In response, the Fourth Review Conference of the PoA in 2024 established an Open-Ended Technical Expert Group (OETEG). This report aims to introduce national representatives to the four primary issues under the OETEG’s mandate:

1. Polymer frames and receivers
2. Modular SALW
3. 3D printing of SALW
4. Technology to counter diversion of SALW

The report also summarizes the current state of knowledge, building on a series of webinars convened between October 2025 and February 2026, background research, and interviews with experts from international organizations, governments, academia, civil society and industry.

It explains each of the four issues, detailing the challenges they pose, outlining approaches to addressing them and highlighting key considerations for the OETEG.

The post Technological Developments in Small Arms: Implications for International Arms Control Instruments first appeared on UNIDIR.

Drawing on data from 13 RECSA Member States, the study establishes 2005 and 2025 baselines across 16 thematic areas. The review finds clear progress in the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol. Member States have reinforced national legislation and established transfer control systems, while improving stockpile management, weapons marking and record-keeping. Controls over civilian possession and commercial actors have also expanded, alongside growing institutional and enforcement capacity. Yet implementation remains uneven, with persistent weaknesses in legislation, cross-border cooperation, civilian licensing, border control, tracing, record-keeping, and the collection and destruction of illicit and surplus SALW.

The report recommends that RECSA Member States undertake a review of the Nairobi Protocol to strengthen existing provisions, align it with global and African frameworks, and address new and emerging threats. By identifying effective practices and common challenges, this scorecard provides an analytical foundation for amending the Nairobi Protocol, revising its Best Practice Guidelines and developing a five-year action plan, which will in turn equip States with updated guidance for effective SALW control.

Citation: Ruben Nicolin, Lillian Wamuyu, Benjamin Agage and Paul Holtom. The Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons at 20: A Regional Implementation Scorecard. Geneva, Nairobi: UNIDIR, RECSA, 2026. https://doi.org/10.37559/CAAP/26/ASC/03.

The post The Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons at 20: A Regional Implementation Scorecard first appeared on UNIDIR.

In response, the UN General Assembly adopted the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management in December 2023 – the first international instrument dedicated to conventional ammunition, which complements the existing normative framework for conventional arms including small arms and light weapons control and management. Member States have committed to 15 objectives aimed at promoting safe, secure and sustainable through-life conventional ammunition management at all levels.

To support implementation of this Framework, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, the Ammunition Management Advisory Team of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD-AMAT), and Conflict Armament Research (CAR) have jointly developed this voluntary guide. The guide is intended to assist stakeholders in turning the Framework’s objectives into practical, context-specific actions. It unpacks the 15 objectives, elaborates on common and additional enabling measures, and provides examples, existing good practices and case studies to inspire effective implementation of the commitments.

Support from UNIDIR’s core funders provides the foundation for all of the Institute’s activities. This joint project and the guide were made possible through financial support received by the European Union, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Citation: UNIDIR, UNODA, CAR, GICHD-AMAT. “Implementing the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management A Voluntary Guide”, Geneva, 2025.

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With this in mind, the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and UNIDIR decided to organize the Monrovia Workshop to Support Universalization and Effective Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty to provide the first pan-African platform to take stock of and share information on how African states have overcome challenges to becoming states parties to the ATT and in implementing the treaty’s provisions. With sponsorship from the ATT Voluntary Trust Fund, LiNCA and UNIDIR convened the four-day Monrovia Workshop on 18–21 March 2024. The workshop brought together  representatives from the national governments of 19 African states, as well as representatives from the ATT Secretariat, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Regional Centre on Small Arms and the Southern African Development Community.

This report summarizes the key findings from the pre-workshop questionnaire and the exchanges that took place during the workshop. It provides effective measures and lessons learned from the workshop that can be useful for ATT states parties, signatories and other stakeholders in Africa, as well as other regions.

The post Universalization and Effective Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty in Africa Lessons learned from the 2024 Monrovia Workshop first appeared on UNIDIR.

Les réponses à cette montée de la violence armée et de l’extrémisme violent en Afrique de l’Ouest sont restées avant tout d’ordre militaire et sécuritaire. Elles sont ainsi devenues acceptées comme principal mode de gestion (non pacifique) des conflits, au détriment d’autres voies. Dans ce contexte, la question de la place des armes conventionnelles et de leurs munitions semble ne pas avoir été suffisamment considérée jusqu’à présent. Le lien entre la disponibilité et la prolifération des armes et de leurs munitions d’une part et la violence des groupes extrémistes violents d’autre part est aisément démontré. Ce lien est-il alors effectivement pris en compte dans les efforts pour prévenir durablement la prolifération de ces armes et l’extrémisme violent ?

La Division Paix et droits de l’homme du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) de la Suisse, l’Institut des Nations Unies pour la recherche sur le désarmement (UNIDIR) et le Centre régional des Nations Unies pour la paix et le désarmement en Afrique (UNREC) ont organisé le « Séminaire régional sur la prévention de l’extrémisme violent et la gestion des armes conventionnelles en Afrique de l’Ouest », qui a eu lieu du 5 au7 décembre 2023 à Lomé, au Togo. Son objectif principal était de renforcer la contribution de la gestion des armes et munitions conventionnelles (GAM) aux efforts de prévention de l’extrémisme violent (PEV) et – réciproquement – en Afrique de l’Ouest et, ainsi, de stimuler une approche conjointe et durable entre ces domaines. Le présent rapport synthétise les points clés des discussions tenues pendant le séminaire.

The post Séminaire régional sur la prévention de l’extrémisme violent et la gestion des armes conventionnelles en Afrique de l’Ouest: rapport de synthèse first appeared on UNIDIR.

This summary report presents some of the workshop’s key discussion points and issues for consideration during the ATT CSP10 cycle of meetings. It is anticipated that this document can support the preparation of a working paper by the CSP10 Presidency that contains recommendations for concrete action to support effective implementation and universalization of the ATT.

This report provides some background information on the role of interagency cooperation in effective ATT implementation, based on a review of material shared by States. It highlights some of the common challenges for establishing and maintaining interagency cooperation, as well as lessons learned and key principles to support effective treaty implementation. Workshop participants shared concrete recommendations for consideration in the Working Groups on Effective Treaty Implementation, Transparency and Reporting, and Treaty Universalization, as well proposals to enable the sharing of effective practices to overcome challenges for establishing and maintaining interagency cooperation.

