Inter-parliamentary Conference for Central America and the Caribbean 

“Parliamentary Action on Small Arms – policies, legislation and regional approaches”

Managua, Nicaragua October 22-23, 2009; An Inter-Parliamentary Conference was held at the National Assembly of Nicaragua, organised by the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino), the Central American Small Arms Control Programme (CASAC) and the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Lights Weapons.

30 parliamentarians from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, Grenada, Argentina, Mozambique, Sweden and Germany as well as representatives from the Central American Court of Justice, Arias Foundation, the United Nations and civil society participated in the event.

The opening ceremony was chaired by MP. Rene Nuñez, Speaker of the National Assembly of Nicaragua; Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean; Mr. Alfredo Missair, United Nation System Coordinator for Nicaragua; Mr. Erick Vílchez, Director for political, legal and security related issues at SICA; and Senator Sonia Escudero, President of the Parliamentary Forum and Secretary General of the Latin American Parliament.

The main topics of discussion were the Model Law on Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials as well as privatization of security. The main objectives of the conference were to enhance the involvement of parliamentarians in issues related to SALW control and public security; share information on best practices and ongoing work related to improved SALW control (legislation, international and regional control mechanisms, storage and destruction, boarder control etc); advance with legislative matters related to SALW control; and deepen the discussion on privatisation of security as a theme to highlight the problems related to the state’s monopoly on the legitimate use of force as well as security as a 'common public good'.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is a major threat to development, democracy and security in many parts of the world, and hence a serious concern for parliamentarians world-wide. Central America is one of the regions most affected by the terrible consequences that easy access to weapons imposes on society. Problems related to insecurity, firearms and crime are of prime concern to its citizens.

At the end of the conference the participants adopted the ‘Managua Declaration’ taking into account the main issues addressed: harmonization of legislation to control small arms, internal control and security as a 'common good'.

Managua Declaration 2009

Declaración de Managua

 Final report. Managua Inter-parlamentary Conference. Oct.2009