GALMUN

THE CITY SCHOOL - GULSHAN A LEVEL MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Disarmament and International

Security Committee (DISEC)
STUDY GUIDE
Topic: ‘Illicit Arms Trade in War Zones and Conflict Zones’

INTRODUCTION of the committee and its mandate

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA) has existed since the creation of the UN and is one of the six
principal organs of the UN established by the Charter of the United Nations (1945). The first committee of the assembly
(DISEC) deals with issues regarding the promotion, establishment, and subsequent maintenance of global peace while
simultaneously working to prevent weapons proliferation.

According to Article 26 of the United Nations Charter, DISEC's mandate is "to promote the establishment and
maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and
economic resources."

The First Committee is capable of introducing resolutions that initiate new negotiations on arms control and
disarmament that, in turn, can lead to the creation and funding of agencies or meetings.

The work of the committee falls under six thematic clusters:

Nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, the disarmament aspects of outer space, conventional
weaponry, regional security, international security and disarmament machinery.

INTRODUCTION of the topic

The misuse, illicit transfer and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons, and their ammunition, remain a
defining factor in undermining peace and security at the national, regional and global levels and have deeply aggravated
situations for vulnerable populations already suffering from war and conflict.

Linkages between illicit arms and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating and prolonging violence and
eroding governance. Non-State armed groups (NSAGs) sometimes engage in illicit economies as a source of funding,
including criminal pursuits such as looting, extortion and kidnapping, resource extraction, and the production and sale of
other illicit commodities. This can be viewed as both a cause and consequence of recurring and prolonged armed conflicts.
Financial gains from crime can lengthen or intensify armed conflicts by creating revenue streams for Non-State armed groups
(NSAGs).
 In this context, when hostilities cease and parties to a conflict move towards a peaceful resolution, the
widespread availability of surplus arms and ammunition can contribute to a situation of ‘criminalised peace’ that
obstructs sustainable peacebuilding efforts. Illicit arms and ammunition clearly link conflict to crime as well as
crime to conflict. Illicit arms can both enable and fuel an armed conflict.

Although history has shown that providing arms to warring parties can have lasting consequences for intra-state
and regional stability, the export of arms continues to fuel tensions within states and throughout regions,
particularly in situations where arms are sold to all sides of the same conflict. The unfortunate correlation
between the increased deadliness of weapons and greater access to them by parties to armed conflicts has not
only amplified the lethality of these conflicts; but also increased the likelihood of aggressions against civilian
populations. The UN has affirmed links between the excessive availability of arms and the violations of
international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

Indeed, the availability of arms is regarded as an essential precondition for the commission of war crimes, acts of
terrorism, and violations of human rights, including but not limited to extra-judicial killings, forced
disappearances, torture, violence, slavery, rape, forced prostitution, and child soldiers.The export of arms to
conflict zones presents numerous moral and legal challenges because such activities cross geographical borders,
threaten human security, and include actors who would otherwise not be participants in a conflict.

KEY TERMS:
Small Arms:
Small arms, often referred to as firearms or guns, are man-portable lethal weapons for individual use that
can expel or launch a shot, bullet, or projectile by action of explosive. They include both handguns
(revolvers and self-loading pistols), and long guns, namely rifles and carbines, sub-machine guns, assault
rifles, and light machine guns

Heavy Arms:
They are defined as larger machines that are used in immediate combat that integrate different military
requirements (movement, fire power, etc.) into one system. Examples of heavy weapons systems are tanks,
helicopters, fighter planes, submarines and warships.

Illicit Arms Trafficking:

The import, export, acquisition, sale, delivery, movement or transfer of firearms, their parts and
components and ammunition from or across the territory of one State Party to that of another State Party
if any one of the State Parties concerned does not authorize it

Diversion:
rerouting and/or the appropriation of conventional arms or related items contrary to relevant national
and/or international law leading to a potential change in the effective control or ownership of the arms.

Arms Embargo:
A prohibition on the trade of weapons to a specific country or region, usually imposed by the United
Nations or other international bodies.

