05 September 2005

The UN World Summit in New York (14-16 September) brings together 191 Heads of State, in one of the largest ever gatherings of world leaders. It represents a unique opportunity for these leaders to take decisive action on issues of peace and security, development and human rights.

The 2005 World Summit will adopt an outcome document detailing the action that governments commit to taking in the area of human rights, development and security.

Control Arms campaign has been consistently lobbying governments to ensure that a commitment to an international Arms Trade Treaty is included in the final outcome document.

Freedom from Fear

In preparation for the World Summit, member states requested the UN Secretary-General to report on progress and suggest proposals for the future. His report, In Larger Freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all, highlighted the problems of a poorly regulated arms industry:

“The accumulation and proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to be a serious threat to peace, stability and sustainable development.”
UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan,In Larger Freedom 2005

Under the proposed Arms Trade Treaty, countries would be required to establish national mechanisms to authorise international transfers of arms; ban the transfer of arms that could be used to violate human rights and international humanitarian law; and refrain from selling arms that could have an adverse impact on sustainable development or regional peace and security.

The proliferation and misuse of arms fuels conflict, undermines development and contributes to violations of human rights.

Help bring the arms trade under control. Add your face to the Million Faces petition.

For more information, please contact:

US:
Oxfam: Caroline Green + 1 202 496 1174
Amnesty International: Wende Gozan + 1 212 633 4247 Mobile: + 1 347 526 5520
IANSA: Anthea Lawson +1 347 831 4081
UK: 
Oxfam: Brendan Cox. + 44 1865 312 289. Mobile + 44 7957120853
Amnesty International: James Dyson +44 2074135831. Mobile: +44 7795628367.

Help bring the arms trade under control. Add your face to the Million Faces petition.