Illicit Trade in Small Arms

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Ryan Tarr
School: Royal Oak High School

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan recognizes the urgent need of the Political committee to address the growing trend in the illicit trade of small arms. With this trade comes conflict and turmoil, which no nation wants to be victim to.

When the initial Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects was passed in mid-2001, our nation felt it was liable to be an incredibly effective first step towards the eradication of the illegal trade of small arms. There have been major changes within our nation since the end of the conference on the Illicit Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Since this time, the conflict within our nation has risen, which has, in turn, led to an increase in the illicit trade of small arms. This trade has become difficult to control, and Afghanistan is aware that we are not the only nation within this body in need of international support. Our government would give its support to a resolution that aids nations combating the proliferation of illicit small arms trade within their borders.

For many nations, Afghanistan included, international aid is crucial for legitimacy to be retained. There many nations within this body that lack the funds and infrastructure to effectively combat the illegal trading that is occurring. We urge greater developed nations to aid all they can in order to prevent the growth of illegal small arms trade.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Sophie Grdina
School: Mattawan High School

As an acknowledged international issue, the United Nations has begun to address the developing problem of illicit weapons ans small arms trafficking. In Cameroon, the laws against illicit weapons have become outdated, dating back to 1973. In an attempt to control the spreading violence caused by small arms trade, Cameroon believes a global law should be made that can eliminate these festering issues. With the involvement of a collection of world nations and leading world powers, actions could be made to stop the growing issue of illegal trade and possession of small arms.

Although Cameroon believes this issue needs to be addressed, the violence in Cameroon has remained relatively stable, provided few exceptions. However, because of the geographical location of Cameroon, it is surrounded by countries involved in armed conflicts and violence, which threatens the peace and well-being of our citizens. These encounters throughout Africa promote violence, a threat to the people of Cameroon. With unsecured borders, the trade of illicit weapons is uncontrolled, and allows the conflict to spread across the continent.

In order to remove illicit trade of small arms, Cameroon proposes that focus be paid to national borders, heightening the security between countries and causing increased difficulty of trading illegal weapons. Also, development needs to be made in the locating, confiscating, and destroying of such small arms to prevent continuation of illegal trade. Cameroon is opposed to any indirect action, seeing as the level of violence in surrounding countries, such as Sudan, Nigeria, and Kenya, is increasing and poses a treat to our population.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: China
Delegate Name: Drake Filippis
School: Royal Oak High School

The People’s Republic of China does not see the illicit small arms trade in the international community as a number one priority. The People’s Republic of China stands behind the United Nations with any decision in which it makes, but we are responsible for what happens within our borders and we do have tight regulations on small arms. The black market is large factor that does contribute to small arms dealing and the People’s Republic of China see it as an international issue. A resolution needs to be made that makes efforts towards controlling the black market. We are in full support of the Action Plan that is highly supported by the European Union and is behind any types of resolutions that does not interfere with the People’s Republic of Chinas national sovereignty.

If small arms trades such as being manufactured, transferred and circulated are to be complete halted level of regulation for each and every single country are going to have to be highly increase, and the People’s Republic of China does not see regulation in a resolution without interfering with national sovereignty safety, security, stability and sustainable development can be brought the international community, but the People’s Republic of China must see an ideal resolution. There are certain aspects of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, in All Its Aspects that we agree and there are other parts that may be worked on to come to an agreement.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Laquita Harris
School: Flint Northern High School

Illegal trade in small arms causes major problems within the country of Egypt. The problems faced are problems such as trafficking and misuse of weapons. These major problems help terrorist.

These weapons are exported and imported in many ways across the border, making them cheap and affordable. Small arms and light weapons are sold for as little as a few thousand dollars. The misuse of these weapons has caused over 100,000 deaths this year and an estimate of 60% to 90% of these deaths were due to civil conflicts. Millions of people are caught in the crossfire of warfare and many are children and women. These children and women are now considered victims of armed crimes. The question we should all ask is, “Why should the children have to suffer? It should not be so. The United States estimates that roughly 175 terrorists’ attacks were reported in last year's state Department report and half were committed with small arms or light weapons. Why should we as people of the world stand by and do nothing? If we stand by and do nothing that is the same as saying that we support something that's hurting all of us? We have to consider that these Egyptians are our people as well.

Small arm trafficking is not a problem you can easily solve: it is a problem you have to manage. The problem can be managed by enacting strong export and border controls, safe guarding (or destroying) stockpiles, dismantling trafficking networks, and addressing the root causes of the civil conflicts and crime rates. All governments should also reduce the supply of and demand for these weapons.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: France
Delegate Name: Andrew Romano
School: Roeper School

Small arms and light weapons are the favored arms of insurgency and terrorist groups all around the world. Most of these weapons have been obtained illegally thought the massive illegal arms market, which is estimated to be over a billion dollars. Illegally obtained small arms and light weapons can be attributed to 60-90% of conflict deaths worldwide each year. An AK-47 assault rifles can be bought in many developing nations for as little as $20. It is the cheap price and easy access of small arms that create such a large problem for the United Nations and its composing nations to handle. The size of the illegal arms trade also makes it hard to control; it makes up the majority of arms trade in the world, somewhere between 50 and 60%.

