Destruction methods

Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition includes a presumption in favour of destroying firearms, their parts and components and ammunition that have been seized by the State, but the Protocol contains no guidelines or specific requirements with respect to the method of destruction. Accordingly, it is up to States to determine what methods of destruction they use to destroy seized and confiscated firearms, their parts and components and ammunition. In determining the destruction methods to be employed, States could consider the methods described and recommended in the report of the Secretary-General on methods of destruction of small arms, light weapons, ammunition and explosives (S/2000/1092). An extract of the section of the report pertaining specifically to methods of destruction is provided below. States are also encouraged to consult the International Small Arms Control Standards module 5.50, “Destruction: weapons”, which updates and expands upon the report of the Secretary-General in the form of an international standard.

Related Subject(s): International Law and Justice