Non-State Armed Groups:

Armed groups of actors distinct from the armed and security forces of a State, and without authorization
from the State in which they are based or operate to possess and use conventional arms

DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration):

A process to disarm and disband armed groups, demobilize fighters, and reintegrate them into civilian life.
 UN Register of Conventional Arms:
A United Nations mechanism to collect and disseminate information on arms transfers and military holdings

Detailed History/Past of the Topic

Pre-20th Century:
Historical Background: Informal trade of weapons has existed for centuries, but organized illegal arms trafficking
was not as prevalent.

Post-World War I and Interwar Period:

Emergence of Illicit Networks: After World War I, surplus weapons and a shifting geopolitical landscape
contributed to the rise of illicit arms networks.
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): The conflict saw the involvement of international actors in arms trafficking,
setting a precedent for future conflicts.

World War II and Cold War Era:

Surplus Arms: The aftermath of World War II left a surplus of arms, contributing to black market activities.
Cold War Proxy Conflicts: Illicit arms trade played a significant role in Cold War proxy conflicts, with both
superpowers supporting various factions.

Post-Cold War and Rise of Non-State Actors:

Fragmentation of States: With the dissolution of states and rise of non-state actors, illicit arms trafficking
increased in conflicts such as those in the Balkans and Africa.
Private Arms Dealers: The involvement of private arms dealers, often exploiting legal loopholes, became more
pronounced.

Late 20th Century:

Drug Cartels and Conflict Zones: In the late 20th century, drug cartels and insurgent groups in conflict zones
became major players in illegal arms trafficking.
End of Apartheid (1990s): The end of apartheid in South Africa revealed the role of illegal arms in supporting
oppressive regimes.

Post-9/11 Era:
Terrorism Financing: The nexus between arms trafficking and terrorism gained international attention due to
concerns about groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban financing their activities through illegal arms trade.
Focus on UN Resolutions: The United Nations addressed the issue through various resolutions, emphasizing the
link between arms trafficking and conflict.

21st Century Challenges:

Syrian Civil War: The Syrian conflict highlighted the influx of weapons to non-state actors and the challenges of
tracing the origins of illicit arms.
Libya and Mali Conflicts: Instances in Libya and Mali underscored the regional spillover effects of arms
trafficking.

Emerging Trends:
Cybersecurity Concerns: The 21st century saw increasing concerns about the use of the internet and dark web for
arms transactions, posing challenges for law enforcement.
Technological Advancements: Traffickers adapted to technological advancements, making it harder to monitor
and control illicit arms flows.

Specific wars that greatly contributed to the history of the illegal arms trade:
 1. Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002):
The civil war in Sierra Leone witnessed extensive arms trafficking, with weapons flowing to all sides of the
conflict. Small arms, such as pistols, assault rifles, grenades, and larger weapons like missiles and tanks, were
smuggled into Sierra Leone and Liberia. Charles Taylor, leader of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia,
played a key role, facilitating an arms-for-diamonds trade with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in
Sierra Leone. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and atrocities.
2. Liberian Civil Wars (1989-1997):
The Liberian Civil Wars involved arms trafficking, particularly with Charles Taylor as a central figure. Taylor
received illegally trafficked arms from Eastern Europe, mainly Ukraine. The conflict saw a cyclical exchange of
arms and blood diamonds between Taylor, the RUF in Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso's President Blaise
Compaore, illustrating the interconnected nature of conflicts in the region.
3. Mexican Revolution (1910-1920):
During the Mexican Revolution, arms trafficking reached rampant levels, with a majority of arms being
smuggled from the United States. The rebels, lacking domestic arms manufacturing, heavily depended on
acquiring weapons from abroad. Arms smugglers exploited the undermanned American border service, and the
porous border facilitated large-scale trafficking. An arms embargo imposed by President Woodrow Wilson in
1913 faced challenges in enforcement.
4. South Sudanese Civil War (2013-present):
The ongoing civil war in South Sudan has experienced rampant levels of arms trafficking since its onset in 2013.
Both government forces led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and opposition forces, such as the Sudan People's
Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by Riek Machar, have been heavily reliant on arms
imports due to a lack of domestic manufacturing. Shadowy networks of arms dealers from China, Uganda,
Israel, Egypt, and Ukraine have been involved in arming the conflicting parties.
5. American Civil War (1861-1865):
During the American Civil War, the Confederacy faced a blockade by the Union Navy. Lacking resources, the
Confederacy turned to Britain as a major source of arms. British merchants and bankers funded the purchase
of arms and the construction of blockade runners, facilitating the smuggling of weapons into the South. The
involvement of British entities in supplying the Confederacy raised diplomatic challenges for the United States.
6. European Arms Trafficking (Since 1996):
Europe has been a significant exporter of illicit weapons, with countries like the United Kingdom, Germany,
and France playing leading roles. The arms traded often include small arms and lighter weapons (SALW),
which are viewed as cultural symbols, contributing to their prevalence. Efforts by the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have aimed at addressing the firearms trafficking problem in the region.

