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American Samoa — 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 American Samoa is

2017: 4001
2002: 25023 24

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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 American Samoa is

2017: 0.792
2002: 0.43

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in American Samoa is reported to be

2002: 2502

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners per 100 people in American Samoa is

2002: 0.42

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Number of Registered Firearms

ChartThe number of registered guns in American Samoa is reported to be

2017: 2501
2002: 2502 4

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

ChartThe rate of registered guns per 100 people in American Samoa is

2017: 0.502
2002: 0.43

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

ChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,5 but in American Samoa there are estimated to be

2017: 1501
2002: 25 24 3

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Estimated Rate of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms per 100 Population

ChartUnregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,5 but in American Samoa the rate of such firearms per 100 people is estimated to be

2017: 0.32
2002: 0.04

Government Guns

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Routine Arming of Police

In American Samoa, police officers on routine patrol carry one or more firearms6 4

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in American Samoa are reported to have 907 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn American Samoa, annual homicides by any means total

2019: 08
2016: 3
2015: 4
2014: 3
2013: 3
2012: 2
2011: 5
2010: 5
2009: 2
2008: 3
2007: 1

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

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

2019: 08
2016: 5.38
2015: 7.17
2014: 5.38
2013: 5.38
2012: 3.59
2011: 8.97
2010: 8.92
2009: 3.57
2008: 5.32
2007: 1.76

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

In American Samoa, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 39

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

In American Samoa, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 19

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In American Samoa, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is prohibited10

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 American Samoa is reported by Customs to be US$67,11411 (2008)

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Firearm Imports

In American Samoa, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law12 13

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in American Samoa is negligible14 4

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In American Samoa, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law15

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in American Samoa do not include15 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in American Samoa is categorised as restrictive16

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in American Samoa includes the Chapter 42 of the Criminal Justice Code, 197917

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in American Samoa are regulated by the Commissioner of Public Safety, and the Attorney General18 19 20 13

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Right to Possess Firearms

In American Samoa, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,21 as limited by federal law22 and state law23

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In American Samoa, civilians are not allowed to possess any firearm other than 12, 16, 20 and 410 gauge shotguns and 22 caliber rifles18 10 20

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In American Samoa, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited10 18

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In American Samoa, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is prohibited18

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Regulation of Handguns

In American Samoa, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited18

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In American Samoa, only licensed gun owners18 12 19 24 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 American Samoa are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, pest control25

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in American Samoa is 18 years26

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in American Samoa must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and addiction18 27 28 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In American Samoa, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required25

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in American Samoa does not stipulate15 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In American Samoa, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required15 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In American Samoa, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every one year19

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Licensing Records

In American Samoa, authorities maintain a record29 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in American Samoa are permitted to possess any number of firearms15

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in American Samoa are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition15

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In American Samoa, the law requires29 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 American Samoa, licensed firearm dealers are not required15 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In American Samoa, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited without a licence issued by the Commissioner of Public Safety20

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In American Samoa, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful, except in some approved cases of transferring 'Grandfathered' firearms20 30

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Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in American Samoa is obliged27 31 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Background Checks for Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in American Samoa is obliged27 31 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In American Samoa, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is limited to the number stated on the issued licence12 30

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In American Samoa, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined15

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In American Samoa, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated15 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in American Samoa do not include15 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 American Samoa do not include15 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in American Samoa do not include15 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In American Samoa, carrying a gun in a public place is prohibited in churches and places of worship, schools, any election district on election day, any government building, or any lawful public assemblage32

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In American Samoa, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is prohibited in churches and places of worship, schools, any election district on election day, any government building, or any lawful public assemblage32

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In American Samoa, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited32

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Gun Free Zones

In American Samoa, private guns are prohibited in churches and places of worship, schools, any election district on election day, any government building, or any lawful public assemblage32

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In American Samoa, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm33 is a 'Class C' felony28

MeasuresInternational Controls

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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 signed34 by American Samoa

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, American Samoa is not a Member State of the United Nations35

