MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union

THEME 1
Regulating the sale and possession of ammunition
Ammunition controls are an integral part of comprehensive control measures
and play an important role in reducing the impulsive use of certain
types of guns, particularly by young people. Most countries regulate the
sale of ammunition and many require that it be securely stored, defining
the conditions under which ammunition may be held, and often making
its purchase conditional on possession of the appropriate licence. Some
nations, such as South Africa and the Philippines, limit the amount and
type of ammunition that an individual may purchase or possess.
The following examples demonstrate several approaches taken by societies
regarded as ‘peaceful’ and those recovering from war.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA
As part of a process of social transformation, legislative reform requires
broad involvement of citizens and parliamentarians. The development of
the new arms law in South Africa presents an example of the power of a
largely transparent and public process. Starting in 1999, a wide public
consultation and parliamentary hearings were key features that created
opportunities to challenge norms of possession and misuse as both a
political and cultural issue. The draft law was subject to scrutiny by many
interest groups within civil society which included weapons dealers and
owners as well as health professionals, women’s rights groups, violence
prevention groups, human rights advocates and various community-based
organisations.
Individuals and organisations were given six weeks to provide written
submissions on the Bill, which was then debated in parliament over a sixweek
period through a public hearing process. This lengthy consultation
period enabled the production of a final piece of legislation which reflected
as far as possible the interests and concerns of all stakeholders.
Throughout this period there was intense public debate on the merits of
the law and its purpose. One of the results of this public process is that it
appears to have shaped and influenced both public opinion in favour of
stricter regulations, and altered behaviour of civilian gun owners in reducing
the demand for firearms. 66
The new Firearms Control Act was finally passed in October 2000 at
its second hearing. Among its provisions are owner licensing requirements,
background checks on gun owners, and limitations on the number of guns
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