Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons

23/01/2025

STATEMENT - CLOSURE OF OPERATIONS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON SMALL ARMS & LIGHT WEAPONS (PFSALW)

After 22 years of determined work and solid results achievement on enhancing parliamentary capacity and action to prevent and reduce SALW-related violence for more peaceful and sustainably developed societies globally, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) regrets to announce that operations will soon close down due to lack of funding.

We would like to express warm gratitude to our members, partners, and donors for dedicated work and support over the years. Read the full statement from the Board and the Secretariat:

-> English:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Statement-PFSALW.pdf

-> French:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Declaration-FP-ALPC.pdf

-> Spanish:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Declaracion-FPAPL_Espanol.pdf

17/01/2025

HAPPY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR 2025 – A YEAR FOR CONTINUED EFFORTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD

The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (the Forum) wishes you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year 2025!
Building on the achievements from 2024, the Forum has started 2025 with its continued determination to strengthen parliamentary action to reduce illicit flows of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and achieve more peaceful and sustainably developed societies globally.

To celebrate the coming of the new year, the Forum proudly announces that the Newsletter for 2024 is now out! The Newsletter details the Forum’s work in the past year, and tentative, upcoming activities envisioned for 2025.

Do you want to be updated on the Forum’s work? You are welcome to find the Newsletter here in English, Spanish, and French. You are also welcome to sign up at https://parliamentaryforum.org/, or send us an e-mail containing your name and e-mail address to: [email protected].

📌 English:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025.01.15-Clean_Final-Version_Newsletter-December-2024_EN.pdf

📌 Spanish:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025.01.17-Final-Version_Newsletter-December-2024_SP.pdf

📌 French:http://parliamentaryforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025.01.17-Final-Version_Newsletter-December-2024_FR.pdf

18/12/2024

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Today is the last day to make a donation and receive an e-card before Christmas!
This holiday, take action & give a gift for peace. Support the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons' mission to reduce SALW-related violence worldwide. Together, let’s create a more peaceful tomorrow. Welcome to donate now and let’s make a better future together! https://parliamentaryforum.org/donate/

11/12/2024

☮️ONE WEEK LEFT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!☮️

As the year comes to a close, take a moment to support a more peaceful world. Your donation to the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons contributes to reducing armed violence. Together, let’s make peace possible. Welcome to donate now! Thank you!

https://parliamentaryforum.org/donate/

10/12/2024

NOW AVAILABLE:

📌REPORTS FROM THE PFSALW’S REGIONAL SEMINAR IN AMMAN, JORDAN, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN AMMAN

📌REPORT FROM THE PFSALW’S INTERNATIONAL SIDE-EVENT AT THE CSP10 IN COLLABORATION WITH GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

📌NEW POLICY PUBLICATION ON PARLIAMENTARY ACTION FOR ENHANCING THE ARMS TRADE TREATY IMPLEMENTATION AND UNIVERSALISATION

The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) expresses its genuine appreciation to all participants who attended the regional seminar “Reducing threats to international security: Mobilising parliamentarians from the Middle East to strengthen global parliamentary action for enhanced universalisation and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)”, which took place between 12-13 June 2024 in Amman, Jordan, co-hosted with the Embassy of Sweden in Amman. We are pleased to share the final report, and the Parliamentary Action Plan adopted.

The conclusions from the regional seminar were subsequently presented at PFSALW’s international side event at the sidelines of the Tenth Conference of States Parties (CSP10) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), on 21 August 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, titled, “From Insight to Action: Concluding Recommendations to Strengthen Global Parliamentary Action for Enhanced Universalisation and Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty” was financed and co-hosted by Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada. Besides the conclusions from the regional seminar, global key recommendations for parliamentary actions were presented at the side event. Furthermore, it provided a space for reflection, as it highlighted parliamentary perspectives and recommendations on actions for the implementation and universalisation of the ATT, linking to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda. We warmly invite you to learn more about the conclusions from the seminar in our newly released report.

