the global movement against gun violence
- The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is the global movement against gun violence – a network of 800 civil society organisations working in 120 countries to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). IANSA seeks to make people safer from gun violence by securing stronger regulation on guns in society and better controls on arms exports. It represents the voices of civil society on the international stage, for example in the UN process on small arms, and draws on the practical experience of its members to campaign for policies that will protect human security … (about 1/2).
- IANSA is an international non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations.[1] IANSA is based in London and has over 800 member organizations in 120 countries, working to stop the proliferation and use of small arms and light weapons … (full text on en.wikipedia).
Homepage;
Members; Work Areas; Campaigns; Jobs;
Address: IANSA, Development House, 56-64, Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT, UK;
Contact: by Facebook.
About 2/2: … IANSA is composed of a wide range of organisations concerned with small arms, including policy development organisations, national gun control groups, women’s groups, research institutes, aid agencies, faith groups, survivors, human rights and community action organisations.
What does IANSA do?
IANSA aims to reduce small arms violence by:
- raising awareness among policymakers, the public and the media about the global threat to human rights and human security caused by small arms
- promoting civil society efforts to prevent arms proliferation and armed violence through policy development, public education and research
- fostering collaborative advocacy efforts, and providing a forum for NGOs to share experiences and build skills
- facilitating civil society participation in global and regional processes
- promoting the voices of survivors, in solidarity with them and their families
How does IANSA work?
- IANSA is a participant-led network with highly diverse participants in different fields of work around the world. The structure, based on national, sub-regional and regional networks of civil society organisations, ensures that the network is driven by the needs and priorities of its participants. Global meetings of members are held at least once a year to discuss progress and strategy, and regional meetings more frequently.
What has IANSA achieved so far?
- Since 1998, IANSA has helped broaden and strengthen international small arms advocacy and research efforts, as well as devise remedies to counter gun proliferation through the creation of five regional NGO networks covering more than 30 nations. In the Central American regional network, organisations are pushing for the harmonisation of national firearm laws. In the Mercosur network in South America, NGOs are coordinating transnational public education and advocacy campaigns. And while the West African network is preparing a strategic plan for the region, the European network is developing an arms export control campaign. In addition, regional networks are emerging in South Asia, South East Asia, the South Pacific, East Africa, Eastern Europe and the Andean nations of South America.
- Since its formation, IANSA has been instrumental in raising and unifying the voices of NGOs involved in the United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action. At major conferences held in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006, IANSA brought governments into serious, meaningful dialogue with the NGO sector over small arms, ensuring that civil society remains effectively engaged in this important programme. IANSA is now recognised by the UN as an important global NGO network with valuable expertise to contribute to discussions at all levels.
- As a founding member of the joint Control Arms Campaign with Oxfam and Amnesty International, IANSA has also been heavily involved in pushing for a global arms trade treaty. Control Arms amassed significant public support for the campaign that culminated in the Million Faces petition, where individuals submitted their portraits in expressing their support for the treaty. A major political victory was achieved in 2006 when 153 of the world’s governments voted to start work on an arms trade treaty in 2007.
What’s ahead for IANSA?
- Policy advocacy. Advocating for improved national gun laws, regional agreements and international initiatives to better control the proliferation and reduce the misuse of small arms will be a central focus for IANSA’s activities. IANSA will continue to play a leadership role in the UN Small Arms Conference process and will remain actively engaged in its Control Arms campaign during the development process of a UN Arms Trade Treaty.
- Communications. IANSA will raise and maintain the profile of the small arms crisis by assisting in the development of advocacy and public education campaigns regionally and internationally. IANSA will engage and coordinate media outreach efforts to promote participant goals to wider audiences.
- Civil society engagement. IANSA will continue to expand and strengthen the network of organisations committed to stopping small arms proliferation. Existing networks will be strengthened and better engaged to ensure that regional focuses are targeted, effective and inclusive. National, regional and sub-regional networks will be established to address their specific concerns. Thematic networks built around key issues, including the Women’s Network and the Youth Network, will be further developed to increase international expertise and cooperation in joint efforts for change.
How is IANSA funded?
- IANSA’s work has been supported by funders including the Governments of UK, Belgium, Sweden and Norway, as well as the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Compton Foundation, Ploughshares Fund, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Institute, Samuel Rubin Foundation and Christian Aid – UK.
For more information about IANSA, please e-mail the Secretariat.