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Afghanistan — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

ChartThe estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians in Afghanistan is

2017: 4,270,0001
2007: 1,000,0002

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

ChartThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in Afghanistan is

2017: 12.51
2007: 4.42

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a 2017 comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Afghanistan ranked at No. 233

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a 2017 comparison of the rate of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Afghanistan ranked at No.573

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Afghanistan are reported to have 331,1704 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Afghanistan are reported to have 239,0005 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual homicides by any means total

2018: 2,4746
2017: 2,424
2016: 2,318
2015: 3,367
2010: 2,163
2000: 1,665

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

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

2016: 7.707
2015: 7.66
2010: 7.43
2000: 7.41

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual male homicides by any means total

2016: 2,4167
2015: 2,354
2010: 2,059
2000: 1,605

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

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

2016: 14.307
2015: 14.26
2010: 13.93
2000: 14.03

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual female homicides by any means total

2016: 1497
2015: 142
2010: 104
2000: 59

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

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

2016: 0.917
2015: 0.88
2010: 0.73
2000: 0.54

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual suicides by any means total

2016: 1,6187
2015: 1,604
2010: 1,472
2000: 1,140

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

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

2016: 4.857
2015: 4.93
2010: 5.05
2000: 5.08

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual male suicides by any means total

2016: 1,3587
2015: 1,356
2010: 1,277
2000: 1,038

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

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

2016: 8.047
2015: 8.21
2010: 8.64
2000: 9.08

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual female suicides by any means total

2016: 2607
2015: 248
2010: 195
2000: 102

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

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

2016: 1.587
2015: 1.54
2010: 1.36
2000: 0.93

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Afghanistan, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence8

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Firearm Exports

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Afghanistan is reported by Customs to be US$6,6839 (2009)

Firearm Imports

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

ChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Afghanistan is reported by Customs to be US$

2017: 4,100,000010
2014: 13,000,00011
2012: 23,000,00012
2011: 67,000,00013
2010: 44,000,00014
2009: 23,000,00015
2007: 23,000,00016

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

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Law Regulates Civilian Access to Firearms

In Afghanistan, civilian possession of guns is regulated by law17

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Afghanistan includes the the Law of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives of June 200518

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Afghanistan are regulated by the the Ministry of Internal Affairs8 19

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Afghanistan, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law20 21

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

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Law Regulates Handguns

In Afghanistan, civilian possession of handguns is regulated by law17

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Afghanistan, only licensed gun owners22 23 or anyone in cases of national emergency 24 8 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 Afghanistan are not legally required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm22 and may freely aquire them in times of national emergency 24

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Afghanistan must pass a background check which considers undefined17 records

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Firearm Safety Training

In Afghanistan, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required25 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Afghanistan, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every ten years23

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Afghanistan, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited except in cases of national emergency24 22

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Afghanistan, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful, except in cases of national emergency24 22

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Afghanistan, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law17

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Afghanistan, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit25 26

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Afghanistan, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm27 is specified by the Penal Code28 29

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 200630 by Afghanistan.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has been acceded to31 32 by Afghanistan

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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 not been signed33 by Afghanistan

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Afghanistan 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 Aspects34

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Afghanistan has submitted one or more national reports35 36 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Afghanistan, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated36

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Afghanistan, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated36

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Afghanistan submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was not apparent36

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated36 by Afghanistan to other UN Member States

UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided36 to Afghanistan by other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Afghanistan has not declared37 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Afghanistan has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194638

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list39 Afghanistan as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

Link
About SDG 16

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part. SDG 16,40 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2). In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing.

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual homicides by any means total

2018: 2,4746
2017: 2,424
2016: 2,318
2015: 3,367
2010: 2,163
2000: 1,665

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

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

2016: 7.707
2015: 7.66
2010: 7.43
2000: 7.41

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual male homicides by any means total

2016: 2,4167
2015: 2,354
2010: 2,059
2000: 1,605

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

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

2016: 14.307
2015: 14.26
2010: 13.93
2000: 14.03

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Afghanistan, annual female homicides by any means total

2016: 1497
2015: 142
2010: 104
2000: 59

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

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

2016: 0.917
2015: 0.88
2010: 0.73
2000: 0.54

Link
Conflict Deaths

For a profile of conflict in Afghanistan, select the Link icon to open an external web page from the UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia at Uppsala University

Disarmament

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Surrendered in Gun Amnesty

In Afghanistan, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 131,81141 (2003)

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Afghanistan ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Afghanistan on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page

Short References

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Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation

2.

