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Implementation and Follow-on:
Priorities and Responsibilities
Biting the Bullet Project
(BASIC, International Alert, Saferworld, Bradford University)
Presentation by Michael Crowley, Senior Analyst, BASIC
The Programme of Action to be agreed at this Conference will
not be sufficient to end the scourge of small arms. However
it can and must become the springboard for effective co-ordinated
international responses on this issue in the future. To achieve
this, the Programme of Action needs to include adequate follow-on
mechanisms to enable the future development of its key elements.
Follow-on Mechanisms and Agreements: This means that
it is important at least to retain the provisions for follow-on
contained in the current (L4 Rev.1) draft of the Programme
of Action. Most important of all is the commitment to convene
a follow-up conference in 2006, to review progress in implementation
and to consider ways to further strengthen the Programme of
Action. More frequent, biennial, meetings are also needed,
to facilitate systematic exchanges of information and experiences
and to identify and promote best practices.
In addition, each element of the Programme of Action will
require a complex of national, regional and international
follow-up processes and programmes, co-ordinated through a
variety of different institutions and frameworks. For example,
we need to see programmes to promote and support weapons collection,
reduction and control throughout much of the world, and measures
to stem the present massive leakage and diversion of arms
from official military or police holdings.
In two areas at least - arms brokering and marking &
tracing - concerted international talks need to be launched,
with a view to establishing effective global agreements as
soon as possible and certainly by the time of the 2006 follow-on
conference. These will complement and re-inforce existing
regional initiatives and international agreements, particularly
the UN Firearms Protocol, which needs to be implemented fully
and rapidly.
International Assistance: In practice, technical
and financial assistance will be needed in many parts of the
world for effective implementation. All states and institutions
that can provide support need to find ways to mobilise and
co-ordinate such assistance. Although there are real success
stories, at present too much donor activity remains fragmented,
inappropriate or inadequate. Improved systems for international
co-operation and assistance must be an integral part of each
element of the Programme of Action. Having said this, governments
in seriously affected regions cannot afford to wait for assistance
before taking measures to tackle small arms proliferation
and misuse.
Partnerships With Civil Society: The primary
responsibility for implementing the Programme of Action and
ensuring human security lies with States. But the Programme
cannot be effective without the active involvement of all
actors for progressive change and all sections of society.
Civil society, including NGOs, has a crucial role to play.
Many governments have already recognized the important role
of NGOs and other sections of civil society. This relationship
needs to be enhanced. This requires changes of attitude and
the development of habits of openness, consultation and co-operation.
The creation of consultative mechanisms and procedures is
also essential in practice. In those countries where such
mutually-beneficial relationships are inadequate, governments
should allow space and take initiatives to develop them.
In summary, Mr President, without concrete and effective
follow-on mechanisms and programmes, the Document agreed at
this Conference will be a dead and virtually useless document.
We in this room have a responsibility to agree a Programme
establishing commitments and programmes that will actually
make a difference in the favelas of Latin America, in the
war torn communities of the sub-saharan Africa, or even on
the streets of New York city itself. We look forward to working
with you to ensure that we do make a difference.
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