The West African Network on Peace-building (Wanep) The Gambia has joined the rest of the world in observing the Global Week of Action Gun Violence from June 11 to 17.

According to a press release from Wanep, people across the globe have united against guns during the annual Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence (11-17 June 2007). “IANSA members in over 100 countries are highlighting the human cost of small arms proliferation and misuse, demanding that governments enact policies that put their citizens’ security first.”

“Small arms results in 1000 deaths a day and countless more injuries, disabilities and disruptions to lives and societies. It fuels conflicts, abuse by authorities, murders, suicides, intimidation and fear. No country in the world is immune to the violence wrought by readily available guns, yet so far this devastating problem has been sidelined and has not received the attention it deserves at global level. The proliferation, spread and misuse of small arms is a global crisis,” the release added.

According to Wanep, Africa has been particularly affected by the availability of gun violence while African governments have taken some important first steps by putting into place regional legal agreements, but much more needs to be done. “The Week of Action is especially important in Africa because we see the impact of gun violence here every day. Right now the United Nations is calling for governments to submit their views on a proposed Arms Trade. Only 12 African countries have done theirs. The Gambia is yet to submit its view on the proposed Arms Trade Treaty.”

“In fact, only one in five African governments has responded to the UN Secretary-General’s call for submissions of on an Arms Trade - that compares unfavourably to other regions. For example in South America, more than 50% of governments have made submissions, Given the impact of armed violence across Africa, all African governments need to get behind this initiative before the deadline of 20 June,” according to the press release.

“The Gambia as a peaceful country and the beacon of peace in the sub-region should not miss out in this opportunity to make its submission in favour of an Arms Trade Treaty. Equally, we call on the government and the National Assembly to facilitate the government’s retification of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. So far only three countries in West Africa have ratified the Convention,” the release continued.

The press release then concluded: “Women in all regions of the world are affected by armed conflict and are particularly vulnerable to sexual crimes as well as social and economic impacts both during and after conflict. WANEP-The Gambia calls on all to join the fight against arms proliferation.”