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2022-12-31-accounts

ACTION ON AOAV ACTION ON ARMED VIOLENCE ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Contents

Page
Legal & administrative 1
Trustees' report 2 - 18
Independent examiner’s report 19
Statement of financial activities 20
Balance sheet 21
Notes to the accounts 22-31

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Legal and Administrative Information

Board

Professor Michael Spagat Dr Marina Brilman Colonel Steve Smith Dr Saleyha Ahsan Professor Ismene-Theodora Gizelis Rocco Faustus Blume Leanna Burnard Andrew Maber-Jones Dr Jack Denny

(Chair) (resigned Dec 2022) (resigned Dec 2022)

(appointed Dec 2022) (appointed Dec 2022) (appointed May 2023)

Chief Executive

Dr Iain Overton

Principal Office

405 Mile End Road London E3 4PB

Company Number

06381573

Charity Number 1122057

Independent Examiners

Shruti Soni Shruti Soni Limited 117A St Johns Hill Sevenoaks TN13 3PL

Bankers

Co-operative Bank City Offices 80 Cornhill London EC3V 3NJ

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Action on Armed Violence

INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIR

We are delighted to introduce the Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) Annual Report for 2022. This report emphasizes AOAV's persistent efforts to address abuses and safeguard civilians from armed violence. AOAV remains devoted to monitoring and reporting on armed violence, specifically focusing on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

In 2021, AOAV's vigilant monitoring resulted in the documentation of 19,473 deaths and injuries from explosive weapons in 2,489 incidents, which included 11,102 civilian fatalities and 10,326 injuries. These alarming figures spurred action and advocacy from AOAV and other organizations, urging them to address the deployment of explosive weapons in populated regions.

AOAV played a crucial role in the establishment of the Dublin Political Commitment on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) in Autumn 2021. With over 85 countries as signatories, this commitment seeks to mitigate the harm inflicted by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. It promotes the prevention of civilian harm, provision of assistance to victims, and adherence to international law in this domain.

AOAV's monitoring initiatives have expanded to conflict-ridden areas such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. They have documented the employment of IEDs by extremist groups and the consequences of manufactured bombs on civilians. AOAV's work showcases the severe impact of armed violence on civilians and the pressing need for enhanced accountability, transparency, and civilian protection in conflict zones.

The Dublin Political Commitment on EWIPA represents a substantial stride toward achieving these objectives and diminishing civilian harm from explosive weapons in populated regions. AOAV will continue to advocate for the protection and rights of civilians in conflict areas and beyond, pushing for increased accountability and transparency in military operations.

AOAV's efforts have been vital in uncovering abuses, holding governments responsible, and advocating for increased transparency in military operations. They have scrutinized various aspects of British militarism, such as the deaths of an estimated 64 to 135 children during British military action in Afghanistan, the fact that the UK military did not prosecute 94% of complaints it received regarding civilian mistreatment during the peak of fighting in Afghanistan, and the ongoing campaign addressing allegations of civilian fatalities from RAF airstrikes.

AOAV's reports have also raised questions about the accountability of UK Special Forces. The organization has examined allegations of numerous SAS killings of detainees and unarmed men under suspicious circumstances in Afghanistan. This research, based on recently acquired military reports, revealed concerns that a single unit may have been responsible for the unlawful killing of 54 people during a six-month tour.

In conclusion, AOAV's unwavering commitment to monitoring and reporting on armed violence and advocating for the protection and rights of civilians in conflict zones and beyond is vital. We commend AOAV for their dedication to this significant cause.

Sincerely,

Mike Spagat and Rocco Blume

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Action on Armed Violence’s (AOAV) Annual Report 2022 highlights the organization's ongoing efforts to confront abuses and protect civilians from armed violence. In 2022, AOAV continued its crucial work in monitoring and reporting on armed violence, with a particular focus on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Throughout 2021, AOAV recorded 19,473 deaths and injuries from explosive weapons in 2,489 incidents, with 11,102 civilians killed and 10,326 injured. When explosive weapons were used in populated areas, 89% of those killed and injured were civilians, with child casualties rising by 11%. AOAV's efforts have led to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) citing their data multiple times in its report, "Explosive Weapons with Wide Area Effects: A Deadly Choice in Populated Areas."

AOAV has also been investigating alleged abuses in military operations, such as UK Special Forces (UKSF) in Afghanistan, scrutinizing the Royal Military Police's limited role in investigating misconduct. AOAV has been working to disprove the RAF's claim of responsibility for only one civilian death during their bombing of Iraq and Syria from 2014 to 2021. Through cross-referencing RAF and coalition CIVCAS reports, AOAV found several civilian casualty reports likely caused by RAF strikes.

AOAV's monitoring efforts have extended to conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ukraine, where they documented the birth of terror, the use of IEDs by extremist groups, and the impact of bombs on the human body. Additionally, AOAV has been addressing issues related to armed violence and the protection of civilians through their work on veteran suicides in the UK, tracking the deaths of 162 children in Afghanistan where the UK military paid out compensation, and analyzing the diversity deficit in the upper ranks of the British Army.

In the United Kingdom, AOAV's report on London deaths in 2020 showed an 11% decrease in killings compared to the previous year. However, there was a 15% increase in the killing of women, with domestic violence disproportionately affecting Asian and Black communities. Mental health was identified as a significant factor in domestic killings.

