The past decade has seen an increase in the intensity and impact of conflict and violence on civilians globally. The uncontrolled spread and availability of small arms (guns) and munitions prolongs conflict and increases this impact. Small arms and ammunition are regularly stolen and trafficked across porous borders and traded on the illicit market, fuelling more armed violence against civilians.
Weapons and ammunition are often stored in or near built-up areas. If there is an unplanned explosion the consequences can be devastating, causing mass death and injury, as well as destroying homes, schools and community infrastructure.
Improving the quality of storage facilities and destroying obsolete weapons and ammunition removes the chance of accidents and harm. It also supports sustainable development and enables a greater opportunity for sustainable peace.
We construct and rehabilitate armouries
Our weapons and ammunition work establishes security measures to reduce the risk of small arms being stolen and misused. Simple, lockable small arms and gun racks produced locally according to MAG designs are a key part of our armoury rehabilitation. Record-keeping is also an essential component of weapons management and we encourage people to be accountable for weapons assigned to them.
We mark weapons
Marking weapons according to regional and international standards plays an important role in addressing the illicit market and promoting safer cities and communities. We train people on how best to do this and on weapon database management.
We destroy small arms and ammunition
Safe and accountable destruction methods ensure that all the working parts of a weapon are unusable and that the ammunition is completely destroyed so it cannot cause harm.
We deliver training and develop capacity
MAG has developed a range of capacity development and training courses tailored to national and regional contexts. We work with partners and national authorities to design, develop and implement their national small arms action plans.
If weapons are not correctly secured, they can fall into the wrong hands. It's not only about securing weapons, it's about people's safety and security.
FidèleTechnical assistant, Burkina Faso
Our results in 2019

Small arms destroyed
94,498

Ammunition destroyed
646ton

Small arms and light weapons training courses
59

Armouries constructed
46