PSC/PR/COMM.(DLXXXIV) COMMUNIQUÉ The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 584th meeting held on 29 March 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, adopted the following decision on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation: Council, 1. Takes note of the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on Arms Control, Disarmament and Nonproliferation, as well as the introductory briefing provided by the Commission; 2. Recalls its press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXX) on “Silencing the Guns: Pre-requisites for Realizing a Conflict-Free Africa by the Year 2020”, adopted at its 430th meeting held on 24 April 2014 and reaffirms its commitment to make full use of the powers entrusted to it, under Article 7, paragraph 1(n), of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council and to promote and encourage the implementation of regional and international instruments on disarmament and non-proliferation; 3. Expresses its deep concern over the illicit proliferation, circulation and trafficking of conventional weapons, particularly small arms and light weapons (SALW), which continue to pose a serious threat to continental security, fuel armed conflict, cause significant loss of life and serious violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law, undermine conflict prevention, management and resolution efforts, and hinders post-conflict reconstruction and development; 4. Further expresses its deep concern over the continued irresponsible international trade in conventional weapons and the excessive accumulation thereof. In this regard, Council calls on Member States and the international community to become party to the Arms Trade Treaty and institute effective transfer controls in line with its provisions; 5. Notes with concern that poorly secured and managed Government arms and ammunition stockpiles remain a main source of armaments for non-state armed groups, terrorist groups and criminals, and in this regard, urges Member States to implement effective and sustainable physical security and stockpile management on all Government stockpiles in line with international standards and best practices; 6. Reaffirms its intention to undertake all steps necessary to prevent the illicit transfers and sales of arms and ammunition, including small arms and light weapons, to non-state armed groups, terrorist groups and criminals. In this regard, Council requests the Commission to work in close collaboration with Member States, the United Nations, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution