Moldova and international small arms transfers
Implementing UN PoA commitments
Summary
Since independence Moldova has had virtually no small arms and light weapons production capacity, yet until recently it had a reputation both as an irresponsible exporter and as a base for the illicit transportation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW ).
However, practice over the last few years appears to have improved; Moldova’s engagement in any kind of imports or exports of SALW has become relatively insignificant.
This report evaluates Moldova’s performance in implementing the world’s key global agreement to control the illicit trade in, and misuse of, SALW: the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects (UN PoA).
A small number of key recommendations are made, which if adopted, could produce a significant improvement in Moldovan practice. These include the need to:
- introduce changes to transfer control legislation.
- amend the decision-making process for individual transfers.
- improve end-use certification procedures.
- publicly identify and commit to destroy surplus SALW.
- update border control legislation and increase the resources devoted to border control.
- improve transparency and accountability.
- increase capacity and expertise of relevant officials.