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list36 American Samoa 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 16,37 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 American Samoa, annual homicides by any means total

2019: 08
2016: 3
2015: 4
2014: 3
2013: 3
2012: 2
2011: 5
2010: 5
2009: 2
2008: 3
2007: 1

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

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

2019: 08
2016: 5.38
2015: 7.17
2014: 5.38
2013: 5.38
2012: 3.59
2011: 8.97
2010: 8.92
2009: 3.57
2008: 5.32
2007: 1.76

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

In American Samoa, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 39

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

In American Samoa, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 19

Disarmament

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In American Samoa, it is not state policy38 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In American Samoa, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law39

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Firearm Tracing

In American Samoa, state authorities do not carry out15 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In American Samoa, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally15 recorded in a register

Link
Global Peace Index

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

Short References

1.

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.

Alpers, Philip and Conor Twyford.2003.‘Civilian Firearm Ownership in Pacific Nations, 2002.’ Small Arms in the Pacific.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,31 March. (Q364)Full Citation

3.

GunPolicy.org. 2016. ‘Number of Privately Owned Firearms.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 12 December. (G1) Full Citation

4.

Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu. 2014. ‘DPS Makes the Case for Arming the Police.’ Samoa News. 20 March. (N323) Full Citation

5.

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

6.

Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu. 2013. ‘In Spite of Public Concerns, Cops Will Be Given Guns Says DPS Commish.’ Samoa News. 26 November. (N314) Full Citation

7.

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

8.

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

9.

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

10.

American Samoa.1978.‘Prohibited Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q373)Full Citation

11.

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

12.

American Samoa.1978.‘Licensing Regulations.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q368)Full Citation

13.

American Samoa.1978.‘Tranfer Regulations.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q375)Full Citation

14.

Alpers, Philip and Conor Twyford.2003.‘Stockpiles and Trafficking in the Pacific: The illicit small arms trade.’ Small Arms in the Pacific.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,31 March. (Q148)Full Citation

15.

American Samoa.1978.‘Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4877)Full Citation

16.

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

17.

American Samoa.1978.‘Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4876)Full Citation

18.

American Samoa.1978.‘Licensing Regulations.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q367)Full Citation

19.

American Samoa.1978.‘Licensing Regulations.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q372)Full Citation

20.

American Samoa.1978.‘Transfer Regulations.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q376)Full Citation

21.

USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation

22.

Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation

23.

American Samoa.1978.‘Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q9085)Full Citation

24.

American Samoa.1978.‘License-Possession Required When Carrying Arms.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4873)Full Citation

25.

Alpers, Philip and Conor Twyford.2003.‘Genuine Reason: A Snapshot of Pacific Definitions - American Samoa.’ Small Arms in the Pacific.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,31 March. (Q369)Full Citation

26.

American Samoa.1978.‘Unlawful Transfer of Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q381)Full Citation

27.

Alpers, Philip and Conor Twyford.2003.‘Pacific Small Arms Legislation: Domestic and regional issues.’ Small Arms in the Pacific.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,31 March. (Q370)Full Citation

28.

American Samoa.1978.‘Unlawful Possession of Firearms.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q378)Full Citation

29.

American Samoa.1978.‘Marking of Arms for Identification.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q377)Full Citation

30.

American Samoa.1978.‘Sales to Persons Without Licenses - Grandfather Clause.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4874)Full Citation

31.

USDoJ.1996.‘American Samoa - A Brady State.’ Survey of State Procedures Related to Firearm Sales.Washington, DC:United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics,1 May. (Q371)Full Citation

32.

American Samoa.1978.‘Unlawful Use of Weapons.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978) - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q374)Full Citation

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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

36.

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

37.

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

38.

American Samoa.1978.‘Violation - Penalty.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4875)Full Citation

39.

American Samoa.1978.‘Possession of a Defaced Firearm.’ Criminal Justice Code (1978), Title 46, Chapter 42 - Weapons.Pago Pago:Legislative Assembly,13 December. (Q4872)Full Citation