Practical tools

Using practical, accessible tools to drive real-world change.

UNIDIR provides a suite of research-driven practical tools that tackle a wide range of real-world problems.

We provide a specialized hub focusing on gender equality in disarmament and the gendered impacts of weapons, as well as another on the evolution of the Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free-Zone initiative.

A range of handbooks and toolkits enable work towards minimizing the effects of using explosive weapons in populated areas, curbing trafficking and use of illicit arms, and mitigating the impact of weapons on conflict prevention efforts. Across Africa, Latin America and Asia, some 25 countries have applied our tools for countering IEDs and improving weapons and ammunition management.

And out in space, our Lexicon for Outer Space Security provides a bedrock of common understanding for policymakers and other stakeholders as they work towards a peaceful future in this vital domain.

Middle East WMD-Free Zone Compass

An online tool for mapping and tracking statements made by states of the region and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Weapons States on the Middle East WMD-Free Zone.

A Lexicon for Outer Space Security

This is a document that aims to serve as a global reference point for terminological issues related to space security.

Middle East WMD-Free Zone Timeline

This interactive tool follows the evolution of the Zone through key events in over 60 years of diplomatic efforts. It is a living document, with new milestones and their corresponding documents added as the process evolves.

Middle East WMD-Free Zone Document Depository

The Depository collects and organizes the main documents related to the evolution of the Zone. It includes annual resolutions and national statements on the Zone process originating from states that will make up the ME WMDFZ, the depositories states/co-conveners, and International Organizations or forums named in any relevant resolutions.

Counter-IED Capability Maturity Model and Self-Assessment Tool

The Counter-IED Capability Maturity Model and Self-Assessment Tool is a voluntary self-assessment tool to assist States in identifying gaps and challenges in their national regulation and preparedness regarding improvised explosive devices.

Reference Methodology for National Weapons and Ammunition Management Baseline Assessments

This reference methodology is a practical tool to guide interested parties on how to implement a strategic Weapons and Ammunition baseline assessment at the national level.

National Survey of Implementation of UN Recommendations on Responsible Use of ICTs

The National Cyber Survey collates national take-up of the recommendations from the 2015 GGE report to assist assessment of their further development and implementation. It serves as a baseline assessment tool, allows Member States to track their progress over time, and supports transparency, information sharing, and confidence-building.

Handbook to Profile Small Arms and Ammunition in Armed Violence Settings

This Handbook offers a step-by-step how-to guide for ammunition profiling by generating an overview of the small arms ammunition that have been diverted, trafficked, and/or misused in particular urban environments. It can help inform policies aimed at curbing the unauthorized trade and/or use of Small Arms and Ammunition in urban environments.

Indicators of Reverberating Effects of Using Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas

These standardized sets of indicators shed light on the generalized pattern of harm to civilian life from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA) in areas such as economic activity, environmental degradation, and food and water resources.

Arms-Related Risk Analysis Toolkit

The Arms-Related Risk Analysis Toolkit is designed to include conventional arms and ammunition-related risks in conflict analysis and conflict prevention, management, and resolution efforts.

Research Compendium on How the Arms Trade Treaty Affects Risks of Diversion

This research compendium presents key recommendations, resources and tools, aimed at tackling diversion risks associated with poorly regulated arms transfers at the national, regional and multilateral levels, and at informing the development of good policies and practices within the framework of the ATT and other relevant instruments.