Human Cost of Arms Trafficking ‘Runs Deep’, Disarmament Chief Stresses as Security Council Debates Halting Illicit Trade on ‘Dark Web’
UN PRESS RELEASE issued 12/ 18/ 17At a time of deepening regional tensions, expanding terrorist and criminal networks, and traditional and non‑traditional conflicts wreaking havoc on communities, the pressing issue of the spread of small arms, light weapons and their ammunition were key determinants of crises, demanding swift action to curb their illicit trade, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs told the Security Council this afternoon.
Introducing the Secretary‑General’s report on the matter (document S/2017/1025), Izumi Nakamitsu said the multidimensional and cross‑cutting nature of small arms was indisputable — from arms embargoes, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, child soldiers, counter‑terrorism and the protection of civilians in armed conflict to transnational crime.
“The human cost of the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms runs deep,” she said, adding that the increased links among transnational organized crime, illicit small arms trafficking and terrorism, as well as the mounting use of the Internet, including the “dark web”, were of growing concern. Nearly all violent deaths were caused by firearms, and the rate of firearms‑related homicides in post‑conflict societies frequently outnumbered battlefield deaths. Small arms were also key determinants in the lethality and longevity of conflicts, and their rampant spread contributed to violations of international humanitarian and human rights, often playing a role in the deaths of United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian workers.
“To invest in effective management of small arms and light weapons, including their ammunition, is to invest in conflict prevention,” she said, noting that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development had acknowledged the inextricable link between peace and development.
In the ensuing debate, delegates agreed that the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons constituted a serious threat to peace and security around the world, contributing to instability, violence and insecurity while undermining development efforts. Their spread also contributed to terrorism and international organized crime.
Representatives also suggested ways to disrupt the network of transnational organized crime syndicates, including by controlling arms trafficking online, in particular through the “dark web”. They urged for mainstreaming the issue into all relevant Council discussions and called for coordinated action to tackle the problem at the national, regional and international levels.
The representative of Italy, recalling that arms trafficking usually began with legally produced weapons, emphasized the importance of implementing the International Tracing Instrument. In addition, the Arms Trade Treaty was a crucial instrument carrying the potential to mitigate risks.
Several delegates said Africa and the Middle East were regions deeply affected by the illegal arms trade. Egypt’s representative noted that the core of the current challenge was due to the deliberate contributions of some countries that provided illicit weapons to terrorists and armed movements.
Bolivia’s representative said the seriousness of the problem had its roots in the breadth of the illicit trade, which reached $6 billion in 2014 alone. At the same time, trafficking produced parallel profits in the financial system and tax havens, he said, adding that the global arms trade required international controls.
Secretary General Hails Anti-Landmine Convention as Celebrated, Historic Treaty on Twentieth Anniversary, Calls for Greater Efforts to Eliminate Their Use
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17Following is the text of UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ video message on the twentieth anniversary of the Anti‑Personnel Mine Ban Convention (the Ottawa Convention), in Vienna today:
Hello everyone, and congratulations on the twentieth anniversary of the Anti‑Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
This celebrated and historic treaty has had a positive impact on the lives of many. It has saved lives and returned hope and human dignity. Tens of millions of stockpiled anti‑personnel mines have been destroyed; vast areas contaminated by mines have been cleared and returned to use; and communities have learned how to keep themselves safe. I commend you on this remarkable progress.
Looking forward, we must redouble our efforts to eradicate these indiscriminate weapons and stigmatize their use. Please stay faithful to your ideals and continue your important work.
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UN rights chief calls for independent probe into Israeli forces ‘shocking’ shooting of amputee
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Over 130 civilians killed in 11 days in airstrikes in Yemen, reports UN rights office
19 December 2017 – Voicing deep concern over the surge in civilian casualties in Yemen in airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, following the killing of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh earlier this month, the United Nations rights office has urged all parties to the conflict to ensure that civilians are protected.
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UN chief highlights need for Internet governance to support innovation, prevent criminal use
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PAGE 2: Explanation of Vote following the Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2393 on Syria
From the US Mission to the UN press release 12/ 19/ 17Today, the Council came together for an issue of critical importance. Today’s resolution allows the UN to continue to provide vital, life-saving cross-border assistance to millions of Syrians who need it to survive. Thanks to this mandate, more than 1 million Syrians every month receive assistance from the UN and its partners. This includes clean drinking water, medicine, and food.
