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STATEMENT BY

MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ

DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

EIGHTH BIENNIAL MEETING OF STATES TO CONSIDER THE IMPLEMENTATION

OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION TO  PREVENT, COMBAT AND ERADICATE

THE ILLICIT TRADE IN SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS

IN ALL ITS ASPECTS

 

ITEM 8:

CONSIDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING CAPACITY-BUILDING AND MEANS OF ENHANCING MODALITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE

NEW YORK, 29 JUNE 2022

 

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

The pursuit of international cooperation and assistance at an adequate level, and in a measurable, sustainable and timely manner, remains an integral factor underpinning the full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action (POA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).   

 

2.         New technological advances pose both challenges and opportunities in our collective efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) in all its aspects. As observed by many delegations in our present discussions concerning both the POA and ITI, the difficulties are heightened in the case of developing countries, which often do not have sufficient financial and material resources, as well as knowledge and expertise, to enhance the life cycle management of SALW. In this regard, continued emphasis on international cooperation and assistance is vital in allowing the global community as a whole to make equitable progress in such areas as marking, record-keeping and tracing. In this connection, Malaysia appreciates the Secretariat’s preparation of options for funding and administrative arrangements relating to the establishment of a dedicated fellowship training programme, with particular attention to developing countries.

 

3.         Expanding cooperation with international organisations such as INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization is also imperative, as we strive to prevent the diversion and illicit transfer of SALW to unauthorised recipients. Sustained dialogue among Member States, and with relevant global organs such as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), will enable the deepening of expertise of government institutions and personnel tasked with implementing the provisions of the ITI and POA. In parallel, discussions at relevant regional, sub-regional and cross-regional fora would allow solutions to be tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of Member States. Greater interaction with industry and civil society should also be pursued in the interest of strengthening our collective understanding of the key issues at play in a rapidly evolving environment.   

 

4.         Moving forward, we also need to improve the measurability of the impact of international cooperation and assistance vis-à-vis SALW control, so as to refine existing programmes and develop new initiatives which maximise the utility of limited resources.

 

Thank you.