On 19 July 2023, GIFP action Countering Firearms Trafficking held its closing event to discuss the lessons learned from the EU-UNODC partnership in implementing this action. Opening remarks were provided by the European Commission and the Chief of the UNODC Firearms Trafficking Section. The Commission drew conclusions on the legislative challenges that face the monitoring and disruption of this illicit market. While the Firearms project added that in many cases addressing the loopholes in legislation can be as important as interdiction.
Further discussions revolved around countering illicit firearms trafficking and policy implementation. A presentation by DG HOME provided an overview on the EU’s Action plan on illicit firearms trafficking while the UNODC focused on their Global Strategy on Illicit Firearms and interconnected threats. The presentations also delved into the UNODC’s ongoing firearms initiatives in various regions, as well as their Hotspots initiative.
The event also provided the opportunity for the action share its success stories, lessons learned, and future strategies in countering firearms trafficking in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central and West Africa, throughout its mandated period. Field insights as well as some key findings from the thematic issue papers developed by the Countering Firearms Trafficking project were presented, exploring the links between drugs trafficking, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, and firearms trafficking. Throughout the discussions, the significance of partnerships in driving progress and ensuring the sustainability of efforts in these regions were stressed.
In closing, the UNODC office Representative in Brussels highlighted the value of the discussions and lessons learned from the project, paving the way for stronger efforts in countering illicit firearms trafficking and building a safer world. The event provided a platform for increased knowledge exchange and collaboration, strengthening the global response to this pressing challenge.
