Disarmament and International Security
Topic: B
Illegal Arms Trade
DISEC Topic B
Algeria
Arms trafficking is the illegal trafficking or smuggling of contraband weapons or
ammunition. As a country, we feel that our illegal arms trafficking, or trading, has become a
problem. Criminal organizations that take part in counterfeiting money make enormous profits
that then fund other criminal activity such as drugs, human trafficking and international
terrorism. Illegal trading includes counterfeiting, the sale of legal products on the black market
and tax evasion. Illegal trading is costing the Algerian economy billions of dinars. The estimated
the total value of black-market transactions over the past three years is about 155 billion dinars.
Experts from a recent meeting in Algeria confirm that some of that money is being used to
finance terrorism.
Obviously, the laws put in place by the government to prevent this kind of activity are not
working. Therefore, the Algerian government should come up with a new tactic to stop the
illegal trading currently going on. General Abdelghani Hamel said that the government needs to
"discuss the creation of a system whereby all parties concerned will work together in the fight
against the trading of illicit goods and infringements of intellectual property rights.” Even though
these criminals are organized and they are very prosperous in their business, they must be
tracked down and caught, for the future safety and well-being of Algeria. So far, as a country, we
have taken on multiple tactics to stop the black-market training. We have introduced a national
register of the criminals, and banned these offenders from participating in future international
trade. We have also prevented them from submitting public sector contracts.
DISEC Topic B
Azerbaijan
The illegal distribution of small arms and light weapons is a dilemma that presents
itself as a concern to numerous countries. As a country that does not produce
firearms, Azerbaijan is particularly affected by the dissemination of weaponry that is
occurring in this middle eastern region. Due to its near vicinity to the neighboring
countries of Iran, Armenia, and Russia which are, according to heavily involved in the
illegal arms trade, Azerbaijan is especially concerned with prohibiting the illegal arms
trade in order to better ensure its national security. Evidence of these threats can be
examined through the continuous Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, an ongoing territorial
dispute between Armenians and Azeris (that Azerbaijan would support the idea of
alleviating).
Azerbaijan recognizes the dilemma regarding the illegal arms trade, and has already
begun to do its part to combat this issue. Remaining on the forefront of the issue,
Azerbaijan is even extending its concerns by sending letters directly to the both UN
Secretary-General and the Security Council. Azerbaijan has also joined the European
Convention of 1978 "On the control over purchase and keeping of small arms of civil
persons” in 2000, and has always actively participated in the adoption of the OSCE
(Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Document on small arms and
light weapons at the OSCE Ministerial meeting. Educating the international community
about the dangers as well as the able preventive measures that can be taken to
reduce the prominence of the illegal arms trade also illustrate the great lengths that
Azerbaijan has partaken in. Some of these measures include hosting a workshop
entitled "Small Arms and Light Weapons: Practical Challenges for the Implementation
of Current Undertakings in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council". Azerbaijan will continue to do all that it
can to actively combat the illicit trading of arms.
Azerbaijan, however,cannot tackle this issue alone. Therefore, the Republic of
Azerbaijan proposes the following Programme of Action to be adopted by the
international community in order to prevent the illegal trading of arms worldwide.
This Programme advocates that arms transfers should be authorized by states only in
order to prevent arms from being acquired by terrorists, separatist groups, or
individual private entities. Azerbaijan also proposes a better system of exchanging
information between countries that experience abundant amounts of illegal arms
trade in order to better cooperate together to attack the illegal arms threat. This can
be accomplished by collecting and distributing more information regarding small arms
and light weaponry. It is also in the best interests of the international community to
take measures to secure each country’s borders in order to prevent the easy transfer
of illegal arms from region to region. Finally, Azerbaijan proposes an advanced system
verification techniques such as marking and traceability of weapons in order to ensure
again that dangerous weapons are not getting into the hands of terrorists or separatist
groups. With the implementation of these measures, the world can be certain to see
the reduction of the illegal arms trade, which will in turn promote more international
stability. It is the Republic of Azerbaijan’s sincere hope that through the
authorization of arms transfers through states, increased border security, and an
DISEC Topic B
advanced arms verification system, the world can be saved from the dangers of the
illegal arms trade.
