IANSA Guide: Moving Forward to Strengthen Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Priority Issues for Civil Society in the Ninth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS9)

This new guide provides an overview of key policy discussions, advocacy priorities, and recommendations for civil society engagement related to BMS9, which will take place at the United Nations in New York from 1–5 June 2026. It builds on the outcomes of the Fourth Review Conference (RevCon4) held in 2024 and highlights critical issues including:

• Transfer controls,
• Diversion prevention,
• Gender mainstreaming,
• Youth participation,
• Survivor assistance,
• Emerging technologies,
• Ammunition management,
• The role of civil society in advancing effective implementation of the UNPoA and ITI.

The guide is intended to support CSOs in engaging constructively with governments and other stakeholders for BMS9, while strengthening coordinated advocacy efforts to prevent armed violence and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.