Double-Barrelled, Double Target: The Firearms Protocol Between Arms Control and Crime Prevention

The article examines the history, development, and current relevance of the United Nations Firearms Protocol as the first legally binding global instrument addressing the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms. Bridging arms control and crime prevention, it establishes international standards for marking, record-keeping, and international transfers to enhance firearms traceability and combat illicit trade. As such, it is pivotal to address access of criminals and terrorists to illicit firearms and, at the same time, is a cornerstone in the international arms control architecture, complemented by instruments like the Programme of Action on Small Arms, the Arms Trade Treaty and the Global Framework on Conventional Ammunition. While these instruments are often discussed in isolation, the article explores opportunities for synergy between them and highlights how human rights considerations and responsible business practices may impact the implementation of the Protocol in the future.