For every woman's safety, rights and well-being, in Sweden and the world, it is important to prevent access to illegal small and light weapons. This is what Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues, and Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, write in a debate article.
Today, on International Day Against Violence Against Women, we pay attention to the importance of gender equality in achieving lasting peace. Over a billion small and light weapons circulate around the world. The presence of firearms is clearly increasing levels of violence against women - both inside and outside armed conflicts. We demand more measures to prevent the uncontrolled spread of weapons in order to increase women's security and enable women to participate in society. It is written by Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, and Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues.
November 25, 2021, Debate
Killer robots could become the self-propelled weapon system of the future unless an international ban takes effect. Photo: Campaign to stop killer robots
Of: Jill Karlström Thunberg
Killer robots act without human control and violate international law. The robots increase the likelihood of war and discrimination against certain vulnerable groups. An international ban can counteract the development of killer robots, but this process is complicated by the current tense geopolitical situation and Sweden's passive attitude, according to several experts in the field.
May 12, 2021, Reportage
Continued arms exports to the war in Yemen. Photo: Felton Davis, Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Of: Hanna Kristiansen
In the government's foreign policy debate at the end of February, the focus was on Sweden's involvement through humanitarian aid in the serious conflict in Yemen. At the same time, the export of Swedish munitions to the warring parties continues, which contributes to human rights violations. Sweden's arms exports are in sharp contrast to the development policy adopted by the Riksdag, says Magnus Walan, senior policy adviser at Diakonia
May 3, 2021, Reportage
In January 2021, an international agreement enters into force that bans nuclear weapons under international law. Photo: Tim Wright. Flickr.com.
Of: Amanda Lindell
On January 22, 2021, nuclear weapons may be banned. That after Honduras became the 50th state to adopt the UN Nuclear Weapons Convention. All nuclear weapons states have boycotted the agreement, but Svenska Fred's chairman Agnes Hellström believes that the agreement will still have major effects.
January 19, 2021, Interview
The uncontrolled flow of small and light weapons has serious consequences around the world, the debaters write. Photo: Pixabay
Every hour, 25 people in the world die due to armed violence. At the same time, we see how violence and conflicts are spreading around the world where the Corona pandemic is predicted to increase the risk of more conflicts. Peace cannot be taken for granted and the world must put an end to armed violence, write several current and former members of parliament from various parties on International Peace Day.
September 21, 2020, Debate
The uncontrolled flow of small and light weapons has serious consequences around the world, the debaters write. Photo: Pixabay
Of: Anders Ankarlid, Karin Enström, Karin Olofsson, Martin Nihlgard and Olle Thorell
Over a billion small and light weapons are circulating around the world, many of which are illegal. The existence of illegal weapons is directly linked to conflict, terrorism, organized crime and violence against women. Now politicians, companies and civil society must work together to reduce the spread of weapons in the world, several debaters write.
December 17, 2019, Debate
Following last week's elections in Bolivia, President Evo Morales is accused of electoral fraud. Several liberal debaters are demanding that aid to the country be stopped. Photo: Sebastian Baryli, Flickr
Of: Sarah Hyde
During the week, several debaters have expressed concern about Sweden's cooperation with states that do not respect human rights and democracy. Swedish arms exports to Colombia, aid to Bolivia and trade agreements with Cuba. There are some issues that have been debated.
October 30, 2019, Current debate
Small and light weapons - such as pistols and rifles - kill half a million people every year. They are therefore called today's real weapons of mass destruction.
Of: Body Valero, Charlotta Lotta Hedström, Charlotte Lotta Ohlsson, Christer Winbäck, Desired Pethrus, Eva Zetterberg, Håkan Svenneling, Hanna Gunnarsson, Karin Enström, Lotta Johnson Fornarve and Yasmine Posio Nilsson
Every day, an average of 575 people in the world are killed by weapons such as rifles and pistols. The Government's priorities in these matters are clear. Reducing the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons is an important goal of peace work. Now Sida must also listen to it, write 11 current and former members of parliament from different parties.
October 1, 2019, Debate
Photo: Varga Attila, Wikimedia Commons
Of: Agnes Hellström
Foreign Minister Margot Wallström says in an interview in Svenska Dagbladet that she does not understand how arms exports to countries such as the Philippines concern feminist foreign policy. There are many examples that explain how Swedish arms exports affect women's rights, resources and influence, writes Agnes Hellström at Svenska Freds.
May 9, 2018, Debate
Of: Ulrika Modéer
The work against uncontrolled proliferation of small and light weapons has long been a priority issue for Sweden. This is shown, among other things, in the budget for 2018, writes State Secretary Ulrika Modéer in a response to the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons questions.
December 11, 2017, Debate
