“Measures to counter the potential diversion of weapons plus ammunition, will be key in order to post-conflict recovery and regional security and stability, regarding conflict potential in other regions. ”
Risk of diversion
“The past 9 months have seen tremendous devastation – much as a result of the use of heavy conventional weapons. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop. ” UN Photo/Manuel Elías Equally important, she said, was the need to safeguard and account for most military equipment transferred. The girl pointed to the UN Register of Conventional Arms as being a key tool, alongside the Arms Trade Treaty.
Arms control
Preventing the curve to other battlefields is essential, the girl stressed, “to avoid fuelling conflict and insecurity in the region and beyond. ” International humanitarian law is clear she said: “combatants should never direct attacks against civilians or civilian infrastructure plus must take all achievable precautions in the conduct associated with military operations to avoid, or at least minimize, incidental loss of life, injury to civilians, and harm to civilian objects. ”
Transparency plus accountability
Briefing reportedly at the ask for of Russia on “supplies of lethal weapons in order to Ukraine and their consequences”, Izumi Nakamitsu reminded ambassadors that she had already addressed the issue in September . Already, more than seventeen, 000 Ukrainians had died or been injured, “with the numbers incessantly rising”, she said, most of them murdered by explosive weapons.
Civilian suffering
Lastly, she called on Claims to apply effective arms manage measures to address risks associated with arms disappearing, only to resurface elsewhere. Russia’s attacks on a wide range of civilian infrastructure, including the energy grid as the deadly cold winter season sets in, brings “a brand new dimension to the humanitarian crisis, putting millions at risk. ” The girl said all Member Claims should follow these policy approaches and use the equipment already available, for transparency’s sake, so that weapons don’t disappear onto the black market. Citing last month’s adoption of the Political Declaration on Strengthening the particular Protection of Civilians from your Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the utilization of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas , signed by over 80 States, the UNODA chief said it was a “milestone in our efforts to better defend civilians”, calling on all nations to join.
Devastation in towns plus cities
The UN Disarmament Affairs ( UNODA ) chief recurring what she had stated then, that a large-scale influx of weapons into any battle-zone, “raises many issues for peace and security” which includes “risks of diversion as well as potential spillover plus escalation. ” She said what happens to weapons systems in the period following the guns fall silent, seemed to be a major issue, crucial to any successful, lasting peace offer.
Stop the diversion of arms
Ms. Nakamitsu added that there had also been “widespread and independently verified reports of the transfer of main conventional weapons systems to non-State groups involved in the discord against Ukraine, including artillery rocket systems. ” She mentioned it was a matter of public record that States were transferring weapons systems and ammunition in order to Ukraine for use by its defence forces against Ruskies attacks.
