protection of the population in general.
For Chile, international cooperation and information exchange are fundamental for strengthening existing control systems and responding in a timely manner to the threats of the current moment and the future challenges.
For the full and effective implementation of the program of action and an international tracing instrument, no state can face existing challenges alone, which is why it is fundamental to strengthen information exchange and technical assistance mechanisms between states.
Furthermore, my country chairman believes that cooperation is essential in order to ensure equitable access to new technology in order to contribute to state developing more robust systems for them to fulfill their obligations.
We have no doubt that new technology can offer up valuable opportunities to help prevent, detect, and investigate the illicit trafficking in arms, combating deviation and strengthening the supervision of the supply chains and arsenal management systems.
We wish to recognize the importance of promoting capacity building programs and we therefore appreciate the scholarship program on the control of small arms and light weapons of the Office of Disarmment Affairs.
Timely assistance here will contribute meaningfully to boosting national capacities and to improving the efficacy of control mechanisms.
This assistance must be grounded in trust, confidence, transparency, and respect for national priorities.
Chairman, on a regional and international level, it's essential to strengthen technical and political dialogue between the different arms control instruments.
The program of action and the international instrument are part of a corpus of instruments promoting the goal of international disarmament, which is why it's essential to coordinate and engage in dialogue between the different instruments in particular to benefit the least developed and developing countries.
Finally, I wish to underscore that for Chile, the strengthening of the open ended technical expert group can open up important opportunities for cooperation and how to harness technical advancement by states.
The speaker's microphone was cut off.
Thank you, Chile.
I have Brazil, followed by Dibbouti, followed by Australia.
Brazil, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Efforts to prevent a diversion illicit transfer saw and ammunition to unauthorized users are strengthened by record keeping and the generation of data on trafficking patterns.
The consistent application of the marking and tracing procedures set out in the ITI is crucial to the identification of these patterns.
Thus, international cooperation among law enforcement agencies remain dispensable for preventing and tackling the illicit trade of firearms and their ammunition.
In this regard, we highlight the work of our National Firearms tracing Center operated by the Brazilian federal police.
It has systematically tracked foreign origin weapons seized in Brazil, benefiting from well established channels of cooperation with neighboring countries.
Mr.
Chair, Brazil stresses the relevance of maintaining effective channels of information exchange among states, particularly those that share common roots for the international trafficking of salt.
Armed violence, like many other challenges, knows no geographical boundaries.
In light of this, our collective efforts should not be constrained by such boundaries either.
Effective police and judicial cooperation instruments are key in this regard.
The strengthening of international police and judicial cooperation among states, as well as the establishment of shared practice for marking, record keeping, and tracing are central elements for moving forward.
Mr.
Chair, recent technological developments underscore the need to strengthen our international cooperation mechanisms.
The challenge posed by modulated weapons and addictive manufacturing require innovative ideas in terms of marking and tracing procedures.
In this context, exchanging experience about new solutions to these problems will help us address our common issue.
Mr.
Chair, the increasing relevance of technological developments in this field has also brought renewed attention to international assistance.
Beyond reaffirming its fundamental role, it is essential to ensure that such as effectively helps narrow existing technological disparities among states.
While developing countries bear the greatest brunt of the diversion and illicit trade of S, there are also those with fewer resources for the addressing of such problems.
As for this, international assistance should include the transfer of technology and expertise, as well as enabling countries to strengthen national capabilities in key areas such as border management, marketing, record keeping, and tracing.
Thank you.
Thank you, Brazil.
Dibouti, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
At the outset, congratulations on your election to steer this very important meeting.
Dibbouti aligns itself with the Arab and African states declarations delivered respectively by Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
In a national capacity, I'd like to say the following.
I'll be submitting my full statement by email.
Mr.
Chairman, the illicit diversion of small arms and light weapons is a very worrying development, posing a serious threat for human security peace and development.
Many factors drive this scourge, in particular, the sale of self to non state actors, conflicts, and inability of states to control their borders.
The list goes on.
We are particularly concerned about emerging technologies which are driving proliferation.
We welcome the development of new technologies.
They help produce social economic process.
We must also ensure that they do not facilitate the illicit flow of self.
Growing use of digital tools and advanced manufacturing technologies such as three D printing are making illicit sales and networks more flexible, discrete, and transnational.
This means that criminal actors are circumventing state control systems.
Thus, it is becoming absolutely vital to reconcile technological innovation and enhanced regulation so as to prevent the diversion of self for criminal purposes.
Without thwarting supply chains for these new technologies which could be used for development against this backdrop, this conference is a wonderful opportunity to consolidate our political commitments to harmonize regulatory frameworks and promote strengthened cooperation so as to update our control mechanisms.
Thus, we underscore that the primary responsibility for management of self at the national level falls to states.
However, we also need heightened political resolve, political responsibility to address these divergent risks.
Mr.
Chairman, at the national level, Dibbouti is facing challenges linked to the porousness of its borders, borders with the regions where conflict rage as well as refugee flows.
There were refugee flows.
This is why we've enhanced our legal and regulatory framework.
We have a new criminal code that's been updated so as to address the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, in particular in East Africa.
At the regional level, we align ourselves with them African position and the Nairobi Protocol.
We're working with the regional center on small arms.
They're providing support to the national focal point.
In September of 2024, we held an amnesty month in DJbbouti across our entire territory.
At the international level, we fully support the implementation of the program action and the ITI, as well as the need to promote transparent and proper management of small arms and light weapons in keeping with our commitments.
To that end, we welcome cooperation with Interpol, which, thanks to Interpol's National capacity building programs, the speaker's microphone has been cut off.
Thank you, Dibouti very much indeed.
I have Australia at the moment, Australia is the last speaker on my list.
If any other delegation wishes to intervene on agenda item eight, now is an excellent time to put your name forward.
Australia, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Building capacity, especially in our region to address the illicit diversion of small arms and light weapons is a priority for Australia.
Australia is a founding donor of the UN Trust facility supporting cooperation on arms regulation, and UNSCR has approved funding for 153 projects benefiting more than 145 member states.
Many of these projects have supported implementation of the program of action, while others have contributed indirectly to reducing the flows of small arms and light weapons through support to the arms trade Treaty.
Unskar has also pioneered gender responsive approaches and supports the women peace and security agenda.
Through Unskar, we support continued efforts to build the capacity of states and encourage the valuable work of civil society.
We encourage states in a position to do so to consider becoming an unscaar donor to strengthen its ability to contribute to the implementation of the POA and arms regulation more broadly.
We commend you to read the USCaror papers submitted to this meeting and invite you to attend the Unscar side event today.
Chair, in 2013, Australia was proud to serve as the non permanent member to the UN Security Council.
In that year, we successfully drove the adoption of the first UNSC resolution on small arms and light weapons, UNSCR 21 17.
The resolution stresses the need for full and effective implementation of the program of action.
Importantly, it encourages states in a position to do so to render assistance upon request in securing government stockpiles of small arms and light weapons.
Chair, Australia is meeting the call to render assistance and doing so with a focus on our immediate region.
The Australian Defense Force is delivering practical support across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, including weapons handling training for Fiji, ongoing skills development with Papa New Guinea Defense Force, and continued investment in upgrading armies and security systems in Bing.
Australia has also supported the Vanuatu mobile force through redevelopment of barracks and armies with key infrastructure handed over in 2024.
In T Oleste defense advisors have supported the installation, upgrade, and maintenance of safe storage facilities alongside targeted training.
The Australian Federal P has enhanced the Royal Solomn Islands police force firearms proficiency and armory capability.
Australia is very pleased to have been able to assist our Pacific family and Asean partners for a safe and more secure region.
Chair, Australia remains committed to addressing the threat posed by illicit small arms and light weapons and to playing our part in the provision of international cooperation and assistance.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Australia.
I have India now as the last speaker seeking the floor.
India, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Jab.
We are proud to be associated with the United Nations effort for SALW control and host inaugural United Nations supported program on SALW fellowship training for the Asia Pacific region.
It was a responsibility we accepted with a clear commitment to support global and regional effort to combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and lightweight weapons.
The program created a valuable platform for strengthening technical competency, sharing best practices, and for fostering cooperation among like minded nations.
The engagement, professionalism, and the spirit of collaboration demonstrated by all participants was truly inspiring.
India's approach always remains guided by a firm commitment to peace, stability and security, both within our region and globally.
We view capacity building initiatives such as this as an essential component of our sustainable objective to support SALW control measures, strengthen institutional capabilities, and foster enduring partnership under the UN POA and ITI.
India's commitment can be seen in the delegation, which comprises of the officer who coordinated the whole program, the officer from MCMM Jabalpur who successfully conducted the program, and the two officers who were and are part of the fellows of the program, reflecting our direct engagement to that collective course.
We sincerely thank all participating countries for their active involvement and constructive contribution which made this program a meaningful success.
We express our appreciation to UN ODA, UN RCPD and all instructors for their expertise and dedication and of course, the participants for their passionate engagement, both professionally and socially.
The gist of the course, which carried away by all participants is every weapon silenced is a life saved and every chain broken is a free future.
Thank you.
Thank you, India, very much indeed.
I have no other delegation seeking to take the floor, member state delegations seeking to take the floor.
If that's the case, we've heard the last speaker in the discussion on agenda item eight and that would mean we have therefore concluded our consideration of agenda item eight.
Let me allow a quick moment if anybody does wish to intervene in relation to agenda item eight before we close that.
