Regional Disarmament
The value of a regional approach to UN disarmament efforts was acknowledged almost three decades ago. A Group of Governmental Experts appointed by the Secretary-General concluded in 1981 that there was a vast and, to a large extent, unexplored potential for progress in disarmament if the global approach was supplemented with determined and systematic efforts at the level of the different regions.
The Group of Experts found that progress in regional disarmament, the equitable solution of problems and the just settlement of disputes at the regional level, along with regional confidence-building measures, could create conditions that would promote disarmament and relax tension at the global level.
Concluding its consideration of the question in 1993, the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) adopted guidelines and recommendations for regional approaches to disarmament. The UNDC found that regional and global approaches to disarmament and arms limitation complemented each other and should be pursued simultaneously, in order to promote regional and international peace and security. [More...]
The Value of Regional Disarmament
The value of the regional activities of the Office for Disarmament Affairs is threefold:
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“Top-to-bottom” regional action to facilitate the full and effective implementation of international disarmament and arms control norms by building the capacity of Member States, regional arrangements, civil society, and other disarmament actors.
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“Bottom-to-top” to facilitate regional or sub-regional consensus on various disarmament issues, which then contributes to UN global deliberations. This is particularly relevant on issues where international negotiations are not progressing.
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Added value of ensuring that the specific disarmament needs and challenges of States of a particular region or sub-region are expressed, understood and addressed.
