Jul 9, 2015 | Uncategorized
From 7 to 11 September 2015, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in collaboration with the government of Barbados, a three-day training course, a technical assessment of national capabilities and infrastructures, and a seminar for the institutional clients of firearms forensic ballistics in Bridgetown. These clients included heads of investigative and crime scene units, prosecutors, magistrates, among others.
A three-day training course on operational forensic ballistics enabled 14 participants, including firearms examiners, armourers and other specialized law enforcement personnel to increase their knowledge on topics such as firearms and ammunition identification and examination, comparison microscopy, range of fire determination. The course included a simulation of the presentation of expert testimony of forensic ballistic evidence in a court of law and provided the opportunity for participants to exchange best practices and challenges faced in the field.
The national assessment, carried out in cooperation with the Firearms Examiners´ Office of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), took into consideration the occupational health and safety of the firearms examiners (e.g. lead contamination), adequate protective equipment, firearms safety protocols, evidence management, as well as the continuing education plans for firearm and toolmark examiners and other laboratory personnel. The main recommendations of the assessment will be integrated in the two year capacity-building work plan for forensic ballistics.
The seminar raised the awareness of 21 institutional clients of firearms forensic ballistics on the strengths and shortcomings of forensic ballistics in support of building court cases, as well as in generating intelligence to identify sources and routes used for illicit arms trafficking. In addition, UNLIREC staff provided a review of best practices in forensic ballistics analysis and investigative techniques.
This initiative is part of the UNLIREC Caribbean Operational Forensic Ballistics Assistance Package, which is made possible thanks to the support of the US Department of State.
UNLIREC, as the regional organ of the UN Office for Disarmament, seeks to advance the cause of practical disarmament in Latin America and the Caribbean as part of its commitment to support Member States in their implementation of international disarmament and non-proliferation instruments, in particular, the 2001 UN Programme of Action on Small Arms.
For more information on UNLIREC visit (www.unlirec.org). Please direct all questions or inquiries to Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer (cowl@unlirec.org).
Jun 24, 2015 | Uncategorized
On 24-25 June 2015, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), with the support of the Government of the United States, convened its first focal point workshop in the context of UNLIREC’s new Assistance Package for Caribbean States entitled ‘Combating Illicit Firearms and Ammunition Trafficking in the Caribbean through Operational Forensic Ballistics’.
The workshop brought together designated government focal points from seven beneficiary Member States (Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago), as well as experts from international, regional and national organizations, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from the US Department of Justice; the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs from the US Department of State; the US Department of Homeland Security; CARICOM´s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and a representative from the Government of Canada. The two days of intense discussions focused on introducing participating States to the new operational ballistics forensics project currently underway in Caribbean States.
During the workshop, participants shared information on forensic ballistics casework, quality management systems, equipment and technology, information sharing on national, international and regional levels and opportunities for capacity development for firearms and tool mark examiners.
Participants underscored the importance of forensic ballistics as a key tool in the fight against firearms trafficking and armed violence in the region and welcomed assistance from UNLIREC in this regard. During the discussions, representatives highlighted the current resource constraints and challenges that are faced on a daily basis, particularly as this relates to caseloads, limited staff, training, and the lack of required technology and equipment to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Officials also noted the need for implementing and updating standard operating procedures in order to ensure uniformity and validity in all processes undertaken. Additionally, participants raised concerns regarding crime scene contamination, maintaining the chain of custody, proper packaging of evidence and crime scene reconstruction.
The workshop combined presentations, working groups and plenary discussions with a view to maximizing interaction among participants and providing an introduction to best practices, current frameworks and standards on forensic ballistics.
Participants also provided feedback for the development and planning of upcoming technical assistance to Caribbean States for 2015 and 2016 whereby UNLIREC will assist national authorities to undertake baseline assessments of their current ballistic forensics capabilities, develop national action plans and national competency testing frameworks, as well as provide technical support through the development of standard operating procedures, training and equipment procurement.
This US-supported initiative forms part of UNLIREC’s assistance to States in their implementation of international small arms control instruments.
For more information about UNLIREC visit (www.unlirec.org) or contact Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer (cowl@unlirec.org).
Jun 18, 2015 | Uncategorized
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).
Jun 7, 2015 | Uncategorized
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean was invited to the Expert Consultation on armed violence in the community and its impact on the rights of children to live free from violence. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children, in cooperation with UNICEF and the Government of Honduras, organized this International Expert Consultation in Tegucigalpa on 6 and 7 July 2015. The event drew representatives from national governments, United Nations agencies, regional organizations, research institutes and civil society, as well as children and young people.
