Over the past years it has become abundantly clear that the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons has had devastating consequences in areas of conflict around the world. The ready availability of small arms and light weapons often leads to violent clashes where peaceful conflict resolution might otherwise be possible. In turn, the growing violence tends to increase the demand for weapons. The horrendous consequences of this vicious spiral are all too often seen.
I have recently been engaged with a number of like-minded Foreign Ministers in developing strategies for the pursuit of human security. This is a security that is people centred rather than state-centred, an approach we consider necessary when dealing with small arms which affect the lives of civilians in so many parts of the globe.
Our activities are currently focused on the forthcoming small arms conference to be held in 2001, the outcome of which will, we hope, achieve a radical review of the issues associated with the spread of small arms and light weapons.