Small arms and light weapons claim more victims worldwide than any other type of weapon.

 

Small arms, a weapon category that encompasses firearms, are particularly harmful because they are easy to acquire, transport, and use, making them a significant factor in armed violence worldwide. The illicit trade in small arms fuels conflict, organized crime, terrorism, and human rights abuses, and it poses challenges to sustainable development. In 2001, States adopted the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (PoA). Under the PoA, governments agreed to improve national small arms laws, import/export controls, and stockpile management, and to engage in cooperation and assistance. Additionally, in 2014 the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) entered into force, establishing international standards governing arms transfers to prevent and eradicate illicit trade and diversion of conventional arms.


An art exhibition entitled "Crush the Illicit Trade in Small Arms" was held at UN Headquarters in New York in 2006, coinciding with the United Nations Small Arms Review Conference.  Almaparlantes, a musical group from Colombia, performed at the opening of the exhibition. One of their musicians played the "escopetarra", a guitar made from an AK-47.



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