Although technology solutions can go a long way to help reduce the victims of gun violence, an equally powerful effort should take place in developing policies that protect the innocents. This can cross multiple public and private sectors, and should be focused on the ultimate goal of reducing the likelihood of innocent people being harmed by guns. More specifically, these policy efforts will avoid getting caught up in dogmatic arguments about gun rights, instead addressing issues like:
- policies to ensure that the international legal frameworks that govern the manufacturing and acquisition of firearms are adapted to new developments like additive manufacturing (3D printing).
- policies to ensure that innocent populations like school children are shielded as much as possible from environments where the concentration of firearms is dangerously high (safe havens).
- policies to ensure investments from the public and private sectors are incentivized for solutions (technological or other) that help prevent victims of gun violence.
- policies to ensure that government-monopolized violence (e.g. law enforcement) is aligned with the UN principles on the use of violence and firearms.
Contravim will seek forums and public policy avenues where it can help shape such policies and solicit participation from all stakeholders in this area.