Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations Špela Košir at the Arria-formula meeting on “Small Arms Control and Weapons Management in UN Sanctions Regimes”

Thank you Mr. Chair.

We thank Sierra Leone and the cosponsors for convening this discussion today and the briefers for their informative briefings.

The access to and proliferation of small arms and light weapons exacerbate grievances and violence, fuel conflicts, destabilize entire regions and undermine peace efforts. Without stronger implementation and enforcement of arms embargoes and better integration of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts into peace processes, we risk prolonging cycles of violence and insecurity.

The Council regularly reviews and determines the scope of sanctions, including arms embargoes. Sanctions, along with other tools, are intended either to support government efforts to restore peace and security, or to limit government actions when there are concerns about achieving a democratic, inclusive and peaceful society.

In this regard let me highlight the following three points:

First, we note some reports assessing the arms embargoes remain ineffective mainly where Member States control the logistical flow and supply chains to armed actors. One of the key challenges related to arms embargoes is in their implementation and enforcement by States themselves.

The responsibility for preventing illicit arms flows, ensuring effective weapons management and upholding UN arms embargoes lies with States. They must take concrete steps both in legislation and on the ground to secure stockpiles, prevent diversion, enforce arms export controls, and strengthen national legislation, awareness and capacity to combat arms trafficking.

It is important to utilize good practices, especially in the framework of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA).

Mr. Chair,

Diversion from or the takeover of official stockpiles is often a means by which sanctioned entities gain access to arms, particularly highly mobile small arms and light weapons. Effective weapons and ammunition management is therefore essential. Timely responses to requests from Panels of Experts and sharing of relevant information on weapons, ammunition, and components are crucial for effective monitoring.

Second, regional and international cooperation is key in arms control. We welcome initiatives such as the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, the joint AU and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Africa Amnesty Month project, and the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) fund. These and other regional initiatives provide crucial support to States in their efforts to curb the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Strengthening collaboration between the UN, regional organizations, national authorities, industry, and non-government actors is key to closing gaps and preventing embargo violations.

Third, the Security Council must ensure that sanctions regimes effectively support disarmament and conflict prevention efforts. To that end, when adopting or renewing peace operations mandates, the Council should consider how these missions and operations could assist national authorities in monitoring arms embargoes compliance, identifying sources of illicit arms, and tracing found, seized and surrendered weapons. Furthermore, peace operations should support national efforts and help build capacities to prevent illicit arms transfers and diversion, and provide technical and logistical assistance to relevant sanctions committees.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair,

We wish to emphasize the importance of the Pact for the Future in advancing global action on small arms and light weapons control. Implementation of the agreed commitments is key to ensuring that small arms and light weapons do not fall into wrong hands and that arms control measures contribute to lasting peace and security.

I thank you.

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