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 19 March 2010
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Deputy UN chief says illicit weapons fuel conflicts in Central Africa

19/03/2010

The Deputy Secretary-General of the UN has warned that illicit weapons linked to illicit exploitation of natural resources are fueling and exacerbating conflicts in the Central African region.

arms being destroyed

arms being destroyed

Asha-Rose Migiro told the Security Council that it has long been known that the flow of illicit arms to Africa is largely made possible by the secrecy surrounding it.

She points out that local demand continues to be sizeable, especially from many militia and rebel groups.

"Limited national and regional capacity, porous borders and the spillover effects of conflicts in the region have impeded effective small arms control. As a result, Central Africa is awash with illicit weapons, exacerbating inter-communal violence, increasing cross-border crime and threatening ongoing peace and national reconciliation processes."

The Deputy Secretary-General says that weapons trafficking in Central Africa has complex links not only to conflict but also to a number of other criminal activities.

She stresses states have the primary responsibility to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms.

While noting that measures take by national authorities to promote disarmament and arms control programmes are commendable, she says the challenge continues to loom large.

Diane Bailey, United Nations
Duration: 1'23"

Sound bites

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 1

"Limited national and regional capacity, porous borders and the spillover effects of conflicts in the region have impeded effective small arms control. As a result, Central Africa is awash with illicit weapons, exacerbating inter-communal violence, increasing cross-border crime and threatening ongoing peace and national reconciliation processes."
Duration: 22"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 2

"Illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons is never an isolated phenomenon. Weapons trafficking in Central Africa has complex links not only to conflict, but also to a number of other criminal activities which undermine our efforts to engender social justice, foster the rule of law and, ultimately, achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The link between the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources, and the illicit proliferation and trafficking of arms, has become increasingly apparent."
Duration: 44"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 3

"The primary responsibility to eradicate this illicit trade remains with States. Measures taken by national authorities to promote disarmament and arms control programmes are commendable. So, too, are collective efforts through the Economic Community in Central African States. However the challenge continues to loom large. I this regard, allow me to make three observations. First, peace and security in Central Africa require a strong commitment by Sates in the sub-region together with States suppliers of weapons to expand their individual and collective efforts to eradicate trafficking."
Duration: 44"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 4

"Second, such efforts must include greater commitments by the States of the sub-region to implement global instruments and to strengthen their capacity to identify and combat those involved in illicit brokering activities. These instruments include the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects, the United Nations Firearms Protocol and the International Tracing Instrument. We also must support the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty at the global level, and the implementation of community-based disarmament and confidence building projects."
Duration: 48"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 5

"Third, the states in Central Africa should make the best possible use of United Nations tools and expertise. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, for example, plays an important role in assisting States in the regulation of conventional armaments and in promoting disarmament and non-proliferation. The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament Affairs provides States, sub-regional organizations and civil society with technical advice and capacity-building programmes, including training, legal assistance and the elaboration of regional registers and transparency instruments."
Duration: 45"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 6

"The Secretary-General and I welcome the ministerial decision of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa to mandate the Centre to assist in drafting the sub-region's first legally-binding instrument on the control of small arms and light weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment supporting their manufacture. Other urgent priorities include stockpile management, the security of weapons and ammunition, and measures to control the import, export, transit and re-transfer of weapons. More must also be done to build national capacities to mark weapons, keep adequate records and trace illicit one in line with international and regional standards."
Duration: 50"

Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General cut 7

"It is well understood that weak regional and national regulatory and enforcement capacities in addressing illicit arms trafficking are associated with the structural causes of armed violence and conflict. Therefore, the decisions and actions by the Standing Advisory Committee are of great significance in tackling the tools of violence, designing ways to improve sub-regional security, and creating the necessary conditions for sustainable development. The Secretary-General urges the Security Council and all Member States to offer whatever assistance is needed to support States in Central Africa in achieving these goals."
Duration: 45"