Security
Natural Resource Exploitation and Human Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is immensely rich in natural resources but its people are among the poorest in the world. This paradox is both cause and effect of the brutal exploitation of the country’s resources that has taken place since King Leopold, and that has fuelled such violent and devastating conflict.
The report is organised in three parts: first, summaries of the seminar presentations and plenary discussions; then analysis of the issues discussed and some conclusions; lastly a sketch of relevant policy actors and processes, with a view to further research and advocacy.
Small Arms Consultative Group Process. Small Arms and Light Weapons Transfers
The informal Small Arms Consultative Group Process on Developing Understandings on Guidelines for National Controls and Transfers to Non-State Actors was established in January 2003, convened by the Biting the Bullet Project. The Consultative Group consists of representatives of some 30 governments from most regions, the UN and regional organisations, and selected civil society experts. It has so far met four times, in London (January 2003), Prague (June 2003), New York (July 2003) and Lake Naivasha, Kenya (September 2003), and has now completed the first phase of its work.
The objectives of this informal Small Arms Consultative Group have been to develop shared understandings of two linked issue areas that are of key importance to the implementation and further development of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: transfers of SALW to non-state actors and guidelines for national decisions on whether to authorise weapons transfers.
Putting a Human Face to the Problem of Small Arms Proliferation
This report examines the potential impact that gender issues have on small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation generally and specifically in relation to the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA). It provides a general background to the interrelationship between the PoA and gender and provides recommendations to the UN on how the PoA can be better implemented by taking into account gender considerations.
The potential impact that gender issues have on small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation generally and specifically in relation to the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA).
Ammunition Stocks: Promoting Safe and Secure Storage and Disposal
The 2001 United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) and other associated Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) international commitments and measures are widely understood to encompass not only the weapons but also their ammunition. Unfortunately, progress in implementing the PoA in relation to ammunition remains particularly patchy and inadequate. This is partly because it has too often been considered as a residual category.
The challenge of dealing with Ammunition is one of the key issues in the contemporary international SALW debate. Not only is ammunition vital for firing a weapon it is significantly more volatile, and therefore dangerous, leading to special care being necessary in stockpile management. This report examines the mechanisms of ammunition destruction and disposal open to governments as well as discussing why it is an important SALW issue.
UN SC Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security
Afghanistan– General Information
A report on the first ever Afghan consultation on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The consultation was organised by International Alert's Gender and Peacebuilding Programme and the Afghan Civil Society Forum (ACSF).
Biting the Bullet. International Action on Small Arms 2005: Examining Implementation of the UN Programme of Action
This report provides a comprehensive review of progress towards implementing the important commitments contained in the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects (PoA), drawing on data gathered for over 180 countries and analysing relevant local, national, regional and international processes.
A comprehensive review of progress towards implementing the important commitments contained in the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Developing an EU Strategy to Address Fragile States
The European Security Strategy highlights ‘state failure’ as one of the five key threats facing Europe - along with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorism, organised crime and regional conflicts. Yet while the EU has devoted considerable focus to addressing WMD and terrorism, it has paid less attention to state failure, which underpins all of these other threats.
This report assesses how the EU’s range of policy instruments and structures can more effectively be used to address the causes and consequences of fragile states and provides practical recommendations targeted at the EU Presidencies, the European Council, Commission and Parliament.
Promoting Effective Global Action on Small Arms: Emerging Agendas for the 2006 UN Review Conference
The first Review Conference for the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects is due to take place in July 2006. This is a major international event. It provides the first formal international opportunity to review and strengthen the UN Programme of Action (PoA) since it was agreed in July 2001.
This Discussion Paper identifies and discusses emerging issues and priorities for the July 2006 Review Conference for the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects. It particularly focuses on identifying realistic and potentially negotiable objectives for the 2006 Review Conference.
Mise en oeuvre des contrôles internationaux sur les armes légères, la
Ce rapport expose en termes comparatifs les enseignements clés tirés du projet d’International Alert sur le suivi de l’application des contrôles des ALPC. Le projet a examine le processus de mise en ouvre des mesures régionales et internationales de contrôle des ALPC en Eurasie, en Amérique Latine et en Afrique occidentale. Chacun des rapports examinant un pays en particulier contient également des recommandations spécifiques et lecteur pourra se référer à ces rapports lorsqu’il souhaitera approfondir les enjeux liés au contexte propre d’un pays ou d’une région.
