UNLIREC and the Government of Guatemala hold two workshops to ensure effective ATT implementation

The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) continues to support State efforts to achieve effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Against this backdrop, UNLIREC and Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized two workshops. The first aimed at establishing a National Control Authority responsible for ATT implementation (20-21 August) while the second focused on the creation of national control lists in compliance with ATT provisions (23 August). Both workshops targeted national authorities from sectors in charge of controlling conventional arms transfers or from other areas responsible for ATT implementation.

In addition, UNLIREC presented the Treaty obligations regarding the establishment of a national control system. Such a system must include not only a national control authority responsible for evaluating arms transfers but also a national control list.

Guatemala’s current situation was analyzed alongside the ATT obligations at both events. Similar examples were then presented and served as the basis for identifying the model best suited to the country’s needs and resources.

The discussions held during both workshops will continue in September at the roundtable for the development of a national control list, thereby signalling the end of the VTF project’s activities aimed at effective national ATT implementation.

Participants included the Directorate-General for Arms and Ammunition Control (DIGECAM), National Civil Police, Guatemalan Tax Authority (SAT), INTERPOL, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, as well as various departments and divisions of the Ministry of Defence, such as the Military Industry, Ammunition Manufacturing, Restricted Items, Military Equipment and Military Intelligence, etc.

All project-related activities were funded by the ATT Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF), of which Guatemala is a beneficiary and in which UNLIREC, at the request of the Guatemalan authorities, is an implementing partner.