The 2001 Programme of Action on Small Arms (PoA) provides a global framework for action to prevent and address the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in all its aspects, thereby reducing armed violence. Through the PoA, UN Member States have committed to implement control measures to prevent the illicit manufacture of SALW. This also includes illicit and unlicensed craft production.
Craft-produced SALW have been increasingly used in episodes of armed violence terrorism, and criminality across all regions of the world, posing significant challenges for regulation, detection, and control. Despite representing a global issue, dialogue, approaches and measures to address craft production have often remained siloed. This side event during the preparatory committee meeting for the 4th Review Conference for the PoA (PoA RevCon4) provides a first opportunity to begin sharing information on this phenomenon, introducing regional differences in the proliferation and impact of craft-produced small arms, as well as common challenges and approaches for controlling/regulating craft production. This side event provides an informal opportunity to discuss France’s “Non-paper on artisanal production of small arms and light weapons”.
AGENDA
Opening remarks and introduction of the “Non-paper on artisanal production of small arms and light weapons”:
- Ambassador Olivier Caron
An overview of craft and artisanal production of small arms and light weapons:
- Emile Le Brun, Small Arms Survey
Craft-produced parts and components:
- Maxime de Taisne, Conflict Armament Research
National approach(es) for addressing craft and artisanal production of small arms and light weapons:
- Linda Kesse Antwi, Permanent Mission of Ghana to the UN (Craft production of small arms and light weapons in Ghana)
- Roberto Szatmari, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the UN in NY
The event will be moderated by Dr Paul Holtom, Head of the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR.
* Other speakers will be added once confirmed
WHEN & WHERE
13 February 2024 | 13.15 – 14.45 EST | Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in New York
RSVP
To register, click here.
Registrations to this event will be closing at 10:00 AM EST due to limited room capacity.
PARTICIPANTS
UNIDIR encourages the participation of representatives and experts of States, regional organizations, NGOs and academics registered to attend the preparatory committee meeting of the PoA RevCon4.
Please kindly note that only participants who registered through the link will be provided access to the venue.