Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 5, 2025 Peace and security
Worldwide, small arms and light weapons remain one of the most significant sources of instability and armed violence. Their uncontrolled proliferation undermines social development, fuels conflict, and erodes trust in state institutions.
Kyrgyzstan demonstrates how digital solutions for small arms control can contribute to peace and security.
The government, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), is working to create a modern civilian firearms management system as part of the global SALIENT (Saving Lives Entity) initiative.
From paper to digital registries
Before the launch of the SALIENT project, weapons registration in Kyrgyzstan was conducted manually at the regional level. Paper logs, disparate databases, and limited information sharing between agencies hindered effective oversight and coordination.
With the implementation of SALIENT, the country's authorities created the first unified electronic weapons registry, launched in 2024. The new digital system unites all authorized government agencies on a secure platform, enabling online data verification, permit renewal, and weapons transfer registration.
Furthermore, the project helped strengthen the national regulatory framework: the first National Action Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons was prepared, and an interagency coordination group was established, bringing together 14 government institutions. Licensing departments received modern software and equipment, speeding up the registration process and enabling its monitoring.
"This plan is aimed at improving the safety of citizens and society, as well as strengthening national and regional security," noted Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The measures taken by Kyrgyzstan have increased transparency, efficiency, and the level of interaction between agencies, bringing Kyrgyzstan's practices closer to international standards of small arms management.
"UNDP supports national efforts to strengthen peace and security… through the establishment of an inter-agency coordination group, the digitalization of the register, and the development of a National Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons," emphasized Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
Peace – step by step
UNDP Representative Zhenishbek Arzymatov noted: "It is important to maintain the results achieved. UNDP intends to continue supporting the implementation of the National Action Plan and the expansion of the digital registry throughout the country. Our goal is to help Kyrgyzstan achieve its national gun control goals."
Kyrgyzstan's progress was highlighted internationally during the SALIENT global training event, held from September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the UN Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy.
Arzymatov, along with Maksat Omorov from the Secretariat of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, presented the country's experience—from the launch of a pilot digital registry and the drafting of the National Plan to strengthening interagency coordination.
Representatives from more than 10 countries, as well as UNODC, UNDP, and partners, participated in the event. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed the next steps in developing the SALIENT initiative.
"In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has stepped up its efforts to control small arms and light weapons. As part of our partnership, we conduct national seminars for government officials, journalists, and civil society representatives, and have developed a National Action Plan that sets a long-term vision. When we digitized the first weapons record, it wasn't just a number on a screen—it was a step toward a world you can see, feel, and believe in," said Maksat Omorov.
For Arzymatov's team, this project is not abstract politics, but a real contribution to peacebuilding—step by step.
In addition, Kyrgyzstan initiated the establishment of March 5 as International Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day, an idea that was approved by the UN General Assembly.
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