Number: RS22108
Title: The United Nations and "Gun Control"
Authors: Marjorie Ann Browne, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, some sources have stated that the United Nations is trying to disarm the world by taking control of all guns, including in particular, guns held by private citizens in the United States. U.N. member states have discussed problems associated with increasing numbers of firearms throughout the world in various U.N. organs and subsidiary bodies. These discussions have been directed towards illegal manufacture and trafficking in firearms. This report summarizes the results of these considerations in two central U.N. venues - the criminal arena and the arms control and disarmament arena. U.S. representatives have participated in these discussions, usually pointing out this country's interest in protecting the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens to own guns. U.S. representatives have also expressed concern that the increasing quantities of illegally manufactured and trafficked firearms that are contributing to rising levels of crime, violence, and conflict are also accessible to terrorists.
Pages: 6
Date: April 7, 2005