The FARC rebel group has been increasing its arms purchases since the beginning of peace talks with the Colombian government, according to an Ecuadorian general. Army General Fernando Proaño Daza, who commands troops on his country's border with Colombia, told EFE that arms trafficking had increased since the beginning of the peace process, which formally began in October. According to Proaño, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is "taking advantage of... (GunPolicy.org)

The Brazilian military will now allow police and firefighters to buy powerful .45 caliber guns for personal use, raising fears over how the weapons will be used and where they might end up. Prior to the ruling, only federal police were permitted to buy .45 caliber weapons, while other police agencies carried less lethal .40 or .38 weapons. The new regulations open the way for civil, military, and transport police to purchase .45 handguns. The military command, which... (GunPolicy.org)

The South African Police Service (SAPS) made 67,000 arrests around the country over the festive season, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said at a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday. The arrests - for crimes ranging from murder, robbery and rape to fraud, shoplifting and driving under the influence - took place during the course of a festive season safety campaign which began on 15 October and will officially end on 31 January. A total of 704 were arrested for public... (GunPolicy.org)

When I travel abroad and talk to foreigners about the American passion for guns, people sometimes express a conclusion that horrifies me: in America, life is cheap. President Obama announced a terrific series of gun-control measures to show that we do indeed hold life dear. But the fate of these proposals ultimately will depend on centrist Americans who are torn. They're troubled by the toll of guns but also think that it's reassuring to have a Glock when you hear a... (GunPolicy.org)

SYDNEY, Australia - It is for Americans and their elected representatives to determine the right response to President Obama's proposals on gun control. I wouldn't presume to lecture Americans on the subject. I can, however, describe what I, as prime minister of Australia, did to curb gun violence following a horrific massacre 17 years ago in the hope that it will contribute constructively to the debate in the United States. I was elected prime minister in early 1996,... (GunPolicy.org)

President Obama has indicated a move towards strengthening federal gun control measures, but the reality is that the majority of gun legislation in the US is enacted at the state level. That has brought broad variations across the country, with states taking different approaches to issues ranging from sales, permits, licensing, self-defence and carry laws. Carrying firearms: open and concealed Open-carry and concealed-carry laws determine how public citizens can carry... (GunPolicy.org)