AOAV's work has been instrumental in exposing abuses, holding governments accountable, and pushing for greater transparency in military operations. They have examined different aspects of British militarism, including the deaths of between 64 and 135 children in British military action in Afghanistan, the fact that the UK military did not prosecute 94% of complaints it received in relation to mistreatment of civilians during the height of fighting in Afghanistan, and the ongoing concerns of sexual violence in the British military. They have highlighted the reality of armed policing in modern Britain, the impact of the Arms Trade Treaty on civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons, and the need for accountability and transparency in military operations.

AOAV's reports have raised concerns about the accountability of UK Special Forces. The organization has investigated allegations of multiple SAS killings of detainees and unarmed men in suspicious circumstances in Afghanistan. The research was based on newly-obtained military reports and revealed concerns that one unit may have been behind the unlawful killing of 54 people in one six-month tour. AOAV has also charted how UK Special Forces have been deployed operationally in at least 19 countries over the past decade, with the units involved in missions including potential assassinations, the alleged coverup of killings of Afghan civilians, and fighting alongside child soldiers in Yemen.

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AOAV has also examined different aspects of British militarism, including the deaths of between 64 and 135 children in British military action in Afghanistan. The UK military did not prosecute 94% of complaints it received in relation to mistreatment of civilians during the height of fighting in Afghanistan, and there are ongoing concerns of sexual violence in the British military.

The organization has highlighted the reality of armed policing in modern Britain, the impact of the Arms Trade Treaty on civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons, and the need for accountability and transparency in military operations. Its efforts have been instrumental in exposing abuses, holding governments accountable, and pushing for greater transparency in military operations.

In the United Kingdom, AOAV's report on London deaths in 2020 showed an 11% decrease in killings compared to the previous year. However, there was a 15% increase in the killing of women, with domestic violence disproportionately affecting Asian and Black communities. Mental health was identified as a significant factor in domestic killings.

Overall, AOAV's ongoing efforts to monitor and report on armed violence and advocate for the protection and rights of civilians in conflict zones and beyond are crucial, and the organization remains committed to this work in the future. Through its investigations and advocacy, AOAV has demonstrated the devastating impact of armed violence on civilians and the urgent need for greater accountability, transparency, and protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Iain Overton Executive Director

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Board of Trustees are pleased to present their Trustees’ Annual Report and accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022. The Trustees’ Annual Report contains a Directors’ Report as required by company law. The report and accounts comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 (effective 1 January 2019).

MISSION AND APPROACH

Mission

Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) central mission is to carry out research and advocacy in order to reduce the incidence and impact of global armed violence.

To help reduce this burden, AOAV carries out research and advocacy campaigns to strengthen international laws and standards on the availability and use of conventional and improvised weapons, to build recognition of the rights of victims and survivors of armed violence and to research, understand and act effectively on the root causes of armed violence in affected countries.

To this end, AOAV is committed to:

AOAV’s advocacy and research can help it reach its goals:

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

In 2022, we undertook a series of major research projects that examined, in turn:

  1. The Global Explosive Weapons Monitor

  2. Explosive Violence Research

  3. Militarism examined

Each of these will be addressed in turn, outlining the output, lobbying and impact of each and then our work in advocacy and the media will be highlighted.

1. The Global Explosive Weapons Monitor

Monitoring and data collection for the Global Explosive Weapons Monitor Monitoring and data collection for the Global Explosive Weapons Monitor

In 2022, we continued to monitor explosive violence harm on a daily basis and published the 2021 Annual Report. In that year, in total, AOAV recorded 19,473 deaths and injuries by explosive weapons in 2,489 incidents in 2021, as reported by English language media. Of these, 11,102 were civilians – 57%. In total, 9,147 people were killed (of which 3,376 were civilians), and 10,326 were injured (of which 7,726 were civilians). When explosive weapons were used in populated areas, 89% of those killed and injured were civilians. This compares to 10% in other areas. AOAV recorded 10,295 civilians killed and injured in populated areas. This represented 93% of globally reported civilian deaths and injuries.

Explosive Violence Monitor monthly updates: Explosive Violence in November 2021 Explosive Violence in December 2021 Explosive Violence in January 2022 Explosive Violence in February 2022 Explosive Violence in March 2022 Explosive Violence in April 2022 Explosive Violence in May 2022 Explosive Violence in June 2022 Explosive Violence in July 2022 Explosive Violence in August 2022 Explosive Violence in September 2022 Explosive Violence in October 2022

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

2. Explosive Violence Research

IED report (French government)

We published and presented our report on ‘The Propaganda of the Deed’ late December 2021 at a side event of the CCW UN conference. Over 80 people attended the meeting. We then published and

presented our report ‘How to address the harm from IEDs’ at the UN’s General Assembly in October 2022 in collaboration with the French Ambassador to the United Nations.

MK84

We published a piece on the manufacturers and producers of component parts behind the US-made MK84 bomb. This bomb was widely used by the Israeli Defence Force in Gaza in 2020.

Beirut explosion

We published a detail account of the Beirut explosion: An Anatomy of the Beirut Port Blast.

EWIPA

We published a number of reports looking at issues through the prism of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA):

A step forward: 10 countries that signed Ireland’s Political Declaration have been responsible for civilian harm from explosive weapons in populated areas within last decade

Other Explosive Violence incidence reports

10 killed and 20 injured in IED explosion near a football stadium, Baghdad 29 Oct

10 people killed and 77 injured in rocket attack on IDP settlements in Idlib, 6 Nov

11 agricultural labourers killed, 34 injured in landmine explosion, Daraa Governorate, Syria

13 killed and 58 injured in Iranian air strikes on Iraq’s Kurdish region, 28 Sept

17 killed and 32 injured in Russian missile strikes on Kharkiv, 17-18 Aug

17 killed and 35 injured in alleged Syrian shelling of Al-Bab, 19 Aug.

