Viva Rio, in partnership with IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms) and Save the Children Sweden, will be coordinating rapid assessment research regarding children in organised armed violence (COAV). The research will focus on the use of children in armed gangs and groups (criminal or other) that function outside of traditional situations of war or armed conflict. Viva Rio is looking to identify 10 countries where COAV is considered a problem and identify local NGOs in these countries to carry out on-the-ground research studies. Viva Rio has secured funding to meet in-country research costs for the selected NGOs. They will also be invited to send one staff member to a research training workshop that will be held in Rio de Janeiro from June 21st to 24th and travel expenses for their participation will also be covered. On-the-ground research studies will be carried out between August and November. A report will be published in 2004. For more information, contact: Luke Dowdney, Coordinator, Children in Armed Violence Viva Rio Ladeira da Glória 98, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22211-120. Brasil Tel: 00 55 21 2555 3750; Fax 00 55 21 2558 1381; Email: luke@vivario.org.br