Finding sustainable solutions for the disposal of worn out or disused weapon systems and small arms

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was a watershed for the technological advancement of modern weapons. Never before was a major war fought with weapons forged from the industrial revolution. For instance, there was the machine gun; as well as, artillery capable of firing exploding shells from several miles away. Land mines were planted in the fields. There were armored tanks, battleships, and even submarines firing torpedoes. From above, fighter planes were dropping bombs. And as a harbinger of things to come, poison gas was released as a chemical weapon. For four years, there was an average of five and a half thousand casualties per day. In the end, 10 million people died. But 30 million were wounded, maimed, disfigured, and incapacitated for the rest of their lives. The world had changed and modern weapons began to proliferate. Today, modern weapons continue to be developed and refined with the latest technological advances. And yet, there are still many older weapons systems stockpiled and used around the world. This continues to be a threat and a growing problem. The topic of our committee addresses this issue.

Nuclear Weapons

Without a doubt, the most dangerous weapons in the world are nuclear; and today, nuclear weapons remain a threat to all life on earth. They are unique, and are not at all like conventional bombs. These weapons cause destruction through the splitting of the atom, which creates tremendous power, called nuclear fission.

The primary effects of a nuclear explosion include blast, heat, fire and radiation, producing destruction on an unimaginable scale. Immense light and thermal heat (comparable to the interior of the sun) cause a phenomenon called a firestorm. Firestorms deplete oxygen from the environment and create hurricane-like winds, which attract debris and feed the storm itself, causing super-infernos. No living being can survive a firestorm. Another often overlooked effect of nuclear weaponry is radiation, which results from a nuclear explosion. Once released, radioactive elements can hang around for millennia upon millennia, putting future generations at risk of developing cancer and genetic mutations. Due to long-lived radioactive poisoning, nuclear weapons in effect have the ability to wage war on future generations by mutating the gene pool and threatening the continuation of life itself. For these and other reasons, the destructive power of nuclear weapons has been described as "unthinkable".

 

Chemical, Biological and Toxic Weapons

In the First World War, both sides fired projectiles that released poisonous gases such as mustard gas which is a mix of carbon, chlorine, hydrogen, and sulfur. Poison gas was deadly and those who survived, suffered from blistering lungs, eyes, and skin. Biological and toxin weapons differ from chemical weapons in that they are derived from living organisms. An example is anthrax, a highly contagious bacterial agent which can be disseminated through a variety of delivery systems. Chemical, biological and toxin weapons are so lethal that there have been several international treaties to prohibit their development, production and use. The stockpiling of these kinds of weapons also poses great risks both for their environmental impact and their potential to be used.

Radiolocical Weapons

Also called radiological dispersion devises (RDDs) or "dirty bombs", radiological weapons are a confusing category of weapons. Although they are capable of extensive and long-term damage, they might be more psychological in their effect, used to spread economic and social disruption through the dispersal of invisible, radioactive contaminants. Radiological weapons have not been used in war, but the fear that they might be used has increased in recent years. Anxiety about radiological weapons has fueled a debate about the operation of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants utilize and create radioactive materials that could be fashioned into radiological weapons. A growing concern is that radioactive materials might be stolen and used to cause damage to people and the environment, and spread fear and panic. Some people argue that nuclear power plants themselves, including spent fuel storage and other on-site radioactive waste, could be used as radiological weapons. For example, in the event of war, nuclear power plants could be primary bombing targets, having the potential to release widespread radioactive material. While there is no agreement on the actual damage that a radiological weapon could produce ”because that would depend upon the type of radioactive materials used, and how they were dispersed” the mere existence of radioactive materials is cause for great concern.

Major Conventional Weapons

When we talk about weapons and war, we're usually thinking about conventional weapons systems. These are larger than what any one person or small team could handle. Here we're referring to seven main categories of major weapon systems, armored combat vehicles, battle tanks, large-caliber artillery systems, attack helicopters, combat aircraft, warships, and missiles and missiles launchers. An enormous amount of money is spent each year by states on heavy conventional weapons. And yet, only a handful of states actually manufacture such weapons. Heavy conventional weapon systems are a big business and the international trade in conventional weapons can help maintain tensions or fuel conflicts between States. fuels conflict situations. The presence of conventional weapons can also prolong and intensify armed conflicts. A recognized problem is the transfer or trade of conventional weapons to States that have a troubled history with democracy, human rights, and non-proliferation. International humanitarian law also regulates weapons which may cause unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury. While some states have chosen to control the transfer of weapons through their national legislation, there is still no unified global system to regulate the licit and illicit trade of conventional weapons.

