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Algeria — 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 Algeria is

2017: 877,0001
2007: 1,900,0002

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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 Algeria is

2017: 2.11
2007: 7.62

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a 2007 comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Algeria ranked at No. 373

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a 2007 comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Algeria ranked at No. 782

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Algeria is reported to be

2017: 200,0001

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

Unregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,4 but in Algeria there are estimated to be

2017: 677,0001

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Algeria are reported to have 637,7205 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Algeria are reported to have 363,0006 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Algeria, annual homicides by any means total

2015: 5427
2014: 577
2013: 480
2012: 523
2011: 280
2010: 254
2009: 2778 9
2008: 328
2007: 271
2006: 3128 9 10
2005: 204
2004: 44911 8 9
2003: 650

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

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

2015: 1.377
2014: 1.49
2013: 1.26
2012: 1.40
2011: 0.76
2010: 0.71
2009: 0.79
2008: 0.95
2007: 0.80
2006: 0.910
2005: 0.6
2004: 1.4311 8 9
2003: 2.04

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Algeria, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 46912
2014: 491
2013: 390
2012: 413
2010: 213

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

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

2015: 2.3312
2014: 2.49

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Algeria, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 7312
2014: 85
2013: 90
2012: 110
2010: 41

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

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

2015: 0.3712
2014: 0.44

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Algeria, annual firearm homicides total

2008: 208 9
2007: 14
2004: 911 9
2003: 13

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

2008: 0.0613 9
2007: 0.04
2004: 0.0311 9
2003: 0.04

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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

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

2011: 26%14
2008: 6%8
2007: 5%
2004: 2.0%9
2003: 2.0%

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Algeria, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence15 16

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Algeria, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law17 18

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Algeria is reported by Customs to be US$54919 (2008)

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Firearm Imports

In Algeria, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law17 20

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Algeria is reported by Customs to be US$4,010,86619 (2011)

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Algeria, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law21 20

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Algeria include17 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

Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

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Law Regulates Civilian Access to Firearms

In Algeria, civilian possession of guns is regulated by law14

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Algeria includes the Executive Decree No 98-96 of March 18, 1998, amended and completed by the Executive Decree No 04-304 of September 13, 2004, on the implementation of the Ordinance No 97-06 of January 21, 1997, relating to weapons of war, firearms and ammunition22

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Algeria, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law23 24

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

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Law Regulates Automatic Weapons

In Algeria, civilian possession of automatic weapons is regulated by law14

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Law Regulates Handguns

In Algeria, civilian possession of handguns is regulated by law14

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Law Regulates Long Guns

In Algeria, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law14

Gun Ownership and Possession

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Algeria must pass a background check which considers undefined14 records

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Algeria, the law requires25 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 Algeria, licensed firearm dealers are required25 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 Algeria, licensed gun makers are required25 15 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Algeria, State agencies are required25 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Algeria, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful (in practice, it is prohibited outside the monopoly of the State)21 16

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Algeria include26 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 - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Algeria include26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Algeria include27 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Algeria, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law22 17 15

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Firearm Tracing

In Algeria, state authorities carry out18 28 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Algeria, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are29 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Algeria, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law14

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Algeria, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm30 is 10 years in prison and a fine16 26

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Algeria are known to have31 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

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

2017: 77632
2016: 703

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Algeria, it is state policy27 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

League of Arab States

As a member of the League of Arab States, Algeria adopted the Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material in January 200233

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Algeria adopted an African Common Position to take to the Conference to Review the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), held in June 200634 35

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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 not signed36 by Algeria.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has not been signed37 by Algeria

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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 ratified38 by Algeria

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Algeria 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 Aspects39

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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 Algeria against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 2640 41 42 43 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, Algeria has submitted one or more national reports44 20 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Algeria, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated45 20

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Algeria, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated20

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Algeria submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent20

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been donated20 by Algeria to other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Algeria has not declared46 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Algeria has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196247

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list48 Algeria as a Participating State

BackgroundCountry Profile

Link
Conflict Profile

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

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Algeria ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index

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

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GunPolicy.org. 2019. ‘Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 24 January. (G14) Full Citation

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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

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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.2017.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ Crime and Drugs Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 May. (Q13355)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides and Gun Homicides in Algeria.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q9962)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Algeria.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6228)Full Citation

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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

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UNODC.2006.‘Reported Overall Homicide Numbers and Rates per 100,000 Population for 64 Countries, 2003-04.’ Ninth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2003 - 2004).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q9)Full Citation

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UNODC.2017.‘Intentional Homicide Victims by Sex.’ Crime and Drugs Data.Vienna:UNODC,19 May. (Q13356)Full Citation

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GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - Algeria.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,1 June. (Q10095)Full Citation

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Butchart, Alexander, Christopher Mikton and Etienne Krug.2014.‘Country Profile: Algeria.’ 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. (Q9633)Full Citation

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Algeria.2016.‘Manufacture (Fabrication).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12401)Full Citation

16.

Algeria.2014.‘Implementation of Laws and Penalties (Application des lois et criminalisation).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12407)Full Citation

17.

Algeria.2016.‘International Transfers (Transferts Internationaux).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12402)Full Citation

18.

Algeria.2010.‘Tracing (Traçage).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4592)Full Citation

19.

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

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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

21.

Algeria.2016.‘Brokering (Courtage).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12403)Full Citation

22.

Algeria.2010.‘Marking (Marquage).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4590)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

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

25.

Algeria.2010.‘Registration (Enregistrement).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4591)Full Citation

26.

Algeria.2014.‘Storage - Penalty (Stockage - Peines).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12415)Full Citation

27.

Algeria.2016.‘Stockpile Management (Gestion des stocks).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12404)Full Citation

28.

Algeria.2010.‘Integrated Ballistics Identification System (Système Intégré d'Identification Balistique).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4593)Full Citation

29.

Algeria.2014.‘Integrated Ballistics Identification System (Système Intégré d'Identification Balistique).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12416)Full Citation

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

31.

Algeria.2014.‘Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (Désarmement, Démobilisation et Réinsertion).’ National Report of Algeria 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 Algeria to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12417)Full Citation

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UNODC.2020.‘Arms Seized, Found, and Surrendered, by Type.’ Illicit Arms Flows Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,7 January. (Q14056)Full Citation

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League of Arab States / UNODA.2002.‘Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Council of the League of Arab States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,1 January. (Q3215)Full Citation

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African Union / UNODA.2005.‘Windhoek Common Position.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:African Union / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 December. (Q3216)Full Citation

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African Union.2015.‘Member States.’ African Union: A United and Strong Africa.Addis Ababa:African Union,10 August. (Q10548)Full Citation

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York, NY:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

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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

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

48.

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