Disec Study Guide
Disec Study Guide
Agenda Item
The Impacts of Civilian Gun Ownership on International
Security and the Regulation of Civilian Access to Small Arms
DEFNE DİDİM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL
It is my greatest honour to welcome you to the first session of MTTMUN. As we gather once
again for this prestigious conference, I am reminded of the incredible potential each of you
brings to the table. This is not just a forum for debate but a platform for shaping ideas, fostering
understanding, and cultivating leadership. The world we live in today is marked by challenges
that demand innovative solutions, open dialogue, and a collective commitment to progress.
Through Model United Nations, we seek to prepare future leaders to address these challenges
with empathy, resilience, and courage. MTTMUN is not only an academic exercise but also a
transformative experience where you can step out of your comfort zones, challenge your
perspectives, and grow into the global citizens of tomorrow. This year’s conference theme,
creating a better world, is a reflection of our shared values and aspirations. It underscores the
importance of cooperation over division, understanding over prejudice, and action over
indifference. It is a call to engage with the world’s complexities, not as obstacles, but as
opportunities to create meaningful change. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and
dedication that the Secretariat, organizing team, and staff have poured into making this
conference a success. MTTMUN is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and excellence,
and I am confident that this year’s edition will set new benchmarks for engagement and
innovation. As you prepare to embark on this exciting journey, remember that this conference
is not only about resolutions and awards—it is about the lessons you will carry with you long
after the closing ceremony. It is about the friendships you will forge, the ideas you will spark,
and the impact you will make. On behalf of the entire Secretariat, I wish you a memorable and
transformative MTTMUN experience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do
not hesitate to reach out to myself or any member of our team. Together, let us make this year’s
MTTMUN an unforgettable celebration of diplomacy, dialogue, and determination.
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LETTER FROM THE UNDER-SECRETARY GENERAL
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1. INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE
The first committee of the United Nations General Assembly; as known as the Disarmament
and International Security Committee (DISEC or C1) was founded in 1945 in order to deal with
disarmament, global challenges and risks that affect the international society, and seek out
solutions to the difficulties in the international security regime.
It considers all disarmament and international security matters within the scope of the Charter
or relating to the powers and functions of any other organ of the United Nations; the general
principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as
principles governing disarmament and the regulation of armaments; promotion of cooperative
arrangements and measures aimed at strengthening stability through lower levels of armaments.
The first committee meets every year in October for a 4–5-week session after the General
Assembly General Debate to have further discussions on various problems. The Disarmament
and International Security Committee concentrates on topics such as; nuclear weapons, other
weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons, regional and international disarmament,
international security. Civilian gun ownership and individual armament also a topic included in
DISEC committee’s scope in regard to establish global peace.
The committee’s agenda item is the impacts of civilian gun ownership on international security
and the regulation of civilian access to small arms. It is focusing on small arms and light
weapons, its impacts on global security and the precautions the countries may take in regard to
develop international framework.
In order to discuss about the civilian small gun ownership, it is essential to adopt a common
definition. Currently, there isn’t an international definition to describe SALW which all of
countries accepted. However, the most comprehensive and accepted definition is reached by
the Panel of Governmental Experts on Small Arms formed by the request of the United Nations
General Assembly.
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According to this definition, small arms are arms designed for “personal use by one person.”
They include revolvers, self-loading pistols, rifles and carbines, and assault rifles. According to
the same definition, light weapons are weapons that can be used by a small crew and encompass
heavy machine-guns, grenade launchers, mobile anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, and mortars
of calibres under 100 mm. There are also ammunitions such as cartridges for small arms, shells
and missiles for light weapons, anti-personnel hand grenades, landmines, and explosives.
The main reason this definition accepted is the fact that that it is also refers to regional and sub-
regional agreements. Even though this definition is almost international, it has in itself several
limitations.