The French Republic, being the world’s third largest exporter of legal small arms, realizes the dire need to stop such a life threatening issue. The French Republic believes that the United Nations must come up with a solution that all states will be agreeable to. The French Republic calls on states which have been reluctant to support stronger measures to control small arms, particularly the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, to put aside political, ideological, and economic rivalries in order to effectively strengthen measures that many nations are in agreement on. If not every nation involved will follow the decision of the general political committee, then we as humans cannot possibly be able to put an end to such a large issue.

We, the United Nations, in order to solve this problem, could, as a start, potentially set up regulations that require nations that produce weapons legitimately to destroy weapons that have been created for legitimate reasons but are not in service. This would prevent weapons from getting into the hands of criminals who would sell them on the black market. The case of Victor Bout is but one example of the negative impact criminal trade in small arms can have on measures to control small arms. France is willing to work with all nations to remedy this problem.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Mary Bryan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The country of Germany believes that there should be a stop of illicit trade in small arms. The top four arm exporters are United States, Russia, France, and United Kingdom. France is an important ally of Germany therefore we want to support them. According to a survey in 2001 10 to 20% of the trade is small arms is illegal therefore affecting the economies of countries who are exports of small arms. Illicit trade is not only a problem with affecting to sales of small arms, but it causes many other problems. Small arms fuel civil wars and other conflicts. Small arms are a problem because they are inexpensive and easy for children and rebel soldiers. Germany believes that this needs to come to a stop. Germany is a democratic state and does not support illegal weapons. We are not trying to ban all small arms because that would go against national laws; we are trying to focus against the negative aspects that small arms cause.

Small arms cause 90% of civilian casualties. Every minute a gun kills someone. There is an estimated 2-10 billion US dollars spent in the black market trade each year. Germany supports the International Action Network on Small arms when they say that small arms are a huge problem, small arms are big business, small arms lead to big damage, and small arms present a global damage. Germany also believes that to solve this problem the UN must address the problems of use of the small arms and the problem of selling the small arms. More needs to be done to prevent violent conflicts and eliminating more small arms is only the start to accomplish this goal.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Anna Weber
School: Mattawan High School

Most would agree that terrorism is a major problem in the world today. It is therefore important that countries take extra measures to keep their people safe. The trade of illicit small arms could be making a significant difference in domestic and international safety. Not only are many lives lost to illegal small weapons, but turning a blind eye to this grave issue would allow the traders to continue. Doing so is no better than supplying the insurgents with weapons straight from our military warehouses.

The goal of the United Nations has always been to promote peace and good communication; what better way to achieve this goal than to assist the halting of foreign and domestic violence by slowing the trade of illegal small arms? These weapons are often going to the aid of those who oppose peace, or to those who believe that violence will achieve peace. Greece's economy depends largely on tourism; we cannot develop a reputation for being unsafe, as this would reduce the number of tourists, severely damaging our economy.

Greece is also experiencing tensions with nearby countries, forcing us to develop strong national defenses. If illegal arms trading is ignored, our own weapons could be turned against us through illicit trade.

There are many possible solutions to this problem. The best, and most important, is to monitor more closely the distribution of these small arms through increased enforcement of export controls. In addition, it is vital that all surplus weaponry be either safely stored away in a restricted area, or destroyed.

However, this is not to say that legal possession of small weapons should be stopped, or even altered. Presumably, lawful possession of small arms should already be under control by the government.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Koerner Gray Buchta
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Most deaths in the 40 or so wars going on all over the world right now are civilian, and most are caused by small arms. This is facilitated by the illegal trade in small arms. This trade adds fuel to small, civil conflicts in the third world and arms international terrorists and criminal organizations. It’s clear that all of the world would benefit in terms of security from a decrease in the small arms trade. Most trade and production of weapons is legal, but weapons often end up in the hands of the wrong people, and it can be difficult to control this process. Most weapons are produced by large, developed countries (e.g. the USA, China, Israel), and end up in smaller, under-developed ones (e.g. Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Nigeria). The global arms market amounts to about 4 billion dollars. About 10 to 20 percent of this is illegal. Weapons get from producing countries to conflict zones in several ways. They may be trafficked, in large quantities and in an organized fashion, by international arms dealers. They may also be stolen or intercepted from governments or militaries on a smaller scale, or purchased from corrupt individuals representing governments or militaries. Because people make so much money off of the arms trade, there is no feasible way to completely stop it; instead, we must manage it.

As previously stated, most of the weapons produced in the world are by developed countries who love to “promote international peace and freedom.” This hypocrisy is undeniable and very disappointing, but is not surprising. The issue is of particular concern to Iran because of its geographic location in the Caucasus, next to Afghanistan. Afghanistan currently tops the list of countries with the most illegal small arms, with about 10 million of them in circulation. Naturally, this is of concern to Iran, as it threatens the region's stability. It is also troubling to Iran that almost a decade of US presence in Afghanistan has not done anything to solve this problem. The government of Iran has also been accused, in the past, of illegally providing “terrorist groups” such as Hezbollah with small arms. It is true in some respects that Iran has given military aid and training to Hezbollah, but it has only done so through legal channels. It should also be noted that Hezbollah is a legitimate political organization with huge popular support. It is also is a major provider of social services, including schools, hospitals, and agricultural services.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that this challenge should be resolved through concerted common action based on the United Nations principles. The issue of arms trafficking, as with any other business question, can be best understood in terms of supply and demand. Developed countries have a responsibility to reduce the supply. We should encourage countries to lower rates of arms production. We should also establish a universal system where all countries would mark the arms they produce in a way that could trace the arms back to exactly where they came from. There needs to be an internationally-followed standard, and there needs to be UN checks on it. All countries should also work to stop the transfer or import of illegal arms into their country, if they haven’t done so already. Developed countries should take some more responsibility by helping small, poor nations who find it difficult to handle the problem of controlling the flow of illicit small arms into their country.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Kai Chen Yeo
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The illegal trade in small arms is a disturbing facet to the unacceptable branch of illegal arms trade. Such trade directly destructs attempts at peaceful negotiations between countries in conflict and peace efforts around the world. Because small arms are so easy to conceal, yet such a detriment to peace efforts, this is a particularly dangerous problem that must be combated immediately. Easy to conceal and easy to use, small arms are a convenient way to enable international violence.

