Disarmament and International Security

Committee
So Paulo Model United Nations 2016

Chair: Marina Siqueira

Vice-Chairs: Fernando Martins and Joo Pedro Tavares

So Paulo Model United Nations 2016 | DISEC Committee

TABLE OF CONTENTS

So Paulo Model United Nations 2016 | DISEC Committee

INTRODUCTION
Dear delegates,
It's with great honor that we will be chairing the Disarmament and International
Security Committee this year. We, your chairs, look forward to an amazing caucus! The
DISEC committee will allow delegates to think creatively and critically, while dealing with
the most pressing issues of the 21st Century. While we do expect high levels of debate during
the conference, we also hope that delegates feel relaxed, confident and enjoy themselves
during session. This study guide will be crucial for our discussions, so please read it
carefully.
During committee session, we sincerely hope that delegates are able to take lessons
from history in order to format strong and compelling arguments. Nonetheless, we also
expect that delegates are able to come up with creative solutions that have never been put into
practice before.
We deliberately chose topics that will allow each one of you to challenge yourselves
while representing your respective nations. Heated debate is much anticipated!
In addition, please note that we expect one position paper per topic to be submitted.
They can be submitted via the Facebook group or e-mail.
We look forward to seeing all of you in September. If you happen to have any
inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be more than happy to help!
Best,
Marina Siqueira
Pan American School of Bahia, Salvador
18siqueiram@pasb.com.br
Fernando Martins
Graded School, So Paulo
gr218601@graded.br
Joo Pedro Tavares
St. Nicholas School, So Paulo
jtavares@stnicholas.com.br

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SCOPE OF COMMITTEE
The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), established in 1945, is the
First Committee of United Nations General Assembly. The committee promotes military
disarmament, seeks to solve global challenges, and diminishes threats to international peace
and security. As outlined by the United Nations Charter, all UN member states are part of this
committee, each one being entitled one vote. Additionally, resolutions drafted in this
committee require a simple majority to be passed. Being part of the United Nations General
Assembly, DISEC is unable to impose sanctions, authorize military intervention, or pass
binding resolutions. Amidst the growing threats to international security, DISEC continues to
be a pivotal UN organ for solving international crises.

United Nations General Assembly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly

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Nuclear proliferation cartoon.

http://goo.gl/SplXF9

Topic A: Achieving International Nuclear

Disarmament and Nonproliferation

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A nuclear weapon has been used twice in nuclear warfare. They were both used by the United
States against Japan during World War II. On August 6, 1945, the United States of America
detonated a uranium fission bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" over the city of Hiroshima, Japan.
Three days later, on August 9, 1945, United States Army Air Forces detonated a plutonium
fission bomb named "Fat Man" over the city of Nagasaki, Japan. In total, the bombings
accounted for approximately 200,000 deaths.

Japanese Surrender
Alongside the United Kingdom and China, the United States issued on July 26, 1945 the
Potsdam Declaration, which called for the unconditional surrender of Japanese armed forces
during World War II. If an unconditional surrender was not granted, the declaration urged for
the "prompt and utter destruction" of Japan.
After the detonation of the two nuclear bombs and the Soviet invasion of Japan, Emperor
Hirohito accepted the rules of the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered. The role of the
bombings in Japan's surrender continues to be target of scholarly and popular debate world
wide.

'Little Boy' before being used in combat.

http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Med/Lbfm.html

Proliferation
Since the detonation of nuclear bombs in Japan, the possession of nuclear bombs by countries
has grown. In total, nuclear bombs have been tested over 2,000 times. Countries that have
already detonated nuclear bombs and acknowledge its possession are the United States
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(1945), Russia (1949), the United Kingdom (1952), France (1960), the People's Republic of
China (1964), India (1974), Pakistan (1998) and North Korea (2006). NATO nuclear sharing
states are Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey. Israel, besides not publicly
acknowledging possession, is also believed to have nuclear weapons.

