Topic: Combating the Illicit Small Arms Trade
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Tyler Goerge
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Norway position papers GLIMUN 2012 committees
Norway understands that the illegal trade of small, light weapons is becoming an international threat. Through terror-based organizations, about 500,000 deaths occur annually from this trade. As a member of 2001’s Programme of Action, Norway is strongly in favor of the cease of this illegal trade.
Norway has battled the illegal trade of small arms by imposing a variety of strict rules on personal firearms. An individual must possess a license and a written statement as to why they desire a handgun. In this way, arms desired for terror purposes can be safeguarded against. Norway also understands that guns used for hunting pose a threat to general safety if they fall into the wrong hands. A variety of rules are placed upon those wishing to hunt so that the risk of a gun being stolen or used for negative intent is minimized.
Norway believes that nations should help each other with this issue of the illegal small arms trade. A country whose policy on gun control is working successfully should be able to work with less-fortunate countries on their policy. Norway does not believe in a takeover of any sort, merely working together peacefully. For an issue as large as the small firearms trade, countries should all be willing to work together, compare policies and discuss which ones have worked, and solve the issue on an international level. Norway believes that this will result in movement towards suppressing the illicit small arms trade and is looking forward to working with other nations.
