MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union

MISSING PIECES
Safe storage
Safe storage requirements are designed to reduce the risk that weapons
will be stolen or used impulsively. Typical safe storage measures include
unloading the gun, separating it from its ammunition, and the use of locked
containers and trigger locks. In Indonesia, all guns licensed for shooting
and hunting must be stored and used at a shooting club. 48
Carrying guns in public
Some countries place restrictions on the conditions in which guns may
be legally carried, such as the designated ‘Firearm Free Zones’ in South
Africa. 49 The cities of Bogotá and Cali in Colombia have both experimented
with bans on the carrying of handguns on holidays and weekends with
some success. 50 Brazil’s disarmament law prohibits all civilians from carrying
firearms in public (an exception is made for civilians who need to carry
a weapon to perform their jobs, e.g. security officers or hunters).
2. Prohibiting/restricting certain users of guns
Most countries screen and license potential owners, impose age restrictions,
and undertake background checks. However, there are significant differences
in approach. Some nations require formal safety training, whereas
others also require the provision of references and waiting periods before
purchase. Different categories of users are singled out to be restricted or
prohibited from acquiring guns.
Convicted criminals
In most countries, being found guilty of a serious crime, such as murder,
drug trafficking, or acts of terrorism, disqualifies an individual from acquiring
guns in the future. In Canada, the law provides broad grounds for
refusal: ‘A person is not eligible to hold a licence if it is desirable, in the interests
of the safety of that or any other person, that the person not possess a
firearm, . . . ammunition or prohibited ammunition’. 51
Violence in the home
Given the particular role of legally owned guns in the murder, injury, and
intimidation of women and children in the home, 52 several countries have
instituted screening mechanisms to prevent gun acquisition by those with
a history of family violence, whether or not it resulted in a criminal conviction.
Canada requires current and former spouses to be notified before a
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