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

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characteristics? What are the differences between an AK-47 and an AK-74? 5
These are the real questions that expose the anonymity propagated by the
current method of categorizing SALW. In order to be able to trace a weapon
effectively, it must first be recognizable and describable—particularly in the
context of making use of the various existing registers and databases. The
prevailing anonymity hinders this process.
In this context, it is interesting to note that although antipersonnel
mines are considered SALW, SALW do not distinguish between blast mines,
directional or standard fragmentation mines, or bounding fragmentation
mines. Although these are all types of antipersonnel mine, they produce
different effects and are built differently. Similarly, the category of small
weapons includes shotguns, semi-automatic rifles and “ordinary”
handguns. But to what degree can these weapons be considered on an
equal basis given that the effects they produce are drastically different? That
these objects are very different from one another must be kept in mind—
lumping them together in the same category is a mistake.
There is also incompatibility between the “political” categorization of
SALW, the application of technical solutions for marking them, and the use
of the criminal data pertaining to these weapons. The current definition of
SALW includes guns, revolvers and even mortars, and yet not all these
weapons are used in armed conflict or to commit crimes or offences. Too
broad a definition is thus an obstacle to identifying the weapons involved in
a case, because all the weapons are treated in the same way irrespective of
the damage they cause or the danger they represent. It is nonetheless patent
that a tank differs from a semi-automatic gun—both physically and with
respect to the effects it produces. The fact of categorizing SALW is correct,
but extending this categorization in political discourse to cover too many
objects makes it incompatible with the tracing measures that governments
are attempting to establish.
Experts must therefore take care not to confuse weapon categories: socalled
weapons of war can indeed be used in shooting sports, just as hunting
and sporting weapons may be used to commit crimes or to supply illegal
markets. The problem then becomes how to regulate such a system. Things
are made even more confusing by the fact that all these weapons are
grouped together under the general heading of SALW. Under which
circumstances should a weapon be traced, then? Which weapons should be
included in the tracing process?