1.  On Wednesday, November 7, a resolution on small arms was adopted at the First Committee by consensus.  This resolution was submitted to the Committee by Japan, Colombia and South Africa on October 18. Approximately 80 countries co-sponsored the resolution. This resolution will be voted on for adoption by the General Assembly during the General Assembly's plenary session in early December this year.

2. The resolution endorses the outcome document from the second United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons and requests support from member countries to enhance the implementation of the Programme. This resolution also aims to increase momentum in the international community for furthering the implementation of the Programme of Action.

3. Japan will continue to be actively engaged in this Programme in order to prevent the illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which are considered as de facto weapons of mass destruction.