Illicit Small Arms Proliferation in Nepal: Challenges and Strategies

Illicit small arms proliferation poses threat to peace and security everywhere and Nepal is no exception. This paper explores the key factors contributing to the proliferation of illicit small arms in Nepal, including open borders, history of conflict, organized crime, weak enforcement mechanisms and socio economic factors. To address these challenges, this study recommends strengthening border control using modern technology, enhancing cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries, and raising community awareness. It emphasizes the importance of involving local actors to detect and report suspicious activities, alongside improving the capacity of security institutions. Regional collaboration and information sharing are also key steps toward tackling the issue. Methodologically, this study adopts a qualitative approach based on secondary sources such as academic literatures, government reports, and INGOs/NGOs publications etc. The findings aim to guide practical interventions for controlling illicit small arms in Nepal.