§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that all member states of the United Nations report fully and accurately on all matters covered by the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, and that the Secretary-General reports annually to the General Assembly and the Security Council on any inadequacies in such reporting. [HLI233]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe United Kingdom has supported the operation and development of the United Nations Register on Conventional Arms since its establishment in 1992. The Government have reported every year on all seven categories of major equipment covered by the register and have provided additional background information.
The UK encourages member states to participate in the register. We have supported the work of the United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs (UN DDA) by participating and funding regional workshops which explain the register's operation. Through the formal periodic reviews of the register, we have been at the forefront of efforts to expand the register's scope, and have proposed recommendations to encourage reporting and participation.
Member states are themselves responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of their reports. We have supported the UN DDA in its ability to verify the accuracy of information provided, but we recognise that participation in the register is voluntary and the scope of information provided is a national prerogative.
The UK also co-sponsors the annual UN General Assembly resolution that underpins the register's operation by inviting all states to participate.