The S⁴ Initiative

The Safeguarding Security Sector Stockpiles (S⁴) Initiative strives to reduce loss of contingent-owned equipment (COE) and recovered materiel within conflict settings by promoting good practice and accountability.* It seeks to expand the number of actors promoting sound weapons and ammunition management (WAM) practices in conflict settings, and the type of equipment of concern (i.e. small arms and light weapons as well as heavy weapon systems and non lethal materiel).

*Loss of COE within a conflict setting does not inherently suggest culpability. The simplest way for a country to not lose arms and ammunition, is to not contribute armed uniformed personnel–which would not make peace operations more effective. The S⁴ Initiative seeks to enhance the safety and security of both peacekeepers and their materiel.