The Small Arms Survey 2012 seeks to increase our scrutiny of what is changing, and not changing, in relation to armed violence and small arms proliferation. Chapters on firearm homicide in Latin America and the Caribbean, drug violence in selected Latin American countries and non-lethal violence worldwide illustrate that security is a moving target; armed violence, both lethal and non-lethal, continues to undermine the security and wellbeing of people and societies around the world. The goal of curbing small arms proliferation, embodied in the UN Programme of Action, appears similarly elusive. Chapters on illicit small arms in war zones, trade transparency, Somali piracy and the 2011 UN Meeting of Governmental Experts highlight some of the successes, but also the continuing challenges, in this area. Country studies on Kazakhstan and Somaliland, along with the final instalment of the authorized transfers project, round out the 2012 edition.

‘Like previous editions, the Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets provides original research and analysis that can improve policy-making. It can also contribute to the development of measurable goals for small arms control. I commend the Small Arms Survey 2012 as an authoritative volume to Member States and all stakeholders committed to reducing the devastating toll that small arms inflict on individuals, communities, and entire countries and regions.'

Ban Ki-moon - Secretary-General of the United Nations

‘The Small Arms Survey 2012 presents valuable new perspectives, drawn from empirical research, on state efforts to contain drug-related violence in Latin America. While more research is needed, it suggests that emerging strategies focusing on violence reduction – rather than on the complete eradication of illicit drug activity – may hold promise for improving security in communities caught in the crossfire of ‘drug wars'.'

Fernando Henrique Cardoso - Chair, Global Commission on Drug Policy and President of Brazil, 1995–2002