UN DPKO statement on the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence 2011

 

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) wish to bring to your attention that the week of 13 June is the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence. DPKO was approached by the International Action Network  on Small Arms (IANSA), an association of civil society organizations working  to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons globally, to use this week to enhance public awareness of the 

impact of gun violence. To that end, MINURSO takes this opportunity in highlighting peacekeeping operations’ partnerships with civil society organizations in support of such events. 

 

The Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence is an opportunity for those around the world working to reduce armed violence and the  uncontrolled proliferation of  small arms and light weapons (SALW) to unite in their efforts. 

 

We wish to take this opportunity to raise awareness globally of the deadly impact of armed violence. It remains far too frequent, resulting in loss of lives, incomes, opportunities and education, perpetuating the vicious circle of poverty and violence. 

 

Armed violence places a heavy burden on families and communities. It impairs reconstruction efforts and peace consolidation. It often delays the establishment of a secure environment to which so many aspire to after months or sometimes years of  conflict.

 

Civil society organizations are critical to efforts to reduce armed violence and the uncontrolled proliferation of SALW and the UN very much values partnerships with civil society organizations. The experience and know how of our local partners are  crucial to the development of effective peacebuilding measures. 

 

Peacekeeping operations witness daily the courage of entire populations. Civil society  organizations engage in efforts to reduce and prevent armed violence and a return to conflict. In many cases, we have developed a solid and close partnership which has proven valuable in the implementation of our mandate on the ground.

 

In previous years, civil society, UN entities and governments have worked together  during the Week of Action. This year, DPKO would like to pay tribute to our collective work in preventing armed violence highlighting the efforts of the UN family and civil society throughout the Global Week of Action. 

 

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