Because of Israel’s often violent environment due to conflict with surrounding countries and territories, small arms often find their way into the hands of the inexperienced. A natural reaction, yet one that does nothing to perpetuate the peace efforts Israel tries so hard to bring about. Israel does not enjoy a reputation as a country with a particularly secure environment, primarily due to such illegal trade in small arms. Once extremists of any kind get their hands on weapons, all citizens strive to protect their selves in any way possible although such exchange of violence only creates further tensions. As it stands, the current environment is not a secure one, largely due to the illegal trade in small arms. Israel stands behind the United States’ decisions against illegal trade in small arms because the two countries share the international community that these small arms undermine. Furthermore Israel has consistently been reassured of the United States’ support of our tremendous peace efforts. Since illegal trade in small arms lies as a direct affront to such peace efforts, Israel is confident the United States’ efforts will greatly aid efforts to halt violence between Israel and surrounding territories.

Since illegal trade in small arms often occurs over international borders, global restrictions and laws are the only way to effectively halt this trade. To achieve this, international cooperation is vital as is the reduction of supply and demand: in either situation, the halt of illegal trade in small arms will greatly aid international peace efforts. Global security is at stake and the only way to combat such a problem is by global cooperation. Israel is entirely prepared to work genially with other countries to halt the continuation of international violence.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Kenya
Delegate Name: Allison Brazeau
School: Mattawan High School

The country of Kenya is firmly against the trade of illegal small arms. A recent poll has said that more than 2,000 people are killed in western and southern Africa every day. In 2007 the United Nations called for stronger laws in Kenya prohibiting small arms trade. The global impact of this situation is great, for Kenya and other countries are receiving illegal weapons from Somalian refugees. With war zones in neighboring countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan, Kenya has even recently overcome a civil war as well, it is becoming more than necessary to eliminate this problem.

Kenya has already tried to diminish illicit small arms trade; however, our efforts remain futile, we need stronger laws. In 2004 Kenya, among other countries, signed a document that authorized Kenya to criminalize the manufacturing and trading of small arms.

Kenya has also taken more precautions, we have revised policies and legislation on this topic. Unfortunately, gun violence still remains a major problem in Kenya.

Our country wishes to nationally address the issue of light weapons trade. The safety and security in ammunition and gun trade needs to be reinstated. This issue could also be resolved through stronger border control, so refugees cannot bring in illegal arms, and more police training.

We are calling for the United Nations to pass more forceful laws on illicit small arms trade; local laws are not enough to stop this complication on a global level. We are sure fellow African nations such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda will cooperate with any laws passed on this issue.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Caldwell
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Ninety per cent of the casualties among civilians comes from illicit arms, Lebanon, in compliance with the United Nation Security Council resolution 1701 agreed to take further measures against the illicit trade and shipment of small arms.

We do not manufacture small arms. We must import all small arms and request that all trading countries mark the weapons according to their country’s standards or the country of imports standards in an attempt to track all small arms entering our country.

We have also, in compliance with the Security Council resolution 1701, dispatched border police to shut down the trade of illicit arms over our borders. This patrol includes all maritime, trade and tourist points of entry. With the disbandment of smuggling circles illicit trade in small arms has rapidly decreased.

We are developing monitoring, detection and investigating methods of control, and any party is subject to such investigations. We are also setting up radar equipment for any land-based observations for prevention. We are currently setting up advanced equipment to detect authentication in required documents for trading and traded all arms. We are giving rewards for any cooperation to provide information about networks that trade in illicit arms.

With vital interest in protecting Lebanon from further smuggling of personnel arms and munitions, we are in full agreement with the arms embargo. We are working towards elimination of all trade of illicit arms in Lebanon and are determined to end trading of illicit small arms.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Robert Mercier
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Illicit Trading and Small Arms in

Libya

In Libya, we are currently attempting to put an end to illicit trading and the transfer of small arms. People are going around the law and transporting, trading and selling illegal or dangerous items. These items are a threat to the people that inhabit our country and are less than desirable for many reasons. They pose a threat to our people. They also pose a threat to government officials who may be targeted. They also give people a chance to see the negative aspects of our great country.

Innocent people may be harmed by the illegal transportation and selling of small arms. They may just be in the way of an attack, or be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If people are injured, it will look like our government isn’t doing its job in protecting the people. People are in crowded cities, so they are more likely to be unintentional casualties if there is an attack. Basically, we need to eliminate all of the illicit substances and small arms entirely to protect everyone. This is nearly impossible because there is always going to be at least one person who finds some way to hide from the law, and ruin it for everyone else. But getting a bit safer is better than nothing.

