Misuse of small arms

Inappropriate use of light weapons

Nature

Greatly contributing to instability today is the vast quantity of firearms circulating around the world, many of them left over from the superpower competition of the Cold War era and the civil wars of the 1980s. Light arms are the primary weapons used in most current conflicts and cause more deaths than any other types of weapons.

Background

The global significance of small arms misuse emerged in the 1990s, as post-Cold War conflicts and rising crime rates highlighted their role in fueling violence and instability. International attention intensified following UN reports and the 2001 Programme of Action, which documented the proliferation and devastating impact of illicit small arms. Subsequent research and advocacy have deepened understanding of how misuse perpetuates insecurity, prompting ongoing international efforts to monitor, regulate, and address this persistent challenge.

Incidence

While nobody knows precise numbers, a good estimate is that there are 500 million firearms in circulation - approximately one for every twelve people in the world. And this 500 million includes at least 100 million assault rifles. According to the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA), small arms and ammunition represent about 13 percent of the total worldwide trade in conventional weapons. Using ACDA's estimate of $172 billion for total world arms exports in 1990-1995, this yields $22.2 billion worth of small arms sales, an enormous figure especially considering the low cost of small arms.

According to United Nations estimates there are about 10 million small arms and light weapons circulating in Afghanistan, about seven million in West Africa and two million in Central America. International trade in such weapons is estimated at $3 billion per year.

Claim

The misuse of small arms is a grave and urgent crisis that fuels violence, crime, and instability worldwide. Every day, countless lives are shattered because these weapons fall into the wrong hands. Ignoring this issue is both reckless and irresponsible. We must confront the proliferation and misuse of small arms with unwavering determination, as the safety and future of our communities depend on decisive action against this devastating problem.

Counter-claim

The so-called "misuse of small arms" is grossly exaggerated and hardly a pressing issue. Most firearms are owned and used responsibly, with only a tiny fraction involved in crime. Focusing on this topic distracts from real societal problems like poverty and education. The constant alarmism around small arms misuse is unwarranted and serves only to fuel unnecessary fear, rather than addressing the root causes of violence in our communities.