Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 10/2010

National Implementation of the United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument: An Analysis of Reporting in 2009–10

Sarah Parker

June 2010

Small Arms Survey

Abstract

This report is divided into three parts. The first part provides a statistical overview of reporting by states from January 2002 to May 2010. It also reports on the findings of a survey conducted by the Small Arms Survey to verify the existence of and contact details for National Points of Contact (NPCs), as well as the status of National Coordination Agencies (NCAs) and National Action Plans (NAPs). The second part provides an overview of states’ implementation of the following BMS4 themes: (a) preventing and combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons across borders; and (b) international cooperation and assistance. Since national reports under review contain almost no specific information on the third theme identified by Ambassador Macedo—strengthening of PoA follow-up mechanisms—consideration of this theme will be included in the final report, pending discussion at BMS4 and the submission of additional national reports that address the issue in detail. The third part of the report is dedicated to states’ reporting on the International Tracing Instrument; only information provided by states that made specific reference to the International Tracing Instrument is included and analysed. Key observations and discussion points arising from the analysis of the national reports are included at the end of each section. All cited texts are drawn from relevant 2010 national reports unless otherwise indicated.