The Un Programme Of Action On Small Arms And Light Weapons

This publication assesses the reports submitted to the UN by member states during 2003 on the progress they have made towards implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA). This is based on a joint project undertaken by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Department for Disarmament Affairs (UNDDA) and the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), in collaboration with the Small Arms Survey. Findings include that 103 out of 191 member states submitted annual reports during 2003, with progress made on implementation of the PoA in the areas of national legislation, weapons collection and destruction, and public awareness.

Five years of implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) have brought about some significant developments in combating the illicit trade in small arms. However, further efforts at the national, regional and international levels are necessary. This analysis is part of a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the United Nations Departmentfor Disarmament Affairs and the Small Arms Survey established to assist States to better fulfil their commitments under the PoA. It analyses the information contained in national reports voluntarily submitted by States on their implementation of the PoA from 2002 to 2005. To date, 137 countries have participated in national reporting, which is an encouragingdevelopment and indicates a growing awareness across the globe on problems related to the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. However, the level of PoA implementation in different regions remains unequal, and while the number of reporting States is increasing in most regions, the level of reporting and of implementation remain low in some regions.By analysing the reports submitted by States, this study contributes to the efforts to strengthen the PoA. It highlights the main trends in national reporting, including regional differences, thematic priorities and areas where further assistance is indicated to be needed. It also provides concrete recommendations on how different aspects of this reporting mechanism could be enhanced and used more efficiently to combat the illicit trade and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

This report analyses national implementation of the Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA). It highlights national policies and practices, identifies gaps or inadequacies, and presents recommendations both of a substantive nature and on the reporting mechanism as a whole. The authors focus on international cooperation and assistance, illicit brokering, stockpile management and surplus disposal, and marking and tracing.

This publication is a convenient collection of key international instruments relating to the issue of small arms and light weapons at the United Nations, as well as the most recent documentation from the Security Council and the General Assembly relevant to the subject. It is a handy reference tool for diplomats and other government officials, regional and subregional bodies, the United Nations system, specialized non-governmental organizations, research institutes, educators, students and the general public.

"This report analyses the national reports on implementation of the 2001 United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms submitted by states from the date of its adoption to 31 December 2012. It provides an overview of reporting trends and in-depth review of states implementation of the national-level commitments contained in the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, adopted by Member States in 2005: National Coordination Agencies and National Points of Contact, manufacturing, marking, record-keeping, tracing, international transfers (including export, import, transit and other commitments), brokering, stockpile management, surplus, public awareness and confidence-building, and other themes addressed in the PoA. This analysis is part of a joint project of UNIDIR and the Small Arms Survey, established to assist states to better fulfil their commitments under the Programme of Action. It gives an overview of implementation efforts so far and highlights gaps in implementation. The report is designed to help states prepare for the Second Review Conference in August 2012, and identify priority areas for consideration and focused attention in the next review cycle."--P. [4] de la couv.

"This report analyses the national reports on implementation of the 2001 United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms submitted by states from the date of its adoption to 31 December 2012. It provides an overview of reporting trends and in-depth review of states implementation of the national-level commitments contained in the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, adopted by Member States in 2005: National Coordination Agencies and National Points of Contact, manufacturing, marking, record-keeping, tracing, international transfers (including export, import, transit and other commitments), brokering, stockpile management, surplus, public awareness and confidence-building, and other themes addressed in the PoA. This analysis is part of a joint project of UNIDIR and the Small Arms Survey, established to assist states to better fulfil their commitments under the Programme of Action. It gives an overview of implementation efforts so far and highlights gaps in implementation. The report is designed to help states prepare for the Second Review Conference in August 2012, and identify priority areas for consideration and focused attention in the next review cycle."--Back cover.

In the five years since the adoption of the Programme (PoA), scores of activities, projects and programs have been put in place to address the needs of the Member States most affected by the proliferation and misuse of these weapons. This global assistance effort recognized the fact that those states and communities that are most affected by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects are those states and communities with the fewest resources to address these issues. While informing the reader of the global trends of assistance provided and received, this report also highlights areas that need improvement such as how requests for assistance are communicated/received, how states keep track of the assistance they have provided or received and how various government departments coordinate internally.--Publisher's description.

Human security is under increas9ng threat from the spread of small arms and light weapons and their illegal trade. More than 500 million small arms and light weapons are in circulation today ; one for about every 12 people. These were weapons of choice in 46 of 49 major conflicts since 1990, causing four million deaths -- about 90 percent of them civilian, and 90 per cent of them women and children. Faced with the global scourge of small arms, the international community has now begun an important process of constructive global action. States have committed themselves to developing strengthening and implementing norms and measures aimed at preventing, fighting and, ultimately eradicating the illicit manufactures of and trade in small arms and light weapons. -- p. [4] of cover.