Nuclear arsenals.
http://www.nti.org/learn/nuclear/#nuclear-proliferation

Cold War and Nuclear Arms Race

During the Cold War, the United States and Russia believed that the possession of nuclear
weapons accounted for power. This led to an escalation in production and stockpiling of
nuclear weapons, which, in addition to creating the worlds two largest arsenals, has spread
fear and a desire for smaller countries to develop their own nuclear warheads.
Towards the end of the Cold War, Reagan and Gorbachev, leaders of the United States and
Russia, respectively, realized the danger of what they had produced and met to discuss how
to reduce their nuclear weapons arsenal. Both nations were guided by the Mutually Assured
Destruction (MAD) doctrine.

Amount of nuclear warheads possessed by the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia
through the years.
http://www.ducksters.com/history/cold_war/arms_race.php
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Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Quest for Disarmament

Established in 1968 and put into practice in 1970, the NPT, Non-Proliferation Treaty, was
developed to achieve three goals: prevent the spread of nuclear technology, promote
collaboration in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and achieve general complete disarmament.
190 countries have signed it. By signing the treaty, the nuclear states promise to achieve
disarmament, while the non-nuclear commit to not develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
Although it's one of the weapons treaties with the largest adherence, South Sudan, India,
Israel, Pakistan, and the DPRK have not signed it. In order for India, Israel, and Pakistan to
accept it, they would need to dismantle their weapons in order to become Non-nuclear
Weapon States (NNWS).
Status of Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) is restricted only to nations who "manufactured and
exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to January 1, 1967."
Furthermore, the Treaty safeguards that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is
authorized to inspect nuclear power plants and ensure that the ideals addressed by the treaty
are being followed.

NPT signatories and non-signatories.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons

US and Russian Agreements

There have been various treaties between the United States and Soviet Union/Russia to
reduce the nuclear stockpiles of both nations. Examples would be SALT II, START I,
START II, SORT, and NEW START. Although many of these treaties have expired or have

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never been ratified, they helped limit and reduce the amount of nuclear warheads from the
United States and the Soviet Union/Russia.

Today
Currently, the United States of America and the Russian Federation account for 93% of the
worlds total nuclear stockpile. About 2,000 nuclear weapons are kept under high alert and
are ready for immediate launch, making a nuclear war imminent at any moment. Because of
this, both countries are vulnerable to launching warheads by accident. A cyber attack on their
security systems, or even miscalculation errors are potential ways this could happen.
Arguably, there have not been enough efforts of the international community to hinder the
threat posed by the stockpile of thousands of nuclear weapons, and the ability of other states
to develop their own. Although nuclear war between superpowers may seem unlikely,
accidental and unauthorized use is still a great danger. The use of nuclear weapons in regional
conflicts such as India and Pakistan poses a great threat to the region. On the other hand, the
DPRKs development of nuclear power stands as evidence that many countries have the
potential of creating their own nuclear arsenals.

International Court of Justice

In 1996, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) drafted an Advisory Opinion entitled the
"Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons." The organ then ruled that the use and
threat of nuclear weapons infringed with international law. Examples would be the Geneva
Convention, the UN Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The International Court of Justice in action.

http://www.novinite.com/articles/166314/ICJ+Rejects+Genocide+Claims+of+Croatia,+Ser
bia

Case Study: Pakistan and India Relations

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India and Pakistan have not signed the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). Although the
two nations share economic, geographical and cultural ties, their relationship has been
engulfed in hostility. The reasons behind the hostile behaviour date back to the partition of
British India in 1947 and the Kashmir conflict. In 1974, India detonated its first nuclear
bomb, thus motivating Pakistan to start its nuclear program. In 1998, Pakistan successfully
built a nuclear bomb. In 2001, shortly after the Indian Parliament attack, both nations were in
the brink of a nuclear war. According to many experts, events like the Indian Parliament
attack prove why the possession of nuclear weapons is too dangerous for human kind.

Indian and Pakistani conflict cartoon.

https://www.emaze.com/@ALIRQRLO/Pakistan-and-India-Conflict-

Case Study: Iran Nuclear Deal

The Iran Nuclear Deal is an accord between the United States, Russia, France, China, the
United Kingdom, Germany, the European Union and Iran to limit Iran's nuclear ability. In
return, international oil and financial sections have been lifted from Tehran. According to
many experts, the Iranian Nuclear Deal, besides not being perfect, is an example of how
countries can work together to prevent states from obtaining nuclear warheads without
resorting to military conflict.

