Reducing flow of arms in Central Africa crucial for regional security - Ban
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 8 December 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Reducing flow of arms in Central Africa crucial for regional security - Ban, 8 December 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4ee70d342.html [accessed 25 January 2017] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
"I am firmly engaged in the fight against these threats, and encourage this Committee to continue to reflect on effective solutions for their eradication," Mr. Ban said in a message to the 33rd meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa, held in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Secretary-General said that the committee had made significant progress, including the creation of the Central Africa Convention on the small arms and light weapons, which was adopted last year, and the formulation of the São Tomé Declaration on the Central Africa common position on the process for an Arms Trade Treaty, which was signed in March this year.
"These achievements were realized thanks to the political will of your countries to address the peace and security challenges facing your sub-region," Mr. Ban said in the message, delivered on his behalf by Abou Moussa, his Special Representative for Central Africa.
"I encourage you make for effort to consolidate these achievements. As you prepare to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the committee, the ratification and early entry into force of the Kinshasa Convention will be an important testament of the credibility of all your initiatives against the illicit circulation of light weapons in Central Africa," said Mr. Ban.
The Central Africa Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition, Parts and Components that can be used for their Manufacture, Repair or Assembly, also known as the Kinshasa Convention, is intended to regulate small arms and light weapons and combat their illicit trade and trafficking in the region.
