The Reseau des Journalistes pour la Paix et la Securite (Network of Journalists for Peace and Security, RJPS) was established in 2007. RJPS has its roots in a subregional process, initiated in 2003 in Bamako, aimed at creating a strong synergy between the various journalist organisations of the West African Community, working in the field of human security, and more specifically on the issue of small arms and light weapons.
The objectives of the RJPS are:
- Awareness-raising, training and information on the issues of peace, security, small arms and light weapons (SALW), and development.
- The promotion of the Ivorian, West African and African texts on peace, security and small arms and light weapons.
- The development of democracy and citizenship through the popularisation of texts on development.
- Accompaniment of national structures committed to the culture of peace, the fight against the circulation and proliferation of weapons.
- Sensitisation and education of populations on issues related to the issue of small arms and light weapons.
- Training of journalists in international humanitarian law.
RJPS is a founding member of the Ivorian section of the Action Network on Small Arms in West Africa (RASALAO-CI).
RJPS has been heavily involved in the campaign to raise awareness and mobilise people and authorities on the issue of small arms and light weapons. More specifically, the RJPS was involved in the advocacy process for the ratification by Côte d'Ivoire of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms signed in Abuja on 14 June 2006, the establishment and effective establishment of Côte d'Ivoire's National Commission for Small Arms Control, and the Ivorian State's support for the International Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
As part of its information, advocacy and lobbying missions, RJPS conducted various activities, such as:
- In June 2014, on the occasion of the 2014 Global Week of Action against Armed Violence, RJPS held a conference-debate to discuss the challenges and perspectives of Côte d'Ivoire after the ratification of the Convention.
- In April 2014, RJPS issued a press release on the formal completion by Côte d'Ivoire of the ratification process of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), their Ammunition and Related Materials.
- In March 2014, the network held a capacity-building workshop for journalists working on the problem of small arms and light weapons.
- From October 2008 to June 2009, RJPS actively participated in the national awareness campaign on the dangers of the proliferation, circulation and misuse of SALW in Côte d'Ivoire, implemented by the Ivorian section Of the Action Network on Small Arms in West Africa (RASALAO-CI). RJPS is a founding and active member of the network.