In the framework of a regional project conducted in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, the Permanent Peace Movement organised a two days regional meeting on the risks associated with the acquisition and spread of Small arms and light weapons (SALW). The Regional meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the risks of possession, use and spread of SALW in the Middle East and the role of awareness-raising on these issues. The participants highlighted the importance of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the role civil society can play in advocating for its universalization. The participants from Libya, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine spoke about the situation in their respective countries and the challenges in addressing the issue of the spread of SALW in war and post-war societies. The participants drew up local action plans in order to increase awareness in their civil societies and to assume a leading role in raising awareness of the dangers of arms proliferation and pressure for laws regulating the possession and trafficking of arms.