Misuse of firearms impacts millions globally. Conflicts escalate, driving up death tolls. Mass shootings shatter communities. Domestic violence is growing more lethal. Small arms may be small in size, but the destruction they cause is immense. They account for 45% of all violent deaths, according to the statistics published by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs.
Crisis and (post-)conflict settings are especially prone to the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW). UNDP works with governments, civil society and communities to encourage disarmament and SALW control. Development is only possible when there is peace, security and social cohesion.
In Southeast and East Europe, SEESAC is one of UNDP's flagship programmes for SALW control operating on multiple planes - from high-level regional cooperation, operational cooperation and media training. Through its Armed Violence Monitoring Platform, SEESAC keeps track of all the firearms incidents in the region. Accurate statistics and trend analysis allow UNDP to adapt interventions for more efficient arms control.
With the support from the European Union (EU), Germany and France, SEESAC coordinates the implementation of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap, the most comprehensive regional SALW control initiative globally. The Roadmap enabled legislative changes in line with the EU standards, expert and technical support to local partners for enhanced detection and investigation of firearms related crimes, destruction and voluntary surrender of firearms, stronger firearms data collection. Through the Western Balkans SALW Control Multi Partner Trust Fund, funding support is provided to UNDP Country Offices and the UN Office of Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
According to the Roadmap statistics, in the last five years, the authorities in the region seized or destroyed tens of thousands firearms and millions of rounds of ammunition. Over 260,000 firearms and over four million pieces of ammunition were voluntarily surrendered.
Increasing women's engagement in arms control is one of SEESAC's priority. To advance gender mainstreaming in policies and practices, SEESAC holds consultations with law enforcement officials and women's groups across the region. As a result, two key documents have been produced: Guidelines for Gender-Responsive Firearms License Approval and Guidelines for Assessing and Addressing Risks Related to the Firearms Misuse in Domestic Violence.
The Roadmap's success has led to its replication in the Caribbean and Central America, and a study visit was organized for a delegation from Kyrgyz Republic. This experience sharing highlights the global relevance of SEESAC in addressing regional security challenges.
In the Caribbean, through CariSECURE 2.0, UNDP works with national partners to improve citizen security. Digital innovations and training enable better data collection and analysis to fight crime and reduce armed violence.
In Latin America, the InfoSegura project contributes to ending organized crime and gender-based violence. The multifaceted approach helps countries integrate violence prevention and crime control measures, targeting such issues as the lack of social cohesion, impunity, drug trafficking, the proliferation of illegal firearms, human trafficking and migration.
In West Africa, UNDP has been supporting national and transborder efforts to curtail the illicit trafficking in SALW through awareness programmes and sensitization on risks associated with the illicit proliferation of arms. To stop the proliferation of firearms and to control weapons means to disrupt their illicit supply and to address demand by helping communities find peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. This holistic approach requires joint efforts.
Through Saving-Lives Entity (SALIENT), a recent joint initiative of UNDP and the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations can act as one to support Member States to combat armed violence. Since its launch in 2021, more than 20 partners have been implementing SALIENT initiatives in the field under the oversight of the UN Resident Coordinators.
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By supporting catalytic activities to mainstream small arms control in both development and security efforts, SALIENT responds to the multi-faceted nature of the illicit SALW proliferation and addresses root causes of armed violence.
Since the proliferation of weapons fuels violence against women, over 30 percent (USD 1.7 million) of SALIENT funds has been committed to tackle gender-based violence, promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
In its pilot phase, SALIENT implemented projects in Cameroon, Jamaica and South Sudan. In 2024, activities are being carried out in five new beneficiary countries: Ghana, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Panama and Papua New Guinea.
By implementing SALIENT, UNDP and UNODA champion innovative approaches to armed violence reduction. All projects on the ground are nationally led, people-centered, anticipatory and responsive, be it legislative or policy support, capacity building, education or advocacy.
