Al Gaddafi | Banning of machine guns

21.11.2007 - The global community remains deeply concerned about weapons of mass destruction (WMD), yet it has largely failed to take effective action against them. These weapons continue to perpetuate a nightmare for humanity. Some argue that the solution lies in deterrence through the possession of equally destructive weapons, a doctrine that has only fueled the proliferation of WMD and has effectively doubled the threat they pose.

An alternative approach advocates for breaking this destructive cycle, emphasizing adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty aims to mitigate the dangers posed by WMD and encourages those who possess such weapons to honor humanity's deep desire for peace.

The flawed Ottawa Convention, meanwhile, has overlooked the threats posed by offensive nuclear weapons and missiles, instead focusing solely on the seemingly less dangerous issue of landmines.

While I support the use of conventional weapons for self-defense, I firmly oppose all types of offensive weapons, particularly WMD. Additionally, I propose a ban on a category of conventional weapons that can serve both defensive and offensive purposes: machine guns.

There have been calls to ban these weapons since their inception, given the unprecedented threat they pose to humanity. Among conventional weapons, machine guns stand out as particularly dangerous and should be eliminated for both humane and humanitarian reasons. Although they may appear less destructive than missiles or artillery, their lethal capacity has evolved over time, leading to excessive mass killings.

It is imperative that we prioritize wisdom, concern for humanity, and humanitarian principles in our collective efforts to eliminate machine guns.