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Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand

Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]

27 January 2012

Publica (Brazil)

[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Publica (Brazil)

Greece,Colombia,Sri Lanka,Syria,Chad,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa

The Arms Trade Treaty and Human Rights - Amnesty's Report [Francais]

25 January 2012

Amnesty International

[Translated summary: While international negotiations on the adoption of an International Arms Trade Treaty are at a crucial time, Amnesty International published a report illustrating through the situation in 5 countries (Chad, Syria, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and Greece) the necessity of such an instrument to prevent deadly and irresponsible arms transfers.] A l'heure où les négociations internationales en vue de l'adoption d'un traité international sur le commerce des... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Amnesty International

Arms Suppliers Urged to End Transfers of Small Arms to Egypt Army - AI

19 December 2011

Bikya Masr (Egypt)

Global arms suppliers must halt the transfer of small arms, ammunition and other repressive equipment to the Egyptian military and security forces, Amnesty International said today after the army again violently dispersed protests in Cairo. The organization condemned the excessive use of force against protesters and called for a cessation of all transfers of small arms, light weapons and related munitions and equipment to Egypt, as well as a halt to all internal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Bikya Masr (Egypt)

Thailand,Colombia,Russia,United States,Uganda,Rwanda,South Africa,United Arab Emirates,Belgium,Sudan,Somalia,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,Angola,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Congo (DRC)

Stopping the Trade in Death, Gun Trafficking, Smuggling - Opinion

6 December 2011

New York Times, Opinion

On a dark November morning in 2004, I woke up in my bungalow overlooking Lake Kivu, tense with anticipation. Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations. With the backing of U.N. peacekeeping forces and a U.N. Security Council mandate, we searched almost every incoming and outgoing aircraft that day. By evening, we had the evidence to link several aviation front... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New York Times

United States,Kenya

In a Year, NYC Police Fire 20% of Bullets Fired in Hours by Kenya Police

4 December 2011

Daily Nation (Nairobi)

Consider this and think of the situation in Kenya as you read on: Last year, 52 officers out of a force of 34,565 officers from the New York Police Department intentionally fired 236 bullets during confrontations with suspects. The officers reportedly shot and killed only eight people and injured 16 the whole year, in what the Police Department say marked record lows. Of course the social and economic realities of Nairobi and New York are totally different but there... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)

Guns Used in 80% of Violence Against Pakistani Women, Claims NGO Survey

18 November 2011

International News (Karachi)

Raising serious questions regarding the free availability of small arms in the country, a survey conducted by a local civil society organisation says that in almost 80% cases of violence against women the perpetrators use small arms to torture or kill the victims. The findings were shared by a representative of a national NGO Awaz Foundation at a two-day multilateral consultative workshop titled 'Towards Pakistan's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report 2012,'... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: International News (Karachi)

China Delivers 20,000 Assault Rifles to Zimbabwe Ahead of Election

14 November 2011

Defence Web (South Africa)

Zimbabwe has taken delivery of 20 000 AK-47 assault rifles from China as the country re-equips its army ahead of upcoming elections. The Southern Africa Report, which focuses on political and economic intelligence issues in Africa, reports that the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) has taken delivery of "the first of several consignments of Chinese small arms and equipment," including AK-47 assault rifles, uniforms, a dozen trucks and 21 000 pairs of handcuffs. The... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Defence Web (South Africa)

Ten-year Drive to Disarm Uganda Results in 900 Deaths, Mainly Civilians

8 November 2011

Monitor (Kampala)

At least 900 people, majority of them civilians have been killed in the north-eastern Karamoja region since the UPDF launched a disarmament exercise 10 years ago. According to a report released this year by the UPDF, 623 civilians and 269 soldiers were killed either in crossfire or ambushes, which brought the army under the spotlight over alleged human rights abuses as they carried out disarmament. The report also shows that 417 civilians and 289 soldiers were injured... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

India,Spain,United Kingdom,Italy,Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,Russia,United States

Major Arms Exporters Accused of Mideast Gun Sales Before Human Rights

24 October 2011

al Jazeera

According to an Amnesty International report, the US, Russia and a number of European countries supplied large quantities of weapons to repressive governments in the Middle East and North Africa before this year's uprisings. The report says that these arms deals were signed despite evidence of a substantial risk that they could be used to commit serious human rights violations. The human rights group reports that in the five years preceding the Arab spring $2.4bn... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: al Jazeera

European Union,China,Germany,South Korea,Switzerland,Serbia,France,United Kingdom,Syria,Yemen,Bulgaria,Belgium,Libya,Italy,Bahrain,Egypt,United States,Russia,West Asia,North Africa,Finland,Austria,Sudan,North Korea,Spain

