Work areas

The problem of small arms proliferation is multidimensional– that is why such a broad array of organisations around the world are so concerned about it. On this page you will find the latest news and resources on some of the hot topics for groups working against small arms and light weapons.

Latest news

IANSA members at regional seminar in Argentina
National gun laws, Regional Cooperation

On 14-15 May 2012 in Argentina, IANSA members from Latin America including Viva Rio, Instituto Latinoamericano de Seguridad y Democracia (ILSED), Red Argentina para el Desarme, and the Instituto de Estudios Legales y Sociales del Uruguay (IELSUR), participated in a seminar on arms proliferation and control in the region. The seminar, organised by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, included analysis of disarmament initiatives and programmes by civil society.

UN envoy rebukes Cambodia over shooting of protesters
National gun laws

In Cambodia, UN special envoy Surya Subedi, has called for a halt to the increasing use of firearms against human rights activists. A series of recent shootings has highlighted an apparent increasing willingness to use force against protesters by private security guards, the military, the police and local government officials. Mr Subedi said, "I'm very much concerned by the trend - and that should be halted."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18015436

Chad: Central African Women-Only Training on women, armed violence and small arms control
Regional Cooperation, Women, gender and guns

From 7-10 May 2012 in Chad, IANSA's Africa Programme Officer with IANSA women from WAA Cameroon led a Central Africa Regional Women-Only Training Institute on women, armed violence and small arms control. The curriculum and materials were developed by the IANSA Women's Network and the Institute was organised by the Economic Community of Central Africa States (ECCAS) with financial support from the 2nd EU Programme to Support Peace and Security Matters (PAPSII).

Israel: Newly proposed law threatens efforts to control small arms in security industry
National gun laws, Women, gender and guns

In Israel, a newly proposed ‘Security Services Law’ threatens an existing, though un-enforced, clause of the Firearms Law that restricts security guards from taking their guns home. If the proposed law were implemented it would automatically allow security guards to take their guns home whilst off-duty.

Colombia: Bogota gun ban results in homicide drop
National gun laws

IANSA members in Colombia at the Centro Popular para América Latina de Comunicación (CEPALC) report that Bogota's mayor has applauded the city's gun ban after street murders with weapons fell 18% in the last three months.The figures "reaffirm the purpose" of Bogota's ban on guns, launched in February 2012 for three months, and extended on Monday for another three-month period.

Latest resources

MGE 2011 - Side event - The Programme of Action and Opportunities
Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process

A summary report of the side event 'The Programme of Action and Opportunities' held on 10 May 2011.

MGE 2011 - Summary Report: Plenary Session: Afternoon - 10 May 2011
Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process

A summary report of the main points of the afternoon session on Tuesday 10 May at the Open-Ended Meeting of Governmental Experts, 9-13 May 2011.

MGE 2011: How and why to include women in international efforts to trace and uncover the illicit trade in SALW
Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process, Women, gender and guns

An article by the IANSA Women’s Network was published in the MGE Monitor on Tuesday 10 May 2011 and calls upon states to integrate a gender perspective in their tracing efforts, and actively include women at all stages of the process including capacity building and cooperation initiatives.To read it go to: http://www.iansa-women.org/node/630

MGE 2011 - Side event - Why Traces Fail – Challenges involved in issuing and responding to tracing requests
Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process

A summary report of the side event 'Why Traces Fail – Challenges involved in issuing and responding to tracing requests' held on 10 May 2011.

MGE 2011 - Summary Report: Plenary Session: Morning - 10 May 2011
Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process

A summary report of the main points of the morning session on Tuesday 10 May at the Open-Ended Meeting of Governmental Experts, 9-13 May 2011.