Statement by
H.E. Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia
Open Debate of the Security Council
The Impact of the Diversion and Trafficking of Arms on Peace and Security
New York, 22 November 2021
Mr. Chair,
Latvia fully subscribes to the statement by the European Union and I would like to deliver a few remarks in a national capacity.
Mr Chair,
Latvia agrees with the stark assessment of the Secretary General that illicit transfer of Small arms and Light weapons as well as their ammunition remains a defining factor, which undermines peace and security at national, regional and global levels. Diversion and trafficking of SALW fuels conflicts, contributes to organized crime and heightens the risk of terrorism. This challenge demands continued attention and active engagement by the Security Council. Therefore, we applaud Mexico’s initiative to organize today’s open debate.
Mr Chair,
Latvia welcomes the steps taken by the Security Council to address the challenge of illicit firearms, including by integrating elements related to SALW in country-specific resolutions. Furthermore, Security Council mandated missions continue to play important role in monitoring and disrupting the illicit flows of arms and ammunition. These efforts should be reinforced.
Taking a step forward, we would like to encourage a gender sensitive approach by streamlining SALW control efforts with those related to women, peace and security, as well as gender-based violence. Furthermore, particular attention of the Security Council should be given to the implications of new technological developments. Use of polymer frames, manufacturing of modular weapons and 3-D printed weapons are just a few examples of developments, which affect marking, record-keeping and tracing of SALW.
Mr Chair,
All of these aspects were at the forefront of discussions during the Seventh biannual meeting (BMS7) of the UN Program of Action on SALW (UN PoA) in July this year. Serving as a vice-chair of this meeting, Latvia contributed to the efforts by the State parties to adopt a substantial outcome document. Now it is important to focus on its implementation and the preparations for the next meeting, which will take place already in 2022. The BMS8 should not just repeat the discussion we already had this year, but constitute a clear step forward, particularly, when it comes to consideration of new developments in SALW manufacturing, technology and design.
Mr Chair,
To effectively address the diversion of SALW, we require consistent efforts to ensure responsible international trade of conventional arms. As one of the current vice-presidents of the Arms Trade treaty, Latvia is a strong advocate of this instrument and emphasizes the synergies between ATT and the UN PoA. It is worth noting that this year’s conference of ATT State parties (CSP7) had a thematic focus on SALW and stockpile management. It concluded with a set of concrete proposals for states to consider implementing.
Using the framework of the ATT, Latvia actively provides assistance and shares the best practice with other states and regions. This year Latvia participated in development of ATT outreach library. It is a European Union’s project lead by French Expertise, which aims to support practical implementation of train-the-trainer principle. Furthermore, Latvian experts regularly contribute to implementation of the EU ATT projects lead by Germany’s BAFA. They cover various regions, including Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Western Balkans. We believe such cooperation provides collective benefits which go beyond security dimension, as tackling illicit flows of SALW also contributes to economic development and prosperity. Latvia is determined to continue proactive role in these international efforts.
I thank you.