Tracing the Middle East Weapons Flow

19 October 2011

al Jazeera

Earlier this year, as mass popular uprisings spread through the Middle East and audiences across the world sat transfixed by images of unarmed citizens confronting iron-fisted security forces in the streets of Arab capitals, powerful governments from Russia to the United States were forced to begin accounting for the weapons they had for decades sold to the very rulers they now found themselves abandoning. In Egypt and Bahrain, protesters held up tear gas canisters... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: al Jazeera

Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,United Kingdom,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,North America,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,United States,Russia,Italy,Spain

Arab Spring Abuses Show Need for Arms Trade Curb - Amnesty

18 October 2011

Reuters (Africa)

LONDON - Russia, the United States and European countries ignored fears over human rights abuses and sold large numbers of weapons to governments in the Middle East and North Africa in recent years, Amnesty International said in a report on Wednesday. Rights group Amnesty said the failings showed the need for a meaningful international arms trade treaty to choke off the supply of weapons to countries seen at risk of turning them on their own people. "The Arab Spring... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Reuters (Africa)

Central America,Guatemala

Of 2,496 Murders in Guatemala, 86% Were Shootings [Espanol]

6 October 2011

EFE News Agency

[Translated summary: 2,496 murders, including 360 of women, were committed in Guatemala during the first nine months of 2011, says an NGO that monitors human rights. Firearms were used in 85,66% of the crimes committed between January and September 2011.] Guatemala - Unos 2.496 asesinatos, 360 de ellos de mujeres, fueron perpetrados en Guatemala durante los primeros nueve meses de 2011, denunció hoy el Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo (GAM), una organización no gubernamental... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: EFE News Agency

India,Nepal,South Africa

Nepal: Impact of Small Arms on Gender

20 September 2011

Telegraph (Nepal), Opinion

1. Facts: Small arms: Small Arms mean the weapons that a single and individual can carry and operate. For example revolvers, self loading pistols, rifles, carbines, assault rifles, sub machineguns, light machineguns and associated ammunitions.[1] Light weapons means that can be operate two or three people. They may include heavy machine gun, hand–held under barrel and mounted grenade launcher, portable anti-aircraft and missile launcher, explosives, anti personal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (Nepal)

Venezuelans Begin Public Debate on Gun Control and Disarmament Law

12 August 2011

Venezuela Analysis

MERIDA – On Thursday Venezuelans held the first of numerous public debates on the proposed Law of Firearms Control and Disarmament drafted by the country's National Assembly. A legal initiative proposed by the Presidential Commission for Disarmament, the draft law is to be discussed by organized communities nationwide before being modified and passed next year. "The idea is that this law be the result of a transparent, ample, and profound discussion by Venezuelan... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Venezuela Analysis

Mexico,Canada,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States

US Gun Lobby, Arms Makers Raise Alarm Over UN Global Gun Trade Process

5 August 2011

Fox News (USA)

A controversial U.N. proposed treaty aimed at regulating guns worldwide has been shrouded by confusion and misinformation. Known informally as the 'Small Arms Treaty,' its detractors have charged the proposed agreement with secretly trying to take guns out of the hands of Americans and circumventing the 2nd Amendment. While that is unlikely, a working draft proposal obtained by FoxNews.com contains language that some gun advocates say could have a real impact on... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Fox News (USA)

South Africa,Brazil,Argentina,Australia,Mexico,United States,Canada,Africa,Sweden,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas

Canada Gun Lobby Influence on Foreign Policy: Arms Trade Treaty

3 August 2011

Embassy Magazine (Canada), Opinion

Canada has never been a strong supporter of international efforts to negotiate an effective Arms Trade Treaty. But in mid-July, it reversed its previous low-key but constructive role at the United Nations ATT preparatory meetings to become a potential treaty spoiler. All indications point to this change of heart arising from the domestic gun lobby's influence on Canadian foreign policy. After years of preparation, member states of the United Nations will devote a month... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Embassy Magazine (Canada)

United States,Norway,United Kingdom,Africa,Afghanistan,Mexico

Gun Trade Inevitably Leads to the Sort of Atrocity Inflicted on Norway

31 July 2011

Independent (UK), Opinion

In discussion of the atrocity in Norway last week, there is one subject which has been notable by the almost total silence about it: guns. In response to recurring massacres in American high schools and British villages, in response to footage from Africa and Afghanistan showing ragged, untrained young men brandishing automatic small arms, in response to a man coolly murdering dozens of youngsters in an hour-and-a-half, funfair-like shooting spree on a Norwegian island,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (UK)

United States,European Union,United Kingdom,Germany,France,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa

