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Community groups address UN conference on small arms and light weapons

Community groups address UN conference on small arms and light weapons

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Government delegates today heard from representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a United Nations conference on small arms and weapons began its second week in New York.

As part of the official programme of the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, 42 representatives of NGOs made presentations on themes such as injuries and health, vulnerable populations and impacts on communities and development. Humanitarian and human rights concerns and domestic controls were also among the topics presented. Twelve representatives from firearms community group were also scheduled to take the floor.

Delegates this week will also continue negations on a draft Programme of Action, which will serve as a framework for international cooperation to curb the illicit arms trade. Conference President Ambassador Camilo Reyes of Colombia circulated a revised version this morning.

During the Ministerial segment last week, the Conference heard statements from 143 speakers, including one Vice-President, two Deputy Prime Ministers, 38 Foreign and other Ministers, and 23 Deputy Ministers. Of these, 131 speakers spoke for their countries, 4 for regional groups and 8 for United Nations agencies and inter-governmental organizations.