The proliferation of illicit arms black markets and their role in arming non-state actors is a pressing global issue with security, political, humanitarian, and regional stability implications. Illicit trafficking networks exploit weak border controls, poorly secured national stockpiles, corruption, and post-conflict power vacuums to divert weapons into illegal circulation. These weapons are then acquired by militias, insurgent groups, criminal-armed networks, and other non-state actors. Trafficking methods range from smuggling across porous borders and falsified end-user certificates to covert maritime routes and arms-for-resources exchanges. Once in circulation, illicit weapons fuel prolonged conflicts, intensify violence against civilians, undermine peace processes, and destabilize entire regions.
This topic calls for delegates to explore comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of arms diversion, strengthen international cooperation and accountability, and enhance preventive disarmament measures.