Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed the Arab Group’s growing commitment to combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, in light of the catastrophic security, humanitarian, and economic impacts of this phenomenon, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In a speech at the UN, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, emphasized the importance of the Program of Action as a consensual UN framework to combat the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, while fostering trust and cooperation among member states.
Furthermore, he stressed that the Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons is a standalone international framework, highlighting the need to prevent its implementation from overlapping with any other international mechanisms that lack consensus.
He further noted the importance of international cooperation and technical assistance in executing the program, including the transfer of relevant technology and the building of national capacities.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia called for the continuous study of the impacts of modern technological advancements, including modular weapons, weapons manufactured from polymer materials, and 3D-printing technologies, to effectively address the challenges associated with this phenomenon.
Speaking at the ninth Biennial Meeting of States on the Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged member states to adopt an outcome document that keeps communities free of illicit small arms and weapons.
He also urged them to act together to combat threats emerging from acquiring weapons that fuel terrorism, crime and gender-based violence, while killing peacekeepers and blocking humanitarian access.
In light of this, the UN chief called on member states to share intelligence, technical support and capacity-building; develop new solutions to address the threat of emerging technologies and diversion; and curb illicit weapons flows and close regulatory loopholes.
