International Traffic in Firearms: Emerging Issues (Australian Institute of Criminology Conference: Transnational Crime, March 9 and 10, 2000, Canberra, Australia, P 1-10, 2000, -- See NCJ-187199)

• NCJ Number: 187204
• Author(s): Jenny Mouzos
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper examines illegal international trafficking in firearms in terms of issues affecting international communities in their attempt to control this problem, and in terms of how the efforts abroad affect Australia and whether these efforts have resulted in the emergence of new issues related to illegal firearms trafficking.

Abstract

Clandestine military operations, black market sales, and gray market sales are the usual channels of illegal firearms trade. The greatest threat from the movement of weapons out of government control and into the hands of nongovernmental organizations is the erosion of government authority. Geographical location and the policies and practices of neighboring countries have a direct impact on the firearms problem of some countries. Research indicates that borders tend to be porous and thus facilitate firearms smuggling. Illicit trafficking in firearms affects Australia’s national and regional security through its contribution to the breakdown of civil society in many regions and its potential to affect Australia’s aid program for other countries. New law enforcement initiatives include a firearms tracking program in New South Wales, Australia; negotiations among several countries to develop an international agreement; and efforts by police agencies in the South Pacific to develop a common regional approach to weapons control. Footnotes