Topic: Illicit Trade in Small Arms
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Curtiss
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Pakistan position papers GLIMUN 2009 committees
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