Mainly, groups of people are doing the transporting and selling of small arms. If they were really annoyed with officials, they may rebel, and that is dangerous towards the structure of our government. If someone or group rose up and decided to kill our leader or leaders, we may fall apart. People might not know how to respond. Our system might not be able to control everyone. Anarchy may ensue, and life would not be good. There might be a large outcry and everything might just fall apart. That is another thing that might give people the idea that our government wasn’t doing their jobs.

If people only see the negative parts of our country, we will be destroyed. Our economy will fall apart because people won’t want to do trade with us. People will not want to live here, and everything will just sort of fail. We would no longer have any jobs, and poverty levels will increase. The crime rates will also increase because of the poverty levels. It would make the trading issues worse as well because people would be able to make money trading, so they’d jump on the opportunity. That would make issues one and two more likely to happen. It is a vicious cycle. It would leave us at the bottom of where we want to be. It would ruin our standing in the UN.

All in all, we are really working on the issue of illicit trading and small arms. It might result in injured innocent, our government failing, and negative views of our country. All of these issues sort of contribute to each other and could make our society fail. We still need to work on it, but completely fixing the problem will be nearly impossible without help. With constant work, we may be able to improve this situation at least a bit.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Meredith Assaly
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Within the country of Malawi, crime and torture are common adversities that the government is trying to prohibit. They have made efforts to reduce the number of gun violence cases and to reduce the cases of the number of firearms used in armed crime. People's Federation for National Peace and Development (Pefenap) is an organization that was created in Malawi to outlaw gun violence and limit the amount of crime. According to Pefenap Executive Director, Edward Chaka, the the number of gun violence cases inn Malawi was decreasing because of the involement of police enforcements and the confiscations of fire arms.

Most crimes against Americans involve property. Because of the poverty within Malawi, American citizens are advised to avoid traveling by foot due to robbery, kidnapping, and assault. Many civil organizations blame the country’s open borders for the lack of protection against gun violence. The government is working very hard to eliminate the violence and divest the country from all small arms and illicit trade. In this regard Malawi is working closely with the other SADC member countries to implement a range of measures for monitoring and facilitating cross-border operations within the sub-region as outlined in the SADC draft Protocol on Firearms, Ammunition and other Related Material.

At the national level, a comprehensive review of the Firearms Act is underway to realign it with the expanded scope of the internal security needs of the new democratic dispensation. With the assistance of friendly governments Malawi is implementing a Police Reform Program within which there is a significant element of human rights and small arms-related training and technical assistance. A project funded by the Norwegian government is in progress under which awareness and sensitization campaigns and workshops are mounted designed to educate the general public on the dangers of illicit trade and possession of firearms and other light weapons to human security as well as the security of the country.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Gus Schlanbusch
School: Roeper School

Throughout the world, small arms are a major problem and concern. They fuel wars, insurrections, gang activity, and guerilla insurgencies. Small arms are hard to track, and they are also the preferred weapons of terrorist organizations. The wide scale availability and presence small arms are very good at prolonging civil wars. It was the ready availability of small arms, and easy supplies of small arms to both parties to the conflict, FRELIMO and RENAMO which caused the ruinous civil war in our nation to extended fifteen years. This illegal small arms trade resulted in millions of of needless injuries, and hundreds of thousands of dismemberments and deaths. As such, Mozambique recognizes the need to eliminate the Illicit Small Arms Trade.

Mozambique, having felt the impact of the Small Arms black market, knows firsthand why the trade needs to be eliminated. Mozambique finds it shameful that larger nations, such as the United States and the Republic of Iran, will not support stronger measures to control small arms, while the suffering of so many is apparent. Mozambique suggests that strong regulations are set on the control of small arms, such as destruction of surplus when not needed, to prevent the excess from falling into the hands of insurgencies and terrorists.

Mozambique will firmly support any resolutions which establish strong action against the trade of small arms, and seeks to work with other nations of the international community in order to end this deadly menace to those people most affected, the civilian population throughout the developing world.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Meghan Veldheer
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Netherlands policy is to fight the illicit arms trade. To do so we must track down and stop all illegal arms flows. The Netherlands government strongly supports the elements of the Action Program as recommended by the EU. We believe that with a firm conviction that the illicit trade cannot be tackled without involving the legal arms trade. Therefore we must further regulate the legal trade in arms, small weapons included, in order to prevent spill over into the illegal arms trade. Bilateral and multilateral policies must be complementary. The UN, the EU, the OSCE and other regional organizations that play an important role in tackling the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons.

We must reduce the number of small arms and light weapons. That should involve not only a responsible management of stockpiles and the destruction of surpluses, but also the collection of illegally held small arms. In this respect we the Netherlands believe that our country strongly favors that collection schemes be an integral part of post conflict programs. Cambodia may serve as an example of how efforts to collect and destroy small arms can be linked to a country's reconstruction and development. The European Union has started a project whereby civilians hand in their arms to the government, in exchange for which schools and hospitals are being built. We as a Kingdom are doing our best to fight the illicit arms trade and would like to someday see it extinct. We will fight till the end.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Tenzin Tsundu
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

The United Nations is working all around the world trying to stop the illegal trade and trafficking of small arms. The illicit trade in small arms issue was first brought up to us by Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. He urged states to start taking serious action to curtail the illicit trade in small arms.

In our country New Zealand, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons has not been a challenge. We have an enormous and responsible hunting and sporting firearms community. We also have a low rate of firearms related crimes. Our goal is to keep the Pacific region safe and reduce the risk of such activity occurring.

