UNGA

TOPIC AREA
SUMMARY
 INTRODUCTION

The UN General Assembly is the primary policy-making organ of the United Nations and, in
addition to its role in attending to pressing concerns worldwide with equal representation from all
its member states, has a special role in addressing such concerns. And of such concerns, perhaps
no other is as pertinent or as urgent as the illicit trade in arms, which stokes conflict, imperils
security, and undermines stability around the world. Despite the presence of adequate international
mechanisms, lack of proper regulation and control in weapons procurement has contributed to an
enhancement of the shadowy arms market, thus exacerbating violence and crime across borders.

This UNGA presents an important forum for member states to cooperate in strengthening the rules
and increasing transparency in arms acquisition. Playing its role, the Assembly can resort to
stronger international standards and persuade nations to have effective legislative processes in
place, bringing about cooperative monitoring mechanisms to result in lower proliferations of illicit
arms. It is a matter of great necessity if the world is going to be made more secure and stable.

THE UNGA MANDATE

The General Assembly, the primary decision-making, policy-making, and representative organ of
the United Nations, was established in 1945 per its Charter. The General Assembly's role is to
examine, debate, and offer recommendations on international peace and security issues, such as
international law, development, disarmament, human rights, and peaceful resolution of
international conflicts.

WHAT IS UNGA-DISEC

The United Nations (UN) Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was
created as the first of the Main Committees in the General Assembly when the charter of the United
Nations was signed in 1945. Thus, DISEC is often referred to as the First Committee. DISEC was
formed to respond to the need for an international forum to discuss peace and security issues among
members of the international community. According to the UN Charter, the purpose of DISEC in
the General Assembly is to establish ‘general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of
international peace and security, including the principles governing disarmament and the
regulation of armaments and also to give “recommendations concerning such principles to the
Members or the Security Council.” Although DISEC cannot directly advise the Security Council’s
decision-making process, the UN Charter explains that DISEC can suggest specific topics for
Security Council consideration. Aside from its role in the General Assembly, DISEC is also an
institution of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), formally named in
January 1998 after the Secretary-General’s second special session on disarmament in 1982. The
UNODA is concerned with disarmament at all levels—nuclear weapons, weapons of mass
destruction, and conventional weapons—and assists DISEC through its work conducted in the
General Assembly for substantive norm-setting support to further its disarmament initiatives.

Prequel and Problems Related to the Agenda

The illegal arms trade has emerged as a major global issue, fueling conflicts and violence,
particularly in regions plagued by instability. Small arms and light weapons (SALW), which are
easily trafficked across borders, are a major component of this illicit market. According to a Small
Arms Survey report from 2020, there are approximately 875 million small arms in circulation
worldwide, many of which end up in the hands of criminal organisations, insurgent groups, and
other non-state actors. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, weak governance structures, porous
borders, and ongoing conflicts provide a conducive environment for the illegal trade of arms. West
Africa, in particular, is heavily affected by this problem, with the remnants of civil wars in Liberia
and Sierra Leone leaving behind vast stockpiles of weapons that are easily traded illegally across
borders. This not only exacerbates existing conflicts but also perpetuates cycles of violence long
after wars have officially ended (Small Arms Survey, 2020). Similarly, the United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime's Global Firearms Study (2020) underscores that the trafficking of firearms,
particularly across international borders, is driven by demand from armed groups in conflict
regions like the Sahel. The report notes how traffickers exploit weak governance and cross-border
enforcement failures, enabling a thriving black market that perpetuates violence in areas with
limited state control (UNODC, 2020).

Despite international frameworks like the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which was adopted in 2013
to regulate the trade of conventional arms, the lack of universal adherence and implementation
gaps have made it difficult to stem the illegal flow of weapons. The treaty obliges state parties to
assess whether arms exports could be used for human rights abuses or contribute to armed
conflicts. However, major arms exporters such as the United States, Russia, and China have not
ratified the treaty, limiting its effectiveness on a global scale. Additionally, Amnesty International
has pointed out that even among signatories, enforcement is often weak. For instance, countries
such as the United States and the United Kingdom have continued to supply arms to Saudi Arabia,
despite evidence that these weapons are being used in the conflict in Yemen, where serious
violations of international humanitarian law have occurred. This undermines the treaty’s objective
of preventing arms from being used in ways that violate human rights or fuel conflicts (Amnesty
International, 2019). Furthermore, loopholes in the treaty, alongside the lack of universal
participation, have allowed arms to flow unchecked into volatile regions, perpetuating violence
and instability (United Nations, 2013).