The post The Role of Interagency Cooperation in the Effective Implementation of Arms Trade Treaty Provisions: Brainstorming Workshop Summary first appeared on UNIDIR.

Between May and September 2023, UNODA and UNIDIR co-organized a series of expert seminars to bring a diverse group of experts from Member States, United Nations entities, regional and international organizations, specialized non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector together to discuss critical issues in SALW control.

These discussions, which covered new technologies, national ownership, international cooperation and assistance, and the linkages between SALW and sustainable development, identified actionable steps that States could consider at RevCon4 to advance PoA/ITI implementation.

This report outlines the key findings and recommendations with the aim to help States and other stakeholders to better prepare for RevCon4.

The post Inputs for Action on Small Arms: Conclusions and Recommendations from the Thematic Expert Seminars first appeared on UNIDIR.

• Disarmament, economic growth, and inequalities;
• Disarmament for sustainable cities;
• Innovative disarmament efforts in light of the 21st century’s environmental challenges;
• Gender mainstreaming for sustainable disarmament and development.

The number of submissions received and the diversity of participants sharing their perspectives and insights speak to the success of this year’s Global Youth Disarmament Essay competition, with 121 essays from participants of 38 different nationalities. This publication presents the top five essays, as selected by a panel of international experts and UNIDIR staff. It showcases the next generation’s views on disarmament, security, and development at the local, national, regional, and global levels.

Citation: Various authors (2022) “Disarmament, Security and Development Nexus: Compendium of UNIDIR Annual Youth Disarmament Essay Competition’s Best Essays”, UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland.

The post Disarmament, Security and Development Nexus: Compendium of UNIDIR Annual Youth Disarmament Essay Competition’s Best Essays first appeared on UNIDIR.

This FAQ presents brief descriptions of key terms and offers an overview of work done by the Programme to unpack and understand the “reverberating effects” from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

TRANSLATIONS

Español: Preguntas frecuentes sobre el uso de armas explosivas en zonas pobladas

Français: FAQ sur l’Utilisation des Armes Explosives dans les Zones Peuplées

Português: Perguntas frequentes sobre o uso de armas explosivas em áreas povoadas

Citation: Alfredo Malaret Baldo, Theò Bajon (2022) “FAQ on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas”, UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.37559/CAAP/22/PACAV/04

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This document is designed to assist States in the development of coherent national responses to the threat posed by IEDs. This document is structured in three broad parts: the first (sections 1-4) provides a brief introduction and sets the context of the problem. The second (section 5) provides the rationale for applying a capability maturity model (CMM) and describes the C-IED CMM. The third (section 6) describes the Self-Assessment Tool, which is based on the C-IED CMM.

Components of counter-IED capability are divided into two categories: upstream components, which are focused on those activities aimed at deterring or preventing IED events from taking place, and downstream components, which are associated with responding to a particular IED event or mitigating an IED event should it occur.

The general premise of the model is that the greater the maturity and effectiveness of upstream measures, the fewer downstream measures are required to counter the use of IEDs.

To access the Data Visualization Tool, click here:

• English
• Français
• Español

Citation: Bob Seddon and Alfredo Malaret Baldo (2020) “Counter-IED Capability Maturity Model and Self-Assessment Tool”, UNIDIR, Geneva. https://doi.org/10.37559/CAAP/20/ASC/04

INTERACTIVE USAGE MAP FOR THE C-IED CMM AND SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL:

Watch an expert panel discuss the applications of the Counter-IED tool:

Sponsor Organizations: France

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Introduced on the sidelines of the APMBC Intersessional Meetings in Geneva, the initiative “Working towards a mine-free Africa: Building African capacity to remove threats posed by anti-personnel landmines to peace, security and development” comes at a critical time.

Since 1997, the APMBC has achieved significant progress – facilitating widespread mine clearance and reducing human costs of weapons. Yet, challenges persist. Thirty-three States Parties have outstanding Article 5 (mine clearance) obligations. Sixteen of these are from Africa, and many face constraints in securing domestic resources and international cooperation including assistance.

These challenges have been compounded by broader pressures on arms control and humanitarian disarmament instruments, which in turn underscores the importance of the effective implementation by all States Parties of the APMBC and its universalization.

Strengthening capacity and accelerating progress towards completion

As part of this initiative, a dedicated project aims to support five of the African States that are receiving low levels of international cooperation and assistance to fulfill their APMBC Article 5 obligations. It has two, interconnected objectives:

• First, to build national capacity in up to five African States to fulfil their APMBC Article 5 obligations related to mine clearance and land release; and
• Second, to promote and support the exchange of knowledge and experience on building African national capacity to implement APMBC obligations.

It will focus on African States Parties that have existing extensions granted by the Meeting of States Parties, established national action plans, and comparatively small or medium levels of contamination. These include Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe. The diversity and uniqueness of each context can help generate knowledge and understanding of how targeted support can be adapted to different country settings.

In addition to strengthening national capacities, the initiative will help ensure that the knowledge and experiences generated are socialized among key stakeholders. This includes other APMBC States Parties, African Union (AU) and UN Member States, other regional organizations such as the AU, regional economic communities, expert non-governmental organizations, and the public at large.

Ultimately, this will benefit communities and individuals – including women, men, girls and boys – who continue to suffer from the negative, age-differentiated and gendered impacts of anti-personnel landmines on the African continent, and elsewhere.

The project is implemented by UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, in cooperation with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and in close coordination with the APMBC Implementation Support Unit (ISU), other stakeholders and partners.

Speaking at the launch event, and joined by all partners and the APMBC Zambia presidency, the EU highlighted its commitment to humanitarian disarmament and its concrete support for the initiative:

The EU Council has committed 3 million EUR under the Common Foreign and Security Policy budget to support five African States close to completion in fulfilling their Article 5 obligations through a 36-month project, implemented by UNIDIR in partnership with MAG.

Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso, Deputy Head, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

The EU further emphasized the initiative’s alignment with its broader strategic priorities on peace, security and sustainable development, as outlined in its Global Strategy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

An inclusive, cooperative and partnership-driven approach

Central to the initiative is a strong emphasis on national ownership, cooperation and coordination across stakeholders to translate political commitments into practical, on the ground impact.

As President of the convention and as an African State, Zambia is honoured to have been part of the launch of this project that will accelerate progress toward a mine-free future.