The above-mentioned definition is developed under two main concerns. First of all, the
weapons that have been regrouped under SALW title, do not belong any other categories and
similar in terms of their portability. In this sense, it can be argued that the diversity in the SALW
category emanates from the fact that it is a residual definition. Another reason why they ended
up on such a definition is that those weapons included in the definition are those that have
caused the most negative impacts both on human security and humanitarian operations led by
the UN in the 1990’s.
Although the definition and the efforts made to prevent the proliferation of SALW, it is
insufficient in regard to its production, ways of distribution, and the markets they appeal. These
differences make complications on the implementation of current laws.
Therefore, it must be recognized that the definition has limitations in itself and can cause
difficulties for the development and adoption of policies since there is no uniformity in the
SALW sector.
Gun laws and policies, collectively referred to as firearms regulation or gun control; regulate
the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, and use of small arms by
civilians. Laws of some countries may afford civilians a right to carry and bear SALW, and
have more liberal gun laws than neighbouring countries. Gun regulations typically restricts
access to certain categories of firearms and limits the people who may have
granted permission to access firearms. There may be separate licenses for hunting, sport
shooting, self-defence collecting, and concealed carry, each with different sets of requirements,
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privileges, and responsibilities. These specialized licenses also limited and controlled by the
authorities.
Laws of gun control are usually justified by a legislature’s intent to prevent or decrease the
usage of small arms in crime. These laws frequently target a group of arms identified as used
in crimes and shootings, that is why it is essential to describe the targeted group of arms.
Persons restricted from legal access to firearms may classified as a certain age or those with a
criminal record. Firearms licenses may be denied to individuals at risk of harming or murdering
themselves or others, persons with a history of domestic violence, alcohol use
disorder or substance use disorder, mental illnesses. Those applying for a firearm license may
need establish sufficiency by completing a gun safety course and how provisions for a secure
location to store weapons.
The legislation which restricts small arms may also restrict other weapons, such as explosives,
crossbows, swords, electroshock weapons, and pepper spray. It may also restrict firearm
accessories. There may be restrictions on the quantity or types of ammunition purchased, with
certain types prohibited.
It is very difficult to have exact data on SALW related issues. This is due partly to the fact that
like most black-market transactions, illicit trade in SALW can only be estimated. However, it
is also difficult to estimate the legal transactions and transfers of SALW.
Reliable data sets can only be achieved if states agree to provide accurate information on the
number of SALW and related components they produce, on the amount of SALW they have in
their inventories and on the number of SALW in civilian possession in the country. They should
also agree to give information on the trade in SALW, being exports, imports or transits.
The latest estimated figure of SALW in circulation around the world amounts to a minimum of
875 million.
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3.2.Threat to Peace and Security
Individual armament can be legalized with regional and global frameworks. However, it is clear
that proliferation and stockpiling of weapons can cause unrestrained access to SALW, and their
accessibility without authorization pose a direct threat to the peace and security of the
international community. The individual use of these weapons has the potential to escalate
existing tensions, make the situation even more unstable in the region, and intensify hostilities.
In the event that armed groups, criminals, or terrorists are able to acquire small arms and light
weapons without authorization, this has the potential to exacerbate existing violence and
complicate efforts to maintain peace.
Small Guns and Light Weapons are guns which can be easily portable, hidable and obtained.
These qualifications make these types of weapons accessible. This accessibility can be
beneficent for the citizens who required license to SALW, however the illegal actions make the
regulations and the more comprehensive laws necessary.
The demand for individual armament in conflicted areas often rises because of survival instincts
and safety concerns. Civilians wants to protect themselves from the dangers caused by ongoing
conflict. However, unregulated and easy access to SALW a great threat to the people who lives
in the warzone or bordering on such areas. It doesn’t only break the conflicted countries’ laws,
also affect other countries safety and make them unprotected against ongoing war.
Terror and violent actions are also supported by the money earned with the illicit accession and
trade of unregistered SALW devices. It is crucial to have international laws to stand against
crime actions with legal assurance.
A global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) imposing strict rules to regulate international SALW
transfers has been in force for over five years, yet global arms trading is still on the rise and
continues to fuel human rights abuses. Countries that have ratified the treaty failed at some
points to comply with it, and transfer weapons to places where they risk being used to commit
serious violations of international humanitarian law, including possible war crimes.
