UNSCAR/Implementing the international Small arms and light weapons commitments in developing countries

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 UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR) supports the implementation of commitments on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). In practice UN partners, international and regional organisations, NGOs and research institutes receive funding for projects that support development of security structures as well as awareness raising and capacity development in developing countries. Funding is also directed to action oriented research and sharing best practices, incl. South-South cooperation. The aim is to control legal and prevent illicit arms trade, enhance marking and stockpile management and to reduce diversion of SALW to terrorists and others that would use SALW irresponsibly. At the same time developing countries are encouraged to accede to international conventions and agreements and to implement them which also creates a more stable environment for sustainable development. UNSCAR strongly encourages taking gender perspectives into account when planning projects. In many developing countries and fragile states, poor security situation and instability prevent sustainable development from taking place. Illicit arms trade and proliferation of SALW fuels conflicts and makes efforts to solve and stop conflicts even more difficult. They also create a threat for the continuation of peace, once a more stable environment in a post-conflict situation is reached. Illicit trade in arms and small arms violence cause substantial economic problems and hinder the realization of human rights. Small arms violence is often targeted towards most vulnerable groups, including children and women. When reducing access to illicit arms, basic human rights such as right to life and livelihoods are better secured and gender based violence reduced. The expected beneficiaries are the people in developing countries including vulnerable groups that are suffering from armed violence in excess. The contribution of Finland to UNSCAR is 250 000 euros per year during the years 2021-2022, a total of 500 000 euros. http://www.un.org/disarmament/UNSCAR/