CIAO DATE: 10/05

Removing Small Arms from Society: A Review of Weapons Collection and Destruction Programmes

Abstract

This paper reviews formal programmes designed to take small arms and light weapons out of circulation. It covers surplus destruction programmes, as well as collection efforts conducted in peace-building and crime prevention settings. The paper begins with an overview of the main themes and concepts arising in the field of practical disarmament, with illustrations from relevant cases. Some tentative inferences are offered as to best practice in this area. This section also serves to frame the subsequent description of selected weapons collection programmes in four regions: the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia- Pacific. Tables provide additional information for many of the programmes described in the regional sections. The question of funding and the Operation Rachel, Gramsh, and Cambodia programmes are accorded somewhat more detailed treatment. The paper concludes with a review of the key steps involved in a weapons collection programme.

While this paper does not aim at a comprehensive treatment of the subject of weapons collection, it does seek to provide a broadly representative account of practice in this area and to point to some of the main lessons learned. In contrast to many of the other, newer types of measures being developed and implemented to curb small arms proliferation, the existing body of experience with respect to weapons collection allows us to begin to map out some of the key elements of best practice.

Full text (PDF, 40 pages, 373.3 KB)