The global campaign against gun violence has seen progress as well as challenges in 2007. IANSA takes this opportunity to share some highlights and look forward to the year ahead. We would like to express our thanks to those who have worked alongside us for a safer world, and extend our solidarity to members who are experiencing armed conflict or suffering from personal loss.
Citizens speak out on Arms Trade Treaty
2007 showed that a strong Arms Trade Treaty has overwhelming support from the world's citizens. Thousands of people came together in more than 50 countries for the Control Arms People's Consultations. Thanks to these and other advocacy activities from IANSA members, over 100 governments delivered submissions on an ATT to the UN Secretary-General.
Armed conflict has cost Africa around US$ 300bn
A report by Oxfam, IANSA and Saferworld showed that 23 African countries have lost US$ 18bn per year since 1990 due to war and insurgencies. This was the first time economic loss due to armed conflict had been calculated in this way. The report, Africa's Missing Billions, generated extensive international media coverage.
Reforming gun laws saves lives
2007 brought hard evidence from Brazil that better laws can prevent deaths by firearms. The Brazilian Health Ministry revealed in October that the gun death rate dropped by 18% between 2004 and 2006, which translates as 24,000 lives saved. The death rate has fallen steadily since the Disarmament Statute was adopted in 2003. Other studies released this year showed that stronger legislation in Australia, Austria and Cambodia also resulted in reductions in gun violence.
The work goes on...
Gun laws around the world are constantly under threat. Governments and individual brokers continue to transfer small arms to conflict zones and hundreds of thousands of lives are lost needlessly each year. The 2008 UN Biennial Meeting of States on small arms (BMS) provides an opportunity for states to outline challenges and gaps in their capacity to reduce small arms proliferation. IANSA looks forward to working with our members in the coming year; meanwhile we wish you all a happy and safe holiday. |
