INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE
ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING
IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS (CIFTA)
Consultative Committee
Fourth Regular Meeting
April 3 and 4, 2003
Washington, D.C.
OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4
CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.14/03
8 May 2003
Original: English
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE (2002-2003)
OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON ITS WORK AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE (2002-2003) OF THE CONSULTATIVE
COMMITTEE ON ITS WORK AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
I. INTRODUCTION
Considering that July 1, 2003 will mark the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the
Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms,
Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), the Secretariat pro tempore is
pleased to present this report on the recent progress in the implementation of the Convention as well
as a brief overview of the Consultative Committee since its inception.
This report also summarizes the proceedings and decisions taken at the First Special Session
and the Fourth Regular Session held by the Consultative Committee in March and April 2003,
respectively.
II. BACKGROUND
Establishment of the Consultative Committee
The Consultative Committee, established under CIFTA, is comprised of the States Parties to
that Convention. Pursuant to Article XX of the Convention, the Consultative Committee was
established in March 2000 upon the ratification of the Convention by the following 10 States Parties:
The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru.
States Parties
To date, 33 of the Member States of the Organization of American States have signed the
Convention and the following 19 have ratified it: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas,
Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Jamaica,
Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Several states have indicated that the requisite steps are being taken by their respective
legislative bodies to enable them to ratify the Convention, and also that measures are being put in
place and actions taken that coincide with various aspects and provisions of the Convention.
Secretariat pro tempore
In compliance with Article XXI of the Convention which provides for a Secretariat pro
tempore to serve the Consultative Committee, Mexico was elected in that capacity for the first regular
meeting of the Committee, and reelected to that position for the second and third regular meetings;
Brazil was elected secretariat pro tempore for the fourth regular meeting; and Colombia for the fifth
regular meeting.
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The Secretariat pro tempore carries out its functions between each regular meeting, for a
period of one year, so that Mexico held that position from March 2000 to May 2002, Brazil from
May 2002 to April 2003, and Colombia, which was elected in April 2003, will hold the position until
the next regular meeting is held in 2004.
Meetings
The First Regular Meeting of the Consultative Committee was held at the Headquarters of
the OAS General Secretariat on March 9 and 10, 2000, complying with the stipulation, set out in
Article XXI of the Convention, to do so within 90 days of the deposit of the 10th instrument of
ratification.
Since then, the Committee has held three more regular meetings and one special meeting, all
at the Headquarters of the General Secretariat:
Second Regular Meeting
Third Regular Meeting
Fourth Regular Meeting
First Special Meeting
−May 17-18, 2001
−May 2-3, 2002
−April 3-4, 2003
−March 10, 2003
At each of its regular meetings,1/ the Committee reviewed the status of signatures and
ratifications of the Convention and the steps taken by states parties and non-states parties to apply its
provisions,2/ and has set goals to further its application.3/
The Committee has also been following the progress with respect to the Model Regulations
for the Control of the International Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and
Ammunition of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), which were
developed to further the implementation of some of the provisions of the Convention, in particular
Article IX "Export, Import, and Transit Licenses or Authorizations". The relationship between the
area of application of CIFTA and the work of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism
(CICTE) in the area of border and financial controls has also been recognized, and the Consultative
Committee is seeking closer cooperation among the respective Secretariats of CIFTA, CICTE and
CICAD to make the best use of resources and coordinate information.
Similarly, the Committee has considered related initiatives carried out under the auspices of
the United Nations in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe which include the
development of the Protocol to the Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in
Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition, and the work of the Regional Centre for
Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-LiREC). The work
1.
2.
3.
Report of the First Regular Meeting, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.1, CIFTA/CC/doc.5/00 rev. 1;
Report of the Second Regular Meeting, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.2, CIFTA/CC-II/doc.13/01; and
Report of the Third Regular Meeting, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.3, CIFTA/CC-III/doc.13/02.
Ibid, and Section III below.
Work Program 2000-2001, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.1, CIFTA/CC/doc.2/00 rev. 1; Work Program
2001-2002, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.2, CIFTA/CC-II/doc.12/01 rev. 1; Work Program 2002-2003,
document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.3, CIFTA/CC-III/doc.8/02 rev. 1; and Work Program 2003-2004,
document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.5/03 rev. 1.
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of the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, have also been
of interest to the Committee.
