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January 29, 2002

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (the Philippines) and the Government of Canada (Canada) are both convinced of the need for a global commitment to a comprehensive approach to promote, at the global, regional, subregional, national and local levels, the prevention, reduction and eradication of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects as a contribution to international peace and security.  Our countries are also seriously concerned about its devastating consequences on children, many of whom are victims of armed conflict or are forced to become child soldiers, as well as the negative impact on women and the elderly.

The Philippines and Canada, gravely concerned about the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons and their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread, which have a wide range of humanitarian and socio-economic consequences and pose a serious threat to peace, reconciliation, safety, security, stability and sustainable development, have considered hosting a seminar on the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, in the Philippines, in April 2002.

Recognizing the important contribution of civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry in, inter alia, assisting Governments to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, officials from Southeast Asia, other interested countries and NGOs will be invited to actively participate in this seminar in order to help promote awareness and implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action in the Philippines and in the Southeast Asia region.

Done in Ottawa in two copies, this 29^th day of January 2002, in the English and French language, each version being equally valid.