The proliferation of arms resulting in either conflict, conflict-prone conditions, or simple criminality and violence, will prevent development objectives from being reached. UNDP initiatives to constrain small arms supplies encompass efforts to counter illicit trafficking through legal measures and helping governments strengthen judicial, administrative and enforcement measures. Steps to curb demand for small arms include conflict prevention, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, helping communities improve education and livelihoods to provide constructive alternatives to violence and conflict, and promoting democratization and the rule of law. The UNDP Trust Fund for the Reduction of Small Arms Proliferation is playing an important role in aiding practical initiatives to reduce small arms proliferation, says Mr. de Boice. With support from the Trust Fund, UNDP has helped strengthen programmes for curbing small arms in Albania, El Salvador the Solomon Islands, the Republic of the Congo and in East and West Africa.
New projects are in the pipeline for Kosovo, Niger and Somalia.
In his statement, Mr. de Boice urged the preparatory committee to do more to incorporate the development framework into a coordinated approach to small arms. The public must know more about the problem of small arms and UNDP will work, through the media, special events and commissioned work, to get the word out on what is being done. While Improving the Environment Join the daily noon Press briefing from the Office of the Secretary-General.