Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Small Arms Conference

He notes, however, that many States sent high-level representatives to the conference, and that many civil society groups contributed energetically to its discussions. To that extent, the Conference did succeed in recalling the issue of small arms and light weapons to the attention of the international community, which clearly remains committed to the Programme of Action as the main framework for measures to curtail the illegal trade in these weapons.

Delegates from all parts of the world reaffirmed that the most urgent task is to take firm steps to control illicit arms brokers. This issue will be studied in depth by a UN intergovernmental expert group, which will hold its first session in November.