New York, 19 March 2018. In her address to the Preparatory Committee for the Review Conference of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, Ms. Lillianne Sánchez Rodríguez, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, reaffirmed the full validity and effect of the Programme of Action, an instrument to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects and an international benchmark in this area.
The Cuban diplomat recognized that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects remains a sensitive issue at the global level and a matter of great international concern, given its undoubted consequences and serious political, economic and social implications. In this context, she stressed that the prevention, confrontation and eradication of this global phenomenon requires the efforts of the international community, under the auspices of the United Nations Organization.
She further reaffirmed the importance to comply with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United in fulfilling the commitments assumed on this matter, as well as the inherent right to self-defense, in accordance with article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and the sovereign right of States to acquire, manufacture, export, import and stockpile conventional arms for their self-defense and security needs.
Sánchez Rodríguez seized the opportunity to report on the legislative measures and actions taken by Cuba to comply with the provisions set out in the Programme of Action, which has ensured that there is no illicit trade in small arms and light weapons at the domestic level.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.