Kuwait emphasizes importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat illicit arms trafficking
Diplomatic Attaché Jirah Al-Anzi stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in conventional arms before the UN Disarmament Commission
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
New York, October 23 (KUNA) -- Kuwait reaffirmed on Friday evening the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion, while adhering to the principles of the UN Charter and respecting states’ sovereign right to meet their legitimate defense needs. This was stated in Kuwait’s address delivered by Diplomatic Attaché Jirah Al-Anzi before the First Committee of the UN General Assembly on Disarmament and International Security during discussions on conventional arms.
Al-Anzi emphasized the importance of the balanced and non-selective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, ensuring that exporting and importing states fulfill their responsibilities without imposing unjustified restrictions on the legitimate rights of states. He warned that illicit flows of arms and ammunition, and their reach to terrorist organizations and armed groups outside state control, prolong conflicts, undermine state institutions, and hinder peacebuilding and development efforts.
Kuwait renewed its support for the full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects. He also stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities in arms marking and tracing, stockpile security, information sharing, and monitoring transport operations to prevent diversion to illicit markets or unauthorized holders.
Al-Anzi highlighted Kuwait’s interest in the Global Ammunition Management Framework throughout the lifecycle of conventional ammunition, as a crucial step to address risks arising from poor ammunition management, diversion, and accidental explosions.
Kuwait expressed pride at its election as a Vice-Chair of the Preparatory Meeting, and recommended its nomination for one of the Vice-Chair positions at the next session scheduled for 2027, enabling it to contribute to strengthening international cooperation and building national capacities.
On regional matters, Al-Anzi said that serious developments in our region confirm that the risks of proliferation of conventional arms are no longer confined to internal conflicts but have extended to threatening the security and stability of states. He pointed out that Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Jordan—including attacks carried out by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq—demonstrated the danger of using missiles and drones to target civilians, civilian infrastructure, and vital facilities.
In this regard, Kuwait reiterated its condemnation of these attacks, emphasizing the need for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), halting direct and indirect attacks, and countering the supply of arms and military capabilities to armed groups that threaten the sovereignty and security of states.
Al-Anzi stressed the necessity of respecting international humanitarian law in all conflicts, including in the occupied Palestinian territories, and ensuring that conventional arms are not used to commit serious violations against civilians.
He concluded by affirming Kuwait’s continued support for international efforts to prevent arms from reaching unauthorized actors, limit their use against civilians, and enhance states’ capacity to protect their security and sovereignty, thereby contributing to consolidating international peace and security. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.
