SALW Collection and Awareness Raising Campaigns
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In order to bolster regional countries’ efforts to stifle illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, SEESAC supported governments in the region in their attempt to collect unwanted and register illegal SALW.
Through ongoing awareness raising and collection campaigns organized in dozens of towns and cities, SEESAC and its partners work to collect any unwanted weapons, explosive devices, ordinances and associated ammunition, as well as to promote legalization, through registration, of the same items currently in the possession of civilians. The campaigns are informational in character. They educate the public about the dangers of weapons but also inform about ways to turn weapons in anonymously and without suffering sanctions. To date SEESAC, with the support of UNDP, has organized such a campaign in Croatia and has initiated a similar campaign with the Serbian Ministry of Interior.
In addition to the campaigns in the region, SEESAC has also provided technical advice to the European Commission (EC) on their support to wider SALW collection activities within the region.
All of SEESAC’s collection work is currently funded by the European Union (EU) as an activity under the EU COUNCIL DECISION 2010/179/CFSP, dated 11 March 2010, expressing support for SEESAC arms control activities in the Western Balkans, within the framework of the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition.
Prior to beginning our current work on SALW collection and awareness raising, SEESAC commissioned a series of studies assessing public attitudes and perceptions about SALW in countries across the SEE region. Additional studies took a closer look on the impact SALW have on youth and children, and family life. These studies indicated a clear need for the public to be educated on the dangers small arms and light weapons can present to their well-being. See SEESAC publications: SALW Surveys and SALW children/youth reports. Other related SEESAC publications can be found under: SALW Awareness and Communication Reports.
Video - Less Arms, Less Tragedies - SALW Collection Campaign in Croatia
With the financial assistance of the European Union, SEESAC supports organization of campaigns to collect weapons, explosive devices, ordinances and associated ammunition in countries across the Western Balkans. One such collection campaign is currently taking place in Croatia, most recently in the town of Krapina. In collaboration with the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia, and through a campaign entitled "Less Arms, Less Tragedies" residents are encouraged to turn in any weapons they might have at their homes, without fear of legal consequences.
Related Publications
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