Publication

Unlike some of its Central Asian neighbors, Kazakhstan has been spared civil war and ethnic strife. The country also has a relatively comprehensive set of measures in place to regulate civilian acquisition and possession of small arms, and is an active participant in international small arms processes. Yet in 2011, several incidents of armed violence with extremist and terrorist undertones suggest that the country is not immune to the misuse of firearms. This report documents levels of small arms availability in the country, explores the impact of firearms on crime and security, and discusses government initiatives to address small arms issues.