On 20-21 August 2020, with the financial support of the Government of Germany, UNLIREC carried out an online seminar to highlight the relevance of ammunition control measures for national security and to present internationally recognized technical guidelines that could strengthen Chilean efforts against illicit trafficking and misuse of ammunition for small arms and light weapons.
Over 100 officials from national institutions with responsibility for implementation of ammunition control participated in the seminar, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Carabineros, Investigation Police, Ministry of Defense, National Army, Gendarmerie, Customs, National Intelligence Agency, Naval Police and Civil Aviation.
Given the impact of the proliferation and diversion of ammunition on armed violence and illicit trafficking in the region, UNLIREC sensitized stakeholders to the fact that ammunition control measures are addressed in a limited way in comparison with small arms and light weapons.
The seminar focused on key concepts, commitments and recommendations contained in international instruments and technical guidelines regarding ammunition control, including, physical security and stockpile management, as well as marking, tracing, demilitarization and destruction, among others.
Panellists from the Investigative Police and the Chilean Army delivered presentations on the national regulations in force and practical measures that Chile implements regarding stockpile management and demilitarization, as well as ammunition destruction.
For more information on UNLIREC, visit www.unlirec.org. Please direct all questions or inquiries to: Ms. Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer at cowl@unlirec.org.