UN PoA

The United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons

The UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA) is a globally agreed framework established in 2001 to address the negative impact of small arms and light weapons (SALW). Since its adoption, the PoA has guided UN member states in implementing measures at national, regional, and international levels to curb the illicit trade of SALW and mitigate their harmful consequences.

To assess and enhance the implementation of the PoA, the United Nations has convened several key meetings, including four Review Conferences (RevCon) in 2006, 2012, 2018, and most recently in 2024 (RevCon4), and eight Biennial Meetings of States (BMS), with the latest held in 2022 (BMS8). RevCon4 reinforced commitments to strengthen national regulations, improve international cooperation, and integrate gender considerations into SALW control measures. BMS8 highlighted the importance of enhanced tracing and reporting mechanisms, focusing on the need for more comprehensive data sharing among states to track the flow of weapons more effectively.

As a by-product of the PoA, the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) and recommendations from a Group of Governmental Experts on Brokering Controls have also been developed, setting standards for the marking, record-keeping, and tracing of small arms to prevent diversion and misuse.

In Africa, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is fueled by various factors, including armed conflicts, terrorism, organized crime, and porous borders, which facilitate the illicit flow of weapons. Countries across the continent face significant challenges in controlling these weapons, impacting security, development, and human rights. The African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, along with regional bodies like ECOWAS, SADC, and IGAD, plays a crucial role in promoting coordinated efforts to implement the PoA and strengthen arms control measures.

UNREC supports African states by providing technical assistance, facilitating regional cooperation, and enhancing national capacities for SALW management. By promoting compliance with international standards and encouraging collaboration among law enforcement, customs, and border agencies, UNREC helps mitigate the impact of small arms on communities, reduce violence, and support sustainable development across the continent.

Overall, the PoA, reinforced by continuous review through RevCon and BMS meetings, remains a cornerstone of international efforts to combat the spread of SALW in Africa, emphasizing the need for integrated, multi-level actions to address the complex challenges posed by small arms proliferation.