Topic: Combating the Spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Brianna Wetherbee
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Belgium position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
The possession and distribution of SALW is a global issue. Millions of people die due to gun violence each year. Small arms and light weapons are to blame for the most weaponry related fatalities worldwide. International attention must be brought to this topic before more lives are needlessly lost. There is a growing black market in the illegal trade of small arms and light weapons. In order to solve this problem, we must infiltrate the black market and try to combat the illicit trade of SALW. Belgium is eager to work with any country willing to address this issue.
The UN initiated the Programme of Action Implementation Support System in 2001 in order to reduce the illicit trade of SALW. However, we still face a serious threat from this black market trade. Belgium, along with other European countries, is passionate about this topic and we have confidence that NATO forces can significantly minimize this threat.
In an effort to combat this issue, Belgium proposes infiltrating the black market which sells SALW with NATO undercover personnel. Once they have gotten inside the market, NATO spies will proceed to uncover any and all information; leaders, typical buyers, sellers, etc. Within six months we would expect news from NATO agents as to the information previously stated including regular schedules of the buyers/sellers. Once we believe we have effectively gotten all necessary information we will make a coordinated attack against the leadership of the black market making a dramatic cut in the illicit the trade of SALW.
Belgium would appreciate the full cooperation of the UN to combat civilian casualties due SALW. We find it imperative that all nations support this initiative. The Non-Poliferation Treaty has received more signatures than any other treaty regarding arms disarmament. Belgium, however, believes that the NPT should encompass new ideas outlined here combating the illicit trade of SALW.
We are only trying to help matters and welcome additional suggestions. The UN has tried to address this issue numerous times in the past. Now is the time to truly make a difference! With the support of other nations Belgium believes we can slash the number of deaths now tragically caused by the black market trade in SALW.
