Speech at Oslo Conference on Moratorium on Light Weapons in West Africa

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to address this Oslo conference on small arms, in connection with the visit of President Konaré to Norway.

The unlawful use of small arms is a global problem, which affects every country. At the global level, we know that far more people are killed in armed conflicts through the use of small arms than by tanks and bombs.

Excessive accumulation of small arms can be a threat to basic human security in many countries. The unlawful use of small arms can lead to widespread atrocities and the violation of human rights. It can undermine the legitimate authority of the state and hinder efforts to promote development.

We cannot tolerate this. We have a moral obligation to alleviate the human suffering caused by small arms and to work towards greater control of these weapons. There is a role for all of us in such efforts, whether we represent governments, multilateral organisations or NGOs.

Firstly, we must stop the most lethal handguns from getting into the wrong hands. It is estimated that at least 50 per cent of all small arms transfers are illicit. Automatic guns and other military weapons are meant for the use of security forces, not for civilians.

Although it is not the focus of this Conference, I would like to note at this point that developed countries like Norway are also not immune to problems connected to small arms use. As recent tragedies have shown, this is a concern that we also have to take seriously on a national basis.

Secondly, we must control excessive accumulations of small arms, particularly at the end of violent conflicts. When former combatants return to civilian life, their handguns should be handed in. Civilians should be persuaded to give up guns not needed in peace. These surplus guns should be stockpiled safely, or - even better - destroyed. Experience shows that such arms collection programmes are difficult to implement and that they have the greatest chance of success when integrated into a broader reintegration and developmental strategy.

The international community can and should help in these areas. Initiatives to stop the unlawful use and excessive accumulation of small arms ought to be an integral part of countries' internal and foreign policy. We need more effective international co-operation to curb illicit transfers, and we should increase transparency and improve the supervision of international transfers. In some countries, support is needed to restructure the national security sector and train its personnel. Efforts to collect and destroy small arms after the end of conflicts also merits support.

Many of these initiatives need financial and technical assistance. My government is prepared to contribute its share to a concerted international effort. Norway has long supported demobilisation programmes in a number of countries. The restructuring of the security sector is a crucial element in our overall aid strategy. In Mali, we have spent some USD 2.5 million on supporting the demobilisation and reintegration programme. We were the first country to firmly commit funds to the moratorium that has been proposed, and have already granted USD 1 million to this proposal. We are ready to contribute additional funds once the moratorium has been declared.

We have heard a powerful and moving story here today about Mali's experience. My government fully supports President Konaré's innovative proposal on a moratorium on small arms. This proposal is a unique combination of many of the elements I outlined: it will stop the influx of small arms and contribute to the collection of surplus guns, all within a broader developmental framework.

A moratorium will represent a milestone in the lives of millions of West-Africans. At the same time it will be a historic example for countries in other regions and merit great respect and support from the international community.

The idea of a moratorium is very attractive and should be pursued vigorously. It is very heartening to see the number of participating countries at this conference. It shows their interest and willingness to support the moratorium. It is also encouraging to learn that the moratorium proposal has now been placed on the agenda in ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) and that work is in progress to enable state leaders to declare the moratorium.

The bold initiatives of President Konaré and other state leaders in West Africa have created a momentum that must not be allowed to weaken. I sincerely hope that this Oslo Conference can make a modest contribution towards an early declaration of a sub-regional moratorium in West Africa.

My government will be following the outcome of this Conference and its follow-up with the utmost interest. I wish you every success in your endeavours.

Thank you for your attention.