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

Monograph on private military and security companies in peacekeeping operations
Security sector reform

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa, has published a Monograph exploring the role of armed private military and security companies in peacekeeping operations in Africa.

Aide memoire for PoA Preparatory Committee
UN Small Arms Process

An aide memoire for non-governmental organisations for the Preparatory Committee of the 2012 Review Conference on the Programme of Action on small arms (PoA PrepCom) is now available online.

New data on stockpiles in southeastern Europe
Stockpile management and security

The Small Arms Survey has released a new report assessing arms and ammunition stockpiles in southeastern Europe by volume, value, and the cost they represent to national defence budgets.

Mali: IANSA member chairs meeting of governmental experts on small arms marking and tracing
Marking and tracing

Dickson Nkemakonam Orji of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) -Nigeria was designated the chair of a meeting of governmental experts on marking and tracing of small arms, held in Bamako, Mali from 6 – 8 December.

Brazil: Government launches new disarmament plan ahead of 2014 FIFA World Cup
Weapons collection and destruction

The Brazilian Ministry of Justice has launched a plan to promote disarmament ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Brazil. It includes activities such as giving free tickets, footballs and shirts signed by footballers in return for guns handed in to authorities

Latest resources

Small arms report by the UN Secretary General, 2008
Armed violence and development, International trade controls, Marking and tracing, UN Small Arms Process, Weapons collection and destruction

This report by the UN Secretary General came as response to a statement from the UN Security Council in 2007, requesting that they receive a report on small arms every two years

Manual for estimating the economic cost of violent injuries
Armed violence and development, Public health

Globally, there is very little information on the true costs of armed violence. This UN manual provides a methodology to allow national researchers to collect and analyse data on the costs of injuries, including gun injuries.

Shooting down the MDGs
Armed violence and development

Irresponsible arms transfers are undermining many developing countries’ chances of achieving their Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets.

Guidelines on Security System Reform
Security sector reform

These extensive guidelines are intended for practitioners of security system reform (SSR), and include many case studies.

Small arms and human rights: Resolution of UN sub-commission
National gun laws, Security sector reform, UN Small Arms Process

This resolution endorses 15 principles for preventing human rights abuses with guns, including abuses committed by state actors (eg law enforcement) and private citizens.