Statement by

Mr. Heidar Ali Balouji

First Counsellor

Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

on behalf of Bolivia, Cuba, Iran, Nicaragua, Syria and Venezuela

At the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of

the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA)

On Agenda Item 7 “New Technological Developments”

New York, 28 July 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chair,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, Venezuela, and Iran.

The ITI has successfully proven its effectiveness in marking, registering, and tracing small arms and light weapons. All provisions of the Instrument remain valid and applicable. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind the prerogative of each State in marking, registering, and tracing small arms and light weapons. 

While we recognize the technological developments such as polymer weapons, 3D printing, marking, etc. in the field of SALWs, we cannot ignore the gap between the world countries in terms of technology advancements.

We have previously stated that we are not in a position to support the adoption of new commitments or obligations in the field of PoA or ITI imposing greater financial and technological burdens for developing countries, especially if it could lead to possible non-compliance with the relevant obligations. I would like to reiterate our principled position that the BMS7 agenda and especially the agenda item B was finalized subject to the condition that it would only allow discussing the issues raised by the interested delegations during the meeting and should not be interpreted in any way as a sign of any readiness to include in the outcome of the meeting any provisions that indicate an agreement, even in principle, on the need to establish non-consensual instruments such as a supplementary annex to the ITI. Therefore, we deem it necessary to remove all of the paragraphs raising elements related to this idea as they do not garner consensus.

In the same vein, we cannot agree with any attempt to impose universal rules concerning the trade, identification, and tracing of small arms and light weapons.

Given the above, we reiterate our call to be very cautious in any approach regarding new technologies for marking and tracing in the outcome document.

In fact, the Member States need ample time to consider the issue of new technologies in-depth. We take note of the views of a few countries for calling quick finalization of their suggestions. However, without greater participation of all UN member states, this will be a hasty attempt leaving a lot of countries, especially, the developing countries behind. 

No need to emphasize that such participation requires enabling of the member states including their experts to enter into a meaningful discussion.

We believe that the consideration of technologies improving the tracing and detection of the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons requires adequate, sustained, and effective international cooperation through financial support, technical assistance, capacity-building, and transfer of knowledge, materials, equipment, and technology from developed countries. 

In the same vein, further analysis is needed regarding the implications of developments in the manufacture, technology, and design of small arms and light weapons and further consultation of Member States, including with manufacturers and producer States on durable and cost-effective marking options.

Last not least, new initiatives must be considered and approved by the Review Conferences.

Thank You!