UN workshop in Thailand helps prepare for conference on illegal gun trafficking

Aiming to prepare for an upcoming United Nations conference on illegal gun trafficking worldwide, some 70 participants from governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across South and Southeast Asia have gathered in Thailand for a two-day workshop on specific aspects of the problem.

The discussions in Bangkok will help lay the groundwork for the Review Conference on eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, to be held in New York from 26 June to 7 July. Topics include the implementation of an international pact on marking and tracing, export/import controls, and supply and demand.

Organized by the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific of the Department for Disarmament Affairs, the workshop is sponsored by the Governments of Canada, Japan and Thailand, along with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The June conference will review progress since an international action plan was adopted in 2001to fight the menace posed by small arms and light weapons. Among other provisions, countries agreed to ensure that licensed manufacturers apply an appropriate and reliable marking on each small arm and light weapon as an integral part of the production process.

They also committed themselves to keeping comprehensive and accurate records for as long as possible on the manufacture, holding and transfer of small arms and light weapons under their jurisdiction.

In addition, countries agreed to strengthen their ability to cooperate in identifying and tracing illicit small arms and light weapons and guaranteed that all confiscated, seized or collected small arms and light weapons should be destroyed.