Since Resolution 2165 was first adopted in 2014, nearly 17,000 trucks of aid have rolled into Syria. And each of these trucks was fully vetted by the dedicated UN Monitoring Mechanism. It is no exaggeration to say that this cross-border authorization for humanitarian assistance has saved lives in Syria. We reaffirm our commitment to support the delivery of cross-line and cross-border humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.
The unfettered provision of cross-border assistance is of the utmost importance to reduce the suffering in Syria; however, it is no substitute for the absence of a political solution to this conflict. The United States remains committed to Resolution 2254 as the sole legitimate blueprint for a political resolution to this conflict. We call upon all parties to reaffirm support for the Geneva process as the only venue for a viable Syrian political process.
The United States was proud to vote in favor of this resolution today, and we will continue our robust support to the people of Syria in the days to come.
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Small Arms
From the US Mission of the UN press release issued 12/ 18/ 17Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Madam High Representative, for your briefing on the Secretary-General’s report on small arms and light weapons.
Sixteen years ago, the General Assembly adopted by consensus the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. In this landmark achievement of the international community, we committed to concrete actions to reduce illicit trafficking of small arms. The United States remains fully committed to implementing this Program of Action, as well as the 2005 International Tracing Instrument. We have worked – and will continue to work – side-by-side with other countries and international and regional organizations to combat the illicit small arms trade. Indeed, we continue to be a leading donor in this field, including through our Conventional Weapons Destruction program that has provided over $2.9 billion dollars in assistance to more than 100 countries since 1993.
Yet the international community as a whole continues to struggle with challenges in implementing existing commitments on small arms, and we see the consequences on a range of issues before this Council. Whether it’s arms smuggling in central Africa or small arms falling into the hands of terrorists and criminal groups, more needs to be done. It is tempting to hold yet more meetings, where we negotiate yet more international commitments. But this approach misunderstands the problem. Instead of trying to identify every perceived gap in the international normative framework, we just need more countries to implement those basic commitments we adopted back in 2001. And progress will be incremental: many countries are only now taking first steps, such as implementing arms tracing.
The Secretary-General’s report gives some cause for optimism. As noted in the report, the Security Council has adjusted the mandates of UN missions to tackle the problem of small arms. Cote d’Ivoire, for example, is a success story in which the government, with UN support, is better securing its stockpiles and has successfully traced a weapon recovered from an illicit trafficker. We can learn from these experiences and can, as appropriate, mandate UN missions to build capacity on stockpile security and small arms management.
Unfortunately, we have some concerns about the Secretary-General’s report. In discussing issues related to domestic misuse of small arms in non-conflict settings, the report goes beyond its remit.
Additionally, we are disappointed by the Secretary-General’s continued advocacy for the use of the International Small Arms Control Standards, or ISACS. Despite the name, these guidelines are generally not standards. Unlike the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, which were drafted by government experts, ISACS was created by a small group of self-selected experts. In some cases, the authors cherry-picked from existing instruments and developed these new so-called “standards” in an arbitrary and opaque manner without reference to existing best practices.
Promotion of the ISACS guidelines has resulted in some unusual situations. In Somalia, we understand that a UN representative advised local officials not to use regional marking standards developed by states parties to the Nairobi Protocol – although these standards met the requirements of countries in the region, the UN said they were not “ISACS-compliant.” Given the diversity of views, we hope that future reports will more aptly characterize ISACS as voluntary guidelines and not as “practical standards.”
We also note with concern references to tracing of small arms ammunition. Yes, it is possible to assess the original manufacturer of a given round of ammunition from lot markings and other identifiers. But this is not the same thing as tracing, which is the systematic tracking from the point of manufacture or importation to the point at which an item became illicit. Just noting that a rifle round was produced in a given country – often legally – does not explain how that round ended up illegally in the hands of a criminal or terrorist. The United States takes the illicit trafficking of ammunition very seriously. But measures to combat illicit trafficking of ammunition differ from those needed to prevent the illicit trade in the weapons themselves. This is why the United States supported a General Assembly resolution establishing in 2020 a Group of Governmental Experts to discuss problems arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus.
