Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at UNSC Briefing on Small Arms and Light Weapons - December 15th, 2023

Mr. President,

I thank Ecuador for organizing this timely open debate. I also thank USG Nakamitsu for briefing the Council and Ms Aptel and Ms Mutota for bringing their valuable perspectives. 

Mr. President,

The illicit trafficking and the diversion of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition pose significant challenges to international peace and security. Uncontrolled flows of these weapons and ammunition feed conflicts and urban and rural violence and exacerbate public security problems in many parts of the world.

Considering the destabilizing effects of these illicit flows, the implementation of effective arms control mechanisms at global, regional, and national levels is critical. I underline "national". Instead of casting a blind eye to the terrible "buy legal-take away illegal" trend in much of this terrible traffic, as unfortunately so often happens, fueling the international trafficking of arms and ammunition and thus violence and conflict abroad, national legislations should help curb the illicit traffic of those weapons by more effectively controlling their end-use.

Brazil has always supported the discussions and deliberations on this matter at the UN. They have resulted in a set of instruments, treaties, and political commitments that provide an important framework to the control of small arms and light weapons and ammunition. The principles and obligations established by the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the UNTOC Firearms Protocol, for example, provide guidance for responsible and diligent transfers, as well as control, marking and tracing mechanisms. The same is true for political instruments, such as the UN-Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, its International Tracing Instrument (ITI), and the recently adopted Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.

Brazil welcomes the Global Framework as the newest piece in the conventional arms control architecture. The proper treatment of issues related to ammunition management, both in its safety and security dimensions, was long overdue. Its implementation will certainly benefit our societies

Mme. President,

Diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and ammunition continue to fuel violence in conflict and non-conflict settings. According to the Secretary-General’s report, small arms and light weapons are a prominent cause of conflict-related civilian deaths, and pose a threat to humanitarian operations in many conflict-affected areas. Therefore, Brazil supports the inclusion of provisions on the control of illicit flows of weapons and ammunition, as appropriate, in Security Council resolutions. It is a relevant aspect to be considered in the mandates of peace operations, as has been done in several cases.

We recognize arms control as a tool for prevention of conflict and violence. Uncontrolled flows of weapons that end up in the hands of unauthorized recipients are among the root causes of conflict and violence. To address this serious issue, Brazil supports in particular the adoption of minimal standards of marking and tracing of SALW and ammunition in line with the provisions of the ITI and of the Global Framework. This allows the identification and dismantling of routes of diversion and illicit trafficking.

As we address this important issue of arms control, let me draw your attention to the alarming surge in military spending, which exceeded 2 trillion dollars last year, as mentioned in the SG’s report. This reflects a misalignment of global priorities. President Lula has been advocating for the reallocations of these extensive resources to address pressing global needs, emphasizing the urgent necessity of investing in socioeconomic development.

Mme. President,

Brazil commends Ecuador for particularly highlighting the gender dimension in this debate. The available disaggregated data on the relation between the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons and the incidents of conflict-related sexual violence only prove the acute and differentiated impact of the proliferation of these weapons on women and girls. Furthermore, as recognized by Resolution 2467 (2019), sexual violence in conflict occurs on a continuum of interrelated and recurring forms of violence against women and girls also in peacetime.

In drafting its second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the Brazilian government decided as one of the strategic objectives of the document to promote a safer, less violent environment for Brazilian women, including by further controlling the circulation of small arms and ammunition in the country, as part of our national security policy.

Brazil recognizes the importance of securing women full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making processes in arms control and disarmament fora. The scant presence of female negotiators in these fora suggests that national governments are failing to link the WPS agenda to this critical area of implementation. This pattern must be overcome, if we aspire to address the problems related to small arms and light weapons in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.

Thank you.