In some of the more violent parts of the world, small arms are many people's only defence. If people are to have the confidence to give up their weapons, they must feel that they live in a secure environment and can provide for themselves and their families without the help of a gun. This requires tackling much wider development and justice issues. Governments are beginning to take small steps to tackle the scourge of small arms, but more needs to be done. There is a big gap between rhetoric and action, and the fact that many of the world's richest and most powerful countries are major arms exporters means there is a danger that real solutions will be blocked.
Popular pressure is the key to ensuring comprehensive change.
This network will draw on the success of the global anti-land mine campaign, which achieved real results last year with the signing by many nations of the Ottawa Convention. The campaign will be launched in May 1999 and presents a vital opportunity to help build a safer world for the new millennium. During that same period the US also sold El Salvador close to 1,700 90mm pistols, and over a quarter million M67 hand grenades. The program offered vouchers for use in supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores, and appliance shops in exchange for weapons. The degree to which the nation is awash in arms was highlighted when a middle-aged woman arrived at one collection point with five rocket launchers in perfect condition.