Tuvalu

Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most isolated island nations in the world, with a population of approximately 12,000 people. Being affected by rising sea levels and other environmental challenges, poverty, and limited employment opportunities, the country is highly dependent on external aid.¹ The proliferation of arms is not considered a potential danger in the country. Tuvaluans are seen as peace-loving people. The country has no army or other military personnel.² Community disputes are resolved by the chiefs of these communities without the involvement of the police.³

The country’s guiding gun control legislation includes the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance of 1964. The regulation of guns in Tuvalu is considered restrictive. The country does not manufacture small arms and light weapons or ammunition.⁴ The United States provides the country with support on security issues.⁵ Tuvalu has signed and ratified the Arms Trade Treaty. Australia provides assistance for its implementation.⁶

¹ “Climate Risk Country Profile: Tuvalu,” World Bank Group, 2021, https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/15824-WB_Tuvalu%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf.

² “Tuvalu’s Views on the Possible Security Implications of Climate Change,” UN, 2009, https://www.un.org/esa/dsd/resources/res_pdfs/ga-64/cc-inputs/Tuvalu_CCIS.pdf.

³ Mark Lynas, “Disappearing Tuvalu,” The New Courier, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2004): 34-35, https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000135060.

⁴ Philip Alpers and Marcus Wilson, Tuvalu – Gun Facts, Figures and the Law (GunPolicy.org, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, 2022), https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/tuvalu.

⁵ “US Relations with Tuvalu,” US Department of State, June 23, 2022, https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/tuvalu.

⁶ International Assistance Received by Tuvalu,” Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, 2019, https://smallarms.un-arm.org/international-assistance/TUV#oecd-received.