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

French TV culture show focusing on guns
Armed violence and development, International trade controls

The French TV channel Arte recently dedicated their weekly programme ‘Le Blogeur’ to the theme “Pan t’es mort!“ ("Bang, you’re dead!"), focusing on arms trafficking, gun culture, gun laws and gun violence in Europe and beyond.

Mexico joins international arms control agreement
International trade controls

On 25 January, Mexico joined the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, becoming the 41st state participant in the agreement.

Report on Dutch arms exports
International trade controls

An analysis of Dutch arms exports in 2010, compiled by Campagne tegen Wapenhandel (Campaign Against Arms Trade), is now available in English. It provides details of transfers with a special focus on the arms trade with the Middle East and North Africa.

Venezuela: Seminar on gun violence reduction
National gun laws

Representatives from Viva Rio, the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons, IANSA and the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-LiREC) joined the Venezuelan Presidential Commission on Gun and Ammunition Control and Disarmament in a seminar to share experiences on gun violence reduction

Uganda: New gun control policy proposed following police shooting
National gun laws

The Uganda National Focal Point on small arms has released a policy statement calling for a new law to replace the1970 Firearms Act, which currently regulates guns and ammunition in the country.

Latest resources

Argentina: International arms transfers control
Armed violence and development, International trade controls

IANSA member APP presented its new book “International Arms Transfers Control” on 3 June at a Mercosur government meeting in Buenos Aires (Argentina).

International weapons transfers continue to increase
International trade controls

According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2010 the volume of international transfers of major conventional weapons continued to increase in the last five years.

Arms brokering
International trade controls

Two research reports on arms brokering have been presented by the Flemish Peace Institute.

Searching for Aid Effectiveness in Small Arms Assistance
Armed violence and development, UN Small Arms Process

This report explores the links between small arms control and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action, the principle international standards for aid effectiveness.

Munitions storage
Stockpile management and security

A timeline covering major accidents at munitions depots from 1997 to 2009 around the world has been published by the US government.