18 killed and 28 injured in Russian missile strike on shopping centre in central Ukraine, Monday 27 June.

19 killed and 27 injured in suicide attack on Kabul school, 30 Sept

2 killed and 28 injured in car explosion in busy Nangarhar market – latest in series of explosive attacks

20 killed and 36 injured in Al Shabaab car bomb attack on government offices in Beledweyne, 3 Oct.

21 killed and 33 injured in suicide bombing at Kabul mosque, 17 Aug.

25 killed and 31 injured in Russian rocket strike on Chaplyne railway station, 24 Aug

30 killed in Al Shabaab attacks over past week, Somalia

300 Sheltering Civilians Killed in Russian Airstrike on Theatre in Mariupol

34 killed and at least 9 injured in Russian Uragan MLRS strike on Chasiv Yar, Saturday 9 July

35 killed and 37 injured in IED ambush on a supply convoy in Burkina Faso, 5 Sept.

45 Killed and 120 Injured in Helicopter-Supported Attack on Kaduna Villages, Nigeria 600 Killed in Russian Strike on Mariupol Theatre

7 killed and 19 injured in Russian cluster bomb strike on a bus stop in Mykolaiv’s Korabelnyi district, 29 July

7 killed and 41 injured in car bomb explosion outside crowded mosque in Kabul, 23 Sept 9 children among 11 civilians killed in Myanmar military attacks in Shan State and Sagaing, 16 Sept. At least 16 people killed and 40 injured in two explosions in Kabul, 5 and 6 Aug At least 30 Burundian Soldiers Killed in Al-Shabaab Attack on Peacekeeping Base, Somalia At least 30 killed in Burkina Faso air raid targeting armed groups, 01 Aug.

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

At least 300 killed in OLA firearm and artillery attack on villages in Wollega, Ethiopia, Saturday 18 June At least 50 Killed in Attack on Catholic Church, Ondo, Nigeria

At least 60 people killed and over 100 wounded in Saudi coalition airstrike on a detention centre in Saada, Yemen

At least 62 Killed in Russian Strike on School

At least Four Killed and Seven Injured in Al-Shabaab Suicide Attack At Site of Upcoming Somali Presidential Election

At least Three Killed and 19 Injured in 9th Recorded Russian Air Strike on a School in Ukraine Nine Killed and 27 Injured in Confirmed Explosion, Kano, Nigeria

Nine People Killed and 13 Injured in Sixth ISIS Attack in Afghanistan in April One Killed and 13 Injured in IED Explosion in Karachi, Pakistan

Over 15 killed and 20 injured in explosion at a religious school in Aybak, 30 Nov Over 200 People Killed and Injured in Suicide Bombing at Shia Mosque, Pakistan Over 80 killed in airstrike on a concert in Hpakant, Myanmar, 24 Oct

Six killed and 81 injured in IED explosion near Istanbul’s Taksim Square, 13 Nov. Up to 50 Killed in Bombing of Khalifa Sahib Mosque, Kabul

3. Militarism Examined

Special Forces

We completed a deep review of UK SF activity in Afghanistan – Killing in the Shadows - and worked with the BBC to publish the report in mid-July. To accompany it, we compiled a major register of UK SF contacts and set up a website called www.specialforceswatch.com We revealed new evidence of multiple SAS killings of detainees and unarmed men in suspicious circumstances in Afghanistan, with the subsequent investigation into extrajudicial killings characterised by basic failures. The research, in part based on newly-obtained military reports, detailed concerns that one unit may have been behind the unlawful killing of 54 people in one six-month tour. The BBC also found evidence suggesting that a former head of special forces had failed to pass on evidence to a murder inquiry. As well as listing the shocking details of the killings themselves, AOAV’s report sets out in detail how official accounts from troopers justifying lethal violence were not deemed credible. The report had huge impact in terms of global news coverage.

UK service and veteran suicides

The UK government has no centralised database on UK veteran suicides. AOAV volunteers have charted 100 instances of UK veterans who have killed themselves since 2001, as reported in UK media. We also found that approx. 824 UK military personnel have died in combat since 1984. This is to be compared with 888 UK military personnel have taken their lives since then, leading to the report: More serving British service personnel have killed themselves since 1984 than have died in combat

UK arms exports

We reported that UK arms export fines quadrupled in two years and worked to update our arms exports data so that it covers up to the end of 2021.

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

UK airstrikes killing civilians in Iraq and Syria

AOAV largely disproved the current RAF claim that, during the 2014-2021 bombing of Iraq and Syria, the RAF were only responsible for one civilian death. AOAV identified nine airstrike incidents which look very likely to have caused civilian deaths during Operation Shader - the RAF’s name for counter-Daesh operations in Iraq and Syria. The strikes took place between March 2016 and March 2018 and appeared to have claimed the lives of between 26 to 32 civilians.

British military Senior Leadership Programme

AOAV exposed how Guinean Colonel Col. Mamady Doumbouya attended a British military Senior Strategic Leadership Programme just weeks [19th July] before leading a coup in Guinea last year [5th September]

Tory MPs on Foreign Affairs Committee

AOAV reported how three Tory MPs had trips to Saudi Arabia paid for by the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Sep 2019 – so far unreported, this constituted £7K each for a 3-day trip.

