Topic: Combating the Spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Rose Rumery
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
An undeniable threat is present throughout the world with the global spread of small arms and light weapons. Also known as SAWLs, small arms and light weapons act as a fuel for conflict and combat everywhere. The access to this light weaponry is high because they are cheap, easily transportable, and can be handled by untrained citizens thus increasing their use. Those qualities all contribute to the escalating dangers brought on by SAWLs, and make it clear that although they are not as lethal as heavier weaponry, they still put the World in a dire situation. It is estimated that around 90% of casualties in recent wars were caused by small arms, but even disregarding statistics, the mere existence of global access to SAWLs stimulates a terror and unease that if not counteracted, will amplify death related conflict around the world.
As a nation, Italy holds a vacillating opinion in regards to combating the spread of small arms and light weapons. The matter at hand and its consequences are fully recognized by the Italian Republic, however, the necessity of an immediate solution is questionable. Italy has deemed that the implementation of a treaty to combat the spread of small arms and light weapons as non-essential, but with the current conflict in the Middle East, ideals are being re-thought. With the recent accumulation of conventional military devices spreading globally and contributing to regional conflicts, organized crimes, and terrorism, an inevitable threat has dawned upon all nations. The count of innocent people that are being affected by those with access to lethal weapons today and every day is far too high, and disarmament would in fact improve the future of our world as a whole.
Europe has already taken a united stance in this issue and strategized objectives to raise a resolution. It is necessary to take action in the combat of the global spread of SAWLs, support disarmament, and help solve problems caused by the excessive and illicit accumulation of SAWLs. Italy is well aware of the present threats in society due to the access to small arms and light weapons. It has proved successful for Italy to limit imports and exports with transfer control law. The possession of small arms and light weapons in Italy is prohibited by law, unless permission is granted by special authority. These policies have served as safe and moderate solutions to the question of SAWLs, and Italy encourages other nations to open their eyes to the perilous state of the globe and to join the fight against illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.
