Exchange of Experiences Workshop and Promoting the Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty
In the framework of the project: "Capacities and exchange of experiences in the region: clarifying processes in customs and border control to promote inter-institutional coordination for the creation and articulation of policies in search of the effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) ", the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, the Asociación para Políticas Públicas (APP) and Project Ploughshares, with funding from UNSCAR, held a meeting on March 8-9, 2017. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, specifically the Institutional Directorate of Public Security Affairs of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama and representatives of civil society. In the case of Belize and Haiti, there was only government representation, while in the case of the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Canada, there was the exclusive participation of civil society. During the activity, participants were asked to prepare a critical analysis of the changes required to fully implement the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), including those referring to legislation, procedures, the creation of a competent authority and other technical changes and policies. In addition, they were asked to evaluate the risk assessment procedures form the perspective of each country involved in different stages of arms transfer controls (export, import, transit, etc.) and indicate areas that require institutional strengthening, capacity building and sanctions. The discussion and the exchange of experiences among the different participants from their national perspective also sought to identify good practices and possible shortcomings and from there to encourage regional cooperation were necessary.
The scope of the project, "Capacities and exchange of experiences in the region: clarifying processes in customs and border controls to promote inter-institutional coordination for the creation and articulation of policies in search of the effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)", implemented by Arias Foundation and funded by UNSCAR, is to propose and promote a space for dialogue in Latin America so that representatives of both Civil Society and government institutions share experiences and knowledge regarding the current implementation of the ATT.
Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress
Address: Avenida Segunda, calle 13 y 13 bis, San José
Telephone: +506 2222 9191
Fax: +506 2257 5011
Point of Contact: Ana Yancy Espinoza Quirós, Academics Director
Telephone: +506 2222 9191
E-mail: ana.yancy@arias.or.cr