Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Kai Chen Yeo
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Israel position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
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.
