Counting the cost
Aim: To find out some facts about world conflict. You will need: List of true/false statements (below). Duration: 15 minutes
In this game you will discover more about arms and conflict around the world, by finding out some of the numbers and statistics involved. Make one end of the room be 'True' and the other 'False'. Everyone will need to run to the end they think is correct for each statement, then the leader can read out the real answer.
- In Sierra Leone 25% of schools and clinics were heavily damaged during the war there. FALSE - Actually, 80% of schools and clinics were damaged.
- An attack with a gun is 12 times more likely to end in death than an attack with any other weapon. TRUE
- From 1998-2001 the USA, UK and France earned more income from arms sales to developing countries than they gave in aid. TRUE
- An estimated 10,000 children are working as soldiers in conflicts around the world. FALSE - there are actually around 300,000 children working as soldiers.
- In 1997 there was a ban on the use of landmines. TRUE - The Ottawa Treaty was introduced banning the use of landmines, but not all countries have signed up to it.
- Strict international laws control which countries are allowed to buy and sell weapons. FALSE - there is no binding international law to control the export of conventional arms.
- Since the Cold War in the 1960s, 50% of those killed in conflict have been civilians . FALSE - actually, 90% of those killed in conflict have been civilians.
- Approximately 2 million people in Sudan have died in the last period of conflict from 1983. TRUE - plus over 4 million have been displaced from their homes.
- Most countries in the world destroy old and surplus weapons to stop them falling into the wrong hands. FALSE - Only 3 countries (Nigeria, Latvia and South Africa) have a policy of destroying all surplus or confiscated weapons.
- On average around one million guns are lost or stolen each year. TRUE
At the end of the activity, bring everyone together. Did anyone find any of the facts shocking or disturbing? Which facts surprised people? What do they think can be done to change the situation?
Extra option Some people may want to find out more about one of the topics they heard about e.g. the international arms trade, child soldiers, landmines. The links on the Global Village website will help them to get started.