Delegates convened at UN Headquarters this week to address the pervasive global proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, which continue to fuel violence in communities long after conflicts have ended.
Central to the discussions are emerging technologies that experts warn could facilitate the production and tracking of these illegal weapons, making them increasingly difficult to monitor.
Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN’s top disarmament official, told UN News, “Wars end – but unfortunately the weapons that were used in that conflict are not under full control. They continue to circulate. They are sometimes hidden. They are moved across borders.”
‘Ghost Guns’ and 3D-Printed Firearms
Among the fastest-growing concerns are so-called ‘ghost guns’ – firearms without serial numbers, assembled from parts or kits, which authorities find nearly impossible to trace.
Advancements in 3D printing technology have introduced further challenges, enabling the creation of components – and in some cases, fully functional firearms – outside traditional manufacturing and regulatory systems.
The increasing availability and affordability of this technology have heightened concerns among governments about the potential for easier production and more difficult regulation of illicit firearms.
“If these weapons or parts of weapons are dismantled and smuggled, they become more difficult to track,” Nakamitsu noted.
What Are Small Arms and Light Weapons?
‘Small arms’ include handguns, revolvers, and assault rifles that can be carried and operated by a single person. ‘Light weapons’ encompass systems such as grenade launchers, machine guns, and portable anti-aircraft or anti-tank weapons that can be operated by a small crew.
Due to their relative affordability, durability, and ease of use, these weapons can remain in circulation for decades.
Ammunition is also a critical part of the challenge. Even if weapons are already circulating illicitly, a continuous supply of ammunition can prolong their use in conflict, crime, and terrorism.
When Wars End, Weapons Remain
A frequently cited example is Libya, where weapons looted or diverted during and after the 2011 conflict that ended the Muammar Gaddafi regime subsequently spread to the Sahel region, including Niger and Burkina Faso. Some later fell into the hands of extremist groups, illustrating how arms from one conflict can destabilize neighboring countries years later.
“The end of conflict does not mean the end of the circulation of these weapons… they remain and continue to harm people,” Nakamitsu stated.
From Crime to Conflict
The impact is widespread, varying by region. In Latin America and the Caribbean, illicit firearms are closely linked to organized crime and some of the world’s highest homicide rates. UN estimates indicate that firearms account for 70 to 80 percent of violent deaths in some parts of the region.
In parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, the proliferation of small arms can undermine peace-building efforts long after conflicts have subsided. Weapons held by armed groups, militias, or communities for self-protection can contribute to renewed violence and instability.
Beyond Security Concerns
The consequences extend far beyond conflicts. Illicit weapons are associated with human rights abuses, terrorism, and sexual and gender-based violence.
“This is not just a security issue. It is also about peace-building, human rights, and development,” Nakamitsu added.
The UN’s Response
Recognizing the dangers posed by small arms and light weapons, UN Member States adopted an Programme of Action in 2001, committing to strengthening national legislation, improving stockpile security, combating illicit trafficking, and expanding international cooperation.
A significant milestone was reached in 2005 with the adoption of the International Tracing Instrument, which established global standards for marking, recording, and tracing illicit weapons. This framework helps identify the origins of trafficked arms and how they enter illicit markets, while reducing the risk of diversion from legal stockpiles.
The UN supports implementation through technical assistance, policy guidance, and capacity-building programs aimed at helping governments secure their weapon stockpiles, improve tracing systems, and strengthen border controls.
Why It Matters
Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan once stated that small arms could be the world’s real “weapons of mass destruction” due to the immense death and injury they cause. Ultimately, the issue is about more than just lethal weapons; it is about reducing violence, protecting communities, and preventing the resurgence of conflicts.
Nakamitsu said that reducing the circulation of illicit firearms would benefit all communities. “This is a real problem for many people. We want small arms to be properly controlled and regulated in all societies. This will certainly make everyone’s life safer and more secure.”
