United Nations Push to Eliminate Arms Trafficking in Central Africa

New York, N.Y. (Mar 20) – United Officials gathered yesterday to consolidate peace and develop methods to thwart weapons trafficking in Central African nations.

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro stated in remarks to the Security Council, “Central Africa is awash with illicit weapons – exacerbating inter-communal violence, increasing cross-border crime and threatening ongoing peace and national reconciliation processes.”

Members of the Security Council addressed concerns arranging from commitment to States of the sub-region to implement cooperation, and strengthening their ability to identify those participating in illegal brokering activities of arms.

These instruments include the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects; the UN Firearms Protocol; and the International Tracing Instrument.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) made note of the fact that these conflicts between nations and regions are normally fought with small arms, rather than all out military responses.

The global illegal arms trade is estimated to between $200 and $300 million annually making this a very popular and profitable black market enterprise. UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa had this to say, “In short, illicit arms fuel the violence that undermines security, development and justice,” he added, stressing the need to tackle both the demand and supply of illicit arms.

Member’s states are being encouraged to take vigorous steps to end the trafficking of small arms, and to provide peace and stability to the region.

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Published on Mar 20 2010. 4 months, 1 week ago. Filed under International News, United Nations Headlines, WorldNewsVine.

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