Gun Laws In Belarus: What's The Legal Status?

Gun laws and policies, collectively referred to as firearms regulation or gun control, regulate the manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, and use of small arms by civilians. In Belarus, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence. The right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law and the civilian possession of automatic weapons is regulated.

Firearm licences are issued by a government authority, typically by the police, and allow the licensee to buy, own, possess, or carry a firearm. In Belarus, the law requires that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register. The number of licensed gun owners in Belarus is reported to be 170,858.

The country has been described as a significant exporter of small arms, providing little or no information on its exports.

Gun laws and regulations in Belarus

In Belarus, the right to bear arms is not guaranteed by law. The country's gun laws are categorised as restrictive. The manufacture of small arms, ammunition and their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence, but this is not conducted in practice. Firearm and ammunition exports and imports are limited by transfer control law.

Firearm licences are required for citizens to own guns for hunting and sport. Hunting licences allow citizens to buy semi-automatic hunting shotguns, but these must be stored in a police office or a gun cabinet controlled by the police. Rifles can be owned after a certain number of years of owning a smooth-bore gun without incident. For sport shooting, it is presumed that registration with the shooting sports federation is required.

Firearm licences are obtained by passing a background check, which considers criminal, mental health and domestic violence records. Applicants must be 18 or over and provide third-party character references. Where a history of family violence exists, the law stipulates that a gun licence should be denied or revoked.

Firearm possession is also permitted for self-defence. Pistols and handguns may be carried in public for self-defence, provided the citizen has a pistol licence. Citizens can also own assault rifles with a separate licence. However, the law prohibits the private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers).

In 2017, there were 581,000 privately owned firearms in Belarus, with 130,000 of these registered. The number of licensed gun owners in the country was 170,858 in 1999. The defence forces are reported to have 780,600 firearms, while the police have 165,000.

Firearm acquisition and ownership

To acquire a firearm in Belarus, one must first obtain a firearm licence. The process involves passing a background check, which considers criminal, mental health, and domestic violence records. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and provide references from third parties.

Firearms must be registered, and licensed owners are required to keep them in a gun cabinet controlled by the police or at a police office. There are also strict storage requirements and regulations for transporting firearms.

In terms of the types of firearms permitted, civilians are not allowed to possess handguns unless awarded for military service. The private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is prohibited. However, it is possible to obtain a hunting licence and buy a semi-automatic hunting shotgun.

There are also restrictions on ammunition purchases, and certain types are prohibited.

The process of acquiring a firearm in Belarus is stringent, and the country has a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal weaponry.

Gun safety and storage

Safe Storage Practices:

• Keep firearms unloaded: This is a critical step to prevent accidental discharges, especially by children or unauthorised users.
• Lock up firearms: Utilise secure storage options like gun safes or lockboxes to prevent unauthorised access.
• Store firearms separately from ammunition: Ensure that firearms and ammunition are stored in different locations to avoid easy access to loaded weapons.
• Secure keys or lock combinations: Make sure that keys or combinations are not accessible to children, adolescents, or individuals at risk of harming themselves or others.

Additional Considerations:

• Use gun locks or safety devices: These can be installed on firearms to prevent accidental discharges, even if the weapon falls into the wrong hands.
• Educate household members: Ensure that everyone in the household, including children, understands the dangers of firearms and the importance of safe storage practices.
• Be aware of state and local laws: Familiarise yourself with the gun storage laws in your area, as some states have specific requirements for safe storage to prevent access by children or unauthorised users.
• Consider off-site storage: If there is an increased risk of suicide or harm to others, consider storing firearms at a secure location outside the home, such as a gun club or law enforcement office.

By following these guidelines, gun owners can play a vital role in reducing the risk of gun-related accidents, suicides, and theft, making their homes and communities safer.

Gun control and restrictions

Belarus has strict gun laws and regulations. The right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law, and the country's gun regulation is categorised as restrictive. The manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, modification, and use of small arms by civilians are all regulated by law.

Firearm licences are required to purchase or possess a gun, and applicants must pass a background check, which considers criminal, mental health, and domestic violence records. A reference from a third party is also required. Where there is a history of family violence, the law stipulates that a gun licence should be denied or revoked.

The minimum age for gun ownership in Belarus is 18 years, and civilians are not allowed to possess handguns unless awarded for military service. The law also regulates civilian possession of rifles and shotguns, and only licensed gun owners may lawfully acquire, possess, or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

In addition to a firearm licence, a separate licence may be required for hunting, sport shooting, self-defence, collecting, and concealed carry, each with different sets of requirements, privileges, and responsibilities.

Firearm regulations in Belarus include written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners. Regulations also cover the safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit. Carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law.

The number of registered guns in Belarus is reported to be 130,000, while the estimated total number of guns (both licit and illicit) held by civilians is 581,000. The estimated rate of private gun ownership per 100 people is 6.09.

Belarus has been criticised for its role in the illegal arms trade, with accusations of selling weapons to countries under a United Nations embargo. The country has also been named a "significant exporter" of small arms that provides little to no information on its exports.

Gun crime and violence

Belarus has strict gun laws, and firearms are generally banned. However, there is a history of illegal gun ownership in the country, particularly in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. During this time, it was common for farmers to own rifles for hunting and protection.

There are strict laws and regulations in place to control civilian access to firearms, including mandatory background checks and restrictions on carrying firearms in public. These laws seem to have been effective in reducing gun violence, as the country has a low rate of gun-related homicides and overall homicides.

However, there are concerns about the illegal arms trade in Belarus, with the country being a source and transit point for illicit arms trafficking. Its geographical position between the EU and Russia makes it an attractive route for criminal groups trafficking weapons. There have also been allegations of state-facilitated arms trafficking and smuggling, with some reports of armed irregular migrants crossing into the EU through Belarus.

While gun violence may be low, other forms of violent crime, such as extortion and protection racketeering, have been on the rise. These crimes are often perpetrated by mafia-style groups and criminal networks, who use violence to control territories and markets. Human trafficking is also an issue, with Belarusian nationals and foreign victims being exploited for labour and sex trafficking.

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