Gender Perspectives on Small Arms: What are the linkages between small arms issues and gender perspectives?

In recent years, small arms proliferation has gained increased international attention. Although it is clear that small arms do not cause conflicts, there is consensus that they exacerbate conflicts and increase risks for civilian populations. Small arms facilitate the targeting of civilians during conflict, including in refugee situations. After a formal cease-fire, small arms proliferation can contribute to violent crime, instability and banditry. The abundance of small arms has, however, also been raised as an important issue in countries not at war, for example, the UnitedStates, South Africa, Australia and Canada (Cukier, 2000).