From a long, but interesting scholarly paper by Kopel et al:

...civilian armament has historically been very effective at preventing genocide. Indeed, genocide scholars have found that genocides are carried out almost exclusively against populations which have first been systematically disarmed. Because genocidal regimes consider prior disarmament the sine qua non for beginning a genocide, it seems indisputable that civilian armament deters genocide in most cases. Part IV considers the practical possibilities of arming the Darfur genocide victims...

...we carefully analyze the international law implications of arming genocide victims. Genocide victims who acquired arms, and persons who supplied arms to genocide victims, would almost certainly be in violation of the gun control laws in the country where the genocide was taking place. In addition, the arms acquisition might violate international treaties against bringing arms into a nation without the consent of the national government. Under international law, could the genocide victims and their arms suppliers claim that their actions were nevertheless legal? We answer “yes.”

In this formulation, gun control laws would be in violation of universal civil rights. Maybe we could start by rolling them back in Washington, DC.

Somehow, I don't think that many who are enthusiasts for an International Criminal Court will be all that thrilled with this notion.

It's great to see people who understand the connection between civilian disarmament and persecution/genocide.

Are you aware of the made-for-TV documentary that establishes that connection? The documentary, entitled "Innocents Betrayed," has won several mainstream awards and can be previewed at www.innocentsbetrayed.com.

Also, there is a book that comprehensively treats the issue, citing sources, using examples from the the 20th Century and from the United States -- it also makes the arguments about United Nations disarmament programs and predicted the Zimbabwe disaster. The book is "Death by Gun Control: The Human Cost of Victim Disarmament." (Available at Amazon)

Just thought you'd like to know!