Global Week Against Small Arms: Say NO to Arms!
Tragic incidents, caused by use of small arms, are almost a daily occurrence in Macedonia. The number of injured by gunfire is on the rise, as is the number of participants in violent acts involving firearms. According to the information available from SEESAC (SEE Small Arms Control), presented by CIVIL, the number of illegal arsenal in Macedonia lingers around 450,000, owned by some 170,000 persons. The survey that CIVIL itself conducted in five cities in the country, on a sample of 300 predominantly young persons (between the ages of 14 and 22), approximately 40 of the polled have come in contact with fire arms. The survey was conducted in cooperation with UNDP/SACIM, in May 2004. The most common weapons owned are a pistol and Kalashnikov type assault rifle, and only 25% of the polled would report the presence of guns in their schools to the police. Only 18% of the poll believe that guns are carried around for self-protection, while 45 percent believe it is done “for the fun of it”. According to the data from a similar SEESAC survey on the use of small arms in Macedonia, 89% of the victims in gun-fights are male. The data from the analysis conducted by the media show that about 10 of the victims are children and under-aged. The SAY NO TO ARMS Campaign, with the goal to increase the awareness of the dangers and tragic consequences the small arms bring to the country, addresses all relevant factors, institutions, media and individuals, to give their contribution to the fight against arms. The Government, the local authorities and political parties are invited to adopt and implement policies that will make the safety of the citizens paramount, and to create systems and plans for stable and safe community. |
Printable version
Back to top
