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News Review Special EditionBack to the Contents of News Review Special Edition International Developments, October 1 - November 15, 2002UN Secretariat Proposes Creation of Small Arms Advisory ServiceOn October 11, the UN Security Council held a day-long debate to consider progress and priorities in implementing the Programme of Action adopted by the 2002 UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. In an opening statement, Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, observed: "Over the past year, member states have engaged in the implementation of the Programme of Action with great enthusiasm. Initiatives such as national and regional conferences; the design and implementation of national action plans; the establishment and strengthening of national structures; capacity building in relevant areas; and collaboration between governments and NGOs, among others, have yielded encouraging results. They have also placed added pressure on the UN's limited resources." Dhanapala then declared: "In this regard, the [UN] Secretariat intends to establish a Small Arms Advisory Service (SAAS) within the Department of Disarmament Affairs, on the basis of extra-budgetary resources. The main purpose of this unit is to enhance the effectiveness of the Coordinating Action on Small Arms (CASA) mechanism, and thereby to enhance the UN's ability to assist member states in the implementation of the Programme of Action. Operating as a permanent secretariat of CASA, the SAAS will optimise the mechanism's performance as both an interagency coordinating body and a service provider to member states and the general public. I hope that the Council will find it appropriate to offer its political support to this initiative." On October 31, a Security Council Presidential Statement, issued as a follow-up to the October 11 debate, contained a brief reference to the plan to establish the SAAS. The statement, delivered by Council President Martin Belinga-Eboutou of Cameroon, noted: "The Security Council recognizes the important role that the United Nations Coordinating Action on Small Arms mechanism can play in assisting member states with the implementation of the Programme of Action. In this regard, the Council notes the proposal of the Secretariat to create a Small Arms Advisory Service." Related material on Acronym website:Reports: Illicit sale of small arms poses challenge to international peace, Security Council told, UN News Service, October 11; Speakers in Security Council small arms debate support action programme adopted by 2001 United Nations Conference, UN Press Release SC/7528, October 11; Statement to the open debate of the Security Council on the question of small arms, Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, October 11, UN transcript; Security Council seeks limitation on illicit trade in small arms, noting harmful impact, especially on vulnerable groups, UN Press Release SC/7554, October 31. © 2002 The Acronym Institute. |