Small arms

Australia’s gun law reforms have had a profound impact on gun-related deaⁱth rates.

This MAPW 2008 fact sheet details the casualties — and potential for further conflict — caused in one afternoon by one Singapore-produced, high velocity, assault rifle. A composite written from real-life stories, these three cases illustrate the costs in human lives, of the global weapons trade.

All 12 fact sheets on the global weapons trade prepared by MAPW with the Uniting Church, Quakers and Pax Christi; including Australia's role in armaments production; particular weapons; environmental effects of war; and particular weapons manufacturers. These fact sheets provide a succinct introduction to the human costs of weapons production.

This fact sheet looks at Thales and its role in arms production globally and as one of Australia's largest weapons manufacturers; with a particular focus on the health effects of small arms. It was prepared by Dale Hess and is No 12 in a series on the global weapons trade.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for armaments in the world. This fact sheet describes the connection between conflict in the region, and Australia's past arms exports. It is No 2 in a series on the global weapons trade.

There are around 875 million small arms in the world. Guns injure over a million people every year, and kill 300,000. This fact sheet outlines the problem. It is No 3 in a series on the global weapons trade.

Flyer for Victorian Branch MAPW meeting, October 14 2008. Speakers: Dr Melanie Archer, who worked as a forensic entomologist assisting with autopsies in the Solomon Islands; and Dr Mark Zirnsak, on the human rights impacts of the global arms trade.