In-depth look at ISACS Conducting small arms and light weapons surveys

 Purpose & Scope  Ownership & follow-up  Security, sensitivity & ethics  Partnerships  Survey methodology  Processing & disseminating findings Module overview

United Nations framework UN Programme of Action urges the development and support of “action-oriented research aimed at facilitating greater awareness and better understanding of the nature and scope of the problems associated with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects” (section III, paragraph 18)

Purpose of an SALW Survey Collection & analysis of comprehensive quantitative and qualitative information on small arms and light weapons within a specific geographical area (e.g. region, country or community) with a view to determining the need for and nature of safe, effective and efficient interventions by appropriate stakeholders to address problems associated with the illicit trade, uncontrolled proliferation and/or misuse of small arms and light weapons.

Core Survey Components 1. Contextual analysis 2. Distribution assessment 3. Impact survey 4. Perception survey 5. Capacity assessment

Security, sensitivity & ethics  Security for survey staff and survey respondents  Sensitivity to local customs and norms (especially in relation to women & children)  Ethical considerations when engaging with children and other vulnerable groups

Survey methodology Focusing on key social groups Sex & age disaggregation Quantitative & qualitative methods Data to be collected (small arms, health, crime, etc.) Questionnaires Key informant interviews Focus group discussions Participatory research methods

Presentation of findings Structure of a survey report Confidentiality Validation Dissemination Accessibility Building capacity for data gathering & analysis