Every six years, a Review Conference (RevCon) is held at UN Headquarters 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 (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). The Third Review Conference took place in 2018 and served as a vital opportunity for countries in all regions to strengthen and improve efforts to reduce the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons.
From June 17 to 28, 2024, the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) on the UN Progamme of Action on Small Arms will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. A Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) took place from February 12 to 16, 2024. The Chair-designate for the RevCon4 is the Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN, Ambassador Maritza Chan-Valaverde.
RevCon4 offers an opportunity for civil society organizations to participate. An aide-memoire (memorandum) issued by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and containing instructions for registration is accessible below. UNODA posted relevant statements, documents and letters from the Chair from PrepCom here and will update the Review Conference page here.
IANSA has identified seven priority issues to focus advocacy in the lead up to RevCon4:
- Strengthening transfer controls;
- Controlling SALW ammunition;
- Collecting, destroying, and safely disposing of surplus SALW and ammunition;
- Mainstreaming gender;
- Engaging with youth;
- Setting national and regional targets;
- Controlling the civilian possession of SALW.
Click HERE to read more