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

Canada: Campaigners outraged by decision to destroy national gun registry
National gun laws

On 15 February, the Conservative government of Canada won approval in Parliament for Bill C-19 that will abolish the national registry of rifles and shotguns and allow the destruction of records on 7.1 million guns currently registered.

Proposed state law to register handguns in Illinois
National gun laws

The Mayor of Chicago, US, Rahm Emanuel, has proposed a law that will require handgun owners all over the state of Illinois to register their weapons. Currently only the city of Chicago requires handguns to be registered.

DR Congo: National Commission on small arms welcomes new regional office
Weapons collection and destruction

The National Commission on small arms in the DR Congo has established a regional office in the western city of Boma, with support from UNDP to bring together local representatives of the military, the national police and intelligence, border control officials and civil society organisations.

Brazil: Young people participate in community survey on guns and disarmament
Armed violence and development

In Brazil, a group of ten young researchers conducted a survey in M'Boi Mirim in São Paulo exploring perceptions and attitudes on security, gun control and voluntary disarmament in the area.

Journal on guns in Latin America
Armed violence and development

The latest issue of the Journal URVIO of the Latin American Social Sciences Institute (FLACSO) is devoted to the topic of firearms.<--break-> It was edited by Alejandra Otamendi and includes articles on arms trafficking in Colombia, the implementation of the Disarmament Statute in Brazil, and trafficking of illicit guns and ammunition in Guatemala and the Central American region.

Latest resources

BMS4 final document
UN Small Arms Process

The Final Outcome Document of the Fourth Biennial Meeting of States (BMS) to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA) is now available.

New Cross the Lines
Women, gender and guns

A new issue of ‘Cross the Lines’, a quarterly publication by the Women Peacemakers Program of the International Fellowship Of Reconciliation, is out.

UN Security Council Monthly Action Points
Women, gender and guns

The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has released the August 2010 Monthly Action Points (MAP) on Women, Peace and Security for the UN Security Council.

New Amnesty International report on Arms Transportation controls
International trade controls

Amnesty International launched its new report ‘Deadly Movements: Arms Transportation Controls in the Arms Trade Treaty’ (ATT) on 19 July. <--break->

New Amnesty International report on Arms Transportation controls
International trade controls

A new publication by the Small Arms Survey reveals the realities of transparency and opaqueness in the ammunition market.