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Djibouti — 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 Djibouti is

2017: 28,0001
2005: 22,0002
1999: 935,0003 4

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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 Djibouti is

2017: 3.245
2005: 3.17

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Djibouti ranked at No. 1696

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Djibouti ranked at No.1356

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Djibouti are reported to have 19,8557 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Djibouti are reported to have 5,0008 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual homicides by any means total

2016: 729
2015: 6010
2014: 71
2013: 70
2012: 8711
2011: 68
2010: 63
2008: 2912

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

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

2015: 7.2610
2012: 10.111
2010: 8.52
2008: 3.412
2006: 0.2013
2005: 2.60
2004: 3.46
2002: 3.50
1998: 4.17
1996: 2.17

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 4914
2010: 4614

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

In Djibouti, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2015: 10.6114

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 1114
2010: 1714

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

In Djibouti, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2015: 2.3314

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual suicides by any means total

2016: 6315
2015: 59
2010: 44
2000: 42

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

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

2016: 7.4415
2015: 7.12
2010: 5.94
2000: 6.27

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual male suicides by any means total

2016: 4315
2015: 40
2010: 29
2000: 26

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

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

2016: 11.0915
2015: 10.53
2010: 8.44
2000: 8.22

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual female suicides by any means total

2016: 2015
2015: 19
2010: 15
2000: 15

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

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

2016: 4.3615
2015: 4.24
2010: 3.78
2000: 4.25

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Djibouti, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law16

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

ChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Djibouti is reported by Customs to be US$

2018: 373,00017
2016: 77,000
2015: 3,000
2009: 18,000

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Firearm Imports

In Djibouti, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law16 18

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

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

2020: 229,00019
2019: 1,633,000
2018: 227,000
2017: 1,027,000
2016: 1,448,000
2015: 2,813,000
2014: 2,733,000
2013: 2,029,000
2012: 2,208,000
2011: 2,217,000
2010: 452,000
2009: 46,000

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Djibouti, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law20 16

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Djibouti includes the Law No. 62 621 of 2 June 196221 provisions related to the import, export, transfer, carrying and possession of arms, weapon items, ammunition and military materials in French Somaliland and the Decree No. 64 407 of 5 May 1964 regulating the import, sale, transport, transfer, carrying and possession of arms, weapon items, ammunition and military materials in French Somaliland16 22

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Djibouti are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior and Police23

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Djibouti, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law24 25

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Djibouti, only licensed gun owners23 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Djibouti, the law requires23 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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State-Owned Firearm Records

In Djibouti, State agencies are required18 to maintain records of the storage and movement of all firearms and ammunition under their control

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

League of Arab States

As a member of the League of Arab States, Djibouti adopted the Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material in January 200226

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Djibouti 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 200627 28

Regional Centre on Small Arms

In March 2000, as a member of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), Djibouti adopted the Nairobi Declaration on the Problem of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa, then on 21 April 2004 adopted the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States, a legally-binding multilateral protocol of which the RECSA is depository. The Nairobi Protocol has since been signed, and ratified29 30 by Djibouti

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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 signed31 by Djibouti.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has been signed, but not yet ratified32 by Djibouti

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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 Djibouti

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Djibouti 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 Implementation Monitor Score

In its UN small arms Programme of Action Implementation Monitor (PoAIM Phase 1), the Small Arms Survey scored Djibouti against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 13335 36 37 38 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, Djibouti has submitted one or more national reports39 40 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Djibouti, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated40

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Djibouti, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated41

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Djibouti submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent40

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated40 by Djibouti to other UN Member States

UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided40 to Djibouti by other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Djibouti has not declared42 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Djibouti has been a Member State of the United Nations since 197743

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list44 Djibouti as a Participating State

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal Profile

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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 16,45 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 Djibouti, annual homicides by any means total

2016: 729
2015: 6010
2014: 71
2013: 70
2012: 8711
2011: 68
2010: 63
2008: 2912

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

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

2015: 7.2610
2012: 10.111
2010: 8.52
2008: 3.412
2006: 0.2013
2005: 2.60
2004: 3.46
2002: 3.50
1998: 4.17
1996: 2.17

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 4914
2010: 4614

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

In Djibouti, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2015: 10.6114

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Djibouti, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 1114
2010: 1714

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

In Djibouti, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2015: 2.3314

Link
Conflict Deaths

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

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In Djibouti, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law40

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Djibouti ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on Djibouti 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

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

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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

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GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Djibouti.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,3 August. (Q16284)Full Citation

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GunPolicy.org.2022.‘Calculated Ranking.’ Estimating global civilian-held firearm numbers..Geneva:GunPolicy.org,30 June. (Q15876)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.2020.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ dataunodc.un.org (web site).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q13355)Full Citation

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UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Djibouti.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q9933)Full Citation

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UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Djibouti.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6422)Full Citation

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Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Middle East and North Africa, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington, DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3813)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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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

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Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Comparison of the Main Regulatory Aspects Examined - Djibouti.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q4007)Full Citation

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International Trade Centre (ITC).2022.‘Exported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16040)Full Citation

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Djibouti.2008.‘Firearms Stockpile Management (Gestion des Stocks d'Armes).’ National Report of Djibouti 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 the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4602)Full Citation

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International Trade Centre (ITC).2022.‘Imported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16041)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. (Q82)Full Citation

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Flew, Catherine and Angus Urquhart.2004.‘Djibouti's Act 62-621 of June 1962.’ Strengthening Small Arms Controls: An Audit of Small Arms Control Legislation in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.Djibouti:Saferworld,1 February. (Q16302)Full Citation

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Flew, Catherine and Angus Urquhart.2004.‘Djibouti's Decree No 64-407 of 5 May 1964 (Article 1).’ Strengthening Small Arms Controls: An Audit of Small Arms Control Legislation in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.Djibouti:Saferworld,1 February. (Q16303)Full Citation

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Djibouti.2003.‘Establishment of an Institutional Framework.’ National Report of Djibouti 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 the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations,12 November. (Q4603)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

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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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RECSA / UNODA.2004.‘Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Regional Centre on Small Arms / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 April. (Q3218)Full Citation

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RECSA.2010.‘Ratified and Deposited Instruments of the Nairobi Protocol.’ Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons Website - Ratifications.Nairobi:Regional Centre on Small Arms,19 November. (Q3263)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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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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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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United Nations.2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation