UNICEF welcomes the Small Arms Survey 2005 as an essential element of ongoing work to combat the impact of small arms and light weapons on women and children. The widespread availability and use of small arms result in the death and injury of hundreds of thousands of children while also undermining efforts to provide lasting relief and development. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Peacekeeping missions in Monrovia in 2003, and now Dafur, have brought me face-to-face with the carnage caused by small arms and light weapons. I have witnessed how the flow of arms and ammunition to conflict areas undermines international efforts to assist civilians and restore peace. The Small Arms Survey 2005 provides essential information that will help us tackle these problems more effectively. Major General F. O. Okonkwo, Force Commander, African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and former Force Commander, ECOWAS Mission in LIberia (ECOMIL)