Mulima Lisimba, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

Zambia further stressed that humanitarian disarmament including mine action is not only a technical undertaking, but a humanitarian imperative, adding that “behind every clearance target and compliance deadline are communities seeking safety, dignity and the opportunity to live free from the threat of landmines.”

Juan Carlos Ruan, Director of the APMBC Implementation Support Unit, also highlighted the initiative’s contribution to strengthening the overall functioning of the convention. This includes cooperation between States Parties in meeting legal obligations related to Article 5 and commitments. It also means generating lessons that can inform broader discussions to strengthen cooperation and assistance, as well as progress of the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan (2025–2029).

Delivering practical results and shared knowledge

The project combines research, analytical and knowledge-exchange with operational components. Key core activities will include:

• joint initial review meetings with national authorities,
• joint piloting and use of a prioritization tool, and
• upon request support in the preparation of annual reports.

Key optional and context-specific activities may include:

• surveys;
• clearance operations; and
• institutional and operational capacity-building provided by MAG (such as for example in information management, national standards, explosive ordnance risk education and community liaison).

At the same time, UNIDIR and its partners will document lessons and facilitate exchanges among African States Parties and the wider international community. This includes:

• a knowledge-exchange workshop and report,
• development of a prioritization tool,
• publication of country-specific factsheets and analytical outputs,
• co-hosting and organization of events in the margins of regional and international forum both in multilateral Geneva and in African countries.

Over the next three years, activities will focus on delivering concrete clearance outcomes, strengthening national systems, and generating actionable knowledge for the community of policy and practice. Partners also intend to engage regularly with European and African States Parties, regional organizations, and international stakeholders to share progress and findings, including through side events at future APMBC meetings, the conference of states parties, and regional outreach in Africa. Thus, the beneficiaries will not only be the five States, but also other APMBC States Parties, and the international community at large.

Looking ahead

During the initial phase, UNIDIR and MAG will hold joint review meetings with national authorities of the five States. The aim is to support States Parties in identifying, further prioritizing and sequencing assistance to fulfil Article 5 obligations. This should help move from broad expressions of needs towards structured, prioritized and nationally owned plans that can also inform individualized approaches, international assistance requests, and future cooperation.

The initiative aims to enable States and the continent to take ownership in fulfilling Article 5 obligations and commit to shared responsibilities in working towards a mine-free Africa.

Other States in Africa and beyond face significant Article 5 challenges and require sustained international cooperation and assistance. This initiative and dedicated project is therefore a first, targeted, and focused contribution. It may become a vehicle and has the potential to generate further interest, support and resources to achieve mine-free objectives. Additional resources allowed expanding the geographical scope of the project or the type and depth of support that could be provided.

By working together, governments, regional organizations, implementing partners, donors, and affected communities, can make significant progress.

Mulima Lisimba, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

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The two-day training brought together 30 national officials from Angola’s ministries of defence, finance, human rights, and interior, as well as representatives of the armed forces, national police and customs authorities. It sought to improve reporting to the following international arms control instruments:

• the United Nations Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA);
• the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) and its International Tracing Instrument (ITI); and
• the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA).

During this workshop, it is expected that experiences, best practices, and technical knowledge will be shared to help improve the quality of national reports (…) [Reporting] serves as a diagnostic tool for assessing the current overall situation and for adjusting and enriching ongoing measures.

H.E. Marcos Correia, Secretary of State for the Protection of Strategic Objectives of the Ministry of Defence

Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, noted that by helping States and other stakeholders to fulfil their commitments and obligations under conventional arms and ammunition control instruments: “We can help to build confidence and trust between States, reduce tensions around arms, and foster peace, security, stability and sustainable development.“

From capacity-building to concrete progress

The workshop focused on the practical steps required for Angola to prepare its national reports. Experts examined the types of data and information to be reported under each instrument, identified which national institutions hold relevant information, and considered how stronger inter-agency coordination can support reporting processes.

Participants developed first drafts of guidance for national reporting procedures and kick-started the process of developing Angola’s national reports for the GFA, PoA/ITI and UNROCA. Experts also discussed implementation gaps and identified national priorities for international cooperation and assistance.

ANCAD timed the workshop to support Angola’s broader arms control efforts, as highlighted by H.E. Marcos Correia:

This initiative, carried out in strategic partnership with UNIDIR, forms part of the sector’s Biennial Action Plan for the Implementation of Arms Control Instruments, aimed above all at strengthening the national system for controlling arms of all types and categories by enhancing the capacity of relevant institutions, adapting existing legislation, and training personnel, based on international standards, recommendations, and best practices.

The workshop enhanced Angola’s engagement with international obligations and processes; supported a systematic stocktaking of national progress and challenges; and provided additional momentum to strengthen its legal framework through the development of a new Law on the Control of Conventional Arms and Ammunition and Related Materials.

Looking ahead

UNIDIR and Angola will continue to explore opportunities for cooperation to strengthen national arms and ammunition control. As Dr Holtom noted:

We hope that this capacity-building workshop is the first of many opportunities to work together to counter the threats posed by unregulated and illicit weapons to communities and the State of Angola.

The workshop forms part of UNIDIR’s broader efforts to support States in building sustainable, nationally owned capacities for effective reporting. Through its Conventional Weapons Programme, UNIDIR provides tailored advice and capacity-building to help States fulfil their commitments under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control.

The post UNIDIR and Angola strengthen arms transparency and control first appeared on UNIDIR.

This marked the first time UNIDIR was invited to present its work as a cooperation partner of SOMTC-Cambodia during the open session of the Working Group on Arms Smuggling. The Institute delivered the presentation to delegations from ASEAN Member States and representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat.

UNIDIR highlighted two areas for potential cooperation:

1. It presented outcomes from the capacity-building on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control, held in Phnom Penh.
2. It highlighted policy-relevant research on emerging production methods and knowledge transfers related to improvised weapons, including collaborations with organizations and experts in Southeast Asia.

This event was a landmark for deepening cooperation between UNIDIR and its partners across the region, particularly with Cambodia as the SOMTC voluntary lead shepherd for the arms smuggling priority area. UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme reiterated its commitment to supporting the efforts of SOMTC-Cambodia and the SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling to curb the illicit smuggling of firearms and its ammunition.

ASEAN’s approach to preventing arms smuggling

The ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling was adopted on 21 August 2023 in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The declaration recognizes the pervasive threats of arms smuggling in Southeast Asia and the challenges in preventing and curbing cross-border illicit trade and smuggling of firearms and its ammunition.

