Second Biennial OSCE meeting explores efforts to address risks posed by small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition

Efforts by OSCE participating States to address the risks posed by small arms and light weapons (SALW) and stockpiles of conventional ammunition (SCA), particularly in preventing and combating the illicit trade in SALW, were the focus of a meeting organized by the German Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation on 13 and 14 October 2020.

The Second Biennial Meeting was held to assess the implementation of the OSCE Documents on SALW and SCA, which stipulate the norms, principles and measures to regulate and manage the life cycle of SALW and ammunition, the production, transfer, storage, collection, and destruction of such weapons, and to control their export. The documents also provide for information exchange between participating States, which contributes to confidence-building.

“The OSCE provides a significant regional multilateral forum for the continued advancement of the regulation of SALW and SCA,” said Albrecht von Wittke, Head of Division Conventional Disarmament, Arms Control and CSBM Worldwide at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. The partnership between regional and international organizations, like the UN and EU, or regional initiatives like the OSCE, in tackling the illicit trade in SALW is becoming increasingly more important and the OSCE has been at the forefront of this endeavour.”

Also addressing the opening of the meeting, Tuula Yrjölä, OSCE Officer-in-Charge/Secretary General, Director of Conflict Prevention Centre, said: “The OSCE conducts regular assessments of the implementation of the OSCE Documents on SALW and SCA, which also helps participating States to take effective action to address excessive accumulation and spread of SALW and conventional ammunition, built on informed and agreed recommendations.”

Noting the importance of integrating a gender dimension into policies regulating SALW and SCA, she added: “Mainstreaming gender aspects into SALW and SCA-related policies, as well as into standards and practical assistance frameworks, would contribute significantly to common efforts to combat illicit trafficking in SALW and SCA effectively”.

Taking stock of global actions, and new challenges and opportunities in addressing the illicit trade in and trafficking of SALW, panel speakers highlighted the security risks and the importance of international and regional agreements.

Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament at the EU’s External Action Service, said: “Especially in the context of today’s deteriorating security environment and erosion of the international arms control architecture, our organisations have a great responsibility and must play their role for the sake of global security.”

John Brandolino, Director of the Department of Treaty Affairs at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, added: “Illicit arms flow is a complex undertaking that requires multiple and integrated responses that combine preventive and control measures at the global level. Our work on countering firearms trafficking is based on several interconnected pillars: from support for policy and legislative development to capacity-building and assistance in the implementation of preventive and security measures; from effective criminal justice responses to broad and inclusive national co-operation and to evidence-based research and analysis.”

Participants also discussed preparations for the UN’s Seventh Biennial Meeting of States on implementation of the Programme of Action of SALW.

“Moving forward, it is important that we design people-centred small arms control and ammunition management policies and frameworks, which are comprehensive, context-specific, gendered and prevention oriented,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. “With a clear focus on impact, our engagement should be built on national ownership and geared towards multi-stakeholder partnerships, including regional organisations, civil society and youth activists.” 

The meeting’s working sessions reflected on the importance of the OSCE’s Best Practice Guides on SALW and SCA; information exchanges as a way of assessing progress and gaps in implementing the OSCE Documents on SALW and SCA; and the functioning and efficiency of the OSCE’s Assistance Mechanism for providing support to States in addressing challenges related to SALW and SCA.