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

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The SADC Protocol
• The States parties shall establish appropriate mechanisms for
cooperation among respective executive bodies to promote effective
implementation of this Protocol, notably by: (a) establishing direct
communication systems to facilitate fast and free flow of information;
(…) (d) promoting cooperation with international organizations such as
Interpol and the World Customs Organization, and using existing data
bases such as the Interpol Weapons and Explosives Tracing System; (e)
establishing national points of contact within the respective executive
bodies for the rapid exchange of information to combat cross-border
firearm trafficking (Article 15.);
• The States parties shall cooperate with each other to afford mutual legal
assistance in a concerted effort to prevent, combat and eradicate the
illicit manufacturing, trafficking, possession and use of firearms,
ammunition and other related materials, as well as their excessive and
destabilizing accumulation (Article 14.1.). This mutual assistance
includes, among other things: (a) the communication of information
and the transfer of exhibits; (b) the investigation and detection of
offences; (…); (h) the communication of relevant documents and
recorded data; (i) the identification or tracing of suspects (Article 14.2.);
• The States parties undertake to develop and improve transparency with
respect to the accumulation and flows of firearms, as well as to the
policies they apply to civilians (Article 16. a).
The OSCE Document
• The participating States agree to cooperate with each other, as well as
with intergovernmental organizations such as Interpol to locate illegal
small arms. In the context of this cooperation, they shall communicate
upon request any relevant information to the investigating authorities
other participating States (Article III.E.4.);
• The participating States agree to share information, in a confidential
manner, on seizures of illicit small arms, notably the quantity and type
of weapons seized, their markings, and details of their subsequent
disposal (Article III.E.6.ii);
• The participating States agree to the establishment and maintenance of
a list of national points of contact in charge of matters concerning small
arms (Article VI.1.);