International Action Network on Small Arms Ltd
What is IANSA?
IANSA is the International Action Network on Small Arms, a network of over 600 non-government organisations dedicated to stopping the proliferation and misuse of small arms.
IANSA’s History
In 1998 two international meetings led to the creation of IANSA and agreement on the scope and nature of its work. At the second meeting, held in Brussels in October 1998, a series of workshops explored possible policy objectives, advocacy and communication methods and IANSA’s organisational structure. The outcome of the meeting was the creation of IANSA’s Founding Document, including its Statement of Purpose, Policy Framework and Program of Action. These were aimed at providing a strategic operational framework during the establishment of IANSA. (The Founding Document is available on the IANSA website at www.iansa.org/about.htm)
Since then IANSA has grown and developed significantly. It has increased its membership, activities and profile and with the support of funders, particularly the UK Department for International Development (DFID), it has increased its resource base.
IANSA’s key achievements against its original strategic objectives include:
Constituency Building
• Membership in IANSA has expanded to include more than 500 groups in 100 countries
• Regional networks have been supported in 7 regions, undertaking a wide range of activities
• Developing thematic networks for women and African SALW researchers
• Recruited public health and development representation on IANSA Board
• Built stronger relationships with UN agencies including DDA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNIFEM, WHO
• Improved membership database with activity and expertise information
Co-ordinating and mobilising international NGO action
• Coordination of NGO involvement in the UN small arms process, including the Prepcoms, the 2001 Conference, and the 2003 Biennial Meeting of States
• Development of regional networks to support regional and national action
• Leadership of the ‘Global Week of Action Against Small Arms’ in 40+ countries, with common motifs / materials
• Channelling grassroots participation in Control Arms, the global campaign
Information Sharing
• Mechanisms for information sharing include: international, regional and national meetings; newsletter, email, highly developed website, printed information packs, factsheets etc
• Landmark report to the 2003 BMS on implementation of UN Program of Action
• First international directory of NGOs working against SALW proliferation and misuse
Developing Culturally Appropriate Message Strategies
• Increasing emphasis on translation of materials
• Key information resources (print and electronic) created in three languages
• Need for alternative means of communication highlighted
Campaigning and advocacy strategies
• ‘Global Week of Action Against Small Arms’ put consistent focus on human security
• Partnership in Control Arms campaign with Amnesty and Oxfam
• Increased interest and activity in harmonising national legislation
• Participation in European regional campaigns
Identifying research and evaluation needs
• Developed partnerships with Small Arms Survey, Biting the Bullet and others
• Helped establish African SALW researchers’ network
Monitoring the international political and social context of small arms
• Produced IANSA Report with Biting the Bullet on government implementation of PoA
• Participation in several consultative processes including the Geneva Forum
• IANSA members are on National Focal Points on SALW in many countries
In late 2003 IANSA launched a strategic planning process, which included extensive consultation with network members and key stakeholders. A working group is finalising a new strategic plan which will be one of the first items for consideration by IANSA’s new board.
IANSA’s Governance
During its first few years IANSA was legally a project of International Alert, a London-based charity which assisted us with financial and administrative matters. After devoting considerable effort to identifying the most suitable governance structure and arrangements, we recently became an independently operating NGO, IANSA Ltd. We are in the process of selecting a new Board.
Conclusion
IANSA is a dynamic and growing organisation dedicated to curbing the proliferation and misuse of small arms, a global problem that is increasingly being recognised as a threat to human security, human rights, development and democracy.
We are seeking to recruit outstanding individuals to be part of our small, dynamic and committed team.
If you think you have the right mix of skills and experience and would like to play a key role in the global movement against gun violence, please use the application form available here.
Applications must be sent by e-mail to: jobs@iansa.org by 18 August 2004. |
