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Togo — 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 Togo is

2017: 58,0001
2007: 60,0002

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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 Togo is

2017: 0.801
2007: 1.02

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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, Togo ranked at No. 1493

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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, Togo ranked at No. 1532

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Number of Registered Firearms

ChartThe number of registered guns in Togo is reported to be

2017: 10,0001
2013: 5,6064

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered guns per 100 people in Togo is

2013: 0.085

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Estimated Number of Unregistered and Illicit Firearms

Unregistered and unlawfully held guns cannot be counted,6 but in Togo there are estimated to be

2017: 48,0001

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Togo are reported to have 12,8507 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Togo are reported to have 5,0008 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Togo, annual homicides by any means total

2015: 6689
2012: 68410
2010: 625
2008: 62711

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

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

2015: 8.849
2012: 10.310
2010: 9.48
2008: 10.911
2004: 13.7012
2002: 10.50

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Togo, annual male homicides by any means total

2015: 54913
2010: 44713

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

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

2015: 14.8713

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn Togo, annual female homicides by any means total

2015: 11813
2010: 17813

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

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

2015: 3.1713

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Gun Homicides

In Togo, annual firearm homicides total

2010: 09

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Togo, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is prohibited14 15 16 17

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Togo, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law18 15

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Togo is reported by Customs to be US$94,95319 (2010)

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Firearm Imports

In Togo, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law18 20

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Togo is reported by Customs to be US$244,29819 (2011)

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Togo, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law21 22

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Togo include23 18 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Togo includes the Decree No. 62 2 of 8 January 1962 governing the import, possession and transfer of manufactured arms and their ammunition, the Decree No. 93 060/PR of 19 May 1993 on the creation and functions of an advisory committee to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security and the Decree No. 95 011/PR of 19 April 1995 governing the import, possession and transfer of manufactured and improvised hunting firearms and their ammunition20

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Togo are regulated by the Home Office20

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Right to Possess Firearms

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

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Togo, the law requires26 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 Togo, State agencies are required27 28 29 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 - Government

Government regulations in Togo include29 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

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

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Togo, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law30 28 18

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Firearm Tracing

In Togo, state authorities do not carry out31 22 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Togo, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm32 is one year in prison and/or a fine33 34 35

Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

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Firearms Surrendered and Seized

In Togo, the number of firearms voluntarily surrendered, bought back or seized by authorities is reported to be 20536 (2012)

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Small Arms Destroyed

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

2003/09: 9,90937

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Togo, it is state policy38 29 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Togo 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 200639 40

Economic Community of West African States

In June 2006, as a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Togo adopted the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials. This stipulates strict controls on the transfer, manufacture, possession and security of small arms and light weapons41

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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 201142 by Togo.

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Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified43 by Togo

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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 ratified44 by Togo

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Togo 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 Aspects45

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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 Togo against its commitments to the PoA, then ranked it at No. 8646 47 48 49 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, Togo has submitted one or more national reports50 22 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Togo, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated51 22

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Togo, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated51

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Togo submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was apparent51 22

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated22 by Togo to other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Togo has not declared52 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Togo has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196053

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list54 Togo as a Participating State

BackgroundCountry Profile

Link
Conflict Profile

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

Link
Global Peace Index

To see where Togo 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.

Togo.2014.‘Registered Firearms.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12559)Full Citation

5.

GunPolicy.org.2016.‘Calculated Rates - Togo.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,5 October. (Q12640)Full Citation

6.

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

7.

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

8.

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

9.

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

10.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Togo.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10016)Full Citation

11.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Togo.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6369)Full Citation

12.

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

13.

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

14.

Togo.2016.‘Manufacture (Fabrication).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,10 March. (Q12565)Full Citation

15.

Togo.2014.‘Export Authorisation (Autorisation d'exportation).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12564)Full Citation

16.

Togo.2010.‘Identification of Local Dealers and Manufacturers of Handcrafted SALW (L'Identification des Fabricants et Distributeurs Locaux d'ALPC Artisanales).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4780)Full Citation

17.

Togo.2014.‘Manufacture.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12558)Full Citation

18.

Togo.2016.‘International Transfers (Transferts internationaux).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,10 March. (Q12566)Full Citation

19.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

20.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Comparison of the Main Regulatory Aspects Examined - Senegal.’ 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. (Q4015)Full Citation

21.

Togo.2016.‘Brokering (Courtage).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,10 March. (Q12567)Full Citation

22.

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

23.

Togo.2012.‘International Transfers.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,27 June. (Q12556)Full Citation

24.

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

25.

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

26.

Togo.2010.‘Registration of Firearms Owned by Civilians (L'Enregistrement des Armes Détenues par les Civils).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4778)Full Citation

27.

Togo.2009.‘Small Arms Stockpile Management.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,24 March. (Q4782)Full Citation

28.

Togo.2018.‘Marking and Record-keeping.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q13712)Full Citation

29.

Togo.2016.‘Stockpile Management (Gestion des stocks).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,10 March. (Q12568)Full Citation

30.

Togo.2010.‘Measures to Prevent the Manufacture, Storage, Transfer, and Possession of Unmarked or Inadequately Marked Firearms (Mesures pour Prévenir la Fabrication, le Stockage, le Transfert et la Possession d'Armes Non Marquées ou Insuffisamment Marquées).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4779)Full Citation

31.

Togo.2016.‘International Tracing (Traçage international).’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,10 March. (Q12569)Full Citation

32.

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

33.

Togo.2014.‘Possession and Commerce - Penalty.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12561)Full Citation

34.

Togo.2014.‘Possession and Commerce - Penalty [Prohibited Firearms].’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12560)Full Citation

35.

Togo.2014.‘Possession and Storage - Penalty.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12562)Full Citation

36.

Karp, Aaron, Nicholas Marsh and Giorgio Ravagli.2015.‘Number of Firearms Reported Seized by Police, 2010-2013.’ UNODC Study on Firearms 2015.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),3 July. (Q10542)Full Citation

37.

Togo.2014.‘Firearms Destroyed.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12557)Full Citation

38.

Togo.2014.‘Destruction Policy.’ National Report of Togo 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 Togo to the United Nations,1 January. (Q12563)Full Citation

39.

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

40.

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

41.

ECOWAS / UNODA.2006.‘Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and other Related Materials.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Economic Community of West African States Secretariat / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 June. (Q3219)Full Citation

42.

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

43.

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

44.

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

45.

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

46.

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

47.

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

48.

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

49.

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

50.

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

51.

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

52.

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

53.

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

54.

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