Additionally, PFSALW announces the release, and welcomes you to read, our latest policy publication, available in Arabic, English, and Spanish. The publication gathers conclusions and recommendations collected and elaborated during the activities, including the abovementioned, within the project “Reducing threats to international security: Mobilising parliamentarians from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Middle East to strengthen global parliamentary action for enhanced universalisation and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty”, funded by Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada.

You are welcome to read our releases at: https://parliamentaryforum.org/2024/12/10/now-available-reports-from-regional-seminars-and-policy-publication/

09/12/2024

WEBINAR BY THE IPU: THE ARMS TRADE TREATY AT 10 - PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT FOR A WORLD FREE FROM ARMED VIOLENCE

📌Online – 10 December 2024
📌Session 1: Timed for the Asia/Pacific region – 7:00 – 8:30 CET
📌Session 2: Timed for Africa, Europe and the Americas – 17:00 – 18:30 CET

As 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) entry into force, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is organising a webinar dedicated to promoting the efforts towards its universalization in the last decade and explore future prospects. The event seeks to bring together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss their role in upholding the ATT and shaping the way towards its universalization and effective implementation. The event will serve as an opportunity to address myths and misconceptions surrounding the ATT, share good practices and experiences, as well as identify opportunities and challenges for parliamentarians in promoting the ATT.

Due to its expertise, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) has been invited as panelists to contribute to this important discussion that acknowledges the vital role of parliamentarians in addressing the human suffering caused by illicit arms flows around the world.

The webinar will take place online. Session 1 will take place in English only and Session 2 in English, French, Arabic and Spanish via simultaneous interpretation. Please register via the following links:

Session 1: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvfuyprjMtGterfM13WdC1qoPmNpGkaAA8

Session 2: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsdOigrT8iHdWJL8KzMpjceJCJCF1qMxFP

04/12/2024

SPREAD THE HOLIDAYS’ PEACE

This holiday season, make a meaningful impact! By supporting the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons, you are empowering parliamentarians to build more peaceful communities. Every donation supports our work to prevent armed violence and promote sustainable peace.

Give a gift of peace this season! https://parliamentaryforum.org/donate/

27/11/2024

THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVE THE GIFT OF PEACEFUL TOMORROWS

In this super election year, you have the power to support positive change. Join the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons in supporting parliamentary action worldwide for responsible arms control and lasting peace. Your donation can help create a more peaceful and sustainably developed world. Welcome to donate today at: https://parliamentaryforum.org/donate/

15/11/2024

ADDRESSING TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND SALW: THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE, PEACE, AND PARLIAMENTARY ACTION

This week highlights two critical global concerns: the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime and the International Week of Science and Peace.

Transnational organised crime, including the illicit proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), poses significant threats to peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide. The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) supports parliamentary action for the prevention and reduction of SALW-related violence - a major enabler of organised crime.

Addressing such interconnected challenges requires the important role of science. Science and peace are deeply interlinked as evidence-based research informs policies to tackle the root causes of armed violence and transnational crime. As a knowledge-driven organisation, PFSALW underscores the critical role of science in enhancing understanding of SALW-related violence and its societal consequences. The knowledge is essential for empowering parliamentary action. Further research is urgently needed on peace and development, particularly on the effects of uncontrolled SALW proliferation and the effectiveness of various arm control strategies.

Through a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging parliamentarians, researchers, civil society, and international organisations, PFSALW fosters collaboration and evidence-based solutions to build a more peaceful and sustainably developed world.

For more information, please visit : https://www.un.org/en/observances/fight-against-transnational-crime-day and https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-science-day/week

International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime aims to raise awareness of the threats posed by all forms of transnational organized crime and to enhance international cooperation in this regard.