Knife crime

As part of research into London knife crime, AOAV examined London deaths in 2020 (London’s 2021 murders examined: key figures in the UK capital’s homicides), did an interview with Detective Superintendent John Massey and hosted an event in May at Royal Holloway. AOAV published a report from that: Knife Crime in London: a summary of an experts’ round table discussion. This was followed by the report: The Chris Kaba shooting and the reality of armed policing in modern Britain

UK Arms Exports

We spent 2022 updating our current list of arms exports to the UK’s 30 countries with human rights concerns. These can be seen in UK Arms Exports Examined.

Civilians killed in British Military engagement since 1945

We published a comprehensive review of the civilians and British troops killed in all British military engagements since 1945. In total, a team of researchers examined 28 different conflicts where the British military were involved in active fighting since the close of the Second World War. In those conflicts, the team found 1,620 civilians killed by British forces, as reported in historical documents, government reports and contemporary news reports. In that time some 8,517 British servicemen and women also lost their lives during combat operations. Though our combined figure of noncombatant fatalities uncovered is likely an underestimate, the research conducted offers pertinent insights into continuities and evolutions in patterns of civilian harm across four thematic periods of British military involvement in domestic and global conflicts.

This review - Civilian deaths from British military action - covers:

“Greek Civil War” = 3rd December, 1944 - 16th October, 1949

“Indonesian War of Independence” = 17th August, 1945 - November, 1946

“Palestine Emergency” = August, 1945 - 15th May, 1948

“Vietnam War” = 6th September, 1945 - 26th March, 1946

“Malayan Emergency” = 17th June, 1948 - 31st July, 1960

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

“Korean War” = 25th June, 1950 - 27th July, 1953 “Anglo-Egyptian War” = 15th October, 1951 - 25th January, 1952 “Mau Mau Insurgency” = 20th October, 1952 - January, 1960 “Muscat and Oman Intervention” = 10th October, 1954 – 30th January, 1959 “Suez Crisis” = 29th October, 1956 – 7th November, 1956 “Jordan Intervention” = 17th July, 1958 – 29th October, 1958 “Brunei Revolt” = 8th December, 1962 – 17th December, 1962 “Aden Emergency” = 14th Oct 1963 – 30th Nov 1967 “Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation” = 12th April, 1963 - 11th August, 1966 “Dhofar Rebellion” = 9 June, 1963 - January, 1976 “East African Mutinies” = 20th January, 1964 -- 27th January, 1964 “First Gulf War” = 2nd August, 1990 - 28th February, 1991 “No-Fly Zone War” = June, 1991 - 20th March, 2003 “Bosnia and Herzegovina Intervention” = 16th July, 1992 - Present “Cyprus Emergency” = 26th November, 1955 - 19th March, 1959 “Kosovo Conflict” = 24th March, 1999 - 10th June, 1999 “Sierra Leone Intervention” = 7th May, 2000 -- September, 2001 “The Troubles” = 14th August, 1969 - 31st July, 2007 “Falklands War” = 2nd April, 1981^ - 21st October, 1981 The Troubles” = 14th August, 1969 - 31st July, 2007 “Falklands War” = 2nd April, 1981^ - 21st October, 1981

Child deaths in Afghanistan

AOAV exposed that between 64 and 135 children were killed in British military action in Afghanistan, through an analysis of MOD compensation payments. The report, which was initially shared exclusive with the BBC, ran on their flagship the Today programme and was covered on their News Channel, showed how dozens of children in Afghanistan were killed following actions by British forces, with each child’s death paying out – on average – just £1,656 in compensation. The report was then covered by The Times, ITV News, Sky News, The Independent, and the UK military’s own Forces.net. Internationally, AOAV’s work was highlighted by English-language media ABC News, Arab News, Al Jazeera, France News 24, Euronews, Yahoo News, and Afghanistan Times. Many other outlets in a wide range of languages also picked up the report. The report was also picked up by other UK charities, including Save the Children, who called it a tragedy, saying “we must do more to protect them, especially in war”.

UK military prosecutions

AOAV revealed that the UK military did not prosecute 94% of complaints it received in relation to mistreatment of civilians during the height of fighting in Afghanistan.

Arms Trade and Exports

AOAV exposed that UK paid more than £300m by Saudi military for weapons systems training We also examined if UK universities were being supported by the defence sector to evolve killer robots.

Suicides

AOAV published findings that more serving British service personnel have killed themselves since 1984 than have died in combat; we will follow up with an analysis of reported veteran suicides since 2001.

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

Sexual violence

AOAV published a report on the ongoing concerns of sexual violence in the British Military

Police violence

AOAV wrote a report about the Chris Kaba shooting and the reality of armed policing in modern Britain

Rwanda

Following the refusal of the Rwandan government to let us report there, AOAV published three reports: Rwanda government fails to give press accreditation to AOAV Executive Director to report on human rights abuses against refugees

The UK-Rwanda Partnership: a timeline

How Rwanda’s stifling of the Press prevents proper accountability for asylum scheme

ATT and EWIPA

Since September 2022, Jenny has completed the write up of the report examining the ATT’s impact on civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons, including six case studies (four focused on the worst impacted countries and two on key exporters of explosive weapons) and a thematic assessment of successes and challenges. The report utilised data collected by Jenny on 199 states and territories covering explosive weapon exports, import and export values, civilian harm from explosive weapons and ATT status, for example. Jenny also conducted ten interviews with experts related of ATT-related areas over September 2022 which informed the reports thematic.