The ASEAN SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling meets annually and serves as a dedicated platform for Member States to exchange views on challenges, share best practices, and identify practical solutions related to arms smuggling. The Working Group plays a central role in supporting the implementation of the declaration. It is also a forum for ASEAN Member States and invited dialogue partners to seize opportunities for collaboration on capacity-building, training and information-sharing to enhance regional responses to arms smuggling.

The post Advancing cooperation against arms smuggling in Southeast Asia first appeared on UNIDIR.

The workshop was designed to increase the awareness among national authorities on international conventional weapons instruments, strengthen their capacity to fulfill reporting commitments under them, and identify priority areas for enhanced international cooperation and assistance. It brought together some 40 government officials from Cambodia’s capital and border provinces involved in conventional arms and ammunition control and counter-trafficking efforts.

The workshop opened with a high-level address from H.E. Police General Por Phak, Secretary of State and Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Cambodia Leader at the Ministry of Interior. He emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening national control systems and adapting to evolving global standards:

This [event] reflects our determination to fulfill our obligation and strengthen [our] national control system. At the same time, we are taking steps to align [with] emerging framework[s], including the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management, which require enhanced technical capacity and coordination. This workshop provides a timely opportunity to advance these efforts.

H.E. Pol. Gen. Por Phak, Secretary of State and SOMTC-Cambodia Leader, Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Cambodia

Strengthening national reporting processes

The training focused on the institutionalization of effective inter-agency cooperation to collect and share the information needed for national reports on:

• The implementation of the UN Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI)
• The implementation of the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA)
• International arms transfers for the UN Register on Conventional Weapons

UNIDIR experts Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Programme, and Joshua Angelo Bata, Associate Researcher, both with UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, delivered presentations and facilitated group exercises. A highlight of the training was the process of drafting a “national procedures document” to support the institutionalization of reporting in Cambodia. This exercise entailed identifying “what” data and information is needed, “who” holds it, and “when” to collect, share, and prepare reports for each instrument.  

Enhancing the quality and use of reports

This training is timely as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs has requested Member States to submit their national report on the implementation of the UN PoA and ITI in advance of the 2026 Biennial Meeting of States. In parallel, Member States are also requested to voluntarily submit their initial overview of the GFA implementation in 2026.

The two-day event, while national in scope, also included regional and global considerations.  Workshop participants not only explored how to ensure high-quality national reports but also identified issues on which Cambodia could share effective practices in implementing these instruments, as well as international cooperation and assistance needs.

Reporting on the implementation of conventional arms and ammunition control instruments helps to build confidence between States, reduce tensions relating to authorized and illicit arms flows, and support efforts to foster peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms Programme

Supporting Cambodia’s regional leadership

The training also supports Cambodia in its role as the voluntary lead shepherd of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) SOMTC Working Group on Arms Smuggling. The workshop helped to show how preparing national reports for the PoA and GFA helps to review national legal frameworks related to manufacturing, trafficking and use of arms, as well as for data collection regarding illicit arms manufacturing and trafficking, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Arms Smuggling.

Experts from Non-Violence International Southeast Asia, Mitzi Austero and Dr Fred Lubang also contributed to the training by sharing the national experiences of ASEAN Member States regarding inter-agency cooperation.

The workshop forms part of UNIDIR’s broader efforts to support States in strengthening national systems and processes for reporting on international conventional weapons instruments. Through its Conventional Arms Programme, UNIDIR continues to deliver tailored advice and training to help States build sustainable, nationally owned capacities for effective and transparent reporting.

The post UNIDIR strengthens Cambodia’s capacity for conventional arms reporting first appeared on UNIDIR.

Describing the report as both “timely and necessary,” Dr Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry Interior and National Administration, emphasized its clear analysis of achievements and remaining gaps. “It provides a clear-eyed view of where we stand and what needs to be done,” he noted during the launch.

Presenting the key findings, Dr Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, called the study a “milestone for combating the scourge of illicit small arms and light weapons and their misuse in eastern Africa.” He contrasted the region’s nascent national SALW control systems in 2005 with significant progress made by States by 2025.

In his remarks, Douglas Kanja, Inspector General of the Kenya National Police Service and President of the AFRIPOL General Assembly, highlighted the measurable gains in legislative and regulatory frameworks, stockpile management, marking, recordkeeping systems, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

Progress by the numbers

In 2005, no State in the region marked their weapons. By 2025, five States could confidently report that they had marked all State-owned SALW, with the remaining seven States assessed in the study making good progress.

We can say with confidence that the RECSA region has made remarkable and measurable progress.

Jean Pierre Betindji, RECSA’s Executive Secretary

Table: Progress made in marking and recordkeeping for SALW, 2005-2025

Despite the notable progress, persistent challenges remain. Dr Omollo cautioned that “the study equally and clearly captures persistent gaps.” Dr Holtom also highlighted continued challenges in implementing the Nairobi Protocol – especially concerning the mobilization of adequate resources, the operationalization of tracing mechanisms, border controls, law enforcement cooperation, and regional information exchange.

The proliferation of SALW in the region continues to fuel conflicts, to undermine development, and to threaten safety and security of our communities.

Felix Namurahonye, Inspector General of Police in Rwanda and Chair of RECSA’s Technical Advisory Committee

A roadmap for renewal

The report launch represents an important opportunity for States and key stakeholders to renew their commitment to addressing the illicit SALW trade in the region. It provides recommendations to revise the Nairobi Protocol’s provisions to:

• strengthen cross-border cooperation or national coordination mechanisms;
• align the protocol with relevant international and regional arms control frameworks; and
• take into account emerging weapon technologies posing a threat to peace and security in the region, including improvised explosive devices and armed uncrewed aerial vehicles.

RECSA has incorporated the report’s recommendations into its next five-year plan (2026-2031). It will present proposals to update the Nairobi Protocol and its best-practice guidelines to the Technical Advisory Committee, which will meet in Kigali, Rwanda next June. This represents an important first step toward translating the report’s findings into practical measures to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacturing, trafficking, possession and use of SALW in the region.

Revitalizing partnerships

Looking ahead, Dr Ivor Fung of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and Francis Wairagu of the Small Arms Survey both highlighted that to realize the new vision for the protocol, cooperation with international and regional organizations, civil society, academia and industry will need to be revitalized and enhanced. In this regard, Nerys Smith of the United Kingdom’s High Commission to Kenya expressed encouragement for these renewed efforts, stating: “We have a shared commitment to reduce human suffering and build a safer future in the region and the continent.”