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

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GunPolicy.org.2022.‘Calculated Ranking.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers..Geneva:GunPolicy.org,30 June. (Q15876)Full Citation

4.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Military Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Military-Owned Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13436)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2018.‘Law Enforcement Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Law Enforcement Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13435)Full Citation

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UNODC.2020.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ dataunodc.un.org (web site).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q13355)Full Citation

7.

WHO.2018.‘Violent Death Estimates by Country.’ Disease Burden and Mortality Estimates: Cause-Specific Mortality, 2000–2016.Geneva:World Health Organization,1 January. (Q14136)Full Citation

8.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 15: Enactment of Procedure.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15548)Full Citation

9.

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

10.

Florquin, Nicholas et al..2020.‘Annual Authorized Small Arms and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importer, 2017.’ Trade Update 2020 An Eye on Ammunition Transfers to Africa.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 December. (Q15387)Full Citation

11.

Holtom, Paul, and Irene Pavesi.2017.‘Annex A2 - Annual Authorized Small Arms and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importers, 2014.’ Trade Update 2017: Out of the Shadows.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 September. (Q15390)Full Citation

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Rigual, Christelle.2015.‘Annexe 4.2: Major Importers.’ Small Arms Survey 2015: Weapons and the World.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 June. (Q11078)Full Citation

13.

Holtom, Paul, Irene Pavesi and Christelle Rigual.2014.‘Annexe 4.2 - Annual Authorized Small Arms and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importer, 2011.’ Small Arms Survey 2014: Women and Guns.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 December. (Q15388)Full Citation

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Pavesi, Irene and Christelle Rigual.2013.‘Annexes 8.2: Major Importers.’ Small Arms Survey 2013: Everyday Dangers.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,2 July. (Q8486)Full Citation

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Grzybowski, Janis, Nicholas Marsh and Matt Schroeder.2012.‘Annexe 8.3 - Annual Authorized Small Arms and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importer, 2009.’ Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 August. (Q15391)Full Citation

16.

Herron, Patrick, Nicolas Marsh and Matt Schroeder.2010.‘Annexe 1.2 - Annual Authorized Small Arma and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importer, 2007.’ Small Arms Survey 2010: Gangs, Groups, and Guns.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,1 June. (Q15393)Full Citation

17.

Butchart, Alexander, Christopher Mikton and Etienne Krug.2014.‘Country Profile: Afghanistan.’ Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014.Geneva:World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),10 December. (Q9632)Full Citation

18.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15545)Full Citation

19.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 5: Implementing Authority.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15551)Full Citation

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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

21.

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

22.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Articles 8: Hunting Weapons.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15547)Full Citation

23.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 6: Permits.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15552)Full Citation

24.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Articles 7: Non-hunting Weapons.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15546)Full Citation

25.

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

26.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 3: Legal Warrants.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15550)Full Citation

27.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

28.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 11: Illegal Possession of Weapons.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15553)Full Citation

29.

Afghanistan.2005.‘Article 14: Surrender of Weapons.’ Law of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives.Kabul:Afghanistan,21 June. (Q15554)Full Citation

30.

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

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

32.

Arms Trade Treaty.2022.‘States Parties to the ATT.’ Table: States Parties to the ATT (in alphabetical order) as of 25 March 2022.New York NY:Arms Trade Treaty,25 March. (Q15848)Full Citation

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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

36.

UNODA.2018.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,23 July. (Q1309)Full Citation

37.

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

38.

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

39.

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

40.

United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation

41.

Karp, Aaron.2009.‘Summary of Disarmament Outcomes in 45 DDR Programmes.’ Small Arms Survey 2009: Shadows of War.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,9 July. (Q2941)Full Citation