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: Nationwide events to mark first anniversary of Tucson shooting
Armed violence and development

On 8 January, thousands of people in 22 US states participated in a national commemoration of the shooting in Tucson, Arizona where the legal owner of a semiautomatic handgun shot and killed 6 people and injured 14.

El Salvador: Guns were used in nearly 75% of homicides
Armed violence and development

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.

DR Congo: IANSA member educates Ministries about best practice on disarmament
Armed violence and development

In the DR Congo, the Minister of Interior and Security, in cooperation with IANSA member Réseau Congolais d'Action sur les Armes Légères (RECAAL) and the National Commission om small arms hosted a morning of education on best practice for disarmament on 6 January.

Photo essay on guns in Kenya
Armed violence and development

A photo essay by award winning photographer Gwenn Dubourthoumieu follows the trail of devastation left by small arms and armed violence

Senegal: Government announces gun free elections
National gun laws

In Senegal, civilian gun carrying will be prohibited from 4 January through to 30 April this year. The move is part of efforts to prevent violent clashes around the presidential elections, scheduled for 26 February.

Latest resources

New book on arms trade
International trade controls

Details on export control systems of key states are presented in the new book ‘The International Arms Trade’ by IANSA member Rachel Stohl and Suzette Grilliot.

Sierra Leone’s armed conflict survivors
Survivors

Few survivors of Sierra Leone's armed conflict have yet received reparation or compensation, according to a report by UK-based Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Report on firearms control
Armed violence and development, National gun laws

A new report “Stopping the Destructive Spread of Small Arms” discusses the challenges that gun proliferation poses for sustainable security and development.

OSCE releases 'Gender Monitor' newsletter
Women, gender and guns

To mark International Women's Day, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has published its first edition of the ‘Gender Monitor’.

Armed violence and development: Report of UN Secretary General, 2009
Armed violence and development, UN Small Arms Process

This 2009 report from the UN Secretary-General recommends that armed violence prevention should be part of the review process for the Millennium Development Goals. It also recommends that armed violence prevention programmes recognise the gendered nature of armed violence.