Perspectives on the Right of Self-Defense

Armed self-defense by crime victims remains the subject
of intense media scrutiny and public controversy.  On a larger
scale, the failure of international efforts to stem genocide
(Darfur, Rwanda, Bosnia, etc.) suggests caution about measures
depriving potential victim populations of the means of
self-defense.  In a directly related matter, the United
Nations Commission on Human Rights (UN CHR) is examining the
issue of human rights violations committed with small arms.  A
recent preliminary UN CHR report on the issue makes this
recommendation:   

In particular there is a need to explore the
boundaries of the right to self-defense as a general
principle of criminal law and its specific application to
small arms possession and use.  The Special Rapporteur
would welcome the comments of members of the (Commission) and
non-governmental organizations on this topic (emphasis added).
(E/CN.4/Sub.2/2004/37)

This workshop is being convened
to both answer this timely request, and to increase our
understanding and knowledge of the right to self-defense.  The
topic presents a fascinating convergence of issues of criminal
law, human rights, international law and civilian possession
of firearms.  At least ten major papers will be presented
during the one-day meeting.  After each presentation there
will be comments by invited experts and a general discussion
by participants.  In addition, there will be a plenary
exchange to develop workshop conclusions.  The proceedings
will be published and made available to the UN.  The workshop
will be filmed and a video produced.

Those presenting papers will be given a sufficient stipend for their
travel, hotel and food costs.  The specific venue in the UK will
be announced shortly.

The World
Forum on the Future of
Sport
Shooting Activities
is an official
United Nations
Non-Government
Organization,
(ECOSOC roster status) and is the voice for the hunting, sport
shooting and firearms-owning community in the international
arena. 

The WFSA has appeared before the UN CHR and numerous other UN
bodies.  The meeting will be the seventh international
workshop sponsored by the WFSA.  For more information contact
the WFSA Secretariat
in
America at tlmorusa@aol.com

      
_______________________________________________________________________

The WFSA is
an NGO in Roster Consultative Status with the Economic
and Social Council of the United Nations.

Canada's National Firearms Association is a proud member of 
The World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities.
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