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

Sierra Leone: Press conference on the ATT and UNPoA
International trade controls, UN Small Arms Process

SLANSA, IANSA member in Sierra Leone, and the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLeNCSA) held a joint press conference on the ATT and the UNPOA at the Commission’s Conference Room on Thursday 14 June 2012. The conference was attended by a cross section of the media and the story was carried by five radio stations, the national TV and four print media and an observer from Action on Armed Violence.

Benin: Campus debate on the ATT and UN small arms process
International trade controls, UN Small Arms Process

RASALAO-Benin, IANSA member in Benin, organised a debate on the Abomey Calavi campus in Cotonou to talk with students about the ATT and the UN small arms process. IANSA and WAANSA (West African Action Network on Small Arms) materials were distributed in the campus and banners were put up to raise students’ awareness. 

Burundi: IANSA members participate in weapons destruction session
Weapons collection and destruction

REBAL-BUANSA, RAPACODIBU and MI-RPD, IANSA members in Burundi, took part in a weapons destruction session organised by the CNAP, the Permanent National Commission against the proliferation of SALW, in the Bubanza area. The arms destroyed had been voluntarily handed in by the population in six provinces of the country. This event was extensively covered by media, thanks to the presence of the Minister of Public Security who made a statement about the involvement of the Burundi government in the fight against the proliferation of SALW.

DR Congo: Workshop on the ATT and UNPoA
International trade controls

Securitas Congo, IANSA member in DRC, undertook a range of activities during the Week of Action 2012, including a press conference to launch the Week of Action and a workshop to examine the content of the ATT and the PoA’s review. Throughout the week, Securitas put up banners and aired advertising spots to raise awareness about gun violence. On Thursday, members of the organisation met with officials to advocate for the ratification of the Kinshasa Convention. 

Latin America and the Caribbean: New report on national capacities to address armed violence
Survivors

Action on Armed Violence, SEHLAC (Seguridad Humana en Latinoamerica y el Caribe), CERAC  (Conflict Analysis Resource Centre), SERPAJ Ecuador, Sou da Paz and the Violence Prevention Alliance in Jamaica are launching a report looking at national capacities to address the issue of armed violence in 12 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Latest resources

Civil Society presentations at UN First Committee 2011
UN Small Arms Process

Civil society organisations addressed the UN General Assembly First Committee on 25 October.

The 16 Days Tool Kit now available
Women, gender and guns

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign will take place from 25 November to 10 December 2011.

New research note on UN PoA reporting
UN Small Arms Process

A new research note from the Small Arms Survey provides a brief review of national reports on the PoA.

2011 Global Study on Homocide UNODC
Women, gender and guns

Firearms are behind rising murder rates in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Central and Southern Africa, according to the 2011 Global Study on Homicide by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Africa’s missing billions: International arms flows and the cost of conflict
Armed violence and development

Africa suffers enormously from conflict and armed violence. As well as the human tragedy, armed conflict costs Africa around $18bn per year, seriously derailing development.