The Committee has also considered information provided by various nongovernmental
organizations working in the field.
III. COMPLIANCE WITH MANDATES DURING THE PERIOD
AUGUST 2002 TO APRIL 2003
The Consultative Committee's mandates derive principally from the Convention itself
(Article XX), in furtherance of which it has developed a work program that has both short and long
term goals for implementation by States Parties and the OAS General Secretariat which supports it.
The OAS General Assembly and Permanent Council have also requested that the Consultative
Committee carry out certain activities.
General Assembly
Through its resolution AG/RES. 1874 (XXXII-O/02), the General Assembly made two
requests to the Consultative Committee, as follows:
1.
"To request the Permanent Council to hold, with the support of the
Consultative Committee, an annual meeting on this Convention, which should include
consideration of the status of implementation of the national and regional components of the
Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its
Aspects of the United Nations." (Operative paragraph 3)
2.
"To request the Consultative Committee to send any recommendations it
may consider pertinent to the preparatory body of the Special Conference on Security as a
contribution to the preparation of that Conference." (Operative paragraph 4)
1.
Status of implementation of the national and regional components of the Programme of
Action
In order to facilitate compliance with operative paragraph 3 of this resolution, the
Consultative Committee held a dialogue during its Fourth Regular Meeting, with the participation of
the Chair of the Permanent Council, on the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small
Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. The Committee noted that Costa Rica, Mexico and the
United States had submitted reports to the UN on action taken by their respective governments to
implement the national and regional components of this Programme, and that Argentina, Canada and
Jamaica have submitted their related domestic legislation to the UN. The delegations of Brazil,
Canada, Chile and Paraguay informed that their country reports were being prepared for submission
at the upcoming UN meeting on small arms and light weapons scheduled for July 2003. The
importance of implementing the Programme was emphasized given the increasing use of legally
traded firearms in criminal activities.
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The Committee authorized the Secretary pro tempore to report to the Permanent Council on
the conclusions of this dialogue.
2.
Recommendations to the Special Conference on Security
In response to the General Assembly request in operative paragraph 4, the Consultative
Committee held its First Special Session to formulate recommendations on the question of the illicit
manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives and other related materials, to
the Summit-mandated Special Conference on Security. Considering that one of the main objectives
of the Special Conference is to redefine the hemispheric security system, and that the illicit
manufacture and trade of firearms is "…a threat to hemispheric security that requires multilateral
cooperation, multifaceted responses and a range of different approaches", the Committee deemed it
necessary that the Special Conference include the topic in its deliberations and urged it to consider
the recommendations of the Committee in developing coordinated strategies and integrated action
plans, as stipulated in the OAS Declaration of Bridgetown: The Multidimensional Approach to
Security [AG/DEC. 27 (XXXI-O/02)]. The Committee formulated 14 recommendations which were
duly submitted to the Committee on Hemispheric Security in its capacity as preparatory body of the
Conference, on March 11, 2003.4/
Permanent Council
In its resolution CP/RES. 837 (1354/03) "Condemnation of Terrorist Acts in Colombia", the
Permanent Council resolved:
"To urge the Consultative Committee of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit
Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related
Materials (CIFTA) to consider adopting the necessary additional measures to prevent,
control, and suppress illicit trafficking in arms, ammunition, and explosives to armed groups
operating outside the law on the American continent." (Operative paragraph 11)
The Committee slated this matter for consideration at its Fourth Regular Meeting at which
the delegation of Colombia presented eight proposals for consideration in the period 2003 to 2004,
requesting that they be compared "… with the provisions of the Convention itself and with the work
being done by other specialized bodies of the Organization, such as CICAD, to determine the best
way of further developing them and, should the Committee so decide, of adopting those
recommendations that it considers pertinent."5/
The Committee took note of the proposals presented and agreed to include an action item in
its Work Program so that they could be addressed in the coming year.
Work Program 2002-2003
The Work Program for the period 2002 to 20036/ was complied with in large measure, some
aspects having been completed and others that require a longer completion timeframe having been
initiated. The following accomplishments are of particular note:
4.
5.
6.
Appendix II, document OEA/Ser.L/XXI.3.1, CIFTA/CC/doc.12/03 rev. 1.
Appendix IV, document OEA/Ser.L/XXI.3.1, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.3/03.
