LONDON: One thousand people across the world are killed each day from small arms, a new report has said.
The London-based International Action Network on Small Arms said these statistics make it imperative for the United Nations to boost its curbs on the proliferation of guns worldwide.
IANSA's report released on Tuesday claims, "640 million guns are in circulation across the world and there are enough weapons to equip one in every 10 people."
IANSA, which is a global framework of more than 700 civil society organisations, is now calling on the countries to strengthen the UN Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons when it is reviewed next month after five years in operation.
IANSA Director Rebecca Peters said she is reasonably optimistic there will be progress on strengthening the code on transfers of small arms. But she says some countries, including Russia, Egypt and China, are showing signs of opposition.
Peters wants the United Nations to agree to universal regulations for the possession of small arms held by civilians.
After releasing the report, Peters said she hoped countries backing a tougher line at the
UN, including those from Africa and Latin America, will not be deterred from making reforms in the face of opposition from more powerful countries.
IANSA activists also want the UN to introduce a new code that states that members will not export to countries where there is a chance that guns and light weapons will be used to abuse human rights or hinder development.