Works Cited
Aliyev, Yashar, Mr. "Azerbaijan." United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in
Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. United Nations Headquarters,
New York. 13 July 2001. Address.
Invictus, Augustus Sol. “Trafficking in the Republic of Azerbaijan.” DePaul Rule of
Law Journal Fall (2010): 1-19. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
“5.” Small Arms Survey 2001. N.p, n.d. 165-95. Print.
DISEC Topic B
Colombia
Illegal arms trade has ravaged Colombia and other nations in Latin America, and is an
international concern. The majority of illegal weapons in Colombia are in the hands of various
leftist guerilla organizations that look to seize control of the government. FARC, the largest of
these groups, was estimated to possess 1,332 rifles, 982 pieces of night vision equipment, and
8,368 grenades according to statistics from Interinstitutional Antiterrorist Analysis Group in
2004. It is assumed that many of these weapons come from Venezuela, as authorities have
thought it possible that members of the Venezuelan army were sympathetic to rebel groups.
Colombia has attempted to curb these sorts of arms trades by signing the Arms Trade Treaty in
2013, which “obligates member states to monitor arms exports and ensure that weapons don't
cross existing arms embargoes or end up being used for human-rights abuses, including
terrorism.” This resolution states that no arms transfer will be permitted if the transfer affected
regional security. Colombia was the first leader of the UN Conference on Illicit Trade in Small
Arms and Light Weapons in 2001. Colombia strongly condemns terrorism and those who
support terrorist groups with arms.
Possible solutions in the future would be creating more international legislation to monitor
trans-national arms trade, as well as legislation that would require all nations to submit reports
of arms traded by the government. The UN would monitor these reports to make sure these
governments did not illicitly trade arms with guerilla/other illegal groups. Also, while many of
these armed terrorist organizations do not directly receive weapons from other governments,
these groups are mostly supplied by illegally obtaining “aid” from governments. The United
States has unintentionally armed terrorists in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq with weapons
given as aid. We propose that governments who give aid to destroy or take back stockpiles of
weapons and monitor who actually receives these guns that destroy the lives of millions every
year around the world. Also, instead of large amounts of weapons being given as aid, we
propose that more useful tools be given in areas that lack water, education, etc. With these
measures, it will be much more difficult for these malicious groups to find arms
DISEC Topic B
Guatemala
Guatemala is a small country in Central America with an estimated total population of
nearly 16 million people; thereby making it the most populous state in all of Central America. In
2013, it was estimated that a whopping 82 percent of homicides were committed by a firearm.
Later that year, Guatemala passed a legislature stating any unauthorized personnel carrying
firearms will be detained in prison until trial. The Office of Arms and Ammunition is the
regulatory department of imports, exports, licensing, registration and manufacturing of arms in
Guatemala. Records produced by this organization articulates that in 2007 Guatemala had about
1,000,000 weapons circulating in which 800,000 were unregistered. The Attorney General was
able to deduce that a vast majority of these illegal arms originate in neighbor Honduras. While
the number of illegal arms and deaths caused by them are declining, this is still a tangible issue
in Guatemala for which we believe we possess a solution.
It has been established that Guatemala’s illegal arms problem is major. However, the
solutions lie within the problems. We propose that Guatemala increase border control and
security to suppress the main source of illegal arms. An important aspect of border control would
be increased regulation of imports and exports. This increased border control would aid
economic productivity by creating jobs. We also suggest that the penalties for possession of an
illegal firearm be heightened to approximately 20 years for the first offense. Another important
reform would be documentation of all personal and private transactions regarding firearms and
ammunition. While they are are crude, if developed, these reforms could have a positive and
holistic impact on Guatemala.
DISEC Topic B
Works Cited
“Guatemala — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law.” GunPolicy.Org. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct.
2014. <http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/guatemala>.
O’Neill McCleskey, Claire. “Guatemala to Sign Agreement with US to Trace Illegal
Weapons.” In Sight Crime. Open Society Fundations, 8 Nov. 2012. Web. 7 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.insightcrime.org/news-briefs/guatemala-atf-trace-illegal-weapons>.
Sevigny, John. “Go directly to jail: Guatemala passes tough new gun law.” Digital
Journal. N.p., 5 Sept. 2013. Web. 7 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/357763>.
DISEC Topic B
Haiti
Though the end of the Cold War reduced the reliance on nuclear weapons, it has caused a
dramatic shift within the United Nations to concentrate on disarmament. After the Soviet Union’s
collapse, militant states and independent Islamic radical groups have threatened international interests.
Western states have continuously attempted to dismantle such weapons programs, but following the
September 11th and anthrax attacks; there is a fear of non-conventional weapons use within the
international community. Biological weapons, nuclear warheads, and radiological dispersion devices have
increased in their development in recent decades. Unfortunately for these national governments, fear of
these weapons is ascending to new heights. The proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction (WMD),
in conjunction with the dissemination of technology, heightens the risk of such weapons being used.
Resolution 1.1, the first resolution adopted by the United Nations’ General Assembly, established a
Commission to supervise and control the atomic energy market, so that peace is ensured. Along with this
Commission have been a number of multilateral treaties to counteract WMD use (Partial Test Ban Treaty
and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty). The United Nation’s policy towards the proliferation of
WMD has been universalization. By connecting similar interests together from various countries, this will
therefore create a net to catch any weapons from filtering through into autocratic and extremist regimes.
But there lies the problem: this “net” will eventually fail, yielding holes. And sadly for the notion of
peace, independent nations will need to wage war against these radical political groups (Iraqi War and
Gulf War). With only two dominant options being employed today, there needs to be a search for more
solutions. What could they be?
Haiti suggests multi-faceted solution: the perpetuation of a multilateral agreements, the promotion of
domestic and regional organizations, and the close cooperation with the private sector of business. The
first initiative will establish a forum for regional coordination between regulatory and enforcement
agencies and will also develop a regional standard for domestic proliferation controls. The second
measure will establish a “clearing house” to share regional expertise and assistance. Submitting and
DISEC Topic B
adhering to the guidelines of Resolution 1540 can accomplish this. The end goal is to establish the
following as according to the European Union:
• Multilateral treaties and verification mechanisms; • National and internationally export controls;
•
Cooperative threat-reduction programs;
• Prohibition of illegal procurement activities;
• Comply with the United Nation’s charter
If an attack is to occur in the wake of such development, Haiti
will pressure the state that houses these radical groups. It will be more effective to pressure a state than a
terrorist organization because it is those states that are supplying these radical groups with WMD’s.
According to a Harvard publication, terrorist organizations do not have the capabilities to furnish
themselves with WMD’s, instead they will steal or request the state’s assistance. Haiti’s proposal is only
strengthening the net by reinforcing the bond between countries. This is a proactive plan. Now, in the
situation of a radical group stealing these weapons, Haiti suggests that regional body should be created to
guard against extremist groups. This body will station soldiers at nuclear facilities to guard against any of
such groups. It will ensure security. They will be ratified by the United Nations to assure that every
country has a say in the affair. By taking these measures, this will ensure for a safer world.
DISEC Topic B
Iraq
Illegal arms and their proliferation is a vexing problem. World wide, such arms find their way
into the hands of terrorists and common criminals. Countless lives are lost, and much loss in
property occurs. Ultimately, the problem is an international one that requires coordinated,
international effort.
Iraq suffers from the illegal arms trade, and has taken steps to restrict such trade within its
borders. Such efforts have proven mostly futile, as smugglers have many venues for such trade.
Iraq is willing to offer both its expertise and, although limited, human and capital resources to
reducing this problem. The dictates of humanity require nothing less than such an effort.
Iraq suggests that the UN DISEC Committee examine all avenues for alleviating this problem.
These might include greater international inspections, unilateral negotiations with countries
that produce such arms, and incentives for said countries to do greater policing. Moreover,
Iraq believes that the UN Security Council has an obligation and a mandate to show leadership
in this area—especially the veto powers. It is in everyone’s best interest to curb the
proliferation of the illegal arms trade.
DISEC Topic B
Israel
It is impossible to deny that the arms trade is not flourishing in the Middle East. Israel is
both aware of and startled by illicit arms trafficking in the region, and as a developed nation
wishes to bring about an end to the activity.
Between 1998 and 2005, 66% of illegal arms transfers were conducted through
developing nations in the Middle East, which in many cases has led to increased violence and
instability. Israel wishes to not only end trafficking within its own borders, but to disrupt it in the
rest of the region.
