Survey Protocols

On 8 May 2003 the development of regional micro-disarmament1 standards/guidelines (RMDS/G) was discussed during the RACVIAC sponsored seminar on 'SALW - a year after Implementation of the Stability Pact Plan'. The consensus was that such standards were desirable, and SEESAC agreed to develop a framework and take subsequent responsibility for the future development of regional standards. It was agreed that RMDS/G would be designed to support work at the operational level, and would go further than the more generic ‘best practice’ documents currently available. The RMDS/G2 reflect the development of operational procedures, practices and norms, which have occurred over the past three years in the area of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) 3 control.

As part of the RMDS/G development, a standard on SALW Survey was developed (RMDS/G 05.80). The subsequent Survey Protocols comply with RMDS/G 05.80 and provide further operational guidance for the conduct of SALW Surveys in support of SALW interventions. A SALW Survey is defined by RMDS/G as: ‘a systematic and logical process to determine the nature and extent of SALW proliferation and impact within a region, nation or community in order to provide accurate data and information for a safe, effective and efficient intervention
by an appropriate organization’.

The work of preparing, reviewing and revising these Survey Protocols is conducted by SEESAC, with the support of international, governmental and non-governmental organizations and consultants. The Survey Protocols will be reviewed at least every three years to reflect developing SALW control norms and practices, and to incorporate changes to international regulations and requirements.

SALW Survey Protocol 1 - General research guide

SALW Survey Protocol 2 - SALW Survey goals and objectives

SALW Survey Protocol 3 - Guidelines for research work with the general public

SALW Survey Protocol 4 - Assessing demand for SALW

SALW Survey Protocol 5 - Question Bank