New Zealand believes we should focus on transfers between nation states, and across borders. We believe that there should be international cooperation and harmonization of illicit trade in small arms. This would make it even harder for illegal trade to occur.

We recommend that states internal marking and tracing mechanism should continue to meet their own circumstances and that strict standards are followed to trace the cross border movement of small arms and light weapons.

Weapons manufactured to military specification for use as lethal instruments of war are not sold to New Zealand citizens. Our domestic small arms and light weapons control laws have targeted these types of weapons as the ones deserving the strictest controls. Other nations should follow our lead and example.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Griffin Dennis
School: Roeper School

In the past ten years, much attention has been paid to anti-proliferation measures regarding weapons of mass destruction and atomic weapons being possessed by terrorist organizations and rogue governments. The Nation of Nigeria fully backs these measures, although an area that must also be carefully considered when discussing anti-proliferation policy is that of illicit trading and smuggling of small arms and light weapons.

In recent years, Nigeria has been particularly affected by this trade, with much of our region quickly becoming a center for piracy, trade in illicit narcotics, oil theft, resistance in the Niger Delta, and organized crime. The total damage caused by these “light” weapons is, on the whole, far more extensive than the damage caused by the combined effect of WMDs. This is not to deride the importance of WMD anti-proliferation efforts, but the fact is that the effects of the illicit trade in small arms are visible every day in various conflicts throughout the world.

Nigeria intends to actively pursue multilateral efforts to draft and implement new measures, as well as more effectively enforce existing policies to limit arms trade. We intend to do this through the closer monitoring of international trade routes within Nigeria. The most effective means of eradicating this menace to social progress is via international cooperation in policing and inspection of ports and shipments. This, in concert with stronger domestic policies on arms control should serve to limit future trade to rogue organizations. In addition to limiting trade, the confiscation and destruction of existing illegal stockpiles is another major component in eradicating armed conflict in Africa and other regions.

Of all parts of the world, Africa is most impacted by the illicit trade in small arms which fuels conflicts throughout the continent. Nigeria has been working for years to improve infrastructure and the well being of its citizens, yet this progress is undermined heavily by armed conflict. Nigeria seeks to work with other nations to implement measures that will help severely restrict or eliminate small arms.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Jim Hartman
School: Mattawan High School

Throughout the world, the illicit trade of small arms has led to the death of more than 2,000 people a day according to a UNDP study in 2009. This issue is especially problematic in many Western and Southern African countries. If this trade is to continue, the violence throughout the world can escalate to an unprecedented level which would lead to civil unrest and thousands more unnecessary deaths. The NISAT is a special interest group that has the ultimate goal of preventing and reducing armed violence and Norway has played an unparalleled role in teaming up with the UN to reduce armed violence.

Norway has proposed that a stronger justice system in many countries and has also called for controlling illegal weapons and addressing impunity as beginning steps. This would help combat the issue because a stronger justice system would impose harsher punishments for the trade of small arms, therefore striking fear of more severe punishments into those involved in the trade. Addressing impunity would help as well because when people are exempted from punishments due to weak governmental systems, the accused escape without punishment, and therefore continue distributing the weapons and escalating violence. Belgium would be an expected ally due to their suspension of arms to Libya due to the fear the human rights have been violated. Ireland would also be a helpful ally due to their recent ban in July of handguns to try and lower the violence in the country. Norway would be opposed to any propositions that would enhance trade of small arms in the world because the increased sale leads to the killing of innocent civilians. They would also be against any policy that would lessen governmental power in the justice system or any policy that would be for more lenient punishments.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Curtiss
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is deeply concerned with the conflicts that have emerged due to the illicit trade of small arms. The illicit trafficking of small arms is a global problem. The post-Cold War world has witnessed conflict and strife at levels unprecedented in recent history and such conficts have become prevalent across the world, causing ethnic and social upheaval and most regrettably, armed violence. The consequences of these armed conflicts have been heightened by the ready availability of small arms and light weapons, increasing the intensity of the conflicts and the number of casualties due to conflict. The illicit trade in small arms has also been detrimental to peace-keeping efforts, making already complicated peace-keeping missions more risky.

Over four million people have died in armed conflicts over the past decade. The number of refugees, however, is ten times that alarming number. Most of the conflicts were aggravated by the use of small arms by criminals and warring factions unauthorized and uncontrolled by military personnel and laws governing armed conflicts. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimates that between 25 and 30 non-state groups throughout the world possess shoulder-fired missiles and small arms. These weapons contribute to violence and lawlessness, which create conditions of chaos that allow terrorist networks to emerge and thrive.

Pakistan has participated in several UN peace-keeping missions and is fully aware of the complexities that arise from the wide-spread presence of small arms and light weapons in regions where such missions are conducted. Pakistan is also cognizant of the need for sound planning and implementation strategies regarding the removal of weapons from unauthorized personnel and re-integration of armed rebels into productive society as a part of peace-keeping and peace-building operations. Pakistan is determined to rid our society of small arms and has devised a policy involving taking decisive action against importing, procuring, smuggling, possessing, and exhibiting illicit weapons. Pakistan recognizes the broader use of the Tools for Arms Project, an initiative of the Christian Council of Mozambique which has been able to collect more than 61,000 different types of weapons and accessories including 2,155 guns that may have otherwise fallen into criminal hands. Pakistan has itself started a weapons collection to recover illicit weapons. It is the people of Pakistan and their commitment to unparalleled safety that have helped make our own society weapon-free. After having had unfortunate experiences with small arms, we are uniquely prepared to help other developing countries who wish to benefit from our experiences.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Thaddeus Lenk
School: Saline High School

Poland believes that the illegal sale of small arms is an international issue. The illegal sale of small arms causes about 1,000 deaths every day. We believe that illegal small arms are a major cause of many crimes committed around the world. Poland is specifically interested in stemming the illegal sale of small arms in the Balkan states. Poland hopes to create an international agreement to help stem the use and sale of illegal small arms.