Um, if not, we have concluded agenda item eight, and it is now my very great pleasure to move on to the next item on the agenda, which is statements by international and regional organizations, followed by non governmental organizations and civil society.
Let me extend a very warm welcome to representatives of all organizations in civil society.
Um, as I'm sure all of you are well aware, we will impose a strict time limit of 3 minutes for statements on behalf of a particular organization.
If you have a statement for multiple organizations, we can extend that to 5 minutes.
I have a list of international organizations that I have before me.
It's not a closed list, but it is the Regional Center on Small arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa, and bordering states.
International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, of course, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, of course, the Organization of American States, OES, the United Nations Coordinating Action on Small Arms, Economic Community of Central African states, Economic Community of West African states, and the World Customs Organization.
If you would let me just check with the Secretary In that case, if you would in the normal way indicate your desire to speak by pressing the speaker button, you'll then appear on my list and I will call you in the order that you appear.
I have the World Customs Organization followed by The Regional Center on Small Ins in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and bordering states.
The World Customs Organization, you have the floor and I have also OSCE.
World Customs Organization, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chen.
The World Customs Organization supports the global framework to combat trafficking in Sao under the UN POA and the ITI through a comprehensive and operationally focused approach.
The WCO strengthened global customs enforcement through the development of international standards and instruments, such as the International Convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures as amended, revised Kyoto Convention and the WCO Safe Framework of Standards for securing and facilitating global trade and the WCO risk Management compendium, all of which provide guidance on the risk assessment, targeting, and control strategies in customs operations.
In the context of SOL, this work is reinforced by WCO policy instruments and decisions, including the resolution of the policy commission of the WCO on the role of customs in the security context, which provides foundation for enhanced customs cooperation, information exchange, and operational action against firearms trafficking.
Cooperation is further supported through the MOU between the WCO and the UN ODA, enhancing cooperation in support of the POA and the MOU between the WCO and Interpol strengthening cross border and cross agency coordination, information sharing, and operational responses to trafficking networks.
The WCO has also developed recommendations supporting the implementation of international frameworks on the control of SAVE, including the recommendation of the Customs Cooperation Council concerning the protocol against the illicit manufacturing and trafficking in firearm arms, the parts and components and ammunition, and the recommendation of the Customs Cooperation Council on the insertion in national statistical nomenclature of subheadings to facilitate the monitoring and control of goods covered by the firearms protocol.
The WCO assists its members through specific projects and global and regional enforcement operations that facilitate real cooperation, identification of trafficking routes and concealment methods, and the development of actionable intelligence.
These initial activities are reinforced through practical tools and capacity building mechanisms, including the WCO, eLearning module on SOL, training programs, and the accreditation of customs experts to enhance institutional expertise.
The effectiveness of these measures is further enhanced through the systematic use of the customs enforcement network SN and its components for the secure exchange of analysis of seizure and intelligence data.
Members are encouraged to regularly upload high quality data to send and actively utilized TraceNt, a secure encrypt communication tool to facilitate timely intelligence sharing and strengthen coordinated enforcement efforts.
Other WCO security related initiatives also indirectly support SOL objectives, including the fragile Borders Action Plan, which aims to strengthen customs resilience and operational capacity in fragile and high risk environments.
The WCO remains committed in I thank the World Customs Organization.
In fact, we will go in accord, which I now understand is an agreed list or an agreed order in accordance with the order that I read out of all those international organizations who have joined us.
I now refer to the Regional Center on Small Arms in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and bordering states.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
On behalf of the 15 member states of the Regional Center of Small Arm and Light weapon in the Great Lake Region, then North Africa and the bordering states, we warmly congratulate you on your election to chair the BMS nine.
Mr.
Chair, at a time when illicit small arms and light weapons continue to fuel arms violence in the world, Lexaj continue to prevent control and eradicate the proliferation by making meaningful progress in advancing the objectives of the program of action through the NaOB protocol.
Member States have strengthened legislative and policy frameworks, enhanced national coordination mechanism, improve firearms marking and record keeping system and advanced topile management practices through the life cycle of small arm and light weapon.
The efforts continue to strengthen accountability, reduce diversion risks, and improve control in line with the commitment to prevent and authorize re export and supply adequate control at every stage.
However, our agent is navigating an increasingly complex and evolving threat environment due to the changing global landscape in security matters.
It is for this reason that Rexa is currently undertaking a review of the Nairobi protocol informed by findings from the regional assessment and guided by the need to ensure that the protocol remains responsive to emerging trends and the threat to arm control.
This review will strengthen regional responses and ensure continued alignment with the objective of the program of action and the international tracing instrument, including the mainstreaming of agender perspective and meaningful participation of women and in decision making progress.
Rexa remain committed to working with member states, other regional organization, and international partner to translate commitments in practical measurable action for safer and more secure community.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Rexa.
I have next on my list the Inter Criminal Police Organization Interpol.
It's Paul, you have the floor.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency, distinguished guests.
Interpol welcomes the ninth Biannal Meeting of States and reaffirms its support for the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument.
Illicit small arms and light weapons are not only a consequence of insecurity.
They are a direct enabler of organized crime, terrorism, armed violence, and instability.
For law enforcement, a recovered firearm is rarely only a piece of evidence in one case, but rather the starting point to uncover a trafficking route, a diversion pattern, or a wider criminal network.
Interpol provides both operational and strategic support to member states in combating the illicit trade in firearms.
Operationally, Interpol provides member states access to a suit of global policing tools to strengthen investigations.
Strategically, Interpol brings a unique law enforcement perspective to the political process, ensuring that policy discussions remain closely connected to operational realities.
Our cooperation with UNODA through the Small arms and Light weapons fellowship training program is one example of this approach, enabling policy and operational communities to work in tandem.
At the center of Interpol's operational support is iRMs, Interpol's illicit arms record and tracing management system.
IRMs now contains over 2 million records of firearms diverted to the illicit market through loss and theft.
It has been used by 179 countries to conduct tracing operations, including through its search engine, which can provide immediate investigative leads.
IiARMs is complemented by other capabilities, including the Interpol Firearms reference table, the Interpol Ballistic Information Network, the Arsenal Criminal Analysis file, Interpol notices, and operational protocols, all of which play critical roles in implementing the POA and ITI at frontlines.
These tools are already available and widely used by law enforcement in 196 Interpol member countries.
States are encouraged to make full use of these existing capabilities and to strengthen the timely exchange of firearms related information through Interpol secure communication network.
Furthermore, Interpol delivers regional and global capacity building projects and intelligence led operations, including through its flagship trigger operations.
These initiatives, generously funded by the United States, Germany, and the European Union, have enabled effective cross border cooperation to disrupt firearms trafficking.
Interpol will continue to support law enforcement worldwide in curbing the illicit proliferation of arms and promoting international security.
I thank you.
Thank you, Interpol.
I now pass to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSC, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Excellency's distinguished delegates.
It's my pleasure to provide a brief overview of the OSE's efforts in support of the implementation of the UN program of action on small arms and light weapons.
Given the time available for statements at the outset, I would refer delegates to the OSCEs 2026 report available on the POA website.
The OSC remains at the forefront of international efforts to strengthen comprehensive control of SAV throughout its life cycle.
Our work focuses on preventing SAV diversion and misuse, combating illicit trafficking and sharing practical experience and lessons learned among participating states and with the broader international community.
Adré illicit trafficking of SAlV and conventional ammunition is an integral part of the OSCs broader approach to the conflict cycle, which encompasses early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, and post conflict rehabilitation.
We continue to support our participating states in addressing safety and security risks related to solve and stockpiles of ammunition and based on our OSC commitments and standards agreed by all 57 participating states, the OSC operates an assistance mechanism through which upon request, states can receive a tailored self control and destruction programs, legislative assistance, stockpile management, and information exchange on solve related issues.
We currently implement 18 national and regional assistance projects with a total value of approximately 70 million euros.
These projects are implemented across southeastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Their primary objective is to strengthen life cycle management of salve and ammunition within national defense, border security, and law enforcement institutions.
A significant component is dedicated to enhancing capacity to detect and combat illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
Indeed, through this work, we also focus on strengthening regional cooperation and solutions.
To further address the risk posed by illicit trafficking and the uncontrolled spread of salve and ammunition, the OSE is working to establish a centralized OSC wide ammunition management project, as well as regional canine training projects in Southeastern Europe.
In Ukraine, the OSE continues to work closely with the European multidisciplinary platform against criminal threats, impact firearms and other international partners through the matrix of international partners.
This mechanism has evolved beyond information sharing to facilitate practical cooperation and joint activities, improving the alignment of international assistance within national priorities.
International cooperation and practical assistance remain essential for preventing diversion and combating illicit trafficking of South.
The OSE remains committed to sharing its experience and working closely with partners to advance these common objectives.
Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you, OSCE.
I now have North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, you have the floor.
Do I have a NATO representative in the room? If not, I will move on.
I do.
Yes, go ahead.
You have the floor.
No, I don't, or else the technician has not passed you the microphone.
We will come back to you trustees.
Can I pass to the Organization of American States OAS, please? Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Distinguished delegates on behalf of the organization of American States, it's an honor to address this meeting and reaffirm our support to the POA and the ITI.
Armed violence continues to impose unacceptable human, social and economic costs in the Americas.
Firearms remain the principal driver of lethal violence, underscoring the urgency of strengthening implementation of these instruments.
