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

US: Guns most common cause of death in gang violence
National gun laws
Every year, armed gang-related violence leads to numerous, preventable deaths of young people. A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies 5 cities in the US with high levels of gang homicide: Los Angeles, California; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Long Beach, California; Oakland, California; and Newark, New Jersey in the period 2003-2008.
Gun law quiz
National gun laws
Test your knowledge about gun statistics and laws regulating the carrying of guns in the US in an online  quiz by the newspaper ‘Christian Science Monitor’.
Gun violence and public health in Venezuela
Public health
An article posted on the website of the Presidential Commission for arms control and disarmament in Venezuela makes the case for a public health approach to gun violence, comparing it to epidemics such as the H1N1 flu.
2012 Preparatory Committee for the Second UN Programme of Action Review Conference
UN Small Arms Process

From 19-23 March 2012, UN member states are meeting at UN headquarters for a preparatory committee (PrepCom) for the Second Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects.

Street art highlights risk of guns to children
Children and armed violence

The US-based artist Mike McNeilly Street has created a series of street art murals to highlight the risk of unsafe gun storage to children. In a press release, he highlighted statistics from the national Center for Disease Control

Latest resources

Global SSR network
Security sector reform

The website of the Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR) contains research, best practices and contacts for SSR practitioners.

Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials
Security sector reform

Law enforcement officials (including military) are often trained in 'how' to fire a weapon. These principles provide the basis for 'when' to use a weapon, and more importantly when not to use a weapon.

UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials
Security sector reform

These rules apply to all law enforcement officials, including police and military personnel employed in a law enforcement capacity (eg crowd control). Article 3 includes restrictions on the use of firearms.

UN Programme of Action on small arms - Implementation Support System (PoA-ISS)
UN Small Arms Process

The 2001 UN Programme of Action on small arms (PoA) is the most comprehensive global agreement on preventing gun violence.

UN Regional Centre for Disarmament (UNREC)
Regional Cooperation

UNREC is the UN regional disarmament centre in Africa. In addition to supporting initiatives to implement the UN Programme of Action on small arms, it has been coordinating the creation of the Kinshasa Convention since 2009. This Convention promotes small arms control in Central Africa. More