Poland is involved in many international initiatives that focus on small arms at the United Nations, the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. We hope to focus on the storage, confiscation, destruction, and reintegration of firearms.

Poland feels that the illicit trade in small arms usually stems from the legal sale and production of small firearms. Poland firmly believes that patrolling a countries borders and internal policing are great ways to reduce the illegal sale of firearms. Poland also hopes to make an international agreement that will regulate the process and procedure of storage, confiscation, and destruction of illegal firearms. Poland also believes that an international network of international contact points and officers to be set up to help regulate trade in small arms. This would assist countries that are having difficulty policing their borders and police their internal trade. Finally, Poland believes that there should be a national agreement that would restrict the sale of certain small arms due to their potency when used by a non-military threat. This would also help created better communications and relations between the different countries that have accepted the agreement.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Taylor Drury
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Illicit trade in small arms has become a global problem, which has been founding terrorist groups for many years. Countries have black markets set up within themselves and supply small arms. Many terrorist groups have reached and obtained these weapons. The small arms are not expensive and are easy to obtain from any country. The Russian Federation has been involved with many cases dealing with illicit trade in small arms. Along with China and the United States, Russia has been one of the leading countries with the largest trade in small arms. These small arms are sold all throughout the black market and are extremely hard to combat and manage. Illicit trade in small arms is not simply a problem neither a country nor the United Nations for that matter can fix. This problem can be more controlled and place stricter regulations, but it will never be eradicated. The problem has given The Russian Federation a bad image, as if Russia condones the acts of illicit trade in small arms.

Russia is not in support of the trade in small arms, in any way shape or form. Russia wishes to implement stricter regulations on all types of illicit trade in small arms. However, Russia back in 2001 had voted against an act (UN resolution) to put more restrictions on exporting small arms. That decision was based more on the right to bear arms more than anything. Russia is globally one of the biggest arm dealers. These arm deals are not aimed to fund terrorist groups. Russia often trades arms with countries such as Venezuela and Iran. Russia may fund other nations, but they do not fund small arms to any type of terrorist group. The Russian Federation has been trying to combat the small arms trade issue in a couple of ways: by advocating the enhancement of the coordinating role in small arms and by asking the UN Security Council to take more measures to combat this issue.

The Russian Federation has a couple of polices they want to see implemented in a United Nations resolution paper. One of these policies is to put stricter licenses on all small weapons. This problem must be combated globally, so all nations need to tighten up security and strengthen their borders to not allow international trade. If this problem is addressed on a global scale and taken very seriously, the United Nations can help manage this issue. This must be managed or terrorist groups will continue to strike fear across the world.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Jemma Howlett
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

The trafficking of illicit small arms is a global crisis. The availability of small arms, especially guns, causes much pain, suffering, and countless deaths across the world. The existing number of small arms needs to be diminished, the constant supply of new weapons needs to be abolished, and legal arms becoming illegal arms needs to end. Countless people die each year from the gunfire of illicitly traded weapons. The unrestrained availability of small arms creates instability in entire regions.

Somalia has severely suffered from the affects of small arms. Namely in the developing piracy problem that is plaguing our nation’s progress toward higher government control. Somalia needs the support from the United Nations to stop the flow of illicit small arms, and create an unwavering nation. Without such international aid the existing Somali government may crumble and the country may go into a state of turmoil. The Nairobi Protocol, a 17yearold embargo against arm sales to Somalia, was temporarily lifted to accept the 40 tons of weapons and ammunition the United States supplied, these weapons are vital to our efforts to stop violence. However, exemptions are not enough. For the country to produce maximum stability, the embargo must be permanently lifted. The stop of illicit trade of small arms flow in one region will affect other surrounding areas and therefore will make progress in the process to stop illegal trafficking of small arms all together. Without the ability for Somalia to purchase, obtain, or accept weapons legally, our government cannot hope to defend itself against the influx of illegal small arms.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Maya Deshmukh
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

In a 2005 small arms survey it was reported that each year, around sixty to ninety percent of all conflict deaths result from the illicit trade of small arms. Illegally acquired small arms are also used in terrorist attacks. These small arms can be extremely dangerous because of the many laws that protect them, and they are easy to buy. Because of their easy storage and maintenance, they are easily hidden. Because of the easy access to small arms, and their easy usage, small children can also posses and utilize them, adding to the casualties resulting daily from the use of illegally acquired small arms. Small arms can be traded in a number of ways, such as being stowed away and transported across country borders. A large percentage of the illicitly traded small arms and light weapons stem straight from governmental supply, many countries’ have tried to discontinue the circulation of illegally acquired weapons to no avail. This is primarily because the supply of the weapons stem from legally acquired governmental stock. At a 2006 United Nations conference, the secretary-general approached the issue saying that the way to deal with the illicit trade of small arms is regulation and destruction of illegal arms from their possessors such as corrupt officials, drug traffickers, and other criminals.

