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Office for Disarmament Affairs

Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC)
5th Annual Meeting of States of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap

5th Annual Meeting of States of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap

Oct 31, 2025 | Uncategorized

From 11 to 12 November 2025, officials from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic will gather in Trinidad and Tobago for the 5th Annual Meeting of States of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap.

This Annual Meeting of States marks a significant milestone: the midpoint of the Roadmap’s implementation period. As outlined in the Joint Statement from the 3rd Annual Meeting of States, the 5th of such meetings is to also provide a platform for CFRM States to discuss the recommendations resulting from the “mid-term review on the implementation of the Roadmap.”

The meeting is organized by the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) in collaboration with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

The meeting, which is funded by Canada, envisages a one-day working level exchange between national focal points established under the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap as well as a high-level meeting of Ministers on 12 November.

This milestone meeting offers a timely opportunity to celebrate progress, address ongoing challenges, and collectively chart the course for the next five years and beyond for the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap.

For further information please contact: secretary@unlirec.org.

Working Paper – Firearms Marking with Laser Engraving: Technical Insights and Recommendations

Working Paper – Firearms Marking with Laser Engraving: Technical Insights and Recommendations

Aug 26, 2025 | Uncategorized

Marking is a critical element in arms control, aiding with effective stockpile management, preventing the diversion of firearms into illicit markets, countering illicit trafficking and ensuring the traceability of firearms in criminal investigations.

This paper explores the use of laser engraving technology for firearm marking in accordance with international and regional instruments, including the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the International Tracing Instrument, the Firearms Protocol, and the Inter American Convention against Illicit Trafficking and Manufacturing of Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and other Related Materials, as well as best practices for firearms marking outlined in module 05.30 on marking and record-keeping of the Modular Small Arms Control Compendium (MOSAIC).

The paper presents findings of experimental research aimed at identifying the optimal applications of laser engraving for marking firearms to prevent, to the extent possible, their obliteration, and to ensure, as far as technically possible, their recoverability.

Download the publication here
Central America and Dominican Republic Firearms Roadmap

Central America and Dominican Republic Firearms Roadmap

Feb 10, 2025 | Conventional Arms Programme

In February 2025, Central American States and the Dominican Republic adopted the Roadmap to Prevent the Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives, reaffirming their commitment to a safer future for all.

The Roadmap establishes a comprehensive and coordinated framework to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking, manufacture, and proliferation of firearms, ammunition and explosives, with the vision of creating a sub-region recognised for its intergovernmental collaboration and inter-institutional cooperation, in which security fosters development and strengthens peace.

A Strategic Agenda based on Priorities

The Roadmap is based on four main pillars:

  1. Reinforce regulatory frameworks and inter-agency coordination.
  2. Prevention of violence with firearms and firearms misuse.
  3. Life-cycle management of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
  4. Investigation and criminal prosecution of trafficking, manufacture, possession and illicit use of firearms, ammunition, and explosives

A 10-Year Action Plan

The implementation period is 10 years (2025-2035), during which national and subregional policies, plans and strategies will be promoted based on effective interinstitutional cooperation and coordination to achieve the objectives and priority actions of each pillar. Its comprehensive and multidimensional approach will also strengthen synergies with broader security and development policies.

The Roadmap includes a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to measure progress of its implementation.

International Support and Cooperation

The development of the Roadmap and its implementation are supported by the Department of Public Security (DPS) of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), with technical support from the Central American Integration System (SICA).

The development of the Roadmap between 2023 and 2024 was funded by the European Union.

The implementation of the initiative is expected to bring together States, custodians, implementing partners, donors and other stakeholders in a joint effort to ensure its success and sustainability.

Participating States

Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Dominican Republic.

