Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations at the Security Council Open Debate “Addressing the threat posed by diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition to peace and security”

Mr. President,
 
I thank you for convening today’s important open debate. My appreciation also goes to the distinguished briefers for their insightful briefings.
 
The illicit trade and diversion of small arms and light weapons, sometimes described as “de facto weapons of mass destruction,” poses a clear threat to international peace and security.
 
As the recent Secretary-General’s report confirmed, the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms and light weapons have continued to initiate, exacerbate, and sustain armed conflict, pervasive violence, and acts of crime and terrorism, hindering sustainable peace and development.
 
Japan has been working closely with international partners to better address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Since 2001, Japan, together with Colombia and South Africa, has been playing the leading role in drafting annual General Assembly resolutions on this issue.
 
This year’s resolution, adopted by consensus last week, reaffirmed the determination of the international community to continue and strengthen efforts through the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument. We look forward to further discussions to achieve a successful outcome at the Review Conference scheduled for next year.
 
Additionally, Japan has been a proactive contributor to the “Saving Lives Entity” trust facility (SALIENT), which has been operating in Africa and Latin America and assists Member States in addressing illicit small arms and light weapons.
 
Japan also welcomes the successful completion of this year’s Open-Ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition in June and the recent adoption of the resolution entitled “Through-life conventional ammunition management” in the General Assembly, which endorsed the historic establishment of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan urges all Member States to effectively and seriously implement agreements and commitments related to the control and disarmament of conventional weapons.
 
In that context, the Arms Trade Treaty is a landmark agreement to regulate international trade in conventional arms. Japan calls upon all Member States that have not yet done so to join the Treaty.
 
Mr. President,
 
No support should be given to a State that is violating international law including the UN Charter. All Member States should refrain from supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine either directly or indirectly.
 
It would be particularly unacceptable if support is rendered in violation of existing Security Council resolutions. We have confirmed that several arms transfers from North Korea to Russia have been completed, which directly violates relevant Security Council resolutions.
 
Such transfers are absolutely unacceptable, and they not only exacerbate the situation in Ukraine, but also severely undermine the non-proliferation regime which we all must value and uphold. In addition, Japan is deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of equipment or technology to North Korea.
 
Last but not least, we must promote full, equal, and meaningful participation of women through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Women’s leadership should be emphasized in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. We call for further international efforts and actions to advance gender mainstreaming in decision and policy-making processes in addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons.
 
I thank you.