A brand new regional coverage framework has been launched to assist Caribbean nations responsibly and sustainably eliminate firearm and ammunition remnants left behind after destruction workouts. The framework is designed to align with worldwide finest practices and bolster the area’s struggle towards gun violence and illicit arms circulation.
Titled “Coverage Framework: To Sustainably Get rid of Destroyed Firearms and Ammunition Parts within the Caribbean”, the document was developed via collaboration between the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), the CARICOM Implementation Company for Crime and Safety (IMPACS), and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Improvement in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC). It was formally launched on June 4, 2025, throughout a digital occasion.
“This Framework marks a turning level. It isn’t nearly destroying weapons – it’s about doing so safely, sustainably and systematically. It’s about making certain that each firearm faraway from our streets is accounted for, disposed of responsibly and by no means finds its method again into circulation. And it’s about aligning our practices with worldwide requirements, environmental accountability, and our shared dedication to peace and justice,” stated Adam Komorowski, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at MAG.
Katja Boettcher, Deputy Director of UNLIREC, emphasised the dangers related to poor administration of weapons remnants. “It’s a longtime proven fact that insufficient administration of firearms and ammunition considerably will increase the chance of diversion, fuelling the illicit unfold of weapons and posing a menace to nationwide, group and particular person safety,” she stated. Regardless of ongoing efforts by CARICOM states to destroy illicit and out of date weapons, many are left with remnant elements needing correct disposal.
“The Framework broaches elementary points that have to be addressed and offers a sequence of suggestions at instant, medium- and long-term intervals, in the direction of sustainable and cost-effective options to this ongoing problem,” Boettcher added.
Callixtus Joseph, Performing Assistant Director of Coverage, Technique and Innovation at CARICOM IMPACS, stated the brand new framework strengthens the Caribbean’s place in international disarmament management. “The Framework contributes on to worldwide normative devices, inserting the Caribbean on the forefront of the event and implementation of worldwide finest practices and requirements for the protected, safe and environmentally accountable disposal of weapons and ammunition,” he stated.
He additional famous that the initiative helps the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, significantly Goal 4.3, which seeks the everlasting and irreversible removing of illicit arms from circulation. “Let this be the catalyst for advancing and implementing the suggestions of the Framework and for reinforcing the Caribbean’s management in accountable arms management and environmental sustainability,” Joseph stated.
