Impact of OSCE projects aimed at non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition discussed at OSCE event

BRATISLAVA, 6 December 2019 – A high-level side event on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Bratislava focused on how practical assistance projects can help achieve a comprehensive approach in preventing the uncontrolled spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and stockpiles of conventional ammunition (SCA). The discussion was organized by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and supported by Germany.

In the past fifteen years, the OSCE has achieved a remarkable track record, with a total of over 110 SALW/SCA projects already implemented or in the process of implementation.

High-level participants from the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship, Germany, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, as well as the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre took part in the event.

The participants discussed challenges and concerns related to excessive and destabilizing accumulation, illicit trafficking and uncontrolled spread of SALW and SCA. They also shared success stories on how the organization’s work in this area contributes to wider efforts in supporting arms control and disarmament, combatting terrorism and organized crime, border security, and addressing environmental threats.

In his opening remarks, Marcel Peško, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre said: “OSCE assistance projects in the field of SALW and SCA are one of the most practical aspects of the OSCE work, where the impact is almost immediate and the results are clearly visible.”

Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kyrgyzstan shared their positive experiences in working with the OSCE in the area of SALW and SCA, reiterated their national commitments and ownership, and discussed possibilities for further co-operation.

“The uncontrolled spread and misuse of small arms and light weapons is a major factor enabling transnational terrorism and organized crime. Therefore, we can no longer neglect the fact that contemporary threats related to illicit trafficking of SALW demand a more comprehensive approach,” said Marcus Bleinroth, Director of Division, Conventional Disarmament, Preventive Arms Control in the German Federal Foreign Office. “The OSCE has proven to be a valuable partner for Germany and many other participating States in responding to such challenges.”   

Arthur Langlois, Head of the Sub-Directorate at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs responsible for Arms Control and the OSCE, highlighted the role that the OSCE has been playing in supporting global efforts on SALW at the regional level. He noted, in particular, the OSCE’s involvement in the implementation of the SALW Control Roadmap that sets out a reliable, transparent and trackable process aimed at achieving the control of SALW in the Western Balkans by 2024.The roadmap was initiated by France and Germany last year.

The OSCE assistance projects were made possible through funding worth almost 62 million euros and provided by 35 participating States and international organizations.