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Liechtenstein — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Liechtenstein, annual homicides by any means total

2012: 01
2011: 01 2
2010: 1
2009: 0
2008: 1
2007: 0
2006: 01 3
2005: 0
2004: 11 2
2003: 0
2002: 0
2001: 0
2000: 0
1999: 12
1998: 0
1997: 0
1996: 0
1995: 0

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

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

2012: 0.01
2011: 0.01 2
2010: 2.8
2009: 0.0
2008: 2.8
2007: 0.0
2006: 0.01 3
2005: 0.0
2004: 2.91 2
2003: 0.0
2002: 0.0
2001: 0.0
2000: 0.0
1999: 3.12
1998: 0.0
1997: 0.0
1996: 0.0
1995: 0.0

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Liechtenstein, annual firearm homicides total

2011: 01
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 11 2
2007: 0
2006: 01 3
2005: 0

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

2011: 0.004
2010: 0.00
2009: 0.00
2008: 2.814 2
2007: 0.00
2006: 0.004 3
2005: 0.00

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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

ChartIn Liechtenstein, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be

2011: 0%1
2010: 0%
2009: 0%
2008: 100%
2007: 0%
2006: 0%
2005: 0%

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Liechtenstein, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence5

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Liechtenstein, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law6 7

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Liechtenstein is reported by Customs to be US$08 (2007)

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Firearm Imports

In Liechtenstein, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law6 7

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Liechtenstein is reported by Customs to be US$08 (2010 - unknown value)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Liechtenstein is low9

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Liechtenstein, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law10 7 11

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Liechtenstein include12 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Liechtenstein is categorised as restrictive13

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Liechtenstein includes the Liechtenstein Weapons Act, the Swiss Weapons Act and its Ordinance, the Swiss Military Material Act and its Ordinance,5 6 the Law on Brokering in Military Material and its Ordinance10

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Liechtenstein are regulated by the Liechtenstien National Police6

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Liechtenstein, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law14 15

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

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Regulation of Handguns

In Liechtenstein, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence9

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Liechtenstein, only licensed gun owners (for certain arms)9 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Liechtenstein are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security9

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Liechtenstein is 18 years9

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Liechtenstein must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and domestic violence9 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Liechtenstein, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required9

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Liechtenstein stipulates9 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Liechtenstein, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required9 for a firearm licence

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Liechtenstein, the law requires16 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 Liechtenstein, licensed firearm dealers are required17 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 Liechtenstein, licensed gun makers are required17 18 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Liechtenstein, State agencies are required19 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Liechtenstein include9 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Liechtenstein include19 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Liechtenstein include9 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 Liechtenstein, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law20 16 21

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Firearm Tracing

In Liechtenstein, state authorities carry out20 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Liechtenstein, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed without a permit, with some restrictions9

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Liechtenstein are known to have22 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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Firearms Surrendered and Seized

In Liechtenstein, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered, bought back or seized by authorities is reported to be

2011: 2222

MeasuresInternational Controls

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Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development

The Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was signed in 200823 by Liechtenstein.

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United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

The United Nations Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified24 by Liechtenstein

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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 ratified25 by Liechtenstein

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Liechtenstein 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 Aspects26

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UNPoA Implementation Monitor Score

In its UN small arms Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (PoAIM Phase 1), the Small Arms Survey scored Liechtenstein against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 3927 28 29 30 among 159 Member States

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Liechtenstein has submitted one or more national reports31 11 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Liechtenstein, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated32 11

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Liechtenstein submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was not apparent11

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated11 by Liechtenstein to other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Liechtenstein has declared33 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Liechtenstein has been a Member State of the United Nations since 199034

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list35 Liechtenstein as a Participating State

Short References

1.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides and Gun Homicides in Liechtenstein.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10342)Full Citation

2.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Liechtenstein.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6252)Full Citation

3.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - Liechtenstein.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,29 June. (Q10365)Full Citation

5.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘Manufacture.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12933)Full Citation

6.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘International Transfers.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12934)Full Citation

7.

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, NY:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

8.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

9.

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

10.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘Brokering.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12937)Full Citation

11.

UNODA.2015.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,11 September. (Q1309)Full Citation

12.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘End-user Certificate.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12935)Full Citation

13.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

14.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

15.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

16.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘Marking and Record Keeping.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12939)Full Citation

17.

Liechtenstein.2010.‘Military Material - Procedures and Documentation - Record Keeping.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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, NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,28 January. (Q4561)Full Citation

18.

Liechtenstein.2010.‘Non-Military Material - Procedures and Documentation - Record Keeping.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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, NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,28 January. (Q4562)Full Citation

19.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘Stockpile Management.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12938)Full Citation

20.

Liechtenstein.2010.‘Tracing and Marking of SALW.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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, NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,28 January. (Q4736)Full Citation

21.

Liechtenstein.2016.‘Marking at Import.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,29 March. (Q12936)Full Citation

22.

Liechtenstein.2012.‘Confiscation, Seizure & Collection.’ National Report of Liechtenstein 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 NY:Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12940)Full Citation

23.

GDAV.2006.‘Geneva Declaration.’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,7 June. (Q7162)Full Citation

24.

UNODA.2013.‘Towards Entry Into Force.’ Arms Trade Treaty.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,2 April. (Q7226)Full Citation

25.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

26.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

27.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Findings - Table 3: Reporting States by Rank and Score.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8752)Full Citation

28.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘What do the PoAIM Scores Represent? How Should the PoAIM Scores Be Interpreted?.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8753)Full Citation

29.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Point Allocation System.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8754)Full Citation

30.

Parker, Sarah and Katherine Green.2012.‘Introduction.’ The Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (Phase 1): Assessing Reported Progress.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q8755)Full Citation

31.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

32.

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, NY:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

33.

UNODA.2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation

34.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

35.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation