DYB2011-Part-II-web

United Nations Disarmament Yearbook 2011: Part II
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• Arms Control Symposium (the Centre’s first arms control–related
activity of this kind and at this level), which reflected on political
ambitions to implement the existing arms control treaties, presented
the latest developments in the field, and opened new perspectives on
confidence-building measures for peace and stability in South-Eastern
Europe; and
• Conference entitled “Towards a Sustainable Solution for Excess
Weapons and Ammunition: Policy, Logistical and Financial Aspects of
Excess Weapons and Ammunition Disposal”, which served as a forum
for raising the awareness on these topics and facilitating the process for
finding a sustainable solution.
South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of
Small Arms and Light Weapons
In 2011, the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the
Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) focused on upgrading
SALW and ammunition storage facilities; conventional weapons and
ammunition stockpile management training; destruction of SALW; weapons
collection and awareness-raising campaigns; marking, tracing and registration
of weapons; and arms exports control.
The improvement of physical security and increased stockpile
management capabilities through training and reconstruction of storage
facilities represented a crucial contribution to SALW control in the region.
Supported by European Union Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP 44, SEESAC
activities resulted in the successful upgrade of the storage facilities named
“Taras” in Montenegro and “Murat” in Croatia. Furthermore, preparatory
work for the upgrade of four storage locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
took place.
In terms of capacity development, SEESAC developed and implemented
an extensive Regional Course on Stockpile Management with three modules
and lasting 15 days. It was held in Bosnia and Herzegovina and was attended
by representatives of the Ministries of Defence and Interior of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia. It resulted in a significantly increased capacity to plan, develop
and manage stockpiles of conventional weapons and ammunition.
SEESAC work was focused on directly assisting local authorities
towards diminishing the risk of arms proliferation by significantly reducing
the number of illegal, unwanted or surplus weapons in storage. Some of
its activities included the destruction of 16,329 SALW in Croatia and
several awareness-raising campaigns in Croatia and Serbia, supporting the
Governments to properly disseminate information regarding the legalization
and voluntary surrender of illegal firearms.