Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects BMS9
Agenda Item 8 - International Cooperation and Assistance
Statement by Mr. Oliver Clarke, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
3 June 2026
Thank you Chair
Building capacity, especially in our region, to address the illicit diversion of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a priority for Australia. Criminals consistently disregard borders and continue to utilise gaps in regulation to traffic arms. Australia welcomes the opportunities this biennial meeting of States provides to build understanding and cooperation to thwart the illicit diversion of SALW.
Chair,
Australia is a founding donor of the UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation or UNSCAR, which was established in 2013. Since then, 153 projects have been approved for funding, meaning more than 145 States have benefitted directly or indirectly from UNSCAR-funded activities. Many of these projects have supported implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA), while others have contributed indirectly to reducing the flows of illicit SALW through support to implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. UNSCAR has also pioneered gender-responsive approaches and supports the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Through UNSCAR, we support continued efforts to help build the capacity of States and encourage the valuable work of civil society. We encourage States in a position to do so to consider becoming an UNSCAR donor to strengthen its ability to contribute to the implementation of the PoA and arms regulation more broadly.
We commend you to read the UNSCAR working paper submitted to this meeting and invite you to attend the UNSCAR side-event today.
Chair,
In 2013, Australia was proud to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. In that year, we successfully drove the adoption of the first UN Security Resolution on Small Arms and Light Weapons, UNSCR 2117. The resolution stresses the need for full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action. Importantly, it encourages states in a position to do so to render assistance upon request in securing government stockpiles of small arms and light weapons. In particular, the Resolution encourages this to be achieved through training in physical security and stockpile management and disposition of illicit or poorly secured small arms and light weapons.
Chair,
Australia is in words and deeds meeting the call to render assistance – and doing so with a focus on our immediate region. Australia supports Pacific and Southeast Asian partners to manage small arms safely and effectively through mentoring, training, and infrastructure assistance. I would like to highlight some examples.
In 2025 the Australian Defence Force provided safe weapons handling training to the Republic of Fiji military. We continue to assist the Papua New Guinea Defence Force to build essential skills including training in weapons handling and storage. And we continue to invest in upgrades to armouries across military bases, including to security systems.
In Timor-Leste Australian Defence advisors have facilitated the installation of safe storage facilities, and continue to support their repair or upgrade, and to provide relevant training. And the Australian Federal Police has provided the Timor-Leste Police with forensic firearms training and scene examination techniques.
Australia has supported the Vanuatu Mobile Force with the redevelopment of two barracks, including their armouries and magazines. In August 2024 the completed armoury and magazine at one barracks were handed over to the Vanuatu Mobile Force.
The Australian Federal Police has enhanced the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s firearms proficiency and armoury capability.
Australia is very pleased to have been able to assist these four members of our Pacific family and our close ASEAN partner for a safer and more secure environment.
Chair,
Australia remains committed to addressing the threats posed by illicit small arms and light weapons and to playing our part in the provision of international cooperation and assistance.
Thank you