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

Control Arms statement on the sentencing on alleged arms broker Viktor Bout
International trade controls

On 5 April, alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison in a US Court.

Republic of Congo: Thousands still homeless after munitions site explosion
Stockpile management and security

Around 14,000 people remain homeless in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, weeks after a munitions depot exploded, killing 223 people, wounding 2,500 and destroying large parts of the city.

US: IANSA members mark anniversary of 2007 Virginia Tech shooting
Survivors

On 16 April, we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting, when 32 people were murdered on the campus of the university in Blacksburg, Virginia (US) by a student with two semi-automatic handguns.

Partnership for reintegration of soldiers in Sudan
Armed violence and development

IANSA member in Sudan, The Human Security Initiative Organization (MAMAN), has signed a partnership agreement with UNDP to provide reintegration services for 336 demobilised ex-combatants in the South Kordofan State of Rashad, over a period of six months.

Brazil: Committee to promote gun control in São Paulo becomes permanent
National gun laws
IANSA member Instituto Sou da Paz celebrates the decision to make a group it has led since 2010 to coordinate the city’s gun control plan into a permanent official body of local government in São Paulo, Brazil.

Latest resources

AEFJN resources on Arms trade in and to Africa
International trade controls

The Africa Europe Faith & Justice Network (AEFJN) has released three new resources: a list of organisations working on arms control in Africa; a report on arms exports and transfers from Europe to Africa; and a report outlining trends in arms exports and transfers between African countries. More

NGO Presentations at the ATT Prepcom, 3 March 2011
Armed violence and development, International trade controls, Women, gender and guns

On 3 March, members of the Control Arms Campaign addressed the UN, as part of the second session of the Preparatory Committee on the Arms Trade Tready (ATT).

Brief on the inclusion of SALW and Ammunition in the ATT
International trade controls

A new 2 page brief on how the inclusion of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and Ammunition is currently being treated in ATT discussions.

The Arms Trade Treaty: What about women?
International trade controls, Women, gender and guns

This short article by IANSA women participating in the Arms Trade Treaty Preparatory Committee (ATT PrepCom) was published in the ‘Arms Trade Treaty Monitor’, a joint initiative of Reaching Critical Will of WILPF, Global Action to Prevent War, Oxfam International, and IANSA.

Mercenaries: UN working group and special rapporteur
Security sector reform

The use of private military companies has been a source of controversy for many years. The UN has addressed the subject through its human rights system.