(PhilANSA)
Small Arms and light weapons continually inflict violence on millions of men, women and children. Though arms have legitimate use under the international law this does not mean it is unlimited. Uncontrolled proliferation of arms exacerbates human suffering and threatens development. It brings down the opportunity to reconstruct post-conflict and post-war societies and to address the impact of war and violence on communities. A challenge to all governments and civil society organizations is to be responsible for the budding problem of arms, especially when human rights and international humanitarian law are upheld and in making communities safer from armed violence.
Small Arms and Light Weapons
“Small Arms and Light Weapons” refer to weapons that can be carried by a single person, either for military or civilian use. It is often abbreviated to “small arms” or “SALW”. It covers a wide range of weapons – from pistols, machine guns and other firearms, to grenades, portable anti-tank systems and mortars.
About PhilANSA
The Philippine Action Network on Small Arms (PhilANSA) is a loose network of peace organizations and advocates. It was convened prior to the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspect in July 2001.
PhilANSA is now composed of 14 organizations/networks across the country. These are organizations/networks working on different areas/issues (i.e. peace, human rights, public health, children, demobilization, reintegration, relief and rehab, etc).
PhilANSA is an active member of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) that supports the efforts of organizations working to prevent the spread and misuse of small arms.
Goal
It is the thrust of the network to contribute in addressing the complex issue of weapons in society and coordinate efforts and/or support initiatives that address the issue.
Specifically:
· On the demand and supply side of weapons;
· The misuse and proliferation of arms;
· The impact of weapons in society;
· The impact of weapons in the development programs in communities, and;
· The protection of communities;
Intervention Points
· Advocate enforcement of gun existing gun control laws
· Media Campaign
- promote SA & LW concerns
- promote media sensitivity vs culture of violence/for culture of peace
· International lobby to address supply-side issues
· Support peace processes (with MILF & NDF); introduce amendments & monitor implementation of GRP-RPA agreement
· Research
- Explore/research alternative methods of conflict resolution
- Continue community-based research on supply-demand-impact of SA&LW
· Promote Culture of Peace
- Thru community-based programs (e.g., inter-faith dialogues, ban toy gun campaign)
- integrate SA&LW concerns in peace education programs
· Facilitate giving voice/face to affected communities
PhilANSA Member Organizations
PhilANSA is governed by a steering committee, the highest decision-making body, composed of all the founding member organizations. PhilANSA operates on a voluntary and activity-based commitments and services from its member organizations/networks. Currently, the Center for Peace Education – Miriam College (CPE) acts as the secretariat of the network.
· Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation, Inc. (Marawi City) (AMDF)
· Amnesty International – Philippines (AI-Philippines)
· Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC)
· Cordillera Peace Forum
· Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute (GZOPI)
· Medical Action Group – Philippines/International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War – Philippines
· Pax Christi – Philippines
· Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ)
· Peace Education Network (PEN)
· Pikit Parish, North Cotabato
· Third World Studies Center (TWSC)
· United Youth of the Philippines (UNYPHIL)
ACTIVITIES
Public Education and Awareness Campaign
PhilANSA worked on its one-year project entitled “Public Education and Awareness Campaign to Generate Community responses on the Issue of Small Arms and Light weapons.” The project aimed to confront and challenge the prevailing apathy of the public on the issue of small arms and light weapons in the community by generating community responses on the issue.
Advocacy and Networking
PhilANSA supports the international campaign launched by Oxfam, Amnesty International and the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) calling for effective arms control to make people genuinely safer from the threat of armed violence.
