Minister, distinguished guests,

It is an honour to be with you here, Mr. Secretary, on an occasion where we will be making a commitment to peace and stability in southern Africa.

It seems appropriate that this event is taking place in the Kutlwanong Democracy Centre, in the IDASA House. IDASA was founded in order to challenge an oppressive state, to support the struggle to bring democracy to South Africa. I am proud to say that Norway has been with you from the very beginning, and continues to be one of your partners in the new South Africa. We are also proud that this house, which was inaugurated three years ago by the Norwegian ambassador, has become a centre for activities in the field of human rights, freedom of speech, justice and democracy. The fact that the amnesty hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission take place in this house illustrates how important IDASA’s role has been in supporting and facilitating the transformation process in this country.

One of the greatest threats to peace and stability, and indeed, one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time, is the uncontrolled proliferation, transfer and use of small arms.

The widespread use of small arms is a threat to human security in many countries, both in South Africa and elsewhere. During this decade alone, an estimated 6 million people have been killed in conflict or post-conflict zones around the world, and most of them are the victims of the use of small arms. The uncontrolled use of these weapons has led to widespread atrocities and violations of human rights. And an increasing number of the casualties are civilians. Indeed, up to 90 per cent of the casualties in today’s conflicts are civilians. The weakest, the women and children, are the hardest hit. Furthermore, the uncontrolled spread of small arms in some conflict-areas have led to widespread recruiting of child soldiers. The use and abuse of child soldiers is one of the ugliest aspects of the issue we are addressing here today.

Armed conflict is a major obstacle to development. The widespread distribution of small arms makes it too easy to resolve conflicts by violence. It also makes it more difficult to resolve existing conflicts. Without peace and stability, development is difficult. Without development it is often impossible to solve the problems that lead to violence.

This vicious circle must be broken.

Life is the ultimate value. The first duty of any politician - and indeed of any human being – is to protect and nourish human lives. This is the guiding principle of Norway’s development cooperation. To foster human development is to foster peace, and as such a moral obligation.

South Africa plays a leading role in the international efforts to control and reduce the proliferation of small arms. We are therefore proud to be giving financial support to the South African Government for Operation Mouflon, which is expected to destroy approximately 263 000 surplus small arms.

We congratulate the South African Government on its decision to destroy these weapons so that they will never find their way into conflict again.

With these words, let us now proceed to the signing of these documents.