International Small Arms Destruction Day is observed worldwide every July 9, aiming to promote the destruction of surplus, obsolete, confiscated, and illegally held small arms and light weapons. The day originated from a proposal by Brazil, Mali, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom during the 2001 United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. Although not an official United Nations observance, it has been recognized by governments, international organizations, and civil society groups since its inception. On this day, some governments organize public ceremonies to permanently destroy surplus small arms, including confiscated criminal firearms, surrendered civilian weapons, obsolete military stockpiles, and surplus police firearms. These ceremonies reflect a commitment to disarmament and address the dangers associated with illicit weapons trafficking. International organizations also utilize this day to highlight broader disarmament and stockpile management initiatives.