IANSA Update 27 February 2009
Trials of two international gun dealers
Afghanistan: Civilian deaths at highest levels since 2001
Asia-Pacific regional ATT seminar
IANSA at the UN next week
REMINDER: Join our e-discussion!
Other news: Gaza advocacy; Voices from Philippines; Ammunition explosions update; Guatemala website; East Africa strategy meeting; Summit of Americas; Job at Saferworld
Trials of two international gun dealers
The trials of two international arms dealers in the US were in the news this week. Syrian broker Monzer Al-Kassar was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for offering to arrange an arms deal to the FARC armed group in Colombia. The trial of US gun shop owner George Iknadosian began this week. He is accused of supplying assault rifles to Mexican organised crime. Read more here.
Afghanistan: Civilian deaths at highest levels since 2001
More than 2100 civilians were killed in armed conflict in Afghanistan during 2008, according to the UN Assistance Mission (UNAMA). This is the highest civilian casualty rate since 2001. Data are not available on how many of these deaths were at gunpoint, but a recent investigation by the Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) revealed many cases of shootings.
Read more here.
Asia-Pacific regional ATT seminar
Promoting sustainable development through an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was the topic discussed by representatives from 13 Asia-Pacific governments in Tokyo (Japan), 26-27 February. IANSA members from 11 countries participated, including Bruce Millar from the Secretariat.
IANSA at the UN next week
Next week IANSA will be closely involved in two events at the United Nations in New York. A delegation from the Women's Network will be participating in the UN Commission on the Status of Women, while ATT campaigners will be promoting the Golden Rules at the first session of the Open-Ended Working Group discussing the treaty.
REMINDER: Join our e-discussion!
Our members and colleagues are invited to share their opinions and ideas via the new e-discussion.
Please help us to make IANSA more effective by participating!
Other news
During the recent Gaza conflict, war crimes were committed by both Israel and Palestinian armed groups using foreign-made weapons, according to a briefing by Amnesty International. Please email sscarpel@amnesty.org for campaign information on this briefing.
- 'Voices to Silence Guns', the report of the extensive Philippines People's Consultations on an ATT, was launched in Manila on 10 February. Government officials on human rights and other ministries attended the launch, which was organised by PhilANSA.
- At least 3322 people have died in ammunition explosions since 2001, according to information collected by Explosive Capabilities. This highlights the risks associated with inadequate stockpile management.
- You can follow the ongoing public debate on Guatemala's new gun law on a website launched by the Consejo de Investigación e Información en Desarrollo.
- The annual strategic meeting of the East Africa Action Network Against Small Arms (EAANSA) was held in Entebbe (Uganda), 26-27 February. The meeting discussed options to strengthen implementation of the regional Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms.
- Please let us know if you are planning to attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago, 17-19 April. Caribbean IANSA members will be attending, providing an opportunity for coordinated advocacy.
- Saferworld (UK) is seeking a Team Leader in advocacy and international institutions. More information on our job board.
Please send your stories on developments in small arms from around the world to louise.rimmer@iansa.org
Join the IANSA Women's Network: email
women@iansa.org
Join the Million Faces petition in support of a global Arms Trade Treaty
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