What is the 2005 status and impact of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in Bulgaria? This paper, authored by Simon Rynn, Philip Gounev and Thomas Jackson, reports on a survey of the distribution, impacts and public perceptions of SALWs. It also reviews the capacity of the state to apply SALW controls. It is intended for use by those involved in SALW research and programmes and Bulgaria’s progress towards membership in the European Union (EU).
Since the fall of Communism and the diminution of Bulgaria’s large standing army, changes in the defence industry, security forces and national administration have resulted in a weak arms export control system, an increase in surplus SALWs and downsizing of the SALW industry. Since 1998, the political and economic situation in Bulgaria has stabilised; Bulgaria now expects to join the EU in 2007.
The following survey methods were used to assess Bulgaria’s progress in overcoming its past SALW problems and the challenges that remain:
- interviews with key informants, including staff from the Ministries of Defence, Economy, Interior and Foreign Affairs, international organisations, journalists and NGOs;
- analysis of national media reports;
- a national household survey of 1,251 respondents;
- six focus group discussions held around the country; and
- official statistics from government ministries, hospitals and the National Statistical Institute.
The following are the findings of the survey:
- Distribution of SALWs: There are currently just over one million SALWs in Bulgaria – triple the rate of ten years ago. The Bulgarian Armed Forces hold around 200,000 surplus SALWs and 21,000 tonnes of SALW ammunition.
The current illegal SALW market receives its weapons from thefts of households, factories and military depots, cross-border smuggling and illegal craft-manufacturing and remodelling. Despite recent improvements in border management, corruption and a lack of equipment leave Bulgaria susceptible to cross-border smuggling.
- Impact of SALWs: Despite the wide availability of SALWs, impacts on public health, security and inter-ethnic relations are not serious. However, the use of SALWs by criminal gangs and the growing proportion of SALW crimes is a concern. While absolute numbers of firearm homicides have decreased recently, the proportion of homicides committed with SALWs has increased.
- Perceptions of SALWs: Most Bulgarians are well informed about SALW issues, but do not think SALWs are a serious security concern. Gun-related problems rank below issues such as unemployment, crime and corruption. Most Bulgarians feel that the current weapons permit regime is not restrictive enough. A majority is afraid of becoming crime victims.
- Capacity to Control SALWs: Bulgaria’s SALW production capacity is greatly reduced from a decade ago; the arms and dual-use goods transfer control system has been tightened.
While the Bulgarian Government is active in SALW fora, the public’s right to obtain SALW information is curtailed by secrecy. The application of the civilian weapons permit system is often flawed. There is little public support for voluntary weapons collection and more interest in anti-crime measures.
Efforts by Bulgaria’s law enforcement agencies to combat SALW crime are undermined by a judicial system characterised by corruption, long delays and light sentencing.
A small number of Bulgarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) sporadically research SALW issues and advocate for change.
It is hoped that this survey, the first of its kind in Bulgaria, contributes to policy and programme responses to the proliferation of SALWs worldwide.