Work Program 2002-2003, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.3, CIFTA/CC-III/doc.8/02 rev. 1.
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1.
Several specific action items in the Work Program deal with coordination,
cooperation, and information exchange between States Parties to CIFTA and other subregional, regional and international governmental, non-governmental bodies. In this context,
emphasis was placed on contact within the inter-American system and in particular with
CICAD, CICTE, and the Meetings of Ministers of Justice of the Americas (REMJAs). One
of the key objectives of this type of cooperation is the establishment of a database and
network to facilitate mutual legal assistance, which will be based on national points of
contact and central authorities of the States Parties.
Through the joint efforts of the Secretariat pro tempore and the OAS Secretariat for Legal
Affairs, significant progress has been made in this regard:

Using information provided by the States Parties to CICAD, CICTE, REMJA and
CIFTA, a comparative database on national points of contact and central authorities
was undertaken with a view to identifying common channels. It was found that for
the most part, the States Parties have designated different points of contact and
central authorities for each of these subject areas, making a single network for all of
these bodies difficult or impossible to set up. Consequently, a network has been set
up specifically for CIFTA on its internet website. The published directories of
national points of contact and central authorities7/ can also be found on the website.

A website has been set up on CIFTA containing information on the Convention, the
Committee's activities, documents, and work program, as well as information
provided by states parties and non-states parties. In response to the specific request
of the Committee, the website features a private area that allows states parties' to
access restricted information and consult with each other in a secure manner. This
website is one of the components of the pilot inter-American mutual legal assistance
network project arising from the Third Summit of the Americas which is currently
being developed.
2.
The Committee instructed the Secretariat pro tempore to represent it at appropriate
international meetings on this subject, so that it may continue to be informed of important
relevant developments in other fora. Accordingly, the Secretary pro tempore accepted the
invitation to participate in the Third Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee
against Terrorism (CICTE), held in San Salvador, El Salvador in January 2003, where a
comprehensive overview of the objectives, status and benefits of CIFTA was presented.8/
3.
The Committee decided to begin preparations for the Conference of States Parties,
which as provided for in Article XXVIII of the Convention, is to be held five years after the
entry into force of the Convention. At its Fourth Regular Session, the Committee set the
timetable for organizing and holding the Conference: the preparatory process would take
place in the second half of 2003 with a view to holding the Conference in the first half of
2004.
7.
8.
For the latest publications of these directories see documents: OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CCIV/doc.7/03, National Points of Contact, and OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.8/03, Central
Authorities.
See document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.3.1, CIFTA/CC/doc.13/03.
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The Committee took note of the interest expressed by the delegation of Argentina in
presenting topics for consideration at the Conference that would include the definition of
"illicit" in the Convention, the use of the term “hot pursuit” in the Convention, and the need
to focus on ammunition and explosives.
4.
A key element for implementation of the Convention is the adoption of legislation.
The Committee has included in its Work Program for the past two years, the development of
model legislation aimed at assisting those states that do not have such legislation to develop
their own. Such model legislation would address specific issues of the Convention not dealt
with by the CICAD model regulations, and would be based on legislation already adopted in
some States Parties. Several of these have provided information on the laws adopted by their
respective countries in order to apply the Convention.9/
Also in this area, the Committee noted the excellent work being done by CICAD with respect
to the application of its Model Regulations for the Control of the International Movement of
Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition in order to reinforce the
implementation of CIFTA. The report presented by the Executive Secretariat of CICAD at
the Fourth Regular Meeting of the Committee details the training and technical assistance
programs carried out to this end, and what is being done to address the needs identified as a
result of these programs.10/
5.
In continuing its consideration of new areas in which progress could be made to
strengthen international cooperation in the implementation of the Convention, the Committee
decided to address the issue of brokering in small arms and light weapons. Since the OAS
Committee on Hemispheric Security had undertaken a study on this subject, its First ViceChair was invited to inform the Fourth Regular Meeting of the Consultative Committee on
the findings of that study completed on March 28, 200311/. The meeting noted in particular
that the study made reference to CIFTA as an international instrument that is crucial to the
successful control of brokering, "a transnational activity that requires a transnational
approach to its regulation" and an increase among governments in communication and
cooperation in firearms control. That report consequently recommends the full ratification
and implementation of CIFTA. Also on this issue, the Committee was informed by the
Executive Secretariat of CICAD that that organ would be developing draft model regulations
to control brokering in small arms.