Infographic showcasing the results of the Iranian Nuclear Deal.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/foreign-policy/iran-deal
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Relevant Treaties and Documents

-

The Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

"Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons" Advisory Opinion - International
Court of Justice (ICJ)
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran Nuclear Deal
NEW START Treaty, United States of America and the Russian Federation
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
General Assembly First Committee Resolutions

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POSITION OF MAJOR NATIONS AND

BLOCS
United States of America:
The United States of America possesses one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals. It's also
one of the five states who has been recognized by the NPT as a nuclear state. It is the first and
only country to use nuclear weapons in conflict. The US is currently a party to many treaties
that deal with the reduction of nuclear weapons. An example would be the START treaty.
Additionally, the US is part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger
Committee (ZAC), which aim to reduce and limit the spread of threatening nuclear
technologies. The US has been largely criticized for supporting Israels development of
weapons, while, in turn, pressing Iran to reduce their nuclear capabilities. Additionally,
Obama has talked about reducing the United States' nuclear stockpile. However, a study
conducted by the Federation of American Scientists demonstrates that the current American
president has had the smallest reduction of weapons in comparison to all other post-Cold War
presidents.

United Kingdom, Russia, China and France:

The UK, Russia, China and France are recognized Nuclear Weapons States (NWS), and have
signed and ratified the NPT.

Israel:
Israels nuclear program is filled with ambiguity. There is not much confirmed data in
regards to the Israeli arsenal, as its weapons program is treated with ultimate secrecy. Israel
has not signed the NPT and its leaders have never acknowledged their nuclear weapons
program. The state of Israel has been an obstacle in negotiating a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone
in the Middle East.

DPRK and South Korea:

The DPRK signed the NPT, but unilaterally withdrew in 2003. They are not part of the CTBT
and many other treaties related to weapons technologies. The DPRK claims they have a
hydrogen bomb (a type of nuclear weapon more powerful than an atomic bomb). However,
experts continue to be skeptical of the nations thermonuclear capacity. Nonetheless, they
have conducted four nuclear tests, threatening their neighbouring country, South Korea.
South Korea has abandoned its nuclear weapons program and maintains an alliance with the
United States for security. Seoul still has the technological capacity to create and develop its
own nuclear arsenal.

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Pakistan and India:

Both countries have not signed the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and still have nuclear
arsenals. The many conflicts between India and Pakistan over the state of Jammu and
Kashmir have resulted in tensions and an arms race for nuclear weapons. India detonated its
first nuclear weapon in 1974, motivating Pakistan start its nuclear program, successfully
building a bomb in 1998. Potential escalation of the conflict between the two nuclear states
may lead to a nuclear war. Nevertheless, some experts argue that the mutually assured
destruction (MAD) concept stands in the way.

Iraq:
Under Saddam Hussein in 1991, Iraq possessed a nuclear weapons program and a complete,
untested weapon design. However, after the Gulf War, it was forced to dismantle its arsenal,
and allow UN inspection. Iraq has signed and ratified the NPT and the CTBT.

Turkey, Italy, Netherlands and Germany:

Turkey, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are nuclear-sharing states because of their
NATO alliance. The weapons in their territory belong to the United States and only the US
Army personnel have the codes to arm and launch them. In the event of a war, these weapons
will be used in the host countrys warplanes.

South Africa:
South Africa once had nuclear weapons, but decided in 1991 to dismantle its arsenal and
place materials under international safeguards in order to sign the NPT.

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TIMELINE OF EVENTS1
July 16th, 1945: US successfully detonates its first nuclear weapon in New
Mexico.
August 6th and 9th, 1945: First atomic bombs are used in conflict in
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
January 24th, 1946: The General Assemblys first resolution calls upon
countries for complete elimination of nuclear arsenals.
August 29th, 1949: The USSR tests its first nuclear weapon and becomes the
second country to develop a nuclear arsenal.
October 3rd, 1952: UK tests nuclear weapon in Australia.
February 13th, 1960: France explodes first atomic bomb.
October 16th, 1964: China tests its own nuclear weapons.
July 1st, 1968: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is signed.
May 18th, 1974: India conducts its nuclear tests. The government falsely
claims it to be a peaceful test.
September 22nd, 1979: A nuclear explosion over the South Indian Ocean is
believed to have been conducted by South Africa with Israeli help.
September 30th, 1986: Israels nuclear program is revealed by the Sunday
Times.
October 11-12th, 1986: Reagan and Gorbachev meet to discuss how to reduce
nuclear arsenals.
July 10th, 1991: South Africa dismantles its nuclear weapons and joins the
NPT.
September 24th, 1996: The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty is open
for signatures. China, France, UK, Russia and the US sign. India refuses.
May 1998: India tests its nuclear weapons three times. Pakistan carries six tests.
October 9th, 2006: The DPRK announces it has successfully conducted nuclear
tests.
July 14th, 2015: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian Nuclear
Deal announced.

