Thread by @controlarms

#UNGA #FirstCommittee opened October 4th. Read highlights from statements for the General Debate that mention conventional weapons and the #ArmsTreaty here ⬇️

In her statement @UNODA’s @INakamitsu noted that a critical piece of the disarmament puzzle is the effective control of convention arms including efforts to mitigate and address its humanitarian impact, and excessive accumulation and illicit trade. #ReduceHumanSuffering

.@INakamitsu welcomed exchanges at #ArmsTreaty #CSP7, particularly on this year’s thematic focus on SALW and effective stockpile mgt. She cited #ammunition, an integral part of weapons used in conflict, as an issue that has long lacked dedicated, multilateral attention.

Delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, @indonesiaunny, expressed concern at the increasing global military expenditure w/c could otherwise be spent on development, poverty eradication and healthcare, including the #COVID19 pandemic.

The Non-Aligned Movement remained deeply concerned by the consequences of the illicit trade of #SALW. They called on major arms producing states to ensure #SALW supply is restricted only to authorized stakeholders.

#UNGA #FirstCommittee

.@CARICOMorg reiterated their commitment to #ArmsTreaty, anchored in the belief that the ATT provides a platform for int’l cooperation in addressing illicit arms trade. It welcomed #CSP7’s thematic focus on #SALW as an opportunity to build on discussions from #UNPoA #BMS7.

In their statement,@ASEAN called on the int’l community to recognize the growing illicit proliferation of conventional weapons. At regional level, frameworks such as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, among others, are used to address this issue. #UNGA

The Central American Integration System, thru @GuatemalaONU, highlighted their continued focus on the prevention of the illicit trafficking of #SALW by incorporating the UNPoA & ITI in nat'l legislations. They called for a transparent application of int'l arms instruments.

.@Denmark_UN, on behalf of Nordic Countries reiterated the crucial role of #ArmsTreaty & other inst., in addressing the illicit flows of #SALW. It also called for #genderequality, empowerment and the full inclusion of women in the substantive work of #UNGA First Committee.

As a non-permanent member to the UNSC, @MisionMexOI has prioritised the substantive consideration of the illicit transfers and #diversion of #SALW and conventional weapons. Highlighted #CSP7 outcomes as instrumental to the effective implementation of #ArmsTreaty

In their statement, #Yemen noted that it looks to the international community to abide by int’l law and stop the supply of arms to militia responsible for the killing and wounding of thousands of victims incl. children and women. #ReduceHumanSuffering

Nepal emphasized the need to promote cross-border cooperation & assistance to prevent the illicit trade and transfer of #SALW. They remain supportive of the inclusion of gender perspectives in disarmament frameworks; participation of women, youth, civil society & private sector.

.@GeorgiaUN addressed the problem of excessive accumulation and illicit spread of conventional arms & ammunition and highlighted the need to maintain an effective trade control system. In this context, Georgia noted that #ArmsTreaty is an inst. that should be strengthened.

The illicit arms transfers & misuse of #SALW continues to pose serious threats to peace, security & sustainable dev’t. @SwedenUN focused on the need for a holistic approach in the implementation of multilateral agreements such as the #ArmsTreaty and Int’l Tracing Instrument.

📄 To access the #UNGA #FirstCommittee the statements from October 4, please visit @RCW_ at: reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-fo…