The Global Violent Deaths (GVD) database has been updated to include revised data on conflict deaths, intentional homicides, and killings during legal interventions between 2017 and 2021. The addition of the 2021 data to the GVD database—where the Small Arms Survey tracks and compiles statistics on violent deaths across 222 countries and territories—presents an alarming reversal in trends. The number of people who lost their life violently has dramatically increased in 2021, with firearms accounting for 45% of these deaths.

'Although 2020 will be best remembered for the turmoil of COVID-19, it was also the year with the fewest violent deaths in a decade.

New 2021 figures from the Small Arms Survey's Global Violent Deaths (GVD) database, however, show a six percent rise in global deadly violence compared to 2020.

Such a surge hasn't happened since the infamous 2016 peak, when the devastating conflicts in Syria and Iraq were responsible for almost a fifth of the record number of violent fatalities...'

The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in West Africa expanded dramatically over the last decade. IED-building networks have established material and training links across conflict areas in West and Central Africa, and their designs have remained constant and inexpensive throughout the region—helping to increase their use in attacks against domestic and international security forces, UN peacekeepers, and civilians.

This article reviews research undertaken over the past two decades to support international policy on small arms and light weapons (SALW) – which include firearms – and discusses its relevance to academic debates and policy on gun violence.

Situation Update: South Sudan

Despite many high-profile interventions, Abyei remains mired in a violent impasse. Conflict between the Ngok and Twic Dinka continues, and the territory’s political future remains in limbo.  
 

The Small Arms Survey’s Peace Operations Data Set (PODS) documents attacks on peacekeepers and other incidents resulting in the loss of arms and ammunition. It is intended to support the development of effective checks and balances to enhance weapons and ammunition management (WAM) practices in peace operations and to promote the development of good practice.

• Read the Executive Summary in Tetum
• Check out other Geneva Declaration resources

• Check out other Geneva Declaration resources

• Check out other Geneva Declaration resources