Opening of the Ministerial Conference on Illicit Proliferation, Circulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Africa

"We must recognize that the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in Africa has also contributed to the development of a culture of violence, to massive violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, the aggravation of the plight of refugees and displaced persons besides causing millions of deaths and injuries among civilian populations." - Dr. Salim, November 30, 2000