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

South Africa: Voluntary gun amnesty begins
Weapons collection and destruction

South Africa has begun a nationwide amnesty for gun owners in an attempt to reduce armed violence in the country. From 11 January to 11 April 2010 anyone in possession of guns and ammunition will be able to hand them in at police stations.

US: Police gun buyback nets 5,337 weapons
Weapons collection and destruction

5,337 weapons, including 144 assault rifles, were taken off the streets of Los Angeles (US) in a 'Gifts for Guns' programme implemented by the Los Angeles Police Department during 2009.

Trinidad & Tobago: Gangs, Guns and Governance
Armed violence and development

A report into gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago published by the Small Arms Survey has noted a 1000-per cent increase in gun-related homicide over the last decade.

Public health and armed violence prevention in Africa
Armed violence and development, Public health

A report published by the Geneva Declaration Secretariat aims to help developing countries develop a public health approach to injury prevention, particularly in Africa. Understanding Violence: The Role of Injury Surveillance Systems in Africa, highlights lessons learned from pilot projects run in DR Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. More

South East Europe: First Regional Report on Arms Exports
International trade controls

A report on arms exports in South East Europe has been published by SEESAC (South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons) and UNDP.

Latest resources

Gender, Peace and Security Update from PRIO
Women, gender and guns
The first ‘Gender, Peace and Security Update (GPS)’ for 2012 from the Peace Research Institute Oslo, features PRIO researcher and Deputy Director Inger Skjelsbæk’s new book ‘The Psychology of War Rape: Studies from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the launch of the US Peace Research Endowment'.
NGO Presentations at the PoA PrepCom, 21 March 2012
UN Small Arms Process

Representatives of civil society spoke in the afternoon plenary session of the preparatory committee (PrepCom) for the 2012 Review Conference (RevCon) on 21 March 2012.

The importance of international cooperation and assistance to improve stockpile management in Africa
Stockpile management and security, UN Small Arms Process

This article was written by Félix Kokou Aklavon, member of the International Advisory Council (IAC) and the Togolese Action Network on Small Arms (RASALT) for the Small Arms Monitor during the preparatory committee for the 2012 Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms (PoA).

The Arms Flyers: Commercial Aviation, Human Rights, and the Business of War and Arms
International trade controls

The report presents (Part I and Part II) a series of cases - from the 1980s to present - that illustrate and document the continuous involvement of aviation companies in the business of war, namely in the arms supply chains and also in covert operations, all of which have often resulted in consequent severe violations of human rights, from Nicaragua to Armenia, from D.R. Congo to Afghanistan and Rwanda.

What should the UN Programme of Action PrepCom 2012 Achieve?
UN Small Arms Process

The purpose of the PrepCom is to lay the groundwork for the RevCon, 27 August – 7 September 2012. The PrepCom is expected to produce a draft agenda for the RevCon i.e. which solutions to the problem of gun violence are open for discussion.