(if applicable). States also have the duty to establish measures they can use to intervene at community level to reduce and prevent gun violence in people’s daily lives. However, public mass shootings have a profound emotional and psychological effect on survivors, families and communities.   |   In regard to use of firearms by felons: It is illegal in Florida for convicted felons to possess firearms, including muzzle loading guns, unless the convicted felon has had his/her civil rights restored and firearm authority restored by the state's Clemency Board or the gun qualifies as an antique firearm under Florida statute 790.001(1). The pair were arrested without incident and a firearm was recovered. Since the “green” licenses are deemed valid, we are of the opinion that it never was (and still is) not necessary to surrender the firearm while awaiting the new “white” license. Permissions Millions of people suffer the severe and long-term psychological effects that gun violence – or the threat of gun violence – brings to individuals, families and their wider community. Yes, gun reform works. Sometimes, the mere presence of firearms can make people feel threatened and fearful for their lives with severe and long-term psychological effects on individuals and whole communities. Seventeen people died in the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, on 14 February 2018. A person who surrenders his or her firearm during the period of amnesty will need to complete and sign the necessary forms at the … You can use this tool to change your cookie settings. I am submitting Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification, from a certifying Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency(ANA) A new firearm amnesty has provided a lifeline for gun owners with expired licences. Other kids from across the nation saw what we were doing and felt they could do it too. Every state that has ratified the ATT must follow strict rules on international arms transfers. ", The SCA upheld the Minister of Police and National Commissioner’s Appeal which had been heard on the 22ndÂ. Wide access to firearms and loose regulations lead to more than 39,000 men, women and children being killed with guns each year in the USA. Because thousands (some estimated as many as 900 000) of licensed owners failed to timeously apply for new licenses, SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SA Hunters) and the National Arms and Ammunition Collectors' Confederation of South Africa (NAACCSA), as friend of the court, brought an urgent application in the Gauteng Division of the High Court (Pretoria) which resulted in an interdict being granted on 26 June 2009, whereby it was ordered as follows: "(1) It is ordered that all firearm licenses contemplated in sub-item 1 of Schedule 1 (These are licenses that should have been renewed) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 2000) shall be deemed to be lawful and valid pending final adjudication of the main application; (2) This order shall operate as an interim order with immediate effect pending final adjudication of the main application relating to this case; (3) The costs of this application will be the costs in the main application. Page 2 of 11. The majority of victims and perpetrators are young men, but women are particularly at risk of firearms violence perpetrated by an intimate partner. The toll that gun violence has on victims, family members and the medical services has resulted in a chronic public health crisis – with remarkably little government response. The US government is prioritizing gun ownership over basic human rights. The ATT can save lives and protect people’s human rights. DO NOT sign SAPS 522(b) which is a forfeiture of a firearm. We continue to campaign for the effective implementation of the ATT which will stem the flow of weapons that fuel violations in conflicts, atrocities and state repression around the world. A New Firearm Amnesty was approved by Parliament on 31 July 2020. More than 500 people die every day because of violence committed with firearms. Despite the huge number of guns in circulation and the sheer numbers of people killed by guns each year, there is a shocking lack of federal regulations that could save thousands. Some need permanent, lifelong care, and many others lose their ability to work, particularly in physically demanding jobs. A firearms licence should be subject to certain criteria being met. I am under 16 years of age. All 50 states and Washington, D.C. allow for some form of concealed carrying of firearms in public. Gun violence can lead to a violation of the most fundamental human right – the right to life. Most children who are victims of firearm killings in the USA are from minority communities. We created March For Our Lives because our friends who lost their lives would have wanted us to take action. We literally started work on a living room floor. Lack of day-to-day security can have profound psychological impacts, particularly for those who have witnessed shootings, as well as for family members of victims. In some instances, health-related services may avoid locating in areas of high firearm violence because of issues associated with insecurity and poor staff retention. A person who surrenders his/her firearm during the period of amnesty, will be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police …   |   Refunds of donations. This is achieved by collecting and disseminating information regarding all aspects of the legitimate use of firearms. You can stand up and remind our leaders of their obligation to keep us safe. Firearms and ammunition which represent an unacceptable level of risk to public safety, including those likely to cause excessive or unintended injury, such as fully automatic firearms, semi-automatic assault rifles, semi-automatic shotguns and semi-automatic submachine-guns, must be prohibited for use by private individuals. African Americans accounted for 58.5% of these nationwide, despite making up just 13% of the US population. In view of the fact that the amnesty can now be used to obtain a new licence for a firearm with an expired licence without a valid competency, caused the urgency of the court application to set the amnesty aside, has fallen away. Essential psychological support for survivors of domestic violence and provision of refuges or other safe accommodation for those leaving violent relationships are often lacking in deprived neighbourhoods blighted by firearm violence. Effectively implemented gun regulation and violence prevention projects can stop the carnage. 