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

India: One-day consultation on gun violence survivors’ rights
Survivors

Manipur Women Survivors Gun Network and Control Arms Foundation of India, IANSA members in India, conducted a one-day community consultation to commemorate the Week of Action. The consultation highlighted survivors’ rights in conflict-ridden zones and called on the government to provide victim assistance and include provisions for it in the ATT. It also included a screening of the film, “The story of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network” and a discussion on the UNPoA. Panelists included several professors from Manipur University and civil society representatives including Mrs.

Iraq: Students and youth groups support ATT and demand legislation to limit small arms proliferation
International trade controls

Iraqi Organization for Rehabilitating Society and Environment, IANSA member in Karbala, Iraq distributed materials and organised several discussion sessions with university students, teachers and youth groups about the need to refuse gun violence and the dangers of small arms proliferation in communities. Participants declared their support for the Arms Trade Treaty and agreed on the importance of legislation to forbid the circulation of small arms. They called on decision-makers to work with civil society to stop gun violence. 

Nigeria: Secondary school students chant a slogan against gun violence
Public health

The Society of Nigerian Doctors for the Welfare of Mankind (SNDWM), IANSA member in Nigeria, and Save Africa on Environment by Empowerment Initiative organised a meeting with students at the Meiran secondary school in Lagos. Eduru Emmanuel, from SNDWM, presented a paper presenting the issue of SALW proliferation and its negative impact on human health and economic cost. Mr. Emmanuel emphasised that only reliable data about gun violence can serve as a viable tool for developing sustainable violence prevention interventions.

South Sudan: Roundtable discussion on the ATT
International trade controls

The South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA)organised a roundtable discussion on the ATT. Participants discussed the ATT Chairman’s Draft Paper and put forth various comments, which will be handed over to the South Sudan delegation that will go to the ATT Diplomatic Conference. During the meeting, eight religious leaders signed the Faith-based Declaration on the ATT.

India: Seminar on the Role of Women in Peace building & Conflict Prevention
International trade controls, Women, gender and guns

The Indian Institute for Peace, Disarmament & Environmental Protection (IIPDEP), IANSA member in India, and Nav Bharat Nirman Sangh- Hyderabad undertook a range of activities for the Global Week of Action. A seminar was held in Hyderabad, South India, which was attended by many political leaders, intellectuals, youth and policy makers. Participants deliberated on how to curb the menace of SALW and urged the Government of India to take leadership in the ATT Diplomatic Conference.

Latest resources

Most homicides in El Salvador committed with guns
National gun laws

Guns were used in nearly 75% of the 18.929 homicides committed in El Salvador in the period 2007-2011, according to new research by Centro de la Sociedad Civil para el Monitoreo y Evaluación de la Violencia and Fundación para la Democracia, Seguridad y Paz. In a study on public safety in the country, they found that violence was the leading cause of death, with 12 homicides per day.87.3% of homicide victims were men.

Parliamentary Forum statement on civilian possession of automatic and semi-automatic rifles
National gun laws, UN Small Arms Process

The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons has issued a policy statement on civilian possession of automatic and semi-automatic rifles, adopted during their board meeting in New York on 23 October this year. It states that, “ Such kinds of weapons – which do not only relate to illegal trafficking, conflict zones or high levels of gun violence but have also been used to perpetrate massacres in countries including New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia, United States and recently in Norway - should be banned from civilian possession”.

IANSA members report on election violence in Liberia
Security sector reform

IANSA members in Liberia continue to monitor the election process in the country.

Women, Gender and Gun Violence in the Middle East
Women, gender and guns

Written by IANSA Woman Rebecca Gerome, this report presents the main findings of an assessment conducted in Lebanon, Jordan and Occupied Palestinian Territory from January to May 2011

Why Women? Effective engagement for small arms control
Women, gender and guns

This new publication from the IANSA Women's Network aims to show why it is important to include women in small arms control and disarmament initiatives