Other: Other reports include :

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

Media Coverage

Of note, Murray Jones was shortlisted for an Amnesty Award for his work on Special Forces: Amnesty announces Media Awards finalists

Other media coverage included:

‘I want to leave more than ever’: A year after U.S. pullout, Kabul is a city in despair

۲۰ لمیف که نگاه شما را به جنگ دهندیم ریغ یت 57% of asylum seekers due to be deported to Rwanda are Kurdish À Gaza, Israël utilise des bombes de l’époque de la guerre du Vietnam Are UK weapons being used against protestors in Iran? Armies are re-learning how to fight in cities Assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe stuns mostly gun-free Japan At least 64 children killed in UK military Afghan operations Aus sicherer Distanz: Minen räumen mit Hilfe von Drohnen

Bez tanků se města dobýt nedají, tanky jsou tam ale nejzranitelnější. Rusko v troskách metropolí vždy narazilo

Britain's elite special forces should be monitored by MPs, charity demands Cambridge University’s research ties abandon the global majority Car Bombing Hits Motorcade of High-Ranking Official in Yemen Comment les livraisons d'armes sophistiquées ont redonné l'avantage à l'Ukraine Ekspertė: karo Ukrainoje metu gresia ekologinė katastrofa Skaitykite daugiau Exclusive: Qatar’s FM says concerns growing over Afghanistan’s future Exportations militaires britanniques : depuis 2010, 33 milliards d’armement pour des régimes douteux Former SAS soldier Billy Billingham: ‘No one trains to see someone tortured and mutilated’ Historisches Abkommen gegen den Einsatz von Explosivwaffen in Wohngebieten How are NATO, Russia's airstrike policies different? - explainer How dangerous are homemade explosives? HRW Calls for Investigation into “Possible War Crimes” L’impatto delle guerre sui bambini Lethal numbers Malaysia’s ‘Politics as Usual’ Is Hollowing Out Its Democracy Mariupol: a város, amit éppen leradíroznak a térképről Ordigni inesplosi: un'eredità pesante per l’Ucraina Partially damaged buildings enter real estate market People Crossing Channel from Countries with High Rates of Explosive Violence Politicians may blub at ex-military pilots training the Chinese, but it’s a free market População civil é a principal vítima de armamento explosivo em 2021 Preso por tentar carbonizar ex após ser rejeitado Protecting Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: A New Political Declaration Putin ricorre ora «all'arma nucleare dei poveri»? Russian Forces Have Targeted 12 Hospitals Since 2011 Secrecy, lies and refugees ... what the hell is going on in Rwanda? There’s no place for arms companies at our university Two-Thirds of Ukrainian Civilians Witnessed Explosive Violence Since War Began

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

UK Military Failing its LGBTQ Personnel

Ukraine Update: Russia Strikes Military Center Closer to Poland US keeps the pain coming for Afghans

Yemeni Children Live in Nests, But the UK is Open for Saudi Business

Advocacy

AOAV’s work was cited in the 2022 UN Secretary General’s Protection of Civilians Report and the ICRC report, Explosive Weapons with Wide Area Effects: A Deadly Choice in Populated Areas;

AOAV attended the 8th ATT Conference of State Parties where some of the key challenges impacting the ATT and its implementation were discussed.

AOAV presented at the UN on 22 July the following: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on extremist groups’ use of Improvised Explosive Devices

AOAV held an event in July at the Houses of Parliament: The Casualties of Ukraine:

AOAV wrote an open Letter to Liz Truss: send UK diplomats to the First Meeting of States Parties of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

AOAV presented Patterns of Explosive Weapon Harm in Ukraine Before and After 24 Feb at the Historical Analysis Annual Conference (Dupuy Institute, Military Affairs)

AOAV spoke at the Frontline Club on the 12 September about civilian casualties in war-time and how to investigate such

AOAV presented IED event at the UNGA with the French government and assisted in UNGA adopts draft resolution ‘Countering the Threat Posed by Improvised Explosive Devices’; AOAV was also at two other interventions at the UNGA

AOAV was in Dublin and worked with INEW to this end: Over 80 Countries Committed to Curb Use of Explosive Weapons, Now Comes the Hard Part

Part of framing debate where the UK’s Defence Committee refused access to UK Special Forces in heated debate with Defence Minister. Also AOAV welcomes Ministry of Defence proposal for a judge-led review into allegations of SAS extra-judicial killings in Afghanistan

82 countries including 23 NATO states sign agreement to protect civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas;

AOAV spoke at House of Lords event on killer robots

AOAV spoke at the Scottish Parliament on matters relating to EWIPA

AOAV’s invitee to House of Commons in July – Oleksandra Matviichuk – was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

Concluding remarks

In the face of ongoing armed conflicts and human rights abuses, the work of organizations like AOAV remains critical in advocating for the rights and protection of civilians. Looking towards the future, it is clear that there is still much work to be done in terms of accountability, transparency, and protection of civilians in conflict zones.

AOAV's ongoing efforts to monitor and report on armed violence and advocate for the protection of civilians provide an important voice in this ongoing conversation. As the organization continues to confront abuses and protect civilians from armed violence, their work will remain a crucial part of the global efforts towards peace, justice, and human rights.

We thank our main funders – including the Norwegian government, the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and UN bodies – for helping us continue our work independently and unblinkingly.

OVERVIEW OF FUTURE PLANS FOR 2023

AOAV seeks to continue its crucial research and advocacy work that focuses on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas worldwide, as well as looking more into UK issues of armed violence, militarism and counter-terrorism.

The competition for funding is, as ever, tight.

