SE Europe Regional Clearinghouse for the control of Small Arms and Light Weapons: May 8 Opening in Belgrade

The Stability Pact, in partnership with the UN Development Program, opened on May 8 in Belgrade the SE Europe Regional Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The uncontrolled proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a serious problem in South Eastern Europe. SALW proliferation has fuelled crime and insecurity, exacerbating conflict in the region and undermining post-conflict peacebuilding. Problems related to SALW are likely to pose a serious constraint to economic and social development in South Eastern Europe.

The Clearinghouse represents the most visible element of the Stability Pact's comprehensive effort to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons throughout SE Europe. In late 2001, the Stability Pact developed a Regional Implementation Plan on SALW, which was approved in November by Stability Pact partners at the Security Working Table meeting in Budapest.

The task of the Clearinghouse is to help SEE governments and non-governmental organisations develop targeted projects aimed at strengthening capabilities to stem the illicit flow of SALW throughout the region. The Clearinghouse will also seek out opportunities to develop a regional identity in countering the proliferation of SALW through the promotion of cross-border activities and projects. Starting with initial seed funding from the dedicated UNDP SALW Trust Fund, the Clearinghouse will look for early results to demonstrate value added to regional partners as well as the continuum of donor interests and priorities. It will also provide an opportunity and facility for regional information sharing in this challenging area. The Clearinghouse will place particular emphasis on the development of regional projects to address the reality of cross-border flows of weapons and ammunition.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony at the Belgrade City Hall, FRY FM Svilanovic hailed the opening of the Clearinghouse and called it a tangible step toward reducing security threats in Southeast Europe. He said it would be a valuable tool for gaining better control of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. Stability Pact Deputy Special Coordinator Donald Kursch cited the successful operation of the Clearinghouse as one of the top six priorities for the Stability Pact in 2002. He commented on the progress Southeast Europe had made in the past three years in improving the security environment, but noted that major efforts were still required to consolidate stability and assure economic prosperity.

For further Information: Contact Andrew.Hyde@stabilitypact.org or
Henny J. van der Graaf, Clearinghouse Team Leader, henny.graaf@undp.org