LEGAL FRAMEWORK GOVERNING ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN GUATEMALA
Description
The legal framework governing arms and ammunition in Guatemala has undergone significant development with the enactment of Decree 15-2009, known as the Law on Arms and Ammunition. Prior to this legislation, access to arms was broadly permissive, which facilitated both legal purchases and illicit trafficking. The new law established the General Directorate for the Control of Arms and Ammunition (DIGECAM), which is responsible for regulating and supervising the possession and carrying of arms with the aim of curbing misuse and illegal trafficking. Despite these advances, legal gaps persist and limit the effectiveness of the regulatory framework. The partial exclusion of Army weapons and the lack of adequate oversight of private security companies are two of the principal problems facing the current legislation. In addition, illicit trafficking remains a serious issue because the law does not fully cover all activities related to arms brokering and transit. Although the law introduced firearms marking and established controls over international transfers, the lack of clarity in the classification of weapons and the limited supervision of state institutions hinder effective control. Guatemala's international commitments in this field require stronger institutions and more comprehensive legislative reforms to address the proliferation of arms and reduce armed violence in the country.
Files
Institutions
- Universidad Mariano GalvezGuatemala, Guatemala City