安保理公開討論「平和及び安全に対する武器の移転・密輸の影響」における石兼大使ステートメント
令和3年11月22日
(Check against delivery)
Mr. President,I would like to express my deep appreciation to you for convening today’s meeting, and to the briefers for their thoughtful insights.
Small arms and light weapons reportedly take at least half a million lives annually and poses a serious threat to the freedom from fear that all people are entitled to. To ensure human security, which places people at the center of our security paradigm, the diversion and illicit trade of small arms and lights weapons must be addressed with priority.
The successful conclusion of the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States on the United Nations Programme of Action, or BMS7 in July was a testament to the strong desire among Member States to advance discussions on this important issue. In this context, Japan welcomes, as one of the main sponsors, the adoption of the resolution titled “The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects” at the First Committee that sets the date for the next BMS and renews our collective commitment to this important issue.
Mr. President,
I would like to highlight three perspectives relating to the Security Council’s role in tackling the issue of small arms and light weapons.
First, Council members must take into consideration, as highlighted in BMS7, the new developments since the last Security Council resolution exclusively on this issue was adopted in 2015. Indeed, new dual-use technologies pose additional complexities in addressing the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. In June, my mission organized a workshop on small arms and light weapons focusing on the impacts of fast-developing technologies. I would like to reiterate the importance of in-depth discussion on the challenges posed by new technologies on this issue.
Second, it is evident that swift sweeps of remaining arms and weapons after conflicts are vital to ensuring human security in war-torn communities and helping to prevent recurrence of conflict. Japan would like to underscore the critical role of the Security Council in effectively realizing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, or DDR, of ex-combatants in post-conflict zones. Security Council arms embargos are also critical to prevent diversion of arms and weapons to unlawful actors. All Member States are obliged to strictly observe their obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions.
Third, Japan, as a candidate for the Council’s non-permanent seat for 2023-24, actively contributes to addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons. In fact, Japan’s commitment to tackling this issue dates back to the mid-1990s, when it took the initiative to establish the UN Panel and the UN Group of Governmental Experts that paved the way for the adoption of the Programme of Action in 2001. More recently, Japan has contributed 2 million USD to the UN-led "Saving Lives Entity" Fund, or SALIENT Fund, launched in 2019 based on the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. Japan has also supported regional initiatives including “Silencing the Guns” in Africa.
In conclusion, Japan remains fully committed to this important agenda and will continue to support the relevant work of the Council.
Thank you.