Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR)

Small Arms and Light Weapons

 Printable version

How can small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation be controlled and thus their usage reduced when they are so easily produced, concealed and transferred? This study by the International Peace Institute (IPI) analyses why actions must be taken and what these actions should be in order to reduce SALW proliferation and usage. It argues that a more strategic response from multilateral organisations and a norm-setting practical approach are necessary.

In 2001, the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in all its Aspects (PoA) was established. It set a broad framework developed on a set of norms aimed at stricter licensing and transparency systems at the multilateral, regional and national levels. The 2001 conference was followed by a review conference in 2006 and numerous Biennial Meetings of States (BMSs). However, strong concerns were expressed as to its overall effect on controlling SALW. Furthermore, states differ in opinion as to which aspects of SALW to tackle and how to address them. This renders SALW control more difficult as methods for agreement implementation vary between states depending on how far they are prepared to give up their sovereignty and allow monitoring within their national boundaries.

This paper outlines the challenges of controlling SALW and why action should be taken. The reasons highlighted for taking action include:

• The easy accessibility and relatively cheap prices of SALW.
• The links of SALW proliferation with conflict, terrorism and crime, as well as hindrance to peace, security, development and the protection of human rights.
• The element of illegality of SALW and its effect on effective SALW control.
• The socioeconomic costs of SALW proliferation such as medical costs, non-medical costs and the loss of productivity and private investment.
• Lack of widespread political support on how to tackle SALW control and the threat that results from their use.

The paper concludes by emphasising the need for a widely accepted strategic approach and framework across all multilateral organisations. In order to respond to the lack of a focused and globally supported approach to SALW control, six actions should be implemented:

1. Establish a framework allowing the UN to empower others; all actors must be involved in the process but the UN should be used effectively as a platform to support states with their SALW control.
2. Identify goals and try to achieve them; states and civil society should develop a consensus on a macro-level goal with links to human rights and development.
3. Improve coherence among existing mechanisms; existing resources and parts of the UN system working on SALW control must cooperate and share information.
4. Promote transparency in SALW control discussions; by ensuring reporting of SALW transport through the UN Register of Conventional Arms and promoting the inclusion of private actors in the discussion.
5. Use the “bully pulpit”; the High Representative on Disarmament Affairs should be given a stronger role in monitoring and promoting transparency, as well as building political support for SALW control.
6. Create an improved evidence base; resources and funds should be directed to research and developing policies for SALW control.

Access full text