Armed violence is an everyday reality for millions of people around the globe. more than 700 000 people die as a result of armed violence each year. many more experience traumatic loss in their families and are left with lasting psychological and physical scars. the impact of armed violence extends further, negatively influencing development, peace and good governance, often by creating a climate of impunity, corruption and by undermining public institutions. it is also closely tied with transnational crime and the misery and abuse associated with the illegal trafficking of arms, drugs and people. finally, the economic impact of armed violence is striking with the cost of lost productivity due to non-conflict armed violence alone estimated to cost upwards of uSd 95 billion annually worldwide. this violence has important youth and gender dimensions. the majority of perpetrators and victims are men, while women and girls are at greater risk of violence that is less visible and committed in the private sphere, including intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual and gender based violence. measures at reducing armed violence are therefore also measures at reducing human suffering.