Caribbean countries now have access to a policy framework that will support and align with international best practices, their efforts in the disposal of the remnants left behind after the destruction of obsolete, unserviceable and illicit firearms and ammunition across the Region.
Titled “Policy Framework: To Sustainably Dispose of Destroyed Firearms and Ammunition Components in the Caribbean”, the Framework was collaboratively produced among MAG (Mines Advisory Group), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and launched virtually on 4 June 2025.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Adam Komorowski, Regional Director Latin America and the Caribbean, MAG, noted that across the Region, illegal firearms remain one of the most persistent threats to citizen security, sustainable development and social stability. He added that while many initiatives have rightly focused on controlling the flow of illicit weapons and strengthening law enforcement capacities, the disposal of firearms once they are seized, recovered or rendered obsolete is often overlooked.
“This Framework marks a turning point. It is not just about destroying weapons – it is about doing so safely, sustainably and systematically. It is about ensuring that every firearm removed from our streets is accounted for, disposed of responsibly and never finds its way back into circulation. And it is about aligning our practices with international standards, environmental responsibility, and our shared commitment to peace and justice”, Mr. Komorowski explained.
Ms. Katja Boettcher, Deputy Director, UNLIREC, said that it was an established fact that inadequate management of firearms and ammunition significantly increases the risk of diversion, fuelling the illicit spread of weapons and posing a threat to national, community and individual security.
She reported that despite the continued positive efforts and commitment of CARICOM Member States to execute periodic destruction, authorities were often left with remnant components that still needed disposal. “The Framework broaches fundamental issues that need to be addressed and provides a series of recommendations at immediate, medium- and long-term intervals, towards sustainable and cost-effective solutions to this ongoing challenge”, she reiterated.
Mr. Callixtus Joseph, Assistant Director (Ag), Policy, Strategy and Innovation, CARICOM IMPACS, stated that the Framework contributes directly to international normative instruments, placing the Caribbean at the forefront of the development and implementation of global best practices and standards for the safe, secure and environmentally responsible disposal of weapons and ammunition. Additionally, he mentioned that the Framework supports the objectives of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, which was established in 2020, specifically Target 4.3, which aims to prevent the recirculation of illicit firearms and ammunition through their permanent and irreversible removal.
Mr. Joseph urged participants at the launch to “Let this be the catalyst for advancing and implementing the recommendations of the Framework and for reinforcing the Caribbean’s leadership in responsible arms control and environmental sustainability”.
