UNGA 59: First Committee

Statement by Australia on MANPADS

Mr Chairman

On behalf of the sponsors Argentina, Australia, Kenya, Thailand and Turkey, Australia is pleased to introduce a draft resolution in the First Committee on the “Prevention of the Illicit Transfer and Unauthorised Access to and Use of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS).

The draft resolution encourages member states to take concrete steps to exercise effective control over MANPADS, including transfers and stockpile security, to prevent MANPADS from falling into the hands of non-state end-users.

The draft resolution complements the First Committee’s omnibus small arms resolution and ties in with the goal for the committee to address contemporary security concerns.

NGO research, including the Small Arms Survey 2004, highlights the serious security problem posed by inadequate state control over MANPADS stockpiles and raises concerns about the possession of MANPADS by non-state end-users. The study emphasizes that current international measures to control proliferation do not go far enough.

The draft resolution does not restrict or address authorised trade between Governments. The sponsors recognise that MANPADS are a legitimate defensive measure used by Governments. The draft resolution is a response to the increasing international concern about the potential use of these weapons by terrorist groups, especially the risk they pose to civil aviation. The potential loss of innocent lives and severe economic damage demands action in this forum.

The draft resolution takes a practical approach. For example, it encourages initiatives to mobilize resources and technical expertise to assist States requesting assistance to enhance national controls and stockpile management practices or to remove surplus stocks.

The sponsors are grateful for the useful comments and suggestions received on the draft resolution. The text has been adjusted to take into account many of the views provided during informal consultations.

The sponsors urge all delegations to support this important draft resolution.