The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) presented its new project Strengthening Oversight and Building Capacities for Small Arms Control and Non-proliferation in the Private Security Sector on 28 July 2015 in San Salvador. 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. Several Private Security Companies operating in El Salvador, as well as representatives of national agencies in charge of controlling and regulating this sector, participated in the event.
Private security has grown over the last years in Latin America, becoming more professional in its offer of protection and monitoring services with the use of firearms. This growth has given way to a higher demand for legal firearms and ammunitions needed by private security companies to operate. Similar to government agencies that use firearms, Private Security Companies and their agents are equally vulnerable to insecurity (thefts, attacks) and corruption (illegal selling and unlawful use of arms) which in turn can ignite the diversion of arms to illegal trafficking, and the potential for violent and criminal acts against citizen’s safety.
UNLIREC’s project, developed in partnership with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), will contribute to reducing these risks throughout training, guidance and recommendation to security companies for the purpose of helping companies 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 recognized around the world, such as the ICoC Private Security Service Providers, as well as on the ISACS.
Private Security companies interested in joining this project may do it so at no cost with the aim of increasing their capabilities and strengthening their competiveness and reputation in the market.
This project is made possible with the financial support from 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).
Source: UNLIREC