Trinidad and Tobago is situated in a region that continues to experience the ...

Trinidad and Tobago is situated in a region that continues to experience the scourge caused by the diversion of small arms and light weapons from legal markets to the illicit trade, which has led to an increase in criminal activity in the Caribbean Community. It should be noted that women and girls are disproportionately affected by that illicit trade. In addition, women and girls also experience economic and psychological burdens, abuse and sexual exploitation, which are sometimes linked to other crimes associated with the illegal arms trade.

Trinidad and Tobago hailed the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which it has signed and ratified, and would welcome its early entry into force. We submit that the ATT represents a significant achievement in the global fight to eliminate the diversion of conventional arms to the illicit market, and could contribute to a reduction if not an end to untold human suffering, particularly to women and girls, as a result of this pernicious arms trade.