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The Secretary-General announced on 24 May 2018 his Agenda for Disarmament, which outlines a set of practical measures across the entire range of disarmament issues, including weapons of mass destruction, conventional arms and future weapon technologies. It seeks to generate fresh perspectives and to explore areas where serious dialogue is required to bring disarmament back to the heart of our common efforts for peace and security. Printable outreach material available for free download. Pamphlet | Postcard | Poster (Letter) | Poster (Tabloid) | Poster (A3) | Poster (A4) | Poster (24″ x …

The Handbook builds on good practices and innovative approaches developed in the field, while taking into consideration the most recent international arms regulation standards. It responds to the greater need for arms control activities in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, including weapons and ammunition management at the community level as part of community violence reduction projects. The material presented here equips DDR practitioners with practical resources to design effective weapons and ammunition management operations that can be implemented across the peace …

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is the first legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination. For those nations that are party to it, the treaty prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, as well as assistance and encouragement to the prohibited activities. This brochure describes the procedures that States must follow in order to sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to this …

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). …

This study was prepared on the recommendation of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. It examines the characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), how international law applies to the use of armed UAVs to conduct targeted strikes outside areas of active hostilities, and ideas for improving transparency, oversight and accountability in the development, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer and use of armed UAVs. If you have comments or queries, please email UNODA-web@un.org …

The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) implements the decisions of the General Assembly on disarmament matters. UNODA: Provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the UN Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies; Fosters disarmament measures through dialogue, transparency and confidence-building in military matters; Encourages regional disarmament efforts. The issues listed on the Everyday Disarmament Cards are core topics and concerns that UNODA deals with regularly, and guide its efforts to provide substantive support to expert groups, organize seminars, prepare and disseminate publications, inaugurate exhibits, launch media events, and promote outreach and advocacy. Dimensions : 2.16" x …

In December 2013, upon completion of the UN Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Secretary-General called for a lessons-learned process to strengthen preparedness in order to enhance the effective application of the Secretary-General’s Mechanism (SGM) and its Guidelines in future investigations. As a result, UNODA launched a comprehensive lessons-learned exercise with generous financial support from interested donors. A review of the challenges and areas for enhancing the operational readiness of the SGM in light of the experience in Syria has proven highly beneficial, including through identifying lessons in light of the uniqueness of the Syria case. UNODA is pleased to share the final report of the exercise, including concrete conclusions and recommendations for strengthening the application of this important mechanism. This exercise has reinforced the value added of the SGM as well as supported the conclusion that the …

The 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, retention, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons and is a key element in the international community’s efforts to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In 1986, BWC States Parties agreed to the exchange of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) "in order to prevent or reduce the occurrence of ambiguities, doubts and suspicions and in order to improve international cooperation in the field of peaceful biological activities". This guide has been prepared by UNODA with the support of the European Union in order to provide practical advice and guidance to officials responsible for preparing CBM submissions. Versions are also available in the other official UN languages. It is hoped that this guide will promote participation in the CBMs and enhance the quality of the information …

Armed conflicts are a tragic reality of the world that we live in. However, as set out in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), conventional weapons that are excessively injurious or whose effects are indiscriminate need not be part of this reality. The CCW is an important instrument of international humanitarian law. A priority of the CCW States Parties is expanding the Convention's membership. Currently there are 118 States Parties to the CCW and the latest country to join is Iraq. This CCW Booklet provides a brief background and history to the Convention and its Protocols, interesting facts on the CCW, information on how States can join and participate in the CCW's meetings, and the mandate of and support provided by the CCW Implementation Support Unit. The booklet is designed to be a guide for those States considering joining the CCW and a useful resource for those working to promote …

Treaties are essential to the maintenance of international law and order, and States depend on them to provide stability and consistency in international relations. This publication contains the text of multilateral treaties that focus on nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, conventional arms, and nuclear-weapon-free zones, all of which are essential for promoting peace and security. It also includes treaties in which disarmament and non-proliferation are important elements within a larger framework of issues, such as the Antarctic Treaty or the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs hopes this book will be a useful tool for diplomats, researchers, those in the service of States parties to the various treaties and conventions, those States not yet parties, and in promoting and furthering the universalization of these …