The report on the Nairobi Protocol on SAWL at 20 is the final output of the joint UNIDIR-RECSA project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The report is intended to support RECSA Member States and Secretariat in responding to the call of RECSA’s 11^th Council of Ministers Meeting to review the Nairobi Protocol.

The post UNIDIR and RECSA unveil first regional scorecard on the Nairobi Protocol first appeared on UNIDIR.

Millions of illicit small arms and light weapons are used in armed conflict, terrorist and criminal activities across Eastern, Central, Great Lakes Region, and Horn of Africa countries. Addressing the sources of supply for illicit arms and ammunition, and their drivers of demand, is therefore vital to reducing human suffering.

National Focal Point Coordinators on SALW met to review the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons, considering amendments and updates to its best-practice implementation guidelines. This was followed by a stakeholders’ conference attended by representatives from government of RECSA Member States, regional organizations, civil society organizations, international partners, and UN agencies. Both meetings highlighted SALW control progress, persistent challenges and threats, new and emerging opportunities relating to new technologies, climate-induced conflicts and evolving transnational crime and terrorism dynamics.

The event represented a significant milestone for the joint UNIDIR-RECSA project to review and strengthen the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol. Funded by the UK and launched in June to coincide with RECSA’s 20^th Anniversary, the initiative will deliver the first comprehensive review of the protocol implementation and proposals to address persistent SALW-related challenges and emerging threats to peace, security, stability and sustainable development.

Proposals to amend the protocol

Kenya’s Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, emphasized that “over the past two decades, the Nairobi Protocol has transformed from a visionary agreement into a practical framework for action.”

The National Focal Point Coordinators examined implementation trends and explored potential alignment between the Nairobi Protocol and the Arms Trade Treaty, the Global Framework for Through-life Management of Conventional Ammunition, and the International Tracing Instrument. Proposals to amend the protocol include:

• Explicitly apply to SALW parts and components and conventional ammunition, as well as armed uncrewed aerial systems (drones) and improvised explosive devices;
• Enhance controls on the manufacture of arms and ammunition, including prohibiting the manufacture of improvised explosive devices and 3D-printed weapons;
• Strengthen national coordination mechanisms and strategic planning for SALW control, with a “whole-of-government” approach that is integrated into national security and development architectures;
• Better cross-border cooperation mechanism and greater use of technology in border controls;
• Mainstream gender-responsive SALW control measures and emphasize preventing gender-based violence, as well strengthen the meaningful participation of youth in arms control efforts; and
• A periodic/regular review mechanism.

A holistic approach for illicit arms control

Paul Holtom, Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, explained that the research and meetings in Nairobi has sent him a strong message that “to be effective, we need to take a holistic approach to tackle not only the sources of supply for the illicit proliferation of arms and ammunition, but also the drivers of demand that lead to misuse and human suffering.” National authorities and partners in civil society, international and regional organizations, academia and the private sector need to work together to address both supply sources and demand drivers to ensure success in addressing the scourge of illicit arms in the next 20 years, which will be defined not by what is said, but by what is implemented.

In March 2026, a joint UNIDIR-RECSA report and scorecard will present the findings of the implementation review and considerations for further strengthening the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol.

The true measure of our success will be seen in safer streets, empowered communities and a region free from the scourge of illicit arms flows.

Jean Pierre Betindji, RECSA Executive Secretary

The post Marking 20 years of the Nairobi Protocol first appeared on UNIDIR.

The past ten years have seen the development of a growing international architecture around Youth, Peace and Security, which has helped to elevate the role of young people in building and sustaining peace. This has encouraged their participation in political processes, peacebuilding initiatives, and disarmament dialogues.  However, despite this progress, significant challenges persist. Structural barriers continue to hinder the meaningful inclusion of young people, and their voices are still underrepresented in policymaking and peace and security processes. As a result, the vision of the YPS Agenda has not yet been fully realized.

UNIDIR is committed to change that and to create conditions that allow young people around the world to progress and play an active role in shaping decisions related to peace and security. Through our Graduate Professional Programme, we are actively promoting youth inclusion, by building disarmament research capacity among the next generation. In a world where half the population is under 30 years old (and where this figure is projected to rise to 57% by 2030), the full and effective engagement of young people is not just a demographic reality but a political and security imperative.

Last August, UNIDIR launched the Youth and Disarmament Hub, which serves as a gateway to youth-led and youth-empowering initiatives in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. One of its key features are the Youth Visions of Peace campaign empowering young people to share their messages of hope for a more peaceful future, and the Youth Disarmament Orientation Course – a self-paced course, structured around main topics of international security, such as nuclear weapons, small arms and AI.

Expanding the Youth Disarmament Orientation Course

In 2025, UNIDIR is expanding the course and launching two new modules.

• Module 7: Women, Peace and Security

This module explores the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and its relevance for arms control and disarmament. It highlights the gendered impacts of weapons and armed violence, the barriers women face in participating in peace and security processes, and the importance of applying gender perspectives in disarmament work, including through the use of new technologies. The module also offers concrete examples of how gender-responsive approaches can lead to more inclusive and effective policy outcomes.

• Module 8: Youth, Peace and Security

This module introduces the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in the context of disarmament and arms control. It examines how young people are affected by armed violence and explores their diverse contributions to peacebuilding and disarmament advocacy. Emphasizing youth agency and diversity, the module encourages learners to rethink traditional narratives around youth in peace and security, while exploring the steps taken by the international community to advance youth inclusion in international affairs.

Voices from the next generation

UNIDIR hopes this course will inspire the new generation to get involved in arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.

Young people have the ability to challenge inertia and envision futures beyond entrenched divides

Dr Victoria Guimaraes, Graduate Professional

One of the most important contributions of youth is their creativity in envisaging how we can face tomorrow’s challenges – innovative thinking around peace and security is needed now more than ever.

Desiré Raagart, Graduate Professional

In a context of rising instability, armed conflicts and climate crisis, young people are key actors in building more peaceful and secure societies. Whether it is through grassroots organizing, transnational networks, intergenerational collaboration or knowledge production and advocacy, youth are actively shaping the future of international security. This is something UNIDIR’s Graduate Professional sees in the research projects in which he is involved as part of the Managing Exits from Armed Conflicts team.

