The “Small Arms and Light Weapons Workshop,” an important event organized by RACVIAC in partnership with the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), commenced on 17th September 2024 and will last until 19th September 2024 at RACVIAC headquarters. This workshop is an integral part of RACVIAC continuous efforts to address security challenges in the South East European (SEE) region, focusing on the control and management of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
The event was officially opened by H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC and Ms. Frida Thomassen, Political Affairs Officer with the Conventional Arms Branch of UNODA.
Ms. Frida Thomassen began by expressing her sincere thanks to RACVIAC for co-organizing and hosting the event, emphasizing the deep appreciation for their collaboration.
Looking ahead to the next three days she expressed her hope in regards to taking stock of the current situation, sharing best practices, and exploring ways to collectively implement the latest policy developments in a practical manner. She mentioned that, together with RACVIAC, a comprehensive and exciting programme lasting three days has been put together stressing that the success of the workshop will depended on everyone’s active participation.
In conclusion, she thanked everyone for their presence, with a special acknowledgment to RACVIAC for being a wonderful partner and host. On behalf of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, she expressed eagerness to see a productive and engaging workshop unfold.
In his Opening address Ambassador Grigorie expressed his gratitude to Austria for their financial support and extended special thanks to Ms. Frida Thomassen from UNODA for her expertise in shaping the Workshop programme. He also acknowledged the presence of experts from key international organizations such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), ITF Enhancing Human Security, South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), Small Arms Survey (SAS) Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) whose contributions, he added, are invaluable to the success of the Workshop.
Ambassador Grigorie highlighted that RACVIAC has been organizing activities related to SALW and Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) for over a decade. These efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening regional security by addressing the risks posed by the proliferation of small arms and the management of arms, ammunition, and explosives. He emphasized that this year’s workshop builds upon the previous seminar on the “Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management,” focusing on how technical capacity can enhance organizational capabilities in conventional ammunition management.
The primary objectives of this workshop are to identify key priorities for implementing the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), especially in light of the outcomes of the Fourth Review Conference. The event aims to enhance technical capacity to prevent and combat illicit SALW, promote regional and international standards, and discuss challenges and opportunities related to new technologies in SALW manufacturing and design.
Participants will also engage in tabletop exercises designed to foster interactive learning, and they will have the opportunity to visit HS Produkt in Karlovac, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality small arms, providing an in-depth perspective on the technological advancements in SALW production.
In closing, RACVIAC DIRECTOR expressed hope that this workshop will further strengthen cooperation and understanding within the SEE region and beyond. He wished the participants fruitful discussions and a rewarding experience in a professional and friendly environment.
