After a week of deliberations at the United Nations, governments have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to reduce gun trafficking and armed violence.

Governments met for the Biennial Meeting of States in New York, 14-18 June, to review progress on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms. The meeting focused on several key topics including: combating illicit small arms trade across borders; improving international cooperation and assistance; strengthening of the follow-up mechanism and preparations for the 2010 Review Conference. In addition to discussing the PoA, the meeting discussed implementation of the International Tracing Instrument.

IANSA members from 55 countries participated in the BMS. Nine members spoke eloquently on a range of themes on behalf of global civil society at the BMS plenary meeting on 16 June. Their speeches were well received, reminding states of the challenges and solutions they face and that civil society is working alongside them in finding solutions.

Alex Galvez from Guatemala spoke on behalf of gun survivors; Ilona Carvalho from Brazil highlighted the impact of armed violence on development; Guy Lamb from South Africa called on States to enact legislation to enhance border control mechanisms; Jasmin Nario-Galace from Philippines spoke about international cooperation; Widad Akrawi from Iraq said that one of the essential elements for achieving peace is to get small arms under control; Michèle Pépé from Côte d’Ivoire gave examples of collaboration between governments and civil society; Martha Quintero from Colombia spoke about the impacts of small arms on women; Koukou Aklavon from Togo presented the Gun-Free World Cup campaign; and Rebecca Peters, IANSA Director, urged Member States to strengthen international mechanisms and agencies that supported the implementation of the PoA.

During the conference IANSA members also organised side events and launched new websites and publications. In addition, IANSA members joined the government delegations of Australia, Ghana, Germany, Guatemala, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Niger, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Uganda and UK.

To read IANSA members’ statements in their original languages (Arabic, French, English and Spanish) click here.

To watch highlights of the speeches click here.