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Oman — 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 Oman is

2017: 792,0001
2007: 650,0002

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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 Oman is

2017: 16.701
2007: 25.42

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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, Oman ranked at No. 693

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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, Oman ranked at No. 172

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Oman is reported to be 5,0004

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners per 100 people in Oman is 0.215

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Oman are reported to have 118,3606 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Oman are reported to have 31,0007 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Total Number of Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 28
2010: 28

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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.068
2010: 0.07

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Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 18
2010: 18

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Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of male gun death per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.068
2010: 0.06

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Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total

2014: 18
2010: 18

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Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of female gun death per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.078
2010: 0.08

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual homicides by any means total

2014: 269
2013: 97
2012: 39
2011: 3410 11
2010: 48
2009: 37
2008: 47
2007: 37
2002: 1510 12
2001: 13

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

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

2014: 0.819
2013: 3.08
2012: 1.26
2011: 1.12
2010: 1.62
2009: 1.27
2008: 1.65
2007: 1.32
2006: 1.2913
2005: 1.67
2004: 2.10
2003: 0.90
2002: 0.610 14 13
2001: 0.6
1997: 0.9113
1995: 0.94

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual male homicides by any means total

2014: 2015
2010: 28

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

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

2014: 0.8215
2010: 0.12

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual female homicides by any means total

2014: 515
2010: 18

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

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

2014: 0.3715
2010: 0.088

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Gun Homicides

In Oman, annual firearm homicides total

2010: 08

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2010: 08

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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

In Oman, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be

2011: 4%11

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Male Gun Homicide Victims

In Oman, annual male firearm homicides total

2010: 08

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Female Gun Homicide Victims

In Oman, annual female firearm homicides total

2010: 08

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Handgun Homicides

In Oman, annual handgun homicides total

2012: 316

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Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2012: 0.105

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual suicides by any means total

2014: 78
2010: 168

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

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

2014: 0.228
2010: 0.54

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Oman, annual male suicides by any means total

2014: 68
2010: 168

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

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

2014: 0.418
2010: 1.20

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

In Oman, annual female suicides by any means total

2010: 08

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Gun Suicides

In Oman, annual firearm suicides total

2010: 08

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

In Oman, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2010: 08

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Male Gun Suicide Victims

In Oman, annual male firearm suicides total

2010: 08

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Female Gun Suicide Victims

In Oman, annual female firearm suicides total

2010: 08

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Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2014: 28
2010: 28

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.068
2010: 0.07

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Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total

2014: 18
2010: 18

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Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Oman, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death per 100,000 population is

2014: 0.078
2010: 0.08

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Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn Oman, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total

2014: 18
2010: 18

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

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Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

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Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Oman, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2010: 08

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Oman, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence, but is not conducted in practice4

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 Oman is reported by Customs to be US$017 (2011)

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Firearm Imports

In Oman, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law18

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

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

2016: 31,000,00019

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Oman is low4

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Oman is categorised as restrictive20

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Oman includes the Inquiries Regulations on Firearms and Ammunitions4

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Oman are regulated by the Directorate General of Criminal Investigations4

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Oman, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law21 22

Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

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Law Regulates Automatic Weapons

In Oman, civilian possession of automatic weapons is regulated by law11

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Regulation of Handguns

In Oman, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence4 11

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Law Regulates Long Guns

In Oman, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law11

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Oman, only licensed gun owners4 11 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 Oman are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection, security4

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Oman is 25 years4

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Oman must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and domestic violence4 11 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Oman, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required4

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Oman stipulates4 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Oman, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required4 for a firearm licence

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Licensing Records

In Oman, authorities maintain a record16 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Oman, the law requires23 16 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 Oman, licensed firearm dealers are required24 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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State-Owned Firearm Records

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

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Oman include4 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Oman include4 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 Oman, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law11

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Oman, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm26 is a fine16

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

League of Arab States

As a member of the League of Arab States, Oman adopted the Arab Model Law on Weapons, Ammunitions, Explosives and Hazardous Material in January 200227

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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 signed28 by Oman.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has not been signed29 by Oman

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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 ratified30 by Oman

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Oman 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 Aspects31

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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 Oman against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 13032 33 34 35 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, Oman has submitted one or more national reports36 18 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Oman, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated37 18

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Oman submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent18

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated18 by Oman to other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Oman has not declared38 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Oman has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196739

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list40 Oman 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 16,41 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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Conflict Deaths

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

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Disarmament

Authorities in Oman are known to have16 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

Marking and Tracing

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Firearm Marking

In Oman, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law23

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Firearm Tracing

In Oman, state authorities carry out23 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Link
Global Peace Index

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

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.

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.

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

4.

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

5.

GunPolicy.org.2014.‘Calculated Rates - Oman.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,8 July. (Q4275)Full Citation

6.

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

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.

WHO.2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation

9.

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

10.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Oman.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10293)Full Citation

11.

Butchart, Alexander, Christopher Mikton and Etienne Krug.2014.‘Country Profile: Oman.’ 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. (Q9435)Full Citation

12.

UNODC.2005.‘Recorded Homicide and Firearm Homicide in 53 Countries, Completed or Attempted.’ Eighth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2001-2002).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,15 April. (Q1077)Full Citation

13.

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

14.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Oman.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6292)Full Citation

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

16.

Fahad Al Mukrashi. 2013. ‘ROP Drive to Register Weapons.’ Times of Oman. 6 August. (N302) Full Citation

17.

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

18.

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

19.

Picard, Michael, Paul Holtom and Fiona Mangan.2019.‘Annexe A2: Annual Authorized Small Arms and Light Weapons Imports by Major Importers.’ Trade Update 2019: Transfers, Transparency, and South-east Asia Spotlight.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,12 December. (Q14070)Full Citation

20.

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

21.

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

22.

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

23.

Oman.2010.‘Marking.’ National Report of Oman 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 Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4668)Full Citation

24.

Oman.2010.‘National Legislation.’ National Report of Oman 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 Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4667)Full Citation

25.

Oman.2010.‘Control of Weapons Depots.’ National Report of Oman 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 Oman to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4669)Full Citation

26.

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

27.

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

28.

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

29.

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

30.

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

31.

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

32.

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

33.

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

34.

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

35.

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

36.

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

37.

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

38.

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

39.

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

40.

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

41.

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