Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Sophie Grdina
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Cameroon position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
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 In Cameroon, the laws against illicit weapons have become outdated, dating back to 1973.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.
