KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has reiterated Nepal’s commitment to disarmament and world peace.

“Nepal’s commitment to disarmament is total and unequivocal. It is one of the objectives of Nepal foreign policy as well,” he said adding that as a party to NPT, CWC, BWC and a signatory to CTBT and TPNW, Nepal has been advocating for the promotion of disarmament.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said this while addressing the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Fourth Review Conference of the United Nations on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons that kicked off here today.

“Besides, we refrain from aligning with any security alliances. While recognizing the legitimate rights of every nation to acquire small arms and light weapons for defense purposes, Nepal strongly advocates for non-proliferation and endorses measures aimed at preventing and controlling the illicit trade of these weapons,” he further said.

Stating that Nepal believes unilateral, bilateral, and regional commitments constitute building-blocks and enabling steps towards disarmament at the global level, he said civil society, private sector and academia have all important roles to play, along with the government in creating a society free from armament.

“As envisaged in SDGs target 16.4, overall SDGs cannot be realized without controlling illicit arms flow. The meeting is taking place in a sacred land, the birthplace of Lord Buddha whose profound message of peace, compassion, and nonviolence aligns fully with the objective of the meeting,” Minister Saud said.

The Member States of the United Nations adopted the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in 2001 foreseeing that illicit use and trade in small arms and light weapons incites crimes and violence, endangers natural resources and wildlife, and undermines peace, security, stability and sustainable development at individual, local, national, regional and international levels.

He further added, “As we look towards the 4th Review Conference, I think, we must focus on some of the key priority areas: Firstly, we need to strengthen our national capacities. Enhanced financial and technical support is crucial for developing countries, particularly the LDCs, to effectively implement the Programme of Action and to report progress accordingly.”

Secondly, he said, it is essential to actively promote regional initiatives to address the unique challenges of small arms and light weapons in the region.

Sharing best practices, conducting joint investigations, and enhancing information exchange can be some of the key areas for effective collaboration, according to him.

“Thirdly, we must adapt our strategies and regulations to counter threats posed by homemade firearms, unmanned aerial vehicles and other emerging technologies,” he added.

Fourthly, he said, “We must engage women, youth, civil society, private sector in planning and implementation of small arms and light weapons control measures.”