UNREC links global substantive peace and disarmament negotiations and discussions with practical disarmament measures in Africa. The Centre promotes the arms control and disarmament objectives contained in the relevant international treaties and conventions. The Centre represents the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Africa for the follow-up of all the treaties which were entrusted to it by the Secretary-General.  

UNREC cooperates with African Member States, the African Union and sub-regional organizations, such as ECOWAS, ECCAS, EADC and SADC, as well as other regional institutions, United Nations agencies and programmes, civil society and research institutions. 

In particular, the Regional Centre is the sole United Nations agency member of the African Union Steering Committee on Small Arms. UNREC acts as the secretary to the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Question in Central Africa - UNSAC.