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

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• The participating States agree to examine means of improving the
exchange of information on small arms transfers, in addition to
information relating to their export and import (Article III. F.1.).
Comparison:
1. In addition to the principle of cooperation, all the mechanisms, with
the exception of the Protocol on the marking of explosives and the
recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods, foresee the
implementation of a national point of contact to exchange
information. The UN Programme of Action also foresees points of
contact for each region and sub-region. This practical aspect is crucial
for effective cooperation;
2. Most of the mechanisms specify that information exchange must be
rapid and accurate, with the exception of the OSCE Document and the
Plastic Explosives Convention. The SADC Protocol also foresees the
implementation of concrete measures to facilitate the efficiency of
these exchanges. The OSCE Document further insists on the training of
personnel in charge of all the aspects related to traceability;
3. Most of the mechanisms specify that information exchange concerns
all illicit weapons;
4. The Vienna Protocol, the OAS Convention and the OSCE Document
stipulate that information exchanged is confidential. This, however, is
a general principle, and in the case of the first two aforementioned
mechanisms exceptions may apply;
5. Further to enhancing information exchange and bilateral cooperation,
many mechanisms foresee extending this through the inclusion of
relevant regional and international organizations;
6. No mechanism foresees an international register of small arms
transfers, or an international institution that would coordinate tracing
operations. The Interpol Weapons and Explosives Tracing System
(IWETS), described in section 5.3.4, nevertheless represents an
example of a mechanism that centralizes information.
5.2.5 Penal Clauses
The desirable system
• Weapons, ammunition or explosives that do not bear adequate
markings or which are not adequately registered according to the