Supporting the Arms Trade Treaty: Improving Controls to Reduce Armed Violence in Latin America

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The main development result is to "Decrease levels of development-debilitating violence in Latin America by reducing the quantity of small arms and light weapons circulating illegally in the region and the frequency of their transfer." Goal is also to enhance security situation so that there exist better possibilities for social and economic development. Several countries in the region suffer from armed violence and in many developing countries armed violence is a key issue that hinders sustainable development. The purpose of the project is also to support the developing countries in Latin America to sign, ratify and implement the Arms Trade Treaty that has positive impacts in reducing armed violence. Effective and global implementation of Arms Trade Treaty increases both national and regional safety thus creating better possibilities for sustainable development. In addition the project assists countries in the national legal procedures and strengthens local capacity in creating security related structures. Project also creates a regional platform of impact (using south-south cooperation) and national support is given. The human rights basis of the project is strong since the goal is to increase the realization of basic human rights in partner countries - right to life and right to safe living. Direct beneficiaries are government officials that are responsible for the national security related infrastructure and its development processes. Indirect beneficiaries are the whole population through improved security situation. The project is implemented by Oscar Arias Foundation in Costa Rica. It has long traditions in implementing development projects link with safety especially in Latin America. Costa Rica has been a longstanding supporter of the Treaty. The project will be funded for two years and main activities occur during 2015-2016.