May 20, 2022.
It is crucial that controls on small arms and light weapons (SALW) are considered as an important part of measures to address armed violence and conflict. The purpose of this briefing paper is firstly to look at the connection between SALW availability and violence, and the ways that SALW proliferate around the world. The paper also outlines some of the significant harms that are facilitated by the absence of effective controls or measures to reduce the demand for weapons. In addition, the paper briefly sets out some of the legal limits that exist on SALW and includes ideas for urgent action that civil society organisations can take to advocate for effective SALW controls.