Around $US660 million was spent on small arms control in the first five years of the UN Programme of Action (PoA), according to a new report from the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). This money has funded over 600 activities in 94 countries as part of the implementation of the PoA.

In the context of other disarmament programs, the average yearly expenditure of $US132 million is relatively low. For example, the average annual expenditure on landmine action from 2001-2005 was US$332 million (figures from Landmine Monitor). Over two-thirds of the funding for small arms control was spent on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programs.

“International Assistance for Implementing the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects: Findings of a Global Survey” can be ordered at no cost from UNIDIR.