Statement delivered by Italy at the Security Council meeting in Arria Formula on ‘“The threat to international peace and security posed by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons” —
Thank you, Mister President.
At the outset, let me convey warm congratulations to the people of the Republic of Mexico on its Independence Day and express Italy’s sincere appreciation to Mexico for convening today’s debate on this crucial topic. I also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful contributions to our discussion.
Building on the momentum generated by the successful outcome of the 7th Biennial Meeting of States of the UNPoA and the 7th Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), today’s meeting allows us to have an up-to-date discussion six years after the adoption of Resolution 2220 (2015).
Italy is particularly satisfied that the BMS7 outcome document takes into proper consideration the most recent developments in new technologies and their potential impact on the ITI. We also welcome the linking between the PoA process and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while underlining the importance of the gender dimension and including a reference to gender based violence.
Mr. President,
Let me reiterate Italy’s unwavering commitment to multilateral efforts to fight the illicit trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). We attach the utmost importance to the universalization of all relevant multilateral instruments. Italy is committed to the effective implementation of the ATT, the UNPoA, the International Tracing Instrument, and the Palermo Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition.
The illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons constitutes a very serious threat to peace and security throughout the world, fostering instability, violence, insecurity and undermining the effectiveness of States’ development efforts.
The risk posed by illegal arms flows has constantly increased and, nowadays, trafficking in weapons is not only associated with transnational organized criminal groups, but it is increasingly fuelled by terrorist entities. The use of online marketplaces, including the Dark Web, to sell and acquire weapons and their components poses further challenges for law enforcement agencies and national governments: the anonymity enabled by these platforms makes preventing illegal trade and linking it to specific individuals increasingly difficult.
Mr. President,
The Security Council has often addressed this scourge by mandating peacekeeping operations to assist national authorities in controlling the flow of small arms, developing appropriate legal frameworks and improving policing capacities and practices.
In exercising its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, the Security Council has increasingly included in its agenda the role of small arms and light weapons in initiating and sustaining conflict.
However, as the Secretary General stated in his report on SALW pursuant to resolution 2220 (2015), we believe that the Security Council should do more to address these issues in order to better promote international peace and security.
I thank you.
