The Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) joins the international community in commemorating the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, observed annually on 5 March.
The excessive accumulation of conventional weapons, the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons, and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas continue to fuel instability, prolong armed conflicts, and inflict unacceptable harm on civilian populations. Emerging weapon technologies, including autonomous weapons systems, further raise complex legal, ethical, and security concerns that demand collective international attention and responsible governance.
The ongoing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and Sudan continue to be exacerbated by the widespread availability of weapons, illicit arms flows, and the militarisation of political and social grievances. These conflicts have resulted in profound human suffering, mass displacement, weakened institutions, and long-term obstacles to peace and development.
The Forum emphasizes that lasting peace cannot be achieved without meaningful disarmament. The reduction and control of weapons are essential to breaking cycles of violence, enabling inclusive political dialogue, supporting reconciliation processes, and facilitating post-conflict recovery. Disarmament directly contributes to improved human security, the rebuilding of state institutions, and the redirection of resources toward education, health, livelihoods, and infrastructure — all of which are critical to the sustainable development of the region.
The FP-ICGLR further highlights the importance of engaging young people in disarmament and non-proliferation discourse. Empowering younger generations with knowledge and civic responsibility is essential to breaking cycles of violence and building a culture of peace across the Great Lakes Region.
As a parliamentary body dedicated to peace, security, and democratic governance, the FP-ICGLR reaffirms its commitment to supporting regional and international efforts aimed at reducing armed violence, preventing the proliferation of weapons, and advancing peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts. The Forum calls for renewed international solidarity and coordinated action to address the root causes of armed conflict and to ensure that disarmament contributes meaningfully to human security.
On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, the FP-ICGLR reiterates that peace is sustained by dialogue, justice, and collective responsibility.
The General Secretariat.
