Small arms assessments

It is important to understand the full nature and scope of a smalls arms problem before taking action.

So Saferworld and partners carry out assessments to allow more effective responses to the specific nature and extent of the problem in each country or area.

The assessments contribute to broader human security and community safety debates by highlighting the links between small arms and wider insecurity, development or human rights issues.

We have carried out national assessments in Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kenya, Kosovo, Moldova, Namibia, Serbia and Uganda.

Aims

The aims of the assessments are to:

• highlight the political, economic, historical, social and cultural context
• assess small arms possession and use
• assess the nature of small arms trafficking and circulation
• demonstrate the human and social impact of small arms use
• help develop and implement national or local strategies to tackle small arms
• enable civil society to take part in national or local strategies on controlling small arms and inform  them to do this
• increase awareness of the small arms problem within the government, donor community, civil society and the general public
• build partnerships between governments, law enforcement agencies and civil society

Download our latest report which assesses small arms and human security in Georgia.

Download 'Taking stock'

Reports and briefings

Small arms and light weapons survey of Kosovo, September 2006

Small arms and light weapons survey of Moldova, July 2006

Turning the page: small arms and light weapons in Albania, December 2005 

Living with the Legacy: small arms and light weapons survey Republic of Serbia, March 2005   

Taming the arsenal: Small arms and light weapons in Bulgaria, 2005

Find out more

More information about our regional small arms work can be found in the Africa, Asia and Europe pages.

Find out how you can support us

• Small arms and light weapons
  • What are small arms and light weapons?
  • Small arms assessments
  • UN Programme of Action
  • Biting the Bullet Project
• Arms transfer controls
• Conflict-sensitive development
• Security and justice sector development
• International advocacy
• Training

Contact

Roy Isbister
Team Leader