In 1998, statistics showed that about 30,220 legally acquired government arms were lost in South Africa. These statistics show that a main source for small arms is actually from government stock. South Africa believes that the way to handle this issue is to broaden the focus to include the creation and storage of illicit weapons along with the trade of them. However, due to the importance of regulation of government supply of weapons, this is also a key issue. Along with focusing on the creation of weapons illegally, it should also be taken into notice that a large supply of illegal weapons are stolen, licensed government arms. South Africa’s goal is to regulate the creation of government arms and destroy all extra and unused arms to stop theft from legal supply.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Cassie Bengel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Sudan has forced very strict laws and regulations to eliminate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. By doing this, Sudan has forbidden trade in arms without a proper license and those who violate this policy will be penalized. It has been a recent problem that the citizens of Sudan have been smuggling these weapons from the government, purchased them through corrupt soldiers, stolen from private owners with licenses, or looted from state armories.

The fact that small arms are lightweight and concealable creates endless possibilities for the Sudanese people to smuggle. In order to combat this problem, the Sudan reaches out to the international community for help. One possible solution is to expand foreign aid programs that target the illicit arms trade. Many other countries have created these programs to abolish the surplus of small arms and improve the security of small arms storage facilities. Another alternative to eradicate illicit trade in small arms is to crack down on violations of United Nations arms embargoes. The government often fails to express their concern towards illicit trade of small arms and by doing this they are continuing the smuggling and trading happening. The illicit small arms market in Africa additions due to underdevelopment, insecurity, inequality, and ineffective governing. By strengthening national arms control legislation as well, Sudan can reduce this smuggling and trading of small arms by a large percentage Sudan has hopes for the future to work with the United Nations to reduce the smuggling and trade of small arms.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Amanda Mitchell
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

The Syrian Arab Republic does not participate in the transmission or manufacture of illicit arms within our borders or in neighboring countries. Despite recent allegations, goods carried on a Syrian cargo ship headed for Iran were not carrying weapons, but rather commercial goods. With respect to Lebanon and Hezbollah in particular the delegation of Syria supports Hezbollah’s resistance to Israel in what we consider a just show of defiance in the face of harsh and often oppressive Israeli politics. Our support, however, in no way implies military assistance, including the supply of weapons in accordance with UN resolutions.

The delegation of Syria believes that this compliance represents our commitment to creating and sustaining peace, security, and stability, rights or every citizen, which are threatened by the illicit trade of small arms a philosophy, highlighted in the July 2007 Report of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Syria is dedicated to the continued enforcement of the provisions outlined in this report and urges other nations of this body to consider the terms of the report during committee sessions.

It is the duty of this body to do everything it its power to limit the manufacture, sale, and transmission of illicit arms. The delegation of Syria believes that by tightening border control, increasing police or military patrol in regions of borders that are insecure or difficult to monitor, and by enlisting the support of the international community while respecting every nations sovereign rights this body can be extremely successful in the limitation and prevention of the procurement and transmission of illicit arms.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Ellen Stachowicz
School: Royal Oak High School

Turkey is aware of the small arms trade, if it be open or through the black market. In 1996, we were the first state to have the idea of a small arms register in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We are trying to regulate the way weapons are bought and trade within our country. We want to see regulated trade watched by the government. This way, the weapons are less likely to end up in the wrong hands. Turkey, as a country does not support public trade of small arms. Preventing illegal weapon trade is important so they can not fall in the hands of local terrorist groups. Small arms may not be weapons of mass destruction, but still serve as a threat.

United Nations initiatives about small arms and preventing illegal trade usually have Turkey backing and sponsoring. Turkey feels as if illegal trade through the black market needs to be eliminated. Once we do this, we can create new legal weapon trade systems that can even have profitable abilities. This way, our country can prevent black markets and even bring in revenue.

We can control small arms trade by closing off all know illegal systems and opening new systems that are monitored, making sure only the legitimate can purchase weapons of any kind.

In conclusion, Turkey wants to see controlled small arms trade. We want to eliminate black market weapon sales, and would like to see more government backed plans.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Olivia Chen
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

Illicit trade in small arms is a major problem in many nations that encourages terrorism and crime as well as trafficking of drugs and precious minerals, endangering the safety and security of citizens. It wastes huge amounts of resources every year due to the disorder and damage they cause; resources that could otherwise be used for social and economic development. To Africa in particular, illicit small arms can be introduced from other countries and can end up in unauthorized hands. People in Africa have suffered the consequences of the re-shipping of arms to rebelling groups of other nations. In Uganda, this may be assisting groups like the Lord’s Resistance Army in their horrible attacks against civilians. Beatings, killings, looting, and abductions from violent groups such as the LRA spread to surrounding countries, like it has into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also leads to the displacement of thousands and requires additional help such as provisions from the World Food Program. If we prevent illicit trade in small arms, not only will it protect innocent people, it will open up more resources to be used by more nations in need around the world.

