The uncontrolled spread and misuse of small arms and light weapons constitute a crisis of global proportions. They destroy both lives and livelihoods; they are a threat to peace and development, to democracy and human rights.

Since the mid-1990s, civil-society groups and some progressive governments have begun to develop measures to combat the crisis. This handbook is a unique resource which draws together lessons from successful campaigns in many parts of the world. It is primarily designed to be a resource for civil-society organizations, but it will be of use to anyone seeking...