Introduction

Weapons are invariably used as bargaining chips in peace processes and are an essential focus of peacemaking and peacebuilding. This focus, however, is generally limited to programmes of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR). Yet the prevention and reduction of armed violence requires addressing a range of concerns, including the motivations behind the use of weapons, regulating guns in the hands of civilians and other private actors, establishing appropriate institutional and legislative frameworks, transforming violent conflict resolution, and addressing the misuse of weapons.

The HD Centre undertakes a range of activities including analysis of how weapons control and violence reduction are negotiated in specific peace processes; publication of thematic briefing papers and opinion pieces on related issues; monitoring trends in security clauses in peace agreements; convening experts meetings on discrete themes; and, working with armed groups on security arrangements.