AOAV will safeguard its future by ensuring that it responds quickly and flexibly to opportunities as they arise, with hard-hitting, compelling bids.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Action on Armed Violence was established as a charitable trust in 2007, originally called the Landmine Action Charitable Trust. The Trust’s name was changed to Action on Armed Violence in 2010. It is also a charitable company. The charity is governed under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company.

- Operational Decision Making

The Board of Trustees, who are also Directors of the charitable company, is responsible for the governance of Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), especially with respect to representation and accountability. These responsibilities include: determining policy and strategy, appointing and overseeing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), monitoring performance, managing the governance process, and providing insight, guidance and wisdom. Management is provided by the CEO working with the staff of the organisation.

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Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

Recruitment & Appointment of Board Members

AOAV aims to select Board members in a manner consistent with the organisation’s equal opportunities policy. The procedure for recruiting and inducting board members is as follows:

Procedures for Board member recruitment, election, rotation/re-election and retirement continue to be developed.

Induction & Training of Board Members

New Board members are issued with an induction pack covering AOAV’s work and key policies. They meet the CEO and staff to discuss strategy, policy, current and planned activities. All Trustees are invited to attend network and parliamentary meetings and relevant conferences (when time and funding permit).

The directors who served in the year are: Professor Michael Spagat (Chair) Dr Marina Brilman (resigned Dec 2022) Colonel Steve Smith (resigned Dec 2022) Dr Saleyha Ahsan Professor Ismene-Theodora Gizelis Rocco Faustus Blume Leanna Burnard (appointed Dec 2022) Andrew Maber-Jones (appointed Dec 2022) Dr Jack Denny (appointed May 2023

Risk Management Statement

All procurement and administrative procedures are in place to ensure that authorisation and accountability lines are respected. AOAV’s Trustees recognise their collective and individual responsibilities to assess and manage risks which may affect the company in the achievement of its objectives. Internal risks are reduced by the application of appropriate controls to ensure that financial, administrative and operational procedures are effective, thus minimising the risk of financial loss and litigation against the company. All risks are assessed according to their likelihood and potential impact on organisation, and managed accordingly

Public Benefit

The Board of Trustees has complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and has referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how the planned activities of the company will contribute to achieving the aims and objectives they have set.

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Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

Principal Financial Management Policies

Funds received from institutional donors are managed in line with agreed contractual arrangements. The allocation of donations from unrestricted income is decided on the basis of needs identified by AOAV Board of Trustees. Donations derived from non-institutional restricted income are allocated according to the requests of the donors.

Reserves Policy

The majority of AOAV work is funded from restricted funds. The contractual arrangements with donors cover the completion of such tasks and related financial commitments. AOAV retains unrestricted reserves to ensure the longer-term viability of the organisation and the sustainability of its programmes against short-term funding shortfalls or emergency funding requirements. The reserves balance is reviewed regularly along with the level of the organisation’s total incoming and outgoing funds. The Board considers current level of reserves to be adequate.

The minimum reserve amount is the cost of running the charity for three months salaries and other running expenses, £45,000. This is kept in reserve. At 31 December 2022 AOAV had £82,795 (2021: £69,341) in unrestricted funds (this includes the reserve), a further £7,902 (2021: £40,811) was carried over for restricted funds.

Financial Position

During 2022 Action on Armed Violence received income of £163,880 vs £201,815 in the previous year. Our expenditure was £183,335 vs £196,150 previous year.

Our major funding source for our research work was the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (via Article 36), UNSCAR and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

AOAV renewed its efforts to ensure that funds for its research activities are available on a consistent basis. AOAV will continue to work closely with current and new donors to secure continuing financial support for its work.

Small Company Rules

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

17

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees’ report for the year ending 31 December 2022: continued

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees (who are also directors of AOAV for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31 December 2022 was 7 (2021: 5). The Trustees are members of the charity. The Trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity and are not remunerated.

Signed, on behalf of the Board of Trustees,

Professor Mike Spagat

08/09/2023

18

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Examiner's Report

To the Trustees of Action on Armed Violence

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on pages 20-31.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Shruti Soni

Shruti Soni FCCA Shruti Soni Ltd 117A St Johns Hill Sevenoaks TN13 3PL Date 18/09/2023

19

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 December 2022

Income
Note
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure:
5
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Total
Total
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds
2022
Funds
Funds
2021
£
£
£
£
£
£
17,141
-
17,141
3,904
-
3,904
57,668
89,071
146,739
95,678
102,233
197,911
74,809
89,071
163,880
99,582
102,233
201,815
8,254
-
8,254
4,183
-
4,183
53,101
121,980
175,081
94,110
97,857
191,967
61,355
121,980
183,335
98,293
97,857
196,150
13,454
( 32,909)
( 19,455)
1,289
4,376
5,665
-
-
-
( 730)
730
-
13,454
( 32,909)
( 19,455)
559
5,106
5,665
69,341
40,811
110,152
68,782
35,705
104,487
82,795
£
7,902
£
90,697
£
69,341
£
40,811
£
110,152
£

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities complies wiith the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

20

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2022

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible Assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amount falling due within one year
10
Net current assets / (liabilities)
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
13
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds
General reserve
Total charity funds		 2022
2021		 2022
2021
£
18,594
80,838
£
£
£
-
-
2,305
121,147
123,452
13,300)
(
90,697
110,152
90,697
£
110,152
£
7,902
40,811
82,795
69,341
90,697
£
110,152
£
99,432
8,735)
(

The charity is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2022. No member of the charity has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these accounts.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with sections 386 and 387 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The notes on pages 22 to 31 form part of these accounts.