Previous discussions by DISEC typically recognize the issue and it’s linkage to
international humanitarian law, placing an emphasis on the human consequences.
While it has considered sanctions on entities responsible for arms trafficking, nothing
thus far has been established, with discussions often centered around regional
cooperation, post-conflict and preventive measures
Various Solutions attempted by the UN or other organisations previously to
solve the problem at hand:
Resolution 2532 (1969): Declares the "urgent need for a general and complete disarmament under effective
international control."

Resolution 2602 (1970): Calls for a "moratorium on all transfers of nuclear weapons, or of their control
over such weapons, to States not possessing them."

Resolution 2605 (1970): Establishes the Conference on Disarmament as the single multilateral
disarmament negotiating forum.

Resolution 51/190 (1996): Adopts the "Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons."

Resolution 61/72 (2006): Adopts the "International Tracing Instrument on Illicit Small Arms and Light
Weapons."

Resolution 1540 (2004): Requires states to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass
destruction, including through arms embargoes and criminalization of related activities.

Resolution 1617 (2005): Establishes the Monitoring Mechanism on Sanctions Against UNITA in Angola,
aimed at stopping the flow of arms to the rebel group.

Resolution 1887 (2009): Renews the mandate of the Monitoring Mechanism on Sanctions Against
UNITA, expanding its scope to address illicit arms trafficking in the Great Lakes region.

Resolution 2196 (2015): Strengthens the Monitoring Mechanism on Sanctions Against UNITA, focusing
on the illicit trade in natural resources and related financial flows used to acquire weapons.

Resolution 2244 (2015): Demands all parties in Syria cease hostilities and immediately engage in good-
faith negotiations towards a lasting ceasefire, also emphasizing the need to prevent the flow of arms into
the country.

Arms Trade Treaty (ATT):

Entered into force in 2014, the ATT establishes common standards for the regulation of the international trade
in conventional arms. It requires states to assess the potential risk of arms transfers being used for human rights
abuses or serious violations of international humanitarian law before authorising them. This includes
considering the recipient country's situation in terms of armed conflict, internal instability, and respect for
human rights.

Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies:
This treaty focuses on controlling the export of conventional weapons and dual-use goods that could be used for
military purposes. Member states agree to exchange information and establish common export control
standards. While not directly addressing illicit arms trade, it contributes to preventing the diversion of legal arms
transfers to unintended recipients.

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT):

Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology. Requires states not possessing nuclear weapons
to refrain from acquiring them and to accept safeguards on their nuclear activities. While not directly linked to
conventional arms, it prevents the proliferation of the most devastating weapons that could be used in war zones.
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW):
Prohibits or restricts the use of certain types of conventional weapons considered to be inhumane, such as
landmines and cluster munitions. Also requires states to report on their stockpiles and transfers of these weapons.
While not directly addressing illicit trade, it reduces the availability of particularly harmful weapons that could be
used in war zones.

On-Going Challenges
Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Trade:
Challenge: The widespread availability and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, including
through illicit networks, continue to fuel conflicts and exacerbate violence in various regions.

