The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is one of the most pervasive problems facing South Sudan. This briefing explores Saferworld’s work to identify and improve community-based solutions. In April 2017, with support from United Nations Mines Action Service (UNMAS), Saferworld launched a project to identify and improve community-based solutions to the threats posed by the proliferation and misuse of SALW.
With their partners Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) and The Organisation for Children’s Harmony (TOCH), Saferworld worked closely with community action groups in Gogrial West, Rumbek Central and Rumbek East to raise awareness of the dangers posed by the widespread availability and easy access to SALW; tackle the demand for SALW to resolve conflicts by addressing the root causes of conflicts; build communities’ capacity to respond to insecurity stemming from the proliferation and misuse of SALW; engage local authorities through advocacy to encourage the adoption of measures to improve the security of citizens. This briefing shares findings from Saferworld’s work.