08/09/2023

The accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on _____

______ Name: Professor Mike Spagat Trustee Company Registration No. 06381573 Charity Registration No. 1122057

21

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

1 Statutory information

Action on Armed Violence is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales number 06381573 and is registered with the Charity Commission number 1122057. In the event of the charitable company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The nature of the charitable company's operations and principle activities are to carry out research, advocacy and fieldwork in order to reduce the incidence and impact of global armed violence.

Action on Armed Violence meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). There are no material uncertainties about Action on Armed Violence's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements are presented, to the nearest pound, in sterling which is the functional currency of the charitable company.

2 Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), (Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Income

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charitable company is legally entitled to the income, it is probable the income will be received and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies apply to particular categories of income:

Where donations and grants are restricted to future accounting periods, they are deferred and recognised in those future accounting periods. Grants for immediate financial support and assistance, or to reimburse costs previously incurred, are recognised immediately.

The charitable company receives government grants in respect of furthering its charitable objectives. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value.

Charitable activities includes commissioned work carried out by Action on Armed Violence staff and is recognised in the period along with other income.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are to be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted funds are to be used for particular restricted purposes within the objectives of the charitable company. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

22

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

2.3 Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis with the irrecoverable element of VAT included with the item to which it relates and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Expenditure is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to third parties, it is probable and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charitable company but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative and payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charitable company. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to expenditure on charitable activities on a basis constistent with the use of resources. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the running of the charitable company and compliance with consititutional and statutory requirements.

Analysis of these costs is included in note 5.

2.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

The charitable company operates a policy of capitalising fixed asset items over £1,000. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. The principal annual rates used for this purpose are:

Furniture and equipment 4 years, on a straight line basis

2.5 Leasing commitments

Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

2.6 Debtors and Creditors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably, after allowing for any trade discounts due.

2.7 Foreign currency

The charitable company no longer operates foreign currency bank accounts.

2.8 Pensions

The charitable company now operates an Auto Enrolment defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they are incurred.

2.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments. The trustees seek to use short term deposits to maximise the return on monies held at the bank and to manage cash flow.

The charitable company does not have a material holding in complex financial instruments.

23

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

3
Donations and legacies
Donations
Legacies
Prior year comparatives: 2021
Donations
4
Income from charitable activities
Article 36
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
UNSCAR
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
Lush
Prior year comparatives: 2021
Article 36
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation
United Nations Mine Action Service
Justice for Journalists (see Note 16)
University of Birmingham		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2022
£
8,741
-
8,741
8,400
-
8,400
17,141
-
17,141
2021
£
3,904
-
3,904
3,904
-
3,904
£
-
37,000
37,000
56,668
-
56,668
-
41,179
41,179
-
8,372
8,372
2,520
2,520
1,000
-
1,000
57,668
89,071
146,739
2021
£
-
54,096
54,096
73,668
-
73,668
20,396
-
20,396
-
37,534
37,534
-
10,603
10,603
1,614
1,614
95,678
102,233
197,911

24

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

5 Analysis of expenditure

Analysis of expenditure
Cost of Governance Support
raising funds Research costs costs 2022 Total
£ £ £ £ £
Staff costs 7,178 114,086 3,589 - 124,853
Staff training - 750 - - 750
Research and reports - 23,994 - - 23,994
Travel - 11,144 - - 11,144
Office costs 1,076 9,145 538 - 10,759
Communications - 4,019 212 - 4,231
Legal and professional fees - 488 2,713 2,583 5,784
Grant audit and independent
examination - - 1,320 500 1,820
Depreciation - - - - -
8,254 163,627 8,372 3,083 183,335
Support costs 3,083 (3,083) -
Governance costs 8,372 (8,372) -
Total expenditure 2022 8,254 175,081 - - 183,335
Total expenditure 2021 4,183 191,967 - - 196,150
Of the total expenditure: Unrestricted Restricted Total
2022 £ 61,355
 £ 121,980
 £ 183,335
2021 £ 98,293
 £ 97,857
 £ 196,150
Prior year comparatives: 2021 £ £ £ £ £
Staff costs 4,118 118,978 3,432 - 126,528
Staff training - -
Research and reports - 30,578 - - 30,578
Travel - 18,383 - - 18,383
Office costs 65 10,259 543 - 10,868
Communications - 3,924 207 - 4,130
Legal and professional fees - - 13 3,460 3,473
Grant audit and independent
examination - - 2,190 - 2,190
Depreciation - - - - -
4,183 182,122 6,385 3,460 196,150
Support costs 3,460 (3,460) -
Governance costs 6,385 (6,385) -
Total expenditure 2021 4,183 191,967 - - 196,150

25

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

The net income for the year is stated after charging:

The net income for the year is stated after charging:
2022 2021
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets owned by
the Charity - -
Independent Examination 1,320 1,300
7 Staff costs
Staff costs during the year were: 2022 2021
£ £
Salaries and wages 113,765 115,868
Social Security costs 7,666 7,724
Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension 3,422 2,936
schemes
124,853 126,528
Number of employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
2022 2021
Charitable activities 3 3.5

There was 1 employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.

The key management personnel of the charitable company included the Trustees and Chief Executive Officer. Total employee benefits paid to key management personnel including NIC and pension were £71,787 in 2022 (2021: £68,634).

