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Joys of the children as a gun
Cambodia is well known for its scourge of landmines, which litter the entire country after almost 30 years of internal armed conflict. Less well known is the equally lethal legacy of small arms that accumulated over the decades of fighting and mistrust. Despite the end of armed conflict, an unjustifiable surplus of weapons and ammunition remain in the country. Proliferation and misuse of small arms have a direct negative impact on community development, human security, human rights, and public health in Cambodia.
• No accurate statistical information regarding the number of weapons in circulation in Cambodia exists. However, currently available information indicates that the number in both rural and urban areas is extraordinarily high1.
Availability and Cost of Weapons
• According to a 1998 feasibility study, there is easy and inexpensive access to abroad variety of weapons and ammunition across Cambodia2.
• The study found that AK-47's were readily available for US$ 5-50, M-16's for US$ 18-100, and B-40 rocket launchers with explosives were available for as little as US$ 32. Pistols prices started from approximately US$ 120. Prices varied depending on the condition of the weapon and where it was acquired.
• Ammunition for most weapons is easily available throughout the country.
Gun-Related Injuries and Fatalities
• According to a survey conducted by the Ministries of Health and Planning in 2000, guns are the fourth most common cause of accidental injuries and deaths, surpassing landmine incidents in frequency.
• While landmine accidents are concentrated in a few Northeast and Southwest provinces, gunshot injuries occur throughout the country with higher numbers in urban areas. Following birth defects, illnesses, and landmine accidents, guns are the most common cause of physical impairment in Cambodia.
• At the rates reported by the survey, over 19,000 men and women arc currently disabled and 13-15 more are injured or killed each day as a result of gun injuries.
Humanitarian Impact of Weapons Misuse
• According to a 2001 WGWR research study, the proliferation and misuse of small arms
• Women and children are often the immediate recipients of weapons misuse and abuse. They lose loved ones, main income earners, and valuable properties.
• The more intangible consequences can include loss of face, social status, and/or social support. Some women become widows, resulting in the primary and sole responsibility of feeding young children and other family members. Children, on the other hand, can drop out of school to help support their family in terms of income earning or care for younger siblings.
Weapons Black Market
• A weapons black market operates out of the Tek Thla market in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Visible activity of the market varies according to the level of public attention. Although the market is illegal, it is still in operation.
Arms Trafficking in Cambodia
• During the 1990's a number of countries supplies weapons and ammunition to various parties in Cambodia, reportedly including North Korea, South Africa, Czech Republic, Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Seychelles and Malaysia4.
• Reports imply that weapons continue to illegally flow through the country to regional conflict areas including Indonesia. Burma, and Sri Lanka5.
• Recently, more attention has been directed toward the growing concern over Cambodia's involvement in illegal trafficking networks that supply small arms and light weapons to conflict areas. A recent Cambodia Daily article highlighted the issue that gravely affects the entire South East Asia region. According to the paper, the issue of weapons smuggling from parts of Cambodia to the Indonesian Province of Aceh was addressed at a meeting of military officials during the most recent ASEAN meeting6.
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