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Belgium — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Belgium is 1,800,0001 to 2,000,0002 3 4

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Belgium is 17.25 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Belgium ranked at No. 391

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Belgium ranked at No. 345

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Belgium is reported to be 458,1626

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Belgium is 4.487 per 100 people

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Belgium is reported to be 641,7813 to 870,0001

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Belgium is 8.397

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Belgium are reported to have 1,355,0008 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Belgium are reported to have 23,8709 to 24,87410 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Total Number of Gun Deaths

In Belgium, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2005: 31511

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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

In Belgium, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2005: 3.0111

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Belgium, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 18512
2008: 198
2007: 212
2006: 222
2005: 221
2004: 265
2003: 228
2002: 318
2001: 282
2000: 215
1999: 17213
1998: 218
1997: 14513 12
1996: 118
1995: 142

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 1.712
2008: 1.9
2007: 2.0
2006: 2.1
2005: 2.1
2004: 2.6
2003: 2.2
2002: 3.1
2001: 2.8
2000: 2.1
1999: 1.687 12
1998: 2.13
1997: 1.42
1996: 1.16
1995: 1.412 14
1990: 1.4115

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Number of Gun Homicides

ChartIn Belgium, annual firearm homicides total

2005: 4616
2004: 5916 12
1999: 7016
1998: 73
1997: 78
1996: 75
1995: 5916 12
1994: 7616
1993: 95

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2005: 0.4416
2004: 0.5716 12
1999: 0.6816
1998: 0.72
1997: 0.77
1996: 0.74
1995: 0.5816 12
1994: 0.7516
1993: 0.94
1990: 0.6017

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Number of Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Belgium, annual suicides by any means total

2005: 2,02818
2004: 1,986
1999: 2,005
1998: 2,022
1995: 2,15519

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2005: 19.577
2004: 19.19
1999: 19.59
1998: 19.79
1995: 20.8919
1990: 19.0420

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Number of Gun Suicides

ChartIn Belgium, annual firearm suicides total

2005: 24021
2004: 234
1999: 245
1998: 280
1997: 310
1996: 288
1995: 289
1994: 307
1993: 293

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2005: 2.2921
2004: 2.25
1999: 2.4
1998: 2.74
1997: 3.05
1996: 2.84
1995: 2.85
1994: 3.03
1993: 2.91
1990: 2.5622

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Number of Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn Belgium, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2005: 723
1999: 5
1998: 2
1997: 2
1996: 7
1995: 2
1994: 4
1993: 4

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2005: 0.0723
1999: 0.05
1998: 0.02
1997: 0.02
1996: 0.07
1995: 0.02
1994: 0.04
1993: 0.04
1990: 0.0624

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Belgium, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

1995: 2919

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn Belgium, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.2819
1990: 0.2625

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Belgium, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence6 26

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Belgium is ranked 'medium'27

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Belgium, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Belgium is reported to be US$79,223,55735 (2009)36 37

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Belgium is categorized as 'mid-level'38 37

Import Control

In Belgium, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 29 30 26 31 32 33 34

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Belgium is reported to be US$44,371,15535 (2009)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Belgium is low6 39 40 41

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Belgium is reported to be US$1,50042

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Belgium, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law43 30 44

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Belgium include45 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

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Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Belgium was ranked number 6 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 17.75 points of a possible total of 2546

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Belgium is categorised as permissive47

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Belgium is the Act regulating economic and individual activities related to firearms (also referred to as the 'Firearms Act') of June 8, 2006,26 the Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons,48 49 and the Convention of 1 July 1969 on Reciprocal Recognition of Proofmarks on Small Arms50

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Belgium are regulated by the Federal Service for Weapons51 and the National Police,6 and the European Commission49

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Belgium, civilians are not allowed to possess military weapons, automatic firearms, and their ammunition, concealable firearms, silencers, laser sights, and high capacity cartridges.52 53 54

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Belgium, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited52 53 54

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Belgium, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted only with special authorisation55 56 54

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Regulation of Handguns

In Belgium, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted only with special authorisation53 55 56 54

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Belgium, only licensed gun owners (for certain arms)57 58 59 53 55 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Belgium are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security60 58 61 62

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Belgium is 18 years63 58 62

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Belgium must pass background checks which consider criminal and various other58 61 62 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Belgium, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required6

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Belgium does not stipulate6 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Belgium, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required58 6 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Belgium gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 3 years for permits to carry weapons. General licences for firearm possession are issued for an undetermined period.64 61

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Belgium are permitted to possess 1 firearm per authorisation58

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Belgium is permitted to possess a limited quantity of rounds of ammunition65 66

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Belgium, the law requires67 68 26 69 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Belgium, licensed firearm dealers are required70 26 71 69 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Belgium, licensed gun makers are required72 70 26 71 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Belgium, State agencies are required73 67 74 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Belgium, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited63

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Belgium, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful43 63 75 56

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Belgium, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are regulated63 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Belgium include65 6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Belgium include76 6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Belgium, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law in some cases77 78 71 79 80

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Firearm Tracing

In Belgium, state authorities carry out71 81 26 80 69 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Belgium, state authorities employ79 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Belgium, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit6

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Belgium, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 5 years prison and/or a 25,000 Euros fine82

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Belgium are known to have83 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

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Small Arms Destroyed

In Belgium, the total number of firearms destroyed following recent amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 70,00083

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Belgium, it is state policy84 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

European Union

As a member of the European Union, Belgium is bound by the provisions of the ‘EU Firearms Directive’ – the 2007 Legislative Resolution on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons of the European Parliament85 86

