Promoting development through the reduction and prevention of armed violence

The report examines different aspects of the relationship between armed violence and development. It places particular emphasis on tackling the risks and effects of armed violence and underdevelopment. This includes implementing existing conventions and agreements associated with armed violence and development; improving the effectiveness of armed violence prevention and reduction policies through investment in the production, analysis and use of evidence; strengthening capacities to diagnose, articulate strategies and implement programmes; and developing measurable goals, targets and indicators for armed violence prevention and reduction.

The paper offers a number of further observations and recommendations including:

• Tackling armed violence successfully requires coordinated responses that draw on different areas of expertise

• In order to be successful, policy responses must involve meaningful and legitimate local ownership, and full partnerships between Governments and civil society

• Increase resources for armed-violence prevention and reduction. Scaling up armed violence prevention and reduction efforts requires increased levels of technical and financial support at the multilateral, national and local levels

•  Foster greater international action and make a sustained commitment.