Iran Statement at 11th UNTOC Working Group on Firearms

Agenda item 2

Statement

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The 11th Session of Working Group on Firearms

Agenda Item (2): Operationalizing the Firearms Protocol in view of

technological developments relating to the illicit manufacturing of and

trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition.

(3 and 4 April 2024)

 

In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most merciful

 

 At the outset, my delegation would like to congratulate you as the chair of this important session. I am confident that, under your able leadership, the present session would result in a successful outcome. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Secretariat for its hard work on preparation for this session and the panelists for their presentations.

Mr. Chair,

The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to be dedicated to fighting illegal trafficking of firearms. Despite not being a signatory, Iran's practices comply with almost every aspect of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Firearms Protocol).

The illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms, as well as their components and ammunition, pose a significant global challenge. Criminals are exploiting emerging technologies to diversify and expand their illicit activities, which leads to more sophisticated and complex manifestations of criminal behaviours. As such, this issue demands a determined response at both national and international levels, requiring the serious consideration and decisive action of all governments and policymakers.

The rising number of illicit firearms, particularly the manufacture and trafficking of untraceable firearms, constitutes a significant threat to international peace and security. To address this challenge, effective policy measures must be implemented, and coordinated efforts should be undertaken to combat the proliferation of illicit firearms. Such efforts should entail enhanced law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and international cooperation, as well as close-fitting regulations on the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms and ammunition.

The illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms is a complex and pervasive issue that requires the concerted efforts of governments, and policymakers. Only through a collaborative, evidence-based approach can we mitigate the risks associated with this challenge and ensure the safety and well- being of the global communities.

The present capacity of the internet and the dark web is being used to acquire firearms and firearm parts illegally. This has led to an increase in the use of postal and courier services to traffic these illicit items. As a result, the supply chains for illegal firearms have shifted from traditional methods to new ones. It is now more important than ever that the states step up their efforts to find collective solutions to combat the technological advancements used for the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms, with a specific focus on the use of postal and courier services.

Mr. Chair,

It is evident that the prevention and combat of the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms are shared responsibility of all states, specially the states with biggest gun industries. This is particularly important in light of the ever-evolving technologies used in these activities. To achieve this goal, appropriate measures should be taken, including effective international cooperation, regional and global-level interventions, and closer collaboration between law enforcement authorities and parcel and postal operators on the shipping companies. Such measures will increase the likelihood of identifying trafficked firearms and better countering the actions and threats of criminals and terrorists and will ensure that shipments containing illicit firearms are subjected to stricter oversight in a more systematic manner.

Last but not least, there is an urgent need to increase international cooperation by providing capacity building, technical assistance, and other resources to combat this crime and strengthen the ability of countries to identify, detect, and disrupt the trafficking flows. At the same time, we should incorporate education and awareness-raising efforts regarding new trends in the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking of firearms, their parts and components, and ammunition by use of emerging technologies as part of our policies in countries of origin, transit, and destination.