Mr. President

To begin with, I take the opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of October.  In view of the preoccupations of the moment, you have a difficult task on your hands but you have our confidence and our support in guiding the work of the Council.

Mr. President

It was a little over a year ago that the Council considered issues relating to small arms and light weapons.  It was an important initiative and a recognition that illegal traffic in these weapons play a significant role in the continuation and prevalence of conflicts which are having such disastrous economic, social and humanitarian consequences.  It was rightly recognised by the Council on that occasion, that there needed to be some practical recommendations on ways in which to deal with the illicit trade in small weapons. These proposals are now before the Council and I wish to commend the Secretary-General for his report contained in document S/1053 and to thank the Under Secretary General of Disarmament Affairs for the comprehensive briefing he provided this morning.

We have reviewed the Report of the Secretary General and the twelve recommendations contained therein.  In general they are useful and constructive proposals although in some areas, action could be taken further.  There is obvious need to lift the profile and level of attention given to this issue in the United Nations system.  Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Report are instructive in highlighting the role of small arms and light weapons in conflicts during the 1990s and especially in relation to the heavy toll on civilian lives.  When we also include their use in criminal and terrorist activities, the statistics are even more frightening.  We therefore would have liked to see the recommendations go further in advancing international action and increasing the obligations of member states, particularly those engaged in the manufacture and trade in these weapons.  There is need for greater control and internal regulation of the production and transfer of small arms and light weapons.  Jamaica supports the early elaboration of an international agreement which would tighten these controls and provide mechanisms for the registration, identification and tracing of small arms.  The process, which is currently in the hands of the Group of Experts, needs to be speeded up to arrive at an early draft international agreement for consideration and adoption by the international community.

 Mr. President

The recommendation for increased interaction between the General Assembly and the Security Council on ways in which to deal with the Illicit Traffic in Small Arms and Light Weapons obviously needs to be pursued.   An integrated approach would avoid duplication of mandates and would also ensure greater effectiveness, particularly in the provision and sharing of information and the development of coordinated strategies.

 Mr. President

We have continually emphasized the linkages between the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and narco-trafficking, terrorism and transnational organised crime and these linkages are well recognized.  While acknowledging the tremendous work done on these areas by various expert groups, there is need for more action by member states to tighten controls on manufacture and transfer of weapons.  This is made more necessary today as a result of the impact of globalisation which has facilitated illegal transactions across borders and has increased the need for regulation and the improvements in detection.  There has to be more accountability and stricter methods of control at source and the points of origin.  Additionally, in the cases of states which are most affected, there is need for the  provision of material and technical assistance for the development of  training and monitoring mechanisms to control transit of these weapons across borders.

With regard to punitive measures, we support more consistent action at both the international and national levels.  Those involved in the illegal arms trade should be exposed and punished. Suppliers, purchasers, brokers, financiers and facilitators.

Recommendation 11 refers to the use of coercive measures.  We are not sure of the scope which is contemplated under this proposal, but it would be important of these are applied across the board and not on a selective basis, whenever and wherever governmental complicity has been proved.

Mr. President

With regard to the role of the Department of Disarmament Affairs, significant work is being done in conjunction with other relevant United Nations departments and agencies in the Implementation of the Programme of Action.  The Coordinating Action on Small Arms (CASA) mechanism is playing a useful role in promoting the implementation of the Programme of Action along with other UN departments and agencies especially the United Nations International Drug Control Programme.  Jamaica is also of the view that the establishment of a Small Arms Advisory Service would enhance this coordination through the provision of relevant advice and the formulation of relevant programmes.  We therefore support this initiative and we encourage the provision of the necessary resources and assistance required for such a Service.

Mr. President

As the incidence of war and conflict continues to be a disturbing factor in the international environment, the challenges posed to international stability and the humanitarian consequences caused by the proliferation of small arms, this must remain high on the international agenda.  Efforts to eliminate the illegal traffic should continue at all levels to ensure peace and stability in the world.  The Security Council has a critical part to play. Jamaica can be relied on to give its support to the Council in taking decisive action.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
New York
October 11, 2002