IV. WORK PROGRAM 2003-2004
The Consultative Committee will continue most of its activities from the preceding year in
the period 2003-2004, as indicated in its Work Program.12/ Activities to be continued include the
completion of the directories of national points of contact and central authorities; drafting model
legislation on areas not addressed in the model regulations of CICAD; strengthening coordination,
cooperation and information exchange with other sub-regional, regional and international
9.
10.
11.
12.
See document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.6/03.
See document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.12/03.
See document OEA/Ser.G, CP/CSH-544/03 rev. 2.
Appendix III, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.5/03 rev. 1.
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governmental, nongovernmental, and academic bodies; analyzing responses to the questionnaire; and
updating its website and inventory of measures taken by states parties to apply the Convention.
An ongoing objective of fundamental importance for the utmost effective application of the
Convention is its ratification by all the signatory states. This would make it possible to establish
channels throughout the Hemisphere for the regular exchange of information and other essential
cooperation initiatives, and expedite the adoption of domestic legislation, licensing or authorization
systems and export and shipping controls aimed at identifying and blocking the diversion of weapons
manufactured and traded illegally to terrorist, criminal and paramilitary organizations.
New initiatives for the current period relate to the consideration of measures to prevent,
combat and eradicate the illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition and explosives (in response to the
request by the Permanent Council at the initiative of the delegation of Colombia); and the
organization of the Conference of States Parties for the first half of 2004.
V. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Committee also agreed to present a draft resolution for the consideration of the General
Assembly which aims, inter alia, to continue promoting the ratification and implementation of the
Convention and providing for the necessary measures to support the work of the Committee and the
convocation of the Conference of States Parties. The draft resolution was approved at the Fourth
Regular Meeting and is submitted with this report for the Permanent Council's consideration so that it
may be duly forwarded to the Thirty-third Regular Session of the General Assembly for adoption.13/
The Secretariat pro tempore would like to highlight matters addressed in three of the
proposed operative paragraphs:
1.
Operative paragraph 4: It is proposed that the General Assembly support the
convocation in 2004 of the Conference of States Parties. According to Article XXVIII of the
Convention:
"Five years after the entry into force of this Convention, the depository shall convene
a conference of the States Parties to examine the functioning and application of this
Convention."
The OAS General Secretariat being the depository of the Convention, the Secretary General
will issue the convocation after July 1, 2003, having made the requisite consultations with the
Secretariat pro tempore and the States Parties. This Conference is an important milestone in
the history of the Convention and it is expected to have a significant impact on the
ratification of the Convention by all states, its universal application, and relevance.
2.
Operative paragraph 5: States and international and regional organizations interested
in the subject are requested to provide assistance for the implementation of measures to
prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms,
ammunition, explosives and other related materials. This is the first year that such a request
would be made by the General Assembly on this matter.
13. Appendix I, document OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4, CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.4/03 rev. 1.
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3.
Operative paragraph 6: This paragraph deals with the necessary budgetary and
technical and administrative secretariat support for the Committee and its activities. Included
in these activities are the meetings to be held by the Committee in preparation for the
Conference of States Parties.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
I note with satisfaction that a considerable number of delegations played an active part in the
meetings of the Consultative Committee, including delegations of countries that are not yet parties to
CIFTA. This is a sign of the importance attached to this item on the hemispheric agenda and it
should encourage efforts to combat this scourge and its pernicious effects on our societies.
Still worth reiterating is the desire that all countries in the Hemisphere ratify the Convention,
so that cooperation among them is strengthened through regular and ongoing exchanges of
information from which all may benefit.
I would like to place on record my gratitude for the support of the OAS General Secretariat,
particularly the Department of Legal Cooperation and Development. I would also like to convey my
special thanks to the Secretariat of the Consultative Committee for its efficient work that was
fundamental in my efforts to perform my duties as secretary pro tempore.
May 8, 2003
Valter Pecly Moreira
Secretary pro tempore (2002-2003)
Permanent Representative of Brazil to the OAS
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APPENDIX I
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE
ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING
IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS (CIFTA)
Consultative Committee
Fourth Regular Meeting
April 3 and 4, 2003
Washington, D.C.
OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4
CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.4/03 rev. 1
22 April 2003
Original: Spanish
DRAFT RESOLUTION
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF
AND TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS
(Approved by the Consultative Committee on April 4, 2003,
during its fourth regular meeting)
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
During its fourth regular meeting, on April 3 and 4, 2003, the Consultative Committee
decided to present this draft resolution to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American
States, for consideration by the General Assembly at its thirty-third regular session.
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DRAFT RESOLUTION
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF
AND TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS
(Approved by the Consultative Committee on April 4, 2003,
during its fourth regular meeting)
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
REITERATING the urgent need for all member states to take the appropriate measures and
to cooperate with one another to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and
trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials, because of the harmful
effects of these activities on the security of each state and the region as a whole, since they jeopardize
the well-being of peoples, their social and economic development, and their right to live in peace;
UNDERSCORING the importance of the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit
Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials
(CIFTA) for promoting and facilitating cooperation and the sharing of information and experiences
among the states parties with a view to preventing, combating, and eradicating the illicit
manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials;
REAFFIRMING the importance of the entry into force of the CIFTA for all OAS member
states as soon as possible in order to facilitate and guarantee the achievement of its purposes
throughout the Hemisphere;
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HAVING SEEN the report of the Secretary General on the status of signatures and
ratifications of the CIFTA (CP/doc.
), and taking note of the fact that this Convention has been
signed by 33 OAS member states and ratified by 19 of them, which means that four more states
ratified it in the past 12 months;
CONSIDERING the progress made over the past year by the Consultative Committee
established in the framework of the CIFTA, at meetings held at the Organization’s headquarters on
August 28, 2002, March 10, 2003, and April 3 and 4, 2003;
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the valuable contributions of the Consultative Committee to the
Special Conference on Security;
RECALLING resolutions AG/RES. 1 (XXIV-E/97), AG/RES. 1621 (XXIX-O/99), AG/RES.
1750 (XXX-O/00), AG/RES. 1800 (XXXI-O/01), and AG/RES. 1874 (XXXII-O/02), regarding the
CIFTA;
ACKNOWLEDGING the usefulness of the Model Regulations for the Control of the
International Movement of Firearms, Their Parts and Components, and Ammunition of the InterAmerican Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and the related cooperation programs
developed by the General Secretariat; and
BEARING IN MIND the Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light
Weapons in All Its Aspects of the United Nations, and the importance of taking concrete measures in
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the Hemisphere toward implementation of the national, regional, and global components of that
Programme of Action,
RESOLVES:
1.
To urge all OAS member states that have not already done so to give prompt
consideration to signing and ratifying, or ratifying, the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit
Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials
(CIFTA), as appropriate, and to adopting the necessary measures for its implementation.
2.
To thank the Consultative Committee of the CIFTA for its contributions to the
Special Conference on Security and to acknowledge the assistance provided by non-states parties in
the preparation of those contributions.
3.
To note with satisfaction the Work Program (CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.5/03 rev. 1),
adopted by the Consultative Committee at its fourth regular meeting, and to express its support for
the work of the Secretariat pro tempore.
4.
To support the convocation in the first half of 2004 of the Conference of States
Parties to the CIFTA to review the functioning and application of the Convention, as provided for in
Article XXVIII thereof.
5.
To request states and international and regional organizations interested in the
subject to consider the possibility of providing assistance, including technical and financial
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assistance, to support the implementation of measures to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit
manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials.
6.
To stipulate that the Conference of States Parties and the meetings of the
Consultative Committee are held within the resources allocated in the program-budget and other
resources and to request the General Secretariat to continue to provide the administrative and
technical secretariat support required by the Consultative Committee for these purposes.
7.
To request the Secretary General to present a report to the General Assembly at its
thirty-fourth regular session on the status of signatures and ratifications of the Convention.
8.
To request the Permanent Council to report to the General Assembly at its thirty-
fourth regular session on the implementation of this resolution.
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APPENDIX II
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE
ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING
IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS
Consultative Committee
First Special Meeting
March 10, 2003
Washington, D.C.