Adapted from http://www.icanw.org/the-facts/the-nuclear-age/.

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GUIDING QUESTIONS
- Given that the United States and Russia demand the reduction of nuclear
capabilities in smaller countries, how should these nations react to the US
and Russia not setting an example?
- To what extent is the reduction of nuclear weapons necessary to ensure
peace? What measures would countries be willing to take?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of having nuclear weapons?
- Should the movement of nuclear weapons between nations be allowed?
Do they cause less or more repercussions?
- Is NATO weapons sharing acceptable? What are the implications?
- Could larger issues be prevented by disarmament? Or would it be more of
an advantage to be protected in case of an escalated conflict?
- If more disarmament is to be conducted, how can it be done effectively
and justly?
- Should nuclear proliferation without inspection be permitted and what
repercussions should come with it?
- How sternly should countries outside of the NPT be treated?
- To what extent does sovereignty apply to the ownership and stockpiling
of weapons?
- Is the ownership of nuclear weapons a threat to other countries and
humanity, or can it be treated as a form of self-defense and peaceful
protection?
- How can the NPT and the CTBT be improved?
- Is it possible to have total disarmament?
- Should countries deal with proliferation differently than with
disarmament?

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DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Nuclear weapon: a type of weapon which creates an immense release of energy through
nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. They are widely regarded as the most dangerous weapons
on earth.

Disarmament: the reduction of quantity and capability of a military stockpile. Complete

disarmament refers to entire removal of weapons and general to widespread, referring to all
countries.

Nuclear Proliferation: the process of spreading fissile material, technology and/or

information to nations that do not possess nuclear weapons.

Nuclear sharing states: states which do not possess nuclear weapons, yet host nuclear
weapons from another country: i.e. NATO and the US.

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD): the concept that if a country attacks another
one that owns a nuclear weapon retaliation will result in full destruction of both countries.

Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (NWFZ): a region in which countries have agreed not
to manufacture, produce or test nuclear weapons. The regions are currently Latin America,
South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT): multilateral binding treaty that aims to

achieve three goals: prevent spreading nuclear technology, promote peaceful uses of nuclear
energy, and achieve complete disarmament.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): 1996 treaty that outlines a
global monitoring system and inspections to prevent nuclear tests. It obligates countries to
refrain from nuclear weapons test explosions. Even with the extensive monitoring and steps
to prevent nuclear tests, Pakistan, India and the DPRK have been able to successfully test
their weapons.

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FURTHER RESEARCH
-

https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/nptfact
https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/npt/
http://www.nti.org
https://newint.org/features/2008/06/01/nuclear-weapons-facts/
http://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/nuclear-weapons
http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/nuclear-weapons
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/world/nuclear-weapon-states/
http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/no
n-proliferation/safeguards-to-prevent-nuclear-proliferation.aspx
- https://www.nobelprize.org/educational/peace/nuclear_weapons/readmor
e.html

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WORKS CITED
Hanson, Marianne. "Nuclear Weapons as Obstacles to International Security."Nuclear
Weapons as Obstacles to International Security. International Relations, 2 Dec. 2002.
Web. 30 July 2016.
History.com Staff. "Cold War History." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 Jan.
2009. Web. 30 July 2016.
"Hydrogen Bomb vs. Atomic Bomb: What's the Difference?" LiveScience. TechMedia
Network. Web. 28 July 2016.

ICAN Organization. "Nuclear Weapons Timeline." ICAN. International Campaign to

Abolish Nuclear Weapons, 30 July 2016. Web. 30 July 2016.

Johnson, Donald. "India-Pakistan Relations: A 50-Year History." Asia Society. Asia

Society, 30 July 2016. Web. 30 July 2016.