Regional frameworks play a decisive role in translating global commitments into action.
Allow me to highlight three recent developments supported by the European Union that illustrate how the CETA Convention adopted in 1997, serves as a legally binding instrument to operationalize the POA and the ITI in the Americas.
First, we are piloting a new CFTA questionnaire developed with UDR to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the convention through the recently launched firearms Knowledge platform.
Centralized information hubs includes a private interface for CIFTA state parties and provides real time analytical dashboards for national authorities based on the submitted data.
It enables states to identify implementation gaps against established benchmarks, including those of the POA, and to better link policy frameworks with operational capacities.
A public interface will feature regional dashboards to support broader analysis of CTA and POA implementation.
Second, in February 2025, seven countries adopted the Central American and Dominican Republic Firearms Roadmap.
Factated by the OS in coordination with UUN Lyric and SECA, it provides a shared strategic framework that aligns national priorities, it strengthens governance, and enhances coordination.
Participating countries are advancing their national action plans.
Building on this progress, the OS with UN Lyric and LCM is advancing the development of a roadmap for the Andean community.
Third, we are strengthening oversight of illicit flows through an early warning and regional communication system, which will enable licensing and customs authorities to exchange information securely, identify diversion risks, and enhance traceability.
A pilot phase is expected in the coming months with full operation expected in 2027.
These efforts are complemented by ongoing implementation of the PACOM program, which has provided technical assistance, training, and material support on weapons and ammunition management to 29 Latin American and Caribbean states in recent years, including a gender perspective.
These experiences reaffirmed that regional organizations are critical partners in achieving the objectives of the POA and the ITI.
They enable tailored responses, foster consensus and support cooperation.
To maximize synergies, we encourage stronger alignment between global and regional reporting processes, increased support for regional cooperation mechanisms and assistance programs, and enhance exchange of good practices across regions.
Mr.
Chair, the OAS remains fully committed to work with member states and partners to advance implementation of the POA and the ITI.
I thank you.
I thank the OAS.
I will now move to the economic community of Central African states before going back to NATO.
But the economic community of Central African states, you have the floor.
Thank you for giving me the floor, Mr.
Chairman.
The Commissioner of the Economic Community of Central African states would like to extend to you our hearty congratulations on being elected to preside over this meeting.
We welcome the excellent fashion in which you've steered our proceedings so far as well as the work of the Secretariat.
We welcome the modifications made to the text.
We reassert our support for the ITI, the International Tracing Instrument.
We believe that we need to emphasize emerging technologies and preventing the division of weapons to illegal networks.
We fully support the UN program of action to prevent combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and weapons in all its aspects.
Now, the Commission of ECCAS would like to note that the Conjus Convention was adopted on the 30th of April 2010.
It entered into force on the 8th of March 2017.
Nine of its member states have ratified the convention.
We are working on the establishment of national commissions and the appointment of national focal points.
Nonetheless, our community is facing a serious challenge, that is a number of armed conflicts in our area in the Lake Chad Basin, in the east of the DRC, in the north and southwest of Cameroon.
These conflicts, without a doubt, are fueled by the excessive accumulation and the misuse of small arms and light weapons.
This uncontrolled proliferation is decimating our people.
It's destabilizing our states.
Confronted with this threat, we remain convinced that we need complementarity between the ITI and the Kinshasa Convention, which is a pillar of our regional security.
It is part and parcel of the African Union's vision, that is silencing the guns by 2030.
For this reason, the Commission of ECS solemnly calls for heightened cooperation, cooperation that's operational, that's strategic, incorporating all relevant stakeholders.
The full version of our statement will be submitted to the Secretariat and published on the ECS website.
I thank you.
I thank the economic community of Central African states.
I now pass to the North Atlantic Treaty Organation NATO NATO, you have the floor.
Thank you very much.
Mr.
Chair, it is an honor to address this meeting on behalf of NATO.
Allow me to congratulate you on your appointment and to wish you every success in guiding the work of the ninth B annual Meion of States on the UN program of action.
The effort to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacture, transfer, and circulation of small arms and line weapons and to address their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread remains critical to our collective security and to the prosperity of our societies.
The program of action continues to play an indispensable role at international, regional and national levels, and NATO remains committed to supporting its full implementation.
Since the Review Conference in 2024, we have seen how illicit small arms and lineed weapons continue to fold instability and armed violence undermine development, enable organized crime and intensify the impact of terrorism in many regions.
These reinforces the need for sustained cooperation and practical action by all stakeholders.
NATO will continue to do its part.
NATO has a longstanding commitment to arms control disarmament and nonproliferation in support of peace, security, and the rules based international order.
This commitment is reflected in NATO's strategic concept and is advanced through our cooperation with more than 40 partner countries and international organizations.
NATO's individually tailored partnership programs provide a framework for the partnership relationship with each partner, including cooperation on the safeguarding and control of its mile arms and line weapons.
Through its arms control disarmament and nonproliferation committee, NATO enables and facilitates allies, partners, and other organizations to share information on projects and initiatives related to small arms and weapons and their ammunition and to exchange views on more thematic issues, including the implications of new technologies and the relevance of gender perspectives for building effective control measures.
NATO maintains a web based portal providing information on current and past projects in this field and partner countries also have the opportunity to participate in NATO's work on a standards to so control and in the NATO school annual training course on a small arms and weapons control and mine action.
In practical terms, NATO support typically follows two complementary tracks.
In the short term, we assist partners in improving the safety and security of stockpiles, including through the destruction of excess weapons and ammunition.
And improve life cycle management.
In the long term, we support sustainable national capacities through education and training as well as assistance as assistance with equipment and infrastructure helping, for example, partners in the Western Balkans in the Middle East and North Africa to train personnel and upgrade facilities.
This cooperation is tailored to national needs and priorities and guided by national ownership, inclusiveness and sustainability.
NATO is currently forecasted to spend over 13 million euros in support of such projects for the period 2023 to 2027.
Thank you, NATO.
I have now the economic community of West African states on my list.
You have the floor.
Yeah, Mr.
Chair, my organization, you know, Organization EQAS commends you for the stewardship of this BMS nine and also congratulate the current EQAS Chair Leon on chairmanship of the OPN and the technical E working group.
EquiS ascribes to the common African position articulated at this timely forum.
Mr.
Chair, according to multiple credible estimates, the West African region has emerged as the epicenter of global terrorism and violent extremism, interlocked with other forms of transnational organized crime, intercommunal violence and banditry, the proliferation and misuse of SALWU has actually facilitated and added to the legality of these crimes.
Against this backdrop, EAS member states have consistently demonstrated strong political commitment and resolve and executed far reaching initiatives towards addressing the minutes.
For instance, it is worth recalling that EQS operates one of the most advanced legally binding regional arms control regimes globally under the EQAS Convention on Small arms, the importation of arms and ammunition into the region by state and non state actors alike is prohibited on less equals grounds and exemption certificate.
This has created trust and helped to isolate rogue actors in the arms industry.
EquiS has also developed and adopted the regional strategy on countering improvised explosive devices and also regional guidelines on the regulation of artisonal weapons production with the objective of mainstreaming and harnessing local skills in member states and establishing minimum standards for licensing, marketing, and oversight of craft weapons producers.
Mr.
Chair, despite significant progress made by our region, member states continue to face major challenges.
A case in point is fertilizer.
A fertilizer constitutes a live blood ingredient in food security, but it is also an important component in the manufacture of artisanal improvised explosive devices, which are alongside UAVs and SA I thank EchoS very much indeed.
I apologize that you were automatically cut off by the technical service.
I do have one other international organization on my speaking list, but that international organization is not present in the room, so we will make an opportunity for them to speak when they are available.
I would like now to move to a hear statements from non governmental organizations and civil society that have registered with the Secretariat.
I have a reasonably long list, which I'll briefly read out just to make sure that those of you who are here know that you're on that list.
It is as follows the International Action Network on Small Arms, the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control, the Forum on the Arms Trade, Control Arms, the Association Para Policas Pubs Mines Advisory Group, nonviolence international Southeast Asia, the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, P de relation International et du Del, Small Arms Survey, the Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, the Halo Trust, the GCD GCHD AMAT, followed by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, Norwegian People's Aid, Bolivian Women's Efforts, International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative, Peace Angels, WW NSA, Nigeria, the World Federalist Movement, and Security Research and Information Center, and with one exception, which is the Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, which we will hear at the end of the list.
At their request, the speaking order will be in the order I have just read out.
With that, I would invite the International Action Network on Small Arms to take the floor, followed by the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control.
The International Action Network on Small Arms, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Mr.
Chair, I answers which coordinates with UN ODA to facilitate the constructive participation of civil society in the official UN POA meetings greatly appreciate you and the Bureau for your engagement with civil society actors prior to the conference and your effort this week.
The full version of this statement will be on the UN ODA website and many other relevant materials are available at car.org.
During RevCON four and in the outcome document, states expressed strong concern about escalating tensions, crisis, armed violence, and conflict.
The stress ways in which these problems have been exacerbated by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which increases the demand and heighten the risk of diversion of small arms to unauthorized recipients and those committing small arms related crimes and violence.
GMS nine must include action that build on the commitments that participating state made at RevCON four.
There is the urgent need for states to take action oriented measures to ensure strict regulations of the whole life cycle of small arms and light weapons and such measures can be done efficiently as part of national target setting programs to strengthen national laws, regulations, and administrative procedures in line with the POA and other relevant instrument that states are party to.