OEA/Ser.L/XXI.3.1
CIFTA/CC/doc.12/03 rev. 1
11 March 2003
Original: English
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
ESTABLISHED UNDER CIFTA
TO THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE ON SECURITY
(Adopted by the Consultative Committee at its First Special Meeting, held on March 10, 2003)
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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
ESTABLISHED UNDER CIFTA
TO THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE ON SECURITY
(Adopted by the Consultative Committee at its First Special Meeting,
held on March 10, 2003)
In compliance with the General Assembly request, set out in paragraph 4 of its resolution
AG/RES. 1874 (XXXII-O/02), to the Consultative Committee of the Inter-American Convention
against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other
Related Materials, the Committee has agreed to forward the following recommendations as a
contribution to the preparations for the Special Conference on Security:
1.
To declare that illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives
and other related materials is a threat to hemispheric security that requires multilateral cooperation,
multifaceted responses and a range of different approaches.
2.
To promote cooperation, the exchange of information on effective measures tending to
combat the increase in the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition,
explosives, and other related materials, given their link to drug trafficking, terrorism, transnational
organized crime, mercenary activities, and other criminal activities.
3.
To recognize the imperative need to continue efforts at the national level to prevent, combat,
and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and
other related materials as well as national, bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination.
4.
To promote among OAS member states the ratification and full implementation of the InterAmerican Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives,
and Other Related Materials.
5.
To establish legal and technical cooperation programs for those states which so request them,
in order to harmonize or modify their domestic legislation and regulations in accordance with the
Convention.
6.
To recommend that states implement those requirements of the Convention that can be
implemented within current structures, while working towards its ratification.
7.
To continue bilateral and multilateral cooperation efforts for the States that may so request to
implement the commitments of the Convention.
8.
To adopt the necessary measures to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the
Consultative Committee of CIFTA and CICAD, CICTE and REMJA, the United Nations, especially
UNLiREC, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other
relevant organizations.
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9.
To use the Consultative Committee, when appropriate, in seeking solutions to disputes
related to the illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials.
10.
To underscore the importance of the cooperation and contribution of civil society, of nongovernmental organizations and governments in efforts to combat the illicit trafficking in firearms,
ammunition, explosives, and other related materials.
11.
To promote and encourage the exchange of information on successful initiatives aimed at
diminishing and eliminating organized crime and violence among the citizenry, as a means of
reducing the illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials.
12.
To promote and encourage the prompt and effective designation of the national entity or
single point of contact for exchanging information whereby states may be warned, in due course,
about a possible diversion of firearms, ammunition, explosives and other related materials.
13.
To emphasize the need for the states parties to identify the central authorities designated to
issue and receive requests for mutual legal assistance.
14.
To urge that the Special Conference on Security consider these recommendations of the
Consultative Committee when it develops coordinated strategies and integrated action plans, as
stipulated in the Declaration of Bridgetown: The Multidimensional Approach to Security [AG/DEC.
27 (XXXI-O/02)].
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APPENDIX III
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE
ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING
IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS (CIFTA)
Consultative Committee
Fourth Regular Meeting
April 3 and 4, 2003
Washington, D.C.
WORK PROGRAM FOR 2003-2004
(Adopted by the Consultative Committee on April 4, 2003,
during its fourth regular meeting)
OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4
CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.5/03 rev. 1
22 April 2003
Original: Spanish
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WORK PROGRAM FOR 2003-2004
(Adopted by the Consultative Committee on April 4, 2003,
during its fourth regular meeting)
The states parties to the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and
Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), in the
context of the Fourth Regular Meeting of the Consultative Committee, held at the headquarters of the
Organization of American States (OAS) on April 3 and 4, 2003, adopted the following Work
Program for the 2003-2004 period. In carrying out these activities, the Secretariat pro tempore will
have the support of the OAS General Secretariat and the states parties, as the case may be, to:
1.
Present a draft resolution to the OAS General Assembly at its next regular session,
the purposes of which will include promoting the ratification and implementation of the Convention
and providing for the necessary measures to support the work of the Consultative Committee and the
convocation of the Conference of States Parties.
2.
Complete the directory of national bodies or single points of contact for purposes of
cooperation and information exchange referred to in Article XIV of the Convention.
3.
Complete the directory of central authorities to facilitate the mutual legal assistance
contemplated in Article XVII of the Convention.
4.
Carry out the preparatory work for the Conference of States Parties, as provided in
its Article XXVIII of the Convention, so that the Conference may examine the functioning and
application of the Convention and promote or adopt any necessary decisions. This preparatory work
shall be carried out during the second half of 2003 and shall include the determination of the date,
venue, and agenda of the Conference, with a view to holding the Conference during the first half of
2004.
