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.

 From 14 to 15 July 2021, UNREC participated in the Conference of Member States in the ECOWAS Region held in Lomé, to discuss the Common Position of the Member States at the 7th Biennial Meeting of States scheduled 26 to 30 July 2021 in New York.

 On 13 July 2021, UNREC participated in a routine UNCT meeting focusing on the Covid-19 situation. The UNCT reiterated measures to increase vigilance and stringent adherence to social distancing measures as well as to encourage Staff Members and dependents to get anti-covid vaccination.