Skepticism, Caution as UN 'Stumbles' Toward Global Gun Trade Treaty

14 July 2011

Inter Press Service News Agency

UNITED NATIONS - After six years of protracted negotiations, a largely sceptical international community is moving towards readying a long outstanding global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for signature by July next year. "Governments have made a tremendous amount of progress toward this important treaty," Dr. Natalie Goldring, a senior research fellow at the Center for Peace and Security Studies of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, told... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency

Philippine Government Supports a Strong Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)

19 June 2011

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Opinion

Every day around the world, armed violence kills approximately 2,000 people. In the Philippines, reports estimate the casualties at between 16 and 22 each day. The Philippine Action Network to Control Arms (PhilANCA) is pleased that the Philippines is supporting an Arms Trade Treaty in the United Nations. The treaty aims to diminish and prevent the obscene human cost of the irresponsible trade in arms. However, we do not need just any Arms Trade Treaty. We need a... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pakistani Government is Unlikely to Agree to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)

15 June 2011

Observer (Pakistan)

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is unlikely to agree to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), in its present format, as Ministry of Foreign Affairs argues that linking of arms transfers with human rights criteria may have severe implications. The first meeting of inter-ministerial meeting of experts' group on conventional arms was chaired by Director, Disarmament, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 12, 2011. As per decisions of the senior level Inter-Ministerial meeting on Arms... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Observer (Pakistan)

Mexican Judge Frees Ex-mayor of Tijuana Arrested for Illegal Gun Possession

14 June 2011

Guardian (UK)

The Mexican government of Felipe Calderón has been left with egg on its face after a judge ordered the release of a former Tijuana mayor arrested earlier this month when dozens of firearms were allegedly discovered in a raid on his mansion. The federal judge released Jorge Hank Rhon saying there was insufficient evidence to indict the 55-year-old gambling magnate and politician, despite reports from officials that 88 guns were found at his sprawling complex in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Guardian (UK)

Tajikistan,Afghanistan,Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Still Awash with Firearms, Guns Feature in Political Struggles

9 June 2011

Eurasianet.org (European Union - Asia) / Eagle-Tribune (Massachusetts)

One year after ethnic violence rocked southern Kyrgyzstan, leaving over 400 dead, gunshot wounds have been established as the main cause of death. Activists believe the country is still awash with firearms, and security experts say weapons are likely to keep featuring in domestic political struggles, especially as officials seek support from gun-toting associates or even arm themselves. During the violent overthrow of Kurmanbek Bakiyev in April 2010, protestors seized... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Eurasianet.org (European Union - Asia) / Eagle-Tribune (Massachusetts)

United States,North Africa,Russia,European Union,East Asia,Indonesia,China

The Arms Trade Treaty, Several Hurdles Must be Overcome Before 2012

8 June 2011

United Nations News & Commentary

In a three-day meeting organized by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) the European Union, and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, representatives of nearly 30 East Asian and Pacific countries are gathering with regional and international organizations to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This is the latest in a series of regional meetings UNIDIR is conducting to develop concrete recommendations on the future Treaty and to assist States with... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: United Nations News & Commentary

Asia-pacific Countries Readying for the Arms Trade Treaty at UN

7 June 2011

Jakarta Post

Representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries gathered in Bali on Monday (June 6) to discuss arms transfers and ways to improve controls through a new international legally binding instrument - the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) - currently being negotiated at the UN. The Bali meeting is part of a process to strengthen the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the treaty at a UN conference in 2012 by ensuring an inclusive process by allowing countries to make... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Jakarta Post

Germany Bans Heckler & Koch Gun Sales to Mexico in Human Rights Row

13 January 2011

Canadian Business / AP

BERLIN - Germany's government has banned weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH from any new arms deliveries to Mexico amid concerns they are ending in parts of the country where Berlin has forbidden weapons exports over human rights issues, according to a letter obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. The letter from the Economy Ministry to the arms manufacturer, dated Jan. 4, says the company's applications for exports of "weapons and other defense goods" to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Canadian Business / AP

Global Gun Trade Treaty Talks End on Upbeat Note at United Nations

24 July 2010

Agence France Presse

UNITED NATIONS - Preparatory UN talks on a treaty to regulate the world's 55-billion-dollar arms trade ended Friday with reports of progress in defining the goals, scope and principles a future pact. A future Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was "to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit transfer, production and brokering of conventional arms," said Argentina's UN delegate Martin Garcia Moritan, chair of the two-week session. The pact would create controls to stop the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Agence France Presse

UN Five Parmanent Members Accused of Facilitating Illegal Arms Transfer

19 July 2010

Inter Press Service News Agency

UNITED NATIONS - The five permanent members of the Security Council - the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China - are accused of facilitating the transport of conventional weapons and cluster munitions to countries where they could be used to commit human rights violations and war crimes. The pointed accusations come from the London-based Amnesty International (AI) which singles out recent arms shipments by transport companies and airlines registered in the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency

