Khaberni - The Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs at the United Nations, Adedeji Ebo, stated that there are more than a billion firearms in circulation globally and their ongoing proliferation is a driving factor in the multiple security crises that our world faces.
Ebo added on Monday before the United Nations Security Council, which discussed "the issue of small arms", that the widespread proliferation of these weapons highlights the urgent need to address the consequences of illicit small arms and light weapons, which are "far-reaching".
He referred to achievements related to small arms and light weapons, including the adoption of the global framework for managing conventional ammunition throughout its lifecycle in 2023, which he described as a "significant development" that "fills a longstanding gap in international efforts to prevent the diversion of ammunition and mitigate the risks of unintended explosions at ammunition sites".
He called for prioritizing the comprehensive management of arms and ammunition throughout their lifecycle, as well as enhancing national capacities, improving tracking systems, and using innovative technologies.
Ebo urged the Security Council to "systematically integrate considerations of small arms and ammunition into its relevant mandates", including in peace operations and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.
