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| Site Additions: December 2006 |
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22 December |
Caution against gunfire revelry
Bullets fired into the air can return to the ground faster than 200km/hr, with enough force to penetrate a human skull. While 'celebratory' gunfire is recognised as a significant public health problem, the practice is widespread and culturally accepted in South East Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and some Latin American countries. IANSA members and other organisations have been working on this issue with a particular focus on reducing aerial fire on New Year's Eve. This year, UNDP Macedonia is running a joint campaign with> government agencies in Skopje. |
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Australian study: gun laws have saved lives
New research has highlighted an accelerated decrease in Australian firearm deaths since the gun laws were strengthened in 1996. The study found that gun deaths fell twice as fast after the new laws were implemented. It was also noted that while there were 13 mass shootings in the 18 years leading up to the reforms, there have been no mass shootings since they were introduced. The study was published in the journal Injury Prevention last week. |
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Sri Lanka and Ecuador: campaigns against toy guns
A campaign against violent toys is being launched by IANSA members in Sri Lanka. South Asia Small Arms Network (SASA-Net) is facilitating national events including a live radio discussion with listener participation, articles in children’s newspapers and a grassroots campaign targeting parents, parish priests and community organisations to discourage the purchase of toy guns. |
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8 December |
Arms Trade Treaty Resolution adopted by UN General Assembly
Overwhelming support for better control of the international arms trade was reiterated at the General Assembly when 153 states voted to adopt the Resolution Towards an Arms Trade Treaty. The number of Yes votes increased from 139 at the UN First Committee (Disarmament and Security) to 153 this time; the number of abstentions was unchanged at 24 and the only No vote was lodged by the US
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16 Days of activism and remembrance
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign draws to a close on 10 December, which is international Human Rights Day. Mid-way through the 16 Days of Activism (on 6 December) was the anniversary of Montreal Massacre and Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. |
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Holiday campaigns against toy guns
With the Christmas, New Year and Eid-ul-Adha holiday season approaching, many IANSA members are preparing campaigns against buying replica guns as gifts |
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IANSA presentation to GGE on Brokering in Geneva
The UN Group of Governmental Experts on small arms brokering completed its first session in Geneva (Switzerland) on 1 December. Nic Marsh of the Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers (NISAT) addressed the GGE on behalf of IANSA. |
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