The global movement
against gun violence.

IANSA, the International Action Network on Small Arms is the global network of civil society organisations working to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). World attention is increasingly focused on the humanitarian impact of these weapons, and IANSA brings together the voices and activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and concerned individuals across the world to prevent their deadly effects.

Founded in 1998, IANSA has grown rapidly to more than 500 participant groups in nearly 100 countries, with representation from many gun-affected regions. IANSA is composed of a wide range of organisations concerned with small arms, including policy development organisations, national gun control groups, research institutes, aid agencies, faith groups, victims, human rights and community action organisations.

IANSA aims to reduce small arms violence by:

•     raising awareness among policymakers, the public and the media about the global threat to human security caused by small arms
•     promoting the work of NGOs to prevent small arms proliferation through national and local legislation, regional agreements, public education and research
•    fostering collaborative advocacy efforts, and providing a forum for NGOs to share experiences and build skills
•     establishing regional and subject-specific small arms networks
•     promoting the voices of victims in regional and global policy discussions


IANSA is a democratic, participant-led organisation built on national, sub-regional and regional networks of civil society NGOs. This structure helps ensure that the network is driven by the needs and priorities of its participants. Operations are guided by the Steering Committee, composed of representatives from different regions and thematic areas and coordinated by a Secretariat in London. Regional and sub-regional networks, once established, are encouraged to be self-sustaining.

Achievements

Since 1998, IANSA has helped broaden and strengthen international small arms advocacy and research efforts, as well as devise remedies to counter gun proliferation through the creation of five regional NGO networks covering more than 30 nations. In the Central American regional network, organisations are pushing for the harmonisation of national firearm laws. In the Mercosur network in South America, NGOs are coordinating transnational public education and advocacy campaigns. And while the West African network is preparing a strategic plan for the region, the European network is developing an arms export control campaign. In addition, regional networks are emerging in South Asia, South East Asia, the South Pacific, East Africa, Eastern Europe and the Andean nations of South America.

In July 2001, IANSA was instrumental in raising and unifying the voices of NGOs at the United Nations Small Arms Conference in New York, the first world gathering on small arms and light weapons. We brought governments into serious dialogue with the NGO sector over small arms, ensuring that those involved in the preparation of the UN Programme of Action felt the pressure of civil society organisations committed to bringing about real change. IANSA helped bring 46 participant organisations from gun-affected countries to the preparatory meetings and Conference, as well as coordinating NGO activities and their presentations to the Conference. IANSA is now recognised by the UN as an important global NGO network with valuable expertise to contribute to discussions at all levels.

The Way Forward

Joint Action	IANSA will continue to strengthen the network of organisations committed to stopping small arms proliferation. National and regional networks will be established. New thematic networks built around key issues, such as public health, women and children will increase international expertise and cooperation in joint efforts for change.
Raising Awareness	IANSA will raise and maintain the profile of the small arms crisis by assisting in the development of advocacy and public education campaigns regionally and internationally. IANSA will engage and coordinate media outreach efforts to promote participant goals to wider audiences.
UN Process	IANSA will continue to play a leadership role in the UN Small Arms Conference process, promoting NGO participation in the meetings, and keeping pressure on UN member governments to create effective and binding measures against the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons at all levels.

Funding

IANSA’s work has been supported by funders including the Governments of UK, Belgium, Sweden and Norway, as well as the Ford Foundation Compton Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Ploughshares Fund, John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Institute, Samuel Rubin Foundation and Christian Aid.

For more information about IANSA, please contact the Secretariat at communications@iansa.org


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