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Civilians are damaged by modern conflicts. Weapons such as artillery, guided bombs and
missiles destroy hospitals, homes, markets and transport systems, pushing survivors into
poverty.
Irresponsible and illicit arms trading in conflicted areas affects those living inside and outside
areas of armed conflict and political instability. Gun violence is a problem that impacts people
around the world, the vast majority of whom are not living in conflict zones. Globally, more
than 500 people die every day because of violence committed by firearms in warzones.
Security of borders also a crucial aspect when conflicted areas are the topic. Illicit trade, its
destructive and violence boosting impacts are also related with the SALW regulation.
Technological increasements and their impact on security can be considered as a solution,
however it is necessary to have a legal framework to supply border security to the conflicted
areas.
For example, in Yemen, the conflict affected a lot of people and the authority couldn’t prevent
the situation because of their weak governance. Individuals joined the conflict at a moment,
political issues become more effective in people’s lives. Individual armament started to used
for individual’s protection, however this demand created an illicit trade market in order to
supply individual arms to citizens. The need of protection also created an illegal environment
and this affected the peace environment hopes due to governmental deficiency.
At present time, individual armament issue is a crucial matter for people whom live in warzones
or post-warzones. Russia-Ukraine War and Israel-Palestine conflicts are the most mentioned
conflicts worldwide and they have global effects on economy, safety and human rights
violation. Individual armament both effective in positive and negative meanings.
There are lots of implementations against crime on educational areas. SALW regulation and
it’s public-level impacts are also important subjects that should be discussed. Finding new
opportunities to increase awareness should be a priority to prevent unconscious utilization of
small guns and light weapons (SALW). It can be considered to utilize technological
developments to create educational content implemented into school curriculums.
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4. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF INDIVIDUAL ARMAMENT
The right to keep and bear arms can claim an ancestry stretching for well over a millennium.
This right’s origin lay in the customs of Germanic tribes, under which arms bearing was a right
and a duty of free men; in fact, the ceremony for giving freedom to a slave required that the
former slave be presented with the armament of a free man.
Individual armament and duty differed greatly from the feudal system which were coming into
existence in Europe. Individuals held the primary political and military power during the feudal
system was persisting. In England, a system evolved whereby peasant armament became the
great underpinning of the status quo and individual armament became viewed as a right rather
than a threat. The developments in England spread all over Europe and Asia.
While firearms had been invented sometime before, only in the 16th century they did become
truly portable with the invention of the wheellock. This breakthrough inspired a number of
attempts in Europe and England to control weaponry. First, possession was outlawed, and that
only without a license or "placard" from the king or the emperor. However, there were still
some exceptions to prevent land protection.
In the 16th century, individual armament had a significant transformation, particularly with the
widespread use of firearms. During this period, the increased use of gunpowder in Europe led
to the development of portable firearms such as rifles and pistols, which began to be utilized
both in military or individual use. The dissolution of feudal structures and the strengthening of
central states increased the demand for firearms among individuals. In urban areas, people
began to carry weapons to protect themselves from robbers or criminal groups.
Moreover, armament was regarded not only as a means of security but also as a symbol of status
and prestige. During the colonization of the Americas, individual armament played a crucial
role in settlers' defence against domestic people and served as an essential tool for daily
activities such as hunting.
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4.2. Enlightenment Ideals to Modern Debates
By the 18th century, the industrial revolution led to the implementation of mass production
techniques in firearms manufacturing, which made access to weapons even easier for
individuals. However, during this period, the idea that individual armament needed to be
controlled started to be debated. As a result, many countries began establishing legal
frameworks to regulate armament.
After the 18th century, individual armament gained increasing importance due to technological
advancements and political developments. The Industrial Revolution made mass production of
firearms possible, which, made them more accessible to the general public. As firearms became
more common, governments began to take action and regulate their ownership and use. In the
United States, the Second Amendment, ratified in 1791, protected citizens' right to bear arms,
though its interpretation has been debated over time. By the 19th century, European nations
started to implement gun control laws, such as licensing, in response to rising concerns about
public safety. The issue of individual armament has continued to evolve throughout history,
shaped by societal needs, technological changes, and political ideologies.
