UN Security Council acts to prevent illicit transfer of small arms

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution, urging strengthened cooperation and information sharing among member states to combat the scourge of small arms and light weapons.

While welcoming the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report, dated Aug.22, 2013, to the Council on small arms, the Security Council pledged in the resolution it is determined to continue to take practical steps to prevent the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons.

The resolution urged Member States to fully and effectively comply with Council-mandated arms embargoes and to take appropriate measures, including all legal and administrative means, to fight against any activity that violates such arms embargoes.

It also called on Member States to step up management of small arms and light weapon stockpiles.

The resolution also demand that seized, confiscated or surrendered small arms, light weapons and ammunition be recorded and disposed of in an appropriate manner.