UNODC Global Firearms Programme Training on investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking and related offences in Saint Lucia
From 30 November to 3 December 2021, as part of the project “Supporting the implementation of the crime prevention and criminal justice component of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap”, the UNODC Global Firearms Programme, in cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS, delivered a training on investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking and related offences in Saint Lucia. The training helped Saint Lucia national authorities to define, develop and promote higher standards in investigations and prosecution of illicit firearms crimes and other related crimes. In accordance with legislative requirements and national and international standards, the course offered a set of lectures, case studies on investigation, prosecution and identification of weapons, plenary discussions and exchange of experiences and good practices. The practical exercise focused on investigating a fictional case of firearms trafficking. The training was structured in five sessions throughout 3.5 days, starting with an examination of the national and international legal framework on firearms; an overview of the diversion and detection of firearms trafficking; exploring the criminalisation of firearms trafficking offence; investigation techniques for firearms trafficking and related offences; and finally, international cooperation in criminal matters.
The activity was part of the project “Supporting the implementation of the crime prevention and criminal justice component of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap”, aimed to prevent and counter illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms and their links to transnational organised crime and other serious crimes, and ultimately to address the scourges of armed violence in the region by:
- Enhanced capacity of criminal justice system to counter illicit proliferation and misuse of firearms in the context of the Caribbean Roadmap and reinforce legislative and regulatory frameworks to comply with international and regional instruments
- Enhanced capacity of criminal justice institutions and border management services to detect, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate illicit firearms trafficking cases and related offences, and to engage in effective law enforcement and judicial cooperation for that purpose.
- Promote effective international cooperation and sharing of information and good practices among firearms and organised crime practitioners on the prevention and combat of firearms trafficking and related crimes, through regular contacts and use of specialised cooperation networks and platforms.
- Monitoring illicit trafficking flows through enhanced periodic data collection and analysis on firearms and related matters.