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UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28, 2012 (IPS/GIN) - The goal of curbing small arms proliferation appears more elusive than ever, according to a report released this morning by the independent research project Small Arms Survey.
As much as 8.5 billion dollars is spent every year on authorised international transfers of small arms and light weapons, more than twice the previous estimate of 2006, according to Small Arms Survey's annual flagship publication, the 2012 edition of which is titled "Moving Targets". The project, based in Geneva, has been investigating small arms and light weapons across the world for more than 13 years.
Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which range from handguns to landmines or hand grenades, cause many deaths and injuries across the world. The United Nations (U.N.) has been trying to reduce SALW trade for years.
"Across the world, violence carried out with small arms and light weapons undermines our efforts to promote sustainable development, protect human rights, build safer cities, improve public health, and help countries emerge from conflict," stated U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the beginning of the survey.
"The casualties include children, the stability of entire societies, and public confidence in institutions," Ban added.
The Small...