UN disarmament chief stresses significance of declaration to combat small arms

The head of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs has emphasized the significance of a declaration unanimously adopted by a panel addressing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.

Nakamitsu Izumi, the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, spoke to reporters on Monday.

She said it was a politically very important achievement, especially in view of the current rather difficult multilateral environment and security related issues in particular.

She said it was a good example that it is possible to have an agreement adopted by consensus to tackle common security issues.

The document includes measures such as establishing a group of experts to analyze new small arms manufacturing methods that use 3D-printing technology and to prevent their illicit use. It also calls for incorporating more views from women and young people who are prone to becoming victims of attacks with small arms.

The fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons convened in New York from June 17 to 28. The panel meets every six years to determine an action plan for UN members.