Weapons collection and destruction

Firearms remain lethal for many years after manufacture. In Iraq, guns dating from 1918 are still being used. When weapons remain in struggling post-conflict societies, they can cause more damage than they did during the conflict. In El Salvador, more people were shot dead in 10 years of peace than during the previous 12 years of war. And the overall number of these weapons is increasing - an estimated 10 guns are manufactured for every gun destroyed.

In post-conflict situations, weapons collection is an important aspect of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) and related processes. The UN published International DDR Standards in 2006. Collection programs have also been successful in non-conflict situations, such as gun amnesties in Australia and Brazil.

Public gun destructions have been used to raise awareness, improve public confidence and symbolise an end to conflict. Examples have been 'flames of peace' in Cambodia and Mali, and gun sculptures in Macedonia and Mozambique.

Latest news

Puerto Rico: Government and faith groups cooperate in successful gun amnesty

A gun amnesty in Puerto Rico has removed more than 400 firearms and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition from circulation since it began in February 2012.

South Sudan: Disarmament campaign begins in Jonglei state

In South Sudan, more than 2,000 guns have been collected as part of a disarmament campaign in Jonglei state, led by the national army. According to army officials, 3,000 soldiers have been stationed in the state to support the disarmament process

DR Congo: National Commission on small arms welcomes new regional office

The National Commission on small arms in the DR Congo has established a regional office in the western city of Boma, with support from UNDP to bring together local representatives of the military, the national police and intelligence, border control officials and civil society organisations.

Jamaica: Government destroys 4,000 guns, half a tonne of ammunition

In Jamaica, about 4,000 guns and half a tonne of ammunition have been destroyed in two events organised by the government with support from the UN Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC).

South Sudan: Government launches disarmament programmes after hundreds killed in armed violence

The Government of South Sudan has announced the start of disarmament campaigns in volatile states following recent clashes between armed groups where hundreds of people are thought to have been killed.

Latest resources

Brazil: Instituto Sou da Paz launch guide to children’s disarmament

Instituto Sou da Paz, an IANSA member in Brazil, has launched a practical guide to children's disarmament.

Small arms report by the UN Secretary General, 2011

This report by the UN Secretary-General was submitted to the UN Security Council to bring them up to date on issues that were presented to them in the 2008 SG report on Small Arms

US report on weapons destructions

The annual report of the United States Conventional Weapons Destruction program, ‘To Walk the Earth in Safety’, has been released.

Dangerous Depots

Article from the US State Department with a list of examples of explosions at ammunition depots. Written in 2010.

Ammunition - UN Group of Governmental Experts 2008

Ammunition stockpiles require careful management to prevent explosions. The report of a Group of Governemntal Experts was endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2008, and subsequently technical guidlines are being prepared.

Small arms report by the UN Secretary General, 2008

This report by the UN Secretary General came as response to a statement from the UN Security Council in 2007, requesting that they receive a report on small arms every two years