MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union

THEME 1
gun licence may be issued. South Africa and Australia have specific prohibitions
on issuing licences to those with a history of family violence. In
the US, federal law makes it a criminal offence to possess a gun while subject
to an intimate partner violence restraining order and 11 US states have
laws that prevent individuals with a history of intimate partner violence
from purchasing or possessing a firearm. 53
Youth
Most countries prohibit the acquisition and ownership of guns by young
people, although the age restrictions and type of guns vary. Many countries
prohibit ownership of firearms until the age of 18. In South Africa,
firearm owners must be at least 21 years of age. However, a licence can be
issued if there are compelling reasons, such as the youth being a dedicated
hunter or sportsperson. 54
Serious mental illness
Because of the potential risks, particularly for suicide, many countries will
refuse access to a small arms licence to individuals with a history of serious
mental illness. However, given privacy and doctor–patient confidentiality,
information about mental illness is often difficult to obtain. In Canada,
applicants are asked questions that referees must verify. In Australia, health
practitioners who have reason to believe that a patient should not be allowed
to have a gun licence are required to report their concerns to police. In
Austria, a psychological test is required before a handgun licence is issued. 55
3. Prohibiting/restricting certain guns
Most countries prohibit the civilian possession of firearms whose inherent
risk outweighs their utility.
Military assault rifles
A 2004 survey of 115 countries showed that of 81 respondents, 79 banned
civilian possession of military assault rifles, although the definitions varied.
Only Yemen and Kenya did not report specifically banning some or all
military weapons. 56 Some of the nations prohibiting civilian possession of
automatic weapons include Austria, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Hungary,
India, Indonesia, Laos, Latvia, Malaysia, and Peru. 57
Some countries go further and prohibit civilian possession of selectivefire
military assault rifles, which can be converted from semi-automatic to
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