On 25, 27 and 31 August 2021 respectively, UNREC participated in virtual consultations with the UNCTs of Mali and Guinea (Conakry) to develop a PBF funded cross-border project meant to address illicit flow of SALW and related consequences on local communities at the MaliGuinea border

 On 23 August 2021, UNREC participated in a virtual National workshop for Mali on the preparation and submission of CBMs under the BWC. The workshop was attended by representatives of the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MDAC) and the National Focal Point of the BWC. The BWC team introduced the BWC and also the objectives and related applications of CBMs. Presentations from Mali included their national implementation of the BWC, and Biosafety and Biosecurity with regard to International Cooperation and Compliance with International Obligations. As for peer learning purposes, presentations from Kenya on national data collection and submission process as well as challenges encountered, lessons learned, and good practices were also made.

 On 20 August 2021, UNREC participated in the monthly meeting of the Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) MARA Working Group conducted under the coordination of the MINUSCA CRSV Section to update implementing partners on the situation in CAR and statistics on CRSV in the different regions, held virtually. During the meeting, UNREC explored the possibility to carry out consultations on the links between gender and small arms control with the MARA working group, as well as other interested entities like UNPOL. The CRSV section of MINUSCA agreed to support UNREC with the request.

 From 17 to 18 August 2021, UNREC attended the virtual introductory workshop on the BWC and its Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), which took place in the framework of Sudan’s National Preparedness Programme (NPP) under European Council Decision 2019/97 in support of the BWC. The two-day workshop enabled rich discussions between the BWC team, invited experts and the Sudanese focal points (Mr. Osman and Mr. Abdalla) and authorities on the National Preparedness Programme of Sudan. Provisional assistance requests including concerning legislation assistance have also been floated, which would be followed up on by the BWC team.

 On 12 August 2021, UNREC participated in the online workshop entitled “Youth talks: building regional bridges for global biosecurity” which was organized jointly by the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) team with the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Health Security on the occasion of the International Youth Day. The workshop took place as a follow-up activity to the Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South held in early 2021 under the European Union Council Decision 2019/97 in support of the BWC. Proceeded with a networking session, some 50 Youth for Biosecurity alumni and the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Fellows had a panel discussion with regional experts on biosecurity perspectives from the Global South, including a representative from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Africa CDC.

 On 6 August 2021, UNREC held a virtual meeting with on respective programmes and ways and means to strengthen cooperation on WAM in the ECOWAS sub-region. HI also requested UNREC support to facilitate their cooperation with national commissions on SALW in the sub-region.

 On 29 July 2021, UNREC participated in the ordinary meeting organised by the UNCT in DRC. The meeting was presided by the DSRSG/RC/HC. The WHO and MONUSCO provided an update on COVID-19 and a vaccination briefing of the UN Staff. An update was provided on MONUSCO's transition and strategy in the DRC.

 UNREC participated in the monthly meeting by the MARA Working Group conducted under the coordination of the MINUSCA CRSV Section to update implementing partners on the situation in CAR and statistics on CRSV in the different regions, held virtually on 17 June 2021. UNREC contributes to the discussion by providing recommended actions to ensure members are considering the links between small arms control and CRSV prevention.