Loading...
Enhancing traceability of small arms and light weapons flows: developing an international marking and tracing regime
Greene, Owen J.
Greene, Owen J.
Citations
Altmetric:
Publication Date
2001
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Keywords
UN 2001 Conference on The Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, tracing of sources, Small arms trade, Light weapons trade, Illicit trafficking, Weapons proliferation reduction, International Action Programme, Supplier restraint, Transparancy, International co-operation, Illegal arms trade
Rights
� 2001 The Authors, British American Security Information Council (BASIC), International Alert and Saferworld. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/uk)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Collections
Files
Additional title
Abstract
Efforts to combat and prevent the illicit trafficking and proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) are obstructed by the limited capacity to trace sources and lines of supply. Such tracing is essential for identifying points of diversion or loss of responsible control so that appropriate action can be taken. Without this capacity, it becomes difficult to prevent future loss and diversion or to shut down unauthorised or destabilising arms?supply networks. Measures that enable the tracing of SALW sources and supply routes are therefore a priority.
Given the international scope of SALW flows, these measures must be adopted by all states and other relevant members of the international community. Establishing and developing international standards and mechanisms for tracing should be treated as an urgent task.
An effective international system for tracing SALW requires three essential elements:
- adequate marking to uniquely identify each weapon;
- detailed and accessible record?keeping;
- mechanisms for international cooperation in tracing sources and supply lines.
At present, substantial weaknesses and gaps exist in each of these areas.
Version
Published version
Citation
Greene OJ (2001) Enhancing traceability of small arms and light weapons flows: developing an international marking and tracing regime. London: British American Security Information Council (BASIC), International Alert and Saferworld. Biting the Bullet Briefing Papers. Briefing 5.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Briefing paper