Kuwait has called for enhanced global cooperation to combat the illicit trade in conventional weapons and prevent their diversion to unauthorized parties, emphasizing respect for the UN Charter and the legitimate defense needs of states. The appeal was delivered by Kuwaiti Diplomatic Attaché Jarrah Al-Enezi during discussions before the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday evening.
Al-Enezi highlighted the critical need for balanced and non-discriminatory implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), urging both exporting and importing countries to fulfill their obligations without unfairly impeding the lawful rights of other states. He warned that the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition, particularly when acquired by terrorist organizations and armed groups outside state control, exacerbates conflicts, weakens state institutions, and obstructs efforts toward peace and development.
The Kuwaiti representative reaffirmed his country’s support for the full implementation of the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. He also emphasized the need to enhance national capacities in weapons marking and tracing, stockpile security, information sharing, and arms transfer monitoring to prevent arms from reaching illicit markets or unauthorized recipients.
Addressing concerns related to ammunition management, Al-Enezi pointed to Kuwait’s backing of the Global Framework for Conventional Ammunition Throughout Its Life Cycle, describing it as a vital initiative to tackle risks from ammunition mismanagement, diversion, and unplanned explosions. He noted Kuwait’s recent election as a vice-president of the framework’s preparatory meeting and its recommendation for a vice-presidency at the next meeting scheduled for 2027, roles that Kuwait sees as opportunities to advance international cooperation and capacity-building efforts.
Turning to regional issues, Al-Enezi underscored that the proliferation of conventional weapons in the Middle East presents broader threats beyond internal conflicts, jeopardizing the security and stability of states in the region. He cited Iranian attacks against Kuwait, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Jordan—including attacks by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq—as examples of the dangers posed by missiles and drones targeting civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical facilities.
Kuwait condemned these attacks and called for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), urging an end to direct and indirect assaults as well as measures to halt the supply of weapons and military capabilities to armed groups undermining state sovereignty and security.
Al-Enezi also stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law in all conflicts, including those in the occupied Palestinian territories, and ensuring that conventional weapons are not used to perpetrate serious violations against civilians. He concluded by reaffirming Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to international efforts aimed at curbing illicit arms transfers, restricting the use of conventional weapons against civilians, and strengthening the ability of states to maintain their security and sovereignty, thereby contributing to global peace and stability.