26

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

8 Tangible fixed assets

Cost:
At 1 January 2022
Disposals
Additions at cost
At 31 December 2022
Depreciation:
At 1 January 2022
Charge for year
On disposals
At 31 December 2022
Net book value:
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021		 Furniture and
Equipment
Total
£
£
825
825
-
-
-
825
825
825
825
-
-
-
825
825
-
-
-
-
-
-

27

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

9
Debtors
Due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
10
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade creditors
Social Security and other taxes
Pension
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
11
Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund Balances at 31 December 2022 are
Current Assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Total net assets
12
Analysis of net assets between funds -
Fund Balances at 31 December 2021 are
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Total net assets		 2022
2021
£
£
600
600
17,994

1,705
18,594
2,305
2022
2021
£
£
-
1,015
-
2,839
657
775
5,218
5,811
2,860
2,860
8,735
13,300
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
represented by:
91,530
7,902
99,432
(8,735)
-
(8,735)		 2022
2021
£
£
600
600
17,994

1,705
18,594
2,305
2022
2021
£
£
-
1,015
-
2,839
657
775
5,218
5,811
2,860
2,860
8,735
13,300
82,795
7,902
90,697
comparative 2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
represented by:
-
-
-
82,641
40,811
123,452
(13,300)
-
(13,300)
69,341
40,811
110,152

28

Action on Armed Violence

(Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

13 Funds - current year

The income funds of the charity include restricted and unrestricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust:

Restricted Funds
Norwegian Funding 2021/22: Article 36
Norwegian Funding 2022: Article 36
UNMAS
UNSCAR
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Total funds		 At
Incoming
Outgoing
At
1 Jan 2022
31 Dec 2022
£
£
£
£
17,601
(17,601)
-
-
37,000
(37,000)
-
23,210
(23,210)
-
-
41,179
33,455)
(
7,724
-
8,372
8,194)
(
178
-
2,520
2,520)
(
-
40,811
89,071
121,980)
(
7,902
69,341
74,809
(61,355)
82,795
110,152
163,880
(183,335)
90,697

Restricted Funds - description

Norweigan Funding; funding as part of a consortium bid to Norwegian People’s Aid.

For AOAV this funding comes via an agreement with Article 36 and it includes monitoring and data collection for the Global Explosive Weapons Monitor.

UNMAS - UN Mine Action Service

Funding received via UNMAS and funded by the French Government to highlight the figures of IED victims. The project runs from November 20 until 2022, with the first tranche of funding received in January 21. Covid 19 slightly delayed the delivery of this project, and an extension of 12 months was requested by UNMAS and agreed upon.

UNSCAR - United Nations Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation

Funding received for research utilising UNIDIR's EWIPA Indicators to assess the effectiveness of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on reducing civilian harm from conventional explosive weapons in populated areas.

University of Birmingham

DisabledVoicesfromGaza –narrative methodologies with media and information literacy (MIL) to empower university students with disabilities in Palestine

University of Bristol

Funding to support University of Bristol students working on internships at AOAV.

Justice for Journalists

Funding received to investigate the impact of the war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 and onwards on Ukrainian journalists, bloggers and social media users. Specifically to look at look at key cases of violent crimes against journalists and bloggers in the so-called Luhansk Peoples Republic (LPR) and Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) between 2015-2020. Using extensive contacts in both the DPR and LPR and years of investigative experience, this project examines the treatment of journalists who are detained in the DPR and LPR and their access to legal representation. The agreement was detailed as being between Justice for Journalists and Iain Overton but paid directly to AOAV.

29

Action on Armed Violence (Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

14 Funds - prior year comparative

The income funds of the charity include restricted and unrestricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust:

Restricted Funds
Norwegian Funding 2020/21
Norwegian Funding 2021/22: Article
36
UNMAS
Justice for Journalists
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Total funds		 At
Incoming
Outgoing
At
01 Jan
31 Dec
2021
2021
£
£
£
£
£
37,595
-
(37,595)
-
-
-
54,096
(36,495)
-
17,601
( 1,890)
37,534
12,434)
(
-
23,210
-
10,603
11,333)
(
730
-
35,705
102,233
97,857)
(
730
40,811
68,782
99,582
(98,293)
(730)
69,341
104,487
201,815
(196,150)
-
110,152

15 Operating lease commitments

The charity's total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases is as follows for each of the following periods:

2022
£
Less than one year
-
One to five years
-
-
Property		 2021
£
1,620
-
1,620

30

(Limited by Guarantee)

Action on Armed Violence

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022: continued

16 Related parties

In 2022 1 trustee Prof M Spagat made a donation of £4,000 to be used for general purposes, there are no other related party transactions in the year (2021: two. Trustee Mr S Smith received the fee of £1,500 for work funded by the United Nations Mine Action Service and Chief Executive - Iain Overton was granted £10,603 by Justice for Journalists as a restricted grant which was paid directly to AOAV and is treated as being received directly by AOAV).

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business.

17 Trustees

No reimbursements were made to trustees in 2022 (2021: nil) for travelling and other expenses and no payments were made direct to trustees or third parties. In 2021; 1 trustee, Mr S Smith, received the fee of £1,500 for work funded by the UN Mine Action Service as permitted in the Memorandum and Articles of Association , no other trustee (or any person connected with them) received any remunerations from the charity during the year.

18 Pension and other post-retirement benefit commitments

Defined contribution
Contributions payable by the company for the year
At 31 December 2022 £657 was outstanding (2021: £775)		 2022
£
3,422		 2021
£
2,936

19 Contingent assets or liabilities

There are no contingent assets or liabilities at December 2022 (2021:Nil).

20 Ultimate controlling party

The charitable company was under the control of the Trustees during the period under review. There is no single ultimate controlling party.

31