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WFSA News and Information



November 2006

November 21, 2006

Irish politician's gun suggestion

The Irish Independent has published an article describing a politician's suggestion for a gun amnesty.

Speaking on a radio station, the Justice spokesman of Fine Gael, Jim O'Keefe, called for a "proper" gun amnesty, and went on to outline a proposal for bins to be placed in locations such as clubs and churches, so criminals can use them for anonymously surrendering their guns.

O'Keefe said he was responding to the perceived inadequacy of a past government amnesty which he deemed unsuccessful. This amnesty failed to offer immunity to criminals who handed in weapons used in crime.

The radio station, according to the report, was swamped with calls from listeners who scorned the idea as unpractical.



November 14, 2006

Bans proposed, laws broken in the Philippines

The PIA Daily News Reader has reported (PIA) that from January 12, 2007 until June 13 of the same year a total ban is proposed in the Philippines on the transport of guns, even by those entitled to have them. The stated aim is the prevention of violence during the May elections.

Specifically, the ban covers the movement of firearms through public places such as buildings and streets by means of either private or public vehicle. The only exceptions will be for those with written authorization under the Election Code.

The Philippines National Police have recently stepped up activity in manning checkpoints in the search for so-called "loose" firearms.

Another article published on the same day, this time from the Inquirer, says the National Bureau of Investigation has just made an arrest which involved the seizure of a number of firearms bearing marks indicating they were of police issue. It is alleged that police have been involved in direct sales of arms, and the matter is now under investigation. Recent surveys have shown that more than half of the country's policemen live below the poverty line.

PIA Daily News Reader



November 1, 2006

UN attention to go to small arms ammunition

The United Nations is expected to continue to devote attention to small arms, according to a press release (GA/DIS/3337) from the Department of Public Information in New York.

The First Committee of the Sixty-first General Assembly has approved a draft in consideration of problems arising from ammunition stockpiles. The intent would be to determine the size and nature of ammunition surpluses, their level of security risk, means of destruction and whether external assistance would be required to achieve it. According to the text, a group of governmental experts is likely to be appointed by 2008, with a view to examining the ways in which cooperation can be gained from all nations.

Without voting, the Committee also gave tentative approval to revised drafts on assistance to nations in reducing the illegal traffic in small arms. On the basis of international security and stability in Eastern Europe, there are expected to be further collections of surplus arms there.

As has been usual in recent times, the numbers of arms stockpiled are being linked to problems with development in many nations and regions. As well as putting attention on ammunition, the present moves encourage the collaboration of organizations of civil society and governments especially in the Sahelo-Saharan sub-region to combat illegal traffic in small arms.

Of particular interest is that the moves wish to see the General Assembly issue calls to the international community for financial support in strengthening civil society organizations to combat the illicit trade.


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