UN forges program to combat illicit trade in small arms

Since the early 1990s, a global network of arms control groups, humanitarian aids agencies, UN bodies, and concerned governments have been working to adopt new international controls on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Although not legally binding, the Programme of Action is intended to prod national governments into imposing tough controls on the import and export of small arms, so as to prevent their diversion into black market channels.