A repair already in place for this problem is transparency between nations. Essentially,
each country must be honest with trading partners about the nature and material associated with
cargo along with increasing security using state and UN Coalition forces. As a close ally of the
United States, Israel supports this plan and feels that it can continue to be successful in the
correct application. However, more ideas have been presented to Israel and her allies lately. One
such plan is to provide identification and tracking for each weapon to better identify when it falls
into illicit hands. Although expensive, the measure would bring about some stability in the
region if proven effective. Another solution Israel has been working closely with the United
States to achieve lies in economics; raising the export value of the legal arms trade would in turn
devalue illegal arms to potential buyers, destroying the business.
Identification, transparency, and export value increases are all possible solutions to the
issue of illegal arms trafficking. If it continues, trading of weapons in the region could pose a
significant threat to both Israel and other nations, so Israel hopes to find a solution quickly.
DISEC Topic B
Works Cited
“CIA World Factbook: Israel”; cia.gov; 22 July 2014. Web.
“The Arms Trade and Israel”; amnestyusa.org; 13 April 2013. Web.
“The Middle East and Illiciit Arms Sales”; fptoday.org; 16 December 2013. Web.
DISEC Topic B
Japan
According to The Japan Times, illicit arms trade around the world has more than doubled
since 2006, and it has expanded to become an $8.5 billion a year industry. This is a very
prevalent issue that affects all nations and has led to increase in violence worldwide.
International efforts simply have not been enough to sufficiently address the issue. A larger
consensus must be reached, and Japan is capable of taking a leading role in this project.
Japan has always had a very definitive opinion on the selling and buying of arms within
the country and around the world. At a conference in 1976, the Japanese government declared
“Japan shall not promote 'arms' exports, regardless of the destinations” (The Asia Times). This
proclamation was monumental in shaping Japan’s foreign policy on the topic. However, Japan
does still engage in exporting weapons that do not fall under the category of “arms.” Japan has
strictly adhered to these promises and has hence become the world’s sixth highest exporter of
authorized weaponry (The Japan Times). In fact, $429 million of Japan’s annual income comes
from legal weapon trading. From the time that Japan made this declaration and forward, the
nation has been wholeheartedly focussed on reducing the illicit trade of arms on a regional and
global level. Japan’s actions in helping to promote international consensus on the issue also show
the country’s dedication. For example, Japan was one of the original seven co-authors of a UN
resolution in 2006 that sought to initiate the process of creating an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
Japan’s hopes came to fruition in 2009, 2011, 2012, and twice in 2013 when Arms Trade
Treaties were ratified by the United Nations in each of these years. One of the main international
efforts aimed at controlling illicit arms trading was the 2001 UN Program of Action to Prevent,
Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects
(PoA). According to The Asia Times, Japan has been one of the leading supporters of this
program. Japan’s support for a safer world through reduction of arms is also exhibited by the
generous donations given to other countries to help them deal with the issue. “[Japan] has
donated substantial sums of money for various weapons collection programs worldwide, most
notably, more than US$10 million for programs in Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Sierra Leone” (The
Asian Times). This is just one of the many solutions that Japan believes can help combat the
issue at hand.
Alleviating the world of illicit arms trade is an urgent necessity. As a big proponent of
reducing this illicit trade, Japan believes that this goal must be (and can be) achieved quickly and
efficiently through cooperation, consensus, and innovative ideas. Japan strongly urges the
creation of a global database for countries to share and use together to keep track of as many
illicitly traded weapons as possible. The Arms Control Association believes that Japan “could
provide the requisite technologies for computer databases of suspected illicit weapons
traffickers.” Japan already has the support from the ACA and the resources needed; the country
is only lacking support from other states. Back in 1998, Japan’s first idea on combating illicit
trade was to create a panel of experts with 16 members. Japan proposed that each member
(representing his respective country) would provide specific knowledge and ideas for the group
DISEC Topic B
with hopes of ultimately reducing the illegal arms trade. Japan introduced this idea through a
resolution in the 50th session of the UN General Assembly. These efforts were successful, as the
Panel of Governmental Experts on Small Arms was created as a result. At this present
conference, Japan wishes to inform other nations about this previously-successful panel, increase
its significance, and show the benefits that this panel could potentially have with even greater
support. With the world’s best interests in mind, Japan fully supports the growth of this
international panel and the creation of a database for illicit weapons trade reduction and weapon
tagging protocols. Through these specific tactics and international consensus, Japan hopes that
member nations can cooperate in order to reduce (and eventually eliminate) the illicit trade of
arms around the world.
