Concord Times (Freetown)
Rachel Horner
4 June 2008
Freetown — National Chairman for Amnesty International Sierra Leone Tuesday disclosed that gun violence claims the lives of more than 350,000 people and injuring scores of others.
Violet Kawa said the global trade that fuels the scourge of armed violence was yet to be internationally regularised.
She said they would organise radio discussion programmes and quiz competitions in Bo and Kenema districts to observe the Global Week of Action against gun violence, which is underway.
The campaign, which is observed by Amnesty International and civil society groups, is themed: 'Gang, guns and gender.' Kawa said they would use this year's campaign to lobby Members of Parliament, as they are in a position to influence public policy.
"We are calling on our national leaders to push for a strong and effective arms trade treaty through the United Nations," she said.
Francis M'boma of the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) said there were different forms of violence during war.
He called on all to join the campaign as arms are a menace to society.
Joseph Smith of campaign for peace and non-violence urged all Sierra Leoneans with fire arms to license them with the police.
He added that blades, knives and scissors are now been used by youths in the country to perpetrate violence.
Smith noted that bad governance and the collapse of the Rule of Law were some of the factors responsible for small arms proliferation in the country.
He called on civic groups to sensitization communities on the dangers of small arms.
Ibrahim Bangura, senior human rights officer of Human Right Commission said gun violence is very crucial to the country development.
He said his commission has identified its self with the campaign and will work with organizations fighting against small arms.
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