Kuwait has called for stronger international cooperation to combat the illicit trafficking of conventional arms and prevent weapons from reaching unauthorised recipients, warning that the proliferation of weapons among terrorist organisations and armed groups threatens regional stability, prolongs conflicts and undermines sustainable development.
The call was made by Diplomatic Attaché Jarrah Al-Enezi in a statement before the First Committee on Disarmament and International Security of the United Nations General Assembly during a general debate on conventional weapons. Al-Enezi stressed the need for balanced and non-selective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, with exporting and importing states fulfilling their international obligations without unjustified restrictions on the inherent rights of sovereign nations.
He warned that the illicit flow of arms and ammunition to terrorist organisations and armed groups operating outside state authority weakens state institutions, prolongs conflicts and hampers peacebuilding. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for the full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the Kuwait News Agency reports.
Al-Enezi also emphasised the importance of strengthening national capacities in weapons marking and tracing, stockpile management, information sharing and transfer monitoring to prevent arms from being diverted into illicit markets or falling into unauthorised hands. He described the global framework for conventional ammunition throughout its life cycle as an important milestone in addressing risks associated with ammunition mismanagement, diversion and accidental explosions at storage depots.
Kuwait’s role in international disarmament efforts was also highlighted, with Al-Enezi expressing the country’s pride in its election as vice-chair of the preparatory meeting and the recommendation for its nomination as vice-chair of the forthcoming 2027 session. He said the role would enable Kuwait to contribute to international cooperation and capacity-building efforts.
Turning to regional developments, Al-Enezi said the worsening security situation in the Middle East demonstrated that the risks associated with conventional weapons proliferation extend beyond internal conflicts and pose a direct threat to national security and regional stability.
He pointed to what he described as Iranian-led aggressions against Kuwait, other Gulf Cooperation Council member states and Jordan, including attacks carried out by pro-Iranian militias operating from Iraq. He warned that missile and drone attacks targeting civilians, civilian facilities and critical infrastructure posed serious risks to regional security.
Al-Enezi reaffirmed Kuwait’s condemnation of these attacks and called for full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), an immediate cessation of direct and indirect attacks, and firm measures to prevent arms supplies from reaching militias that threaten state sovereignty.
He also stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law in all conflict zones, including the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and ensuring that conventional weapons are not used to commit grave violations against civilian populations. Al-Enezi reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for international initiatives aimed at disrupting arms supply networks serving illicit actors, protecting civilians from military attacks and strengthening states’ capacity to defend their sovereignty, thereby contributing to international peace and security.