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Dominica — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, annual homicides by any means total

2013: 121
2012: 6
2011: 61 2
2010: 151 3 4 5
2009: 131 3 4 5 6
2008: 7
2007: 7
2006: 5
2005: 8
2004: 8
2003: 8
2002: 10
2001: 1
2000: 2
1999: 77
1998: 9

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2013: 16.671
2012: 8.37
2011: 8.41 2
2010: 21.081 3 4 5
2009: 18.311 3 4 5 6
2008: 9.88
2007: 9.89
2006: 7.07
2005: 11.34
2004: 11.38
2003: 11.42
2002: 14.33
2001: 1.44
2000: 2.87
1999: 9.758 4
1998: 12.17
1997: 5.54
1995: 5.5

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn Dominica, annual firearm homicides total

2013: 21
2012: 2
2011: 1
2010: 4
1998: 17

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Dominica, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2013: 2.739
2012: 2.74
2011: 1.37
2010: 5.49
1998: 1.43

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Proportion of Homicides Committed With a Gun

ChartIn Dominica, the percentage of homicides committed with a firearm is reported to be

2013: 17%1
2012: 33%
2011: 17%1 2
2010: 27%1

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, annual suicides by any means total

2009: 610 11
2008: 6
2007: 2
2006: 4
2005: 4
2004: 2
2003: 2
2002: 2
2001: 5
2000: 2

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Dominica, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 8.110 11
2008: 8.210 9
2007: 2.7
2006: 5.6
2005: 5.6
2004: 2.8
2003: 2.8
2002: 2.8
2001: 7.0
2000: 2.8

ProductionGun Industry

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Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Dominica, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence12 13

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

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Firearm Exports

In Dominica, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law14

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Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Dominica is reported by Customs to be US$37615 (2008)

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Firearm Imports

In Dominica, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law14 16

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Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Dominica is reported by Customs to be US$104,99815 (2011)

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Dominica, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law17

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Dominica do not include17 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Dominica is categorised as restrictive18

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Dominica includes the Firearms Act No. 3 of 201119 20 21 22

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Dominica are regulated by the Commissioner of Police and the Minister responsible for Security23

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Dominica, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law24 25

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In Dominica, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms, or any firearm with a shortened barrel26 23

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In Dominica, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited26 2

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Dominica, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence26 23 27

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Regulation of Handguns

In Dominica, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence26 23 27 28 2

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Law Regulates Long Guns

In Dominica, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law26 29 23 28 2

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In Dominica, only licensed gun owners27 30 31 32 33 29 34 35 28 36 2 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Possession

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Dominica are required to establish a genuine reason to possess a firearm31 32 37

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Dominica is 18 years38 39

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Dominica must pass a background check which considers criminal, mental health and addiction23 38 2 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Dominica, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required17

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Partner to be Advised or Interviewed

In Dominica, licensing authorities are not required17 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Dominica does not stipulate17 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Dominica, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required31 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Dominica gun owners are licensed for an indefinite period or until the licence is revoked or otherwise terminated40

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Licensing Records

In Dominica, authorities maintain a record41 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Dominica are permitted to possess any number of firearms17

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

Licensed firearm owners in Dominica are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition17

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Dominica, the law requires41 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Dominica, licensed firearm dealers are required16 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Dominica, licensed gun makers are required16 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Dominica, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited12

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Dominica, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful16 42 12 43 39 44 13 37

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Dominica, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined17

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Dominica, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated17 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Dominica include31 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Dominica include31 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Dominica do not include17 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Dominica, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law41

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Firearm Tracing

In Dominica, state authorities carry out45 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In Dominica, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not17 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

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Law Regulates Firearms in Public

In Dominica, carrying a gun in a public place is regulated by law33 46 47 2

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Dominica, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit33 46 47 2

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Dominica, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit33 46 47 2

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Dominica, the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm48 is 10 years in prison and a fine27 26 16 14 46 42 12 13 49

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Dominica are not known to have50 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

Organization of American States

On 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Dominica adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been ratified51 52 by Dominica

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Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development

The Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was not signed53 by Dominica.

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United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

The United Nations Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified54 by Dominica

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified55 by Dominica

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Dominica committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects56

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Dominica has yet to submit a national report57 58 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Dominica, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated58

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Dominica, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated58

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UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Dominica submitted to the UN from 2001 to 2010, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities was not apparent58

UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated58 by Dominica to other UN Member States

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United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Dominica has not declared59 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Dominica has been a Member State of the United Nations since 197860

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list61 Dominica as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Igarapé Institute.2015.‘Homicides and Homicide Rates 2000 to 2014 - Dominica.’ Homicide Monitor 2015.Rio de Janeiro:Igarapé Institute,24 June. (Q11106)Full Citation

2.