To be effective and sustain popular support for such programs as a precedent, each state must work with civil society to ensure the full, meaningful and effective participation of women, people of diverse genders, youth, victims and survivors affected by small arms related violence.
At RevCON four, states agreed to fully assess the intricate linkage between armed violence associated with illicit small arms and light weapons and both public and mental health.
We encourage state to ensure that the issue is given the prominence it deserving the outcome document of this meeting, and state must also provide comprehensive social safety nets for victims and survivors.
The precedent collection, deactivation, destruction of surplus and illicit manufactured weapons held and diverted of small arms and light weapons are a critical component of small arms control, and we urge state to continue to mark and keep relevant records and deggregate analyzed data on such weapons to ant patterns of smuggling, illegal manufacture, illicitly held weapons so that such information can critically support future evidence based small arms control.
Let me take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the EU, the ASA donors for their continued support for our work through the UN ODA and for civil society work.
We thank you very much for your attention.
I thank the International Action Network on Small Arms, and I invite the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control, take the floor, followed by the Forum on the Arms Trade, Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair, Distinguished delegates, colleagues.
I'm Florencia Robo and I'm giving this statement on behalf of the Network for gender equality in the control of Small arms and weapons GenSAC.
We support the continued commitment to member states since the illicit proliferation and undue use of small arms and live weapons has a differentiated impact on women, men, boys and girls, and the implementation of the program of action with a gender perspective is essential for effective control.
In the fourth Review Conference, states achieved significant progress.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the incorporation of a gender perspective.
They recognized the importance of involving men and women and the link to the women peace and security agenda and strengthening the link between and reinforcing recognition of the link between small arms and light weapons and widespread violence.
There was the document co sponsored by Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Mexico, Norway, and the United Kingdom, where they looked at why the implementation of a gender perspective still remains essential for effective control of small arms and light weapons.
As the program of action is evolving, there's the open ended technical working group and we urge states to ensure that emerging technical debates are also informed by the gender perspective, the development of modular weapons, polymer components, and the illicit proliferation of three D printed weapons can alter and lead to the deviation of weapons and have differential impacts on different communities and populations.
We also encourage paying attention to social factors that lead to the proliferation of these weapons, including, um, The use by men of weapons as a status or masculine symbol.
GSAC launches an appeal to states to strengthen the compilation and use of data segregated by sex, gender, disability, and other factors to support the full, effective and safe involvement of women in decision making processes and technical processes on small arms and light weapons to integrate the gender perspective and debates on emerging technology assistance programs and continue to strengthen the implementation of the program of action with more broad links with the women Peace and security and other agendas.
The full version of this statement will be made available on our website.
We thank you for your attention.
I thank the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control and I invite the forum on the arms trade to take the floor, followed by Control arms Forum on the arms Trade, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair, Distinguished delegates and colleagues.
The Forum on the arms Trade is a network of civil society experts addressing humanitarian, economic, and other implications of arms transfers, security assistance, and weapons use.
Our emerging experts are a community of early career professionals within the forum, encompassing 20 nationalities.
This statement was written by emerging experts and open for individual endorsement from members of the broader forum community.
We emphasize the importance of multilateral partnerships to solve the world's most pressing issues, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which continue to fuel armed violence and instability in many parts of the world.
We welcome the efforts of the ninth Bnnuial Meeting of States to review the implementation of the program of action on small arms and light weapons.
We encourage member states to renew and revisit national commitments, legislative frameworks, and technical standards to better address evolving proliferation risks linked to emerging methods of weapons and ammunition production.
We encourage states to consider voluntary policy and technical measures, including updating domestic laws, improving record keeping and databases, strengthening stockpile and internal security systems, and developing technical safeguards to support detection, tracing, and information sharing related to illicitly manufactured firearms and ammunition.
We affirm the importance of the International tracing instrument to promote transparency, oversight and accountability, and we urge states to fulfill their commitments to it.
We encourage all member states involved in the manufacturing and trade of small arms and light weapons to ensure their exports are consistent with all international commitments, including those contained in Resolution 79 40, which emphasizes that states bear the primary responsibility for preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.
This should include appropriate investigation, acknowledgment, and action when nationally produced small arms are traded illicitly or used in violation of international law by any actor.
We encourage states to engage meaningfully through information sharing and collaboration with civil society, technical experts, and early career professionals to strengthen cross sector responses to evolving challenges related to illicit firearms and ammunition production and trafficking.
As global disarmament challenges evolve, it is imperative that states expand the diversity of voices included in negotiations.
Women, people from the global majority and other historically excluded groups contribute valuable perspectives needed to move proactively forward.
We also urge all participants to center the voices of survivors at the harm caused by small arms and light weapons in negotiations.
Those directly affected by the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons know the critical importance of disarmament and the full extent of the harm associated with the proliferation of small arms.
For this reason, we ask survivorship to be a central part of the discourse in this and any future review sessions.
I thank you.
The forum on the arms trade and I invite Control arms to take the floor.
Thank you.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
It's my honor to address you on behalf of Control Arms, a global coalition of over 300 civil society partner organizations supporting a better regulation of the arms trade through the effective implementation and universalization of the arms Trade Treaty.
We welcome the efforts of member states in preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit trade in small other weapons, particularly the discussions in the open ended technical expert group about the implications of emerging technologies.
25 years have passed since the adoption of the UN programme of action in 2001.
I wish to take this opportunity to recall a quote made by an official in 2003 on the linkages between illicit and illicit trade.
Illicit trade in small arms is simply an extension of the legal trade.
Is good trade gone bad.
We believe that this is still true today.
The regulation of legal trade is the first step to prevent illicit trade.
This regard, the Arms Trade Treaty can inform the work of the UN program of action.
The ATT aims to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating the International Trade in conventional arms.
It also seeks to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion.
While we recognize that not all member states are ATT states parties, the ATT objectives clearly demonstrate the strong complementarities with the UN program of action.
The robust regulation of the international arms trade starts with transparency.
The ATT monitor, a project of control arms, collects data on arms trade reported by ATT state parties.
Small arms weapons are one of the ATT categories.
In 2024, ATT state parties reported publicly over 1,800,000 small arms weapon exports and over 600,000 small arms weapon imports.
This annual volume of trade is only the tip of the iceberg since not all member states are ATT state parties and not all ATT states parties report publicly or report at all.
The importance to regulate this trade, however, is paramount to effectively prevent illicit trade of small arms weapons.
As many delegations have underlined, small arms weapons are more prone to diversion and their uncontrolled proliferation has devastating effects on socioeconomic development, human rights, and human security.
As member states grapple with new challenges, we encourage states to effectively implement the program of action and the international tracing instrument.
In particular, we highlight the importance of marketing, including a manufacturer and import, record keeping and cooperation in tracing as the three pillars on small armllar weapons management.
Since diversion to unauthorized recipient and illicit markets can happen at each stage of the lifecycle of a weapon, the implementation of these measures is vital to regulate trade and effectively prevent illicit trade of small armcellar weapons and to provide solid foundations to combat and sate the illicit trade on these arms.
I thank you, Chair.
I thank Control arms and I will invite Association para politicas publicas to take the floor followed by Mines Advisory Group.
Association para politicas publicas, excuse my pronunciation.
You have the floor.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chairman.
The Association for the Analysis of Public Policies, a member of Control arms and focal point for Latin America GenTAC works on the prevention of armed violence and gender based violence through investigation, monitoring, and public policy advocacy.
The fourth Review Conference was a significant step forward recognizing with more clarity the differentiated impact of small arms and weapons on women and children.
Also the need to strengthen the production of disaggregated data.
However, implementing these commitments requires advancing towards more concrete cooperation prevention and evidence production mechanisms.
According to UN women, approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or other family members in 2024, an average of 137 victims every day.
The Americas continue to record some of the highest levels of lethal violence in domestic and family settings.
In Argentina, 2017-2022, one in four femicides was committed with a firearm.
The presence of firearms in situations of domestic violence significantly increases the likelihood of lethal outcomes and reduces opportunities for prevention and protection.
However, we continue to face a fundamental challenge.
Definitions of femicide and gender based violence still vary considerably across states.
Without common standards, it is much more difficult to generate comparable data to identify risk patterns and design effective public policies.
In this regard, we welcome the decision adopted at the 11th Conference of States Parties for the Arms Trade Treaty to establish gender focal points with the aim of strengthening the systemic integration of gender perspectives into treaty implementation.
We believe this experience offers valuable lessons for the program of action framework to strengthen synergies and complementarities between the program of action and the arms Trade Treaty.
In a recent working paper, the association politicas publicas proposed advancing common standards and definitions on femicide and gender based violence involving firearms, strengthening coordination among arms control authorities, judicial institutions, and specialized gender agencies, incorporating records of domestic violence and firearm related threats into firearm licensing, renewal, suspension, revocation procedures, improving national data collection, integrating questions on firearm access threats and use into reporting protocols and risk assessment mechanisms.
Preventing armed gender based violence requires coordinated institutions, comparable information, and concrete implementation mechanisms.
Thank you.
Thank you, Association para politicas publicas.
I have next MIS advisory group, followed by nonviolence international Southeast Asia.
Mines Advisory Group, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chairman.
The mines Advisory Group welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this binual meeting of states and thanks you and your team for guiding an inclusive and constructive discussion.