There are currently no international legal agreements controlling the trade in conventional arms. However, for more than a decade, an average of two thirds of the Member States of the General Assembly have been submitting information on a voluntary basis to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, available to the public, on their major conventional arms trades, both exports and imports, with other countries, as well as background information on military holdings, procurement from national production and trade policies. The Register has served as a measure to build confidence among States for the maintenance of international stability.

In 2006, the General Assembly began an unprecedented process towards an arms trade treaty that would establish common standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons. The purpose of such a future treaty would be to exclude arms trades to States with proven records of human rights abuses or which contravene international law or are prone to conflict. While Member States have acknowledged their inherent right to individual or collective defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, the start of the process has been hailed by civil society, supporters of human rights, development and humanitarian workers from around the world. A group of international experts will begin consideration of the feasibility and parameters of such a treaty in 2008.

Small Arms and Light Weapon

In recent years, the issue of small arms and light weapons has emerged as a major source of concern because most armed violence in the world is associated with these weapons. In fact, some consider small arms "weapons of mass destruction" because the sheer number of deaths related to these weapons. Technically, "small arms" refers to weapons that can be easily carried by a single person. These include handguns, rifles, carbines, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and light hand-held machine guns. A number of related issues complicate the proliferation of small arms such as rights of ownership, personal safety, and the proliferation of small arms in conflict situations around the world. The legal trade and illicit traffic of small arms is complex given the many different national laws governing gun ownership and political support for the manufacturing and trade of small arms and ammunition. Since 2001, the UN has formally recognized the grave threat that the illicit trade in of small arms and light weapons poses and has convened regular conferences with member states and civil society to address the lethal violence associated with this trade.

In contrast to small arms which can be operated by one person, light weapons need to be operated by two or three people. These are usually weapons found in war situations and they include grenade launchers, mortars, light missiles, portable anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy machine guns, cannons, and various explosive devices. Like major conventional arms, the international trade in light weapons also involves government-to-government transfers. The international black market for small arms and light weapons, in contrast, is often fueled by private arms dealers and criminal organizations. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons can encourage conflicts, they can undermine peace initiatives, and exacerbate human rights abuses. The licit and illicit traffic in light weapons poses several problems for the international community.

Landmines and Cluster Bombs

Although categorized as conventional weapons, landmines and cluster bombs are often treated as a category in and of themselves because of their inhumane impact in post-conflict situations. These weapons are problematic because their victims are often civilians, roughly one-third are women and children. Landmines and cluster munitions remain long after the conflict has ended. Landmines are very expensive to detect and remove. Cheap to deploy but difficult to uncover, it is estimated that there are 60 million landmines sown in the world's conflict areas.

The International Campaign To Ban Landmines estimates that landmines cause 15,000 to 20,000 casualties each year. This figure does not include the thousands of people who are burned, blinded, or injured with shrapnel, and who lose limbs from mine blasts.

Like landmines, cluster bombs leave explosives in their wake, and can cause post-conflict death and destruction. Cluster bombs are dropped from airplanes as "dispensers" which contain sub-munitions or "bomblets" which can be dispersed over a wide area. The small incendiary devices of cluster bombs are meant to explode on impact but often they are left, undetonated, in exposed areas. The innocent looking metal balls, between 2 to 4 inches in diameter, have particularly affected children.

 

 

 

Finding economical future solutions for ordnance companies by respecting the progressive disarmament

 

Worldwide there are approximately 90 million soldiers. These soldiers all utilize ordnance, either in war or for training purposes. Currently there are three major offensives: in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan. All three conflicts require immense amounts of ordnance. The term ordnance encompasses guns, ammunition, missiles, military aircraft, military vehicles, and military ships. In 2010 the expenditure for military equipment rose to a total of 1,630 Billion US$ (2.7 % of the World GDP) with the United States of America first place with payments of 698 Billion US$. This shows the immense global market that the armaments industry comprises. Hundreds of ordnance companies exist worldwide, the largest one being BAE Systems from the UK.

 

The progressive disarmament is the process of reducing the worldwide use of ordnance and decreasing the size of national armies. A handful of treaties have been signed regarding disarmament or the restriction of certain weapons. The Limitation of Naval Armament between the USA, France, UK and Japan; the Ottawa Treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines and their storage; and the New START Treaty between the USA and Russia regarding the bilateral reduction of nuclear arms. Although the Treaties all either restrict or promise the reduction of specific arms, none of them clearly state the progressive disarmament.

