SEESAC Submits Report on the Implementation of the Programme of Action on SALW and the International Tracing Instrument, Showcasing Its Commitment to Broader International Arms Control Efforts

UNDP’s SEESAC has submitted a comprehensive report on the implementation of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) and the Programme of Action (PoA). This report coincides with the Fourth Review Conference on the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) in New York, where SEESAC is hosting three side events from 19-21 June.

The report, which covers the period from 2022 to 2023, highlights significant progress and challenges in small arms and light weapons (SALW) control in South East and East Europe.

During this period, SEESAC has focused on strengthening capacities to control and reduce the proliferation of SALW, thereby enhancing regional stability, security, and development.

Key regional instruments supporting these efforts include the South East Europe Regional Implementation Plan (SEE RIP), which aims to harmonize international and EU security policies, secure stockpile management, and enhance cross-border cooperation; the Roadmap for a Sustainable Solution to Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of SALW (Roadmap), aiming for a sustainable solution by 2023 through harmonized legislation, intelligence-led policies, and reduced illicit firearms flow and possession; and the 2020-2025 EU Action Plan on Firearms Trafficking, which focuses on combating firearms trafficking within and outside the EU.

The Implementation and monitoring of activities has been carried out through a regional monitoring framework, which follows the Key Performance Indicators and the Roadmap Goals through concrete and measurable indicators, ensuring transparent and measurable tracking of goals.

Between October 2022 and January 2023, SEESAC conducted a comprehensive and independent Mid-Term Review of the Roadmap implementation. This review, which involved more than 175 individuals from national authorities, regional and international organizations, and donors, provided critical insights into the progress of the goals outlined in the Roadmap.

During the reported period, SEESAC contributed to several global events, including the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States, where SEESAC organized side events to share insights and lessons learned from arms control efforts in the Western Balkans and the Caribbean, and a joint virtual event with UNIDIR focused on gender-responsive arms control.

In addition, SEESAC facilitated a number of regional meetings, two meetings of the SALW commission, two meetings of the South Eastern Europe Firearms Experts Network (SEEFEN), several Roadmap coordination meetings, and various workshops.

The report also highlights the inclusive nature of SEESAC’s gender-responsive approaches in SALW control initiatives and the importance of addressing gender-specific risks and enhancing awareness and training related to gender and SALW control.

The report was submitted at the request of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, following the adoption of resolution 76/232 by the General Assembly, which encourages states, international and regional organizations, and civil society to cooperate and assist in preparing comprehensive national reports on the implementation of the PoA and ITI.

Further details on the side events and RevCon4 can be found here.

About the RevCon4

United Nations Member States periodically review progress on the implementation of the commitments made in the PoA and the International Tracing Instrument. The Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) of the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA) to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects is taking place in New York, from 17 to 28 June 2024.