The illegal arms trade is particularly prevalent in conflict zones, where weapons often find their
way into the hands of insurgents and other non-state actors. A report by Conflict Armament
Research (CAR) highlighted how weapons, initially intended for legitimate national armies, have
frequently ended up in the possession of terrorist organizations such as ISIS. The report details
how arms transfers to Iraq and Syria, including those from the United States and Russia, were
diverted to ISIS and other non-state actors, fueling prolonged violence in the region. The findings
underscore the difficulty of controlling arms once they enter conflict zones, where they are often
diverted to unintended recipients through black markets or captured in battle (CAR, 2017).
Similarly, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has pointed out the severe
humanitarian consequences of the unregulated flow of arms into conflict zones. In countries such
as South Sudan, Libya, and Yemen, the influx of illicit weapons has led to widespread human
rights violations, including attacks on civilians and aid workers. The proliferation of arms in these
regions makes it much harder to restore peace and stability, as armed groups are able to continue
their activities unchecked (ICRC, 2016).

Non-state actors, such as rebel groups and militias, are often the main recipients of illicit weapons.
The Small Arms Survey has documented how non-state actors in regions like the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Somalia obtain arms through illegal networks, often smuggled
across poorly regulated borders. In Somalia, for example, the insurgent group Al-Shabaab has been
able to sustain its operations due to a steady flow of illicit weapons, further destabilizing the region.
These weapons, initially sold legally to neighboring states, are frequently diverted to rebel groups
through corrupt officials or sold on the black market, exacerbating the conflict (Small Arms
Survey, 2015). The United Nations Security Council’s Panel of Experts on Yemen has similarly
documented how arms smuggled from Iran to Houthi rebels have prolonged the conflict and
worsened the humanitarian crisis. Despite UN embargoes, weak enforcement mechanisms have
allowed illicit arms flows to continue unabated, contributing to the ongoing violence (UN Security
Council, 2020).
Even when international treaties like the ATT are in place, their enforcement presents significant
challenges due to corruption, lack of resources, and conflicting national interests. The Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has highlighted that inconsistent implementation of
the ATT is one of the most significant hurdles to curbing the illicit arms trade. In its analysis,
SIPRI identifies corruption in arms deals, poor reporting by states, and a lack of transparency in
arms transactions as major obstacles to effective regulation. For example, arms exported to conflict
zones like Libya often disappear shortly after their initial sale, ending up in the hands of armed
groups (SIPRI, 2019). Similarly, Transparency International has detailed how corruption
facilitates the illegal transfer of arms. Corrupt officials are often willing to falsify end-user
certificates or ignore arms smuggling, allowing weapons to be diverted to criminal organizations
or insurgent groups. This undermines efforts to regulate the global arms trade and exacerbates
violence in already fragile regions (Transparency International, 2019).

These reports underscore the importance of strengthening international cooperation and

enforcement mechanisms to address the proliferation of illegal arms. The illicit arms trade
continues to destabilize regions, fuel conflicts, and undermine global security efforts. Without
concerted international action to enforce existing treaties and close regulatory gaps, the illegal
arms trade will remain a significant obstacle to peace and stability in conflict-prone areas.

Role of Terrorist organizations and militant groups in the illicit trafficking of Arms and
Ammunition

Illicitly trafficked and acquired SALW, their parts and components and ammunition, play a critical
role as an enabler of armed violence, and as a funding source and threat multiplier of terrorist
groups acting alone or in concert, on a national, regional and global scale.

A virtual deep dive assessment mission in Kyrgyzstan was done by a United Nations Counter-
Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in close cooperation with the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT),
and United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) as part of the project involving the
nexus between terrorism, organised crime, and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light
weapons (SALW) during April 2021. The response to that threat, however, is quite aggressive: the
support of UN Security Council Resolution 2370 (2017) and the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles
on Foreign Terrorist Fighters. Kyrgyzstan has made significant strides in its practices relating to
the area of arms control through legislation reforms—such as the new version of the Law on
Weapons and updating its Criminal Code—and reinforcement of border security. National mission
discussions were helpful in assessing the work that the state had done and considering technical
needs for capacity building. Discussions were facilitated by the Russian Federation as well as
Saudi Arabia.

The use of illegally trafficked firearms by the terrorist has remained a stubborn challenge: in 2015,
for instance, Kalashnikov rifles and other assault weapons, trafficked through cross-border
criminal networks, went on to kill 137 people and injure more than 410 during the ISIL-inspired
attacks in Paris. Matters of particular concern to all European Union member countries taking part
in the coalition against ISIL include the ongoing threat posed by choosing an AK-47 and the ease
with which it is acquired and transported. Europol assumes the most probable scenarios for future
attacks are similar weapons and tactics due to availability, ease of use, and also the proven
effectiveness.

Regarding the trafficking of weapons and the MENA region, there seems to be greater concern
with regard to flow coming from conflict zones, such as Libya. The Tunisian authorities
confiscated arms smuggled by organised criminals who were financed by terrorist groups linked
to Al-Qaida, while the Algerian authorities have discovered, on the one hand, small-time criminal
traffickers and, on the other hand, bigger networks operating at the crossroads of terrorism and
crime. In some of the investigations on the Paris attacks, however, it is able to present some
evidence that would prove some of the attackers were either members of or directly connected to
such criminal networks. The problem is that such a weapon is found in the neighbouring regions
of the European Union, especially in the conflict regions; this is because such weapons may reach
the criminal organisations and the terrorists as well, and this poses a threat to European security.

