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From violence to peace: from an art exhibition organised during the Global Week of Action by SASA-Net Nepal, an IANSA member.

2007 and the campaign against gun violence

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.

Armed gangs provoke fear in Nigeria Delta

People living in Nigeria's Niger Delta region are increasingly feeling the impact of armed violence on their communities and their daily routines. A small household survey conducted by the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey in Rivers state in early 2007 revealed that nearly one-third of respondents had experienced a violent crime in the previous six months. Many feared leaving their homes due to the threat of violence, and pointed to armed groups as the main source of their concern. A number of respondents identified assault rifles, shotguns and pistols as the most common small arms in the state.

Canada's gun laws at risk 18 years later

The Canadian government has introduced a bill in Parliament that will abolish the registration system for rifles and shotguns. The current Canadian law requires all gun owners to be licensed and all guns to be registered. Only handguns will be required to be registered if the bill passes. This would leave more than 7 million rifles and shotguns unregistered.