On 5 October 2021, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) held its first working thematic meeting for the Dominican Republic to discuss Goal 1 of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap: reinforce regulatory frameworks governing firearms and ammunition.
Following the National Executive Seminar on the Firearms Roadmap held in July, authorities expressed their interest in receiving assistance related to Goals 1 and 4, including legal assistance for the ongoing firearms regulation drafting process, specifically the inclusion of related technical specifications, norms and standards.
During the meeting, UNLIREC provided an overview of Goal 1, including the international obligations and the technical recommendations on firearms control that States must consider in relation to the Caribbean Roadmap. The link with Goal 4 “Systematically decrease the risk of diversion of firearms and ammunition from government and non-government-owned arsenals” was also highlighted, as it encompasses the implementation of legal obligations (such as for destruction or marking), and therefore has both regulatory and technical implications. A national presentation was delivered on the ongoing regulation drafting process and the potential areas for assistance and collaboration with UNLIREC.
The Roadmap for Implementing The Caribbean Priority Actions on the Illicit Proliferation of Firearms and Ammunition across the Caribbean in a Sustainable Manner by 2030 (Caribbean Firearms Roadmap), builds on Caribbean aspirations to combat illicit trafficking of firearms and enhance resilience, through support from UNLIREC, CARICOM IMPACS and other international partners, in coordination with the governments of Germany, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
This first working thematic Meeting on Goal 1, was carried out in line with 2001 UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Sustainable Development Goal 16.4 and contributes towards regional efforts to prevent illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition.
This meeting was generously sponsored by the Federal Republic of Germany.