The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...

177
harmonization of data exchange during tracing operations, similar to
the way it is done within Interpol (see section 5.3);
2. Duration of data maintenance: here again, most of the mechanisms set
out only general stipulations, such as: “as long as possible” or “for a
reasonable period of time”. Only the Vienna Protocol sets the precise
standard of a minimum of 10 years, but this standard seems largely
insufficient considering the average lifespan of a weapon, which can
easily reach up to 50 years if it is well maintained. There is a good
reason why all the mechanisms studied here exclude only antique
weapons;
3. National records: all the mechanisms foresee the keeping of records;
however, with the exception of the SADC Protocol, they do not
explicitly stipulate that records must be centralized on a national scale.
As pointed out in the next section (which studies the tracing operation),
however, most of the mechanisms foresee that each State has only one
point of contact for information exchange. It therefore appears logical,
for obvious reasons of efficiency and optimal use of resources, that
each national point of contact should include a centralized national
register;
4. The SADC Protocol, the OSCE Document and the Vienna Protocol 39
all foresee measures for marking and registering existing firearms within
the possession of law enforcement bodies, civilians and/or during the
transfer of State-owned stockpiles to civilians.
5.2.4 Provisions Relative to the Exchange of Data Needed in Tracing
Operations
The desirable system
• In each State, the body responsible for maintaining the national register
is the national point of contact, or is very closely linked to it. This body
is in charge of exchanging the information necessary for tracing
operations with the points of contact of other States or regions and with
other relevant organizations;
• Tracing operations apply to at least all small arms that have become
illicit (ammunition and explosives included);
• There are no restrictions concerning the exchange of data, and this
includes all States 40
• The exchange of data is accurate, rapid, and carried out using
standardized documents;