RE: DEALING WITH GUN VIOLENCE

According to the World Economic Forum, "There are more than one billion firearms in the world, and the majority are owned by ordinary people, according to the Small Arms Survey. It estimates that 85% are in civilian hands, 13% are in military arsenals, and law enforcement agencies own 2%." Amnesty International suggests that "Gun violence is a daily scourge that threatens our most fundamental right: the right to life. More than 600 people die every day as a result of firearms violence, which is driven in part by easy access to firearms, whether legal or illegal." They also suggest that "Anyone can be affected by gun violence, but it often disproportionately impacts people of colour, men and boys in deprived communities, and other marginalized groups. Domestic violence involving firearms also puts women at heightened risk of death or life-changing injuries. (Amnesty International, 2024)"

The vast majority of gun violence occurs outside of armed conflict settings. A significant proportion – in some states, more than half – of firearm deaths are caused by suicide and accidents. Our human rights are not protected if our leaders fail to tackle and end the epidemic of gun violence and gun deaths.

Amnesty International explains that "gun violence is violence committed with firearms, such as handguns, shotguns, or semi-automatic rifles. More than 600 people are estimated to die every day from gun violence, with two-thirds of gun-related deaths, including suicides, occurring in just six countries (in descending order): Brazil, the USA, Venezuela, Mexico, India, and Colombia. Up to 71% of all homicides globally involve gun violence. The majority of victims and perpetrators are young men, but women are at particular risk of violence from an intimate partner possessing a firearm. Sexual violence can also be perpetrated at gunpoint. They also suggest that "Firearms cause devastating injuries that leave a lasting impact on mental and physical health. Some gunshot victims need intensive, lifelong care. Others may lose their ability to work. Many have little or no access to programmes that offer adequate long-term care and rehabilitation "(Amnesty International, 2024).

For more information, please see these reports:

• The World Economic Forum. (2019). There are more than 1 billion guns in the world, and this is who owns them. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2019/03/there-are-more-than-1-billion-guns-in-the-world-and-this-is-who-owns-them.

• Amnesty International. (2024, January 11). Gun violence - Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence.