Regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and information-sharing, and enhancing capacities for policymaking are the foundations of SEESAC’s approach to SALW control. Under this component, SEESAC works to further strengthen the capacity to design and implement evidence-based SALW control policies in line with international best practices, including the International SALW Control Standards (ISACS) and the Regional Micro-Disarmament Standards and Guidelines (RMDS/G), thereby contributing to the reduction of the threat of illicit proliferation of SALW.
SALW COMMISSIONS
SEESAC supports SALW Commissions (inter-ministerial bodies coordinating all SALW-related policies) and relevant institutions engaged in arms control, by providing technical assistance and capacity development support, while at the same time facilitating regional dialogue. SEESAC organizes regular regional meetings which provide an opportunity for SALW Commission representatives to share experiences, technical knowledge, discuss common problems and identify ways of cooperation.
For more information on these meetings, see:
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
SEESAC encourages the sharing of information beyond the meetings through the online Knowledge Exchange Platform – which allows the exchange of information between SALW Commissions via a secure area of the SEESAC website - and the online Regional Arms Law Compendium. Under the latest phase of the project, data collection and analysis capabilities will be enhanced through the development and continuous updating of a regional armed violence monitoring tool based on SEESAC's ‘Targeting Weapons’ online platform. In addition, from 2017 onwards focus will be placed on sharing expertise from South East Europe with Belarus and Ukraine.
REGIONAL SURVEY AND KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS
SEESAC provides technical support through policy-relevant, on-demand knowledge products covering a wide range of topics, (for examples see our groundbreaking SALW and Gender Study and Toolkit, and five policy briefs published in 2016 and our Practical Guide and Toolkit for Addressing Unauthorized Re-Export of Arms and Ammunition). By the end of 2019 a regional SALW survey will be conducted to assess the changes since the last survey (2006) based on an improved methodology. SEESAC will also publish 10 policy-relevant knowledge products in 2017 – 2019.
GENDER AND SALW TRAINING
The integration of the gender perspective into SALW control policies, with a particular focus on domestic violence, will be supported in order to increase the effectiveness of these policies, and to ensure that their implementation improves security for both women and men. This support will include on-demand provision of technical advice and customized training throughout 2017-2019.
*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).