Ce rapport expose en termes comparatifs les enseignements clés tirés du projet d’International Alert sur le suivi de l’application des contrôles des ALPC (armes légères et de petit calibre). Le projet a examine le processus de mise en ouvre des mesures en Eurasie, en Amérique Latine et en Afrique occidentale.
Meeting Report: Panel Discussion. Inclusive Security, Sustainable Peace
The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in October 2000 was the first formal and legal document from the Security Council that requires parties to a conflict and the international community to respect women’s rights and to support their participation at all stages in peace negotiations, conflict prevention and post conflict reconstruction Five years after this adoption, it is timely to question what implementation mechanisms have been created.
This panel discussion aimed to link the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 implementation five years on to the European focus on the implementation of 1325 and the related European Parliament resolution on the participation of women in peaceful conflict resolution.
Biting the Bullet: Promoting Effective Global Action on Small Arms
The first Review Conference for the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects took place in July 2006. This Report identifies and examines key priorities for the 2006 Review Conference for the PoA. It particularly focuses on identifying realistic and potentially negotiable objectives for the Conference.
This Report identifies and examines key priorities for the 2006 Review Conference for the UN Programme of Action to Preven Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006
This report by Biting the Bullet (International Alert, Saferworld and University of Bradford) aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review and analysis of progress towards implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects (PoA) and of the consequent issues and priorities for the 2006 Review Conference.
This report by Biting the Bullet (International Alert, Saferworld and University of Bradford) aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review and analysis of progress towards implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects (PoA) and of the consequent issues and priorities for the 2006 Review Conference.
Construction de la Paix dans la Région des Grands Lacs: Défis et Opportunités pour l’Union Européenne en RDC
Elaboré dans le cadre du Partenariat pour la Prévention des Conflits, ce document analyse le contexte dans lequel l’UE utilise ses instruments de relations extérieures pour combattre l’insécurité, promouvoir une gouvernance légitime et efficace, et soutenir la reconstruction, un développement durable, et l’intégration régionale en RDC. Des consultations dans la région et dans l’UE ont permis de dégager des propositions communes sur chaque thème pour que l’UE puisse mieux contribuer à une paix et développement durable en RDC et dans la région.
Ce document analyse le contexte dans lequel l’UE utilise ses instruments de relations extérieures pour combattre l’insécurité, promouvoir une gouvernance légitime et efficace, et soutenir la reconstruction, un développement durable, et l’intégration régionale en RDC.
DDR: Supporting Security and Development - The EU's Added Value
The problems faced by countries emerging from years of violent conflict are enormous, highly complex and intricately interconnected. Amongst the greatest challenges are the presence of large numbers of ex-combatants and the ongoing violence perpetrated by members of still-active rebel groups. These ex-combatants will ultimately need to be demobilised and reintegrated into civilian life or perhaps into newly constituted security services.
This report looks at the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants. It analyses the process and the role of the European Union, and makes recommendations on future EU involvement.
International Engagement in the Georgian-Abkhaz Conflict Resolution Process
This collection of papers by researchers from Georgia and Abkhazia offers an analysis of international engagement in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict resolution process since the early 90s, with a specific focus on post-August 2008 and the departure of the UN Observer Mission in 2009. Papers assess the impact of non-governmental peacebuilding initiatives, the effectiveness of the ‘Geneva discussions’ co-facilitated by the UN, EU and OSCE, and explore prospects for Abkhaz engagement with the international community.
This collection of papers by researchers from Georgia and Abkhazia offers an analysis of international engagement in the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict resolution process since the early 90s, with a specific focus on post-August 2008 and the departure of the UN Observer Mission in 2009.
Contact Us
International Alert, 346 Clapham Road
LONDON, SW9 9AP, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 20 7627 6800
Fax +44 (0) 20 7627 6900