REGION SPECIFIC IRREGULAR ARMS TRADE

The topic of trade in weapons at global and international levels is very complex, which in itself is
a spider web of security, development, and human rights transgression. Generally, the structure
for conducting arms trading is steered by the fundamental principle of the rule of law. However,
and a considerable percentage of arms trade is carried out through illicit or unregulated commerce.
It is more pronounced in certain regions which are conflict prone, conflict stricken or even where
those countries have feeble governance structure which renders them to being vulnerable to heavy
armament.
 Africa

A problem still stands in Africa, and that is the illicit circulation of arms. In Africa, the arms trade
such violations of irregularities have led to wars, political instability, interference and activities of
armed groups. The presence of civil wars in many African countries, lax borders, and lack of
effective border control have all contributed to the proliferation of arms. This has resulted in the
escalation of violence and abuses of human rights and the breakdown of entire regions.

 Latin America and Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean–yet again, and to no small degree, the irregular arms trade has
also affected these areas, particularly those countries, where crimes, violence or drug trafficking
are on the rise. Almost all countries in the region are prone to smuggling weapons, mainly because
of the proximity of the United States, which is a large market for firearms. Such weapons come
from foreign territories which are infiltrated by criminals and drug lords, making the situation in
the country problematic.

 Asia

In Asia, the phenomena of the arms trade has the steps of illegal arms trade in proportions
escalation in many countries with war, with political instability or separatism. There is also a lot
of room to be moved because the region is very geographical and has many political settings which
are hard to administer controlled movements of individuals with arms out. This facilitated the
availability of arms in the regions which were not properly controlled during wars, making the
location prone to warlordism.

The irregular arms trade occurs in every corner of the world, although it takes different forms in
different regions. However, in these three regions; Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and
Asia, arms trafficking has fueled violence, crisis, instability and violated more human rights. But
dealing with irregular arms must be blunt and perennial since there is a danger in arms going in
without a sweeping action that covers border and law enforcement and bilateral relations
enhancement.
 Illegal Procurement of Weapons

The illegal procurement and trafficking of arms pose significant threats to global peace and
security. These activities involve the unauthorized production, assembly, and movement of
firearms, their components, and ammunition. Traffickers often employ sophisticated methods,
including advanced technologies like drones, to smuggle weapons across borders. The complexity
of these methods makes detection and interception increasingly challenging, thereby exacerbating
the threat.

The consequences of illicit arms trafficking are severe and far-reaching. Such activities lead to
heightened violence, numerous casualties, and long-term socioeconomic disruptions. Vulnerable
populations, including women and children, are particularly affected, experiencing increased
violence and displacement. The ripple effects of these consequences can destabilize entire regions
and undermine development efforts.

Addressing the illegal procurement of weapons requires a comprehensive strategy that

encompasses strong national legislation, effective arms management, and robust international
cooperation. National governments must enhance their legal frameworks and enforcement
mechanisms to control the legal manufacture and distribution of firearms. International
agreements, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the Firearms Protocol, are critical for
fostering transparency and accountability in arms transfers. Article 3 of the ATT, which requires
each State Party to regulate the export of ammunition for conventional arms, is particularly
important. This provision ensures that not only the weapons themselves but also their operational
capacity is controlled by monitoring the movement of ammunition.

However, persistent challenges in implementation and compliance call for advanced forms of
international collaboration. A people-centered approach is essential in mitigating the human
impact of armed violence and illicit trafficking. This includes protecting vulnerable populations,
promoting transparency, and leveraging technology for effective monitoring and control.
Dismantling criminal networks and prosecuting perpetrators are also crucial steps. By fostering
international partnerships and engaging civil society, the global community can better address the
threats posed by illegal arms procurement and work towards a more secure world.
 DISARMAMENT (SOLUTIONS)
To combat the illegal arms trade effectively, the following solutions are recommended:

Strengthen International Frameworks: Develop a universal arms trade protocol to ensure consistent
tracking and verification across all member states, closing gaps that allow arms diversion.

Use Technology for Monitoring: Integrate advanced tracking and digital systems to monitor the
lifecycle of arms, reducing the risk of illegal transfers.

Enhance Cooperation and Transparency: Encourage joint task forces and shared databases among
nations to track arms and prevent smuggling networks from exploiting weak points in global
oversight.

Address Corruption in Conflict Zones: Strengthen anti-corruption measures, particularly in regions

with high illicit arms flows, to prevent official complicity in illegal arms trade.

WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM THIS COMMITTEE?

It is expected that the committee delegates conduct a thorough research on UNGA's agenda and
mandate. It is anticipated from the committee members to understand the intricacies of the agenda
and their country's foreign policy. We would also encourage the delegates to study how
international incidents and actions affect these situations. We further ask the committee members
to discuss these problems diplomatically and formulate appropriate countermeasures to problems
relating to illegal distribution and procurement of arms and ammunition. Participants should
discuss the effectiveness of existing frameworks and suggest appropriate measures to enhance the
effectiveness of existing systems or suggest creating a new framework.