Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons

WE EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW INTERN, IGOR BARRETO Igor, originally from Brazil, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Now in Sweden, he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Uppsala University. As part of his degree, Igor is embarking on an internship at the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) through the Föreningen för utvecklingsfrågor (FUF) internship program. He is excited about the opportunity to deepen his understanding of the intersection between small arms & light weapons (SALW), human rights and sustainable development. - The thematic of SALW has always been dear to me. Growing up in Brazil, armed violence was a common topic, frequently highlighted in the news for its harmful impacts on society. Consequently, as a student of Peace and Conflict Studies, I am dedicated to exploring how SALW can act as a multiplier of violence, as well as examining ways to stop these vicious and harmful cycles. By interning at PFSALW, I look forward to contributing to the organisation and applying the theoretical knowledge I have gained throughout my formal education. Additionally, it is also a great chance to learn from PFSALW’s highly skilled team and parliamentary members about how we can continue addressing this pressing issue, Igor emphasised.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE VICTIMS OF ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES Today marks the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, a date that commemorates all those affected by this strategy of terror. Enforced disappearances has become a global problem which has led to hundreds of thousands of disappeared persons during conflicts or periods of political repression, in at least 85 countries around the world. Enforced disappearances consist of a crime that severely affects not only the victims themselves, but also friends, families, and the communities of those that have vanished. While victims are deprived of their rights and often subjected to torture, their friends and families suffer from psychological trauma, as well as material deprivations since the disappearance of a member can jeopardise the socioeconomic fabric of that community. As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, promoting peace, justice and strong institutions is key. The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons stresses the importance of combating enforced disappearances, which are often made possible due to the misuse and uncontrolled proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). Parliamentarians can, in turn, advance efforts to promote the access to justice and prevent impunity, and also play a key role in advocating for preventing the uncontrolled proliferation and usage of SALW to force persons into illegal captivity. Please find more information here: https://lnkd.in/ebkK2QA

PFSALW DELIVERS KEY STATEMENTS AT THE CSP10 Last week, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons participated in the Tenth Conference of State Parties (CSP10) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in Geneva, Switzerland. Marking the 10th anniversary of the ATT, given the state of the world,the Conference was a vital opportunity to highlight the importance of parliamentary action to reduce human suffering. Hence, PFSALW delegation delivered four key statements, presenting parliamentary recommendations aimed at enhancing the universalisation and implementation of the treaty. The recommendations form part of Parliamentary Action Plans adopted by parliamentarians during recent regional seminars in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East, focusing on several critical areas, as for example: - Role of parliamentarians: Emphasising the role of parliamentarians in preventing the illicit trade and diversion of SALW. By leveraging their legislative, oversight, and awareness-raising functions, parliamentarians can significantly contribute to ATT-related efforts. - National Action Plans: Advocating for the further development of National Action Plans and SALW Commissions, with a focus on addressing illicit SALW, promoting the ATT, and integrating the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) Agenda. - Global Transparency: Increasing transparency by promoting the use of parliamentary control tools and establishing regional interparliamentary commissions. Such measures are essential for improving ATT implementation, fostering gender-responsive public policies, and monitoring regional illicit-SALW trafficking. Watch one of the session statements in the attached video to learn more. Read PFSALWS full statements during Session 8 "Transparency and reporting", as well as Session 10 "International assistance", on the following link: https://lnkd.in/dq2vET_2 #PFSALW #ATT #CSP10 #ParliamentaryAction #ReduceHumanSuffering

TAKING PLACE THIS WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST➡️ SIDE EVENT AT CSP10 ON RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARLIAMENTARY ACTION ON THE ARMS TRADE TREATY This week, on 21 August 2024, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) is hosting a side event at the sidelines of the Tenth Conference of States Parties (CSP10) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in Geneva, Switzerland. The event is sponsored and part of a project funded by @Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada, entitled “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”. Are you attending CSP10 and interested in learning more about the role of parliamentarians in advancing the ATT? You’re warmly invited to join the side event to explore: 🕊 Key recommendations for parliamentary action to enhance ATT implementation and universalisation, with a focus on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, adopted by parliamentarians in regional seminars across Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East in the three first-ever Parliamentary Action Plans (PAPs) with specific focus on linking the two frameworks mentioned to guide parliamentary action onwards. 🕊 The event also aims to provide valuable input and support for the discussions and outcomes within the framework of CSP10, emphasizing the critical role of parliamentary action in advancing the ATT, particularly from a WPS perspective. Please find more information about the side event in the flyer below!

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY 2024: PROTECTING HUMANITARIANS - A NECESSARY STEP TOWARDS A MORE JUST AND PEACEFUL WORLD The alarming increase in violence against humanitarian workers, making 2023 the deadliest year on record, underscores a critical failure to uphold international humanitarian laws. As we face the possibility of an even graver 2024, the need for decisive action becomes more urgent. Although universally accepted international laws govern the conduct armed conflict, these laws are often violated, with perpetrators frequently escaping accountability. This predicament not only endangers humanitarian workers but also the civilian populations they serve. Parliamentarians have a vital role in promoting peace and security by addressing violence prevention through strengthened legislation, rigorous oversight, and heightened awareness. To protect those on the frontlines, it is essential that laws safeguarding humanitarians are not only enacted but also effectively implemented, bringing perpetrators of violence to justice and preventing future attacks against humanitarians as well as civilians. On this World Humanitarian Day, we urge parliamentarians to take decisive action to protect humanitarian workers working for peace and security. Through parliamentary efforts to prevent and reduce violence associated with Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), parliamentarians play an important role in fostering more peaceful, resilient, and sustainably developed societies. Please find out more about this day here: https://lnkd.in/djSW2Dd  