2) If you are aware that a person is not storing their firearm, ammunition, sound moderator or restricted firearm mechanism as per the requirements of the legislation, then you must report it to the Registrar as soon as possible on the Report by Individual to the Registrar (PD486c) Failure to make a report under points 1 or 2 may be an offence. The new firearm amnesty period has been extended to January 31 and owners have been urged to take advantage of the period. “The Firearm Amnesty envisages to see a reduced number of illegally possessed firearms in circulation in the country. Where patterns of firearm possession and use lead to chronic insecurity, states have the obligation to protect life and ensure security for all through human rights-compliant law enforcement, community interventions, and tightening of regulations on firearms possession and use. The Amnesty, except for some unforeseen critical issue, will soon be Gazetted and is expected to be in effect from 1 June until 30 November … We at Amnesty International have been focusing our work on domestic gun reform and gun violence prevention by campaigning for regulations on firearm use and possession. The number and type of weapons that an individual can possess should also be strictly limited in line with the principles of necessity and credible justification. Earlier today, 23rd July 2020, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein handed down Judgment electronically. This means that globally, 137 women are killed by a member of their family every single day. Long-term, adequately funded, evidence-based projects, tailored towards specific social, economic and cultural contexts, and working in partnership with the affected communities, are needed to achieve sustained reductions in firearm violence. Percentage of killings committed with firearms: Among wealthier, developed countries, the USA is an outlier when it comes to firearm violence. It is amazing to see the impact we’re having, but there’s also a sense of guilt, as this has arisen out of something so horrible. he South African Gunowners' Association (SAGA) is a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization, whose sole purpose is to represent the interests of all people who embrace the principles of safe and responsible ownership and usage of firearms for sport, recreation, hunting and self-defence. These international standards recommend prohibiting any possession of firearms without a licence; that states should register all firearms; and that unlicenced possession should be treated as a criminal offence. The SAPS (and others) may have a different opinion in this regard.Whatever SA Hunters decide to do in reaction to the State Attorney’s letter of demand, it would be wise to try to negotiate a period of 24 months (at least) during which affected people may transition to the licensing regime under the FCA. Thereafter we will issue a further release with more information. By getting involved, you can make it clear to governments that poor regulation of the possession and use of guns leads to violence and that they must tackle this now through strict controls on guns and effective interventions in communities suffering high levels of gun violence. 75 of 1969, they neither had to dispose of their firearms nor apply for new licenses. Women facing domestic violence and children are also disproportionately affected. The partitioning of neighbourhoods by armed criminal gangs can obstruct access, and frequent official or de facto curfews related to police interventions can close health care services. Firearm homicides in the USA disproportionately impact communities of colour and particularly young black men. The Burmese python is an invasive species which negatively impacts native wildlife in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida. (Amnesty form) Provide a comprehensive motivation to support the need for the firearm licence, preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation. 60 of 2000 (FCA) came into operation in 2004 and all licensed firearm owners were granted until June 2009 to apply for new licenses. Gun licences should be time-limited and training on how to use the weapon should be mandatory. Moreover, the presence of a firearm can have a disempowering and demoralizing effect on women and be used for psychological and/or sexual coercion. The objectives of the amnesty period, are to reduce the large pool of illegal/unwanted firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country. Handgun registration became law in 1934, and automatic firearms registration was added in 1951. The UN has set up international guidelines that states can put in place to incorporate into national laws on firearms control. For example, the applicant should undergo a comprehensive background check to identify any risk factors, such as prior criminal record – especially for violent behaviour in the home or community; history of gender-based, sexual or domestic violence; and history of problematic use of drugs/alcohol, emotional issues, mental health conditions and other circumstances which heighten the risks of the harm to self or others using firearms. We’re also working to stop firearm exports to crisis zones where arms risk being used for serious human rights violations. States have an obligation to fight actual or foreseeable threats to life and should therefore take measures to protect people from gun violence. 