Recalling the Millennium Declaration, the delegation of Uganda expresses its hope that the international community will work to control or end this issue completely. Uganda urges that laws be transparently established where needed in addition to creating some sort of international code of conduct to regulate trade of small weapons by preventing sales of arms to areas where they might intensify violence and violate Human Rights and International Human Law, among other things. Uganda also requests that this body follows through with the idea of marking all light weapons so it can be identified and tracked by national authorities of each country using the manufacturer and serial number. Lastly, effective acquirement, regulation, storage, and elimination of small arms and light weapons should be applied, especially in post-conflict circumstances. The Republic of Uganda calls upon the states of the United Nations to combine our efforts to work towards a more peaceful world.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Semia Bag
School: Cranbrook Kingswood

There are several reasons why Illicit trading in small arms is such a prominent problem. Small arms and light weapons destabilize regions and sparks prolong conflicts. In addition, they undermine peace initiatives and exacerbate human rights abuses. These weapons hamper development and foster a culture of violence. Therefore, the UN made a program called The Programme of Action (POA) which is suppose to assist strengthening countries identify the illicit trades and light weapons.

The delegation of UK believes that countries should not transfer arms which they know could be used to violate the following principles: the prohibition on the treat or use of force, non-intervention in internal affairs of other states, preventing terrorism, international humanitarian law, human rights law and standards, and preventing genocide.

UK recognizes the problems that are dealing with illicit trade in small arms and the consequences that follow these problems. Many of the weapons circulate in the illicit market that transfers illegal weapons place to place. In addition, there is combat illicit trafficking that must be controlled to prevent diversion to unauthorized end-users.

We believe that a prerequisite is effective for international action to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. In addition, countries should develop a common understanding of what constitutes the legal trade which will automatically suggest what is illicit. Countries should also define clear parameters for and to agree on a comprehensive mechanism for controlling the legal trade in these weapons. There is a clear need to take a holistic view of what constitutes the illicit trade in SALW, and initiating a more comprehensive approach to combating the proliferation and misuse of these weapons.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Logan Verner
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The United States has always upheld our people’s right to bear arms. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution specifically protects this right. However, we have also put in place legislation that regulates the ownership of arms. For example, all or our states have requirements for owning a gun, some stricter than others. The United States cannot condone the illicit and immoral trade in small arms.

Any type of trade in arms is troubling. The United States has led the way in a united offensive against terrorism since the events of September 11, 2001. The illicit arms trade has fueled the terrorist agenda by providing terrorists with the necessary supplies to wreak havoc across the world. Thankfully, the trade of larger arms is much more difficult. Still, small arms are easier to conceal and smuggle, which makes them a large threat to global security.

Besides their ability to be smuggled, small arms can be used by many groups of people. Their size and generally low caliber ammunition makes them the optimum type of weapon to be used by women, children, and those without any experience with weapons. The use of child soldiers is facilitated by arms that are traded illegally. This situation greatly disturbs the United States. We strongly believe that children should be protected and the trade in small arms is putting many children at risk.

What can be done to make sure that dangerous individuals do not acquire the arms that would help to terrorize the populace? The United States believes that international restrictions must be put in place to protect the people.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Jordan Magenta
School: Saline High School

Venezuela believes that illicit trade in small arms is a dangerous problem that is growing at an alarming rate. We as a nation have the unfortunate problem of rancid drug trafficking because of our extended borders with Columbia, the leader of hard drug production in the western hemisphere. Without a doubt this has also led to illegal trafficking of small arms. We continue to do our best with our anti –drug and weapons programs but the problem still seems to be growing.

Our nation’s goal is to establish universal programs to help in stopping small arms trafficking, and educational programs to teach communities about the dangers of small arms. This education program would be vital in informing the younger generation so they don’t follow in the footsteps of these criminals. It would also help in the prevention of child soldiers, if we can teach the younger population what is out there now, they will be better equipped when it is time to face these hard times in life. The anti-gun programs, we as a nation propose include a heightening in border security and more thorough background checks in the selling of weapons. But we should not go to the extreme on this issue. Some countries, including the U.S. have stopped the distribution of hand-guns to our nation and many others in South America, in fear they might end up in the wrong hands. Small arms is indeed a very serious problem that causes thousands of deaths a year, but to restrict trade like this to only a certain group of countries is ridiculous and it infringes on our rights as free democratic nations.

In conclusion we as a nation are fully aware of the problems off illicit small arms trade. And we propose as a solution, universal programs to better educate and prevent small arms trafficking. We would also call for higher border security because the transfer of weapons from country to country has become out of control. If we can pass these simple requests I can see a safer and brighter future for us and the generations that follow.

Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Sarah Bradtke
School: Mattawan High School

The country of Viet Nam strongly supports the United Nations and its Programme of Action (PoA) to promote world peace and security and to decrease violence due to illegal small arms trade.

Illicitly traded small arms and light weapons have a value of nearly 4 billion US dollars annually and only half of these are reported to the UN. This poses a threat to especially unstable countries. Illegally imported arms can fuel violence or revolution and potentially cause more deadly conflicts. These said weapons also reverse any peace initiatives in action and decrease any feeling of national or international security.

While Viet Nam produces a wide range of weapons, we feel that the trading of any illicit arms should be combated. No incident of illegal trade has been confirmed in Viet Nam, and this has kept our nation stable and with only minor conflicts. Our representative to the UN Security Council, Mihn, has reaffirmed our support of the UN in the fight against small arms trade as of April 2008. We feel that, in complying with the UN on this topic, tensions between states will become less, as well as conflicts, violence, and suffering on a national and international scale.

Viet Nam feels that all nations should join in this effort to eliminate the illegal trading of small arms; it is the responsibility of the UN to provide the world with security. We will cooperate with nations in support, such as Brazil, Australia, and Finland. We would like to see the majority of nations support and agree with the UN, and propose a policy to internationally combat the issue of small arms.