Mr. Chair,
I thank the delegation of Sierra Leone for convening this critical Arria-formula meeting. Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to wish some considerations in its national capacity.
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition fuels instability and armed conflicts across numerous regions. The illicit trade of small weapons generated in conflict areas not only undermines sustainable development, but it also destabilizes the social and economic fabric of countries. Even worse, it contributes to the activities of terrorist groups and organized crime, exacerbating sexual and gender-based violence.
Recognizing the gravity of the issue, international efforts were swiftly mobilized. Italy fully supports this collective response, including the adoption of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA), as well as various subsequent instruments such as recent Global Framework for Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management. Together, these instruments provide a robust international framework and an integrated approach to through-life arms and ammunition management.
Yet, despite significant normative advancements, serious challenges remain. Weak border governance, fragmented cooperation among Member States, and persistent loopholes exploited by transnational trafficking networks weaken UN’s ability and credibility to enforce arms embargoes. To restore the full integrity and effectiveness of sanctions regimes, we must urgently strengthen cross-border cooperation, enhance transparency mechanisms, and target the financial networks underpinning illicit arms trafficking.
Against this backdrop, Italy firmly upholds international obligations and commitments on small arms control and weapons management, renewing our support for peace, security, and sustainable development for all, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the cooperative spirit of the Pact for the Future.
Action-oriented policies and forward-looking measures against illicit SALW reflect our shared commitment to multilateralism. In this context, and as an example, Italy contributes to the efforts of the UN in the field of “Security Sector Reform”, including through financial support to the Standing Capacity for Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSuRGe Team), based at the United Nations Global Service Centre in Brindisi.
To conclude, strengthening international and regional cooperation is paramount to enhancing compliance with arms embargoes and effectively countering the illicit proliferation of SALW. Only by aligning our collective efforts and integrating civil society expertise can we pave the way to lasting peace and global security.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
