Introduction

Abstract

From conflict to crime, from acts of terrorism to the innumerable acts of violent repression by states, the use and misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is the common ingredient. SALW misuse in conflict and crime is estimated to result in over 500,000 deaths per year, and countless other injuries (Small Arms Survey, 2001, p. 1). For example, one oft-cited statistic indicates that in 90 per cent of conflicts since 1990, SALW have been the primary weapons used in fighting, and have contributed to the increased proportion (between 30 and 90 per cent) of civilian deaths in those conflicts (ICRC, 1999).