The Consultation examined the multidimensional effects of armed violence in the community and its association with exclusion, weak governance, mistrust of justice and lack of mechanisms to fight impunity, among other topics. “Armed violence provokes dramatically high rates of homicides amongst children and adolescents and leaves countless numbers of child victims deeply traumatized, as well as disabled and often orphaned,” stated the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais.
One aspect discussed in the meeting was that, while there are international frameworks that protect children in times of war and armed conflict, there are no analogous mechanisms to protect them in contexts of armed violence outside of conflict situations. The increasing criminalization and stigmatization of young people, the decrease in the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the heavy-handed approach to security and the lack of political will and public resources designated for the prevention of violence were, among others, topics that were identified as contributing to the cycle of violence in the community that impacts the young population.
During the Expert Consultation, UNLIREC delivered a presentation on measures to prevent and reduce armed violence which emphasized accumulated knowledge, lessons learned and best practices identified in different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The presentation included topics like the need to work at a local level and with sectors that are not traditionally involved in security, such as those of health and education.
The conclusions and recommendations of the Consultation will be included in the Special Representative’s Thematic Report on the Protection of Children from Armed Violence in the Community, which aims to support the implementation of the Post 2015 Global Development Agenda and eliminate all forms of violence against children.
For more information about UNLIREC visit (www.unlirec.org) or contact Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer (cowl@unlirec.org).
Apr 27, 2015 | Uncategorized
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted a training session in Tegucigalpa through a training workshop on Best International Practices and Standards on Stockpile Management from 27_ 28 April 2015.
Diverse government institutions, such as the National Police, the Armed Forces and the Public Ministry, received this two-day training session aimed at standardizing physical safety measures for small arms stockpiles, ammunition and explosives that each country has in place. As well, the workshop contributed to reducing safety risks at stockpiles and avoiding their diversion to illicit markets and preventing accidents, such as accidental explosions.
The content of this technical workshop follows the UN International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) and International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATGs). It is expected that the 35 trained participants will incorporate these standards and good practices into the management of ammunition and explosives stockpiling under their supervision.
“Following the training workshop, we [policemen and military personnel] will apply the knowledge learned to each of our areas of arms, ammunition and explosive management, considering risk management. We were oblivious to the different aspects involved in this topic and now there will be some changes in our work,” commented participant Virgilio Murillo, member of the Honduran National Police at the end of the workshop.
The training workshop forms part of UNLIREC’s regional project ‘Preventing Armed Violence in Central America and the Dominican Republic through the Combat of Illicit Trafficking in Firearms’ financed by the Federal Government of Germany. By providing assistance to Latin America and Caribbean, UNLIREC contributes to improving public security and supports States 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 Officer, at (cowl@unlirec.org).
Source: UNLIREC
Apr 24, 2015 | Uncategorized
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) conducted a training workshop on Best International Stockpile Management Practices and Standards in Santo Domingo from 22-23 April 2015.
The objective of this technical workshop was to provide specialized knowledge to government institutions with responsibilities in management and protection of firearms and ammunition. Through this event, UNLIREC trained 24 officials from the Department of Defense, Ministry of Interior and Police, Directorate General of Customs, Office of the General Prosecutor, National Police, and National Arms System in the implementation of UN International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) and International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATGs) regarding the stockpile management and storage of small arms and ammunition.
The workshop highlighted the definition and classification of firearms, ammunition and explosives; arms proliferation; dangerous materials; small arms and ammunition stockpile management; as well as risk management and security planning. Participants were able to combine theory with dynamics through a unique practical exercise.
Stockpile management is a crucial element in firearms control since it reduces the risk of theft and loss of arms and ammunitions and their diversion into illegal trafficking. Similarly, appropriate management and security of arms and ammunition reduce the risks of explosions and other human errors and/or natural disasters. It is expected that the workshop will contribute to the standardization of norms for state facilities to minimize the possibility of arms and ammunition leakage.
Upon culmination of the workshop, Dalma Diaz, Director of the Evidence Control Office in the Public Ministry in Santo Domingo, made the following announcement: “What has impacted me is to realize the amount of risks we take daily at our job. From this day on, we will start taking the necessary measures to minimize them.”
The technical workshop forms part of UNLIREC’s regional project ‘Preventing Armed Violence in Central America and the Dominican Republic through the Combat of Illicit Trafficking in Firearms’ financed by the Federal Government of Germany. By providing assistance to Latin America and Caribbean, UNLIREC contributes to improving public security and supports States 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 Officer, at (cowl@unlirec.org).
