States and organizations recognize the centrality of international assistance to help states prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW). However, addressing SALW remains a serious challenge for many states. States and organizations have yet to tackle important questions about the practices of delivering, evaluating and measuring SALW assistance. This report explores these questions and highlights areas where further work remains to be done. Looking partly through an aid-effectiveness lens, this report aims to help the international community work toward ensuring that assistance is being used optimally and that states are measurably benefiting.