Most of the governments had their own regulations to control the usage of SALW in order to
provide a safe environment. They founded several organisations and systems to cooperate with
other countries, however the regional conventions and agreements couldn’t provide an
international concurrence on SALW, their usage, definition, regulation and proliferation.
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a forum established
in early 1970 for political dialogue on a wide range of security issues and a platform for joint
action to improve the lives of individuals and communities. The organisation uses a
comprehensive approach to security that encompasses the politico-military, economic and
environmental, and human dimensions. Through this approach, and with its inclusive
membership of 57 states, the OSCE helps bridge differences between states by co-operating on
conflict prevention. It has observer status in the United Nations.
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There are some countries which is not participating the OSCE, but their international laws and
regional commissions are associated with the organisation. That association provide a strong
relation between nations from different geographical regions.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) promotes global peace by
reducing the spread of small arms, light weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. It supports
disarmament treaties, aids in implementing the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms
(POA), and fosters international cooperation to prevent the illicit trade of weapons.
The European Union (EU) regulates small arms through policies like the EU Common
Position on Arms Exports, ensuring responsible arms exports from member states. The EU also
supports disarmament treaties and promotes cooperation to prevent the illicit trade of SALW.
The Organization of American States (OAS) addresses small arms control through the
CIFTA Convention, which encourages member states to strengthen laws against illegal
trafficking. The OAS also provides assistance to improve border security and prevent arms
smuggling in the Americas.
The African Union (AU) focuses on controlling the spread of small arms through the African
Common Position. It aims to reduce illicit arms trafficking and enhance peace and security
across Africa by working with regional organizations and international partners.
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5.1. Conventions and Agreements Related with the Above-Mentioned
Organisations
The African Common Position (CAP) identifies substantive issues of importance to Africa
and arrives at a consensus on Africa's key priorities, concerns and strategies to be reflected in
the outcomes of the post-2015 negotiation process. It also related with the regulation of SALW
in Africa.
These regional agreements and organisations are support each other in scope of international
moves. However, the deficiency of an international agreement creates complications and
inconsistency between countries.
6. LEGAL ENFORCEMENTS
The regional conventions’ scope depends on the needs of the mentioned countries’
priorities, and legislature’s intentions. Although there are not specified groups, we can
separate the countries according to their stance on civilian SALW ownership.
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6.1. Unrestricted or Minimal Regulation
The countries which permitted to usage of SALW without restrictive laws are generally located
in North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. Some of these countries have
unrestricted laws because of their lack of governance; but in some areas, such as The United
States of America, it is a granted permission since the country has founded. The cultural factors
may have effects on the regulation of SALW either. There are some examples to the countries
which have non-regulated gun enforcements.
In the United States, the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right protected by
the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, and by the foundations of most U.S.
states. The Second Amendment declares ‘’A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the
security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’’
Stemming from English common law tradition, the concept of a right to keep and bear arms
was recognized prior to the creation of a written national constitution.
In Yemen, civilian armament is not restricted because of the weak governance and conflicted
areas. Civilian armament plays a crucial role to enable people to protect themselves and
licensing system is not developed enough to establish peaceful environment to their citizens.
In Switzerland, while Swiss gun laws are generally more regulated than the others on this list,
Switzerland is known for its tradition of civilian gun ownership, particularly related to military
service, where gun ownership is seen as part of national defence.
6.2.Permissive Licensing
Permissive licensing allows citizens to access small arms and light weapons without various
implementations. There are some non-comprehensive controls such as passing a background
check and demonstrating a need for the firearm, but the overall process is straightforward and
less bureaucratic.
Syria has a complex and highly permissive stance on firearms ownership due to ongoing
conflict and weak enforcement of gun control laws. While official regulations exist, such as
requiring civilian firearm ownership to be approved by the government, the country has
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widespread illegal gun ownership, driven by the civil war and the availability of weapons from
various factions.
