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Lesotho — 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 Lesotho is

2017: 105,0001
2005: 47,0002

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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 Lesotho is

2017: 4.973
2005: 2.42

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, Lesotho ranked at No. 1434

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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, Lesotho ranked at No.1084

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Lesotho are reported to have 2,4005 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Lesotho are reported to have 5,0006 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual homicides by any means total

2015: 8977
2013: 658
2012: 641
2011: 712
2010: 7648 9
2009: 723
2008: 752
2007: 895

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

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

2015: 43.567
2013: 32.44
2012: 31.81
2011: 35.53
2010: 38.28
2009: 37.73
2008: 39.26
2007: 46.69
2005: 37.3010
2004: 13.25
2003: 13.60
2002: 7.50
1999: 50.41

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 79711
2010: 56511

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

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

2015: 75.5911

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 10011
2010: 199

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

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

2015: 8.9011

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Lesotho, annual firearm homicides total

1997: 47712
1996: 337
1995: 297

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

1997: 23.6912
1996: 17.12
1995: 15.42

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual suicides by any means total

2016: 46713
2015: 456
2010: 410
2000: 336

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

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

2016: 23.9113
2015: 23.41
2010: 21.36
2000: 17.53

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual male suicides by any means total

2016: 19013
2015: 186
2010: 166
2000: 131

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

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

2016: 19.6913
2015: 19.34
2010: 17.56
2000: 13.95

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual female suicides by any means total

2016: 27713
2015: 270
2010: 244
2000: 205

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

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

2016: 28.0313
2015: 27.39
2010: 25.05
2000: 20.97

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Lesotho, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence14

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Lesotho, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law15 16

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

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

2014: 2,000 17
2008: 588,12318

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Firearm Imports

In Lesotho, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law14

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

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

2021: 57,00019
2020: 129,000
2019: 141,000
2018: 64,000
2017: 66,000
2016: 8,000
2015: 6,000
2014: 33,000
2010: 314,000
2009: 679,000
2008: 53,000
2007: 152,000
2003: 263,000
2002: 198,000

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Lesotho is moderate20

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Lesotho, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are specifically regulated by law16

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Lesotho includes the Arms and Ammunition Act no. 17 of 196621

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Lesotho are regulated by the Lesotho Mounted Police, and in particular its Firearms Board22

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Right to Possess Firearms

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

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Lesotho, civilians are not allowed to possess rifles25

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Lesotho, only licensed gun owners26 22 21 27 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 Lesotho are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm26

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Lesotho is 18 years21

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Lesotho must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and addiction21 26 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Lesotho, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are required26

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Lesotho, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every year25

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Lesotho, the law requires27 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 Lesotho, licensed firearm dealers are required25 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 Dealer Gun Sales

In Lesotho, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful21

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Lesotho, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm28 is four months in prison25 21

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Lesotho 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 200629 30

Southern African Development Community

As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Lesotho signed the SADC Declaration Concerning Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials in March 2001. This laid the ground for the August, 2001 adoption of the legally binding SADC Protocol on Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials31

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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 200732 by Lesotho.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified33 by Lesotho

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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 acceded to34 by Lesotho

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Lesotho 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 Aspects35

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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 Lesotho against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 9836 37 38 39 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, Lesotho has submitted one or more national reports40 16 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Lesotho, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated16

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Lesotho, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated16

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Lesotho submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent16

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated16 by Lesotho to other UN Member States

UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided16 to Lesotho by other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Lesotho has not declared41 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Lesotho has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196642

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list43 Lesotho 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 16,44 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 Lesotho, annual homicides by any means total

2015: 8977
2013: 658
2012: 641
2011: 712
2010: 7648 9
2009: 723
2008: 752
2007: 895

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

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

2015: 43.567
2013: 32.44
2012: 31.81
2011: 35.53
2010: 38.28
2009: 37.73
2008: 39.26
2007: 46.69
2005: 37.3010
2004: 13.25
2003: 13.60
2002: 7.50
1999: 50.41

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 79711
2010: 56511

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

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

2015: 75.5911

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Lesotho, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 10011
2010: 199

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

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

2015: 8.9011

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Lesotho, annual firearm homicides total

1997: 47712
1996: 337
1995: 297

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

1997: 23.6912
1996: 17.12
1995: 15.42

Link
Conflict Deaths

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

Disarmament

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Small Arms Destroyed

In Lesotho, the number of firearms destroyed following amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be

2001: 3,84345

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Lesotho, it is state policy46 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 Lesotho, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law14

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Firearm Tracing

In Lesotho, state authorities carry out46 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Link
Global Peace Index

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

3.

GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Lesotho.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,3 August. (Q16274)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2022.‘Calculated Ranking.’ Estimating global civilian-held firearm numbers..Geneva:GunPolicy.org,30 June. (Q15876)Full Citation

5.

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

6.

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

8.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Lesotho.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q9969)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Lesotho.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6393)Full Citation

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Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Sub-Saharan 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. (Q3812)Full Citation

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

12.

UNODC.2001.‘Lesotho: Total Recorded Intentional Homicides (Completed) and Total Recorded Intentional Homicides Committed With a Firearm.’ Sixth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems, covering the period 1995-1997.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,27 June. (Q1341)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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Lesotho.2010.‘Marking.’ National Report of Lesotho 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 Lesotho to the United Nations,2 February. (Q4611)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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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

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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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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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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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Pefole, Katleho.2004.‘Illegal Arms.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa.Pretoria:Institute for Security Studies,1 October. (Q8807)Full Citation

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Pefole, Katleho.2004.‘Legislative Control of Firearms.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa.Pretoria:Institute for Security Studies,1 October. (Q8805)Full Citation

22.

Pefole, Katleho.2004.‘Firearms Board.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa.Pretoria:Institute for Security Studies,1 October. (Q8804)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.

McKenzie, Katharine.1999.‘Lesotho: Domestic Gun Control Policy.’ Domestic Gun Control Policy in Ten SADC Countries.Johannesburg:Gun Free South Africa,1 September. (Q8835)Full Citation

26.

Pefole, Katleho.2004.‘Procedures for Obtaining a Firearm Licence.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa.Pretoria:Institute for Security Studies,1 October. (Q8803)Full Citation

27.

Lesotho.2010.‘Record Keeping.’ National Report of Lesotho 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 Lesotho to the United Nations,2 February. (Q4612)Full Citation

28.

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

29.

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

31.

SADC / UNODA.2001.‘Protocol on Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Southern African Development Community Secretariat / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,1 August. (Q3217)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

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.

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

36.

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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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

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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

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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

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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

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Pefole, Katleho.2004.‘Destruction of Firearms.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa.Pretoria:Institute for Security Studies,1 October. (Q8802)Full Citation

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Lesotho.2010.‘Tracing.’ National Report of Lesotho 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 Lesotho to the United Nations,2 February. (Q4613)Full Citation