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Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

Seventy-third Session of the United Nations General Assembly
First Committee Thematic Discussions: Conventional Weapons
Implementation of the Programme of Action on Illicit Trade in SALW
New York, 30 October 2018

Mr. Chair,

Addressing the problem of excessive accumulation and illicit trade in conventional arms, the Secretary General highlights that “on average, every 15 minutes, the use of a firearm results in a violent death somewhere around the world. The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition is a key enabler of armed violence and conflict. High levels of arms and ammunition in circulation contribute to insecurity, cause harm to civilians, facilitate human rights violations and impede humanitarian access.” Yet, according to the Secretary-General, “efforts by the United Nations to address the problems posed by illicit small arms have been fragmented and limited.”[1]

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