Linkages Between Conflict and Crime:

Challenge: Non-State armed groups (NSAGs) often engage in illicit economies, including arms
trafficking, as a source of funding. This creates a cycle where crime and conflict reinforce each other.

Surplus Arms After Conflicts:

Challenge: The availability of surplus arms and ammunition after the cessation of hostilities can
contribute to a situation of "criminalized peace," hindering sustainable peacebuilding efforts.

Arms Export and Regional Tensions:

Challenge: The export of arms to conflict zones, sometimes sold to multiple parties involved in the
same conflict, can exacerbate regional tensions and contribute to the perpetuation of hostilities.

Humanitarian Consequences:
Challenge: The excessive availability of arms is linked to violations of international humanitarian
law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL), leading to severe consequences such as war
crimes, terrorism, and human rights abuses.

Moral and Legal Challenges:

Challenge: The export of arms to conflict zones poses moral and legal dilemmas, crossing
geographical borders and involving actors who may not be direct participants in the conflict.

Role of Non-State Actors:

Challenge: Non-state actors, including private arms dealers and trafficking networks, play a
significant role in facilitating the illegal trade of arms, making regulation and enforcement difficult.

Limited Implementation of Existing Measures:

Challenge: While there is widespread support for international legislation to prevent arms
trafficking, the implementation of such measures faces obstacles, including political, economic, and
logistical challenges.
Q.A.R.M.A (Questions A Resolution Must Answer)
What is the extent of the illicit arms trade in war zones and conflict areas considering
regions most affected by it?

Who are the main actors involved in the illicit arms trade in these areas (e.g., state
actors, non-state armed groups, criminal organisations)?

What are the main routes and methods used for trafficking weaponry into war zones
and conflict areas?

What are the human rights and humanitarian consequences of the illicit arms trade in
these areas? (Consider the impact on civilians, refugees, and internally displaced
persons.)

How does the illicit arms trade slow down peacebuilding efforts in war zones and
conflict areas?

What are the main factors that contribute to the illicit arms trade in war zones and
conflict zones (e.g., weak government, lack of accountability, corruption, poverty,
regional instability)?

What is the role of the arms industry and weapons manufacturers in increasing the
illicit arms trade?

How do existing international legal frameworks and mechanisms on arms control and
disarmament address the illicit arms trade in war zones and conflict zones?
How can international cooperation be enhanced to prevent and combat the illicit arms
trade in war zones and conflict zones?

What role can the United Nations and other international organisations play in
addressing this issue?

What are the links between the illicit arms trade and other forms of organised crime,
such as terrorism and drug trafficking?

How does the illicit arms trade demonstrably impact human rights and humanitarian
efforts in these areas, particularly for civilians, refugees, and internally displaced
persons?
Bibliography and Further Research Links

International Committee of the Red Cross, Arms availability and the situation of civilians in armed conflict: a study presented by
the ICRC, Geneva, June 1999.

Small Arms Survey, P. Alpers and C. Twyford, Small Arms in the Pacific, Occasional Paper No. 8, Geneva, 2003.

Small Arms Survey, S. Parker, “Breaking New Ground? The Arms Trade Treaty” in Small Arms Survey 2014: Women and Guns,
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2014.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI Yearbook 1998, Armaments, Disarmaments and International
Security,Part II: Military Spending and Armaments, 1997, chapter 8: Transfers of major conventional weapons, Oxford University
Press, Oxford, 1998.

United Nations, Security Council, 7447th meeting. (2015). Small Arms (S/RES/2220 (2015))
[Resolution].http://undocs.org/S/RES/2220(2015)

United Nations, Security Council. (2015). Small Arms and Light Weapons: Report of the Secretary General (S/2015/289)
[Report].http://undocs.org/S/2015/289

United Nations Development Programme. (2017). Regional Project on Small Arms and Light Weapons [Website].

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Opinion Paper:

https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/assets/files/other/opinion-paper-armed-conflict.pdf

United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):

https://www.unoda.org/

Small Arms Survey:

https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime:

https://globalinitiative.net/

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):

https://www.sipri.org/
https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers