On Monday, the European Union said member states would be able to decide their own policy on sending arms to Syria, after foreign ministers were unable to reach the unanimous decision required to extend the arms embargo on Syria.
In reaction, Ms. Allison Pytlak, Campaign Manager for the Control Arms Coalition said:
“More weapons inside Syria will only mean more bloodshed and further suffering for people trapped by fighting. We’ll see more families forced to flee to neighboring countries and massive humanitarian consequences after the devastating decision to effectively lift the arms embargo on Syria.
Less than two months ago the international community voted yes to the Arms Trade Treaty, which clearly states that arms should not be transferred when there is a major risk they will be diverted or used to commit violations of human rights or international humanitarian law.
On 3 June, states will sign the treaty in a historical stand against armed violence that destroys families, devastates communities and rips apart whole nations. The terrifying conflict in Syria is stark proof that this international agreement is needed to stop weapons exacerbating already horrific abuses against civilians.”
