Kuwait: Necessity of Balanced and Non-Selective Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty - Sarmad

Kuwait affirmed, on the evening of Friday, the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion, while respecting the principles of the UN Charter and the sovereign right of states 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 the illicit flow 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 reaffirmed 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.

It also stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities in marking, tracing, securing stockpiles, exchanging information, and monitoring transfers to prevent arms from leaking into illicit markets or reaching unauthorized entities.

Al-Anzi noted Kuwait’s interest in the Global Framework for Conventional Ammunition throughout its lifecycle, as a crucial step to address risks arising from poor ammunition management, diversion, and accidental explosions.

Kuwait expressed pride at its election as Vice-President of the Preparatory Meeting and recommended its nomination for one of the Vice-Presidency positions at the upcoming 2027 session, enabling it to contribute to strengthening international cooperation and building national capacities.

On regional matters, Al-Anzi stated that serious developments in our region confirm that the risks of conventional arms proliferation are no longer confined to internal conflicts but now extend to threatening the security and stability of states.

He pointed out that Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait, GCC states, and Jordan—including those carried out by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq—demonstrated the danger of using missiles and drones to target civilians, civilian infrastructure, and vital facilities.

Kuwait reiterated its condemnation of these attacks, stressing 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 state sovereignty and security.

Al-Anzi stressed the necessity of respecting international humanitarian law in all conflicts, including occupied Palestinian territories, and ensuring that conventional arms are not used to commit serious violations against civilians.

He concluded by reaffirming Kuwait’s continued support for international efforts to prevent arms from reaching illicit actors, limit their use against civilians, and enhance states’ capacity to protect their security and sovereignty, thereby contributing to consolidating international peace and security.