Works Cited
"ASEAN Declaration on Transnational Crime Manila, 20 December 1997." ASEAN Declaration
on Transnational Crime Manila, 20 December 1997. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-political-security-community/item/aseandeclaration-on-transnational-crime-manila-20-december-1997>.
"China Travel." Asia Times Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/GL01Dh01.html>.
"Europe And Guns: EU Tries To Address Illegal Firearms As American Gun Violence
Overshadows Debate." International Business Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.ibtimes.com/europe-guns-eu-tries-address-illegal-firearms-american-gunviolence-overshadows-debate-1436898>.
"Exporters." Small Arms Survey - . N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/weapons-and-markets/transfers/exporters.html>.
"The Illicit Trade Of Small Arms." Geopoliticalmonitor.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-illicit-trade-of-small-arms-4273/>.
The, Of, and Att Co-Authors Meeting Hosted. The Arms Trade Treaty and Japan (n.d.): n. pag.
Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
"Small Arms and Light Weapons: Controlling the Real Instruments of War." Small Arms and
Light Weapons: Controlling the Real Instruments of War. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.armscontrol.org/print/391>.
DISEC Topic B
"Small Arms and Light Weapons." MOFA:. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/disarmament/weapon/>.
"Troubling Rise in Small Arms Trade." Japan Times RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.
<http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2012/09/02/editorials/troubling-rise-in-small-armstrade/#.VB2vbnLu3F4>.
DISEC Topic B
Netherlands
The illegal arms trade and market represents a serious threat to both international
and national security, especially in conflict zones. The severity of this problem is made
especially clear by the sheer amount of arms involved. For example, the Mexican Army
seized 5,220 illegal weapons between 2009-12 (“Small Arms Survey 2013”), which
doubtless represents only a fraction of the total weapons in circulation in Mexico.
Additionally, the flow of illegal arms transfers has not only exacerbated existing conflicts
but has increased the likelihood of armed conflict in general, as it is now far easier for
sectarian conflicts and internal divisions to devolve into open warfare. Ultimately, the
issue of the illegal arms trade is one that requires concerted action and commitment of
all parties to create and implement lasting solutions to arms trafficking.
To effectively combat the issue of international arms trafficking, a multilayered
approach incorporating a variety of techniques are required. First, DISEC must continue
to encourage the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty, because even though it has
reached the 50 ratifications necessary to become international law and has 121
signatories (UNODA), getting additional buy-in and cooperation is necessary for the
treaty’s long-term viability. DISEC also must strongly encourage nations to pursue
solutions that are known to be effective in reducing the size of the illegal arms market,
such as practicing DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration). These types
of programs are helpful because they prevent arms from reentering the black market
and help ensure that armed conflict has a better defined end point, as it is considered “a
well-established feature of the peace and security architecture.” (“Disarmament,
Demobilization and Reintegration”). With regard to the implementation of such
programs, UN agencies such as the UN Development Programme have proven track
records in creating successful DDR programs and other violence prevention efforts.
Also, DISEC must focus on monitoring specific regions around the world that are
common entry points for arms into the black market, such as the Middle East, where
legitimately transferred weapons are often seized by rebel groups. A current example of
this is the IS’ (Islamic State) seizures of military equipment from the Iraqi Army that the
United States had donated, which has significantly increased instability in the region
and led to US airstrikes against their own weaponry (Fisher). To solve this problem, one
solution that should be considered is creating a consistent set of voluntary standards to
protect the security of national arms and prevent their acquisition by terrorist and rebel
groups. Also, DISEC must also make recommendations to the Security Council on
deploying peacekeepers to protect weapons in unstable countries, where they may
enter the black market because of seizures by insurgent groups.
