IANSA is the global movement against gun violence – a network of 800 civil society organizations working in 120 countries to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW). IANSA is composed of a wide range of actors concerned with small arms, including policy development organizations, national gun control groups, women’s groups, research institutes, aid agencies, faith groups, survivors, human rights and community action organizations.
Small arms are easily obtained in the communas where gangs and illegal armed groups vie for control.
In joining as a network IANSA creates the critical mass needed to advocate forcefully at local, regional and international levels for stronger regulation on guns in society and better controls on arms exports. It represents the voices of civil society on the international stage, such as in the UN process on small arms. It draws on the practical and specific experiences of its members to campaign for policies that will protect human security.