Topic: Combating the Illicit Small Arms Trade
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Eboni White
School: Forest Hills Northern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Germany position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Every year millions fall victim to gun violence, much of which is spurred on by the poorly regulated illicit trafficking of small arms. Often those who partake in the purchasing of illicit small arms are extremists groups, minute portions of a population attempting to incite instability in a region, or groups who grossly abuse human rights. It is for this reason the Federal Republic of Germany has maintained a policy prohibiting the trade of arms, of any form, to regions of the globe where it is likely that human right abuses will occur. Furthermore the Federal Republic of Germany also prohibits the selling of arms to known civil war zones. Thus, when it was discovered that state-of-the-art German Heckler and Koch assault rifles were used by Kaddafi troops to decimate their opposition, Germany was appalled and outraged. This discovery has made Germany react very strongly by cracking down on and eradicating the illicit trade of small arms.
As the world’s third largest exporter of arms, the Federal Republic of Germany realizes that, upon our shoulders, sits the responsibility to stop illicit arms trafficking and minimize the damage of its affects. Germany has already cracked down internally by instituting a series of laws and permits required to purchase or sell arms, and maintaining strict control of the arms market. It is as a result of this internal experience that Germany plans to help lead the international community in the fight against the illicit trade of small arms.
Germany is of the opinion that the UN Program of Action (PoA) to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects needs to be strengthened to be effective. We would also be in favor of any resolution recommending that the safeguarding of weapons be handled through a series of adequate laws and regulations that are strictly enforced. Germany also would like operative clauses specifically including regulations on ammunition safety and border control, as well as regulation on trans-border shipments. We are of the opinion that tracing technology should be incorporated into every small armament or related technologies to ensure that arms do not fall into the illicit trade market. Furthermore it is our opinion that decision makers and law enforcement sectors be trained and educated on the dangers and risks of the illicit trade of arms. We would also like to endorse a resolution with strong provisions for human rights and sustainable development. Lastly, we recommend that the agreement be enforced at national and regional levels, include co-operation on a global scale.
