Madam President,

I thank you and the briefers for highlighting the issue of small arms and light weapons in the Security Council.

Small arms control is a priory for Germany, as evident through our support for the nonproliferation architecture, close cooperation with affected regions, and our actions during our Security Council tenure.

Just last week in the General Assembly, 176 member States endorsed the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. I am proud to recall that Germany chaired the open-ended working group which designed this landmark framework.

We also stand as one of the largest donors in this field. 20 million Euros annually help fund the UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation, the Savings Lives Entity, and directly benefits our trusted partners in Africa, the Caribbean, and Central Asia.

Finally, while on the Security Council we encouraged the mainstreaming of small arms and light weapons in this Council’s agenda, highlighting, for instance the interlinkage between climate and security.

We also supported the 2019 Resolution on the “Silencing the Guns in Africa” initiative. This Resolution is critical not only for what it aims to do, but also for what it says about the importance of African leadership.

Acknowledging also the important work of Mexico that culminated in Resolution 2616, I would like to conclude by emphasizing three ways in which the Council can enhance its actions against the harm caused by the illicit trade of small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition.

1. Consider weapons and ammunition management when mandating peace operations. Peacekeeping missions could also assist host countries in the safe and secure management of weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of diversion.

2. Continue to recognize the importance of regional processes. Just as the Council has endorsed the “Silencing the Guns” Initiative, regional frameworks such as the “Caribbean Firearms ” and the “Western Balkans Roadmap” could also provide guidance to Council action.

3. Address the gendered impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons. The equal and meaningful participation of women and youth as actors and leaders can strengthen the effectiveness of disarmament programmes.

I thank you.