Miglani, Sanjeev. "12 Die in Indian Parliament Attack." The Guardian. Guardian News
and Media, 13 Dec. 2001. Web. 30 July 2016.

"Nuclear Weapons - The facts." New Internationalist All Posts RSS. Web. 28 July 2016.
Schlosser, Eric. "Nuclear Weapons: An Accident Waiting to Happen." The Guardian.
Guardian News and Media, 14 Sept. 2013. Web. 30 July 2016.
"Time for Change." Nuclear Proliferation in a Nutshell. Web. 28 July 2016.

"The Nuclear Arms Race - History Learning Site." History Learning Site. Web. 28 July 2016.
"The Nuclear Threat." Nuclear Threat Initiative. Web. 28 July 2016.

United States Government. "The Historic Deal That Will Prevent Iran from Acquiring a
Nuclear Weapon." The White House. The White House, 30 July 2016. Web. 30 July
2016.

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Weaponry found on Palestinian boat in the Dead Sea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_trafficking

Topic B: Curbing the Illicit Trade and

Distribution of Small Arms and Light
Weapons

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final
sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.
The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the
genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children This is not a way of life at all, in any true
sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, April 16, 1953

D. D. Eisenhower: American politician, general, and the 34th president of the United States.
https://goo.gl/JDCOFP
The use of small arms has been constantly on the spotlight in the 21st Century. An estimated
half a million people die every year from them. This happens because of the ease to obtain,
transport, conceal and operate these weapons.

Gun statue, UN Headquarters in New York City.

http://goo.gl/FWj0ud
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Illicit Distribution on a National Level

What continues to plague the industry of small weapons is its illicit distribution. Only 79
million weapons are registered out of an estimated 875 million that are produced. The
acquisition of an illicit firearm has become so common that in some African regions a rifle
could be traded for a chicken or even a bag of grain.
The American Federal Agency Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives states
that, (...) virtually every crime gun in the United States starts off as a legal firearm. Only
then will it be sold, shared or swapped in an underground market. They can also be acquired
by acquaintances, such as receiving a gun as a gift or from sales made by local drug dealers.
Additionally, those who are familiar with people owning weapons are more likely to have
them. For instance, the perpetrators in the San Bernardino shooting acquired weapons from
their own neighborhood network. Many clerks also sell guns illicitly. From that point on,
these unregistered guns could be stolen or bought illicitly.

Prayers after San Bernardino attack.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/05/us/tashfeen-malik-islamic-state.html?_r=0

Straw Sales
Despite common beliefs, criminals do not mostly acquire their weapons through theft.
According to the ATF, only 10 to 15% of illegal weapons that are used in crime were stolen.
One common method of obtaining arms is through straw sales, where one who cannot legally
buy a weapon orders someone to purchase it for them.
A majority of the straw purchases are made by drugs or money. A great portion of the illicit
sales are also made by legally licensed, yet corrupt gun dealers. In some cases, the gun
dealers report that guns have been lost or stolen in order escape bureaucracy.

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The National Institute of Justice of the United States recently conveyed a study with
detainees. They questioned a variety of detainees in order to trace the path of how criminals
acquire weapons. The NIJ reported that 56% of criminals paid money for arms, 15% obtained
it as a gift, 10% borrowed it, 8% traded it, and merely 5% stole it.

Straw purchase record example.

https://everytownresearch.org/reports/inside-straw-purchasing-criminals-get-guns-illegally/

Illicit Arms Trade in Europe and the Middle East

The Croatian, Bosnian and Kosovo War left over six million weapons stranded in Europe.
These firearms were then stolen and sold through black markets in the Balkan Peninsula. As a
result, they were spread through entire Europe. For instance, the weapons used in the Charlie
Hebdo attack were illicit arms from a dealer in Slovakia.

"Je Suis Charlie" protests.

http://college.usatoday.com/2015/01/11/campus-beat-student-journalists-respond-to-charliehebdo-attack/
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Many guns from the Balkan Peninsula are legally sold as deactivated weapons. However,
these firearms can still be reactivated. Some countries' laws don't restrict this from happening.
The European Union once passed a widespread policy on reactivation. They claimed that they
were "unprepared to address the potential risks of reactivation."
One of the recent trade strategies for firearm smugglers coming to Europe is by arriving as
immigrants or sightseers with small stashes of weapons. An Vranckx, an official from the
Group for Research and Information on Peace and Security, stated, "We call it the Ant Trade
because in Europe, it tends to be lots of individual operators carrying one piece at a time,
rather than big lorry loads." These weapons from the ant trade are then sold in different
countries and underground markets throughout Europe.

