Small arms: Collection

In post-conflict environments the presence of large numbers of small arms, light weapons and their ammunition can contribute to an upsurge in violent crime, as well as interpersonal and intergroup violence.

Countries not engaged in armed conflict – or emerging from it – can also suffer from high rates of violent crime. In such settings, the voluntary collection of illicit and unwanted weapons and ammunition strengthens social cohesion, promotes community development, and creates conditions conducive to reducing armed violence and crime.

Even in countries not suffering from high rates of armed violence or violent crime, weapons collection is sometimes carried out after national laws relating to small arms possession are tightened, sometimes in response to mass shootings.

The aim of weapons collection programmes, whether they are conducted in post- or non-conflict settings, is to promote development, minimise the chances of armed conflict or violence occurring or recurring, and reduce incidents of violent crime by limiting the availability of, and reducing trafficking in, illegal small arms, light weapons and their ammunition.

Weapons collection programmes remove illegal and unwanted small arms, light weapons and their
ammunition from communities by encouraging individuals – and communities as a whole – to
relinquish them and by rendering legal (e.g. through licensing and registration) weapons that may
be held legally under national law. By thus reducing the number of illegal weapons in circulation,
collection programmes can reduce:

The availability of illegal weapons and ammunition that might otherwise be used in armed conflict;
Political, ethnic or other forms of inter-communal violence;
Crime, family-related violence, suicide, or unintentional shootings.

Removing tools of violence from communities without addressing the root causes of violence and conflict is unlikely to make a durable contribution to building peace and security.

Weapons collection programmes may be hazardous, both for those collecting weapons and ammunition and for those handing them in. The handing in of loaded weapons or inherently dangerous ammunition and explosives can create a physical threat to human life, and can put at risk an entire disarmament process. Effective risk management and sound technical advice and support on ammunition and explosive safety measures is therefore crucial.