Germany,United Nations

Arms Trade Loopholes Allow German, Other Transport Firms to Ship Guns

19 July 2010

Deutsche Welle

An Amnesty International report says that transport companies in nations such as Germany are using arms trade agreement loopholes to deliver weapons to human rights violators. Amnesty is calling on the UN to take action. According to a new report released Monday by Amnesty International, transport companies in certain countries are using loopholes in arms trade agreements to deliver weapons to human rights abusers abroad. German transport companies are among those... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Deutsche Welle

Amnesty International Urges UN to Control Global Gun Trade Transport

18 July 2010

Financial Times (UK)

The United Nations must take a harder look at controlling the transport of deadly weapons around the world, a leading pressure group reports on Monday, amid fears that the imposition of tough national licensing regimes is an insufficient brake on the process. As the UN steps up work on the creation of an international arms trade treaty, Amnesty International has highlighted how states with tough arms-export bans still find their rules being circumvented by lax... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Financial Times (UK)

Human Rights Chief Joins Debate on Total Gun Ban in Philippines

7 June 2010

Manila Bulletin

The country's human rights watchdog is not convinced that a gun ban would solve the problem of the proliferation of firearms. Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairwoman Leila M. de Lima told participants of the National Firearms Control Program Consultative Summit at Camp Crame last Friday that the commission "supports the proposition that the current gun ban should be extended, but only to the extent that it paves the way towards a radical change in the enforcement... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Manila Bulletin

United Nations,Colombia

UN Report Documents Hundreds of Illegal Shootings by Colombian Military

27 May 2010

Associated Press

GENEVA - Colombian security forces committed "a significant number" of murders over the past decade, often for personal profit, and few of the perpetrators have been punished, according to a report published Thursday by an independent U.N. human rights expert. Philip Alston, the U.N.'s investigator on extrajudicial executions, said in his 36-page report that the number of so-called "false positive" killings by military members surged in 2004. The term refers to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Associated Press

Human Rights Group Claims Nigeria 'Under Siege' as Guns Proliferate

25 March 2010

Vanguard (Lagos)

AWKA — The Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, in Anambra State has called for full investigations into the recent arrest of one Mr. Martin Anokwara over alleged smuggling of about 100,000 ammunitions and a gun valued at over N6 Million into the country. Describing the incident as a national embarrassment, especially when the importer confessed to the police that the ammunition and gun were on transit to Onitsha Main Market for onward distribution to the end users in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)

United Nations,United States

Professor Targeted by US Gun Lobby Over Her UN Human Rights Report

18 February 2010

Minnesota Daily (Minneapolis)

The polarizing and powerful emotions surrounding gun ownership hit close to home Friday for University of Minnesota Professor Barbara Frey. Frey, director of the University's Human Rights Program through the Institute for Global Studies, was a special rapporteur on small arms for the United Nations from 2002 to 2006 and advocated for tighter gun regulation. Last Friday, Frey started to receive "hate mail" from people, she said. At first she didn't understand why this... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Minnesota Daily (Minneapolis)

Oxfam Chief Calls for Global Gun Trade Treaty to Protect Human Rights

10 December 2009

Reuters AlertNet, Opinion

Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland, is Honorary President of Oxfam International and heads the Ethical Globalisation Initiative. On the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she calls for the creation of a new treaty to control the global trade in small arms. On this 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, threats of new terrorist attacks and the dangers of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Reuters AlertNet

Namibia,Southern Africa

Local, US Experts Probe Illegal Gun Possession, Crime in Southern Africa

29 September 2009

New Era (Windhoek)

WINDHOEK — Military and security experts from across Southern Africa, the USA and Europe are meeting in Windhoek to identify practical measures that will help address problems caused by the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW). The proliferation of SALW poses a serious security challenge, as not only do the they prolong the duration of armed conflict but also threaten long term stability and development in Southern Africa. The Enhancing... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Era (Windhoek)

Campaign to Protect Women from Gun Violence in Sierra Leone

23 July 2009

Awoko (Freetown)

Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Defense and Presidential Affairs on Tuesday ended a day seminar on Disarming Domestic Violence and the Bill on Arms and Ammunition at the Parliament Building in Freetown. The seminar was organized by the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) in collaboration with Action Aid Sierra Leone (AASL). Giving an overview of the seminar, SLANSA Coordinator, Florella Hazeley said domestic violence in Sierra Leone... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Awoko (Freetown)