Ultimately, the illegal arms trade can only be ended by extensive and substantial
international cooperation and strong enforcement of existing laws, such as the Arms
Trade Treaty, which represents one of the preeminent achievements of modern
disarmament efforts. By achieving this, the result will be a safer world where disputes
are less likely to transform into armed conflict and the underlying causes of conflict will
be more easily addressed. With this in mind, DISEC must continue to honor its
commitment to maintaining the integrity of pre-existing treaties and ensuring that the
DISEC Topic B
illegal arms trade is strongly and effectively dealt with via a multi-part approach, as is
consistent with its principles.
Works Cited
UNODA. "Arms Trade Treaty." Disarmament Treaties Database:. Web. 06 Oct. 2014.
<http://disarmament.un.org/treaties/t/att>.
"Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration." Small Arms Survey - . Web. 05 Oct.
2014. <http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/security-programmes/disarmamentdemobilization-and-reintegration.html>.
"Small Arms Survey 2013." Small Arms Survey - . Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-armssurvey-2013.html>.
Fisher, Max. "The US Bombing Its Own Guns Perfectly Sums up America's Total Failure
in Iraq." Vox. Web. 06 Oct. 2014. <http://www.vox.com/2014/8/8/5982501/the-us-isnow-bombing-its-own-military-equipment-in-iraq>.
DISEC Topic B
Syria
The Syrian Arab Republic's views on arms trade differ somewhat from the majority of
other countries, but they are very concerned about this issue. The illegal arms market supplies
the majority of immoral terrorists and rebel groups.
Syria is one of only four countries to vote against the widely accepted Arms Trade
Treaty. This is because the Treaty would consider the weapons influx that much of their
government's strength and a large part of their unstable economy depends on as illegal, while
still allowing the US to arm rebel groups that not only threaten the government, but also often
sell their weapons illegally to the Islamic State, a universally agreed threat to the Middle East
and, more importantly, human rights. In fact, many of ISIL's weapons come from previous
attempts to arm certain groups, such as the 1940's arming of Syria by the Soviet Union.
In fact, one study found that nearly a fifth of the Islamic State’s weapons come from
American weapons intended to arm rebels.1
What Syria desires is a resolution that allows their government to continue their
economy-sustaining arms trade and prevents other countries from supplying arms that ultimately
end up in ISIL's and others who work against the government's hands.
Works Cited
"ATT Voting Chart." (n.d.): n. pag. The Arms Trade Treaty. 04 Feb. 2013. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.un.org/disarmament/update/20130402/ATTVotingChart.pdf>.
1
Dispatch From The Field . "ISLAMIC STATE AMMUNITION IN IRAQ AND SYRIA."
ISLAMIC STATE AMMUNITION IN IRAQ AND SYRIA (n.d.): n. pag. 06 Oct. 2014. Web.
15 Oct. 2014. <http://www.conflictarm.com/wpcontent/uploads/2014/10/Dispatch_IS_Iraq_Syria_Ammunition.pdf>.
Foundation, Imuna. "IMUNA 2014: Research Report- DC." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.imuna.nl/files/Research%20Reports/DC%20Eradicating%20Arms%20Trade.
pdf>.
Harte, Julia, and R. Jeffery Smith. "Where Does the Islamic State Get Its Weapons?" Foreign
Policy. N.p., 06 Oct. 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/10/06/the_source_of_the_islamic_state_s_we
apons_united_states_russia_syria_iraq?wp_login_redirect=0>.
Solomon, Jay, Yuka Hayashi, and Colum Murphy. "North Korea's Illegal Weapons Pipeline
Flows On." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 29 Nov. 2012. Web. 15 Oct.
2014.
<http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323830404578144981537771060
Stewart, Scott. "Global Arms Markets as Seen Through the Syrian Lens." Stratfor Global
Intelligence. N.p., 25 July 2013. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stratfor.com%2Fweekly%2Fglobal-arms-markets-seen-throughsyrian-lens%23axzz3Fyy3b3Ii>.
DISEC Topic B
Turkey
Small arms trafficking is the largest underground operation in the world done over small
shipments over a large period of time. Because of the small shipments over a large period of
time, these trades have gone unnoticed by the international community. The country of Turkey
has recognized and will support any country to drastically reduce or even end the trading of
illegal arms. The growth in small arms trading has been on the increase for decades. But the
United Nations has not done anything effectively and needs to take a much larger role in
combating the illegal arms trade. In Turkey, there are approximately nine million firearms owned
by civilians and it is estimated that only three million of that nine million are registered. That
means their are six million illegal firearms in Turkey. With ISIS nearing the Turkish/Syrian
border, more and more illegal arms are going to Syria to support ISIS. Turkey will support the
United States led Collation to destroy ISIS. In 1996, Turkey became the first State to impose a
small arms register to combat the illegal trading. Turkey supports the United States of compiling
a list of illegal arms traders and dealers. Turkey has also voted in support of every resolution
concerning the reduction of small arms trafficking internationally. In Turkey, if you are in
possession of an illegal firearm(s), the penalty is up to three years in prison and a fine per illegal
firearm. This law applies to everyone in the world, Turkish citizen or not.
Works Cited
Alpers, Philip, and Marcus Wilson. “Turkey — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law.”
GunPolicy.org. U of Sydney, 29 Oct. 2013. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
“Illicit Trafficking.” Small Arms Survey. Graduate Institute Geneva, n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
“United Nations on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weaponry in All Its Aspects.”
United Nations. United Nations, 26 July 1999. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.
DISEC Topic B
Ukraine
Ukraine is known as one of the world’s most active small arms suppliers, relying on arms
dealing for much of its economy, and both legal and illegal arms provide Ukraine with this
money. Within Ukraine’s borders, there are an estimated amount of ten million firearms owned
by both the state and civilians, but proper gun laws aren’t anywhere near where they should be
for this large amount. Instead of the small arms being manufactured, many of Ukraine’s
massive arms stockpiles were inherited after it broke away from the Soviet Union in 1991. This
provided Ukraine with a large supply to use for military purposes, exportation, as well as an
illegal arms trade.
The flow of illegal weapons from Ukraine was made easier by theft and corruption
within the military. Forged certificates, such as export documents, also facilitated the process.
Many Ukrainian officials are believed to have been involved in these deals due to the large
amount of illegal arms shipments being exported, although none of this has been proven. Many
journalists have attempted to look into the possibilities of corruption, but soon discovered the
true difficulty and danger of the task they were taken on. The one official inquiry into arms
dealing was soon ended when a court-martial was handed to the defense official. Overall, illegal
arms trading in Ukraine is definitely an issue that must be dealt with, as well as possible
government corruption that is intertwined.
As a solution to this crisis, Ukraine can begin with solving the simple issues, such as
crime organizations that are fairly easy to put to a stop, especially with their illegal arms trade.
Surface organizations that are easy to find and crack down on would have a less expensive but
smaller impact. The main problem with Ukraine’s illegal arms trade is corruption and hidden
organizations. Cracking down on corruption within the government will be no easy task, but it is
crucial to eradicating this illegal trade from Ukraine. Also, the elimination of hidden criminal
organizations that are the main offenders in the illegal arms trade will benefit the removal of
this issue. The UN can assist with the funding and publicity of these campaigns against
corruption and crime, so the world will know if similar cases are suspiciously dropped again.
Overall, many steps need to be taken by Ukraine’s government to completely rid this country of
its illegal arms trade, and not all of them are straightforward nor easy. It will be a long,
hazardous path, but a hopeful one.
"Ukraine Involved in Illegal Arms Trade â Timoshenko." - RT News. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
"Trade and Trafficking: Ukraine and the Regulation of International Arms Trade." Trade and
Trafficking: Ukraine and the Regulation of International Arms Trade. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct.
2014.
"Guns in Ukraine - Firearms, Gun Law and Gun Control." Guns in Ukraine - Firearms, Gun Law
and Gun Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
DISEC Topic B
Denmark
The delegation of Denmark has strong views about small arms a smuggling in North America.
Denmark Feels that in order to help reduce violence in North America and eventually the whole
world we will need to step up security at the border and track down the source of the small arms.
From Jan. 1st to Dec. 26th in 2013, the TSA saw a 20 percent increase from the previous year in
the amount of guns it confiscated in the U.S. from passengers trying to smuggle them into their
carry-ons. In 2013, a total of 1,828 guns - the highest amount recorded since the TSA began
tracking smuggled firearms - were confiscated across the nation's airports, according to a
recently released analysis of TSA data by the Medill National Security Journalism Initiative.
