On 18 June 2015, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) presented its new project entitled ‘Strengthening Oversight and Building Capacities for Small Arms Control and Non-proliferation in the Private Security Sector’. This project was launched during a National Executive Seminar on UN International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) and the International Code of Conduct (ICoC) for Private Security Service Providers in which 45 representatives from 22 private security companies operating in Peru participated.
The private security sector has grown exponentially over the past few decades becoming more professional in its offer of protection and monitoring services with the use of a firearm. This growth has increased the demand for legal firearms and ammunition required by private security companies. Similar to other government agencies that handle firearms, private security companies and their agents are likewise vulnerable to insecurity (robbery, attacks) and corruption (illegal selling and unlawful use of arms), that can generate the diversion of arms, and their use in violent and criminal activities.
This UNLIREC project, being developed in partnership with the National Regulatory Entity for Security Services, Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civil Use (SUCAMEC), will contribute to reducing these risks by providing training, guidance and recommendations so that companies may improve the management and security of their arms and ammunition inventories. UNLIREC’s technical assistance is based on international standards, good practices, procedures and initiatives globally recognized as the ICoC for Private Security Service Providers, as well as on the UN ISACS.
Private security companies interested in joining this project may do so at no cost with a view to strengthening their capabilities, which in turn, will have an effect on their competiveness and reputation in the market.
This project is made possible through the generous financial support of the Federal Government of Germany. By providing assistance to Latin American and Caribbean States, UNLIREC contributes to improving public security and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UN 2001 PoA).
For more information about UNLIREC, visit (www.unlirec.org) or contact Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Official (cowl@unlirec.org).