A/HRC/30/34 Act No. 21 of Panama states that firearms can be purchased only on the domestic market. 42 The lack of regulation in this area is one of the gaps observed in this region. Use of force and firearms 64. All legislation permits the carrying and use of firearms by private security personnel, within limits. There are differences not only with regard to the type of weapon authorized but also to the requirements for ownership and use. For example, Panama requires each firearm to be assigned to a specific security guard; failure to do so is an infraction.43 El Salvador permits private security agents to use of their own firearms after informing the national police.44 65. Generally, authorized firearms are to be used by personnel when they are on duty. Panama permits the carrying of firearms exceptionally during travel. In Cuba, firearms may be carried in public only with authorization of the Minister of the Interior. 45 66. Most regulations do not cover the calibre of firearms. Mexican law obliges a provider to use only registered firearms while Cuban law does not specify the calibre that is authorized by the Ministry of the Interior.46 67. Nicaraguan regulations provide that persons guilty of a crime against the public order or State security or involved in a terrorist act, narcotic trafficking, domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual crimes cannot own or carry firearms for civilian use. 47 In Panama, in the case of domestic conflict or a declaration of war, firearms belonging to private security companies come under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Government and Justice.48 In El Salvador, in the event of a strike or legal stoppage of private security services, the supervisory body will make weapons, ammunition and other equipment available to the national police and will then return them once the situation has returned to normal.49 This type of restriction is considered to be good practice, as it aims to decrease the risk of carrying and using firearms in unstable situations. 68. It is prohibited in Guatemala to use undue force, and steps must be taken to prevent harm to life and physical integrity and the violation of other rights of individuals.50 In Costa Rica, the ethical-legal principles governing police activities, including the principle of using force only when strictly necessary, apply to private security companies. 69. The lack of regulations governing the use of firearms and provision of sanctions is a gap that places persons at risk. In the light of permitted use of firearms by private security personnel, consideration should be given to addressing this. Accountability for violations and remedies for victims 70. Concerning sanctions against human rights violations, there are differences in the laws reviewed. Guatemala considers it a serious infraction to infringe on the right to 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Act No. 21/1992, art. 8. Executive Order No. 21/1992, art. 27 (d). Act No. 227/2000, art. 27. Decree No. 186/1998, art. 34. Act No. 52/1982, art. 6. Act No. 510/2005, art. 15. Executive Order No. 21/1992, art. 18. Act No. 227/2000, art. 16. Act No. 51/2010, art. 59 (j). 13