Small arms consultation case study
Before taking action on small arms and insecurity, it is important to understand the full nature and scope of the problem. This case study shows how we worked with local partners to conduct community consultations on small arms and light weapons and human security in Bangladesh.
This process increased understanding of how local communities are affected by these weapons and collected a wealth of recommendations and measures to improve community safety.
Illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are a major concern in Bangladesh fuelling insecurity and undermining development.
Between April and May 2006, Saferworld and local partners, The Bangladesh National Forum Against Small Arms (NFASA) and South Asia Partnership (SAP) Bangladesh, consulted over 150 community representatives from each of Bangladesh's six divisions, to identify the safety and security concerns of communities, particularly those related to SALW and IEDs, and develop ways to tackle them.
The impact of SALW and IEDs in Bangladesh
The consultation revealed that people from all walks of life, in urban and rural areas, constantly fear sudden outbreaks of armed violence. Feelings of insecurity are increased by the perception that law enforcement agencies are unwilling to address their concerns.
The consultation also found that the availability of SALWs and IEDs have had a negative impact on communal peace and security with governance, business, commerce, education, women's rights and development all suffering.
"As soon as I glanced at the front page I saw the picture of my husband lying in a pool of blood and also the news of his death.... I am no longer afraid of protesting, I have nothing to lose."
Wife of murdered Ward Commissioner
Lastly, the consultation invited those who participated to suggest ways in which the spread of small arms and IEDs could be controlled.
The consultations collected a wealth of recommendations which include:
- Creating a National Commission to co-ordinate work on SALWs and IEDs
- Introducing civilian oversight for arms control
- Reviewing existing legislation on SALW and IEDs
- Developing the capacity of law enforcement agencies and border security
- Introducing practical measures to reduce violence in elections
- Raising community awareness around the problem of SALW and IEDs
- Linking human security to poverty reduction and socio-economic development
This consultation process has raised awareness amongst communities on some of the issues around small arms misuse and IEDs. We and our local partners believe that this provides a valuable source of information for the Government of Bangladesh in taking forward its current initiatives for tackling these problems.
Read the full report.
Download 'Challenges to peace and security: Consulting communities on small arms in Bangladesh'