United Nations Working Group Inches Towards Global Gun Trade Treaty

16 July 2009

Inter Press Service News Agency

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations concluded an open-ended working group for an international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Thursday, part of a lengthy and politically contentious process to nail down a basic framework for curbing deadly illegal weapons sales. "An open-ended working group in the U.N. is where all states can come to a meeting, it's an open invitation," Amnesty International spokesperson Brian Wood explained to IPS. "They are trying to get a better idea of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency

Ghana,United Nations

Ghana Backs Global Gun Trade Treaty to Curb African Arms Trafficking

7 July 2009

Ghana News Agency

Mr Cletus Avoka, Minister for the Interior, on Tuesday said Ghana had a moral obligation to support other states on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that would ensure responsibility and fairness in the import, export, trans-shipment and transit of conventional weapons. He said that support would also ensure the guarantee of human rights including the economic, political and social rights of persons around the world. In a speech read for him at a day's seminar in Accra to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Ghana News Agency

United Nations,United States

Eight US Senators Push Clinton to Support Global Gun Trade Treaty

19 June 2009

Export Industry News (USA)

A bipartisan group comprised of eight senators is urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be a strong proponent of an international Arms Trade Treaty to regulate the interstate transfer of conventional weapons. The second session of the United Nations' Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the Arms Trade Treaty is scheduled to convene at the United Nations July 13-17. The OEWG is tasked with creating international regulations on the export, import, and international... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Export Industry News (USA)

United Nations,United States

Lopsided UN Vote Kicks Off Negotiations for Global Gun Trade Treaty

31 October 2008

Agence France Presse

UNITED NATIONS — A UN General Assembly panel on Friday overwhelmingly backed steps to draft a treaty establishing international standards for the arms trade. It endorsed a resolution urging UN member states to consider how to implement "the highest possible standards to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the legal to the illicit market, where they can be used for terrorist acts, organized crime and other criminal activities." Some 147 countries in the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Agence France Presse

United Kingdom,United Nations

Amnesty Urges Global Gun Trade Treaty at United Nations Next Month

17 September 2008

Financial Times (UK)

LONDON — The world's nations must urgently agree an international treaty regulating the trade in arms if they are to prevent more than 300,000 people being shot dead each year and millions more suffering humanitarian abuses, Amnesty International said on Wednesday. In a report published ahead of a debate on the issue at the United Nations in a few weeks' time, Amnesty says the signing of an arms trade treaty is critical if the UN is to counter human rights abuses... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Financial Times (UK)

United States,United Kingdom,Iraq,United Nations

US, UK Failing to Monitor Flood of Million Guns into Iraq, Amnesty Warns

17 September 2008

Guardian (UK)

Iraq is being flooded with weapons despite human rights violations by all parties in the conflict there, and without any proper monitoring by the US and Britain over where the weapons end up, Amnesty International says today. There is no clear accountable audit trail for some 360,000 small arms supplied to the Iraqi security forces, many by the US and UK, it says. Subcontracting makes the arms trade even less transparent. Among examples cited by Amnesty are the supply... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Guardian (UK)

Iraq,United States,United Nations

Pentagon Floods 530-000-strong Iraqi Forces with Another Million Guns

17 September 2008

Sydney Morning Herald / AFP

World governments should pledge to actively prevent sales of weapons that are likely to be used in human rights violations in a new arms treaty under negotiation, Amnesty International said on Wednesday. Whether used by the military in Burma to disperse protesters in September 2007, or by Somali armed factions terrorising the streets of Mogadishu, the human rights group warned small weapons had "catastrophic" effects worldwide. The system of national laws regulating... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Sydney Morning Herald / AFP

United Kingdom,United Nations

Just Like Other Weapons, Guns Should Be Controlled by a Global Treaty

17 September 2008

Guardian (UK) / Comment is Free, Opinion

It seems far too often we see images on our television screens of the impact of the devastation caused by weapons, which have ended up in the wrong hands and fuelled dreadful human rights abuses. The carnage caused by sectarian violence in Iraq; the shocking image of a young boy carrying an AK-47, a gun almost the same height as himself; and the account of traumatised women and girls who have suffered horrific sexual abuse, often at the hands of perpetrators carrying... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Guardian (UK) / Comment is Free

Ireland,United Nations

Politicians from All Irish Parties Support Call for Global Gun Trade Treaty

17 September 2008

Irish Times (Dublin)

Politicians from all the main parties have given their support to a global campaign to ban the sale of arms to conflict zones such as Darfur and Burma, where they are likely to be used for violations of human rights. Launching a report which details the catastrophic effect of unrestrained arms trading on human rights in conflict zones, Amnesty International said 56 TDs, senators and MEPs had signed a parliamentary declaration supporting a comprehensive Arms Trade... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Irish Times (Dublin)

