​The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW) poses a serious threat to international peace and security, fueling armed conflict, terrorism, organized crime, and human rights abuses across the globe. These weapons are easily transported, widely available, and often poorly regulated, making them particularly dangerous in regions with weak governance and porous borders. Despite international efforts like the UN Programme of Action and the Arms Trade Treaty, challenges such as poor enforcement, inadequate tracking systems, and corruption continue to allow these weapons to fall into the wrong hands. Combating this issue requires enhanced international cooperation, improved tracing and monitoring mechanisms, and stronger national regulations to ensure effective control over the production, transfer, and stockpiling of SALW.