18 okt SIDE EVENT REPORT IPU 141 ASSEMBLY BELGRADE, SERBIA
Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons held a successful side event at the 141 Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Belgrade this week, titled “Agenda 2030: Preventing SALW-related violence & building peaceful societies – How can parliamentarians contribute?”
Approximately 25 participants, including parliamentarians from 12 countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East as well as UN agencies and civil society organisations took part. Following a panel discussion which included the promotion of women and young parliamentarians, sharing conclusions from a recent regional seminar in the Middle East and North Africa, a fruitful discussion was held focusing on the importance of responsible arms transfers and international cooperation.
Parliamentary action is vital in order to prevent armed violence and contribute to sustainable peace and development. Without women and youth represented, there cannot be effective control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
The report from the event has been published and can be read here.
Thank you to everyone participating in the side event!