(Update Paris 1994, Ottawa 1997)
Noting that while there was only one international war in 1998 but in the 40 internal wars 90% of deaths and injuries are estimated to have been from small arms which are part of conventional weapons. (These include revolvers, pistols, sub-machine guns, grenades and mortars, fuel-air explosives such as Molotov cocktails and napalm and shoulder launched anti-tank missiles);
Also noting small arms come from legitimate supply by governments, and by manufacturers who are given permission, or even encouraged to export, by their governments;
Alarmed that 300 companies in 50 countries make small arms which represents a 25% expansion in ten years;
Recognising on-going internal wars usually involve small arms and that in many countries they are a hedge against poverty, since they can be traded for food, shelter or transport,
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN is urged
1. to work through the United Nations to improve and strengthen controls on the arms trade in order to achieve a more effective education in the production and trade of conventional weapons,
2. to ask its National Councils to call upon their governments to use their influence in the international arena to advocate for greater controls in this production and trade,
3. to ask National Councils to urge governments not to sell arms to countries that use children in armed conflict.
—
Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — 29th General Assembly, Helsinki, Finland, July 2–8, 2000. Resolution No. 11.