 

Currently the arms industry is experiencing a boom with order numbers increasing globally. Many emerging countries increasingly find the means to purchase military equipment. India just recently raised its military budget by one third, Brasilia increased its military equipment by 25 percent, and Saudi Arabia signed contracts worth 60 Billion US$ for ordnance. Chinas share of the worldwide arms trade is 9%. Among the top 10 largest companies are: Lockheed Martin (USA), Boeing (USA), EADS (European Union), Finmeccanica (Italy) and Thales Group (France).

 

Lockheed Martin: The company covers four business segments: Aeronautics (27%), Electronic Systems (27%), Information Systems and Global Solutions (27%) and Space Systems (19%). Among their products are ballistic missiles, munitions, transport aircraft, fighter aircraft, radar, and satellites. Approximately 70 % of the total sales were arms related. Lockheed Martin is the second largest defense contractor worldwide.

Boeing: is a multination aerospace and defense company from America. Its military branch mainly produces refueling planes such as the KC-767. Products include commercial airliners, military aircraft, munitions, space systems and computer services. Roughly 40 percent of Boeings personal is engaged into military production, thus making 48% of Boeings income ordnance related. Worldwide Boeing is the third largest ordnance company.

EADS: The corporation comprises the companies Airbus (Airbus Military) covering aircraft,

Eurocopter, the world’s largest helicopter supplier, Astrium, Europe’s leading space

program developer and Cassidian, a provider for security applications. In 2008 the revenue

from military equipment rose to US$ 17.9 billion.

Finmeccanica: The company specializes on the fields of defense, security, automation, transport, energy and aerospace. Military products include aircraft, helicopters, satellites, and defense electronics and technology.

Thales Group: The company delivers information systems for defense, security and aerospace markets. The group focuses on the production of military electronic devices primarily used by the French army. The Thales Group is the 9^th largest ordnance company and generated

US$ 8.25 billion from military equipment.

BAE Systems: is a multinational security, defense and aerospace company with its headquarters in the United Kingdom. In 2008 BAE Systems generated 95% of its income through military related contracts and products. BAE’s military products include military aerospace, defense electronics, naval vessels, munitions, and land warfare systems.

The previously mentioned arms companies are among the top ten largest in the world. The companies (except BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin who have their military related revenue over 50%) do not only specialize on the defense/arms industry, but rather have them as a side branch of many different fields they operate in.

The growing number of Chinas defense investment is seen as a threat by many neighboring countries in the Asian-pacific region, resulting in an increasing investment in the national military. Japan announced a new defense strategy last December which allows a greater flexibility regarding military actions, an obvious call for an enlargement of the military power. Australia proclaimed investments of up to 280 Billion US$ in the upcoming years and Malaysia boosted its military funds by 700% over the years 2005-2009. These aspects have to be acknowledged while finding future economic solutions for ordnance companies. The effects of regulations have to influence the global market and not specific regions. Otherwise the aim of progressive disarmament will not be achieved, but rather the ordnance companies will expand due to the newly industrialized countries´ continuously rising demand for arms.

The economic solution for ordnance companies in the future can’t be closing them down. Policemen fire ammunition; soldiers need to have specific practice hours a week/month and so utilize ordnance; and conflicts will always arise where countries have to defend or attack. The Human History shows us that there will always be disputes and conflicts. There is and will be a continuing need for ordnance. One has to tackle the issue at a different position. If fewer conflicts occur, less ordnance is required, thus resulting in the demand for ordnance decreasing. The arms industry will be forced to search for new economic solutions to sustain their business. This option would indirectly decrease the production of ordnance.

Of course there is also the alternative of directly setting regulations for ordnance companies and the whole arms industry. In this case, however, the member states have to find economic future solutions for the companies. Many member states will not be interested in limiting arms sales. The top five arms exporters are the Unites States (1^st), Russia (2^nd), Germany (3^rd), France (4^th) and the United Kingdom (5^th). Four of the five nations are P5 members and all of them are seated in the Security Council. Finding a consensus between the Members States of the United Nations is not only a hard task, but also an essential one to ensure the progressive disarmament for the future.

 

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"Thales Group." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 01 May 2011. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales_Group

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Dear delegates,

I am Anna and I have the honor to chair the Disarmament Committee at this year’s BALMUN Conference 2011. This will be my 8^th MUN conference and my third experience as a chair.

I am a 12^thgrader at the Primo-Levi-Oberschule in Berlin and joined our MUN program in the fall of 2008 and ever since then I’ve attended a lot of conference, helped organize our very own MUN and had tons of fun in debate and outside of the committees. In my opinion MUNs don’t always have to be extremely serious. To find a good balance between fun and being productive is the key to a fruitful committee and I really hope we can achieve this in the DC.

I am looking forward to meeting you all in May!

Anna Glenn