Small arms training in Siberia
20 December 2005 Saferworld has engaged regularly with the Russian Government on the issue of effective international controls on arms transfers. Saferworld and local partner, the PIR Center, are working to promote dialogue on arms control within Russia and to build the capacity of local civil society groups to engage in this process.In December 2005, Saferworld and the PIR Center, undertook a series of activities in Novosibirsk (Central Siberia). The partners organised a public meeting, attended by officials, journalists and academics. Saferworld and the PIR Center also conducted a two-day training workshop for academics, journalists and NGOs that looked at how small arms relates to community safety in the Novosibirsk region, exploring issues around border controls, stockpiles management and arms related crime.
It was the first training on arms control issues in the region, the participants said that they found the training very helpful. A group of academics are now looking at setting up a new NGO in the region, focusing on non-proliferation issues. Saferworld and the PIR Center are now planning similar activities in St Petersburg later in the year.
For further information please contact:
Elena Franklin efranklin@saferworld.org.uk
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