Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence: 2-8 June 2025

Every year, IANSA invites its members to join in solidarity to advocate for an end to the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) by participating in the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence (GWoA). This year it will take place from 2 to 8 June 2025.

IANSA’s theme this year is “Protect the Future: Control Small Arms and their Ammunition for Global Safety.” This campaign aims to address the ongoing threat of armed violence fueled by unregulated small arms, light weapons (SALW), and their ammunition. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and frameworks like the UN Programme of Action on SALW (UNPoA) and the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management.

The campaign focuses on several key areas: strengthening control over SALW and ammunition, safely collecting and disposing of surplus stockpiles, and promoting gender mainstreaming and youth engagement. It also emphasizes setting measurable national and regional goals, advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and regulating civilian possession of SALW. These efforts are vital to reducing armed violence and promoting long-term global security.

With the support of governments, civil society, academia, and international organizations, this campaign calls for unified action to create safer, more resilient communities worldwide. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved in building a more peaceful future.

The Fourth Review Conference on the UNPoA (RevCon4) took place during 18-28 June 2024, and allowed States to strengthen their commitments to the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), which was adopted by the General Assembly in July 2001. Access the RevCon4 final report here.

Ammunition plays a critical role in enabling the use and lethality of small arms and light weapons—without it, these weapons cannot function. Despite this, ammunition control has often been overlooked in international disarmament efforts. In 2023, United Nations Member States adopted a new international instrument containing political commitments to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of ammunition; mitigate and prevent unplanned explosions at munition sites; ensure the safety and security of conventional ammunition throughout its life-cycle from the point of manufacture; and contribute to lasting peace, security and sustainable development. The Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management is essential to recognize that effective ammunition management is a cornerstone of reducing armed violence and preventing diversion to unauthorized users.

The upcoming preparatory meeting from 23-29 June 2025 and the 2027 First Meeting of States will provide a productive opportunity to strengthen global commitments and establish concrete measures for safe, accountable, and secure ammunition control across its entire lifecycle.

Access all campaign materials, publications and updates below.