In 1995, the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent asked the ICRC to conduct a study on the extent to which the availability of weapons is contributing to the proliferation and aggravation of violations of international humanitarian law in armed conflicts and to the deterioration of the situation of civilians. This document describes such matters as the nature of current conflicts and the availability of weapons, presents empirical data establishing a link between arms availability and humanitarian problems, and proposes restrictions based on respect for international humanitarian law.