Reviewing action on small arms: assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action (PoA)

The UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects (PoA) was agreed in July 2001. As the key international agreement on the illicit trade in, and misuse of, small arms and light weapons (SALW), the PoA is a vital instrument for addressing the urgent problems relating to SALW which underlie thousands of deaths each week, hinder development, undermine human rights and restrict good government across the world.

This report by Biting the Bullet - International Alert, Saferworld and University of Bradford - aims to provide a comprehensive and up to date review and analysis of progress towards implementation of the PoA, and of the consequent issues and priorities for the 2006 Review Conference.

Building on the findings of the 2003 and 2005 Red Books, it outlines and assesses progress towards implementation of the PoA, and analyses relevant local national, regional and international processes.
Specifically, it aims to be a useful resource for states, regional and international organisations, civil society groups, experts and citizens by:

- Providing a broad, detailed and reliable empirical overview of progress towards implementing the
PoA and associated national, regional and international commitments across all regions of the
world since 2001

- Illustrating experiences and identifying and analysing lessons learned in each of the regions

- Identifying and enhancing international understandings of emerging strengths and weaknesses in implementing the PoA across each of its key thematic areas

- Examining the adequacy of existing PoA commitments and opportunities for urgent or useful further development, revision and reinforcement of such commitments, including the launch of additional international initiatives, programmes or guidelines

- Examining the extent to which problems with the implementation of the PoA are linked to inadequacies of the PoA and associated international agreements and the implications of this for the agenda and
objectives of the 2006 Review Conference

- Examining progress in developing and using partnerships to promote implementation, including
partnerships between government and civil society, those between aid donors and recipients and those
developed through regional organisations and agreements

- Providing a resource to support efforts to promote the awareness, implementation and development of
the PoA