07/11/2024

BEYOND BULLETS: THE HIDDEN ENVIRONMENTAL TOLL OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALW) IN CONFLICT ZONES

As we reflect on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, observed on November 6th, it’s essential to recognise the ongoing, continuous work needed to address the broader impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on the environment. SALW fuel not only human insecurity but also environmental degradation in conflict zones, from deforestation to water pollution and the decline of biodiversity. Such consequences, while often unseen, undermine ecosystems critical for communities' resilience and long-term recovery. Protecting the environment from the impacts of conflict requires attention far beyond just November 6th - it’s an ongoing commitment.

Parliamentarians, as key decision-makers, play a pivotal role in addressing the environmental toll of SALW. By promoting legislation and policies that regulate arms flows and raise awareness about their ecological impact, parliamentarians can drive meaningful change. The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons work with parliamentarians worldwide to contribute to more peaceful and sustainably developed societies, including solutions that protect both people and the planet.

Through strengthened international cooperation and the dedicated work of parliamentarians, overlooked environmental costs of SALW can be addressed as part of the global work toward a more sustainable future for all.

For more information, visit the United Nations’s resource here:

The United Nations attaches great importance to ensuring that action on the environment is part of conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategies, because there can be no durable peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed.

31/10/2024

Today, on World Cities Day, we celebrate the theme "Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability." The theme underlines the essential role of young people and local governments in tackling the climate challenges urban areas face, as cities are projected to house 70% of the world's population by 2050. With young people under 18 making up a significant portion of urban populations, especially in the Global South, their voices are critical in creating inclusive, sustainable cities.

At the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons, we believe that empowering youth goes beyond climate action alone. Young people in urban areas are also disproportionately affected by the negative implications of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)-related violence. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) and subsequent resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security affirms that the active participation of youth is crucial for the successful efforts to reduce and prevent violence and conflict. Yet traditionally, young people have been seen as either victims or perpetrators of violence, to the detriment of recognising their active role and potential as peace-builders. As cities grow and evolve, it’s imperative to engage youth in decision-making processes not only around climate but also around conflict prevention. Youth’s participation is essential to shaping urban environments that are peaceful and, sustainable.

By facilitating an enabling environment for the meaningful participation of youth in efforts to prevent and reduce armed violence, and by fostering dialogue with parliamentarians and supporting young stakeholders and lawmakers, including young women, young people can bring their ideas into discussions on both climate action and peacebuilding. Investing in youth for a more sustainable future ensures cities that meet the diverse needs of all inhabitants, both today and tomorrow.

Learn more here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/cities-day

29/10/2024

2024 UNITED NATIONS DISARMAMENT WEEK

Between the 24 and the 30th of October, the United Nations (UN) organises its annual Disarmament Week, a significant initiative to raise awareness and deepen understanding of disarmament issues and their cross-cutting importance. Furthermore, the commencement of Disarmament Week on October 24th carries significant symbolism, as it aligns with the anniversary of the UN’s foundation.

Every year, armed violence involving Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) leads to approximately 260 000 persons losing their lives globally, according to the Small Arms Survey, highly jeopardising sustainable development and endangering civilians as a direct consequence. Disarmament thus plays a critical role in upholding the principles of humanity, alongside preventing and ending armed conflicts. Acknowledging this challenge, the UN Secretary-General launched its Disarmament Agenda “Securing Our Common Future” in 2018, which underscores the cruciality of disarmament, arms control and strong partnerships to the achievement of more peaceful societies. In 2023, the New Agenda for Peace was presented outlining the vision for multilateral efforts for peace and security; for preventing conflict and violence and sustaining peace, including the importance to reduce the human cost of weapons.

The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) continues to work with parliamentarians globally towards enhanced parliamentary action to prevent the uncontrolled flow of SALW, including through the dissemination and implementation of the parliamentary handbook “Assuring our Common Future” in support of the UN Secretary General’s Disarmament Agenda. The handbook was launched in an initiative led by Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, and was co-sponsored by PFSALW, Inter-Parliamentary Union, Parliamentarians for Global Action, Geneva Centre for Security Policy and World Future Council and supported by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.

Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/disarmament-week & https://disarmamenthandbook.org/