In Colombia, Iraq and Nigeria, our participatory research shows that when young people are given the space to lead, they are no longer seen as risks. Instead, they are recognized as the drivers of sustainable peace.

Amos Benjamin, Graduate Professional

UNIDIR would like to thank the Republic of Korea for its generous support towards the Institute’s youth engagement activities.

The post Marking 10 years of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda with new UNIDIR resources first appeared on UNIDIR.

The universalization and effective implementation of the ATT strengthen the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms, prevent their diversion to unauthorized end-users and for unauthorized end uses, and contribute to peace, security, and stability. Universalization and effective implementation of the ATT reduce the human cost of weapons, promote cooperative, transparent, and responsible international conventional arms trade, and build confidence among States Parties.

As of March 2024, 29 of the 113 ATT States Parties are African. Thus, 54% of African UN Member States are States Parties to the ATT, 20% are signatories, and 26% are neither States Parties nor signatories. Despite the significant, negative impact that the diversion and unregulated trade and proliferation of arms and ammunition have on peace, security, and stability across the African continent, almost half of African States have not yet joined the ATT. The workshop fostered a better understanding of the obstacles and challenges for such States and encouraged African ATT States Parties to provide their lessons learned for overcoming such challenges to become an ATT State Party and effectively implement the treaty.

Workshop objectives

In a keynote address, the representative of the National Security Advisor of the Republic of Liberia noted, “Liberia, as a post conflict nation has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the unregulated trade in conventional arms resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the destruction of practically our entire infrastructure – we had to start from zero to get to where we are now. We note that the regulation of conventional arms will contribute to global peace thereby reducing the untold sufferings brought on by the unregulated trade in conventional arms which can be easily diverted to cause untold human sufferings.”

The Head of UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, Dr. Paul Holtom, also noted in his opening remarks, “We’ve brought together African States Parties and signatories to the ATT, as well as States that are neither but which have shown interest in becoming a State Party to the treaty. Why? Because we think that on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the ATT, it is time for a constructive, open and honest exchange of African experiences and lessons learned on the ATT. Half of the States on this continent are Parties to the ATT – how was this achieved? What are the reasons and challenges that other African States are not parties? We hope that […] you will be able to share these challenges and also how to overcome them. And when a State Party, what is expected? What do you have to do? We will learn […] what is expected of an ATT State Party and what African States have done to fulfil the set obligations”.

During the pan-African dialogue, expert participants exchanged national experiences, lessons learned, and effective measures for overcoming challenges to universalization and effective implementation in Africa. These will be summarized in a forthcoming report, with a few key points already provided here.

Key outcomes

The first day of the workshop focused on ATT universalization challenges and lessons learned in Africa for becoming a State Party. Generally, workshop participants highlighted the importance of a favorable national legal framework, an inclusive approach towards the ratification process, political will, and sensitization of relevant stakeholders as among the key ingredients for ATT universalization in Africa.

The second day included exchanges of national experiences in domesticating the ATT and preventing the diversion of conventional arms. National presentations and discussions revealed that there is no “one size fits all” approach in domesticating the ATT. States have their own, unique approaches for ATT implementation, primarily due to different national priorities and/or circumstances when joining the ATT. Establishing a national control system, as well as counter-diversion measures as stipulated in Article 5 and 11 (respectively) of the Treaty were, however, considered of critical importance in all contexts.

Day three provided an opportunity to discuss challenges in meeting key ATT obligations, such as reporting obligations. While national experiences and practices in this regard differ, the exchanges underscored the importance of meeting reporting obligations, as a measure for promoting transparency in the international arms trade and building confidence among States. Participants also discussed challenges in paying assessed financial contributions, integrating gender-responsive approaches in ATT implementation efforts, and engaging actively in the ATT process. To overcome these challenges, the dialogue highlighted the importance of high-level sensitization and institutional capacity building.

The final day of the workshop benefitted from presentations by the ATT Secretariat, including on international cooperation and assistance mechanisms under the ATT, as well as representatives from the AU and African sub-regional organizations supporting ATT universalization and effective implementation.

In his closing remarks, the Head of the ATT Secretariat, Mr. Dumisani Dladla, noted “the Monrovia Workshop has defined what it has become: the first of its kind in the world. I am eager to report back to the ATT Stakeholders that we have achieved one of the greatest milestones in the ATT process”.

Next steps

UNIDIR, in cooperation with LiNCA, will summarize the key issues, lessons learned and effective measures for treaty universalization and effective implementation that were identified during the dialogue and expert interactions in Monrovia into a workshop summary report.  The report and key findings from this project will be presented by the Republic of Liberia during the Tenth Conference of States Parties to the ATT in August 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, in cooperation with UNIDIR. The report and this project will therefore benefit not only African States but also the wider ATT community.

More information

• UNIDIR Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme

The post Monrovia Workshop Paves the Way for Enhanced Arms Trade Treaty Universalization and Implementation in Africa first appeared on UNIDIR.

GINEBRA, 7 JUNIO 2021 — El Instituto de las Naciones Unidas de Investigación sobre el Desarme (UNIDIR) anuncia el lanzamiento de la traducción en español del Manual para Elaborar Perfiles de Municiones.  El Manual de UNIDIR ofrece a los usuarios una guía paso a paso para elaborar perfiles de municiones. Este Manual permite a los usuarios obtener una visión general de las municiones de armas pequeñas que han sido desviadas, traficadas y/o indebidamente utilizadas en entornos urbanos. 
 
“Entender como las municiones llegan a manos de actores no autorizados es clave para combatir la violencia armada,” Alfredo Malaret Baldo, Investigador del Programa de Armas Convencionales de UNIDIR y coautor del Manual. “Entender este proceso es importante ya que cortar el flujo ilícito de municiones es como quitarles el oxígeno a las armas de fuego.”
 
El Manual para la Elaboración de Perfiles de Municiones de Armas Pequeñas en Entornos de Violencia Armada de UNIDIR ofrece sugerencias sobre cómo elaborar un perfil de las municiones a través de cuatro bases de datos: evidencias recogidas en las escenas de crímenes, registros de existencias, información sobre fabricación ilícita, y entrevistas con comunidades afectadas. El principal beneficio de utilizar este Manual es establecer una base de evidencia estandarizada para así informar esfuerzos locales destinados a frenar el flujo ilícito de municiones y reducir su impacto en la seguridad pública. Posteriormente, los datos acumulados y las lecciones aprendidas pueden canalizarse hacia instancias superiores para orientar procesos a escala multilateral.
 
