Guns Hold Up Development (long version)

Five years after the adoption of the UN Programme of Action to address the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, representatives from governments, international and regional organizations, and civil society will meet at UN Headquarters in New York from 26 June to 7 July 2006 to review the efforts and progress made at all levels; to address future international cooperation and assistance issues; and to assess challenges on the road ahead. Illicit guns kill about half a million people worldwide every year. Africa suffers most, and it's here where hundreds of thousands of illegal small arms and light weapons are in circulation. In 2001, Tanzania also embarked on a five year National Plan of Action and set up an Arms Management and Disarmament committee. The Tanzanian Government are working with SaferAfrica, disarmament specialists funded by the European Union. The Arms management and Disarmament plan in Tanzania has had significant success across the country. It's the first comprehensive national approach anywhere in the world and is being offered as an example for the region. The government has recognised the need to work from the top down - from updating legislation, training police officers, to working with the public in tackling the problem. This video features key interviews with Jakkie Potgeiter, SaferAfrica, Dominic Hayuma, Commissioner of Police in Tanzania and Engelbert Kiondo, the Assistant Superintendent of Police. The European Union is working to reduce the devastating impact of illicit small arms in developing countries. On a continent where poverty reduction is a matter of life and death - progress must not be undermined by illicit guns.

European Commission | July 1, 2006