Summary
THINGS IN COMMON |
THINGS DIVERSE |
In general, countries that have higher firearm ownership rates also have higher firearm related death rates, including homicide rates. |
Some countries have strong regulation and high firearm related homicides. Other have low regulation and low firearm related homicides. |
Firearms are commonly used in domestic disputes where fatalities occur. |
The rate of firearm related death (accidents, homicides and suicides varies widely throughout the world). |
In contrast, firearms are hardly ever used in the commission of sexual assault. |
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There is broad international concern for the control and regulation of firearms. |
Countries differ widely in how they translate concern about firearm ownership into public policy and legislation. |
Most countries prohibit the ownership of firearms for civilians with a criminal record or a record of domestic violence. |
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Horrific incidents around the world have heightened awareness of firearms and their danger. |
A few countries have been spurred to legislate firearm control as a result of firearm tragedies. |
Most countries use some form of registry in order to trace lost or stolen firearms. |
The rate of firearm ownership around the world varies from less than one percent of households owning a firearm to as many as 50% of all households. |
The majority of countries prohibit the import and export of some firearms. |
Bilateral or international agreements concerning the regulation of firearms trade tend to be limited in scope. |
The majority of countries regulate the manufacture of firearms and their components. |
Countries in post-conflict situations often become the source of large numbers of illicit weapons, and become a centre of illegal smuggling of weapons to criminal in neighbouring countries. |
Prison, usually for a term of more than five years, is the most common punishment for the smuggling of firearms. |
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A common reason given for owning a handgun is for protection against crime. |
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