The Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management Hub

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. 

Events

23 - 27 June 2025 - Preparatory meeting of States on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management

• 24 June - Side event: Technically Transformative: Overcoming barriers to women's meaningful participation in ammunition management
• 25 June - Side event: Building on Experience: Leveraging existing mechanisms for effective implementation of the Global Framework
• 25 June - Side event: Tracing the Untraceable: Ammunition Diversion Traceability

See all GFA Prep meeting side events

Read the Survey's statement on the 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.

Linking the Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites Database to the Global Framework on Ammunition By 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 Health By 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 update By the Small Arms Survey Infographic     |     February 2025 Arabic, English, Ukrainian

Illicit Firearms Ammunition and Other Explosive Munitions in the European Union By Anne-Séverine Fabre, Nicolas Florquin, and Matt Schroeder Co-publication    |     December 2023 English

Women’s Meaningful Participation in Ammunition Management: insights from women ammunition management experts Video     |     February 2023 English

Extracting Evidence: Opportunities and Obstacles in Assessing the Gendered Impacts of Diverted Ammunition By Emile LeBrun, André Desmarais, Kheira Djouhri, and Nicolas Florquin Briefing Paper     |     May 2022 English

Stockpiling Munitions Carries Risks. The Basic Steps That Can Stop Catastrophic Explosions By Nicolas Florquin Blog     |     April 2021 English

Making the Rounds: Illicit Ammunition in Ukraine By Matt Schroeder and Olena Shumka Report     |     January 2021 English, Français

Trade Update 2020: An Eye on Ammunition Transfers to Africa By 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 Ammunition  By N.R. Jenzen-Jones and Matt Schroeder (Eds.) Handbook     |     November 2018 Arabic, English

A Practical Guide to Life-cycle Management of Ammunition By 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 Herzegovina By Jovana Carapic and Paul Holtom Briefing Paper     |     April 2018 Arabic, BCMS, English

Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS): Excess Stockpiles as Liabilities rather than Assets By 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 GUIDE By UNODA, UNIDIR, AMAT, GICHD, CAR Guide     |     June 2025 English

Ensuring women’s full, equal, meaningful and effective participation in ammunition through-life management By Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Trinidad and Tobago, the Small Arms Survey, and UNIDIR Paper     |     June 2025 English