Humanium Metal
Humanium Metal is transforming illegal seized firearms from governmental weapons destruction programmes in regions affected by armed violence into non-lethal commodities for peace. The income generated with Humanium Metal is re-invested into communities affected by gun violence, aiming to break the vicious cycle of violence and poverty. Through the initiative the private sector, right-holders, civil society, consumers and governments are connected in a virtuous cycle for peace and security.
Humanium Metal is a tool that allows tangible reduction on gun violence. It is not only the destruction of arms that counts, but also the strong symbolism of Humanium Metal. The symbol of upcycling a commodity for killing into a commodity for peace, creates a platform for a global movement for peace and security.
12,000 illegal weapons
Johan Pihl and Peter Brune are together the originators of Humanium Metal, which was launched in November 2016 by IM, Swedish Development Partner. Humanium Metal is part of IM Swedish Development Partner’s strategy to contribute to the fulfillment of the United Nations Agenda 2030, specifically to Development Goal 16: Promote Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which recognizes the vital importance of reducing illicit flows of firearms. As a joint effort between governments, the private sector and civil society to counteract armed violence and the spread of illegal weapons, Humanium Metal is contributing to fulfil Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the goals.
The first weapon destruction programme took place in November 2016 in El Salvador where 1 ton of Humanium Metal was produced. Until today, we have turned about 12,000 illegal firearms into peace metal. In 2020 Zambia was added as the first African country to roll-out Humanium Metal. And for the first time in 2021, Humanium Metal launched in the United States, where illegal and turned-in firearms were destroyed to eventually become high-end brands and products designed to increase awareness and promote peace. All products made with Humanium Metal create new sources of funding for survivors and violence-prevention programmes.
Humanium Metal have gained global recognition and is endorsed by several peace advocates and experts such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Hans Blix.
More than 2,000 people are injured by gunshots every single day.
875 million
small arms are in circulation globally with millions being produced annually
On average
40%
of all violent deaths globally are committed with firearms
In Central America, this number is as high as
77%
200.000
people are killed by firearms each year
If no significant changes are made worldwide by governments to stop firearm violence, by 2030 the number of
annual violent deaths could reach 660.000
There are severe economic and social consequences
of firearm violence on communities, especially in developing countries
Humanium Metal is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which recognizes the vital importance of reducing illicit flows of firearms.