The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the growing global threat from illicit firearms, with over one billion illegal weapons now in circulation worldwide. According to a recent report, these weapons are becoming increasingly sophisticated through digital manufacturing and arms embargo violations.

Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for UN Disarmament Affairs, presented the alarming findings to the Security Council, stating that the continued proliferation of illicit firearms is both a symptom and a driver of the multiple crises facing the world. The widespread availability of these weapons underscores the urgent need to address the far-reaching consequences of illicit small arms and light weapons.

The UN report highlights emerging security threats, including a rise in illicitly manufactured and craft-produced guns, with 3D-printed firearms becoming increasingly available in illicit markets, particularly in Western Europe and Latin America. Poorly manned borders and illicit digital activities are facilitating arms trafficking, with persistent violations of arms embargoes in conflict zones like Libya, Yemen, and Haiti, where diverted weapons are arming criminal groups and terrorist networks.

The report’s findings have prompted calls for a coordinated international response to combat the illicit arms trade. INTERPOL representative Roraima Ana Andriani joined UN officials in emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation, stating that diplomatic leadership in the multilateral arena is essential to translate political will into concrete cooperation among countries.

The warnings come as global security experts seek to align diplomatic and operational dimensions of security to combat the illicit arms trade, which has become a fundamental enabler of terrorism, organized crime, and regional instability worldwide. The UN’s concerns are not new, as the international community has long grappled with the issue of illicit firearms. However, the report’s findings highlight the need for renewed efforts to address the root causes of the problem and to develop effective strategies to prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons.

The international community is urged to take collective action to address the growing threat of illicit firearms, including strengthening border controls, improving international cooperation, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities. By working together, countries can help to reduce the flow of illicit weapons and mitigate the devastating impact of the illicit arms trade on communities around the world.