UNRCPD Workshop for Southeast Asia on Gun Violence and Illicit Small-Arms Trafficking from a Gender Perspective

03/07/2018
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06/07/2018
Activity description

In the context of its regional project on women, peace and security (WPS), the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD) organized a “Workshop for Southeast Asia on Gun Violence and Illicit Small-Arms Trafficking from a Gender Perspective” from 3 to 6 July 2018 in Bangkok. The workshop brought together representatives of leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on gender issues and women’s empowerment, as well as members of parliaments (MPs) from Southeast Asia interested in arms-control issues. Also participating were UN officials, WPS trainers from the Women’s Network of the International Action Network on Small Arms, as well as international expert speakers from the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Centre for Armed Violence Reduction, and Small Arms Survey. Through applying a gender perspective, the Workshop aimed to strengthen control of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and empower women in the region to take part in such efforts. It further sought to sensitize decision making taking into consideration the impact of gun violence on women through interactive activities, including table-top exercises, trainings, and small group discussions. Key Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on WPS and the concept of gun-free zones were discussed, and relevant treaties and instruments such as the Arms Trade Treaty and the United Nations Programme of Action were promoted.

Project description

As called for by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, the project seeks to further disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control objectives by strengthening the participation of women in the region in the combat against illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) mainly by: (i) enhancing understanding of the differentiated impact of gun violence on women and men; (ii) empowering NGOs focused on gender and women’s empowerment, and other women civil society leaders, to assume a greater role in SALW control efforts; and (iii) bringing them together with disarmament-engaged MPs for possible cooperation on this endeavour. Concretely, the efforts to combat illicit SALW trafficking will focus on national implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW (PoA), as well as the ratification of/accession to, and implementation of, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

Type of Activity
Sensitization and outreach
Focus of Activity
Gender based violence (GBV)
International instruments
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) controls
Partners
Thailand
Implementers
United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD)
Donors
UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation (UNSCAR)
Contact Details

Organization:

United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD)

Contact person:

Mr. Aleksander Micic

Address:

KSK Building, 4th Floor Ward No. 5, Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal

Website:

www.unrcpd.org