El Manual brinda también la oportunidad de reconsiderar el rol que desempeñan la municiones en los actos de violencia armada: un rol sin duda decisivo, pero a menudo no estudiado suficientemente. Reducir la violencia armada está al alcance, pero, para dar con las soluciones adecuadas, resulta fundamental entender las circunstancias que facilitan estos encuentros letales, así como el flujo de municiones hacia usuarios no autorizados. La presente área de investigación del Programa de Armas Convencionales cuenta con el apoyo del Gobierno de Alemania. El Gobierno de España se ha comprometido también con esta área de investigación.
 
SOBRE UNIDIR
UNIDIR es un instituto autónomo dentro de las Naciones Unidas, financiado con contribuciones voluntarias. Es uno de los pocos institutos especializados del mundo que se centra en el desarme; generando conocimiento y promoviendo el diálogo y la acción en materia de desarme y seguridad internacional. Con sede en Ginebra, UNIDIR ayuda a la comunidad internacional a desarrollar las ideas prácticas e innovadoras necesarias para encontrar soluciones a problemas críticos de seguridad.

Para mayor información sobre UNIDIR, visite: www.unidir.org. 
 
Sigue UNIDIR en Facebook, Instagram, y Twitter.

CONTACTOS 
Aaron J. Buckley 
Oficial de Comunicaciones Estratégicas 
+41 76 691 10 74
buckleya@un.org
 
Alfredo Jose Malaret Baldo
Investigador, Programa de Armas Convencionales 
+41 22 917 13 56 
Alfredo.malaretbaldo@un.org

The post Manual de UNIDIR para ayudar a reducir la violencia armada en contextos urbanos first appeared on UNIDIR.

The UNROCA is the only universal and global transparency instrument on international transfers and acquisitions of conventional arms. Since the early 1990s, through a UN General Assembly resolution, Member States have continuously reaffirmed the importance of transparency in armaments and their commitment to UNROCA. The instrument supports efforts to prevent excessive and destabilizing accumulations of conventional arms and facilitate dialogue among Member States to avoid misperceptions regarding arms acquisitions and thus contribute to international peace and security. In a time of increasing uncertainty and international and regional tension, the value of transparency and confidence-building mechanisms such as the Register is increasingly important.

This training workshop aims to build capacity among Member States to support their participation in UNROCA and its use. During the workshop, experts will provide background information on the Register, demonstrate how to prepare submissions to the Register and showcase the online UNROCA reporting tool. Subsequently, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the experts on technical questions related to UNROCA reporting.

Agenda

• Introductory remarks and brief presentation on the UNROCA instrument by UNODA
• Practical demonstration of how to prepare submissions to UNROCA by UNIDIR
• Walk-through of the online UNROCA reporting tool by UNODA
• Q&A session

When and where

In order to accommodate different time zones and allow UNROCA national points of contact to attend, identical training workshops will be held during three different time slots and in three different languages.

• Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 EDT / 16:00 – 17:30 CEST | English

• Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 13:00 – 14:30 EDT / 19:00 – 20:30 CEST | Spanish

• Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 9:00-10:30 EDT / 15:00 – 16:30 CEST | French

Participants

The training workshop is open to First Committee and disarmament experts at Permanent Missions, national points of contact for UNROCA, and other government officials responsible for reporting to the Register and other related international transparency mechanisms.

Please register for only one of the workshops here.

Further information

For questions, please contact randall.tilson@un.org.

In partnership with

The post Virtual training on preparing national submissions to the UN Register of Conventional Arms first appeared on UNIDIR.

In this context, a key to supporting States in fulfilling their commitments and obligations to international instruments on conventional arms is to assist them in strengthening their national capacities and processes for reporting.

UNIDIR, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of Angola, is organizing a two-day national capacity-building training course on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control. The course aims to:

• Strengthen Angola’s understanding on reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control;
• Start the process for preparing the national report on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms/International Tracing Instrument (PoA/ITI), Angola’s initial overview on measures to implement the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA), and Angola’s transparency report to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA);
• Support Angola in strengthening efficient and effective national procedures for reporting;
• Identify national priorities for international cooperation and assistance.

Agenda

Day 1 – Introduction to reporting on national control of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons

• Opening ceremony
  • Welcoming remarks by Dr Paul Holtom, Head of Programme, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Introductory notes by Ruben Nicolin, Associate Researcher, Conventional Weapons, UNIDIR
  • Opening remarks by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC)
• Session 2: Introduction to reporting commitments and obligations under international instruments on conventional arms
  • Presentation by Ruben Nicolin and Dr Paul Holtom on international instruments on conventional arms and Angola’s reporting commitments thereunder, including the PoA/ITI, UNROCA, the GFA and the ATT
  • Discussion
• Session 3: The role of the Angolan National Arms Control and Disarmament Authority (ANCAD) in the process of drafting national reports under international instruments on conventional arms
  • Presentation by ANCAD
• Session 4: Reporting to the UNROCA
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 UNROCA report
• Session 5: Review of 2022 national report on implementation of the PoA/ITI and preparation of the 2026 national report
  • Presentation of Angola’s 2022 national report by ANCAD
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 national report
• Session 6: International cooperation and assistance priorities for SALW control
  • Group presentations

Day 2 – Introduction to the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management and Voluntary Reporting on its Implementation

• Session 7: Recap of day 1
• Session 8: Introduction to the Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA)
  • Presentation by Ruben Nicolin of the GFA and its objectives
  • Discussion
• Session 9: Introduction to the draft template for the GFA initial overview
  • Presentation by Dr Paul Holtom
• Session 10: Preparing Angola’s initial overview for implementing the GFA
  • Group exercise on national reporting procedures and to prepare the 2026 GFA initial overview
• Session 11: International cooperation and assistance priorities for through-life conventional ammunition management
  • Group presentations
• Session 12: International instruments for conventional arms control: Implications of national commitments and obligations / way forward
  • Presentation by Angola’s legal office and ANCAD
• Session 13: Closing remarks and presentation of certificates
  • Recap of day 2
  • Congratulatory notes by Dr Paul Holtom
  • Certificate presentation by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC) and Dr Paul Holtom
  • Closing remarks by the Ministry of Defence, Angola (TBC)

When and where

Tuesday, 5 May, and Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | Luanda, Angola.