"Ant Trade" in action.

http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151123/1030592893/eu-war-on-terrorist-gun-trade.html
The weapons arriving from eastern Europe are not only diverted into the European continent.
A new pipeline connecting the Balkans and the Arabian Peninsula has sent portions of
firearms to the Middle East. Some of these weapons end up falling in hands of terrorist
groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

Main exporters and importers from Arms Pipeline.

http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/making-a-killing-the-1-2-billion-euros-arms-pipelin
e-to-middle-east-07-26-2016
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Case Study: Islamic State

A recent study conducted by Amnesty International found out that ISIS has been building an
arms arsenal with American weapons. These weapons are mostly obtained from Syrian rebels
and Iraqi forces. In 2015, local forces in Iraq and Syria received assistance in the form of
weapons and coalition strikes in order to fight against ISIS. Nonetheless, the Amnesty
International report concluded that these local forces contributed to the Islamic State's arms.
The report emphasized that ISIS acquired weapons from "weapons and equipment looted,
captured or illicitly traded from poorly secured Iraqi military stocks."
ISIS has also received weapons through seizing Syrian military stocks that were supplied by
Turkey and various Gulf States. Amnesty International reported that the captured arms range
from assault rifles to military tanks, and were manufactured by 25 different countries. The
report induces that the Islamic State's weapons "ultimately reflects decades of irresponsible
arms transfers to Iraq and multiple failures by the U.S.-led occupation administration to
manage arms deliveries and stocks securely, as well as endemic corruption in Iraq itself."

Islamic State tank.

http://goo.gl/SleZT4
American spokesman Maj. Roger Cabiness emphasized in response to Amnesty
International's report that the United States closely monitors every military equipment that is
sold. Nonetheless, these monitoring programs don't apply to weapons that are lost in
battlefield.

Case Study: South Sudan

Many armed groups from outside South Sudan use Sudanese soil to regroup and for shelter.
As a result, they bring a large number of weapons with them, which may fall into civilian
hands. This effect can be illustrated by the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army. The army used
Sudanese land as an operations base to fight the government of Uganda. Because of this,
various arms fell into civilian hands.

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Furthermore, many arms find their way into South Sudan through geopolitical strategies.
Countries sometimes try to weaken neighboring states by arming rebel groups. Colonel
Gaddafi, a Libyan revolutionary, allegedly armed the Sudanese People's Liberation Army
(SPLA) to oust Sudanese forces.

Rebel soldiers in South Sudan patrol the town of Bentiu, South Sudan.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/02/-sp-africa-arms-dump-south-sudan

Relevant Treaties
-

Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)

General Assembly First Committee Resolutions

Largest Importers and Exporters of Arms

Infographic showing main exporters and importers of arms.

h ttp://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/OldNewsPage/?Id=4802&India%20Is%20World

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POSITION OF MAJOR NATIONS AND

BLOCS
India and Pakistan:
Approximately 63 million guns have been smuggled into India and Pakistan. Because of this,
there is easy availability of small arms and light weapons in both nations. Inter-Services
Intelligence, the premier intelligence service of Pakistan, is believed to fund terrorist groups
in India with small arms in order to destabilize Delhi. India has continuously accused
Pakistan of funding Indian terrorist groups. India and Pakistan have abstained during voting
in the UN General Assembly for the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty.

China:
China is one of the world's largest producers of small arms. In 2014, Chinese gun exports
accounted for USD$161 million. Nonetheless, China's strict gun laws restrict its population
from acquiring weapons. In addition, high tariffs encourage smuggling to other countries.
China is accountable for selling arms to sanctioned and unstable countries, such as Iran, and
South Sudan. The United States currently has an arms embargo in China.

