In 2023, United Nations Member States adopted a new international instrument containing political commitments to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of ammunition; mitigate and prevent unplanned explosions at munition sites; ensure the safety and security of conventional ammunition throughout its life-cycle from the point of manufacture; and contribute to lasting peace, security and sustainable development. The Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) covers all types of ammunition: from small-calibre to the largest conventional ammunition. It contains 15 objectives and 85 concrete measures to promote the safety, security and sustainability of through-life conventional ammunition management.
The Small Arms Survey works to support the effective implementation of the GFA by providing relevant data and evidence-based policy support and guidance to diplomats, policymakers, researchers, civil society actors, and other stakeholders.
2026 activities
In 2026, the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) moves into its implementation phase, with States encouraged to voluntarily submit initial national overviews of their progress. Following the 2025 preparatory meeting, 2026 focuses on establishing baseline reporting for the 2027 review meeting.
Key themes include:
- Voluntary national reporting: states are encouraged to submit initial baseline reports outlining steps taken to implement the GFA, which will form the basis for discussions at the 2027 review meeting.
- Implementation focus: activities will center on implementing the comprehensive framework adopted to manage conventional ammunition, reduce diversion, and prevent unplanned explosions.
- Reporting template: states will use a voluntary national reporting template endorsed in 2025 to share progress, challenges, and needs.
- 2027 planning: preparations continue for the 2027 Meeting of States, which will review the overall implementation and determine future technical expert meetings.
During the 2026 reporting cycle, the Survey will continue to engage in acitivities that support GFA implementation such as updating the UEMS database, participating in the Technical Review Board meetings on supply chain security and weapons and ammunition management for the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines, and supporting the Women Managing Ammunition Network by providing training on Objective 14 of the GFA on gender.
Events
Read the Survey's statement from the 2025 Preparatory meeting of States on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management or watch it here:
Source: UN Department of Global Communications - DGC
Resources
Databases
Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS)
Publications
Please visit our resource library for a full overview of publications on ammunition.
Explosions accidentelles dans les dépôts de munitions : impacts sexospécifiques / The Gendered Impacts of Unplanned Explosions at Munitions SitesBy Callum Watson and Mines Advisory Group Blog post | November 2025 English and French |  |
Linking the Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites Database to the Global Framework on AmmunitionBy Anne-Séverine Fabre and Callum Watson Fact sheet | June 2025 English |  |
The Bullet Trail: A Year of Ammunition Seizures in the Caribbean and What They Mean for Public HealthBy Yulia Yarina Blog Post | June 2025 English |  |
The regional profiles of illicit small-calibre ammunition (2015-2021)By the Small Arms Survey and Conflict Armament Research Infographic | June 2025 English |  |
Quick facts on unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) - January 2025 updateBy the Small Arms Survey Infographic | February 2025 Arabic, English, Ukrainian | 
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Illicit Firearms Ammunition and Other Explosive Munitions in the European UnionBy Anne-Séverine Fabre, Nicolas Florquin, and Matt Schroeder Co-publication | December 2023 English | 
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Women’s Meaningful Participation in Ammunition Management: insights from women ammunition management expertsVideo | February 2023 English |  |
Extracting Evidence: Opportunities and Obstacles in Assessing the Gendered Impacts of Diverted AmmunitionBy Emile LeBrun, André Desmarais, Kheira Djouhri, and Nicolas Florquin Briefing Paper | May 2022 English | 
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Stockpiling Munitions Carries Risks. The Basic Steps That Can Stop Catastrophic ExplosionsBy Nicolas Florquin Blog | April 2021 English |  |
Making the Rounds: Illicit Ammunition in UkraineBy Matt Schroeder and Olena Shumka Report | January 2021 English, Français |  |
Trade Update 2020: An Eye on Ammunition Transfers to AfricaBy Nicolas Florquin, Elodie Hainard, and Benjamin Jongleux Report | December 2020 English |  |
Small Arms Survey Podcast #51: Gender Dimensions of the Life-cycle Management of Ammunition (LCMA)By the Small Arms Survey Podcast | October 2020 English |  |
An Introductory Guide to the Identification of Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Associated AmmunitionBy N.R. Jenzen-Jones and Matt Schroeder (Eds.) Handbook | November 2018 Arabic, English |  |
A Practical Guide to Life-cycle Management of AmmunitionBy Jovana Carapic, Eric J. Deschambault, Paul Holtom, and Benjamin King Handbook | April 2018 English, French |  |
Life-cycle Management of Ammunition (LCMA): Lessons from Bosnia and HerzegovinaBy Jovana Carapic and Paul Holtom Briefing Paper | April 2018 Arabic, BCMS, English |  |
Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS): Excess Stockpiles as Liabilities rather than AssetsBy Eric G. Berman and Pilar Reina Handbook | June 2014 English |  |
Other resources supported by the Survey
Implementing the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management: A VOLUNTARY GUIDEBy UNODA, UNIDIR, AMAT, GICHD, CAR Guide | June 2025 English |  |
Ensuring women’s full, equal, meaningful and effective participation in ammunition through-life managementBy Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Trinidad and Tobago, the Small Arms Survey, and UNIDIR Paper | June 2025 English |  |
