One of the toughest challenges facing BiH and one of the most enduring and threatening legacies of the 1992-1995 war is the wide presence of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. The accumulation and misuse of SALW is a problem with broad humanitarian and socio-economic consequences for children, their families and communities. Small arms and armed violence affect children, either directly or indirectly. These effects are not only manifested in homicide and injury, there is also a large and negative list of outcomes such as psychological trauma, poorer quality of life, reduced productivity and the disruption of formal and informal institutions.

In cooperation with UNICEF BiH, CSS has begun with the implementation of a Small Arms and Child Safety Survey 2009. The purpose of this Survey is to contribute to the protection and well-being of children, through a comprehensive research process to define the impact, and related dimensions, of small arms proliferation and misuse on children. The findings from the survey will be used to support the overall goals of the UNICEF Mine Action Programme 2005-2009 and the development of sustainable local capacity to tackle the landmine, unexploded ordnance and small arms threat in the long-term. The project is funded by UNICEF BiH.