Vietnam vows to strictly manage its weapons: diplomat

Vietnam has implemented a series of measures to strictly manage weapons, including issuing legal documents ensuring that weapons will not fall into the hands of criminals, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Vietnam's permanent delegation. Vietnam to the UN. June 18.

New York (VNA) – Vietnam has implemented a series of measures to strictly manage weapons, including issuing legal documents ensuring that weapons will not fall into the hands of criminals, said Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, head of the Vietnam's permanent delegation. Vietnam to the UN. June 18.

At the Fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress in the Implementation of the Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UN PoA) and of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), Giang expressed concern about the risks of proliferation of illegal weapons during and after conflicts.

The Vietnamese diplomat stressed the importance of international cooperation and support at regional and global levels, as well as sharing experiences between Vietnam and partner countries in border control and cross-border crime prevention, including including ASEAN mechanisms.

Based on the country's experience and the situation in the region, he suggested that the UN conference should focus on discussing measures to prevent the increase in armed conflicts in the world, describing it as the best way to curb the illegal arms trade.

It is necessary for countries to make joint efforts to implement the UN agenda, including the rational settlement of emerging challenges, he said, adding that combating the illegal arms trade should not have a negative impact on their defense, security and social order.

International cooperation and assistance must be in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international laws, including the principles of sovereignty and non-interference, he stressed.

At the conference, attended by representatives of 193 UN members, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu said small arms and light weapons play a major role in conflicts across the world and that there was nothing “small”. and “light” on the damage caused by these weapons.

Strong measures must be taken to stem the flow and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, he said, stressing that those who bear the brunt of illegal small arms, particularly women and young people, must also have a say in discussions.

The conference, which will take place from June 18 to 28, aims to review the United Nations program of action on combating the illicit trade in small arms for 2018-2024, as well as propose measures to strengthen cooperation internationally in the implementation of commitments. for 2024-2030.

The UN PoA was adopted by the UN in 2001 while the ITI was approved in 2005 to enable States to quickly and reliably identify and trace the smuggling of small arms and light weapons. small caliber.