Over 25 years of impact in countering small arms proliferation marked at OSCE Ministerial Council side event

The OSCE’s achievements over the past 25 years on addressing security challenges posed by the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and stockpiles of conventional ammunition (SCA) took centre stage at a side event held on 5 December during 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council.

Over the last decades, the OSCE's unique Assistance Mechanism has enabled participating States to seek and receive international support for managing risks associated with SALW and SCA. The Organization has responded to more than 40 requests from 20 participating States across South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, generating tangible benefits for regional stability and security.

"In these challenging times, as the Organization strives to address challenges to security and stability, Finland is delighted to see that the SALW and SCA assistance projects continue to yield significant results on the ground,” noted Ms. Mari Neuvonen, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Finnish Delegation, FSC Chairpersonship and OSCE Chairpersonship-In-Office. 

The OSCE Documents on SALW and SCA provide the foundation for this co-operative security mechanism, while the Organization's best practices guides support national implementation and complement global reference standards in areas ranging from manufacturing and marking to stockpile management and destruction.

The side event panel brought together representatives from Austria, Finland, Germany, Kyrgyz Republic, Montenegro, and Switzerland to reflect on lessons learned, showcase success stories in assistance delivery, and discuss how the OSCE can continue adapting to emerging safety and security risks related to SALW and SCA.