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Enhancing traceability of small arms and light weapons flows: developing an international marking and tracing regime.
Greene, Owen J.
Greene, Owen J.
Publication Date
2001
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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
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© 2001 The Authors, British American Security Information Council (BASIC), International Alert and Saferworld. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/uk).
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Abstract
Efforts to combat and prevent illicit trafficking and proliferation of small arms and light weaponsEfforts to combat and prevent illicit trafficking and proliferation of small arms and light weapons
(SALW) are obstructed by lack of capacity to trace sources and lines of supply for arms. Such
efforts are necessary in order to identify points of diversion or loss of responsible control so that
actions can be taken to tackle the problems. This hampers efforts to prevent future loss and
diversion, for example, or to close down unauthorised or destabilising arms supply networks.
Measures to enable tracing of sources and lines of supply of SALW are therefore a priority.
Because of the international scope of the flows of SALW, such measures need to be taken by
all states and all other relevant members of the international community. International standards
and mechanisms to enable tracing need to be established and developed as a priority.
An effective international system to enable tracing of sources and flows of SALW requires
three essential elements: adequate marking to uniquely identify each weapon; detailed and
accessible record-keeping; and mechanisms for international co-operation in tracing sources
and lines of supply of SALW. At present there are substantial weaknesses and problems in
each of these three areas.
(SALW) are obstructed by lack of capacity to trace sources and lines of supply for arms. Such
efforts are necessary in order to identify points of diversion or loss of responsible control so that
actions can be taken to tackle the problems. This hampers efforts to prevent future loss and
diversion, for example, or to close down unauthorised or destabilising arms supply networks.
Measures to enable tracing of sources and lines of supply of SALW are therefore a priority.
Because of the international scope of the flows of SALW, such measures need to be taken by
all states and all other relevant members of the international community. International standards
and mechanisms to enable tracing need to be established and developed as a priority.
An effective international system to enable tracing of sources and flows of SALW requires
three essential elements: adequate marking to uniquely identify each weapon; detailed and
accessible record-keeping; and mechanisms for international co-operation in tracing sources
and lines of supply of SALW. At present there are substantial weaknesses and problems in
each of these three areas.
Version
published version paper
Citation
Greene, O. J. (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.
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Briefing Paper