MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union

MISSING PIECES
ANNEX 5 KEY INSTRUMENTS
Instrument
Observations
Regulation of civilian-held firearms
Global level
‘Due diligence’ standard (responsibility
of states to take action to prevent and
punish violations of human rights by
private persons)
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR), 1948
International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR), 1976
“The Manufacture, Use and Control of
Firearms”, Interpol General Assembly
Resolution, 1997
UN Commission on Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice, draft resolution,
1997
Declarations on the Right and Responsibility
of Individuals, Groups, and
Organs of Society to Promote and
Protect Universally Recognised Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,
1998 (known as the Declaration on
Human Rights Defenders)
This principle was upheld by various
international and regional human
rights bodies, including the Inter-
American Court of Human Rights and
the European Court of Human Rights.
Article 3: “Everyone has the right to
life, liberty and security of person.”
Article 6: “Every human being has the
inherent right to life. This right shall
be protected by law. No one shall be
arbitrarily deprived of his life.”
Outlines recommendations including
the adoption of effective registering,
marking and tracing systems, and
encourages member countries to
“adopt legislation and regulations relating
to the use of firearms by civilians.”
Emphasised the importance of state
responsibility for effective regulation
of civilian possession of firearms,
including licensing firearm owners,
registration of firearms, safe storage,
and appropriate penalties for illegal
possession. Sponsored by 33 states.
Article 2(1): “Each State has a prime
responsibility and duty to protect,
promote and implement all human
rights and fundamental freedoms, . . .”
Article 2(2): “Each State shall adopt
such legislative, administrative and
other steps as may be necessary to
ensure that the rights and freedoms
referred to in the present Declaration
are effectively guaranteed.”
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