UNLIREC and Peru intensify collaboration in arms control through stockpile management training

The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), in cooperation with the National Regulatory Entity for Security Services, Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civil Use (SUCAMEC) of Peru, undertook a workshop on best practices and international standards in stockpile management from 21-23 April 2014 in Lima.

With the objective of installing permanent technical capacities among operational personnel of the SUCAMEC and members of the Peruvian National Police, UNLIREC trained 44 officials in the implementation of the United Nations International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) and the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATGs). While the ISACS aim to provide clear, practical and comprehensive guidance to practitioners and policymakers on fundamental aspects of small arms and light weapons control, the IATGs support a ‘whole life management’ approach, ranging from categorization and accounting systems, to physical security systems, to surveillance and testing procedures which assess the stability and reliability of ammunition.

The workshop embarked on issues related to the definition and classification of firearms, ammunition and explosives; firearms proliferation and armed violence; dangerous material; as well as risk assessment/management; and security plans. The course participants’ applied the theoretical knowledge acquired to practical hands-on exercises and simulations.

Adequate stockpile management is a key component in arms control efforts given its contribution to reducing the possibility of theft or loss of firearms, ammunition or explosives, and of diversion into illicit channels. Moreover, it considerably reduces the risk of unintentional explosions and other incidents caused by human error and/or natural disasters.

This initiative forms part of a series of UNLIREC/SUCAMEC training sessions aimed at improving arms control initiated during the second semester of 2013. UNLIREC assistance to Latin American and Caribbean States contributes to improvements in public security and national implementation of various international disarmament instruments, most notably, the UN 2001 Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

For more information on UNLIREC visit (www.unlirec.org.) Please direct all questions or inquiries to Ms Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer, at cowl[at]unlirec.org

Photos from the Event