The illicit proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons and ammunition contributes to insecurity, armed conflict and violence, and impedes sustainable development in Africa. The Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on A New Agenda for Peace recognizes the importance of addressing the threat posed by conventional weapons and ammunition in order to reduce armed conflict, violence, terrorism and crime. Effective weapons and ammunition management (WAM) helps to prevent the trafficking and diversion of conventional weapons and ammunition, prevents and mitigates the risk of unplanned explosions of ammunition, and addresses the misuse of such materiel. WAM consists of the oversight, accountability and governance of conventional weapons and ammunition throughout their life- cycle, from production through to the use of ammunition or destruction of surplus, obsolete, or unsafe materiel.
This side event during the 78th session of the United National General Assembly provides an opportunity to take stock of regional and national efforts to strengthen WAM policy and practice in Africa. Panellists will consider recent developments in multilateral and regional instruments and processes to tackle the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and ensure the safety and security of conventional ammunition. The discussion will also highlight challenges and examples of progress across Africa for preventing diversion and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition and unplanned explosions at ammunition sites.
This side event will also be used to launch UNIDIR’s Weapons and Ammunition Management in Africa Insight: 2023 Update.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: Ivor Fung, Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch, UNODA
Opening remarks: Ambassador Lauri Voionmaa, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations, New York
Panellists:
- Dr. Paul Holtom, Head of the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR
- Nora Allgaier, Political Affairs Officer, Conventional Arms Branch, UNODA
- Mr. Peter Otim, Expert, African Union (TBC)
- Linda Kesse Antwi, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations
Followed by Q&A.
Closing remarks: Robin Geiss, Director, UNIDIR
WHEN & WHERE
Thursday 19 October, 13.15 – 14.45 EDT
In-person meeting only in Conference Room 9 at UN HQ, New York
PARTICIPANTS
Representatives from permanent missions in New York and Geneva, national experts, representatives of United Nations entities, international and regional organizations and non-governmental organizations interested in this issue.
Featured image: © 2023, Nikhil Acharya