24 October – kick off day for Disarmament Week

24 October 2017

Monday 24th October 2017 marks the beginning of the United Nations (UN) disarmament week. Disarmament involves decreasing the numbers of all types of arms, from weapons of mass destruction down to small arms and light weapons (SALW), to prevent future violent conflicts both between and within countries.

This week was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on Disarmament. This particular date was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the inception of the UN – the organization created to collectively tackle humankind’s greatest challenges, above all the threats posed by an over-armed world. In 2015, the nations of the world united again in their commitment that disarmament is critical for a peaceful world by adhering to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The agenda makes it clear that there cannot be development without peace and security.

Disarmament, with a focus on SALW control, has been at the core of SEESAC`s mandate. In South East Europe, like everywhere else, illicit SALW have a negative impact on security, contribute to the displacement of civilians, facilitate the violation of human rights and hamper social and economic development. Since 2002, with governments, international organizations and citizens alike, SEESAC has been working in South East Europe for a region free of illegal or surplus weapons. Now, there are 320,000 fewer pieces of small arms and light weapons in South East Europe – as a result of SEESAC’s and partners’ work in the region. 320,000 fewer chances for these weapons to be used in terrorist attacks or organized crime actions.