The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
The Scope and Implications of a Tracing Mechanism for Small Arms ...
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This highlights one <strong>of</strong> the most important areas <strong>of</strong> emerging good<br />
practice—developing regional <strong>and</strong> sub-regional tracing cooperation, <strong>and</strong><br />
enhancing access by law en<strong>for</strong>cement agencies in developing countries to<br />
the expertise <strong>and</strong> resources <strong>of</strong> neighbouring industrialized States, including<br />
at the local level. For example, firearms tracing resources in Florida, as well<br />
as those <strong>of</strong> the US NTC, could be made more readily available to support<br />
tracing activities in neighbouring Caribbean countries. 46<br />
Significantly, several <strong>of</strong> the international agreements <strong>for</strong> enhanced<br />
tracing cooperation apply not only to illicit weapons, but also to illicit<br />
ammunition, explosives <strong>and</strong> other related materials. In fact, national<br />
authorities have a clear interest in being able to trace all <strong>of</strong> the illicit<br />
materials that they encounter. However, the relative lack <strong>of</strong> international<br />
norms <strong>for</strong> the marking <strong>and</strong> record-keeping <strong>of</strong> ammunition <strong>and</strong> explosives is<br />
bound, in practice, to obstruct the tracing <strong>of</strong> such items.<br />
1.6 ISSUES FOR THE SCOPE AND IMPLICATIONS OF AN<br />
INTERNATIONAL TRACING MECHANISM FOR SALW<br />
1.6.1 Introduction<br />
As previously discussed, substantial global norms have recently been<br />
agreed <strong>for</strong> tracing illicit SALW <strong>and</strong> in the related areas <strong>of</strong> marking <strong>and</strong><br />
record-keeping. However, past experience with ef<strong>for</strong>ts to enhance<br />
international cooperation has shown that clear agreement on international<br />
norms, though necessary, is not sufficient to ensure appropriate follow-up<br />
<strong>and</strong> implementation. This is particularly true where implementation raises<br />
sensitive issues, rules <strong>and</strong> procedures remain unclear, <strong>and</strong> significant<br />
development <strong>of</strong> existing practices <strong>and</strong> institutions is required.<br />
Cooperation in tracing illicit SALW is no exception. As discussed,<br />
substantial improvements in marking, record-keeping <strong>and</strong> tracing systems<br />
are needed. Moreover, experience in tracing conflict weapons is still quite<br />
limited. Such traces may sometimes raise sensitive political <strong>and</strong> security<br />
issues, both domestically <strong>and</strong> internationally. <strong>The</strong> national, regional <strong>and</strong><br />
international institutions that must be involved in such tracing cooperation<br />
will probably require clearer guidelines, rules <strong>and</strong> procedures be<strong>for</strong>e they<br />
embark on it routinely.