PRESS RELEASE

School Event for Small Arms Education in Phnom Penh

- Peace and Disarmament-

Phnom Penh, July 23, 2007

Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management in Cambodia (JSAC) and Working Group for Weapons Reduction (WGWR) are co-organizing an educational event on small arms in Phnom Penh on July 27 to 28, 2007.

7 high schools will host this event, under the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.  The students will participate and learn about the small arms problem in Cambodia.  WGWR, JSAC, Ministry of Interior officials and campaign volunteers will teach high school students about the risks and laws relating to weapons. The event is intended to raise students’ awareness on the small arms problem, and contribute in building a culture of non-violence and peace.

JSAC is a team for implementing “Peace Building and Comprehensive Small Arms Management Program in Cambodia”, established by Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). This Program is the first Japanese Government Grant Aid Program for conflict prevention and peace building. JSAC has implemented its weapons collection and other peace building activities in the northwest areas of Cambodia and is currently focusing on Battambang Province and Kompong Thom Province. The number of small arms collected through JSAC activities since 2003 is now 28,375.

ENDS