European Union Export Reporting

Under the European Union Common Position on Arms Exports, Belgium is bound to declare its transfers of military technology and equipment. Independent monitoring provides detailed comparisons of arms export reporting compliance across EU member states, and records that Belgium has submitted one or more national reports87 on its arms transfers

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Belgium was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office88

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Belgium voted to begin89 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified90 by Belgium

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Belgium committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects91

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Belgium has submitted one or more national reports92 93 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Belgium, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated94 93

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Belgium, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated94

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Belgium submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent93

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been donated93 by Belgium to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Belgium has not declared95 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Belgium has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194596

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists97 Belgium as a Participating State
Last Updated on 21 April 2012

Short References

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Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

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Poitevin, Cédric.2006.‘Note d'Information.’ New Arms Legislation in Belgium.Brussels:Groupe de recherche et d'information sur la paix et la sécurité (GRIP),21 June. (Q4982)Full Citation

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Expatica (Brussels). 2005. ‘Tough New Gun Law Promised.’ 3 February. (N230) Full Citation

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Buchanan, Cate, Mireille Widmer et al.2007.‘National Regulation of Small Arms.’ Missing Pieces: A Guide for Reducing Gun Violence Through Parliamentary Action.Geneva:Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the Inter-Parliamentary Union,1 January. (Q4984)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

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United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

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GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Belgium.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4208)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

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Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

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Hemenway, David, Tomoko Shinoda-Tagawa and Matthew Miller.2002.‘Female Homicide and Suicide Rates.’ Firearm Availability and Female Homicide Victimization Rates Among 25 Populous High-Income Countries.Boston:Journal of the American Medical Women's Association (JAMWA), Spring 2002 / Harvard Injury Control Research Centre, Harvard School of Public Health,1 March. (Q4980)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1297)Full Citation

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Belgium.2010.‘Evolution of the Major Initial Causes of Death 1998, 1999, 2004, 2005 (Evolution des Principales Causes Initiales de Décès 1998, 1999, 2004, 2005).’ Causes of Death 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2005 (Causes de décès 1998, 1999, 2004 et 2005).Brussels:Direction Générale Statistique et Information Economique,8 September. (Q4959)Full Citation

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Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1302)Full Citation

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WHO.2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Gun Suicide in Belgium.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,23 February. (Q6135)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1298)Full Citation

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WHO.2012.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Cause of Death – Unintentional Gun Deaths in Belgium.’ European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB).Copenhagen:World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe,8 March. (Q6175)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1299)Full Citation

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Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1300)Full Citation

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Belgium.1991.‘Article 4.’ Law of 5 August 1991 on Import, Export, Transfer and the Fight against Trafficking of Weapons, Ammunition and Material Intended Specifically for Military Use or Law Enforcement and Corresponding Technology.Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,5 August. (Q4935)Full Citation

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Belgium.1991.‘Article 9.’ Law of 5 August 1991 on Import, Export, Transfer and the Fight against Trafficking of Weapons, Ammunition and Material Intended Specifically for Military Use or Law Enforcement and Corresponding Technology.Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,5 August. (Q4936)Full Citation

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IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

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European Council.1991.‘Article 11.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2414)Full Citation

32.

European Council.1991.‘Article 12.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2415)Full Citation

33.

European Council.1991.‘Article 13.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2416)Full Citation

34.

European Council.1991.‘Article 14.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2417)Full Citation

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Reuters. 1998. ‘Belgian Police Smash Arms Smuggling Ring.’ 17 March. (N217) Full Citation

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Belgium.2010.‘Authorisation for Export (Autorisation d'Exportation).’ National Report of Belgium on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4937)Full Citation

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49.

European Council.1991.‘Article 18.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2418)Full Citation

50.

UNGA.1969.‘Reciprocal Recognition of Proof Marks.’ Convention for the Reciprocal Recognition of Proof Marks on Small Arms of July 1, 1969.Brussels:United Nations General Assembly,1 July. (Q5999)Full Citation

51.

Belgium.2006.‘Article 36.’ Law Regulating Economic and Individual Activities with Weapons 2006-06-08/30 (Loi Réglant les Activités Economiques et Individuelles avec des Armes 2006-06-08/30).Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,8 June. (Q4866)Full Citation

52.

Belgium.2006.‘Article 3.’ Law Regulating Economic and Individual Activities with Weapons 2006-06-08/30 (Loi Réglant les Activités Economiques et Individuelles avec des Armes 2006-06-08/30).Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,8 June. (Q4852)Full Citation

53.

European Council.1991.‘Article 6.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2410)Full Citation

54.

European Council.1991.‘Annex 1.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2419)Full Citation

55.

European Council.1991.‘Article 7.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2411)Full Citation

56.

European Council.1991.‘Article 8.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2412)Full Citation

57.

Belgium.2006.‘Article 10.’ Law Regulating Economic and Individual Activities with Weapons 2006-06-08/30 (Loi Réglant les Activités Economiques et Individuelles avec des Armes 2006-06-08/30).Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,8 June. (Q4856)Full Citation

58.

Belgium.2006.‘Article 11.’ Law Regulating Economic and Individual Activities with Weapons 2006-06-08/30 (Loi Réglant les Activités Economiques et Individuelles avec des Armes 2006-06-08/30).Brussels:Chamber of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium,8 June. (Q4857)Full Citation

59.

European Council.1991.‘Article 4a.’ Council Directive of 18 June 1991 on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons (91/477/EEC) [current to 2008 amendments].Brussels:Council of the European Communities,18 June. (Q2407)Full Citation

60.

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