Russia:
Russia is one of the world's largest arms exporter. Moscow has been continuously accused by
the United States for supplying arms to pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. Russia denies the
claims. Sanctions have been put in place. Russia has also been accused of supplying arms to
unstable and war-torn countries as well as terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

United States and Mexico:

The United States is the world's largest arms exporter. Additionally, according to Mexican
governmental research service CESOP, 2,000 weapons illegally enter Mexico every day.
These weapons are bought in the US, and then sold illegally in the black market in Mexico. A
2013 study conducted by the University of San Diego and the Igarape Institute in Brazil
found out that 212,877 firearms were purchased every year in the US between 2010 and 2012
by people who intended to traffick them. As a further matter, between 2014 and 2016, 60% of
the illegal firearms found in Jamaica were from the United States. Measures have been
implemented by law enforcement authorities from the US in order to solve the issue. The
main importers of American weapons are Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia,
Iraq and Turkey. The United States also supply arms to Syrian rebels who, in turn, according
to many experts, end up fueling the Islamic State's arms arsenal.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom:

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France, Germany and the United Kingdom, behind China, the United States and Russia, are
the largest arms exporters in the world. Exports to countries that are not part of the NATO
alliance have grown. The three nations have large arms contracts with Saudi Arabia. The
German government currently strives to cut arms exports.

Israel:
Israel is among the world's top arms importers and exporters. Israel mostly sells arms to
developing countries. Israel currently sells arms to South Sudan as well as undemocratic and
dictatorial countries, such as Cameroon and Togo.

Syria:
Russia, a Syrian ally, has supplied Syria with USD$4 billion in military equipment. The
nation has a controversial history with the use of chemical weapons. Also, Syria is concerned
with the anti-government groups in the region, such as the Islamic State, and the black market
that has been formed in the Middle East.

South Sudan:
South Sudan, the world's newest country, is the victim of corruption, political instability, and
tension with its neighboring country, Sudan. The nation currently imports arms from China
and Ukraine. The European Union has an arms embargo in South Sudan. On the other hand,
there is no UN arms embargo in the nation. Amnesty International emphasizes the arm sales
in the region contribute to fighting in the war-torn country.

Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest importers of arms. The United States, France, the United
Kingdom and Germany are large exporters. There is an European Parliament motion to
restrict arm sales to Saudi Arabia. The Human Rights Watch continually condemns weapon
sales in the the country.

Iran:
There is a UN arms embargo against Iran. However, Iran currently exports arms from Russia
and China. Iran is becoming a regional arms producer.

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TIMELINE OF EVENTS
15th Century: There are records of arms trafficking from as early as the 15th
century. Rebel groups would go to neighbouring towns to collect weapons in
order to arm themselves and overthrow authorities.
1914-1918: Weapons were smuggled to various local militias during World
War I.
1939-1945: American merchant ships would smuggle ammunition and weapons
to France and England during World War II. The Japanese forces had built
complex underground tunnels to smuggle arms to neighbouring areas.
1950-2000: Many weapons have been left behind after conflicts. An example
would be the Yugoslav War. During this period, many wars and revolutions
took place, leading to an increase in the demand of illicit weapons. In this
period, gangs, drug rings and terrorist groups started to assert dominance,
exponentially increasing the illicit trade for guns. Underground tunnels are
frequently being used to fuel such conflicts and facilitate the illicit trade.
2000-2016: Many developing countries are fighting rebels equipped with illicit
guns acquired through smuggling. The Somalian Civil War is one example of
the dependency of illicit firearms during conflict. The world is in constant awe
and fear, as terrorism is on the rise. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE
and Jordan are suspected of smuggling illicit weapons to fuel the dreadful Civil
War in Syria through a new pipeline from the Balkans.

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GUIDING QUESTIONS
- What are the major obstacles to reducing the international illicit small
arms and light weapons trade?
- How can the UN help identify and punish countries involved in the illicit
trade?
- Is it acceptable for weapons to be sold to militants and combating groups?
- Is it acceptable for countries to wage war in order to benefit economically
from these conflicts?
- Are powerful nations such as the United States and Russia to blame for
the distribution of illicit weapons because of the continuous supply to
unstable countries?
- How should the world respond to arms trading in dictatorial countries?
- How can arms exports be safeguarded in order for weapons to not be in
the hands of the wrong people?
- What can nations that export weapons (legally or illegally) do in order to
ensure that all arms are properly documented?
- What are the secondary effects of arms trade? What can be done in order
to help the people who are impacted by these effects?
- Does drug trafficking have a correlation with the smuggling of firearms?
Would a resolution need to address the war on drugs to curb the
smuggling of firearms?
- If the ant trade in Europe is directly correlated to immigration, should
nations be stricter towards immigrants?
- If a great portion of weapons used in crime are legally sold at first (and
only then diverted to underground markets), should nations have stricter
gun laws?

