IANSA - International Action Network on Small Arms

The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is a global movement against gun violence that links organizations working to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons.  We have Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and are the official coordinator of civil society participation in UN meetings on small arms.

We are providing resources on this website--briefing papers, reports, UN Conference documents and videos--to support civil society organizations, government officials, journalists, students and individuals in their work on issues related to small arms and light weapons.

IANSA aims to reduce gun violence by:

• Supporting efforts to increase global peace, stability, and sustainability by reducing demand for such weapons, improving firearms regulation, and strengthening controls on arms transfers
• 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;
• iIncreasing the role of women in global conversations on small arms and light weapons (SALW) related violence and encouraging the meaningful participation of women as stakeholders in the fight against gun violence, as opposed to passive victims.