The OSCE prevents illegal trade and uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons

Many OSCE participating States are concerned about the problems caused by the illicit trade in and uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. Weapons bought during wars or stolen from state storage facilities undermine security and hamper post-war reconstruction work, as do arms that have been diverted from the legal onto the illegal market. Illicit trafficking in arms is also linked with organized crime, terrorism, and trafficking in narcotics or human beings.

For nearly a decade, the OSCE has actively promoted arms trade control and arms control by establishing common rules and providing assistance.

Increase the peace and play!

Practical assistance to help destroy conventional ammunition and SALW

The OSCE helps participating States that do not have enough resources of their own to upgrade the safety and security of their SALW and conventional ammunition stockpiles, and to destroy excess weapons and ammunition. To date, 13 countries have asked the Organization for assistance in addressing their SALW problems. At present, programmes designed to help destroy excess weapons and ammunition and store remaining stockpiles safely are under way in countries such as Tajikistan, Moldova, Belarus and Georgia.

SALW efforts based on joint commitments

The OSCE’s SALW efforts are based on the OSCE Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons adopted by the participating States in 2000 and on the OSCE Document on Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition adopted in 2003. The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) actively monitors the implementation of these commitments and progress made at the practical level. Since 2003, the FSC has undertaken several measures to strengthen the SALW and ammunition storage documents, publishing the eight best practice guides contained in the Handbook of Best Practices on Small Arms and Light Weapons, for example, and by adopting joint principles to upgrade arms export controls and cut down the circulation of illegal weaponry.

Finland’s goal is to reinforce SALW activities

Issues related to SALW and conventional ammunition are key items on the agenda of the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship. Finland aims at a comprehensive intensification of the OSCE’s SALW activities and of efforts aimed at the destruction of excess ammunition. This means that support is given both to guidance activities and to practical implementation. Finland also invests in closer co-operation and co-ordination between organizations. SALW projects are often carried out in co-operation with other actors, such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

In 2008, under the Finnish Chairmanship, the OSCE has worked on improving its co-operation with other regional organizations in the field of SALW. In co-operation with the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), for example, it organized the Synergy Conference for Regional Organizations on the Implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW, which took place in Brussels in May.