IPSS Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing IPSS Theses and Dissertations by Author "Gebremichael, Mesfin (PhD)"

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    Regulating Proliferation and Misuse of Small Arms in Eastern Gojjam Zone of Amhara Regional State
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Tenaw, Aemro; Gebremichael, Mesfin (PhD)
    Proliferation of small arms and light weapons is one of the serious human security and development challenges for communities in the world whether in the time of peace or conflict/war. Despite various international, regional & sub-regional and national approaches formulated to regulate proliferation of small arms and light weapons, they have faced implementation challenges. In addition, many states still lack national legislation to regulate small arms problem. The central objective of the study is to assess the reasons for possession and misuse of small arms and legal and institutional policies in the study area. The study was basically qualitative case study using both primary and secondary sources of data. The sampling technique was nonrandom sampling technique which includes convenience, snowball and purposive sampling. Accordingly, the data were collected through in-depth interview with key informants and informants as well as illegal brokers, and focus group discussion organized from elders. Document analysis was also used as a source of data. The study has revealed that even though the exact number of small arms is unknown, the magnitude or number of small arms possessed and circulated in East Gojjam Zone is high. This has negative implication to human safety and security. According to the findings of the study, the major reasons for possession and misuse of small arms are: cultural (pride, revenge and emotional music and poetry), easy availability and brokering, security dilemma, alcohol and lack of skills to manage guns. In addition, the findings show that the legal mechanism is not enough to regulate proliferation and miss use of small arms in the study area. As central territory of the country it is expected that the government should take strong and effective measures to control small arms problem. But, in practice, there are no much concrete actions to regulate small arms problem. Therefore, adoption, sensitization and implementation of the law as well as continuous awareness raising and education to bring attitude change towards possession of small arms and some harmful cultures is required to monitor small arms in the study area.