20th February 2018 – SAGA statement on firearm amnesty 2018 Parliament, via the Portfolio Committee on Police, endorsed the 2018 Firearm Amnesty on the 14 th February 2018. Firearm Amnesty 2020-2021 Firearms Licensing Helpline All About Motivations Apply For An Endorsement Procedures New Licence Applications Procedures Renewal of Firearm Licences Green Licences to White Licences My Firearms - Notification of Licence Expiry All SAPS Licence Application Forms Imports / Exports of Guns Official Firearms … In 1969, laws classified firearms as "non-restricted", "restricted" and "prohibited". You have the power to tell governments that by using gun laws, we can all live safely and without fear – which is our right. We weren’t adults trying to guess what worked for young people and we weren’t asking for permission. Firearms application forms ... Firearms and ammunition handed in during the firearms amnesty 2003. It is typically concentrated in low income urban neighbourhoods with high levels of crime.   |   7. When people are afraid of gun violence, this can also have a negative impact on people’s right to education or health care when they are too afraid to attend schools or health facilities or if these services are not fully functioning due to firearm violence in their community. However, there is no nationwide uniformity in laws governing the carrying of firearms in public, and in some states there are no laws at all: 12 states allow individuals to carry concealed weapons in public without any licence or permit and 30 states allow the open carrying of a handgun in public without any licence or permit. Parkland was labelled the safest community in Florida, but when tragedy hit and a mass shooting took place at school, I knew the only way to heal was to take action. In Latin America and the Caribbean, corruption, organized crime and a dysfunctional criminal justice system further fuel the problem. Firearms regulation in Canada is largely about licensing and registration of firearms, including air guns with a muzzle velocity of more than 500 ft/s or 150 m/s and muzzle energy greater than 4.2 ft⋅lb or 5.7 J. If they insist on using the 522(b), then be sure to make an endorsement on the form that you are only surrendering your firearm in terms of the amnesty. Privacy Policy Endemic firearm violence and associated insecurity can have a particularly serious impact on children and adolescents, including by disrupting school attendance and retention, damaging the learning environment, and reducing the quality of teaching. Initiatives should focus on those at most risk of perpetrating and being victims of gun violence – often young males growing up in deprived urban neighbourhoods. Many young people in the USA now believe that stricter gun control can keep them safer and their youth gun reform grassroots movement is growing. In the USA, nearly 134,000 people were shot and injured by firearms in 2017. The vehicle was found down a driveway on St Aubyn Street. We appeal to our members and the general public to allow us time to study the SCA Order in detail. SAGA MEDIA STATEMENT 14-09-2020 IS THE VALIDITY OF "GREEN LICENSES" COMING TO AN END? It, therefore, provides firearm owners with the opportunity to hand in illegal and unwanted firearms which will result in the prevention of crime and promotion of safety to ensure people … Gun violence is violence committed with the use of firearms, for example pistols, shotguns, assault rifles or machine guns. On average, more than 360 people in the USA are shot every day and survive – at least long enough to get to a hospital. Complete SAPS 548 form. If you are the executor or administrator of an estate - or - seek to turn in an unregistered gun please follow the instructions offered in the Amnesty section. 11 July 2003 ... Added 'Firearm and shotgun certificates in … For example, in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, the rate of firearm violence is extremely low. However, since we have a firearms control regime under the Firearms Control Act, it is not a satisfactory situation to have people without competency certificates bearing firearms that are “licensed” under a repealed Arms and Ammunition Act. Being young worked in our favour. Our human rights are not protected if our leaders fail to tackle and stop gun violence and gun deaths. Easy access to firearms – whether legal or illegal – is one of the main drivers of gun violence. We have to remind them of their duty by demanding gun reform. In 2017, some 87,000 women were intentionally killed around the world. In the USA, firearm homicide disproportionately impacts African American communities, particularly young black men. Jaclyn Corin is a survivor of the school shooting and has become a gun reform activist: “I never imagined it would happen to me. It is important to note that since there is currently a valid court order protecting people in possession of “green” licenses issued under the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, No. The survivors of firearm violence can be left severely and chronically physically and psychologically debilitated, in need of long-term medical and social care. There are 8 million new small arms and up to 15 billion rounds of ammunition produced each year. For example, we investigated international arms exports to the Saudi Arabia/UAE-led coalition and uncovered how arms were being diverted for use by militias to commit human rights abuses in the Yemeni civil war. Mr. Fred Camphor, the CEO of SA Hunters, has advised that the Association’s Board will convene on 17 September when it will take a decision on the matter. It’s the people and the present that inspires me.”. Anyone can be affected by firearm violence but in certain situations gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of colour, women and other marginalized groups in society. Gun violence causes a range of health issues throughout affected communities. Probably because of the recent successes by SAPS, firstly in the Constitutional Court against SA Hunters, and secondly, in the Supreme Court of Appeal against GOSA, the State Attorney has now informed SA Hunters in writing (letter attached) that its client requests SA Hunters to withdraw the main application and consent to the discharge of the interim order. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. World Forum on Shooting Activities  (WFSA). Gunshot injuries are often life-changing and have an indelible impact on the victims’ long-term mental and physical health. The World Forum on Sport Shooting Activities (, SA HUNTERS Interim court order 08-09-2020.pdf. Mass shootings are typically defined as shootings where four or more victims are killed. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. by John Welch The Firearms Control Act, No. Yet programmes offering adequate long-term care, rehabilitation and job retraining are virtually non-existent. We support the establishment of evidence-based violence reduction programmes in communities where there is a persistently high level of firearms violence. Firearms are the principal mechanism of intimate partner killings and intimidation in countries with high rates of firearm ownership. In the USA, between 2009 and 2016, there were: Public mass shootings account for less than 1% of gun deaths in the USA. We at Amnesty International have been focusing our work on domestic gun reform and gun violence prevention by campaigning for regulations on firearm use and possession. The state has an obligation to maximize the protection of human rights, creating the safest possible environment for the most people, especially those considered to be at the greatest risk. The State Attorney and SAPS must understand that the “green” licenses are currently deemed valid; that, accordingly, the affected firearms need not be surrendered during the current amnesty while people apply for their new licenses (the owners  are not in the illegal possession of their firearms); and that sufficient time be granted to do so. Gun-related violence threatens our most fundamental human right, the right to life. The letter contains a direct threat that should SA Hunters not do as proposed by the State Attorney, a punitive costs order will be sought. Almost all states regulate gun acquisition, possession and use in some form. If a state does not adequately control how private individuals own and use firearms, this could amount to a breach of their obligations under international human rights law to protect the rights to life and security of person. Access to affordable and quality health care services in the USA should include necessary long-term health interventions, including long-term pain management, rehabilitation and other support services, and mental health care. The solutions to addressing mass shootings in the USA are the same as those identified to prevent other forms of gun violence and include a national system of licensing and registration along with comprehensive background checks. People living in communities with high levels of firearm violence can find it difficult or dangerous to access local health care facilities. States should adopt strict laws and practices to prohibit gun possession for those individuals that have a history of violence towards a family member or intimate partner. The amnesty period will allow South Africans an opportunity to surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to help clear illegal guns from the streets without prosecution. Importation of Firearms into South Africa. The authorities have pursued a policy of eradicating, at any cost, activism and the defense of human rights, said Amnesty International in a new report published today. Page 2 of 12. Gun reform works in parts of the world where there are strict controls on access to firearms and well enforced firearms regulations. Governments have a legal obligation to protect the right to life, and accordingly a responsibility to protect people from firearms violence. Since the current human rights erupted in Nicaragua in 2018, the government has clamped down on all forms of dissent or criticism. New Zealand has a high level of firearm ownership and use, with many people enjoying our varied hunting, shooting, and food collecting activities. Gun violence is particularly prevalent in the Americas where easy access to firearms, weak regulation or poor implementation of laws designed to combat firearms violence prevail. Open carrying of firearms in public, in some form, is currently allowed in 45 states. May 2020, and set aside with costs, GOSA’s interim order. The Strategy forms a component of Victoria Police's Zero Harm Health and Safety Vision, which looks to every Victoria Police employee to be personally committed to the health and safety of themselves, their fellow employees and the community in which they serve. Gun violence is a daily tragedy affecting the lives of individuals around the world. 8 million new small arms and up to 15 billion rounds of ammunition, allowed gun violence to become a human rights crisis, youth gun reform grassroots movement is growing, uncovered how arms were being diverted for use by militias to commit human rights abuses in the Yemen, supplying arms for use in the Yemen conflict, More than 500 people die every day from gun violence, 44% of all homicides globally involve gun violence, An estimated 2,000 people are injured by gunshots every single day, At least 2 million people are living with firearm injuries around the globe, In 2017, the number of children who died from firearm-related deaths in the USA rose to 1,814 from 1,637 in 2016, Between 2% and 7% of all injuries treated at US pediatric trauma centres are gun-related. Studies in the USA indicate that the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of women being killed by intimate partners. 8.1.5 Ensure that a copy of the completed Amnesty form is attached to the SAPS 271 form. We support the establishment of evidence-based violence reduction programmes in communities where there is a persistently high level of firearms violence. The SCA upheld the Minister of Police and National Commissioner’s Appeal which had been heard on the 22nd  May 2020, and set aside with costs, GOSA’s interim order.