Disarmament

Trinidad and Tobago is steadfast in its implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In 2010, my country introduced, and has been the main sponsor since then, of the first General Assembly resolution entitled “Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control” (General Assembly resolution 69/61). It must be highlighted that the catalyst for the resolution on women and disarmament in 2010 was the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. Since its introduction, the resolution has received the support of a majority of Member States and is currently being considered again in the First Committee. The resolution transcends the notion of women as victims of armed conflict and armed violence and recognizes women as empowered and indispensable actors in decision-making efforts to address the issue of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. Trinidad and Tobago is pleased that the language contained in the current and last versions of the resolution on women and disarmament is reflective of the Arms Trade Treaty and its provisions on gender- based violence and violence against women and girls.

At the regional level, we have also worked with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs on initiatives to strengthen the participatory role played by Latin America and the Caribbean in combating illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons.