OEA/Ser.P
AG/RES. 1621 (XXIX-O/99)
7 June 1999
Original: Spanish

INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURING
OF AND TRAFFICKING IN FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES,
AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS

(Adopted at the first plenary session, held on June 7, 1999,
and pending review by the Style Committee)

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

RECALLING resolution AG/RES. 1 (XXIV-E/97), in which it resolved to adopt and open for signature the Inter-American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials;

WELCOMING the fact that the majority of member states of the Organization of American States signed the Convention, which entered into force on July 1, 1998;

REAFFIRMING its determination to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials because of the harmful effects of these activities on the security of each state and the region as a whole, since they jeopardize the well-being of peoples, their social and economic development, and their right to live in peace;

STRESSING the urgent need for all states to take the necessary measures to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials and to cooperate with one another in this area;

UNDERSCORING the importance of the Convention entering into force in each of the member states of the Organization of American States as soon as possible; and

RECALLING that, in accordance with Article XXI of the Convention, the first regular meeting of the Consultative Committee shall be held within 90 days following deposit of the tenth instrument of ratification of the Convention and emphasizing in this connection the importance of allowing the Consultative Committee to begin its work as envisaged in the Convention,

RESOLVES:

1. To urge all states that have not already done so to ratify the Convention without delay.

2. To underscore the significance of the fact that the Convention has been taken as a model for negotiation of a Protocol to combat the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts, components, and ammunitions within the framework of a Convention against organized international crime, under the auspices of the United Nations.

3. To request the Secretary General to take the necessary steps to convene the first meeting of the Consultative Committee pursuant to Article XXI of the Convention as soon as he receives the tenth instrument of ratification.

4. To likewise request the Secretary General to present a report to the General Assembly at its thirtieth regular session on the status of signatures and ratifications of the Convention.