Topic: Combating the Spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Country: Benin
Delegate Name: Matthew Leman
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Benin position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
The Republic of Benin believes that the illegal trade of small arms and light weapons its a very serious issue facing the world. The appearance of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in areas around the world causes fighting and general instability in the surrounding regions. Currently it is very hard to track the production and distribution of SALWs because they are often sold and moved around through other countries illegally.
Benin currently has very little gun related deaths but we still recognise the importance of stopping and tracking SALWs. We currently are training New police officers for border patrol and sponsoring civilian education programs to have our people be able to look out for themselves.We currently do not have a way of tracking or recording illegal SALWs crossing over our borders, which is where we believe the United Nations should step in. We believe an international data base should be created with all countries contributing and receiving info on weapons movements. Also we believe that individual countries should work closely with gun producers to get accurate and quick statements on numbers of guns sold and where they are going.
Benin believes that removing or destroying all weapons world wide should not be an option. People should have the right to defend their property and families, however countries should do their part in patrolling their borders and monitoring gun exports and imports. Benin believes that these ideas will help stop the spread of SALWs.
