What we do
How we work to prevent armed violence
We work to create safer communities in places affected by violent crime, conflict and the impact of small arms and light weapons.
We do this by:
- policy research
- technical support to governments and civil society
- advocacy
Working with our partners in governments and in the community, we focus on:
- Small arms and light weapons
- Arms transfer controls
- Conflict-sensitive development
- Security and justice sector development
- International advocacy
- Training
Small arms and light weapons
The spread of small arms and light weapons fuels violent conflict and undermines development. We work to control the spread of small arms in our focal countries and regions.
Read a case study about community consultations on small arms in Bangladesh
Arms transfer controls
Irresponsible arms exports have a massive human impact and can contribute to internal repression, undermine development and facilitate human rights abuses. We promote steps to ensure arms exports do not end up in the wrong hands. Read more about where we work.
Conflict-sensitive development
Development work need to adapt to the risks of conflict where they operate. We make sure that development programmes are sensitive to local issues and that they enhance prospects for peacebuilding. Read more about conflict-sensitive development.
Read a case study about conflict-sensitive development in Uganda
Security and justice sector development
For local communities to be safe, they need security and access to justice. We help develop initiatives to improve these and be more accountable. We also work on security sector reform, including community-based policing projects.
Read a case study about community safety in Kosovo
International advocacy
By using the lessons we learn from our country programmes, we develop proposals to influence major international actors. In this way, we are able to make a bigger difference to the security and safety of many more people across the world. Find out more about our advocacy work.
Training
To help strengthen the capacity of communities, non-governmental organisations and international donors, we have developed resources and provide training on conflict, development and security issues. Find out more about training.