United States,United Kingdom,Italy,Afghanistan,Iraq

Lax Management by US, UK, Italy Armed al-Qaida, Says Amnesty Report

17 September 2008

Middle East Times (Cairo) / UPI

WASHINGTON — Weak oversight of arms deals by the United States, England and Italy resulted in the illicit arming of al-Qaida, a new report by Amnesty International says. The international non-governmental organization says that despite new measures implemented to regulate arms deals, thousands of weapons have ended up in the hands of al-Qaida militants operating in Iraq, Amnesty International reported. The report, titled "Blood at the Crossroads: Making the Case for... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Middle East Times (Cairo) / UPI

East African States to Mark, Trace All Imported Guns to Curb Trafficking

23 August 2008

East African (Nairobi)

NAIROBI — All firearms imports into the Great Lakes Region will have to be vetted to determine their origin and destination. The Regional Centre on Small Arms, which now enjoys observer status at the UN, says suppliers of arms into the region will also be gazetted and the countries procuring the weapons obliged to notify the centre to eliminate gunrunning. The centre, funded by Western countries among them the UK and US, is an institution created following the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: East African (Nairobi)

United Nations,China,Sudan,Zimbabwe,Myanmar

World's Human Rights Abusers Rely on China as Key Arms Supplier

6 August 2008

Inter Press Service News Agency

UNITED NATIONS — As China tries to boost its international image, playing host to a summer Olympic games, the government in Beijing is being singled out as a key arms supplier to some of the world's worst human rights abusers, according to a new study released here. Although China controls only 2 percent of the global arms market, Beijing's impact "is measured less by the value of its sales than by the character of its clients," says William D. Hartung, director of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency

Top Violator of Sudan Arms Embargo, China Swaps Gun for Oil - Report

6 August 2008

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — China has been the "most egregious violator" of a worldwide arms embargo, providing Sudan with the vast majority of its small arms and weapons used for mass murder in Darfur province, a private study group is charging. The arms and also political support are being swapped for access to the African country's oil reserves, according to a report issued on the eve of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. A copy of the report, due to be released on Wednesday, was... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Associated Press

Papua New Guinea

PNG Police Chief Issues 'Shoot to Kill' Order, Urges Critics Not to Overreact

15 July 2008

Post-Courier (Port Moresby)

Police Commissioner Gari Baki made a call yesterday for the public and human rights advocates to not misinterpret his directions for police to shoot and kill criminals caught wearing police uniforms. "I do not want to be drawn into a media debate but the relentless sentiments and criticisms in the media has prompted me to clear the air on this issue," Mr Baki said. "By using police uniforms to carry out their evil acts criminals are clearly demonstrating their... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Post-Courier (Port Moresby)

Human Rights Campaign Urges Malawians to Give Up, Eradicate Guns

10 June 2008

Daily Times (Malawi)

A prominent human rights lobbyist has urged Malawians to help curb the use of small arms in order to enhance peace in the country. Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), in a statement, urges Malawians to assume responsibility to tackle the proliferation of small arms by playing a proactive role and offer tips and information to police on anyone suspected to be illegally in possessions of firearms. "It is tragic that the global gun epidemic is killing more... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Times (Malawi)

Violence Prevention Groups in Sierra Leone Push Global Gun Trade Treaty

4 June 2008

Concord Times (Freetown)

FREETOWN — National Chairman for Amnesty International Sierra Leone Tuesday disclosed that gun violence claims the lives of more than 350,000 people and injuring scores of others. Violet Kawa said the global trade that fuels the scourge of armed violence was yet to be internationally regularised. She said they would organise radio discussion programmes and quiz competitions in Bo and Kenema districts to observe the Global Week of Action against gun violence, which... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Concord Times (Freetown)

Malawi,United Nations

Malawian MPs Ignorant of Global Gun Trade Treaty - But All Intend to Sign It

19 May 2008

Africa News (Netherlands), Blog

Most Malawian Members of Parliament (MP) are unaware about the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), two years after 153 member states of the United Nations voted in its favour for sustainable world peace in 2006. UN member states agreed during that year, at the UN General Assembly, on the need to have a plausible world treaty regulating the sale of small arms and light weapons. It was hoped that this would help control the proliferation of arms into 'blood' hands -people who would... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Africa News (Netherlands)

Beijing Recalls Zimbabwe Arms Cargo: Speculation on Gun Airlift to Mugabe

25 April 2008

Associated Press

BEIJING — A shipment of Chinese weapons headed for troubled Zimbabwe will be returned to China because there is no way to deliver it to the landlocked country in southern Africa, China said Thursday. Countries neighboring Zimbabwe refused to allow the Chinese freighter An Yue Jiang to dock at their ports. That followed heavy pressure from African unions, churches and human rights groups, bolstered by behind-the-scenes pressure from the United States. Critics argue... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Associated Press