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: LEVERAGING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AND YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN PEACE, SECURITY, AND DEVELOPMENT – IMPORTANT EVERYDAY August 12th marked International Youth Day, themed "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”. Digital technologies such as mobile devices, services, and artificial intelligence are instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In fact, these technologies significantly influence economic, social, and environmental domains, contributing to 70% of the SDG targets. Young people, often referred to as “digital natives”, are at the forefront of digital adoption and innovation, with 75% of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022. Nevertheless, inequalities remain, mainly in low-income countries and among young women, who have limited access to the internet and digital skills. As we approach the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, enhancing digital inclusion is key. Youth-led digital innovation is essential for addressing global challenges, including peace, security and development related issues, such as preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their illicit trade and misuse. According to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, addressing the misuse of SALW is essential for youth, who are significantly impacted by the spread of conventional arms. The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons stresses the importance of promoting youth’s active and meaningful participation in decision-making processes related to peace, security, and development. Hence, it is also important to create a digital environment that fosters meaningful youth engagement. Parliamentarians can advance efforts to prevent and reduce armed violence by, for example, advocating for inclusive legislation that integrates digital tools, enhancing digital access and literacy for youth, and encouraging their active participation in decision-making processes. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, young people can play a pivotal role in such initiatives, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into peacebuilding and armed violence reduction strategies. Please find more information here: https://lnkd.in/gEs92PJ 

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SIDE EVENT AT REVCON4! This Thursday, the 20th June, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW), in collaboration with the Gender Equality Network for Small Arms Control (GENSAC) and the Government of Chile, will be hosting an international side event at the Fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects (RevCon4). The event will feature an engaging discussion with elected members of parliament from Latin America and East Africa, along with representatives of member state governments and civil society. Discussions will highlight conclusions from regional seminars and workshops in Asia, Latin America, and East Africa, and thus enhance parliamentary engagement on the aforementioned instruments, with a specific emphasis on the involvement of women members of parliament (MPs) and incorporation of gender in SALW measures, as well as related civil society engagement with and support of parliamentary actions. In doing so, it will explore legislative and policy approaches to address gender and SALW control. #UNPoA, #RevCon4 #SALW #ConnectingTheDots Welcome to join us! Date: Thursday, June 20th, 1:15-2:45 PM Venue: 777 United Nations Plaza, Church Center of the UN, 8th Fl Register for the event here: https://lnkd.in/dy--Mva7 For more information about  the RevCon4 please click here: https://lnkd.in/gTJYuuQx

SOON --> PARLIAMENTARIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA) GATHER FOR A REGIONAL SEMINAR ON PREVENTING SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS-RELATED VIOLENCE BY ENHANCED UNIVERSALISATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ARMS TRADE TREATY On 12-13 June in Amman, Jordan, parliamentarians from the MENA-region are gathering with other relevant stakeholders for the regional seminar entitled “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.” The aim of the regional seminar is to strengthen parliamentary capacity and action for the universalisation and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), linking to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, as well as to identify the most prioritised actions to be compiled in a regional Parliamentary Action Plan (PAP) specifically related to the aforementioned topics . Year 2024 holds special significance marking the 10th Anniversary of the ATT. Hence, the seminar will serve as an essential platform for parliamentarians to exchange experiences, reinforce their legislative, oversight and awareness-raising roles, and propel the ATT's universalisation and implementation forward, for more peaceful and sustainably developed societies globally. The seminar is co-hosted by the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the The Embassy of Sweden Amman – Regional Development Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa Warmly welcome to follow us for updates on the platform X: @ParlForumSALW #ATT10 #WPS #ParliamentaryActionMENA #ReduceHumanSuffering

Today, on the 6th June, Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons in collaboration with the Parliament of Uganda, successfully hosted the first day of the regional seminar on enhancing parliamentary capacity for the UN PoA and WPS agenda in East Africa. Read more in the press release. #UNPoA #WPS #RevCon4 https://lnkd.in/dKcFC7dK

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS For the last 76 years, United Nation peacekeepers have been tirelessly working to improve and save lives in the world's most affected areas. Since 1948, over two million peacekeepers have helped countries transition from war to peace. Today, more than 70,000 peacekeepers are actively serving in 11 critical missions worldwide. This year's UN International Day, themed "Fit for the future, building better together," celebrates the significant contributions of military, police, and civilian peacekeepers over the decades towards a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. Peacekeeping has evolved over time, and despite numerous challenges, addresses increasingly complex and interconnected conflicts. Supported by UN member countries, it advances the UN Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace, advocating for a more robust, holistic, and collective response to the current and future security threats. The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PFSALW) emphasises the important role of a holistic approach in peacekeeping and conflict prevention, including the prevention of Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW)-related violence. The PFSALW is working towards contributing to the achievement of more peaceful and sustainably developed societies by enhancing parliamentarians’ action in preventing and reducing the proliferation of illicit SALW. Please find more information here: https://lnkd.in/d5z3aip #InternationalDayofUNPeacekeepers #Peace #UN #TogetherForPeace #GlobalSolidarity #FitForTheFuture