MAG also welcomes the continued recognition of civil society as a practical partner in supporting states to implement the program of action, the International Tracing Instrument and related frameworks.
Through our work across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean and the Middle East, MAX sees firsthand how the illicit proliferation of diversion of small arms and light weapons affects security, governance, development, and community safety.
Diversion fuels criminality and armed violence, weakens public institutions and undermines prospects for recovery and sustainable development.
In many contexts, the consequences are felt over generations.
For MAG, this is why small arms weapons control must remain connected to sustainable development, conflict prevention and armed violence reduction.
Safe and accountable weapons and immunion management are not only technical measures.
They contribute directly to safer communities, stronger institutions, and progress towards sustainable development goals.
Share.
As states consider evolving technologies, manufacturing methods, and weapon designs, MAG believes it is important to preserve the core principles of the program of action.
Marking, record keeping, and tracing measures must remain practical, durable, reliable, and implementable across different contexts and levels of capacity.
New recommendations should stand the test of universality.
They should be useful in settings where authorities operate with limited infrastructure, equipment, and technical capacity.
Solutions should be fit for purpose, simple where possible, and not dependent on systems that many states may not be able to maintain over time.
This is a question of sustainability.
Many states continue to face crucial capacity gaps in stockpile management, safe storage and disposal.
International cooperation and assistance, therefore, must remain an essential pillar to address these gaps and effective assistance should support long term national and regional ownership and sustainable capacity building.
You should also recognize that trust, access, and effective partnerships take time.
Funding therefore should reflect that reality.
Chair, MAG stands ready to support these efforts as a partner that helps connect policy with weapons and ammunition management in multiple contexts and at scale.
Achieving our common objectives requires sustained political commitment, practical action, and strong partnership.
MAG remains committed to supporting states to advance these objectives and contribute to safer and more secure societies.
We thank you.
I thank the Mines Advisory Group.
We'll now hear from nonviolence International Southeast Asia, followed by a Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, nonviolence International Southeast Asia, you have the floor.
Okay.
Mr.
Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends, I speak as someone carrying a story of pain, resilience and purpose.
For us survivors, implementation is measured very differently in whether a mother can walk to the market without fear, whether a family can grieve and still heal, whether a person who has suffered from harm can rebuild life without shame.
For survivors, healing is never a slogan.
Resilience is a daily practice and difficult act of choosing dignity again and again, even after fear, violence, and humiliation have tried to define one's life.
We ask states at BMS nine to keep people at the center of this process and to provide more formal support to increase accessibility to civil society.
Nonviolence international Southeast Asia recognizes the value of USCAar supporting the invaluable work of civil society from the global South and states in the position to do so make contributions.
Women and girls face threats hidden informal security discussions, sexual violence, coercion, the pressure to stay silent.
For migrants, particularly women and marginalized communities, these risks are heavier still.
Men and boys too are shaped by harmful expectations where guns become symbols of power or revenge, expectations that harm everyone and feed cycles of violence.
Disarmament must address.
A gender responsive UN POA must move beyond counting women in meetings.
It must support survivor centered services, safe reporting and meaningful participation in national action plans.
Survivors must also be recognized as knowledge holders.
They they know how fear enters a household, how violence is normalized, how shame keeps people quiet, and how trauma moves across generations, and what it takes to rebuild safety, care, community, justice, and the chance to transform pain into purpose.
For survivors, this process is personal.
For young people, it is generational.
For women and girls living under threat, it is urgent.
We are here because who suffer deserves visibility where weapons policy is made.
And we are here because this armament, at its deepest, is about more than controlling weapons.
It's about restoring dignity, healing communities, and choosing a future where every person can live beyond the shadow of the gun.
Thank you.
I thank the nonviolent international Southeast Asia and give the floor to Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.
Then we'll briefly break from the NGO speaking list and revert to the International Organizations speaking list.
I have one International Organization representative who wishes to take the floor to conclude that segment.
But in the first instance, can we move to the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, please? You have the floor.
Distinguished Chair, Excellencies, colleagues, thank you very much for the opportunity to address BMS nine.
The GI Talk is a global think tank dedicated to research, analysis, and policy advice on issues to do with transnational organized crime.
Given the current context of armed conflicts around the globe, I wanted to make four points regarding post conflict arms trafficking.
First, our research, including the GI Talk Organized Crime Index, tells us that the greatest risk of arms proliferation comes in the immediate aftermath of conflict.
To avoid the mistakes of the past, we must pre authorize and preposition multinational weapons stabilization teams, legal frameworks, and infrastructure for weapons and ammunition management.
Second, our recent global research also highlights a fundamental shift in the nature of arms trafficking.
Trafficking is increasingly modular, parts, dual use components, three D printed frames, often through postal and courier systems.
Technical knowledge is also spreading online.
Postal service operators are a new frontline.
Third, the illicit arms market is deeply embedded within broader criminal ecosystems, especially drugs markets.
Firearms serve as a tool for protection, intimidation, and enforcement, and we must target the convergent points between arms, drugs, and other illicit markets.
Key to this are the intelligence capabilities both to monitor and disrupt.
Overclassified and fragmented information flows hinder effective response.
We urge states to reform legal and procedural barriers to allow real time data sharing.
Civil society has got a vital role to play here as a partner in monitoring, reporting, and implementation.
Finally, the diffusion of technical skills, both online and offline from experienced veteran communities is outpacing border controls and regulatory measures.
National and regional strategies must target these flows of both information and experienced people, not just focus on the hardware.
Mr.
Chair, in conclusion, I urge states to prioritize preemptive planning for post conflict windows in ongoing regional conflicts, to adapt arms control frameworks to address modular trafficking, to invest in cross border intelligence sharing, to improve intelligence for national firearms focal points, to collaborate with civil society partners, and to develop robust methodologies for addressing flows of information and experienced people from conflict to organized crime.
Thank you.
I thank the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.
Allow me now to give the floor to the United Nations or the representative of the United Nations coordinating Action on small arms.
Casa, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
Excellency Distinguished delegates.
I'm honored to address the ninth Biannual Meeting of States on behalf of the United Nations Coordinated Action on arms or CASA.
I'm Natalia Geir, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter Terrorism Committee's Executive Director at OCT.
CASA brings together 24 United Nations entities to ensure that system wide policies and assistance to member states on small arms and light weapons, ammunition, arms regulation, and armed violence reduction are coherent, coordinated, and of high quality.
Speaking with one voice, CASA aligns efforts across peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian action, crime prevention, counterterrorism, public health, and gender equality, including women's and children's rights.
The Secretary-General has underscored that small arms control remains a core component of prevention, peace building, and sustainable development, including progress towards sustainable development goal target 16.4.
He has also reaffirmed ASA's critical role as the common platform for the United Nations efforts in this area and requested that we address the risk of diversion and trafficking by supporting governments and United Nations country teams.
In line with the outcome from the fourth Review Conference in 2024, the UN system continues to support states in strengthening implementation at the international, regional and national levels, and to execute mandates given to the Secretariat.
And at the same time, on the ground, we support complementary implementation of related instruments, including the firearms Protocol, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the global framework for through life conventional ammunition management.
Mr.
Chair, regional approaches remain central to addressing illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Across regions, United Nations entities support roadmaps and action plans that translate global commitments into practical results.
In the Western Balkans, the small arms and light weapons Control roadmap is advancing legislative alignment, infrastructural upgrades, and community based approaches.
In the Caribbean and Central America, regional frameworks are strengthening coordination, law enforcement capacity, and information sharing.
Regional efforts continue also in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Andean countries to enhance cooperation and peer learning.
Mr.
Chairman, the UN system continues to address the multidimensional nature of small arms control, including linkages with counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, prevention, peacekeeping, and peace building.
In counterterrorism, assessments identify national priorities to ensure capacity building for preventing terrorist access to weapons is well targeted while supporting member states in implementing relevant Security Council resolutions and technical guidance.
On transnational organized crime, assistance strengthens legislative frameworks, investigations, and criminal justice responses, addressing trafficking along the full value chain.
In peacekeeping and in peace building settings, support to weapons and ammunition management, including in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration contributes to stabilization and prevention of renewed violence.
United Nations funding mechanisms and tools continue to play a catalytical role.
The saving lives entity or salient supports integrated approaches to reducing armed violence by linking arms control with development, peace building and community resilience.
While prioritizing gender equality and the United Nations Trust Facility supporting cooperation on arms regulation or arms CAR supports quick impact nationally owned projects worldwide in partnership with our civil society.
CASA also oversees the comprehensive update of technical guidance, the modular small arms Control Implementation compendium or mosaic, political, technical, and financial support from states for these mechanisms and tools I thank Casa very much indeed for your intervention.
I now pass the floor to Fondation Poulet tou de Ration International.
I do Development more, the Small Arms Survey, followed by Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace.
Fonda Polet to de Ration International, I do Develop More.
A small arms survey, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair, Distinguished delegates and representatives.
I'm honored to speak on behalf of the Small Arms Survey, an associated program of the National et du deer.
As a global Center of Applied Knowledge, conducting research and providing policy and capacity support, we underscore the vital importance of multilateral instruments such as the UN POA in addressing both long standing and newly emerging threats related to illicit small arms and light weapons.
Our research into privately manufactured small arms, as detailed in our working paper submitted at Rev Co four with Unidir and Sodpaz highlights a shift towards professionalization.
Traditional craft production is evolving, integrating commercially available components, additive manufacturing, such as three D printing and computer numerical control milling.
