Effective arms control

Conventional arms – from rifles to military aircraft, naval vessels, armoured vehicles and artillery – are used to kill hundreds of thousands of people each year. While states have a right to acquire arms for self-defence and internal security, the illicit and irresponsible trade in arms prolongs violent conflict and fuels violations of human rights and humanitarian law. We believe that transparent and responsible regulation of the international arms trade is vital to preventing human suffering associated with the proliferation and misuse of arms. 

Our work

Saferworld works to strengthen national, regional and international controls on the global transfer of arms. We do this by advising governments and holding them to their obligations and commitments to build peace and to safeguard people's security by not transferring arms irresponsibly. We maintain dialogue with government officials – by sharing policy briefings, engaging with regional and international processes, and through bilateral meetings – to encourage the progressive development and implementation of robust and transparent arms controls rooted in international law. 
 
We also work in coalition with other organisations to achieve strengthened and coordinated arms control processes at national, regional and global levels.

The Arms Trade Treaty – we work to ensure that this global treaty to regulate the arms trade is implemented.

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Strengthening arms export controls in the UK and EU – we advocate and engage with officials to promote effective arms transfer controls.

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Engagement with China – promoting dialogue and cooperation regarding arms and ammunition.

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The Arms Trade Litigation Monitor – a platform to monitor and engage with legal challenges to international arms transfers.

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