Small Arms and Light Weapons

 

Introduction & Overview

introduction
introduction & overview of the issue

overviews & key resources
overview factsheets, key websites & resources


In-depth Resource Guide

articles & literature
articles, documents, factsheets, reports & publications

organizations & websites
organizations, programs, and other informational websites
introduction  More than 500 million small arms and light weapons are in circulation around the world – one for about every 12 people. They were the weapons of choice in 46 out of 49 major conflicts since 1990, causing four million deaths – about 90 per cent of them civilians, and 80 per cent women and children. Human security is under increasing threat from the spread of small arms and light weapons and their illegal trade. They have devastated many societies and caused incalculable human suffering. They continue to pose an enormous humanitarian challenge, particularly in internal conflicts where insurgent militias fight against government forces.