Libya’s representative to the United Nations, Issam Bin Zaytoun, has reaffirmed his country’s firm commitment to international cooperation in combating the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, warning that the uncontrolled flow of such weapons continues to undermine Libya’s security, stability, and social cohesion.
Speaking before the UN Committee on the Programme of Action to Combat the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in New York, Ambassador Bin Zaytoun said the proliferation of illegal arms has fueled conflicts, prolonged instability, and weakened peacebuilding efforts across the region.
He stressed that tackling this challenge requires collective action built on trust, transparency, and information exchange, as well as direct support for affected countries to strengthen border monitoring and prevent cross-border smuggling. The ambassador called for practical partnerships that enable developing countries to enhance their capacity to detect and control the flow of illicit weapons.
Bin Zaytoun also emphasized the need to link arms control efforts with broader global goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. He noted that reducing the spread of illegal weapons is vital to achieving sustainable development and ensuring lasting peace.
At the same time, the ambassador underlined that measures to counter arms trafficking must not infringe upon the sovereign right of states to self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. He reiterated that Libya remains committed to working with all international partners to build a safer, more stable, and peaceful world free from the dangers of illegal weapons.