Mr. President, Madam High Representative, the United States will continue to take concrete, effective steps at the national, regional, and global level to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We welcome today’s discussion and urge all countries to join us in strengthening implementation of our existing commitments and obligations in the field.
PAGE 3: President Donald J. Trump Announces a National Security Strategy to Advance America’s Interests
From The White House press release issued 12/ 18/ 17A NEW NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR A NEW ERA: Less than a year after taking office, President Donald J. Trump is unveiling a new National Security Strategy that sets a positive strategic direction for the United States that will restore America’s advantages in the world and build upon our country’s great strengths.
The 2017 National Security Strategy (Strategy) builds on the 11 months of Presidential action to restore respect for the United States abroad and renew American confidence at home.
Strategic confidence enables the United States to protect its vital national interests. The Strategy identifies four vital national interests, or “four pillars” as:
I. Protect the homeland, the American people, and American way of life;
II. Promote American prosperity;
III. Preserve peace through strength;
IV. Advance American influence.
The Strategy addresses key challenges and trends that affect our standing in the world, including:
Revisionist powers, such as China and Russia, that use technology, propaganda, and coercion to shape a world antithetical to our interests and values;
Regional dictators that spread terror, threaten their neighbors, and pursue weapons of mass destruction;
Jihadist terrorists that foment hatred to incite violence against innocents in the name of a wicked ideology, and transnational criminal organizations that spill drugs and violence into our communities.
The Strategy articulates and advances the President’s concept of principled realism.
It is realist because it acknowledges the central role of power in international politics, affirms that strong and sovereign states are the best hope for a peaceful world, and clearly defines our national interests.
It is principled because it is grounded in advancing American principles, which spreads peace and prosperity around the globe.
I. PROTECT THE HOMELAND: President Trump’s fundamental responsibility is to protect the American people, the homeland, and the American way of life.
We will strengthen control of our borders and reform our immigration system to protect the homeland and restore our sovereignty.
The greatest transnational threats to the homeland are:
Jihadist terrorists, using barbaric cruelty to commit murder, repression, and slavery, and virtual networks to exploit vulnerable populations and inspire and direct plots.
Transnational criminal organizations, tearing apart our communities with drugs and violence and weakening our allies and partners by corrupting democratic institutions.
America will target threats at their source: we will confront threats before they ever reach our borders or cause harm to our people.
We will redouble our efforts to protect our critical infrastructure and digital networks, because new technology and new adversaries create new vulnerabilities.
We are deploying a layered missile defense system to defend America against missile attacks.
II. PROMOTE AMERICAN PROSPERITY: A strong economy protects the American people, supports our way of life, and sustains American power.
We will rejuvenate the American economy for the benefit of American workers and companies, which is necessary to restore our national power.
America will no longer tolerate chronic trade abuses and will pursue free, fair, and reciprocal economic relationships.
To succeed in this 21st century geopolitical competition, America must lead in research, technology, and innovation. We will protect our national security innovation base from those who steal our intellectual property and unfairly exploit the innovation of free societies.
America will use its energy dominance to ensure international markets remain open, and that the benefits of diversification and energy access promote economic and national security.
III. PRESERVE PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH: An America strengthened, renewed, and rejuvenated will ensure peace and deter hostility.
We will rebuild America’s military strength to ensure it remains second to none.
America will use all of the tools of statecraft in a new era of strategic competition—diplomatic, information, military, and economic—to protect our interests.
America will strengthen its capabilities across numerous domains — including space and cyber — and revitalize capabilities that have been neglected.
America’s allies and partners magnify our power and protect our shared interests. We expect them to take greater responsibility for addressing common threats.
We will ensure the balance of power remains in America’s favor in key regions of the world: the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
IV. ADVANCE AMERICAN INFLUENCE: As a force for good throughout its history, America will use its influence to advance our interests and benefit humanity.
We must continue to enhance our influence overseas to protect the American people and promote our prosperity.
America’s diplomatic and development efforts will compete to achieve better outcomes in all arenas—bilateral, multilateral, and in the information realm—to protect our interests, find new economic opportunities for Americans, and challenge our competitors.
