Small arms and light weapons (SALW) are responsible for the majority of violent deaths world-wide. Some critics argue that its SALW which are the real weapons of mass destruction. This learning unit continues debating humanitarian arms control with the exclusive focus on the issue of SALW and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

After completing this unit, you will

• have a better insight into the issue of illicit SALW proliferation.
• know the main elements of the most important international policy instruments that were developed at UN and EU level to control the proliferation of SALW.
• have knowledge on the objectives, scope and content of the ATT and on the challenges with the development and implementation of policy instruments to combat the illicit proliferation of SALW.