PH Champions Southeast Asian Initiatives in Global Efforts to Combat Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons

At the Philippine-led side event, Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo highlights PH’s leadership role in regional initiatives in Asia to combat illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. (Photo Credit: New York PM).

NEW YORK 26 June 2024 – As delegations gather to review progress on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons (UN PoA on SALW), the Philippines, under the leadership of Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo, champions regional initiatives in Southeast Asia as models of cooperation that can be adapted and implemented in other regions facing similar challenges on illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW). 

“The Philippines, along with our partners in the region, has long been committed to addressing the challenges posed by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. In recent years, we have made significant and complementary strides in this area, notably through the Cambodian-led ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling and the Philippine-initiated Regional Roadmap Towards Regional Mechanism on Weapons Regulation. These initiatives exemplify our collective dedication to fostering regional peace, security, and stability,” said Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo during the Philippine event on the “Revitalization of the UN PoA on SALW through Southeast Asian Regional Initiatives” at the sidelines of the fourth Review Conference on the UN PoA on SALW. 

The event invited key stakeholders to enrich discussions on regional initiatives to combat illicit trade in SALW. Panelists included Mr. Bunleap Sao, Deputy Director of the Firearms-Explosives Control Department of the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia, Atty. Hazel Joves, Deputy to the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime of the Philippines, Mr. Harry Aitken, Counsellor from the Australian Permanent Mission to the UN, and Mr. Alfredo Lubang, Regional Representative of Non-Violence International Southeast Asia. 

Mr. Bunleap Sao elaborated on Cambodia's efforts to facilitate and develop the ASEAN Declaration on Combatting Arms Smuggling and stressed the importance of capacity building, sharing of best practices, and continued consultations as the region finds consensus on the future ASEAN Convention on Arms Smuggling.

Atty. Hazel Joves provided an overview of the Regional Roadmap towards a Regional Mechanism on Weapons Regulation. Launched in Manila last December 2023, this complements the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration. Atty. Joves also highlighted four key regional meetings that resulted in the development of a roadmap focusing on monitoring National Action Plans. 

Mr. Harry Aitken reaffirmed Australia's commitment to supporting a rules-based regional architecture that respects international law. Mr. Aitken said that Australia is a founding donor of UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) and paid close attention to the needs of the region, ensuring opportunities to deepen ties and boost cooperation with ASEAN nations. 

Mr. Alfredo Lubang highlighted the value of regional partnerships and how they have allowed ASEAN to transcend differences to address arms smuggling and illicit SALW. Mr Lubang also stressed the need to address the flow of weapons to Southeast Asian countries. He noted that due to internal nuances, countries may not be able to decide on their own, but they can decide and agree on an ASEAN level to ensure a legally binding convention guided by a roadmap.

Closing the event, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Representative Tak Mashiko acknowledged the Philippines' commitment and contribution to UNSCAR, highlighting that this is a successful case of how donor-recipients can leverage their investment to ensure continued momentum and platform implementation.

Moderated by Third Secretary Diane Shayne D. Lipana, the Philippine side event underscored the country’s proactive role in promoting regional solutions to global challenges. The event and financial contribution to UNSCAR reflect PH’s commitment as a partner, not only in the region but also globally, in advancing peace and security. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.