"The seas bring us together, they do not separate us." –Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia The Caribbean and the Pacific each offer a unique and contrasting perspective toward addressing armed violence. Despite sharing similar challenges as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), each region faces very different circumstances on the ground. In light of this, each region has taken a different approach toward addressing armed violence. The Pacific stands... (GunPolicy.org)

Tuvalu and Palau have become the first countries in the Pacific to sign the UN small arms treaty. The treaty, which opened for signatures in New York on Monday, puts rules in place that make countries consider human rights before any arms trade deals are made. New Zealand and Australia have also signed it and Samoa will be doing so in September at the UN general assembly. The Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, Barry Coates, says he hopes other Pacific countries... (GunPolicy.org)

The full weight of Palau's ban on all hand guns and rifles has been enforced with the sentenced of a man to 12-and-a-half years in jail for possession of a firearm. Inis Remoket pleaded guilty to possessing the weapon and ammunition after being arrested in July last year. The court heard there was an incident at a bar where it's alleged Remoket taunted another customer with a hand gun, which he later threw away when police arrived. The ban on hand guns and rifles... (GunPolicy.org)

KOROR, Palau — The Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs of the House of Delegates will conduct an inquiry into the recent sale of government firearms and ammunitions to foreigners. Del. Augustine Mesebeluu, the committee chairman, said they were informed recently about the sale of eight outdated firearms to MY Tattoosh, the vessel reportedly owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Mesebeluu said lawmakers want to know how many firearms and ammunition... (GunPolicy.org)