UN Chief Urges Countries to Enhance Data Sharing on Guns, Ammunition

24 April 2008

Associated Press of Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS — UN Member States need to increase their collection, maintenance and sharing of data on small arms as part of measures to encourage disarmament, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says. These weapons are "cheap, light and easy to handle, transport and conceal," Ban wrote in his first-ever report on the topic. "While a build-up of small arms alone may not create the conflicts in which they are used, their excessive accumulation and universal availability... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Associated Press of Pakistan

United States,China

Guns in US 'Serious Threat to Life, Security' - China's Human Rights Report

13 March 2008

China View (Beijing)

BEIJING — The Information Office of China's State Council issued "The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2007" on Thursday, revealing about 30,000 people die from gun wounds every year in the United States. The United States has an estimated 250 million privately-owned firearms, the largest number in the world, according to the Chinese report. "Frequent gun violence poses a serious threat to people's life and property security," said the report. On... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: China View (Beijing)

United States,United Nations

Growing US Gun Sales and the War on Terrorism: Questionable Rewards

27 January 2008

Arms Control Today, Jan/Feb 2008

In November 2007, Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, invoked emergency rule, suspended the constitution, and arrested thousands of opponents and human rights advocates. As other countries, such as the Netherlands and Switzerland, immediately suspended military aid and weapons deals, the United States, which has given Pakistan more than $10 billion in military assistance since September 11, 2001, decided it would review U.S. arms transfers to Pakistan.... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Arms Control Today, Jan/Feb 2008

Ugandan Police 'Untrained,' Carry AK-47s, Commit Human Rights Abuses

19 November 2007

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

The 1,000-plus men and women wearing the monogrammed uniform and totting Kalashnikov assault rifles on Kampala's streets received inadequate training. They may not only be ill-equipped to protect human rights, but may also commit human rights abuses Against a backdrop of public anxiety, and anger in some instances, about the latest addition to the security forces, it has emerged that key observations about how the Special Police Constables (SPCs) should have been... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

United States,United Nations

US Presidential Candidate Decries UN Efforts to Curb Illicit Gun Trafficking

29 October 2007

The Gun Nut (USA), Blog

My Fellow Americans: I will be brief. Yesterday, I was contacted by a Mr. Paul Henke, who handles "new media" relations for Fred Thompson, the tallest Republican presidential candidate who is also an actor. Mr. Henke has sent us the following statement, which the Gun Nut is running as a public service. The statement is about the U.N.'s position on the individual ownership of guns: ++++ Last year, the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: The Gun Nut (USA)

Nepal, India Urged to Do More to Curb 'Out of Control' Gun Smuggling

2 September 2007

IRIN (UN News)

KATHMANDU — Activists and human rights campaigners in Nepal believe the government and political parties could do more to control small arms, which continue to maim and kill innocent people. "The flow of small arms is out of control and the government has failed to do anything. Arms continue to pose a huge threat to most civilians," arms control activist Bishnu Upreti told IRIN on 30 August. In 2007 over 135 people were killed by small arms used by various... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: IRIN (UN News)

Ghanaian Govt Urges Citizens to Stop Making and Misusing Illicit Guns

30 July 2007

Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra)

HO — The minister for Interior, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah has called on Ghanaians to join the fight against the manufacturing and the use of illicit of small arms in order to protect the fragile democracy being enjoyed as well as to help sustain the country's development. The Minister noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons posed a threat to democracy and development in Ghana and the sub-region in view of the implications it would have on human... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra)

Malawi a Target for Gun Trafficking, Promises Curbs on Firearm Smuggling

27 July 2007

Afrol News

The geographical location of Malawi has threatened the country's peace and stability as evidenced by the proliferation of small firearms from its troubled neighbouring countries. And according to Malawian deputy Home Affairs of Malawi, Symon Vuwa Kaunda, this is the reason why the country has become a target route for small firearms trafficking and small firearms related crimes. Mr Kaunda delivered the speech during the commemoration of the global week against gun... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Afrol News

Spain,United States,United Nations

US Feds Nail Syrian Gun Dealer - After He Hid in Plain Sight for 30 Years

24 July 2007

Village Voice (New York)

On February 6, two representatives from the infamous Colombian left-wing paramilitary and drug-trafficking group FARC arrived at a palatial Renaissance estate in Marbella, Spain. While their compadres squatted in the jungle, the two soaked up the Mediterranean opulence of the place, noticing the pool shaped like a four-leaf clover and the mastiffs that patrolled the grounds each night. Their host, a 62-year-old Syrian named Monzer al-Kassar, a/k/a the "Prince of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Village Voice (New York)

