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

Cote d’Ivoire: High-level meetings on the ATT
International trade controls

IANSA members in Cote d’Ivoire were very active during the Week of Action. RASALAO-Cote d’Ivoire organised an outreach activity in relation to the proliferation of small arms and the misuse of light weapons in ECOWAS countries. They met with spokespersons of the President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reinforce the need for an effective contribution by the Government of Cote d’Ivoire during ATT negotiations in New York. Amnesty-Cote d’Ivoire organised a debate on the ATT in Abidjan to raise the awareness and plead for robust and strong treaty.

DR Congo: Banners and radio messages on the impact of small arms in Eastern DRC
Children and armed violence, Women, gender and guns

IANSA members in the DR Congo organised a wide range of activities. Association des Volontaires du Congo, ASVCO aired messages on the Global Week of Action on four radios stations, RTNC-Goma, RTCT, Radio Sauti ya INJILI and Radio RAU-FM. ASVCO and MONUSCO organised a march to help child survivors of the misuse of SALW talk about their cases and set up banners in school courtyards. AFIA-FEV, ADIFE Sud-Kivu and AVREO, the coalition of South-Kivu organisations, put banners on main streets and organised a workshop with political and military officials.

Sao Tome and Principe: Community weapons collection and awareness-raising session
Weapons collection and destruction

Organização Santomense dos Direitos Humanos, IANSA member in Sao Tome and Principe organised a joint activity with the police to collect the weapons in the community and raise the awareness on the proliferation and misuse of small and light weapons. 

Burundi: Recommendations collected from the field on steps to reduce gun violence
International trade controls

Colonie des Pionniers du Développement, IANSA member in Burundi, shared with journalists recommendations gathered by field workers, after debates were broadcasted on several radio channels, including the African Public Radio and Bonesha FM. Recommendations include improving dialogue between politicians, ratification and implementation of the Kinshasa Convention and the government’s support for a strong ATT, as well as the inclusion of both ammunition and gender in the treaty text. 

The Philippines: Women dressed in black hand over petitions to government for a strong ATT
International trade controls

Around 80 people, mostly women dressed in black, gathered in front of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila to call on the Philippine government to support a strong, gender-responsive Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Participants were from the Women Engaged in Action on 1325 and from the Philippine Action Network to Control Arms led by the Center for Peace Education, Amnesty International, GZO Peace Institute and Pax Christi-Miriam College.

Latest resources

Newsletter from the Coalition Against Gun Violence - Summer 2011
National gun laws

This newsletter from the Coalition Against Gun Violence in the US includes a message of solidarity to the people of Norway after the shooting that left 69 people dead on 22 July 2011.

SADC Council of NGOs Newsletter July 2011
Security sector reform

The latest newsletter from the Southern Africa Development Community Council of Non Governmental Organizations (SADC-CNGO) includes a statement condemning recent violence against protesters in Malawi

Article on stockpile security
Stockpile management and security

An article by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) about the devastating effects of poorly secured weapons and ammunition stockpiles in many developing countries has been published on the Defence Management Journal website.

IANSA Women's Network Bulletin - July 2011 now available
Women, gender and guns

A new IANSA Women’s Network Bulletin is now available.

Brazil: Instituto Sou da Paz launch guide to children’s disarmament
Children and armed violence, Weapons collection and destruction

Instituto Sou da Paz, an IANSA member in Brazil, has launched a practical guide to children's disarmament.