Denmark feels that we must find the source and stop them in order to help reduce gang violence
in North America. Although an American national who attempted to bring in guns and
ammunition into the country had his sentence changed after the High Court reviewed it. Sonny
Blake was convicted of bribing a Customs officer and possession of firearms without a license
by the Magistrates Court. He was given a 12-month jail term suspended for five years, fined
$1000 and conviction not recorded. In conclusion, Denmark would like to propose the idea of
starting a program to help train border officials to help increase security. Also we feel that in
order to reduce and eventually defeat arms trafficking we must go into where the problem is and
stop the sources from the beginning.
DISEC Topic B
Sierra Leone
In today’s world, it is clear that nuclear arms play a major force in international relations and
national security. This is evident with the increasing amount of nuclear weapons, which recently
surpassed 16,000, with 15,000 being held by the two major powers United States, and Russia.
The effects of these weapons are equally astonishing, with each of these nuclear warheads
containing the explosive force equivalent to 1000 kilotons of TNT. As a result, the buildup of
nuclear stockpiles in the world only exacerbates the tenuous and fragile relations between world
powers. Sierra Leone recognizes that nuclear weapons present an obstacle to foreign relations,
and international diplomacy, and as a result, finds it necessary for the international community to
eventually “ban all research, testing, possession, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons.”
(ICAN March 2013)
The Republic of Sierra Leone recognizes the issues associated with nuclear weapons in the
world. In terms of national security, the stockpiling of nuclear weapons of both sides only creates
more tensions, which has led to doctrines such as Mutual Assured Destruction. These kinds of
policies are not conducive to cooperation, and is held together by a balance that is too fragile. In
two instances, computer error has almost resulted in a nuclear war. Other than foreign politics,
activities concerning nuclear weapons such as testing has resulted in the destruction of the
environment, and the degradation of human health. Nuclear weapon production generates large
amounts of waste products that are not easily disposed of. Usually these waste products are
dumped into the ground and in some instances, dumped into rivers. This has a major
environmental effect as the ground water becomes polluted, and the waste product is still
radioactive for thousands of years, even if underground. Nuclear weapon testing also results in
large amounts of fallout being dispersed in the atmosphere, which eventually spreads to places of
human habitation. Nuclear testing during the Cold War has led to over 2 million cancer fatalities
which were linked to the nuclear fallout.
The Republic of Sierra Leone believes that it is in the global community’s best interests to solve
the issue of nuclear weapons. As such, Sierra Leone encourages other countries to advocate for
nuclear disarmament. Ratifying laws which restrict the production and capability of nuclear force
is a major gateway towards world peace. Sierra Leone hopes that through skillful legislation, and
proper diplomacy, the global community can build a better future for generations to come.
DISEC Topic B
South Korea
The issue of illegal arms trade and its stress on the international community is one which needs
immediate attention. South Korea supports high international security throughout all sectors.
With regards to disarmament, South Korea advocates an assertive approach. We believe that all
nations should comply with global standards set by The United Nations, and do everything in
their power to diminish their respective arms markets, as to prevent illegal trade in general.
Standards must be put in place to restrict further black market dealings.
Throughout the past century, South Korea, alongside other nations, has done a great deal with
respect to arms control. In 1958, the country mandated a nationwide regulation system for all
firearms, including bananas. The illegal arms trade has caused great trouble for South Korea in
the past several decades due to conflicts with our northern neighbors. In the ‘50s, the Korean
War caused a mass surge towards support of the arms restriction. North Korea left no other
means for the nation to strive independently without constriction, other than to push for a
substantive ban. Such bans were based on precedents set by the United States, with little
distinction regarding arms border control. However, according to new statistics developed by
various firearm organizations, the illegal arms trade has not suffered beyond its scope as a result
of the bans.
After the revolution of 1977, South Korea, with the help of the French aristocracy, combated
illegal arms trade, making the practice nearly defunct. In the event of a resurgence in both illegal
manufacturing and trading, we must place tighter restrictions on those responsible. Moreover,
South Korea believes that disarmament is very important to sustain a healthy international
community. In accordance with this, South Korea supports high international security throughout
all sectors. With these prerogatives in mind, South Korea would like to reach a compromise with
the other nations of DISEC to combat this injurious issue.
DISEC Topic B