Government Acknowledges 'Astronomical Proliferation' of Guns in Kenya

19 July 2007

Voice of America

NAIROBI — Kenya's attorney general acknowledged Thursday that his country has seen what he called an astronomical proliferation of light weapons such as assault rifles and pistols. As Nick Wadhams reports from Nairobi, the trend in Kenya underscores the difficulty that African nations have had stemming the flow of small arms, which are used in conflicts across the continent. Attorney General Amos Wako made the remarks during a workshop in Nairobi aimed at harmonizing... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Voice of America

Nigeria,West Africa,United Nations

West African NGOs Call for Govt Collaboration on Global Gun Trade Treaty

3 July 2007

This Day (Lagos)

LAGOS — Various stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to set up a Small Arms Working Group (SAWG) to meet on ways to check proliferation in the country. The committee, when convened, is also to discus a cross-regional methodology for data collection; information sharing between members, network and the Government without endangering the lives of members of the Working Group and other interested parties. Above issues were contained in a communique... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: This Day (Lagos)

Nigeria,West Africa,United Nations

Guns Prolong Nigerian Conflicts, Govt Should Push Global Gun Trade Treaty

29 June 2007

Vanguard (Lagos)

The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), has called on the Federal government to address the issues that have given rise to the increase in demand for small arms in Nigeria, noting that it has fueled and prolonged conflicts in the country. WAANSA, a members of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), the global movement against gun violence, is a network of 700 civil society organisations working in 100 countries to stop the proliferation... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)

Church Campaign Pushes Gun Amnesty, Destruction of Firearms in Uganda

28 June 2007

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — The Justice Peace and Human Rights Commission of Arua Diocese has launched a six-month project to fight the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the district. The project officer, David Okello, said the programme funded by the German Technical Services, would encourage the voluntary return of illicit arms through awareness campaigns. He said they would also advocate for the proper use of arms held by legitimate government forces. Okello... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

West Africa,United Nations

West African ECOWAS Nations to Fight for Global Gun Trade Treaty at UN

19 June 2007

This Day (Lagos)

LAGOS, Nigeria — President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has called on West African states to support the global move towards an Arms Trade Treaty. He made the call at the ECOWAS recent Heads of State Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The call was also made during the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence (11-17 June) when governments, UN agencies and civil society groups highlighted the problems of gun violence and discussed preventive measures. ... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: This Day (Lagos)

United Kingdom,United Nations

A Death by Gunshot Every Minute: UK Govt Pushes Global Gun Trade Treaty

19 June 2007

Guardian (UK), Opinion

Small arms kill one person every minute. I believe this is neither inevitable nor acceptable. So today I am calling on the world to take action to stop weapons getting into the wrong hands and to prevent thousands of brutal, unnecessary and unjust deaths. There is an opportunity — for the first time — for a global deal to control the movement of small arms, such as AK47s and anti-aircraft rocket launchers, as well as heavier weapons like battle tanks. Next year,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Guardian (UK)

Liberia,West Africa

West African Nations Call for Greater Restrictions on Global Gun Trade

18 June 2007

United Press International

ABUJA, Nigeria — More West African nations are supporting efforts for greater restriction of the global arms trade. The head of the Economic Community of the West African States said that by having an international arms trade treaty, violence in the region could be reduced significantly. "West Africa has suffered from gun proliferation and misuse for too many years," said ECOWAS president Mohammed Ibn Chambas, adding that the group's 15 member nations should... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: United Press International

In Africa, AK47 Assault Rifles Sell for as Little as US$50 - IANSA

14 June 2007

Concord Times (Freetown)

FREETOWN — Kalashnikov assault rifles, commonly known as AK47 riffles, are now being sold freely in Africa for US$50, according to findings released by International Network on Small Arms, IANSA. The survey coincided with this year's Global Week of Action, which runs from 11-17 June, and is being observed by anti-gun campaigners worldwide. The event in Sierra Leone is being coordinated by the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) and this year's... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Concord Times (Freetown)

Little Guns, Not Nuclear Missiles, Account for Millions of Deaths Around World

22 February 2003

Age (Melbourne)

The young soldier, sweating in his uniform in the hot sun, is answering questions from the public about the Iroquois Bushranger helicopter. Its purpose is to suppress ground fire, he says. By shooting at them? Well yes, but this has not been used "in anger" since the Vietnam War. "Hopefully, in the future, it will only ever be used for training, to help us to keep the peace. That's all we wanna do," he says in a resigned voice. The Bushranger, among dozens of other... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Age (Melbourne)

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