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DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Portability: the 1997 UN Panel of Governmental Expert defines weapons based on

portability, meaning how they can be carried or handled. These which the unit or system can
be handled by an individual, by a small group of people or a small vehicle are classified
between small arms and light weapons.

Small arms: weapons designed for individual use [...] revolvers, self-loading pistols,
rifles and carbines, sub-machine guns and light machine guns.

Light weapons: weapons designed for use by two or three persons, serving as a crew [...]

heavy machine guns, hand-held under-barrel and mounted grenade launchers, portable
anti-aircraft guns, portable anti-tank guns, portable launchers.2

Tracing: the tracking of small arms and light weapons to the point at which they became

illicit, meaning tracking down how they were manufactured and imported in an illicit manner.

Illicit: unlawful, not legally permitted. By the UN, small arms and light weapons are illicit
if they are:
-

Illegal under the state in which they were found

Transferred violating a Security Council embargo
Transferred without receiver States approval
Not properly identified
Manufactured without authorization from the State

International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol): Interpol may facilitate in

tracing operations and investigate to identify illicit small arms and light weapons.

Arms Trade Treaty (ATT): a 2014 treaty that aims to regulate international trade in

conventional arms (which includes small arms, tanks, aircraft and warships). There are 130
signatories and 84 ratifications.

http://www.poa-iss.org/InternationalTracing/ITI_English.pdf.

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FURTHER RESEARCH
- http://www.poa-iss.org/InternationalTracing/ITI_English.pdf
- https://smallarmssasia.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/small-arms-mass-des
truction-chart.jpg
- http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/06/201262814225874407.ht
ml
- http://www.newsweek.com/gun-control-where-criminals-get-weapons-41
2850
- http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/procon/guns.html
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/12010458/Inside-the
-Ant-Trade-how-Europes-terrorists-get-their-guns.html
- http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-6110_en.htm
- http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/08/politics/amnesty-international-isis-weap
ons-u-s-/

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WORKS CITED
Alessi, Christopher. "German Defense Industry Under Pressure as Berlin Limits Arms
Exports." WSJ. Business Insider, Inc, 25 July 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Broga, Dominykas. "The Proliferation of Arms in South Sudan." Iguacu. Iguacu, 22 Feb.
2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Cohen, Zachary. "Amnesty Report: ISIS Armed with U.S. Weapons." CNN. Cable News
Network, 09 Dec. 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.
Cook, Philip. "In Opinion: Gun Control-where Do Criminals Get Their Weapons?"
Newsweek. Newsweek Inc, 07 Jan. 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.
European Commission. "European Commission Strengthens Control of Firearms across the
EU." European Commission. European Union, 18 Nov. 2015. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Freeman, Colin. "Inside the 'Ant Trade' - How Europe's Terrorists Get Their Guns." The
Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 01 Aug. 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Gould, Jeremy Bender and Skye. "This GIF Shows How China's Arms Exports Have
Exploded since 2000." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 01
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Lynch, Dennis. "Charlie Hebdo Massacre: Illegal Gun Trafficking Brings Millions Of
Weapons Into The EU." International Business Times. International Business Times,
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Noyes, Dan. "How Criminals Get Guns." PBS. PBS, 01 Aug. 2014. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.

Shah, Anup. "Arms Trade-a Major Cause of Suffering." - Global Issues. Global Issues, 30
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Shani, Ayelett. "'Israel Would Be Embarrassed If It Were Known It's Selling Arms to
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Stockholm Gov. "EU Arms Embargo on South Sudan." Home. STOCKHOLM

INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 01 Aug. 2016. Web. 01 Aug.
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Zverev, Alessandra Prentice and Anton. "Ukraine Has Become a Hotbed of Illegal Arms
Trading." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 25 July 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2016.
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So Paulo Model United Nations 2016

DISEC Committee

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