Fact Sheet

Central America and Dominican Republic Roadmap to Prevent Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Publications

Central America and Dominican Republic Roadmap to Prevent Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Adoption

Ministers of security and high-level officials from six Central American countries and the Dominican Republic will adopt the Roadmap on 12 February 2025

News

Enhancing Security and Management of Firearms and Ammunition Evidence in Honduras From 17 to 18 February 2025, in San Pedro de Sula, representatives of the Honduran Public Prosecutor's Office participated in the Technical Workshop on Physical Security and Management of Firearms…
OAS and UNLIREC initiate the development of the Central American Road Map to prevent the illicit trafficking and proliferation of arms and ammunition June 2023. The Department of Public Security of the Organization of American States (DPS/OAS) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the…

Adoption of the Central America and Dominican Republic Roadmap to Prevent Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Adoption of the Central America and Dominican Republic Roadmap to Prevent Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives

Feb 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

Washington, DC, 12 February 2025 – Ministers of security and high-level officials from six Central American countries and the Dominican Republic will adopt the Central American and Dominican Republic Roadmap to Prevent the Illicit Trafficking and Proliferation of Arms, Ammunition and Explosives on Wednesday, 12 of February, at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC.

This new joint regional initiative is aimed at strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking in arms, ammunition and explosives. The adoption of this Roadmap marks a significant step toward enhancing cooperation and national capacities, with the aim of countering one of the main threats to the security and development in the region.

The Roadmap is the result of a two-year development process and is based on four key pillars:

  • Pillar 1: Reinforce regulatory frameworks and inter-agency coordination;
  • Pillar 2: Prevention of violence with firearms and firearms misuse;
  • Pillar 3: Life-cycle management of weapons, ammunition and explosives;
  • Pillar 4: Investigation and criminal prosecution of trafficking, manufacture, possession and illicit use of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

With the adoption of the document, participating States (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Dominican Republic) commit to working towards the achievement of a series of objectives and priority actions within these pillars by 2035.

The development of the Roadmap and its implementation is supported by the OAS and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), with technical support from the Central American Integration System (SICA) and was funded by the European Union.

For more information, please contact: secretary@unlirec.org.

Insights from the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap States

Insights from the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap States

Jan 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

Antigua and Barbuda

Author: Travis Crump, Sergeant, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda

As the Focal Point for Antigua and Barbuda, I write to share on the progress in Implementing the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap from my point of view.

Antigua and Barbuda’s National Action Plan (NAP) under the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap (CFRM) has seen notable successes and challenges since its inception. […]

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The Bahamas

Author: Jennifer Bethel, Director of Research and Development Section, Ministry of National Security

The Bahamas’ National Action Plan was approved in 2024 by the Cabinet of The Bahamas. With approval, the National Committee sought to operationalize the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap using select priority areas that aligned with national context. Specifically, The Bahamas assessed its priority areas and chose context-driven actions that would serve to advance the State’s efforts to combat firearms trafficking across the four main goals. […]

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Trinidad and Tobago

Author: Renee Adimoolah, nternational Affairs Coordinator, Ministry of National Security

Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to developing a National Firearms Action Plan, reflects a desire to design an effective strategy that fosters inclusivity and shared responsibility amongst stakeholders, as well as address the root causes of firearms proliferation. Additionally, the approach acknowledges that for the Plan to be sustainable, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms must be integrated into the overall framework from the beginning. […]

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The Bahamas

Author: Jennifer Bethel, Director of Research and Development Section, Ministry of National Security

The Government of The Bahamas understands that safety and security undergirds the nation’s socio-economic development. The Government is keenly aware that regional security is a concern that involves threats to both the safety and stability of the Caribbean. […]

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Antigua and Barbuda

Author: Atlee Rodney, Commissioner of Police, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda

Greeting from the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda. In recent years, the Caribbean has encountered a growing challenge: the illicit trafficking of firearms and by extension, humans through our region. In Antigua and Barbuda, we’re all too familiar with the consequences of this pervasive issue, which not only threatens public safety but also hinders our nation’s progress. As we navigate these complexities, the UNLIREC Caribbean Firearms Roadmap has emerged as a beacon of hope in our efforts to enhance security and reduce firearm-related crimes. […]

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Haiti

Author: Ralph Stanley Jean Brice, Inspector General, National Police of Haiti

The implementation of Haiti’s National Action Plan for the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap has been marked by a number of challenges to overcome, but also by notable accomplishments so far. […]

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