The Security Council today discussed the risks posed by the illicit and unregulated export of weapons and military equipment during an open debate convened by the Russian Federation on that theme, as some members traded barbs on the supply of weapons to States in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. […]
Joao Genésio de Almeida Filho (Brazil) said that, as a party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Brazil abides by its principles, which offer valuable guidelines for arms transfers. It highlights the importance of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law — regardless of military objectives or security concerns — and urges States to effectively regulate their arms trade, so as to prevent diversion, through systems of effective national control. His delegation is encouraged by recent General Assembly efforts to improve the through-life management of conventional ammunition, including in the Open-Ended Working Group on Conventional Ammunition. The Council is now back to discussing the issue of arms transfers as the war in Ukraine continues unabated, with larger arsenals and a growing humanitarian toll. Brazil strongly believes that the increasing flow of weapons into the conflict in Ukraine will only fuel more violence, instead of contributing to its end. While arms exports must be subject to strict regulations and guiding principles, there is no alternative to the negotiation of a ceasefire as a first step to resolving the present crisis. “We must do more than abide by rules that limit damage by weapons in conflict situations, we must engage in proactive diplomacy to wind conflicts down where they exist and to prevent their occurrence where they are likely,” he stressed. Läs artikel