ABSTRACT
The revolution in communications has ensured that no region, let alone country, can remain isolated from developments in other parts of the world. Regional efforts to co-operate on controlling the illicit production, possession and traffic in light weapons and associated systems will therefore need to be rooted in global measures, which can provide both universality and a broader level of commitment and co-operation. Small arms and light weapons have already spread extensively into the states and societies of southern Asia and are being used in a number of societal and other armed conflicts. There is an overwhelming need for peace in the region so that the maximum amount of energy and investment can be devoted to human development. At the same time, existing institutions and mechanisms of regional and international cooperation need to be strengthened and expanded to provide better control over the weapons flow outside of governmental jurisdiction.