Butchart, Alexander, Christopher Mikton and Etienne Krug.2014.‘Country Profile: Dominica.’ Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014.Geneva:World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),10 December. (Q9725)Full Citation

3.

UNODC.2014.‘Homicides in Dominica.’ Global Study on Homicide 2013: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),10 April. (Q10104)Full Citation

4.

UNODC.2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Dominica.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6365)Full Citation

5.

OAS Hemispheric Citizen Security Observatory.2012.‘Intentional Homicide 2000-2011.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2012.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 July. (Q9209)Full Citation

6.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Intentional Homicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5678)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

8.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington, DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3817)Full Citation

9.

GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - Dominica.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,19 November. (Q4341)Full Citation

10.

OAS Hemispheric Citizen Security Observatory.2012.‘Suicide 2000-2009.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2012.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 July. (Q9206)Full Citation

11.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation

12.

Dominica.2011.‘Restriction on Sale of Firearm.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10112)Full Citation

13.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibition in Relation to Realistic Imitation Firearm.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10118)Full Citation

14.

Dominica.2011.‘Firearm Import Licence or Export Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10092)Full Citation

15.

Marsh, Nicholas.2014.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,22 December. (Q16)Full Citation

16.

Dominica.2011.‘Firearm Dealer Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10087)Full Citation

17.

Dominica.2011.‘Scope and Short Title.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10125)Full Citation

18.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

19.

Dominica.2011.‘Scope and Short Title.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10075)Full Citation

20.

Dominica.2011.‘Repeal. Chap. 15:31.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10122)Full Citation

21.

Dominica.2011.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Act No. 6 of 2011 (Amendment).Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,22 November. (Q10123)Full Citation

22.

Dominica.2011.‘Short Title.’ Firearms Statutory Rules and Orders No. 35 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 December. (Q10124)Full Citation

23.

Dominica.2011.‘Interpretation.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10076)Full Citation

24.

Sherman, Amy and Tom Ginsburg.2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation

25.

Zachary Elkins, Tom Ginsburg and James Melton. 2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation

26.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10078)Full Citation

27.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibition Against Possession Without a Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10079)Full Citation

28.

Dominica.2011.‘Sporting Firearm Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10090)Full Citation

29.

Dominica.2011.‘Estate Gun Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10086)Full Citation

30.

Dominica.2011.‘Non Application of the Act.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10077)Full Citation

31.

Dominica.2011.‘Application For and Grant of Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10080)Full Citation

32.

Dominica.2011.‘Provisional Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10081)Full Citation

33.

Dominica.2011.‘Firearm User Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10085)Full Citation

34.

Dominica.2011.‘Antique Firearm Collector Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10088)Full Citation

35.

Dominica.2011.‘Shooting Club Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10089)Full Citation

36.

Dominica.2011.‘Firearm User (Employee) Sub-licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10091)Full Citation

37.

Dominica.2011.‘Inquiry by Appropriate Authority.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10119)Full Citation

38.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibitions in Relation to Licences.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10084)Full Citation

39.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibiton Against Acquisition Etc., by a Minor.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10114)Full Citation

40.

Dominica.2011.‘Duration of Licence.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10082)Full Citation

41.

Dominica.2011.‘Register of Licences and Publication in the Official Gazette.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10083)Full Citation

42.

Dominica.2011.‘Converting Firearm.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10111)Full Citation

43.

Dominica.2011.‘Restriction of Sale of Ammunition.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10113)Full Citation

44.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibition Against Supplying Firearms to Minors.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10115)Full Citation

45.

Caribbean Net News. 2009. ‘US and Nine Caribbean Islands Sign Agreement to Help Trace Illegal Guns.’ 1 April. (N165) Full Citation

46.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibition Against Carrying a Firearm or Ammunition in a Public Place.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10108)Full Citation

47.

Dominica.2011.‘Prohibition Against Discharging Firearm in Public.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10110)Full Citation

48.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation

49.

Dominica.2011.‘General Penalty Provision.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10120)Full Citation

50.

Dominica.2011.‘Amnesty Orders.’ Firearms Act No. 3 of 2011.Roseau:Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica,15 April. (Q10121)Full Citation

51.

OAS / UNODA.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation

52.

OAS.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington, DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation

53.

GDAV.2006.‘Geneva Declaration.’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,7 June. (Q7162)Full Citation

54.

UNODA.2013.‘Towards Entry Into Force.’ Arms Trade Treaty.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,2 April. (Q7226)Full Citation

55.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

56.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

57.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

58.

UNODA.2015.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,11 September. (Q1309)Full Citation

59.

UNODA.2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation

60.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

61.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation