Small Arms and Light Weapons: Illicit Trade

HL Deb 27 October 2003 vol 654 cc7-8WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the outcomes of the review held in July 2003 of the United Nations conference on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. [HL4813]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UN biennial meeting of states on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) reviewed the implementation of the UN programme of action in the area to date. It helped to set the scene for progress in the fight against the misuse of SALW through which consensus on tighter controls in this area may be built, and allowed for extensive discussion outside the formal conference proceedings.

The UK initiated two successful side meetings in which around 30 interested states discussed ways to strengthen international controls on small arms transfers. The meetings established a considerable degree of support for regional processes.