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Vienna, 10 May 2023 - Strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its Firearms Protocol through the contribution of civil society, academia and the private sector was one of the key topics of the 2023 Constructive Dialogue on Firearms. More than 500 participants from 189 non-governmental organizations, members of academia and from the private sector registered for the second Constructive Dialogue on Firearms which was held in hybrid format in Vienna on 5 May, including representatives from regional and international organizations and from Member States. |
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The critical role of non-governmental stakeholders' engagement in UNTOC implementation was stressed by the Chair of the Working Group on Firearms, Miguel Ángel Reyes Moncayo from Mexico who emphasized that continuing collaboration and cooperation with civil society on the matter of the UNTOC Review Mechanism is crucial for effective arms control and promoting a safer world. The participants of the meeting were briefed on the current status of the review process carried out within the framework of the UNTOC Review Mechanism and on the outcomes of the 10th meeting of the Working Group on Firearms. |
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To promote a more effective and engaging participation and exchange of views between stakeholders, this year's Constructive Dialogue included an interactive panel discussion focused on two topics: the definitions and scope of the Firearms Protocol, and international and inter-agency cooperation in line with UNTOC and its Firearms Protocol.
Participants had also the opportunity to share their inputs and suggestions relating to the universalization and implementation of the Firearms Protocol, assistance needs and non- governmental stakeholders’ engagement, as well as human rights and victim-centered approaches.
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According to the Chair of the Working Group on Firearms who also chaired the Constructive Dialogue, civil society has a key role to play in this context. “Enabling all voices to engage in a frank dialogue resulted in a fruitful exchange of best practices and recommendations from this sector,” he emphasized. One of the panelists, Martin Ewi, representative of the Institute for Security Studies South Africa, highlighted that the Constructive Dialogue enabled to share civil society’s experience and proposals for solutions to illicit trafficking and manufacturing of firearms. "We need universalization to silence the guns. For that, we need everyone on the table, including manufacturers and the dealers," he said. |
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Non-governmental stakeholders considered the Constructive Dialogue on Firearms as well organized and constructive, emphasized Anna Alvazzi Del Frate, representative of KENNIS: Knowledge for Safety and Good Governance. Many participants agreed with the proposal to 'decentralize' the discussion on the Constructive Dialogue, allowing for regional consultations prior to the meetings to ensure that non-governmental stakeholders are better prepared. The Chair’s summary of the discussion and written contributions from participants are made available online on the webpage of the 2023 Constructive Dialogue on Firearms. The next Constructive Dialogue on Firearms will be held in May 2024. |
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For more information:
Constructive Dialogues – UNTOC Review Mechanism
Stakeholder Engagement for UNTOC