America will seek partnerships with like-minded states to promote free market economies, private sector growth, political stability, and peace.
We champion our values – including the rule of law and individual rights – that promote strong, stable, prosperous, and sovereign states.
Our America First foreign policy celebrates America’s influence in the world as a positive force that can help set the conditions for peace, prosperity, and the development of successful societies.
Related Stories
From the DOD: Trump Announces New Whole-of-Government National Security Strategy
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2017 — President Donald J. Trump today announced a new national security strategy rooted in a whole-of-government approach that stresses the economic might of the United States.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1399392/trump-announces-new-whole-of-government-national-security-strategy/
DHS: Secretary Nielsen’s Statement on President Trump’s National Security Strategy
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/12/18/secretary-nielsen-s-statement-president-trump-s-national-security-strategy
WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen released the following statement on President Donald J. Trump’s National Security Strategy:
“Today, the President released a bold vision for our nation’s security and outlined how we will defend our homeland by putting America first. Our highest responsibility as a government is to protect our people, and the President’s strategy makes it clear we will do that by implementing sweeping security enhancements covering cyberspace and our borders. The strategy also makes clear that homeland security extends beyond our territory, which is why we will pursue threats to their source—whether they are from terrorist groups or transnational criminal organizations. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security stand ready to implement the President’s agenda and to protect the United States from any and all threats.”
Statement by Ambassador Haley on the President’s National Security Strategy
Press release issued from the US Mission to the UN. 12/ 18/ 17
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8224
President Trump’s National Security Strategy is a comprehensive, strong, and principled roadmap to keep America safe and protect our interests throughout the world. The President’s plan was a culmination of many months of careful thought and planning and will renew America’s security, prosperity, and reputation. It corrects course from weaker strategies of the past by securing our borders, bolstering our defense capabilities, improving our economy, preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and stopping terrorists and cyber criminals from attacking our people, our infrastructure, and our digital networks. Above all else, this strategy puts the American people at the center of every decision and action we take on behalf of the national security of the United States.
PAGE 4: Kilmer Statement on Amtrak Train 501 Derailment
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) issued the following statement regarding the derailment of Amtrak train 501 in Pierce County:“I pray for the safety of those affected by the derailment of Amtrak train 501 near Dupont including passengers, commuters and first responders,” Rep. Derek Kilmer said. “I stand ready to work with Amtrak and state and federal officials as they manage the response to this incident and will continue monitoring this situation closely.”
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17
Senator Murray Statement on Deadly Train Derailment Near Olympia
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17
Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement.
“This is a tough day for our state—and my heart goes out to the families who lost a loved one today, to the many more who were injured in this morning’s derailment, and to all of those who remain uncertain and concerned about the full scope of the tragedy.
“I am reaching out to officials on the ground, and making it clear that I am ready to help in anyway possible at the federal level. In the coming hours, days, and weeks, investigators will be looking into what caused this terrible tragedy and provide the answers to the many outstanding questions we all have about what happened and why.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude for the many first responders who rushed to the scene and worked to help others in their time of need.”
Cantwell Statement on Amtrak Train Derailment
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the Amtrak train derailment near Olympia, Washington.
“My heart breaks for all those affected by today’s derailment. We owe so much to the first responders who responded quickly to protect the public and save lives. I have spoken with Governor Inslee, the National Transportation Safety Board, Amtrak leadership, and others, and continue to get information on the derailment. We need to let the investigators on the ground do their job, and we should pay close attention to their recommendations to ensure that this type of tragedy will not be repeated. Until then, I will work with Senator Murray and the congressional delegation to ensure federal resources are available as needed.”
Inslee statement on Amtrak incident in Pierce County
Press release issued 12/ 18/ 17
Today’s tragic incident in Pierce County is a serious and ongoing emergency. Trudi and I are holding in our hearts everyone on board, and are praying for the many injured. They are our top priority, and I know first responders are doing everything to ensure everyone has the care they need.
"Everyone should avoid traveling I-5, and WSDOT is working to open alternative routes through the area during the emergency response. This morning I spoke with my cabinet officials, and we are in touch with Amtrak who we know are working to provide as much information as possible.
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Daily Bible Verse: And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2:1, 4-5 NKJV
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