Disarmament is integral to safeguarding and promoting security, development and human rights. Many multilateral disarmament treaties signed in the past 50 years are crucial to international law today.

Disarmament commitments and activities rely heavily on treaties. Certain disarmament treaties are extremely detailed and complex and may incorporate highly technical provisions.

From 20-21 November 2019, the GCSP held the first edition of International Disarmament Law, an executive course led by Dominika de Beauffort, senior policy officer of the Security and Law team. Twenty-seven participants from 17 countries attended, including journalists as well as representatives of the civil sector and permanent missions, with both junior and experienced participants engaging in fruitful discussions.  

This course explored contemporary international rules governing disarmament as well as related issues such as arms control, the effects of weapons, the drafting of conventions, non-proliferation and international humanitarian law. It further examined the political, operational and technical considerations that affect the implementation of disarmament regulations.

The participants’ professionalism, combined with the knowledge of external experts and GCSP staff,  created a unique learning experience. In addition, Tobias Vestner and Dr Stuart Casey-Maslen, co-authors of A Guide to International Disarmament Law, discussed the legal aspects of international disarmament.

The course also covered topics such as stockpile destruction and verification; reporting, international cooperation and assistance; and implementation and disarmament compliance. Speakers included Sergey Batsanov, former ambassador of the Soviet Union and Russian Federation to the Conference on Disarmament; Richard Lennane, executive director of the Geneva Disarmament Platform; and Sheila N. Mweemba, director of the Convention on Cluster Munitions Implementation Support Unit.

“This was an extremely useful and interactive course,” said Amélie Delaroche, deputy permanent representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament. 

On the first evening, a networking reception for course participants featured a keynote address on gender and disarmament by Dr Renata Dwan, director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. Dr Dwan highlighted the importance of including a gendered perspective on issues surrounding disarmament.

The GCSP will continue to engage with our new alumni and we wish them all continuing success in their careers. The Security and Law team is proud to foster a better understanding and implementation of international law in the security realm, both through its executive education courses and its event series, Security and Law: A Reality Check.

Buy a copy of A Guide to International Disarmament Law here.