Reports of seizures of high quality counterfeit firearms and machine gun conversion devices also increase substantially in recent years.
These developments allow illicit users to bypass national controls that were previously effective.
Addressing these transnational threats requires coordinated responses, robust interagency cooperation, and sustained information and data exchange on emerging technologies, supply chains, and criminal modus operandi.
Furthermore, we must address a historical blind spot, the maritime dimension.
Through our Unscar supported Splash project, the survey has produced a working paper entitled Maritime Security Perspectives on the UN Program of action, which is co sponsored by Unitir, the EU, and its member states.
This paper identifies the necessity of regional multi stakeholder cooperation involving navies, Coast Guards, the private shipping industry, and coastal communities to disrupt the diversion and trafficking of weapons and components at sea.
The survey is also proud to co sponsor the working paper, Bridging gaps in the UNPOA strengthening gender responsive Approaches alongside GSAC, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, and the UK.
Our work demonstrates that gender responsive approaches are not just a matter of equality.
They are essential to understanding the root causes and full impact of the illicit trade in small arms while ensuring the POA fulfills its objective of reducing human suffering.
In summary, the Small Arms survey stands ready to support member states through gender responsive, evidence based whole of government approaches, and we urge the enhancement of international coordination through regional roadmaps and investment in research initiatives.
Thank you.
I thank the Small Arm Survey.
I now pass the floor to the Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, followed by the Halo Trust, Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, you have the floor.
Chair, Excellence, distinguished delegates, civil society representatives.
My name is SingalmJuni Gini.
I am a member of the Ayana Coalition, Executive Director of the Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, and coordinator of the certified Course on the Diplomacy of arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament in Cameroon.
A UFP honor to address BMS nine and to highlight our sustained support to ECCAS member states in implementing the UN program of action, made possible through the United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on arms regulation, OSCAan funding and complementary assistance since 2016.
These efforts have enabled us to develop practical tools and strengthen national capacities on the use of the mosaic modules for elaborating national action plans and establishing national coordinating bodies on small arms and light weapons, collecting data for SDG 16.4 0.2 and implementing the Africa Amnesty Mond, mainstreaming women and youth through the Salient Project, and designing a joint reporting mechanism for the POA and the Kinshasa Convention.
Our current Oscar funded initiative, the development of regional blueprint for small arms and lead weapons governance with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Sd, Congo and Gabon, addresses persistent challenges of fragmented national action plans and the Kinshasa Convention implementation, despite strong political commitment under the POA and the ITA.
Although the five states are directly involved, the blueprint is intended to serve as a regional road map for comprehensive implementation across Central Africa.
We extend sincere appreciation to Cameroon for facilitating this process in its leadership role as president of the First Conference of state parties to the Kinshasa Convention.
During the 61st session of ASAC, Cameroon informed ACAS member states of this initiative and the first national consultation held in one from FT to S May that yielded highly positive outcomes.
Excellence useful reaffirms its commitment to supporting ACAS member states in advancing the POA and I thank the Cameron News and Students forum for Peace and I pass the floor to Halo Trust, followed by AMT.
But Halo Trust, you have the floor.
The Halo Trust is honored to address this ninth biennial meeting of States and expresses its appreciation to all those who have demonstrated leadership on this critical issue.
Halo's mission is to protect lives and restore livelihoods for communities affected by conflict.
One way we aim to achieve this is to prevent unplanned ammunition depot explosions and reduce the diversion of arms.
Too often, the dangers posed by unsecure stockpiles and the diversion of weapons are overlooked amid active conflict, though they are frequently what sustains and prolongs it.
For over 30 years, Halo has worked alongside governments to secure unsafe stockpiles, destroying more than 8.5 million items of explosive ammunition, building over 300 secure storage facilities and training hundreds of security force personnel across more than 30 countries.
In the past year, we have trained 641 host nation personnel, constructed or rehabilitated 17 armories and depots and destroyed over 3,800 small arms and nearly 200,000 muniions across 16 countries.
Excellencies, the importance of effective weapons and ammunition management has never been greater amid increasing volatility and violence across the world.
The Halo Trust is working in partnership with the international community and member states across West and North Africa, Central America, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and Eastern Europe to strengthen systems that prevent diversion, reduce instability, and protect vulnerable civilians.
These risks are further intensified in regions where illicit trafficking, porous borders, and extremist activity intersect, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional responses.
What gives us confidence is that this work delivers lasting change.
In one of our current programs, training delivered to national security personnel has evolved into a permanent national inspection team traveling the country to assess stockpiles, recommend improvements, and safely dispose of dangerous munitions.
Excellency, Halo therefore encourages member states to increase investment in weapons and ammunition management capacity building, and technical assistance, prioritizing states with the greatest vulnerability to diversion, strengthen and promote regional cooperation and coordination, and ensure ammunition management is fully integrated into POA implementation.
Halo stands ready to deepen partnerships with member states and regional organizations to advance the shared priorities.
Thank you.
I thank the Halo Trust, and I now invite the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian De Mining Ammunition Management to take the floor, followed by Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, Geneva International Center for Humanitarian De Ammunition Management, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I have the honor of speaking on behalf of the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian De Mining and its ammunition Management advisory team, AMAT.
In 2019, the GICHD and UNODA established AMAT as a joint initiative to provide operational and technical support to the UN Safeguard program to review, update, and disseminate the International Ammunition Technical guidelines.
Following the adoption of the global framework in 2023, AMATs role was extended to encompass the support for the framework's implementation.
Mr.
Chair, 25 years after the adoption of the program of action and the International Tracing Instrument remains central to international efforts to prevent, combat, and eradicate illicit trade in small arms weapons.
While significant progress has been achieved, the continued diversion from national stockpiles and misuse of unauthorized actors continue to fuel organized crime, armed conflicts, and violations in IHL.
The outcome document of the 2025 fourth Review Conference of the POA explicitly recognized the importance of strengthening coordination between the POA, the ITI, and other relevant instruments to address these risks.
In particular, states took note of the adoption of the global framework as a framework that may support the implementation of the POA.
For the first time, states agreed a dedicated international framework addressing safety, security, and sustainability risks of conventional ammunition of all its calibers across its entire life cycle.
By addressing these interconnected dimensions, the global framework complements and reinforces the program of action through measures aimed at reducing the risk of ammunition diversion and enhancing the safety of national ammunition stockpiles.
The effectiveness of international commitments ultimately depends on the implementation in practice.
As part of the support to the UN Safeguard program, AMAT is leading a review of the stockpile management AITG modules with the version four of the guidelines expected to be launched by the end of the year.
AMAT also supports states in translating both the IATG and the global framework into practical actions by strengthening national capabilities through the development of normative frameworks, training capabilities, and risk management systems, including the use of IATG aligned tools.
Mr.
Chair, the GICD remains committed to supporting the complementary implementation of the program of action, the ITI, and the global framework in support of its effort to prevent combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms of weapons and their ammunition.
Thank you.
I thank Amt and I pass to the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, who will be followed by Norwegian People's Aid, Foundation for Security and Development in Africa.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Fosa is a member of Hansa and a Human Security Organization focused on disarmament and advancing women youth Pa Security agenda.
We commend the focus of this meeting on technology and its implications on the implementation of the PUE and ITA.
While technology innovation offers opportunity for improved marked tracing and stockpile management, it also raises urgent concerns, particularly in Africa, where many states continue to face capacity constraints in responding to emerging threats.
We therefore call on African states to act decisively and proactively to prevent the misuse of emerging technologies, equal attention and assistance must be given to developing the inclusive regulatory, technical, and institutional capacities needed to prevent the abuse of technology by criminals, terrorists, and other non state actors.
Mr.
Chair, across the world and especially in Africa, armed conflict, violent extremism, terrorism continue to devastate our communities.
Women and children remain among the primary victims.
Yet the critical question remains, how are non state actors, terrorists and violent extremists continuing to access weapons with such ease? We urge all countries to strengthen political commitment to prevent the diversing of small arms and light weapons to illicit markets and unauthorized recipients through robust and effective implementation of the PUA.
As women in disarmament, we are concerned by UN Secretary-General report, the Security We Need, which reveals that global military expenditure reached an unprecedented 2.2 $0.7 trillion in 2024.
While states have sovereign rights to ensure their sovereignty and security.
We urge greater investment in prevention, peace building, and arms control, which remains chronically underfunded.
We further call on governments to do more to mainstream gender, women leadership, youth perspectives into the design, implementation, and monitoring of small arms control and programs.
For Africa, the implementation of the POA is inseparable from the African Union silencing the guns, and we urge all African states to to adopt effective monitoring systems and greater transparency and accountability.
We urge all to also continue to work with civil society and support civil society work for the implementation of the PUE.
We thank you.
I thank the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa.
We will pass to Norwegian People's Aid, followed by Bolivian Women's efforts, Norwegian People's Aid, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chair.
Norwegian People's Aid congratulates you on your election as chair, and we are honored to contribute to the implementation of the POA and ITI through weapons and ammunition Management assistance.
It is clear that a key challenge for the POA and ITI is not the lack of commitments, but uneven implementation.
Norwegian People's Aid is concerned with the persistent gaps between policy frameworks and the capacities required to deliver them effectively on the ground.
This was also recognized by the UN Secretary-General in his 2024 New Agenda for Peace Report.
