Overview of the OSCE's SALW and SCA Normative Framework 

1. OSCE Documents on SALW & SCA

Purpose: To set out the OSCE norms, principles and measures to address the threat posed to the international community by the excessive and destabilizing accumulation, and uncontrolled spread of SALW & SCA.

Nature: Politically binding, overview of political norms, principles and measures on subject matter

Owner: OSCE pS

User: Voluntary use by OSCE pS, Partners for Cooperation and other, UN member states, OSCE executive structures

2. OSCE Plan of Action on SALW

Purpose: To outline measures, actions and timeline for their implementation in support of the OSCE document on SALW with aim to: (I.) improve the implementation of existing measures, and (II.) review the implementation of principles, norms and measures in order to improve capacity and efficiency.

Nature: Politically binding, outlining measures in support of implementation of the OSCE document on SALW

Owner: OSCE pS

User: Voluntary use by OSCE pS, Partners for Cooperation and other UN member states, OSCE executive structures

3. Reference Guides (RG)

Purpose: To outline the principles which inform the response of the OSCEs' pS derived from the existing OSCE normative framework for SALW & CA; to provide a strategic framework of the processes and actions; and to describe the norms and

principles by referencing relevant international commitments and identifying elements of national legislation.

Nature: Politically binding, strategic overview on subject matter

Owner: OSCE pS

User: Voluntary use by OSCE pS, Partners for Cooperation and other UN member states, OSCE executive structures

4. Best Practice Guides (BPG)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Purpose: to assist in the development and application of national policies by pS, and to encourage higher common standards in the governance and management of SALW & SCA

Nature: politically binding, technical guidance on subject matter           

Owner: OSCE pS

User: Voluntary use by OSCE pS, Partners for Cooperation and other UN member states as well as the OSCE executive structures