The Illicit small arms trade is a huge problem worldwide. Please sign this petition if you support officials placing tighter restrictions on the international gun trade and more closely safegaurding weapons stockpiles that are so easily raided and then exploited by criminals. These criminal and rebel groups kill and displace thousands every year. The problem persists because of each countries differing laws on the import and export of weapons, and their innadequate tracking of the distribution and collection of weapons during and after conflicts. Its not just a problem abroad, however. Most if not all of the california gangs and the Mexican drug cartels just across the border get their weapons illigally on the black market. This petition, along with my class essay on ending the illicit small arms trade will be sent to our local representative in congress and hopefully with enough support, some progress can be made on stopping this horrific crime.