Chair, weapons and ammunition management, also referred to as physical security and stockpile management is a critical and too often an underutilized entry point for addressing illicit proliferation and diversion.
When implemented effectively and in accordance with international standards, it reduces the risk of diversion and proliferation, supports civilian protection, and contributes to long term peace and stability.
Adré WAM challenges requires as comprehensive as sustainable approach, and national ownership must remain at the center of all efforts.
But ownership must be accompanied by capacity and resources.
While states bear the primary responsibility for implementation within its own jurisdiction, international cooperation and assistance must be prioritized, coherent, and designed to build lasting systems and capacities.
Share.
The impacts of small arms and not weapons are differentiated and we urge states to tailor their policies accordingly.
In this respect, we welcome the working paper by states, GAC and the Small Arms Survey on strengthening gender responsive approaches.
Advancing synergies across frameworks, including the global framework for through live conventional ammunition management and the arms Trade Treaty will be key to ensuring that efforts reinforce rather than duplicate each other.
It is by looking at normative frameworks holistically that weapons and ammunition management is the most impactful.
In conclusion, Norwegian People's Aid stands ready to continue working with states, regional organizations, and partners to support effective implementation of the POA and the ITI.
I thank you.
I thank Norwegian People's Aid and pass to Bolivian Women's efforts, followed by International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative, Bolivian Women's Efforts, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chairman.
Chairman, distinguished delegates.
The need to reaffirm the commitments of RevC four on the integration of a gender perspective is more urgent now than ever.
We face a critical scenario where approximately 676 million women and girls live in high risk areas due to the alarming increase in armed conflicts.
This reality is translating directly into the fact that at this very moment, thousands of them suffer disproportionately impact the devastating impacts of war.
They are victims of murder, sexual violence, and forced displacement, and all of this in the context of the concerning increase in global military expenditure.
As the report of the UN Secretary-General correctly underscores in the security we need, militarism does not only feed gender based violence but also normalizes violence against women and girls, which is a trend that requires a firm, compassionate and immediate multilateral response.
Furthermore, armed violence has devastating effects on the lives of women and girls causing an alarming increase in gender based violence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This phenomenon raises its head systemically and persistently, tragically having an impact on the femicide rate and becoming a real pandemic in the shadows.
Against this backdrop, eradicating violence against women and girls definitively is a fundamental pillar and an urgent action that needs to be taken to build a a more caring society.
It's fundamental to strengthen understanding of the physical, psychological, social and community impacts of armed violence on the populations affected.
In order to do this, it's important to listen to the testimonies of survivors.
Chairman, there is growing convergence between the gender equality agendas and regulatory frameworks for the control of small arms and light weapons.
In this regard, it's fundamental to promote better articulation and dialogue between national plans of action and the program of action of the UN on small arms and like weapons and Resolution 13 25.
Aware of this challenge, the UN Regional Center for Peace Astlement and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean and Iraq alongside UN Women have begun extremely necessary work and we express our profound thanks to the states of the Andean region and Central America and the Dominican Republic for the decisive support and commitment to strengthen understanding of this link.
Leading to a positive and lasting impact on building more equal and safe societies.
Chair, we're delighted about the holding of the first meeting of the open ended technical experts group and the speaker's microphone was cut off, so the interpreters.
Thank you.
Thank the Bolivian women's efforts and I passed to International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative, followed by Peace Angels International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair, Distinguished delegates.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the IHLYI, a youth led platform representing change makers across 30 countries in the global South, particularly from conflict affected regions in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mr.
Chair, UN reports reveal that over 37,000 civilians were killed in armed conflicts in 2025 alone at a tragic rate of one civilian every 14 minutes.
Illicit small arms remain the primary fuel for this devastation.
Today, this threat is multiplied by technological advancements, such as three D printed firearms and untraceable ghost guns, combined with the unregulated role of private military companies.
This toxic mix bypasses traditional tracing instruments, feeding systemic violence and human rights violations against civilians, particularly women and girls from Syria, Libya, Palestine, and Sudan.
This is precisely where the core solution lies, Mr.
Chair.
Countering these modern tech driven security threats requires innovative thinking and adaptable leadership.
Youth are not merely a vulnerable group in need of protection.
We are the ones who best understand these digital shifts and possess the greatest urgency to change the reality we live through.
Youth are a powerful strategic asset capable of leading legislative reform and bridging critical security gaps.
Last month in May 2026, translating this leadership into action, IHOYI in cooperation with INA and supported by UN SCAR, organized the first regional training of trainers workshop in the UN POA for youth and young Arab parliamentarians in the menor region, effectively connecting grassroots reality with national legislation.
This ground reality demonstrates exceptional resilience.
A young participant from Lebanon continued her active engagement in our technical sessions from inside a displacement shelter in Saida while active bombardment was occurring nearby.
This unwavering dedication sends a definitive message to this forum.
Youth living under the trauma of weapons are the most determined and capable to lead efforts to eradicate them whenever they are provided with the knowledge and the opportunity.
Consequently, in line with the YPS agenda, HOI urges member states at the BMS nine to ensure structural participation, formally integrate youth led organizations into the drafting of national reports and weapons control legislations or recognize in civil society shadow reports, include official delegations, commit to including youth and women representatives, especially those from conflict affected contexts as core members of official national delegations to global forums, provide sustainable funding, institutionalize and expand these technical trainings by allocating direct resources through mechanisms like UN SCAR to youth initiatives in the Global South, effectively localizing disarmament expertise.
Mr.
Chair, sustainable peace will never be achieved while youth are left on the sidelines.
Those who have the courage to learn from inside displacement shelters and those who lead legislative reform have the fundamental right to shape discussions of this global forum.
Thank you.
I thank International Humanitarian Law and Youth Initiative.
I have Peace Angels, followed by the West African Action Network on Small Arms.
Peace Angels, you have the floor.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Chair.
I would like to thank the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, my own country, the United States of America, the Chair of BMS nine and Iana for the opportunity to address this meeting.
My name is Lynn Evola.
I am the artist founder of the Peace Angels Project, established in Los Angeles in 1992, and dedicated to transforming surrendered, confiscated, illicit and decommissioned weapons into permanent works of art.
For more than three decades, the Peace Angels Project has worked with governments, law enforcement agencies, military organizations, peace builders, and communities to transform instruments of violence into enduring symbols of human possibility.
The project's work includes the Renaissance Peace Angel now in the permanent collection of the National September 11th Museum in New York City.
The first weapons transformed through the Peace Angels Project were incorporated into the commemorative plaque that's connected to that sculpture, marking the beginning of the Peace Angels Project, ongoing transformation of weapons into art.
Today, the Peace Angels Project is preparing three monumental public works in the United States, the Los Angeles Peace Angel Monument to be unveiled during the Olympics, the New York Peace Angel Monument, and the Silicon Valley San Francisco Peace Monument.
Each monument will stand approximately 64 feet, which is about a six story building.
And it will incorporate material transformed from more than 1 million destroyed weapons.
That's what we're going to do in this country.
Why I'm here this time, I've been a delegate since 2008.
It has been a great privilege to be part of the Department of Disarmament.
But this time, I respectfully invite the member states represented here to consider contributing a symbolic amount of destroyed or decommissioned weapons material for inclusion in these monuments.
The quantity requested is intentionally small.
The significance, though, is profound.
Each contribution stands as an international expression of confidence in transformation, peace building in our shared future, demonstrating that materials once associated with conflict can be permanently redirected toward the preservation of human life.
Thank you very much, indeed, Peace Angels.
I now move to West African Action Network on Small Arms, followed by the World Federalist Movement.
The West African Action Network on Small Arms, you have the floor.
Mia, an Sangjin, join all Civil Society organization in welcoming participants of this Dynamics of States.
We commend the United Nations for the continued leadership in advancing the implementation of POA on small arms and live weapons and international trading instruments.
We also acknowledge the renewed commitment demonstrated by member states toward reducing the illicit provision on small arms and live weapons globally.
Mr.
Chair, despite Ninn's commitment to these international instruments, the country continues to face serious security challenges arising from illicit circulation of firearms.
These weapons remain readily available to criminal networks, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other non state actors operating across our borders.
Recent incident in Nigera Halaih widen the impact of armed violence.
In May 2026, school children and teachers were abducted in No C.
White actions, their families and community members were kidnapped in Queria State.
Ongoing attacks on real community by armed criminal groups show how the illicit prevention of small arms continue to drive insecurity, displacement of human suffering across our country.
The consequences extend beyond security concerns.
The widespread availability of LS firearms has become a threat to education and development, food security, economic growth, effective governance, and community resilience.
Farmers are unable to access their farmlands, schools are disrupted, businesses are affected, and several communities live in fear.
Once Nigeria has consistently advocated for stronger border management measures, including enhanced surveillance and physical protection of viable border corridors.
We further call for inclusion of civil society organizations, traditionally, gender response approaches into small arms control effort and ensuring the full, equal, meaningful, and effective participation of women in peace and security decision making processes.
In preparation for this BMS night, once and Gina conducted a national seclud preparatory meeting in Aja with the support of IA and the ECOWAS Commission.
The meeting brought together government agencies, security institutions, civil society actors, and other stakeholders, resulting in practical recommendations aimed at strengthening national implementation of the POA.
As we pursue sustainable solutions, it is important to recognize the diversity of regional security challenges.
Responses must therefore be context specific while remaining rooted international cooperation and shared responsibility.
