The Resolution 1540 of the UN Security Council defines non-state actors as individuals or entities not acting under the lawful authority of any state. The acquisition of arms and their illicit trafficking by non-state actors is a growing threat to international peace and security.

 

 

Non-state actors get their weapons from several sources: theft from government stockpiles, capture from the enemy, black markets, etc. Thus, identifying the sources of arms and preventing their acquisition by these bodies poses a great challenge for the international peace and harmony. While the international community has taken certain measures such as Resolution 1540 among others, to combat this problem, the urgency of the threat posed by non-state actors has led to ad hoc responses by countries seeking short term and immediate solutions, further aggravating the threat.  

 

 

Disarmament and arms control measures can make a significant contribution in the global fight against terrorism by reducing the risk of non state actors gaining access to weapons. The acquisition of arms by non-state actors poses a serious threat to states, people and institutions. The relationship between states and non-state actors, and the possession of by civilians are other dimensions of this problem that require attention. Thus, meeting this challenge must be a central element in the fight towards eliminating global terrorism.