5.
With support from the Technical Secretariat of the Committee, consider the
additional and complementary measures proposed by states to prevent, combat, and eradicate illicit
trafficking in firearms, ammunition, and explosives, and recommend the adoption of those deemed
appropriate.
6.
Bearing in mind the study performed of national law and subregional legal
instruments on the subject, make progress toward defining the specific issues to be addressed in the
model legislation, in connection with the areas specified in the Convention and not addressed in the
model regulations of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), as well as
progress toward determining a method for its adoption, so as to facilitate full implementation of the
Convention.
7.
Through the OAS General Secretariat, and in accordance with the guidelines of the
Secretariat pro tempore, keep the CIFTA website up to date and continue to develop and strengthen
it, with different levels of public and private access.
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8.
Continue to compile and analyze the replies to the questionnaire approved by the
Consultative Committee, in relation to those OAS member states that have not yet submitted replies.
9.
Continue measures to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the
Consultative Committee and other bodies and institutions having similar responsibilities, especially
with CICAD, the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), and the Meetings of
Ministers of Justice or of Ministers or Attorneys General of the Americas (REMJA), within the interAmerican system, and with the United Nations and other international organizations.
10.
With the assistance of the OAS General Secretariat, continually update the inventory
of measures taken by states parties to apply the Convention, based on the replies to the questionnaire.
11.
Through the Secretariat pro tempore, participate in relevant international meetings
related to the topics addressed by the CIFTA.
12.
Continue to monitor the development and implementation of the 2001 Program of
Action adopted by the UN Conference on Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its
Aspects.
13.
Consider the national diagnostic studies on the status of illicit trafficking in firearms,
ammunition, explosives, and related materials and on the implementation of the Convention and, to
that end, invite the states parties to prepare and present such studies.
14.
Continue and strengthen cooperation and information exchange with
nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, private sector bodies, and other interested
groups.
15.
Consider, in the context of the Committee’s tasks, an exchange of information on
successful initiatives to discourage and eliminate the culture of violence, as a way to reduce illicit
trafficking in arms. Promote and support appropriate cooperation activities, including joint seminars
with other national and international institutions, on the subject of the Convention.
16.
Consider experiences of subregional and international organizations in this field that
might contribute to the work of the Committee.
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APPENDIX IV
INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE
ILLICIT MANUFACTURING OF AND TRAFFICKING
IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS (CIFTA)
Consultative Committee
Fourth Regular Meeting
April 3-4, 2003
Washington, D.C.
OEA/Ser.L/XXII.2.4
CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.3/03
31 March 2003
Original: English
DRAFT AGENDA
(Approved by the Consultative Committee at the First Special Meeting, held on March 10, 2003)
1.
Status of implementation of the national and regional components of the United Nations
Program of Action on the Illicit Traffic of Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects
[pursuant to resolution AG/RES. 1874 (XXXII-O/02), operative paragraph 3]

2.
Dialogue among States Parties of CIFTA, OAS Member States and Permanent
Observer States
Request by the OAS Permanent Council contained in its resolution CP/RES. 837 (1354/03):
"11.
To urge the Consultative Committee of the Inter-American Convention against the
Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other
Related Materials (CIFTA) consider adopting the necessary additional measures to prevent,
control, and suppress illicit trafficking in arms, ammunition, and explosives to armed groups
operating outside the law on the American continent."



3.
Report by the Technical Secretariat on actions taken to implement the Consultative
Committee's Work Program 2002-2003 (CIFTA/CC-III/doc.8/02 rev. 1) and on the status of
ratification of the Convention

4.
Presentation by the delegation of Colombia
Comments by States Parties
Comments by OAS Member States
Consideration of the Draft Work Program 2003-2004 (CIFTA/CC-IV/doc.5/03)
Report by the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
on small arms brokering
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5.
Conference of States Parties pursuant to the Article XXVIII of the Convention


Date
Calendar of preparatory meetings
6.
Proposal by the Consultative Committee of a draft resolution for adoption by the OAS
General Assembly at its thirty-third regular session
7.
Election of the Secretariat pro tempore pursuant to Article XXI of the Convention
8.
Other business
CIFTA00119E06