Mason and Guiler welcomed the establishment of new technical working arrangement under the POA process and encourage closer engagement with member states to strengthen international cooperation on weapons tracing as effective weapon tracing is essential for regional peace and security.
Finally, Mason Gila applaud the United Nations for championing the review of progress made in reducing the illicit arms globally.
We remain hopeful that the outcome of BSN will strengthen international cooperation, enhance transparency, and capability, and provide member states with practical opportunity to build Suffolk society free from the diverse impact of gung violence.
Thank you for your attention.
My name remain George O'Cole.
I thank the West African Action Network on Small Arms for contribution.
I have two further NGO speakers on my list, the World Federalist Movement and the Security Research and Information Center.
If there's any other speaker who wishes to seek to take the floor, you should make yourself known very quickly.
With that, I will pass to the World Federalist Movement.
You have the floor.
The chair of the BMS nine, Excellencies and distinguished delegates.
In the year 2000, the African ministers meeting in Bamako urged the international community to adopt a ban on export of small arms and light weapon to non state actors.
This proposal was brought to the first UN conference on small arms in 2001 by the then chair Japanese Ambassador Donawk.
Unfortunately, consensus could not be reached and the proposal was not adopted.
A quarter century later, non state actors, the terrorists continue to fuel violence, insecurity, and cause instability to democratically elected governments.
The concern about the continued export of weapons to non state actors were raised on the first day of this BMS by ambassadors of China, Ghana, India, and many others.
In Asia, the low intensity conflict continues to persist in several countries in the region.
The trafficking of women, drugs, illegal arms across the borders is often controlled by the same non state actor.
Civil society organizations work tirelessly to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation.
Yet, while we address the demand side of the solve, we must also address the supply side.
Weapons produced need to be sold.
Weapons are manufactured, the wars are also manufactured these days.
For this reason, the conflict as long as the supply tap is open and the weapons continue to flow freely to non state actors, their first to resolve conflicts through dialogue becomes significantly more difficult.
In many conflicts, more lives are lost to small arms than to conventional warfares.
Their widespread availability undermines sustainable development, conflict prevention, peace building, and human security.
Mental health survivors, as per paragraph 134 of the.com four, need to be addressed in the outcome document.
On behalf of the World federalist movement, which advocates dialogue, international law, peaceful dispute through the UN and the ICJ International Court of Justice, I respectfully urge this August House to consider two important measures.
First, a global ban on the export of arms to non state actors.
I hope I don't need to wait for another 25 years.
Second, a stronger international measure to regulate excessive weapons production and address the supply side of the illicit small arms proliferation.
Thus, Chairman, we need to address both the demand and supply side of the small arms problem.
Thank you.
I thank the World Federalist movement, and I will invite our final NGO speaker for today, Security Research and Information Center to take the floor.
My name is Single Machof from the Security Research and Information Center based in Nairobi, and Shriq is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important BMS nine.
My organization supports the implementation of the UN POA, and to this end, It has been working with the Kenyan National focal point to train national police service officers on fiscal security and stockpile management, to ensure proper storage and good practices in handling firearms and the general safe management of legal arms.
CRIC has also been involved in illicit arms destruction exercises that are done by the government symbolically as a public statement on the dangers of illicit small arms and to also win the trust of the people in the campaign against the vice.
RQ participates in the Annual Global Week of Action against gun violence campaign as a way of advocating for strict laws on gun violence, and we lobby for the implementation of and adherence to laws and processes that are meant to ensure proper arms control and management in line with the provisions of the UN POA.
SRC recognizes the complementary nature of key arms control mechanisms, notably the UN POA, the ATT, and the Nairobi Protocol, and believes that the implementation of all three mechanisms is key to arms control imperatives that the UN members aspire.
We call upon state parties to enhance partnerships with civil society organizations and the private sector in order to maximize efforts to deal with challenges such as arms diversion and gender based violence.
SIRIQ further calls on states implicated in illegal arms transfers to conflict zones to respect UN resolutions, including on arms embargos and instead support genuine efforts to enhancing peace and security.
We call for enhanced support to countries with limited capacity to implement the UN POA and other regional arms control mechanisms.
SRIQ calls for stricter controls, including encouraging 100% marking of illegally held firearms to improve traceability.
We recognize the role of the youth as change makers, and to this end, SHRIQ is working with students from universities and colleges to create awareness against radicalization and violent extremism in Kenya through the use of sports for peace.
Finally, CRI stands in solidarity with all other civil society organizations in calling for the full implementation of all the UN POA obligations and will continue to offer its expertise and capacity in partnership with other CEOs and state partners to support implementation.
Thank you, Chair.
I thank the Security Research and Information Center.
With that, we have concluded hearing from all those non government organizations, international organizations and civil society organizations wishing to take the floor on this agenda item.
I thank you very much indeed for your contributions.
I'll make some remarks in a moment concerning our next steps in this meeting.
But if I may have your indulgence, members will recall that the meeting concluded its consideration of agenda item seven last Monday on the 1st of June.
I have since received a request for an intervention under this item.
If there is no objection, I propose that the meeting reopen agenda item seven to hear this intervention.
Of course, if anybody else wishes to do so, you are able to request.
In the absence of any objection, I see no objection.
It is so decided.
Let me, in that case, reopen consideration of agenda item seven and I have a request from Belgium to take the floor.
Belgium, you have the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of Albania, Australia, Austria, Bosnia, Hezeoviva, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Cechia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Federated States of Mcrosia, Monaco, Montenegro, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portug, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the European Union, and my own country, Belgium.
We would like to strongly support gender related language in the outcome document, in particular, previously agreed language from the outcome document of WFCON three, BMS seven, BMS eight, and WFCON four.
We therefore call on all member states to retain the written language in the outcome document of the BMS nine on the following topics.
First, take into consideration the differential impact of illegal trade in sums allied weapons on women, men, girls and boys.
Second, the importance of assessing and addressing the gender impact of illicit small arms and weapons on women, men, girls, and boys, including conflict related sexual violence and of mainstreaming gender perspective into policies and programs on small arms and light weapons.
Third, the need to promote the full, equal, meaningful, and effective participation of women in decision making and implementation processes related to the program of action and the international tracing instrument at all levels, including in leadership roles and as agents of change.
Fourth, deggregating data where visible by sex, age disability and other characteristics relevant in national context and utilizing analysis mechanism to inform evidence based gender responsive policymaking and programming with a view to strengthening the full and effective implementation of the program of action at all levels.
Furthermore, we know the establishment of the open ended technical expert group, the OETG to examine development in the manufacturing technology and design of small arms and like weapons, including polymer frame and modular weapons as well as illicit three D printed firearms.
While the mandate of the OETG is technical in nature, we believe that previously agreed commitments on gender remained relevant to its work.
As states examine the implication of emerging technologies, it's important to continue considering the potential impacts on different groups within society, including women, men, girls, and boys.
Applying a gender perspective can help ensure a more comprehensive understanding on how new technologies, in particular, the use of treaty printing may affect pattern of acquisition, misuse, diversion, and armed violence, as well as support inclusive participation in discussions on this issue.
Chair, the general related language in the draft outcome document reflect commitments that states have already agreed through previous meeting of the program of action process.
Retaining this language will support continuity, strengthen implementation, and contribute to a more effective and evidence based response to the challenges posed by Dalit trade in small arms and weapons.
For us, this language in this text is not a nice to have, rather it reflects evidence based good practice in ensuring the effective implementation of the POA.
I thank you.
Thank the Representative of Belgium.
Is there any other delegation who wishes to seek to intervene before we close Agenda Item seven? I have no delegation who seeks to intervene.
Therefore, that means we have again concluded our consideration of agenda item seven.
With the conclusion of interventions from non government organizations and civil society.
That means we have heard the last statement for this morning's meeting.
That gives us an opportunity, as I foreshadowed this morning, to cancel the formal meeting that was scheduled for this afternoon as we have completed our program for today.
As all of you will be aware, tomorrow and Friday morning is the time set aside for the technical expert group to meet in this conference room in accordance with our program of work, and our next and final plenary meeting will take place on Friday five June at 3:00 P.M.
In this conference room to consider Agenda Item nine, entitled Report by the Chair of the Open ended Technical Expert Group, followed by Agenda Item ten entitled Consideration of the draft Final Document and Agenda Item 11 entitled Adoption of the Report.
So with that, I am going to make a couple of remarks concerning side events to be held over lunch, and then I will adjourn the formal part of these proceedings, the side events over lunch, first, UN ODA and IANSA U Sky in action, strengthening global support for UN P of action implementation in conference room six, UN LIREC and Unida, UN IDIR integrating Darmment and arms control into the WPS agenda, conference room A, The third is Safer World and Security Research and Information Center, the POA, the Nairobi Protocol, and the ATT, promoting peace and security in East Africa through joint implementation.
That side event will take place in conference room C, and the fourth is conflict armament research, UN ODA, and Switzerland erased Origins, mark obliteration, methods of recovery and good practices to implement the ITI and that will take place in conference room B.
All of those will commence at 1:15.
With that, it's my pleasure to adjourn this morning's proceedings.
We will not resume informal session this afternoon.
We will, however, after the lunch break, so at 3:00 P.M.
We will gather for a further informal meeting to consider the draft outcomes document.
With that, this meeting is adjourned.
Thank you.
I look forward to seeing those who wish to participate in the informal proceedings consideration of the draft document at 3:00 P.M.
This afternoon.