August 10, 2026.
Young people are disproportionately affected by armed violence, conflict, and the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making on peace and security. IANSA’s “YOUth Have a Part: Youth, Peace and Security and Small Arms and Light Weapons Control” factsheet explores the links between the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and SALW control, highlighting how meaningful youth participation can strengthen disarmament efforts and contribute to more peaceful, resilient communities.
Drawing on the five pillars of the YPS agenda—Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnerships, and Disengagement and Reintegration—the factsheet provides practical recommendations for integrating young people into SALW policy and programming at the local, national, regional, and international levels. It also showcases examples of youth leadership and civil society initiatives while calling for stronger recognition of youth within the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNPoA) and related disarmament processes.