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Non Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament

Small Arms and Light Weapons

Introduction

The destabilising accumulation, spread and misuse of small arms and light weapons contributes to the breakdown of law and order in many regions, including in the Asia Pacific, which, in turn, adversely affects the prospects for good governance, human rights and socio-economic development in many countries. Australia and other members of the international community recognise the need for early, concerted action to address the problems posed by small arms and light weapons.

United Nations Programme of Action

A United Nations international conference on the illicit arms trade in all its aspects was held in July 2001. The Conference adopted by consensus the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects (Programme of Action), providing the framework to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons at national, regional and international levels.

Regional Activities

In October 2006 Australia and Thailand co-hosted an ASEAN Regional Forum workshop on security and management of MANPADS and other SALW.

Arms Trade Treaty

Australia was a co-sponsor of UN General Assembly Resolution 61/89 ‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty’. This resolution is the first step in the negotiation of a treaty on the responsible transfer of all conventional weapons, including SALW. Australia will remain closely engaged in this process.

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