Mexico also has a permissive structure which allow citizens to bear small arms in a minimal
regulated environment. The government still require the basic information and purpose of usage
but don’t restrict the access completely. It is easier to access SALW in Mexico than the other
Latin American countries.
6.3.Restrictive Licensing
Restrictive licencing policies are much more detailed than the permissive approaches. The
applied civilians must have the sufficiency in various aspects. Mental stabilisation, personal
background, proficiency and purpose of use is highly required by the legislature.
Russian Federation has a highly regulated licensing procedure according to their civilian
armament laws. Citizens can own SALW for hunting or sporting purposes. To own their own
license, they must undergo background controls, mental health evaluations, and proficiency
tests. The government especially looks for specific abilities and require several health
certificates. These precautions are necessary to provide a regulated environment in Russia.
Germany also has a very restrictive licensing procedure due to safety reasons and control the
access to small arms. Civilians have right to apply for a license in order to use it for sporting,
hunting and self-defence purposes. The government require several mental stability tests, very
detailed background information of the purpose of requiring and citizen’s life. It is very
elaborative process to achieve the limited level and have the license.
China is one of the strictest countries with a prohibitive policy. Firearms are mostly prohibited
for private individuals. Exceptions are limited to specific groups, such as military personnel
under several regulations. Stringent laws reflect the government’s view on maintaining public
security.
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7. CONCLUSION
7.1. Recommendations
In order to face the nations individual armament difficulties, delegates must prioritize
enhancing safety with international legal enforcements approved by all the nations. Using
technological developments to supply more regulated borders and secure the conflicted areas
with create specialized agreements can be discussed in the committee. Development of an
international SALW definition, finding solutions to the illicit trade of individual armament
weapons, preventing the illegal utilization of SALW in conflicted areas, and finally creating
digital and educational contents are the points that delegates should focus and find solutions
immediately.
Following questions should be answered during the committee’s operation. Delegates
resolution paper should include these questions and their solutions.
1. How can small arms and light weapons be defined accordingly to global perspectives,
and what scope should SALW term has?
2. Which roles the existing divisions play on regional civilian gun ownership, how the
disagreements be solved in order to have applicable global conventions?
3. How transparency of small arms and light weapons enhanced on production,
distribution, individual access to prevent illicit trade?
4. Which actions countries may take to strengthen the current international cooperation on
individual armament? Which type of agreements and legal frameworks are needed to
provide public safety?
5. How public safety can be enhanced in conflicted areas? How can decrease the harmful
effects of individual armament with SALW in war-zones?
6. How can education be used to spread awareness, and which kind of educational contents
would be produced to implement consciousness in public about individual armament
and usage of SALW?
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8. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND SOURCES FOR FURTHER RESEARCHES
2. Amnesty International. (2023). Twelve billion bullets are produced every year. Available
Obligations in Eighth and Ninth Century England," in England before the Conquest 69
5. Decision No. 10/17 Small Arms and Light Weapons and Stockpiles of Conventional
6. European Union External Action, n.d. EU Common Position on Arms Exports. Available
7. Hill, Stephen M. April 2006. “Introduction: Future Directions in Small Arms Control”
Special Issue: Future Directions in Small Arms Control Contemporary Security Policy. Vol.
27. No 1.
8. Kohn, Richard H., "The United States and the First World War." Cambridge University
Press, 1994.
COUNTRIES.
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10. Rapid Spread of Small Arms, Light Weapons Still Threatening World Peace, Exacerbating
Plight of Civilians in Conflict Zones, Disarmament Chief Tells Security Council Meetings
11. Supreme Court affirms fundamental right to bear arms. The Washington Post. Archived
12. United Nations Security Council. April 30, 2008. 5881st Meeting, Provisional records.
S/PV.5881.
13. UN General Assembly - First Committee - Disarmament and International Security. (2024).
Un.org.
Britannica.
15. Organization of American States, n.d. Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit
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