PRESS RELEASE

South Africa Calls for Strengthened Gender-Responsive Measures in Global Efforts to Combat Illicit Firearms Trafficking

The delegation of South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender responsive approaches in the international effort to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALWs). Highlighting the disproportionate impact that illegal firearms have on women and girls, particularly in areas facing instability and armed violence, South Africa urged Member States to integrate gender-based data and analysis into all national disarmament strategies.

South Africa emphasized that although women hold less than 20 percent of all legal and illegal firearms, they remain disproportionately affected by gun violence and gender-based violence (GBV). The delegation stressed that the absence of gender considerations in global disarmament policy is unacceptable and must be addressed through coordinated, data-driven policy reform.

Building on the 2025 Southern African Regional Strategic workshop—which prioritized gender responsive arms control and highlighted the need for broader international cooperation—South Africa called for increased attention to how illicit weapons exacerbate GBV and destabilize vulnerable regions.

To advance these goals, South Africa announced its intent to introduce a set of proposals requiring all United Nations (UN) Member States to:

1. Integrate gender responsiveness analysis into national disarmament and arms control strategies.
2. Report gender-specific data on the impacts of illicit firearms in their national submissions to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs.
3. Support the creation of a Council of Regional Representatives within the Arms Trade Treaty Conference of States Parties (ATT CSP) framework, tasked with monitoring and reporting on gender-based firearm violence and illicit arms flows in their respective regions.

This proposed council would provide a formal mechanism for regions to communicate the specific challenges they face, share gender-responsive best practices, and ensure that the diverse experiences of Member States are represented in international policymaking. The council would compile regional assessments, track gender-based violence linked to illicit firearms and elevate regional needs to the global disarmament agenda.

“Illicit firearms trafficking is not only a security issue, it is a gendered issue,” the delegation stated. “By integrating gender analysis, strengthening reporting requirements and establishing a regional representative council, the international community can better protect those most vulnerable to armed violence and develop more effective, inclusive disarmament strategies.”

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional bodies, UN Women and disarmament research organizations to ensure gender perspectives remain central to global arms control efforts.