National Workshop on the Exchange of Best Practices on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) - Office for Disarmament Affairs - Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD)

National Workshop on the Exchange of Best Practices on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, 22-24 July 2024

The National Workshop on the Exchange of Best Practices on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was successfully organized during 22-24 July 2024, at the picturesque Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. This pivotal three-day event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, security forces, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and representatives from international bodies such as the United Nations and the OSCE, to address the critical issue of small arms and light weapons control in Kyrgyzstan.

Mr. Marat Imankulov, Secretary of Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, giving a welcome address

The workshop commenced with participants warmly welcomed by Mr. Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, alongside esteemed representatives from the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and UNDP.

The opening sessions set the stage with an introduction to the national context of SALW control in Kyrgyzstan. High-ranking officials from various government bodies presented their ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory framework and combat illicit arms trafficking. This was followed by an in-depth exploration of the international legal frameworks guiding SALW control, led by Mr. Aaron Junhoung Yoo, Deputy Director of UNRCPD.

Deputy Director of UNRCPD, Mr. Aaron Junhoung Yoo delivering a presentation ‘International legal Framework on Combatting the Illicit Trade in Small Arms agenda’

The workshop also delved into practical sessions focusing on enhancing data collection and analysis, which are essential for evidence-based policymaking. The day’s discussions highlighted the significance of gender mainstreaming in SALW policies, presented by experts Ms. Juliana Buzi of UNDP SEESAC and Ms. Ida Scarpino of UNRCPD. Their insights underscored the need for inclusive approaches in addressing small arms control.

Interactive sessions showcased the experiences and best practices from Southeast Europe and other regions, providing valuable lessons for the Kyrgyz context. The day culminated with group exercises aimed at drafting a National Action Plan (NAP) for SALW control, fostering collaboration among participants and generating actionable strategies.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from key facilitators, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation and commitment to combating illicit arms trafficking.

Key Takeaways and Future Steps

The workshop highlighted several key takeaways:

– The necessity of a robust national coordination mechanism for SALW control.

– The importance of gender-sensitive approaches in policy formulation and implementation.

– The value of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in enhancing national capacities.

As a result of the workshop, the Inter-Agency Working Group on SALW in Kyrgyzstan is now better equipped to develop and implement a comprehensive National Action Plan. The insights gained from international experts and the collaborative efforts of national stakeholders will be instrumental in advancing Kyrgyzstan’s SALW control initiatives.

As Kyrgyzstan continues its journey towards enhanced SALW control, the collaborative spirit and commitment demonstrated during this workshop pave the way for a safer and more secure future for all its citizens.

For more information about the workshop and future initiatives, please reach out to unrcpd-info@un.org.