BCPR | SALW

Small Arms and Light Weapon (SALW) Control

UNDP’s work on Small Arms and Light Weapon (SALW) control addresses armed violence and restores a solid foundation for development following a crisis.

The UN defines a SALW as “any man-portable lethal weapon that expels or launches, is designed to expel or launch, or may be readily converted to expel or launch a shot, bullet or projectile by the action of an explosive.” Commercially-manufactured and crafted SALW, ammunition and explosives are included in this definition.

UNDP provides assistance in more than 20 countries to reduce the number of weapons in circulation, prevent armed violence and contribute to recovery from conflict. UNDP supports policy initiatives to ensure that SALW control is part of the development agenda at international, regional and national levels. As part of this effort, UNDP promotes the integration of SALW control into existing national planning processes, such as Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), Common Country Assessments (CCA) and UN Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs).

Watch a video about small arms control featuring Sara Sekkenes, Senior Advisor for the Conflict Team, to learn more about how small arms, landmines, cluster munitions and the legacy of war creates an environment that inhibits human development.

POLICY

How to Guide: The Establishment and Functioning of National Small Arms and Light Weapons Commissions, UNDP, 2008 (pdf) -- English, French, Spanish, Russian

Securing Development: UNDP’s Support for Addressing Small Arms Issues, UNDP, 2005 (pdf)

Report of the UN Secretary-General: In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All, 2005

A More Secure World: Our Shared Responsibility - Report of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, 2004 (pdf)

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