Participants

The event will bring together national experts and authorities from Angola. The event is by invitation only.

Language

This event will be held in English, with interpretation in Portuguese.

Further information

For further information or questions, please contact Ruben Nicolin at ruben.nicolin@un.org.

In cooperation with

The post Capacity-building training on reporting under international instruments on conventional arms and ammunition control first appeared on UNIDIR.

The expert group will meet during the 9^th and 10^th PoA/ITI biennial (BMS0/10) meetings of States in 2026 and 2028 to consider opportunities to strengthen PoA and ITI implementation. They will also determine ways to overcome challenges posed by new and emerging developments, in particular related to the use of polymers, modular weapons and 3D-printing. In addition, the expert group will propose concrete recommendations for strengthening international cooperation and assistance in this area.   

To support substantive preparations for the OETEG, UNIDIR engaged partners and experts to prepare a series of three online briefings for the diplomatic community that will be involved in the expert meetings during BMS9 and BMS10. Drawing on the online briefings, UNIDIR will prepare a short insight report to support preparations for the expert group meetings.

Agenda

The online briefings introduced key technological developments relevant to the OETEG preparations, presenting challenges for PoA/ITI implementation as well as practical measures to strengthen effective implementation. The three briefings focused on the following thematic areas.

Briefing 1 | Use of polymer in manufacturing of SALW and marking, record-keeping and tracing for modular weapons

As early as 2011, States have pointed out gaps in the ITI regarding polymer frames and modular SALW designs. This first briefing introduced participants to the issues related to durable and recoverable markings of polymer frames, and the challenges associated with marking, record-keeping and tracing of SALW that use a modular design. It also outlined current good practice adopted by SALW manufacturers and discussed potential steps that the OETEG could consider.

Event recording

Opening remarks

• Dr Benedikt Zanker, Head of Division on Conventional Disarmament and Arms Control, German Federal Foreign Office
• Ivor Fung, Head of the Conventional Arms Branch, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs

Presentations

• Paul Amoroso, Consultant at the Small Arms Survey
• Dr Rachel Bolton-King, Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Nottingham Trent University
• Thierry Jacobs, Independent Consultant for the small arms and light weapons industry
• Denis Jacqmin, Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium

Moderated by: Ruben Nicolin, Associate Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition, UNIDIR

Briefing 2 | Craft production and 3D printing of SALW: Key policy implications and effective measures

This briefing provided an overview of key developments in the space of non-industrial SALW production – from more traditional cases of artisanal production to the latest evolutions in the 3D printing domain. It considered key challenges posed by these weapons’ proliferation to arms control and relevant policy frameworks – particularly on implications for the UN PoA and ITI. It also offered a forward-looking perspective by discussing concrete examples of effective measures that the international community can leverage to address this growing issue.

Event recording

Presentations

• Rueben Dass, Associate Research Fellow, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research
• Amina Mašović, Firearms Specialist, Operational Support and Analysis Directorate Firearms Programme, Interpol
• Adjudant-chef Antoine Museau, Ballistic Department of the Ministry of Interior, France
• Prince C. Kombay, Director of Technical and Programmes, National Commission on Arms and Ammunition, Sierra Leone

Briefing 3 | New and emerging technologies to help counter diversion

Despite the ability of technology to assist in safeguarding the transportation and storage of various goods, the uptake of new and emerging technologies to strengthen SALW control can appear slow due to security concerns and financial constraints. UNIDIR research has indicated that another factor for the limited use of new and emerging technologies to support PoA/ITI implementation relates to limited knowledge on available technologies and their strengths and weaknesses for SALW control. Therefore, this briefing provided an overview of how emerging technologies are or can be used to prevent and detect efforts to divert SALW.

Event recording

Opening remarks  

• Ivor Fung, Chief of the conventional arms branch, UNODA

Presentations  

• Sarah Grand-Clément, Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition, Security and Technology, UNIDIR  
• Pier Angelli De Luca, Chief of Section, Conventional Arms, Munitions, and Explosives Section, Organization of American States
• Sylvia Paola Mendoza, Coordinator for Multidimensional Security, Mexico
• Rob Hunter-Perkins, Head of Research, Conflict Armament Research

Closing remarks 

• Michael Geisler, Political Coordinator at the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, New York

Moderated by: Paula Soumaya Domit, Associate Researcher, Conventional Arms and Ammunition, UNIDIR 

When and where

The event took place over three separate days, online via Zoom.

• Briefing 1: 29 October 2025, 15:00 CET / 10:00 EDT
• Briefing 2: 11 December 2025, 16:00 – 17:30 CET / 10:00 – 11:30 EDT
• Briefing 3: 10 February 2026, 15:00 pm – 16:30 CET / 9:00  – 10:30 EDT

Further information

For further information or questions, please contact cap-unidir@un.org.

The post Supporting substantive preparations for the programme of action/international tracing instrument Open-Ended Technical Expert Group first appeared on UNIDIR.

Saferworld and UNIDIR have noted how the diversion of legally traded arms to the region contributes to regional insecurity and human suffering. This side event provides an opportunity to learn not only about these challenges, but also the measures being taken by States, regional organizations and civil society to counter diversion and the illicit arms trade in East Africa by strengthening transfer controls and regional cooperation.

Panellists will provide insights from a recent meeting in Mombasa, Kenya on how increasing engagement by East African States with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) could further help, as well as a new initiative to strengthen the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol on SALW. Following brief presentations, the event will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities for tackling the illicit arms trade in East Africa, with a particular focus on increasing the number of ATT States Parties in the region.

When and where

Wednesday 27 August 2025, 13:15-14:45 CEST, Room B, Geneva International Conference Centre.

Panellists

• Elizabeth Kirkham, Saferworld
• Stephen Mwachofi Singo, Security Research and Information Centre
• Jean-Pierre Betindji, RECSA

Moderator: Paul Holtom, Head, Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR.

Participation

UNIDIR encourages the participation of all State representatives, representatives of international and regional organizations and civil society representatives interested in the issue. Participants do not require registration to the conference to join this side event.

A light lunch will be provided for participants in this side event.

Further information

For any further queries please contact Mae Ballena at mae.ballena@un.org.

In collaboration with

The post Addressing illicit arms in Eastern Africa: A role for the Arms Trade Treaty first appeared on UNIDIR.