United Nations and Gun Control (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
April 7, 2005 |
| Report Number |
RS22108 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Marjorie Ann Browne, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
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. This report will be updated as events warrant.
